KSDE Newsroom

Posted: Nov 20, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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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.
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Posted: Nov 15, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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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.

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Posted: Nov 15, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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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.  
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Posted: Nov 8, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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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.

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Posted: Nov 1, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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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.

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Posted: Oct 25, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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Members of the Kansas State Board of Education will meet on Nov. 12-13, in the first floor board room of the Landon State Office Building, 900 S.W. Jackson, in Topeka.

Click here for an agenda and meeting materials.

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Posted: Oct 25, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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The Oct. 23 KSDEweekly is available for viewing. Read more about the first Kansas school bus driver to win first place at the National School Transportation Association School Bus Driver International Safety Competition, an opportunity for school districts to participate in a livestream event featuring civil rights icon Ruby Bridges, a first-day wrap-up of the Great Ideas in Education conference and a reminder the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominations are due Nov. 8.

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

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Posted: Oct 22, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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The Great Ideas in Education: Lighting the Path Forward conference, hosted by the Kansas State Department of Education, is Oct. 23-25, in Wichita. Attendees can access the conference information here, including the program and breakout sessions. Chris Perry, co-founder of Cultivate Education, will be the keynote speaker.

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Posted: Oct 18, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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The Oct. 17 edition of KSDEweekly is now available. Read more about how Rolanda Root, the 2024 KAEA Art Teacher of the Year, provides a creative outlet for her students, what areas districts are encouraged to review during America's Safe Schools Week and the first in a series of stories about KSDE's modernization of the state's student data collection system. 

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

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Posted: Oct 18, 2024
Categories: KSDE
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243 systems recognized through Kansans Can Star Recognition Program

Southern Lyon County USD 252 only district to be recognized in eight areas for four consecutive years

TOPEKA — The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) recognized 243 public school districts and eight private systems through the 2024 Kansans Can Star Recognition Program that has been in place since the 2019-20 school year.

Kansas Commissioner of Education Dr. Randy Watson announced the recipients of this year’s awards during the Kansas State Board of Education’s October meeting. The recipients will also be announced and celebrated at KSDE’s annual conference, Great Ideas in Education: Lighting the Path Forward, Oct. 23-25, in Wichita.

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