Hays USD 489

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Alysa Erway.. What is your title at USD #489? I am a 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary! How long have you been with our district? This will be my second year. What is your favorite not-healthy food? I love any type of candy! I have a bad sweet tooth! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Probably black, it goes with anything. 😊 What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I love how everyone is so supportive and positive! We are all team players and want to see each other succeed so our students succeed! On a typical day at work….what do you do? Everyday I have the privilege of seeing my students grow and learn in all subject areas. I have the opportunity to teach them not only academics, but real life things and building on their character. I believe when my students come into my classroom, they are all on a mission to better themselves in order to change the world. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Organized, kind, Christian What is your favorite non-work activity? I love to read, play volleyball, and travel with my husband! Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to travel to Europe! Random facts about yourself? I am a FHSU grad, I am married to my best friend, Landon, and we just got a puppy named Moses! I love to go explore new places and try new foods. I am so excited for my second year of teaching, it has been a blessing!

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Sarah Mackey... What is your title? I have been a first grade teacher for the last ten years, but this year will be moving back to the middle school!! How long have you been with the district? 12 years On a typical day at work..what do you do? Run around like a chicken!! Help kids be successful at whatever they want to do, love them, hug them, and make them feel empowered! What is your favorite day of the week and why? Thursday, because it is Friday Eve! What is your favorite non-healthy food? Any thing chocolate related!! If you had the chance to tell your 13 year old self something, what would that be? All the little things that seem like a big deal right now won’t matter when your older!! Just enjoy the days!! Travel bucket list…where would you go? Anywhere with sun and a beach! Describe yourself in three words… Honest, Compassionate, Loving If you have a dream job…what is it? Doing it!! Do you make your bed every morning? Ha, Nope!! Something random about you? When I was a Senior in High School I went to Paris, France!!

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Kerri Lacy ... What is your title at USD #489 Principal at Lincoln Elementary School. How long have you been with our district? I started in the district with my first job out of college in 1991. I was at Kennedy Middle School for 13 years. I then left to be a principal in another district and then returned to the district in 2013. So I have been in education for 29 years with 20 of them being in USD489. What is your favorite not-healthy food? I LOVE Ice Cream!! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? I would probably have to say ORANGE. I think orange is bright, noticeable and so cheerful! What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I have so many favorites!! I work with so many awesome people! The Lincoln staff, students and families make my job the BEST! I say this all the time and truly feel this is the truth, “Lincoln Elementary School is the best place to be!” On a typical day at work….what do you do? Everyday starts out with the most important and most rewarding part………..standing at the front door greeting all my kiddos and staff as they enter the building! This is such an important thing for me! After the morning bell rings I help the 5th grade students with announcements and then I try and get around to every classroom before 9:00 a.m. , after that no 2 days are ever the same. I have meetings, I do evaluations and walk throughs, I try to get some paperwork complete but most of all I try to be visible outside my office throughout the day to stay involved in the day to day happenings. I spend the hour and a half at lunchtime in the lunchroom talking with students, helping with milk cartons and also helping to keep some “order” to our lunch routine. In the afternoons you will see me back in the classrooms, helping students who may need a little guidance or who are having a bad day and of course there are those times that I have to help remind students of the rules at school. Most of all each and everyday I get to spend with the most awesome group of students, families and staff!! I LOVE my JOB! Describe yourself in 3 words.. Energetic, positive and loyal What is your favorite non-work activity? Spending time with my family no matter what we are doing and spending some time alone with God praying for my most precious blessings of family, friends and my work family. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to go to New Zealand. My oldest daughter spent one summer there doing an internship and her pictures are so beautiful. I love to travel, and for the most part the extent of my travel so far has been to watch my daughters compete in sporting events and they memories are so awesome. As they both get older I want to continue to travel and want my family to be along to continue to create awesome memories! Random facts about yourself? My husband Brian and I have been married for 28 years, we have two daughters Kelsey (26) and Bailey (20) and we also love Kelsey’s bf Kevin who is an awesome addition to our family. We are a VERY competitive and athletic family. Brian played basketball in college, I ran track at FHSU, Kelsey ran track and played volleyball at Northwest Mo State and Bailey played softball at Highland CC and just signed to continue playing softball with Mo Southern University. We have two dogs both chocolate lab mixes Emit and Zoey. Most will tell you I do not know a stranger, I can strike a conversation and make friends with anyone. I like to stay busy and I also love woodworking and building things out of old pallets. I do have an ornery side, I love to play pranks, joke with people and find fun in almost everything. I love to cook for others and entertain and I live in the best cul-de-sac in town with the most awesome neighbors and friends.

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Fred Winter.. What is your title at USD #489? Assistant Principal Hays High School How long have you been with our district? 4 years What is your favorite not-healthy food? Chips & Queso/Salsa If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Blue, because someone told me more successful people use blue to write with. It’s also my favorite color. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I love working with a staff that genuinely wants the best for all students and their families. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I work with students with testing(ACT/PSAT, PreACT, STAR), supervision, teacher evaluations, student discipline, Reality U., and anything that students or teachers needs may be. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Faith, Family, Dedication What is your favorite non-work activity? Time with family and sports. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Israel, Jerusalem. Random facts about yourself? I am originally from Turpin, Oklahoma. I received my teaching degree from Tabor College, Masters in School leadership from Baker University. I have traveled to Australia to coach football. I have 4 children, 2 sons that go to Fort Hays and 2 daughters currently at USD 489. We enjoy spending family time playing sports or hanging out in the Lakes and Mountains.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Mia Knoll.. What is your title at USD #489? Principals Secretary at Wilson Elementary How long have you been with our district? 21 yrs What is your favorite non-healthy food? Dt pepsi If you had to use one color of crayon forever..what color would you use and why? Rose. Because looking through the world with Rose colored glasses would cheerful, optimistic, or favorable view of life. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? When I am out in the community and see a student from several years ago. It makes me feel proud when they are checking me out at Dillions. I feel that the staff of Wilson and district does a great job making the students productive members of society. On a typical day at work….what do you do? My typical days starts with taking absentee calls. It could also be that I would need to find a sub for a staff member. I am responsible for the attendance at Wilson. If our Nurse is gone, I would help students if there is a need there. I answer parents questions regarding the schedule, lunch or daycare balances. If you parent comes to visit school, I get them a pass to be in the hallway. Do billing for the After School program. Purchase items that teachers may need for their classroom. Pay bills that Wilson has. Incase the principal or counselor aren't there and I situation arises, try to console student til they can get there. Basically, whatever is needed to keep things running smoothly. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Caring, inquisitive and multi tasker What is your favorite non-work activity? I enjoy sewing, baking, walking the dog, traveling. Being with my family. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Hawaii. My bucket list is to travel to all the US states. I am about 1/2 way there. Random facts about yourself? I am blessed to have a caring husband, Denis. We have a schnauzer, Faith. Our son Austin, a HHS and FHSU grad. is married to Teneille. They live in Colorado. With my two hairless grandcats, Frank and Norman.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Alicia Brungardt... What is your title at USD #489? teacher How long have you been with our district? 27 years What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Nearly all of them! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Sunflower yellow—it’s a color that represents happiness and Kansas What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The people--we have an awesome staff and student body! On a typical day at work….what do you do? On campus, in a regular school year, I have a teacher’s typical schedule that includes the following activities: teach classes; attend grade-level, department, or staff meetings; read and answer email; research, plan, and post lessons to Canvas and on my whiteboards; grade; meet with students; plan, organize, and execute STUCO events with my officers; organize my classroom and materials. Describe yourself in 3 words… Planner, chocolate-lover, mom What is your favorite non-work activity? Bicycling with my husband Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Oh, the places I’d go, but I’ll settle for Hawaii. Aloha! Random facts about yourself? 3 kids, 3 dogs, 1 husband

Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!! Parents... don’t forget that our local Old Chicago has $2 kids cheese pizza from 11-2 on Friday!! Delicious pizza. Don’t miss out!! #EveryStudentEveryDay489

Getting to Know USD #489 .... Learn a bit about Ashley Minear.. What is your title at USD #489? HR/Payroll Assistant How long have you been with our district? 2 years in August What is your favorite not-healthy food? Carne asada fries from the taco truck If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Purple because it’s beautiful and the color of royalty so I would my purple crayon and pretend to be fancy What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Spending my days in a potentially haunted building, eating way too much junk at my desk and pretending that laughing all day and climbing the building stairs a few times is enough to counter it, Ron’s lame jokes, never knowing what is going to come out of Bonnie’s mouth next… But also, having a workplace with wonderful people that work hard but know how to make it an enjoyable place to be and even though we don’t work directly with students, we get to support the staff that does work with our children. On a typical day at work….what do you do? It varies so much. HR can be just whatever is thrown at me for the day between phone calls, e mails, substitutes, job postings, onboarding, etc. and then in payroll, mostly a lot of counting and math. Every single day at work though, I will undoubtedly eat too much food and drink not enough water. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Hardworking, boring, introvert What is your favorite non-work activity? You would almost think that it would be cleaning my house based on how often I do it (share my house with 2 boys) but I really just love hanging out with my dogs in silence or watching movies with my son Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Ireland. No particular reason why. Just wanna go there. Random facts about yourself? I have a 12 year old son that attends HMS. I have two huskies with stupid names (Melvin and Gertie). There are also two cats that live in my house but I don’t consider them mine. My son and I moved to Hays from Las Vegas almost 4 years ago and while it was a MAJOR change at first, we love it here.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Jenny Prine.. What is your title at USD #489? First Grade Teacher at Lincoln Elementary How long have you been with our district? 20 years What is your favorite not-healthy food? Fried foods.... French fries, tator tots, pickles, green beans... If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Green- reminds me of the green grass, trees and everything in Spring What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The family atmosphere we have at Lincoln. We are a close staff who work well together. I also love getting the opportunity to watch “my kids” grow through their years at Lincoln and as they move forward into middle and high school. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I teach reading, writing and math each day to first graders through whole group, small group and individual lessons. Although each day follows a similar routine, it also brings new stories, new times to laugh, solve problems and work together to build relationships. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Caring, dedicated, kind What is your favorite non-work activity? Reading, planting flowers and spending time with my family on our patio. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I would love to see more of the United States- starting with a beach in Florida. Random facts about yourself? My husband Toby and I have 2 children. Emily will graduate from FHSU in December with an Elementary Education degree. Andrew will be a senior at HHS this fall. We have one old and spoiled Labrador named Tank.

Getting to Know USD #489 series.. Learn a bit about Dawn Keil.. 1. What is your title at USD #489? 2nd grade teacher at Roosevelt School 2. How long have you been with our district? 31 years 3. What is your favorite pizza topping? sausage 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? green 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? The students, of course, and the many supportive families I’ve met over the years! 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? There is no ‘typical’ day in 2nd grade, but…I instruct, guide, support, encourage and empower kids in their learning. My day includes lots of modeling, counseling, sharing, conversation, and laughter. At the end of each day, I count my blessings and make preparations for the next day ahead! 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. faith-filled, family-oriented, kind 8. What is your favorite board game? Catch Phrase 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Oldenburg, Indiana-A small town with amazing charm where my family is from. 10. Random facts about yourself? I’ve been married to Steve for 33 years. He is the Director of Development at DSNWK. My oldest daughter, Hannah, married Dane Dreiling last year and is a speech-language pathologist for the district. My youngest daughter, Alyssa, is an RN at Heartland Dermatology. I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, crocheting, cooking, and walking in my free time.

Getting to Know USD #489 series... Learn a bit about Gloria Blackwell.. 1. What is your title at USD #489? Elementary music instructor 2. How long have you been with our district? 23 years 3. What is your favorite non-healthy food? snickers 4. If you had to use one color of crayon forever..what color would you use and why? Blue. It is a calm color. It makes me think of beautiful skies. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? I like having colleagues to share ideas with. Our district allows teachers to be creative and expressive in their area of teaching. 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I teach various aspects of music at the elementary level. Activities include singing, listening, moving, reading musical notation and playing various percussion type instruments. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. workaholic, loyal, diligent 8. What is your favorite non-work activity? gardening and reading 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Spain 10. Random facts about yourself? I have 3 children and 10 grandchildren.

Getting to Know USD #489: Learn a little about Amy Arnhold... 1. What is your title at USD #489? Student Software System Administrator 2. How long have you been with our district? I will start my 20th year this coming August 3. What is your favorite pizza topping? Black Olives 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? Red 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Watching the students succeed in so many different areas while in the district and in their everyday lives after they have left USD #489 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Data check student/staff data for several different things including state reporting, testing, and data-driven instruction, help teachers and parents with PowerSchool, help teachers and students with device issues. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Positive, Energetic, Compassionate 8. What is your favorite board game? Monopoly 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Anywhere with a relaxing beach and comfortably warm weather 10. Random facts about yourself? My husband, Jeff, is the head custodian for the District, my twins, Philip and Eileen, are going to be sophomores at HHS, and my step daughter, Erika, is going to school to be a paramedic while living in Wichita. Our favorite thing to do as a family is attend KC Royals games.

Getting to Know USD #489 Series.. Learn a bit about Justin Hejny.... 1. What is your title at USD #489? Middle School Physical Education Teacher; Middle School Head Football, Girls & Boys Wrestling, & Girls & Boys Track Coach; Drivers Ed Instructor 2. How long have you been with our district? This will be my 7th year 3. What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? And Why? Grey, it always looks good to me because I’m Color Blind. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Seeing my Middle School student and athletes grow and change over the three years at HMS. 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? Anytime we can get outside for PE that is always my first choice of activity. Mrs. Dale and I have worked hard to develop a curriculum that has incorporated as many lifetime activities as possible; including pickleball, disk golf, archery, and team sports. Our main goal is to get kids active and moving!!! 7. Describe yourself in 3 words.. Energetic, Outgoing, and Motivating 8. What is your favorite non-work activity? There are too many…running, hiking, fishing (wish I went more), anything outside!! 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? I really want to try and get to the national parks- Yellowstone and Yosemite in particular. 10. Random facts about yourself? I have two yorkies (Simba & Sassy) and in August I will be picking up my female Goldendoodle to add to the pack. Suggestions on names????? #EveryStudentEveryDay489

Getting to Know USD #489: Learn a little about Dana Stanton.. 1. What is your title at USD #489? Connections Outreach and Grants Coordinator 2. How long have you been with our district? 15 years 3. What is your favorite non-healthy food? A Sonic vanilla, diet coke with strawberry and lots and lots of ice. The extra ice is important. 😉 4. If you had to use one color of crayon forever..what color would you use and why? I’ve always said red is my favorite color, but if I were limited to one it would be green. Green reminds of cool Colorado meadows with the smell of pine in the air. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? My favorite part is my Connections family. Whatever our job description, we are all dedicated to helping our children and family be the best that they can be. 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? There is no typical day. At the beginning of the month I will be working with spreadsheets and my adding machine preparing monthly grant budget transaction forms. They are painstaking and nitpicky, but I love the challenge of making everything balance. I supervise the Parents as Teacher program, so I may be meeting with staff or completing a required grant report. During the school year, I oversee our seven FHSU work study students who work in our classrooms and office. In recent years I have taken an active role in communicating the successes and needs of our program. I often design flyers, ads and make posts on FB and our district website. Finally, I write grants. Some are small and only require a few minutes. Some are large and complex and require monthly reports and follow-up. I am not a teacher and am rarely in a classroom, but I know that my talents (like so many others district employees) play a supporting role in the success of our program. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words. Tenacious, Competent and Caring 8. What is your favorite non-work activity? Many favorites: piano, genealogy, quilting, reading and of course being with my family. 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Machu Picchu 10. Random facts about yourself? I am wife to Andy, mother to Jackson, Gracie Jo and Gabriel. I love to speak to large groups and on camera, but am uncomfortable one-on-one with people. I hate pineapple.

Getting to Know USD #489: Get to know Hays High School Principal ...Martin (Marty) Straub... 1. What is your title at USD #489? Hays High School Principal 2. How long have you been with our district? 2020-2021 will be my 27th year at Hays High School 3. What is your favorite pizza topping? Supreme 4. If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? Purple. I’m not red or blue… rather, a combination based on topic / policy. 5. What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? Our kids are so darn friendly, respectful, and hard- working and we are able to hire and retain outstanding teachers and support staff in USD 489; this is the most important job responsibility I have. Our people are folks you want to be around… they’re community-centered! 6. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I constantly look forward thinking about how can I improve so others can improve; how can we continue to improve our school to benefit kids and their families. It’s not good enough to perform to the best of my ability, I am responsible for the performance of all HHS employees. It’s not about me, it’s about the performance of our staff and students… what can I do to maximize our school’s performance. 7. Describe yourself in 3 words. Honest. Dedicated. Ethical. 8. What is your favorite board game? None, but love to play the card games 5, 10, or 13 point “pitch” 9. Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? The Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona, Spain 10. Random facts about yourself? I’m the 9th of 10 Straub kids. I’m married to Mary (Bruggeman) Straub for 36 years and we have three daughters: Stacia (husband Matt) Cartlidge (HHS 2005 graduate), Allie (husband Justin) Murray (HHS 2009 Graduate), & Arin Straub (2013 graduate). We have two grandsons, Hudson and Cohen. Between Mary and my daughters/husbands, we have 9 degrees from FHSU… Go Tigers! Prior to Hays High School, was associate principal at Derby High School, Athletic Director at Kapaun Mount Carmel Catholic High School (KMC), and a teacher/coach (football, wrestling, track) at KMC. I love to hunt and own two registered American Brittanies, Sage and Kady.

Getting to Know USD #489: Our first introduction is... Daphne Brown. What is your title at USD #489? K-2 Special Education teacher at Lincoln How long have you been with our district? 5 years What is your favorite pizza topping? Veggies. Mushrooms and spinach for sure! If you had to use one color of crayon for the rest of your life, what color would it be? Yellow What is your favorite thing about working for USD #489? My boss and coworkers and the level of warmth and comfort I feel each day at work. On a typical day at work….what do you do? I get to work around 7:15, check my emails, ensure I have materials around for all of my kiddos and groups. I use many materials and manipulatives each day for many different instructional levels, so my desk is always super cluttered, no matter how organized I try to be! I then usually go to kindergarten rooms and help a few minutes then bring a kindergarten group into my classroom for instruction. I then spend time teaching guiding reading groups in the first grade classrooms. I then bring first graders up into the resource room for more individualized instruction. Recess duty some days and the entire day continues about the same throughout the day! Lots of going up and down stairs bringing up different groups of kiddos to the resource room for instruction. 😁 Oh and writing ieps, checking in with parents, collaborating with teachers and iep team members in my “spare” time! Wouldn’t change it for the world! The day zooms by! Describe yourself in 3 words.. compassionate, wife, mom What is your favorite board game? (We’ve played a lot the last few months) probably scattergories or scrabble Travel bucket list…where would you go if you could anywhere? Hawaii Random facts about yourself? My youngest son Hayden will be a freshman at Fort Hays State this fall. My oldest son Hunter will be a junior at FHSU this fall. They both are playing football for their dad who is the football coach at FHSU. I’m thrilled to only have to worry about one game each weekend after all these busy years of sports! My husband Chris and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for 21 years! We also have two dogs, Hugo and Hiro. We are blessed to attend church at Celebration Community Church where we are given opportunities for our family to continue to grow in our Christian faith.

New Series ... We are starting a new social media series here at USD #489. It is called Getting to Know USD #489 and we are going to introduce you to many of our staff over a few weeks. We will be asking staff random questions...check it out as you might learn something new about a staff that has been here forever!! #EveryStudentEveryDay489

It’s a new month!! Make this one the best yet!! #EveryStudentEveryDay489

Today is National Hamburger Day!! Grill a burger...add some lettuce and tomato and enjoy your day!!! #EveryStudentEveryDay489

Need an athletic/sports/annual physical for your child? You can call the Ellis County Health Department for an appointment at 785-628-9440. Monday-Thursday 7 am- 5pm (closed 12-1) Friday 7 am- 11 am Don't wait until the last minute!!! #EveryStudentEveryDay489