October 2025 Maize Pulse

I am excited to share great news: Our Kansas state assessment results are in, and Maize USD 266 showed growth in every subject area! Our students are learning and thriving, and it shows.

Since launching our Lead Forward strategic plan in 2023, we’ve worked to boost student learning, especially in reading, math, and science. This year, the number of students performing above level one increased by 3 percent in math, nearly 6 percent in reading, and nearly 15 percent in science. Congratulations to our students! That is quite an accomplishment!

On Oct. 13, we celebrated state assessment results with the Maize Board of Education. You can click here to view the full presentation, which includes a detailed breakdown of each academic area, school-level data, and results by student group.

This progress reflects intentional work happening across the district. This includes expanding STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) courses, aligning instructional resources, strengthening tiered support strategies, and setting clear district-wide reading goals. Thank you to all staff members and families who are supporting our students and helping them grow. Your dedication and care shine through every success story.

We always welcome your questions and value the opportunity to partner with you in supporting our students. I hope you had the chance to meet with your child’s teachers during the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences. You can click here to access our contact directory to find employee contact information, should you need to reach any of our staff members.

Thank you for partnering with us to support our students and schools. We are excited to keep the momentum going this school year. Let’s Keep on Truckin’!

Dr. Raquel Greer

Maize USD 266 Superintendent

• On X: @rockigreer
• Email: rgreer@usd266.com
• Online: www.usd266.com/superintendent

November

• Nov. 24 through Nov. 28: No school, Fall Break

December

• Dec. 19: End of Term 2
• Dec. 22-31: No school, Winter Break

January

• Jan. 1: No school, Winter Break
• Jan. 2: No school, Teacher Work Day
• Jan. 5: No school, Professional Development
• Jan. 6: Start of Term 3
• Jan. 19: No school, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

The topic of school security continues to be an ongoing conversation for Maize Board of Education members, district leaders, and community members. In preparation for their next school board meeting on Nov. 10, they have requested additional information on some potential security enhancements and will observe the use of a portable weapons-detection system in a neighboring school district. School board leaders also are hosting a Community Conversation about School Security on Oct. 30, and you can read more about that below.

These steps continue the important work supporting school security in Maize USD 266, including efforts that have taken place since 2022. These include seven total school resource officers, the district’s crisis plan and response protocols, security cameras, electronic access control, visitor screening management, and panic alarm systems. The school board’s important discussion about school security will continue at their November meeting and beyond.

During the Oct. 13 school board meeting, members discussed results from the recent school security survey, which gathered feedback from 1,667 parents, employees, and high school students. You can click here to view the full presentation of results. Key survey findings include the following:

• 48 percent said current security measures are adequate.
• 52 percent feel schools are safe.
• 71 percent believe new safety measures would increase their sense of safety.
• 50 percent oppose clear backpacks.
• 65 percent support random portable weapons detection screenings.
• 71 percent support daily use of weapons detection screenings.
• 49 percent support AI security screening software.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the survey and shared written responses. Common themes from open comment submissions included addressing bullying and threats; enforcing discipline; timeliness of incident communication; expanding mental health resources and prevention measures; concerns for cost and staffing; and maintaining high-quality drills and training.

During the meeting, Executive Director of Health, Safety, and Prevention Tim Brant and Maize Police Chief Jeff Weible provided a joint update on the district’s layered approach to school security. They emphasized how systems work together to strengthen protection and minimize single points of failure. They also reinforced the importance of mental health intervention and reporting systems, including Speak Up! Maize USD 266 has recently added Mental Health Intervention Team members, additional school counselors and social workers, and threat assessment training and protocols to respond to reported concerns.

Last week, Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer continued the conversation with her Superintendent Student Advisory Team, which includes high school student leaders. Students shared thoughtful feedback about communication during safety incidents, potential security enhancements, and overall campus safety.

The Superintendent Student Advisory Team also plans to present their thoughts to school board members on this topic. Updates will also be shared with the district’s Facilities Steering Committee as part of long-range planning. Watch for the next article in Maize Pulse following the November school board meeting for continued updates about this important topic.

Thank you parents, employees, community partners, and students for your honesty, insights, and collaboration as we work together to keep our schools secure and ensure Maize continues to provide supportive environments for learning.

Following the recent school security survey and before the Nov. 10 school board meeting, Maize Board of Education leaders are interested in discussing school security further with community members. You are invited to the Community Conversation about School Security at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center (MPAAC).

School board President Andrew Johnson and Vice President Kerry Fellows will host this session to hear directly from community members. The session provides an opportunity for sharing thoughts and concerns, asking questions, and engaging in open discussion about the district’s current security measures and potential ways to further strengthen and add security measures in our schools.

Event details

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025
• Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center (MPAAC) Auditorium, 1155 W. Academy Ave. in Maize

The Facilities Steering Committee met Oct. 6 to learn more about the district’s large planned projects on the Capital Outlay Plan and began the work to prioritize identified needs. They are scheduled to meet again later this month.

The committee includes employees, students, parents, and community members who have toured schools in the past several months to learn about and discuss current needs and future opportunities. The committee will continue to meet this fall to develop recommendations for the Maize Board of Education. Thank you to all of our dedicated members for helping shape the future of our schools!

Maize USD 266 has been honored with several awards through the 2025 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program. This Kansas State Department of Education program highlights the exceptional work school districts are doing to achieve the state’s vision: Kansas leads the world in the success of each student.

District success is measured in areas that Kansans value, using both quantitative and qualitative outcomes to guide progress toward this vision. Learn more about the program and the success measures by clicking here.

The 2025 Maize USD 266 awards are:

• Postsecondary Success: Silver
• Graduation: Silver
• Individual Plan of Study: Silver
• Social-Emotional Growth: Bronze
• Academically Prepared for Postsecondary: Copper

Maize USD 266 drivers education is open to students ages 14 and older. Students interested in participating in the third term session must attend a mandatory enrollment meeting with their parents at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 at Maize South High School, 3701 N. Tyler Road in Wichita. Enrollment is open to the first 30 students. Click here to learn more.

The Maize Board of Education's next regular monthly meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2025 at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatics Center, 1155 W. Academy in Maize. Meetings are open to the public. Find a link to meeting agendas and minutes, school board member information, and policies at www.usd266.com/schoolboard.

Maize South High School students Colin Buteyn and Graham Stiles have been named National Merit Commended Scholars. Their achievements highlight how Maize students continue to excel academically and pursue excellence beyond the classroom. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Maize Middle School Counselor Monica Heide, honored recently as a Kansas School Counselor Association School Counselor of the Year Finalist! She was surprised with the news at school surrounded by her family, Kansas School Counselor Association Awards Chair Dr. Lyndsey Brown, and Terry Johnson of Project Teacher, who provided her with some free school supplies. Her colleagues and district leaders also joined in on the surprise, including Superintendent Dr. Raquel Greer and Principal Chad Cramer. Monica is a Maize USD 266 graduate who continues to pour back into the district.

She and Maize South Intermediate School Counselor Caitlin Hamilton were among nominees recognized throughout the state.

We were excited to be at the Maize High School vs. Maize South High School football game on Oct. 10, handing out rally towels to fans and cheering on our Eagles and Mavericks. Between the first and second quarters, we were proud to present a $5,000 donation to Blessings in a Backpack, helping provide weekend meals for students in need across our district. Every student deserves to thrive, both in and out of the classroom!

With funding from a Maize Education Foundation Challenge Grant, Maize Intermediate School launched Meaningful Jobs, a program that gives 5th- and 6th-grade students opportunities to take on real responsibilities within their school community. From delivering mail to managing an online lost and found, students are learning confidence, communication, and responsibility.

School Psychologist and program coordinator Jennifer Fisher said the program has already made a noticeable impact, with improved attendance, fewer behavioral challenges, and stronger connections among students. This year, the initiative expanded to include Structured Learning students, giving them valuable opportunities to practice social and job skills. With continued growth and staff involvement, Meaningful Jobs is helping every student discover their value and purpose at school.

Mark your calendars for April 23, 2026: The Birds and Bulls Gala, presented by Credit Union of America, returns for its third year! Join us at The Hudson for a garden party that promises to be an elegant evening filled with dining, entertainment, and giving in full bloom. It’s a night to celebrate generosity and make a lasting impact for Maize USD 266 students and educators.

Maize USD 266 is hiring paraeducators, who work closely with teachers to provide extra support for students and help them succeed. As a paraeducator, you’ll enjoy meaningful work, a family-friendly schedule, and the chance to positively impact students every day. Pay starts at $14 an hour. Apply now at usd266.com/careers.

Explore our new story series dedicated to showcasing career pathways at our Maize Career Academy!

Maize Career Academy’s Diversified Agriculture pathway gives students hands-on experience in everything from animal care to plant science and agribusiness. Senior Anna Doyon said the program has opened her eyes to new opportunities, helped her develop skills including public speaking, and inspired her to consider becoming an ag teacher.

Teacher Stacy Woodard, recently nominated for Kansas Teacher of the Year, guides students through real-world projects that prepare them for college, careers, and beyond.

On Oct. 10, the Maize community came together as Maize High School and Maize South High School faced off on the football field. It was a great night of community pride and school spirit. The night highlighted our students in football, flag football, band, dance, cheer, journalism, and more. Thanks to everyone who helped make the annual event a success!

The Eagles and Mavericks wrapped up their first season of flag football this month. Maize High School went 3-1 at state, finishing as the state runner-up in Olathe. Maize South High School went undefeated until the state tournament, where they finished twelfth. Thanks to support from the Kansas City Chiefs, both teams provided our students a new opportunity to compete, build confidence, and represent their schools this year in this growing sport.

On Oct. 9, our Eagle and Maverick boys soccer teams faced off at Maize South High School, and the stands were packed with #MaizeFamily spirit supporting our students.

From building and creating to experimenting and exploring, STEAM Night at Pray-Woodman Elementary School this month was a big success! Families had a great time discovering the power of science, technology, engineering, art, and math together. Click here to check out some photos from the night!

Earlier this semester, Maize Elementary School students showed up bright and early to run their way toward a big goal: completing 26.2 miles in the school’s annual Marathon Fundraiser!

On Oct. 3, students crossed the finish line during a special morning celebration surrounded by cheering parents, families, staff members, the Maize High School band and cheerleaders, and Newman University cheer. The event recognized students’ hard work, dedication, and determination — and capped off a month of healthy habits and school spirit. Click to check out additional photos from the finale.

Homecoming earlier this month brought a week of Maverick pride to Maize South High School. Students and staff members showed off their school spirit during spirit week, celebrated with a lively pep assembly and parade, cheered on the football team, and capped it all off with the Homecoming dance. Click to check out some photos from the parade and pep assembly.

At Maize Virtual Preparatory School, students get hands-on opportunities to explore their interests — like the Innovative Technology Class (ITC)! Now in its ninth year, ITC gives 2nd- to 8th-grade students hands-on experience in coding, robotics, and storytelling. This year’s Choose Your Own Adventure theme lets students animate interactive stories and games, learning through online lessons and monthly in-person sessions. Click to see more photos of ITC in action.