KSDE Newsroom

The Nov. 21 edition of KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. In celebration of American Education Week, read more about high school students who want to inspire future generations of Kansas students by becoming teachers and what members of the 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year have to say about being a teacher. There are also important reminders, scholarship and grant opportunities in this week's edition.

Click here to receive KSDEweekly in your inbox. Email ksdeweekly@ksde.org with questions, comments and story ideas.

Denise Kahler, Director of Communications and Recognition Programs - (785) 296-4876

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Nov. 20, 2024

Two Kansas schools recognized as National ESEA Distinguished Schools

TOPEKA — The National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program has recognized two Kansas schools for exceptional student achievement in 2024.

• Sterling Grade School, Sterling USD 376, was recognized for Category 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth for two consecutive years.
• Overbrook Attendance Center (K-3), USD 434 Santa Fe Trail, was recognized for Category 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups.

The Nov. 14 edition of KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. Read more about the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Student Screen Time's presentation to the Kansas State Board of Education, civil rights icon Ruby Bridges' visit to Topeka and how early literacy is getting spotlighted during the month of November. Check out this week's edition for important reminders and new grant opportunities.

Click here to receive KSDEweekly in your inbox. Email ksdeweekly@ksde.org with questions, comments and story ideas.

Members of the Kansas State Board of Education received a final set of recommendations during their November meeting that will serve as guidance for school districts’ policies regarding students’ use of digital technology. 

Ava Gustin, a senior at Mission Valley High School, Mission Valley USD 330, and Brian Houghton, principal of Fredonia Jr.-Sr. High School, Fredonia USD 484, co-chairs of the Blue Ribbon Task Force on Student Screen Time (pictured above), outlined the recommendations that address the following topics chosen by the State Board: 

• Students' personal device use in school;  
• Screen time and mental health; and  
• Parental oversight of district-owned devices.  

The Nov. 7 edition of KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. Read more about how Maize USD 266 has incorporated STEAM concepts into the district's curriculum to boost postsecondary and graduation rates, what the Kansas State Board of Education will be discussing during their November meeting, including the recommendations from the Blue-Ribon Task Force on Student Screen Time. Check out this week's edition for important reminders and new grant opportunities.

Click here to receive KSDEweekly in your inbox. Email ksdeweekly@ksde.org with questions, comments and story ideas.

The Oct. 31 edition of KSDEweekly is now available for viewing. Read more about what attendees learned at the Great Ideas in Education annual conference as well as what several Kansas high school students had to say about what makes a great teacher. Also, read more about what recommendations the Blue-Ribbon Task Force on Screen Time will present during the Kansas State Board of Education's November meeting and how two Kansas districts are maximizing their USDA "Beef for Schools" grant funds to make healthier, tastier meals for their students.

Click here to receive KSDEweekly in your inbox. Email ksdeweekly@ksde.org with questions, comments and story ideas.