Huge congratulations to Eileen Vlamis on completing the in-person T³™ Teacher Leader Cadre (TLC) in Dallas this past July! 🌟
Eileen spent three intensive days collaborating with top math, science, and STEM educators from across the country. As part of this exclusive Texas Instruments professional learning program, she is taking major steps toward becoming a certified T³™ Instructor.
We are so proud of Eileen's dedication to continuous learning and her commitment to bringing the absolute best educational practices back to her students and colleagues.
#T3TLC #TeacherLeader #STEMEducation #TexasInstruments #MathEd #ScienceEd #ProfessionalDevelopment #440PROUD
Eileen spent three intensive days collaborating with top math, science, and STEM educators from across the country. As part of this exclusive Texas Instruments professional learning program, she is taking major steps toward becoming a certified T³™ Instructor.
We are so proud of Eileen's dedication to continuous learning and her commitment to bringing the absolute best educational practices back to her students and colleagues.
#T3TLC #TeacherLeader #STEMEducation #TexasInstruments #MathEd #ScienceEd #ProfessionalDevelopment #440PROUD
As we prepare for another great school year, the staff of Halstead-Bentley USD #440 came together today for a day of professional learning, collaboration, and planning.
Professional development is more than training—it's an investment in our students and our community. We are grateful for the dedication of our incredible staff who continue to learn, grow, and innovate for the benefit of every Dragon.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and success. We can't wait to welcome our students back soon!
We didn't have a "Best T-shirt contest" but it we did, Susan Jacobs would be our winner!
Pictured; left, Susan Jacobs, 7th/8th Special Education Teacher, right, Marcie Carr, Director of Student Learning.
💙🐉 #USD440 #HalsteadBentley #DragonPride #BackToSchool #ProfessionalLearning #GrowingTogether #StudentSuccess #440PROUD
Professional development is more than training—it's an investment in our students and our community. We are grateful for the dedication of our incredible staff who continue to learn, grow, and innovate for the benefit of every Dragon.
Here's to a fantastic school year filled with learning, growth, and success. We can't wait to welcome our students back soon!
We didn't have a "Best T-shirt contest" but it we did, Susan Jacobs would be our winner!
Pictured; left, Susan Jacobs, 7th/8th Special Education Teacher, right, Marcie Carr, Director of Student Learning.
💙🐉 #USD440 #HalsteadBentley #DragonPride #BackToSchool #ProfessionalLearning #GrowingTogether #StudentSuccess #440PROUD
Introducing the new USD #440 staff members!
Back row: Kayla Morris-K-3rd PE/Health, Dalton Luce-4th-6th PE , Ashley Sharbutt-7th-8th PE/Weights, Jared Kirkpatrick-Jr/Sr High School Principal, Kale Schroeder-8th English
Front row: Joyce Sliter-309 Nutrition Owner, Claire Hamlett-Kindergarten, Jordan Soward-5th English, Quinn Torgerson-Intermediate School Counselor, Brenna Wilson-FACS, Macey Mueller-Halstead Chamber of Commerce President.
HUGE thank you to Tessa Wendling & Daphne Mae for hosting the staff and The Halstead Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring breakfast and 309 drinks!
#440PROUD
Back row: Kayla Morris-K-3rd PE/Health, Dalton Luce-4th-6th PE , Ashley Sharbutt-7th-8th PE/Weights, Jared Kirkpatrick-Jr/Sr High School Principal, Kale Schroeder-8th English
Front row: Joyce Sliter-309 Nutrition Owner, Claire Hamlett-Kindergarten, Jordan Soward-5th English, Quinn Torgerson-Intermediate School Counselor, Brenna Wilson-FACS, Macey Mueller-Halstead Chamber of Commerce President.
HUGE thank you to Tessa Wendling & Daphne Mae for hosting the staff and The Halstead Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring breakfast and 309 drinks!
#440PROUD
August Menus!
Join the new USD #440 staff members next Monday at Daphne Mae Cafe for a meet and greet session. The group of new staff will be stopping at Main Street businesses to say hi and introduce themselves.
Skyward has updated the mobile app. If you are still having issues logging in on the app, please check to see if you are on version 3 or higher. If you are not on version 3 or higher, please uninstall and reinstall the app. This will get your app updated and working on the highest version.
Back to School Blast - Thursday, July 30th from Noon-8 pm in the Halstead Junior/Senior High School Auxiliary Gym. Be sure to stop in and get your free school supplies & Dragon drawstring bag! Must be present on Thursday to receive backpack & supplies.
📚 BACK TO SCHOOL BLAST! 🎒
Get Ready for the New School Year!
🗓 Thursday, July 30
🕛 Noon – 8:00 PM
📍HHS Auxiliary Gym
✅ WHAT TO EXPECT
👕 School Information
Get important updates and resources for the upcoming school year.
📋 Enrollment Assistance
Staff will be available to answer questions and help families prepare.
🎒 THOSE THAT ATTEND GET A FREE DRAGON DRAWSTRING BAG FULL OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!
✨ DON'T MISS IT!
Be prepared, get connected, and start the school year strong!
Thursday, July 30 | Noon–8:00 PM
📞 QUESTIONS?
316-835-2641
🌐 www.usd440.com
Get Ready for the New School Year!
🗓 Thursday, July 30
🕛 Noon – 8:00 PM
📍HHS Auxiliary Gym
✅ WHAT TO EXPECT
👕 School Information
Get important updates and resources for the upcoming school year.
📋 Enrollment Assistance
Staff will be available to answer questions and help families prepare.
🎒 THOSE THAT ATTEND GET A FREE DRAGON DRAWSTRING BAG FULL OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES!!
✨ DON'T MISS IT!
Be prepared, get connected, and start the school year strong!
Thursday, July 30 | Noon–8:00 PM
📞 QUESTIONS?
316-835-2641
🌐 www.usd440.com
As we prepare to start the school year, we all know that consistent attendance helps students stay on track academically and ensures they can take advantage of every opportunity the school year has to offer.
To help families plan ahead, we have created a 2026-27 Vacation and Long Weekend Planner that highlights school breaks, three-day weekends, and other no-school days throughout the year.
When possible, we encourage families to schedule vacations, appointments, and other events during these planned breaks to minimize missed instructional time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that every day counts and that our students have the opportunity to be present, engaged, and successful throughout the school year.
To help families plan ahead, we have created a 2026-27 Vacation and Long Weekend Planner that highlights school breaks, three-day weekends, and other no-school days throughout the year.
When possible, we encourage families to schedule vacations, appointments, and other events during these planned breaks to minimize missed instructional time.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure that every day counts and that our students have the opportunity to be present, engaged, and successful throughout the school year.
As part of our commitment to engage in continuous improvement to develop successful learners, USD 440 is sharing an important update regarding student personal electronic devices and communication. During the 2026 legislative session, the Kansas Legislature passed House Bill 2299 (HB 2299), which establishes new requirements for student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day. As a result, school districts across Kansas are required to adopt policies and procedures that comply with this new law.
We are currently finalizing district policies and implementation procedures to ensure compliance with HB 2299 while also considering the needs of our students, staff, and families. Additional information, including specific expectations and implementation details, will be shared as these policies are approved. We appreciate your patience and partnership as we work through this process. Our goal is to create learning environments that minimize distractions, maximize instructional time, and support student success while meeting the requirements established by state law.
July Menus
July Menus.
USD 440 is excited to announce the hiring of Mr. Jared Kirkpatrick as the next Principal of Halstead High School for the 2026–2027 school year.
Mr. Kirkpatrick currently serves as the Athletic Director and Middle School Principal in the Haven School District. He has served as an administrator in Haven for the past seven years, which includes valuable experience as a High School Principal. His background provides a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student achievement, and school operations.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mr. Kirkpatrick to the Dragon Family. We look forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication he will bring to Halstead High School and the USD 440 community.
Welcome to Halstead, Mr. Kirkpatrick! Go Dragons!
Mr. Kirkpatrick currently serves as the Athletic Director and Middle School Principal in the Haven School District. He has served as an administrator in Haven for the past seven years, which includes valuable experience as a High School Principal. His background provides a strong foundation in instructional leadership, student achievement, and school operations.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Mr. Kirkpatrick to the Dragon Family. We look forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication he will bring to Halstead High School and the USD 440 community.
Welcome to Halstead, Mr. Kirkpatrick! Go Dragons!
Please join us in a come and go reception thanking Dr. Barry for his service to the USD 440 community.
Summer Meals begin June 1. Due to construction, meals will be served from Sacred Heart Center, 414 Locust St, Halstead.
Summer meals will start Monday, June 1st. Due to construction, meals will be served at Sacred Heart Center, 414 Locust St, Halstead.
PreK kiddos + the zoo = all the feels!
Part 2
Part 2
PreK kiddos + the zoo = all the feels!
Part 1
Part 1
Halstead Junior/Senior High School is looking for our next principal. Those interested should apply at https://www.usd440.com/page/employment.
Questions? Email cbaalman@usd440.com.
Questions? Email cbaalman@usd440.com.
PRESS RELEASE
HALSTEAD, KS — The USD 440 Board of Education is elated to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad Baalman as next Superintendent of Schools of Halstead-Bentley School District, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Ron Barry, current Superintendent, will continue in his role through June 30, 2026, ensuring a smooth and stable leadership transition.
Mr. Baalman currently serves as the Halstead High School Principal since 2021. Prior to his role in Halstead, Mr. Baalman served as the Assistant Principal at Liberal High School and a Science teacher at Valley Center High School. Mr. Baalman is married to Holly Baalman who serves as a kindergarten teacher at Bentley Primary School. They have three children in the district.
“USD 440 is a special district and community, and I am excited to continue serving in a new capacity as superintendent. I look forward to working alongside our staff, students, families and Board of Education to provide stability, strengthen relationships, and continue moving the district forward.”
“A proud member of our community and a dedicated leader at Halstead High School for 5 years,” stated Board President Zachary Mabry. “Mr. Baalman has earned the admiration of students, families and staff alike for his guidance, passionate commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. This announcement fills us with immense pride and excitement – we know his motivation and proven leadership will inspire even greater success across our district. Welcome to the next chapter, Mr. Baalman!”
The Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ron Barry for his leadership and dedication to USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools and for his support in ensuring a smooth transition.
USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools
521 W. 6th St. | Halstead, KS 67056 | (316) 835-2641 | www.usd440.com
HALSTEAD, KS — The USD 440 Board of Education is elated to announce the appointment of Mr. Chad Baalman as next Superintendent of Schools of Halstead-Bentley School District, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Ron Barry, current Superintendent, will continue in his role through June 30, 2026, ensuring a smooth and stable leadership transition.
Mr. Baalman currently serves as the Halstead High School Principal since 2021. Prior to his role in Halstead, Mr. Baalman served as the Assistant Principal at Liberal High School and a Science teacher at Valley Center High School. Mr. Baalman is married to Holly Baalman who serves as a kindergarten teacher at Bentley Primary School. They have three children in the district.
“USD 440 is a special district and community, and I am excited to continue serving in a new capacity as superintendent. I look forward to working alongside our staff, students, families and Board of Education to provide stability, strengthen relationships, and continue moving the district forward.”
“A proud member of our community and a dedicated leader at Halstead High School for 5 years,” stated Board President Zachary Mabry. “Mr. Baalman has earned the admiration of students, families and staff alike for his guidance, passionate commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in every child’s potential. This announcement fills us with immense pride and excitement – we know his motivation and proven leadership will inspire even greater success across our district. Welcome to the next chapter, Mr. Baalman!”
The Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to Dr. Ron Barry for his leadership and dedication to USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools and for his support in ensuring a smooth transition.
USD 440 Halstead-Bentley Schools
521 W. 6th St. | Halstead, KS 67056 | (316) 835-2641 | www.usd440.com
