January 2012 USD 257 Message to the Public

Author George Bernard Shaw once said that “the single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” His quotation makes us remember the importance of thorough communication during every endeavor in our lives. Not only is communication paramount to every successful relationship, business transaction, and goal that we have for ourselves and our children, but it is a process that needs to be constantly refined, updated, and verified so that everyone understands the direction, scope, and course of an organization or community. I truly . . . read more

September USD 257 Report: Advice for a Successful School Year

August and September are always exciting months because they represent the start of a new school year. The hopes and dreams of students, parents, grandparents, teachers, and community members are renewed again as school starts and everyone gets a year older (and hopefully a year wiser). Vision for the school year: It is my hope and desire that the 2011-2012 school year proves to be one of exemplary academic achievement, strong student/parent/community . . . read more

Walmart Presents $100 Gift Cards to McKinley Teachers

On Friday afternoon, Jeff Livingston, Manager of Wal-Mart in Iola, presented 10 teachers at McKinley with $100 gift cards. He had the students draw out of a bucket the names of the teachers who were going to receive the awards. In addition to the $1000 that Wal-Mart spent on the teachers, he also provided gift bags for four other teachers as well. Wal-Mart was donating money to schools because of a campaign to help teachers across the country during a downturn in the . . . read more