Board Highlights
April 14, 2026
Piper Prairie 2nd Graders Lead the Pledge of Allegiance
Thank you to Piper Prairie 2nd Graders for doing an amazing job leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and Piper Prairie Pledge to kick-off yesterday's Board of Education meeting. A special thank you to Prairie Music Teacher, Ms. Fonda Telthorst for leading these talented students in song!
PHS Mock Trial
Piper's varsity mock trial team competed at the State Mock Trial Competition this past month. Only 6 teams in the state qualify each year, and this marks our fourth consecutive year qualifying.
This year’s case focused on determining fault between a company that develops AI-powered driverless trucks and a semi-truck driver involved in a collision. Students were required to prepare and argue both the plaintiff and defense sides of the case.
After four rounds of highly competitive trials, Piper placed 3rd overall, missing first place by just one ballot!
All team members played essential roles in the team’s success this year. We would especially like to recognize our senior competitors.
Co-captian Hadley Heim, took on an attorney role for the first time this year. At Regionals, she played a defense witness. At State, she served as both a plaintiff and defense attorney, performing a particularly strong cross-examination of the defendant. She plans to attend the University of Arkansas this fall and, after graduation, intends to pursue a law degree specializing in employment law.
Co-captian Sofia Cushenbery-Andrews is our only four-year senior. At both Regionals and State, she played a key accident reconstruction expert witness for the Plaintiff, and also served as a defense attorney. Sofia’s opening statement received significant praise from judges, who described it as a college-level performance. She plans to attend Washburn University this fall and, after graduation, intends to pursue a law degree specializing in immigration law.
Their coach, Claire Haflich, is incredibly proud of the resilience, adaptability, and dedication this team showed all season.
Classified #PurpleReign Award: Leta Dehner
This month’s Classified Purple Reign Award is presented to Leta Dehner, Accounts Payable/Purchasing/Board Treasurer. Leta was nominated numerous times for this award.
One colleague said, “Leta is absolutely incredible at her job. At any time, I know I can call or email her with questions. She’s thorough, detailed, and incredibly knowledgeable. I am so thankful we have a ‘Leta’ in our district!”
The next colleague said, “I am thrilled to nominate Leta for this award. In a world where everyone is busy, Leta stands out as someone who truly cares about the human being on the other end of the phone. Leta doesn't just "handle" travel or logistics; she masters them. Whether she’s bending over backward to fix a scheduling conflict or organizing complex travel arrangements, she does it with a warmth that makes you feel like you're her only priority. What I appreciate most is her "never-pass-the-buck" attitude. If I have a question she can’t answer, she doesn’t send me off to wander through another department; she reaches out, finds the answer herself, and circles back. Her follow-up is legendary, and her responsiveness is a breath of fresh air. Leta is the person who makes the "impossible" feel easy, and she does it all with a smile.”
The next nominator said, “Leta is an indispensable member of the district office team. Handling all the purchasing within the district is an incredibly huge task, and Leta manages it all in an organized, efficient way. She is incredibly detail-oriented and is one of the most reliable people I've ever worked with. And, maybe most impressive of all, she handles everything with a positive attitude and sense of humor. Simply put, Leta is a joy to work with and such a crucial element to the operation of the Piper School District.”
Another colleague said, “Leta Dehner is truly the heart of Piper. From starting as a volunteer in her child’s classroom to becoming a valued member of the Piper staff, she has consistently shown her dedication to our schools and community. While much of her work happens behind the scenes, Piper simply could not operate without her. She is timely, efficient, and keeps countless moving parts organized and running smoothly each day. Leta is always willing to step in and help wherever she’s needed, and her reliability makes a lasting impact on our staff and students. Piper is stronger because of her.”
Another staff member said, “I first met Leta when my oldest daughter entered Kindergarten. As a first-time parent navigating the school system without the benefit of pre-K experience, I was learning everything as I went. Leta was the secretary at Piper West Elementary at the time, and calling her my “lifesaver” would not be an exaggeration. She met every question and concern with kindness, patience, and genuine care, helping guide me through that difficult first year with reassurance and grace. When Leta moved to the district office the following year, I was devastated. Seven years later, I had the opportunity to join the district office professionally. On the day of my interview, I walked in feeling incredibly nervous, but the moment I saw Leta, I felt that same sense of calm and support I had experienced years before. Instantly, I knew I was in the right place. Now, working alongside her, I have the privilege of seeing that same kindness and dedication extended not only to students and families, but to staff as well. Leta is truly the go-to person for everyone in the district. Her vast knowledge, attention to detail, integrity, and unwavering willingness to help set her apart. She approaches every situation with patience and compassion, making a lasting impact on everyone she encounters. Leta embodies everything the #PurpleReign Award represents. It is an absolute honor to work beside her, and I cannot think of a more deserving candidate.”
The next staff member wrote, “From the very first day you meet Leta, her willingness to help stands out. She is a trusted source of Piper knowledge—if she doesn’t have the answer, she knows exactly where to find it. Leta consistently goes above and beyond, taking the time to ensure others feel supported, informed, and valued. Her reliability and positive attitude make her someone colleagues naturally turn to, no matter the situation. Leta’s warmth and friendliness make every interaction feel like you’re reconnecting with an old friend. She creates a welcoming environment for everyone she encounters, from staff to students to families. Her impact reaches far beyond her role, helping to build a stronger, more connected Piper community. She is truly a treasure to Piper’s staff, students, and the entire community."
The next colleague said, “Leta has always been my go-to person for finance questions at the building level. Even after moving to the same building as her, that hasn’t changed—she’s still the first person I turn to! I often describe Leta as a “Finance Fairy” because she has an almost magical ability to navigate complex financial topics with ease. And when she doesn’t immediately have an answer, she takes the initiative to find it and follow up, consistently going above and beyond to support others. Beyond her financial expertise, I’ve truly enjoyed getting to know Leta on a more personal level. Her fun personality and the opportunity to work alongside her in my current role have only deepened my appreciation for her—not just as a colleague, but as a friend. Leta is incredibly deserving of this recognition and so much more.”
Another colleague said, “Shoutout to one of the hearts of the DO. The one who trains me, always goes above and beyond, and makes this place better every single day. Your dedication, patience, and positivity don’t go unnoticed. I’m so grateful to learn from you and work alongside you. Your sense of humor keeps us all smiling, even on the busiest days. Keep being YOU!”
Leta is pictured with her supervisor, Director of Business, Kim Buckner.
Certified #PurpleReign Award: Meghan Hasenkamp
This month’s Certified Purple Reign Award is presented to Meghan Hasenkamp, Counselor, Piper Middle School.
Meghan was nominated by a colleague who stated, “Meghan consistently supports students on and off her team. When a teacher calls for support in the classroom or out, she is there. The students trust her beyond measure.
That kind of trust is something that cannot be taught; it is built through consistency, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to doing what is right for students. Meghan goes beyond simply responding to needs; she creates an environment where students feel safe, valued, and understood. Her impact reaches far beyond a single classroom or team, and because of her, both students and staff know they are never alone in the work.”
Meghan is pictured with her principal, Mr. Tim Leffert.
Superintendent April Comments - Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent
Follow the link below for updates from Dr. Jessica Dain.
