
🌿 Day 4: Growing Minds & Green Thumbs 🌿
30 Days of Celebrating USD 440 Halstead-Bentley
Today we’re highlighting the amazing work happening in 6th grade with Mr. Willis and his hands-on horticulture lessons! 🌱
From seed to sale, students are learning all about plant life cycles, greenhouse care, and sustainability. Their hard work paid off—literally—with a student-led Plant Sale that brought in over $1,000, all reinvested into future lessons and greenhouse improvements.
We’re so proud of the way our students are learning real-world skills and developing a love for nature right here at Halstead! 🌼💚
But the learning didn’t stop there…
Our FACS class whipped up homemade treats to sell alongside the plants, and our Wood/Shop class built beautiful birdhouses for the sale too. 🧁🛠️🐦
This was a true team effort—students applied skills from across the curriculum to plan, create, and run a real-world project. Talk about learning that sticks!
#HalsteadProud #DragonsGrowHere #30DaysOf440 #RealWorldLearning #GreenhouseGoals #StudentSuccess

We would like to take the month of June to celebrate an incredible year for USD440 DAY 3:
Fill My Shoes
A heartwarming tradition that was started in 2012 continues! Our Kindergarten class is stepping into the shoes of our graduating seniors—literally and symbolically—as part of our Fill My Shoes program.
This special tradition reminds us that while one journey ends, another begins. Our littlest learners are already dreaming big, and we know the future is bright with them leading the way.
To our graduates: thank you for the example you've set.
To our Kindergarteners: your journey is just beginning—and we can't wait to see where your steps will take you.
👣 The path ahead is full of possibilities. Let’s walk it with purpose, kindness, and courage.
#FillMyShoes #FutureLeaders #SchoolTraditions #FromKto12 #TheJourneyBegins #SteppingForward

We would like to take the month of June to celebrate an incredible year for USD440, Halstead-Bentley Schools. Each day throughout the month we will take a look back at the moments that brought us joy, celebration, and memories!
Nothing like celebrating our first day with our recent graduates 🎓! The Class of 2025 will forever be remembered as the class that graduated with a 100% graduation rate! 💯🙌👏🎉💙 A class to remember and a culture of excellence has been left by these incredible students that will soon be continued by their peers. Thank you Class of 2025, you have made us all proud to be a Dragon!
Once a Dragon Always A Dragon!
#440Proud #EndOfYearCelebrations #ComeJoinOurFamily #WeAreHalstead


Summer Meals Program
Please note meals will be served at the Middle School this year due to construction at the High School




We also had the chance to honor two remarkable women who are retiring this year, Marcia Mueller and Amy Wilson, both of whom embody the spirit of selfless educators who prioritize their students' growth above all else. Their departure will leave an unfillable void, yet we joyfully offer our warmest congratulations for a future brightened by well-deserved relaxation and happiness. #onceadragonalwaysadragon



The True Blue Award, presented by the Board of Education, recognizes dedication to students, staff, and the community through nominations made by staff members, community members, and parents. This years award winners are:
Raquel Wilcox, Clarence Mills, Thonja Davis, and Marcia Mueller.



Today, we commemorate a remarkable year marked by numerous accomplishments, including State Championships, Jester Awards, and significant academic achievements and growth. We also honor the dedication of exceptional individuals who have contributed to our success with Years of Service awards:
5 Years: Rita Cantrall, Miranda Homewood, Aurora Farmer, Penny Knapp
10 Years: Andrew Bauer, Ashley Mason, Taryn Oakley, Shirley Rodenberg
15 Years: Joshua Johnson
20 Years: Denise Campbell, Marilyn Mueller, Jason Reinert
25 Years: Robin Bliss, Deann Diepenbrock, Tim Warsnak
30 Years: Susan Adams, Marcia Mueller, Ward Willis
35 Years: Elizabeth Kepple
We applaud the years of commitment demonstrated by these outstanding individuals, whose dedication is instrumental to our achievements.









Updated Summer Activities 25-26
(please note activities are subject to change)




Halstead USD 440 is now accepting out-of-district students, and we’d love to have you join our community.
At Halstead, students get the best of both worlds: the personal connections of a small-town school and the opportunities that help them grow and thrive.
What we offer:
Supportive, passionate teachers
Strong academics and hands-on learning
Athletics, arts, and extracurriculars that build confidence
A safe, welcoming environment where every student matters
If you're looking for a fresh start or a school where your child can truly shine, Halstead is ready to welcome you.
Learn more here: https://www.usd440.com/page/nonresident-enrollment
Halstead USD 440 – Where students become family.
#HalsteadUSD440 #DragonPride #OutOfDistrictWelcome #FutureDragons


Summer Meals Program




Happy School Nurse Day! 🩺
Today we celebrate Julia Schnurr, whose care, compassion, and calm presence make our school a healthier, safer place every day. From scraped knees to big emergencies, Julia is always there with a steady hand and a kind heart. 💙
Thank you, Nurse Schnurr, for all that you do!
#SchoolNurseDay #HealthHeroes #SchoolWellness


🎨✨ Join Us for the HHS Art Show! ✨🎨
Date: May 8th & 9th
Time: 6:00-9:00 PM
Location: HHS LIbrary
Come celebrate the creativity and talent of our students! Whether you're an art enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do, this event is not to be missed.
Bring your friends and family – we can’t wait to see you there!
#HHSArtShow #SupportTheArts #StudentArtists #ArtExhibition #HHS


Happy School Lunch Hero Day!
Today we celebrate the amazing cafeteria teams who fuel our students with love, nutrition, and a smile every single day. From early mornings to cheerful lunches, they make a difference—one tray at a time.
Let’s give a big THANK YOU to our school lunch heroes!
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #ThankYouCafeteriaStaff #LunchHeroes


Happy National Principals Day!
Today, we give a huge THANK YOU to our incredible leaders—Mr. Baalman, Dr. Jones, and Mr. Conard! Your dedication, leadership, and unwavering support make a lasting impact on our students, staff, and entire school community. We are so grateful for all that you do, every single day. 💙
#PrincipalsDay #ThankYouPrincipals #LeadershipMatters #WeAppreciateYou


Happy Earth Day from all of us at USD440.


🚍 Happy School Bus Driver Appreciation Day! 🚍
Today, we want to give a big THANK YOU to the amazing school bus drivers who safely transport our kids to and from school, activities, and sporting events every day! Our drivers include Gerry, Penny, LaDawna, Amy, Robin and our subs Amy, Kevin, Tom and of course our very own Transportation Director Mike Branson.
Your dedication, patience, and care for our precious cargo doesn't go unnoticed. You are true unsung heroes of our community, and we are so grateful for everything you do!
Let’s show our bus drivers some love and appreciation today! Drop a comment or share a message to say THANK YOU!
#SchoolBusDriverAppreciationDay #ThankYouBusDrivers #CommunityHeroes #Gratitude #SafeTransport


Come be apart of our amazing team!!!


Join us for the STEAM Fair Thursday May 8th. Doors open at 5:00-8:00pm
Doors open 5:00- go visit projects through the building
4th/5th Concert in North Gym
6th/7th/8th Concert in North Gym
Closing time 8:00



On Paraeducator Day, we celebrate the incredible dedication and heart that paraprofessionals bring to the classroom every day. Your support, patience, and care make a world of difference for students, and your impact reaches far beyond what can be seen. You are truly the unsung heroes who help shape futures. So thank you from USD 440 we appreciate all that you do.


Call to schedule your preschool screening. 316-835-2641
