Back to School Professional Learning Day tomorrow for all staff---If you have been assigned a device, please bring your charged MacBook or iPad to training tomorrow!
We are hiring
2025-26 School Year Certified Positions:
BPS Kindergarten Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions.
BPS Special Education Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative - apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Special+Education+Teachers
Special Education Paraprofessional
2025-26 School Year Certified Positions:
BPS Kindergarten Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions.
BPS Special Education Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative - apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Special+Education+Teachers
Special Education Paraprofessional
Employment Applications:
Click here to complete the online application, including Substitute Teaching.
2025-26 School Year Certified Positions:
BPS Special Education Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative - apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Special+Education+Teachers
Supplemental Positions (2025-2026 School Year): Contact Nick Barnes with questions.
HHS Girls Basketball Assistant Coach
HMS Boys Basketball Head Coach
HMS Football Assistant Coach
Classified Positions:
District Nurse - Contact Ron Barry if you have any questions.
Full-Time Bus Driver - Contact Mike Branson if you have any questions.
HMS Evening Custodian - Contact Mike Branson if you have any questions.
HMS Preschool Paraprofessional - Contact Becky Jones for questions.
BPS Special Education Paraprofessional - Contact Adam Conard for questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative. Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Support+Staff.
Click here to complete the online application, including Substitute Teaching.
2025-26 School Year Certified Positions:
BPS Special Education Teacher - Contact Adam Conard with questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative - apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Special+Education+Teachers
Supplemental Positions (2025-2026 School Year): Contact Nick Barnes with questions.
HHS Girls Basketball Assistant Coach
HMS Boys Basketball Head Coach
HMS Football Assistant Coach
Classified Positions:
District Nurse - Contact Ron Barry if you have any questions.
Full-Time Bus Driver - Contact Mike Branson if you have any questions.
HMS Evening Custodian - Contact Mike Branson if you have any questions.
HMS Preschool Paraprofessional - Contact Becky Jones for questions.
BPS Special Education Paraprofessional - Contact Adam Conard for questions. This position is filled through the Harvey County Special Education Cooperative. Apply online at https://www.applitrack.com/newtonk12/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Support+Staff.
🎒✨ Back to School Blast! ✨🎒
📍 Location: Halstead Middle School – Aux Gym (south side)
🚪 Enter through the southwest doors by the gym
📅 Date: July 28
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
We're kicking off the new school year with the Back to School Blast—and you're invited!
FREE school supplies will be available for all enrolled USD 440 students! Stop by and visit out booths and get what you need and start the year off right. We can't wait to see you there!
#BackToSchoolBlast #USD440Proud #HalsteadStrong #DragonReady #SchoolSuppliesForAllAttending
📍 Location: Halstead Middle School – Aux Gym (south side)
🚪 Enter through the southwest doors by the gym
📅 Date: July 28
🕛 Time: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
We're kicking off the new school year with the Back to School Blast—and you're invited!
FREE school supplies will be available for all enrolled USD 440 students! Stop by and visit out booths and get what you need and start the year off right. We can't wait to see you there!
#BackToSchoolBlast #USD440Proud #HalsteadStrong #DragonReady #SchoolSuppliesForAllAttending
🎉 Welcome to USD 440, Mr. Bradley Campbell! 🎉
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Bradley Campbell to the Halstead-Bentley School District! 💙🐉
We’re excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make in our schools and community.
Here is a little bit about himself:
I was born and raised in CO, but moved to KS in high school and graduated from Hugoton KS. I then went on to play football and study Biology while attending McPherson college. Once I graduated, I took my first teaching position in Chanute KS where I taught for 3 years. After meeting my wife I moved to Wichita and taught 4 years at Mead Middle School. We have just moved to Newton this summer and I can’t wait to begin my Halstead journey teaching 7/8 grade science! In addition to my classroom responsibilities I will be an assistant coach on the HS football team and the head middle school wrestling coach.
Welcome to the Dragon family, Mr. Campbell!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #USD440Family #NewDragonOnCampus
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Bradley Campbell to the Halstead-Bentley School District! 💙🐉
We’re excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see the positive impact he’ll make in our schools and community.
Here is a little bit about himself:
I was born and raised in CO, but moved to KS in high school and graduated from Hugoton KS. I then went on to play football and study Biology while attending McPherson college. Once I graduated, I took my first teaching position in Chanute KS where I taught for 3 years. After meeting my wife I moved to Wichita and taught 4 years at Mead Middle School. We have just moved to Newton this summer and I can’t wait to begin my Halstead journey teaching 7/8 grade science! In addition to my classroom responsibilities I will be an assistant coach on the HS football team and the head middle school wrestling coach.
Welcome to the Dragon family, Mr. Campbell!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #USD440Family #NewDragonOnCampus
📣 Online Registration Opens July 18!
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for a new school year!
💻 Registration will be available online starting July 18.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 316-835-2641.
Let’s make it a great year! 💙🐉
We’re excited to welcome everyone back for a new school year!
💻 Registration will be available online starting July 18.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 316-835-2641.
Let’s make it a great year! 💙🐉
Due to the recent events regarding the City of Halstead’s process of evaluating the Special Use Permit for a BESS in the industrial park and a subsequent petition following, we have had some questions from community members and local elected officials regarding the district's use of battery energy storage systems. We wanted to provide the following information to help inform all stakeholders about our systems while addressing the questions that we have received from stakeholders regarding our battery storage systems.
We currently have two different types of battery storage systems in the district. The first type would include local battery backup energy sources that provide short term energy solutions for systems like our IT network and other IT devices used throughout the district. These systems help mitigate damage to our network infrastructure and other IT components in the event of a power surge or immediate loss of electricity. It has been important for the district to create systems to mitigate both short- and long-term damage in a day in age where these systems are essential to learning, teaching, accounting, operations, security, etc.
The second form of battery energy storage that the district utilizes is in our electric buses. In October of 2022, USD440 Halstead Bentley Schools was awarded a $1,185,000 grant through the EPA for the purchase of three electric school buses with $60,000 of that money allocated for charging stations. These buses were to be used for regular routes and saved the district over $500,000 in purchases for our regular bus rotation. The buses themselves use a battery energy storage system of which are charged from our charging stations that are located at the bus barn. As part of the purchase, the district received an 8-year warranty on the buses. Per EPA requirements/agreements, the district must keep them operational for five years upon delivery or the district may incur financial penalties. The buses were operational late October 2023, meaning that they would need to at minimum remain operational through October 2028. The district does have plans to utilize these buses, at minimum, through the use of the warranty. Any reduction in fleet would have a negative impact on the district as both our electric and diesel buses need maintenance and/or repairs throughout the year.
If there are any additional questions regarding our usage of battery storage systems, please feel free to stop by the district office.
USD 440
Halstead-Bentley Schools
🎉 Welcome to USD 440, Mr. Trae Gehring! 🎉
We’re excited to welcome Mr. Trae Gehring to the Halstead-Bentley School District! 💙🐉
We’re thrilled to have him join our team and look forward to the energy, passion, and dedication he brings to our students and schools.
Here is a little bit about him:
I grew up in Pretty Prairie, KS, where I participated in many activities, including band, choir, cross country, basketball, golf, track, forensics, scholars bowl, the musical, and more. I graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, where I played in the band, directed the concert choir, played golf, and sang in the A cappella group Open Road, the concert choir, and a barbershop group called the Threshing Tones. I student taught at Augusta. I started my career by substitute teaching for a semester in the Wichita district before I accepted my first full time position at Pretty Prairie, where I taught 5-12 band, music appreciation, and PE/Health. In addition to teaching at Pretty Prairie, last year I joined the faculty at McPherson College as the low-brass adjunct professor, which I am continuing to do. I am entering my third year as a music teacher, and I am very excited to join the Halstead team!
My wife and I live in Haven, KS, but we would eventually like to move to the Halstead/Newton area. In my spare time, I play tuba in the McPherson Brass Choir, McPherson Brass Quintet, Hutchinson Brass Quintet, Hutchinson Municipal Band, and the Great Plains Wind Symphony. I also conduct the church choir at Hope Mennonite in Maize. Besides my many musical endeavors, I enjoy running, golfing and disc golfing, games of all kinds, watching movies, and more. My favorite thing to do is spending quality time with my wife, family, and friends.
I am very grateful and excited to take the position here at Halstead, where I will be teaching 4th-5th grade general music and 6th-12th grade band with a little bit of Pre-K music. I have been shown great support already, and I look forward to continuing to rebuild the band program here. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the Halstead community!
Help us give him a warm Dragon welcome as he begins this exciting new chapter!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #NewFaceIn440 #USD440Family
We’re excited to welcome Mr. Trae Gehring to the Halstead-Bentley School District! 💙🐉
We’re thrilled to have him join our team and look forward to the energy, passion, and dedication he brings to our students and schools.
Here is a little bit about him:
I grew up in Pretty Prairie, KS, where I participated in many activities, including band, choir, cross country, basketball, golf, track, forensics, scholars bowl, the musical, and more. I graduated from Bethel College in North Newton, where I played in the band, directed the concert choir, played golf, and sang in the A cappella group Open Road, the concert choir, and a barbershop group called the Threshing Tones. I student taught at Augusta. I started my career by substitute teaching for a semester in the Wichita district before I accepted my first full time position at Pretty Prairie, where I taught 5-12 band, music appreciation, and PE/Health. In addition to teaching at Pretty Prairie, last year I joined the faculty at McPherson College as the low-brass adjunct professor, which I am continuing to do. I am entering my third year as a music teacher, and I am very excited to join the Halstead team!
My wife and I live in Haven, KS, but we would eventually like to move to the Halstead/Newton area. In my spare time, I play tuba in the McPherson Brass Choir, McPherson Brass Quintet, Hutchinson Brass Quintet, Hutchinson Municipal Band, and the Great Plains Wind Symphony. I also conduct the church choir at Hope Mennonite in Maize. Besides my many musical endeavors, I enjoy running, golfing and disc golfing, games of all kinds, watching movies, and more. My favorite thing to do is spending quality time with my wife, family, and friends.
I am very grateful and excited to take the position here at Halstead, where I will be teaching 4th-5th grade general music and 6th-12th grade band with a little bit of Pre-K music. I have been shown great support already, and I look forward to continuing to rebuild the band program here. Thanks for allowing me to be a part of the Halstead community!
Help us give him a warm Dragon welcome as he begins this exciting new chapter!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #NewFaceIn440 #USD440Family
🎉 Welcome to the USD 440 Family, Ms. Butterfield! 🎉
We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Jerra Butterfield as our new Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher at Halstead High School! She will also be assistance dance coach. Ms. Butterfield brings fresh energy and a passion for hands‑on learning in areas like nutrition, life skills, and home economics. 🧑🍳📚
Here is a little bit about her:
My name is Jerra Butterfield!! I just graduated this spring from Kansas State University where I studied Family and Consumer Sciences! I can’t wait to get into the classroom and start my first year of teaching!💜
I have a love for all things FCS but there is a special place in my heart for Fashion and Culinary content!! I hope all my students can find a new passion through my teaching!
I grew up in Osage City, KS where I attended Osage City High School. Then I went to Kansas State University for 3 years where I studied Family and Consumer Science Education!
In my free time I like to hang out with my family, puppy Franklin, and fiancé! I am so excited to begin my time at Halstead High School!!
We are thrilled to introduce Ms. Jerra Butterfield as our new Family & Consumer Sciences (FACS) teacher at Halstead High School! She will also be assistance dance coach. Ms. Butterfield brings fresh energy and a passion for hands‑on learning in areas like nutrition, life skills, and home economics. 🧑🍳📚
Here is a little bit about her:
My name is Jerra Butterfield!! I just graduated this spring from Kansas State University where I studied Family and Consumer Sciences! I can’t wait to get into the classroom and start my first year of teaching!💜
I have a love for all things FCS but there is a special place in my heart for Fashion and Culinary content!! I hope all my students can find a new passion through my teaching!
I grew up in Osage City, KS where I attended Osage City High School. Then I went to Kansas State University for 3 years where I studied Family and Consumer Science Education!
In my free time I like to hang out with my family, puppy Franklin, and fiancé! I am so excited to begin my time at Halstead High School!!
🎉📚 Back to School Blast! 🎉📚
Join us July 28 from 12–8pm (location TBD) for a fun-filled day to kick off the school year!
✨ FREE School Supplies (some supplies not included)
✨ Booths to meet school staff, community resources & enrollment help
📅 Save the date and get ready to blast into the new school year!
🚌💙 #BackToSchool #USD440 #HalsteadDragons #SchoolReady #CommunityStrong
Join us July 28 from 12–8pm (location TBD) for a fun-filled day to kick off the school year!
✨ FREE School Supplies (some supplies not included)
✨ Booths to meet school staff, community resources & enrollment help
📅 Save the date and get ready to blast into the new school year!
🚌💙 #BackToSchool #USD440 #HalsteadDragons #SchoolReady #CommunityStrong
🎉 Welcome to Halstead, Mrs. Katie Parks! 🎉
We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Katie Parks to the USD 440 family! 💙🐉
Here’s a little bit about her:
Hello Halstead families!
My family and I moved to USD 440 in 2019, and I am excited to be joining the amazing team of educators I have seen in action over the past 6 years!
This fall will be the beginning of my 24th year in teaching middle school English/Language Arts. I became an English teacher because I believe in the power of words to change lives, and I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing that love with students all these years. I hope every student who walks through my door will feel welcomed, valued, and challenged.
I spend most of my time with my family. My husband, Matt, and I have 6 kids ages 18, 16, 12, 9, and 2-year-old twins!
Some weekends are full of baseball tournaments and car shows; others have us attending musicals and forensics tournaments. If I get a little downtime, you can find me curled up with a good book and a cup of hot tea!
Halstead has been a wonderful community for our family, and I’m delighted to become fully part of it!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #HalsteadStrong #USD440Proud
We’re excited to welcome Mrs. Katie Parks to the USD 440 family! 💙🐉
Here’s a little bit about her:
Hello Halstead families!
My family and I moved to USD 440 in 2019, and I am excited to be joining the amazing team of educators I have seen in action over the past 6 years!
This fall will be the beginning of my 24th year in teaching middle school English/Language Arts. I became an English teacher because I believe in the power of words to change lives, and I have thoroughly enjoyed sharing that love with students all these years. I hope every student who walks through my door will feel welcomed, valued, and challenged.
I spend most of my time with my family. My husband, Matt, and I have 6 kids ages 18, 16, 12, 9, and 2-year-old twins!
Some weekends are full of baseball tournaments and car shows; others have us attending musicals and forensics tournaments. If I get a little downtime, you can find me curled up with a good book and a cup of hot tea!
Halstead has been a wonderful community for our family, and I’m delighted to become fully part of it!
#WelcomeToUSD440 #HalsteadStrong #USD440Proud
🎉 That’s a Wrap! 30 Days of Celebrating USD 440 🎉
Over the past month, we’ve highlighted just 30 of the many reasons we’re proud of USD 440 – Halstead & Bentley… and let us tell you, it was no easy task! 💙
There is so much more to celebrate—more students, more staff, more programs, and more heart. Our school truly is the heart and soul of our community, and we take great pride in making it just that.
To everyone who makes USD 440 such a special place—thank you. Here’s to a bright future and many more celebrations ahead! 🫶
#30DaysofUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #BentleyProud #CommunityHeart #ThankYouUSD440 #MoreToCelebrate #JoinOurFamily
Over the past month, we’ve highlighted just 30 of the many reasons we’re proud of USD 440 – Halstead & Bentley… and let us tell you, it was no easy task! 💙
There is so much more to celebrate—more students, more staff, more programs, and more heart. Our school truly is the heart and soul of our community, and we take great pride in making it just that.
To everyone who makes USD 440 such a special place—thank you. Here’s to a bright future and many more celebrations ahead! 🫶
#30DaysofUSD440 #DragonPride #HalsteadStrong #BentleyProud #CommunityHeart #ThankYouUSD440 #MoreToCelebrate #JoinOurFamily
July Menus
🔬✨ Day 27 Celebrating USD 440 – STEAM at BPS & HMS
In USD 440, STEAM education is alive with creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning. At Bentley Primary School, students explore the world of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through engaging activities led by the dedicated Mrs. Rutland. This year, students have taken on exciting projects like designing their very own bubble wands and ornaments, which they then brought to life using 3D printers. They've used Legos to map out dream classroom layouts and tested their engineering skills by building block towers to see how much weight they could withstand. Every project blends imagination with real-world application, helping students gain confidence in their ideas and abilities.
Over at Halstead Middle School, STEAM learning continues in full force. Science teachers regularly bring their lessons into the STEAM lab, where students get hands-on experience with projects that inspire critical thinking and collaboration. From building solar-powered cars and boats to constructing toothpick bridges that test strength and design, students are learning to solve problems creatively. They’ve also taken part in wood burning projects that tie art into science, and even worked on greenhouse systems that bring environmental science to life.
Our STEAM programs aren’t just about projects—they’re about building future-ready learners who can think outside the box, work together, and apply what they learn in meaningful ways. We are incredibly proud of the innovative learning happening at BPS and HMS and grateful for the teachers who make it all possible.
#USD440 #Day26 #STEAMinUSD440 #BPS #HMS #ProudToBeADragon #HandsOnLearning #CreativeClassrooms #FutureReady
🎉 Welcome to Halstead!
We’re thrilled to welcome Mr. Lonnie Paramore to USD 440! He’ll be joining us as a teacher, PE/Health, and coach, highs school boys head coach, and we are so excited to have him on the team. Welcome to the Dragon family, Mr. Paramore! 💙
A little bit about him:
I played basketball and graduated from Sterling College. My teaching career spans 33 years at the following school districts, Ashland, Fairfield, and Haven.
I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids! Sports have played a significant role in my life. I enjoy participating, coaching, and watching many different sports. I'm all about Mt Dew and will only eat chili without beans. I'm excited to wear blue and becoming a Halstead Dragon!!
#WelcomeToHalstead #USD440 #DragonPride #NewDragon
🐉 Day 26 of Celebrating USD 440! 🐉
Dragon Kids After School & Summer Program
Led by the amazing Miss Mary, the Dragon Kids Program is a year-round experience for students ages 4 (Pre-K) through 6th grade — and this fall marks its 15th year! 🎉
Dragon Kids is open during after-school hours, no-school days, and school breaks, plus it offers a fun-filled summer program packed with engaging activities and exciting field trips. 🌞🚌🎨
We’re also proud that many of our staff members are Halstead High School students who serve as incredible mentors and role models for our younger Dragons! 💙
📅 Fall enrollment starts after July 10th — don’t miss out on this awesome program!
#30DaysofUSD440 #DragonKids #AfterSchoolProgram #SummerFun #USD440Proud #15YearsStrong #MissMaryRocks #StudentLeaders #DragonFamily
🎨 Day 25 of Celebrating USD 440! 🎨
The HHS Art Studio is gearing up for a creative and busy year! 🖌️✨
From clay to canvas and everything in between, Halstead High School students will explore, create, and grow in a variety of art classes:
🎨 Intro to Art – Students will explore a variety of media to discover what they enjoy most and which paths they might want to pursue further.
🧱 Ceramics 1 & 2 – From small sculptures to themed masterpieces, students will learn hand-building techniques and advanced forms of clay artistry.
🧵 Fibers – In its second year, this class lets students experiment in the fall and dive deeper into their favorite textile techniques in the spring.
🖼️ Art 2 – Building on foundational skills, students will move from 2D work in the fall to 3D projects in the spring, choosing their own media to express their vision.
📚 Independent Study & Portfolio – Focused on personal passion projects, these students will plan, create collections, build portfolios, and even explore art finances.
We can’t wait to see the incredible work our student artists create this year! 🐉💙
#30DaysofUSD440 #HHSArtStudio #DragonArtists #CreativeMinds #FutureCreators #HalsteadStrong
🎉 USD 440 is excited to welcome Marissa Slief to our teaching staff! We’re thrilled to have her join our team and can’t wait to see the amazing things she’ll bring to our students and school community. Welcome aboard, Marissa!
A little bit about Marissa:
Hello! My name is Marissa Slief, and I am excited to join USD 440 as a fourth grade teacher. I graduated from HHS (HILLSBORO High School) in 2005 and Kansas State University in 2009, which means I just finished 15 years in education.
I spent a majority of my career teaching down the road in Maize and miss living in Wichita mostly because of Target. Oh, how I miss Target! My husband, Shane, two children, Hudson (5) and Audrey (2), and I now live in Hesston. We spend a lot of time outdoors with our kids and especially enjoy trips to the pool in the summertime. I'm excited for the opportunity to be a Dragon!
#welcome #dragonfamily #newstaff
Day 24 Celebrating USD 440💙
📸Designing the Futurere📹
From snapping the perfect shot in Photo Imaging, designing standout visuals in Graphic Design, producing powerful stories in Video Production, to capturing the school year in Yearbook — our students are hands-on and career-ready! 💻🎬📰
Students gain real-world experience in:
✅ Digital Design
✅ Video Production & Editing
✅ Podcasting
✅ PR & Marketing
✅ Live Streaming & Event Production
✅ Sports Media & Marketing
💡 Cover live sports and events as part of our media team
🛩️ Fly our new video drone
🎓 Attend industry workshops & field trips
🏆 Compete in regional, state, and national digital media contests
🎉 Join our fun class shindigs
📷 Use professional, industry-standard equipment
Whether you’re into tech, storytelling, design, or sports — there’s a place for you to shine. Build real skills, have real fun, and be a part of something BIG! 💙🔥
🔥 Day 22 Celebrating USD 440! 🔥
Halstead is making history thanks to not one, but TWO incredible leaders—3A Coaches of the Year, Derek and Diana Schutte! 🏆🏆
💙 Derek Schutte led the Halstead girls basketball team to its first-ever state championship this season—an unforgettable milestone!
💙 Diana Schutte did the same in volleyball, guiding the team to its first state title in program history as well!
Both were honored as 3A Coaches of the Year AND selected to coach in Kansas All-Star games—a true testament to their impact on and off the court.
But what makes this even more special? The culture they’ve built in Halstead. A culture of selflessness, teamwork, and playing for each other. These aren’t just wins on the scoreboard—they’re wins for the entire Dragon community.
Their leadership is inspiring. Their commitment is unmatched. And their legacy is just beginning.
We are beyond proud. Dragon Proud! 🐉💪
#USD440 #HalsteadDragons #StateChamps #3ACoachesOfTheYear #DragonProud #CultureWins
