Halstead-Bentley USD 440

Day 14 🌟 “24 Hours, 1000 Smiles: USD 440 Students Give Back!” Halstead-Bentley USD 440 has implemented a robust community service program that integrates civic engagement into students' educational experience. Each student is required to complete 6 hours of community service annually, totaling 24 hours over their high school tenure. These hours are thoughtfully embedded into the school schedule, ensuring that students can participate without compromising their academic responsibilities. The program emphasizes collaboration with local organizations and residents to identify and address community needs. Students engage in various projects, including painting, moving furniture, and cleaning communal spaces, directly contributing to the betterment of Halstead and Bentley. A highlight of the initiative is the annual "Rake and Run" event, where the entire student body participates in raking leaves across neighborhoods in Halstead and Bentley. This event not only fosters a sense of community pride but also instills the value of volunteerism among students. The district's commitment to community service is evident in its structured approach to civic engagement, ensuring that students develop a lifelong dedication to serving others. #givingbacktothecommunity #CivicEngagement #halsteadcares #makingadifference

📣 Day 13 of 30 Days of Celebration – HHS Digital Media Earns 2nd in State! 🏆🎥📸📰 We’re proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Halstead High School Digital Media students at the Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA) State Contest! ✨ Halstead High placed 2nd overall in the 3A division, just 6 points away from 1st place—a huge accomplishment among schools across Kansas! Students competed in a variety of categories including yearbook, photography, journalistic writing, video production, web design, ad design, and more—with several bringing home 1st place honors in highly competitive events such as: 🎥 Video News 🎤 PSA (Public Service Announcement) 📊 Multimedia Storytelling 📚 Yearbook Theme & Graphics ✍️ Editorial Cartoon 🖼️ Ad Design …and many more! This amazing success wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and leadership of Mrs. Farmer and Mrs. Zehr, who guide and support students through their creative journeys every step of the way. 💙💛 📸 Every student who placed helped earn points for HHS, and we could not be prouder of the entire team and the excellence they brought to the state level! Proud to be a Dragon. Proud to be USD 440. #30DaysOfCelebrationUSD440 #HalsteadDragons #DigitalMediaExcellence #KSPA #StudentSuccess #DragonPride #CreativityInAction #JournalismMatters #ProudToBeADragon #USD440Shines #ThankYouMrsFarmer #ThankYouMrsZehr

Day 12 🎭Kansas Jester Awards! 🎭 At Halstead, the arts matter—and this season’s success is proof that when we invest in creativity, our students shine. Halstead High School – USD 440’s fall musical, The Music Man, earned 19 Regional Awards and received 7 Jester Award nominations in this year’s Kansas Jester Awards program, which recognizes excellence in high school musical theatre across the state! 💫 This incredible recognition highlights the dedication, teamwork, and talent of our students and staff. 🌟 Student/Staff Highlights: Avery Castelberry and Dalaina Schutte were recognized as Leading Performers, showcasing their exceptional stage presence and vocal ability. Luke Ayers and Maxx Linton earned honors for Supporting Performer, bringing depth and personality to their roles. Blakely Baalman received the Pre-High School Performer award—an amazing accomplishment for such a young star! The Barbershop Quartet and the full Music Man Ensemble/Chorus were awarded for their strong ensemble performances and harmonies. Our Stage Crew was honored for their work behind the scenes—proving once again that theatre magic takes a full team. Aurora Farmer earned recognition for Choreography/Staging, bringing energy and precision to every scene with the Halstead Dragon Dazzlers and other dancers. 🎨 Technical Excellence: Shauna Black was recognized for her impressive Scenic Design. Michael Detweiller received honors for Program Design. Claire Clifford led the way with awards in Lighting Design, Sound Design, and Vocal Music Direction, in addition to directing the entire production. And speaking of leadership… Mrs. Claire Clifford was named a 2024–2025 Jester Award recipient for Outstanding Direction—one of only ten directors selected from across the state! This is a tremendous honor, chosen from over 150 high school productions throughout Kansas. #JesterAwards #HalsteadHS #TheMusicMan #OutstandingDirection #DragonProud #HalsteadFineArts #USD440 #StudentSuccess #TheatreExcellence #KansasTheatre

Day 11 – Bentley Primary is Getting a Big Upgrade! Thanks to the Bond and the incredible support from our community, Bentley Primary School is undergoing some much-needed renovations—and construction is moving right along! As part of the updates, students and staff can look forward to secure new entryways that enhance safety, freshly updated classrooms with modern lighting and flooring, additional space and rooms to support growing enrollment and small-group learning, a brighter and more functional cafeteria, and brand-new playground equipment. All of these changes are designed to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment for our students and staff. We’re so excited to see these improvements come to life. These changes will have a lasting impact on our students, staff, and families—and it’s all possible because of your continued support. Thank you, Halstead-Bentley community, for investing in the future of education. We can’t wait to welcome everyone into the new and improved Bentley Primary! #joinourfamily #30daysofusd440 #bentleyprimary #usd440proud #futurefocused #communitysupported #buildingabetterschool #growingstrongertogether

Day 10: Halstead Middle School – Battle of the Books! This year’s Battle of the Books saw our highest number of student participants ever! Students formed teams, selected from a curated book list, and divided up the reading. After diving into their assigned titles, teams faced off in a bracket-style trivia competition testing their knowledge and memory of each story. It’s a fun, engaging way to build a love for reading, foster teamwork, and get students excited about learning. Huge thanks to Mrs. Matlack for organizing this amazing event and inspiring our students to open more books! 📚 #BattleOfTheBooks #HalsteadMiddleSchool #DragonProud #ReadMore #HMSReaders

Day 9: Dragonbackers Booster Club Spotlight Dragonbackers is our outstanding volunteer booster club, dedicated to supporting Halstead students, staff, and programs in countless ways. This past year alone, they contributed over $35,000 back into our schools. Here’s a breakdown of their incredible impact: Athletics – $16,700 went directly toward supporting our sports programs, helping provide essential equipment, uniforms, and resources. Post-Season Athletics – $7,000 helped cover expenses such as student admission to state competitions, transportation like the football charter bus, and other postseason needs. Other Activities – $4,000 went toward supporting programs outside of athletics, including items like a drone for the graphic design program and other enriching tools and opportunities. Halstead Middle School – $4,200 was invested into HMS to support students and staff in a variety of ways, enhancing both academics and extracurriculars. Dragonbackers is a volunteer-run organization, powered by people who care deeply about our school community. Their dedication directly supports the growth, culture, and success of Halstead students at every level. We are so grateful for their commitment and continued support. Thank you, Dragonbackers, for helping make Halstead a place where students thrive. #DragonProud #HalsteadSupport #CommunityStrong #JoinOurFamily

Day 8 | Little Dragons Preschool Spotlight At Halstead-Bentley, our Little Dragons Preschool is where big learning begins! Our program is designed with heart—fostering curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child who walks through our doors. We’re proud to offer an Extended Day Program, with all-day preschool, Monday through Friday, giving families flexibility and children more time to grow, play, and learn in a safe, nurturing environment. From hands-on activities and early literacy to social-emotional learning and school-readiness skills, our preschoolers are thriving every single day. It's more than a classroom—it’s a place where young minds blossom. If you're looking for a program that blends care, fun, and a strong educational foundation, look no further than Little Dragons! #LittleDragons #HalsteadUSD440 #PreschoolPride #DragonStrong #EarlyLearningMatters #JoinOurFamily

🏐 Day 7: STATE CHAMPS! 🏆 History was made this year as our Halstead Girls Volleyball Team brought home the FIRST State Championship in school history! With an unbelievable 43-2 record, these girls showed what heart, hustle, and grit truly look like. One of their games at the state tournament was being played at midnight—but that didn’t stop them. Their determination and drive never wavered. What made this team so successful? More than just skill—it was their strong team culture and the spirit they had for each other. They lifted each other up, played for one another, and truly embodied what it means to be a team. All of it led by the incredible Coach Diana Schutte, named 3A Coach of the Year for her leadership and commitment to building champions on and off the court. This was more than a championship—it was a legacy in the making. 💙🐉 #HalsteadProud #StateChamps #DragonVolleyball #30DaysOfHalstead #TeamCulture #CoachOfTheYear #Unstoppable

Day 6 of 30: Fields of Dreams ⚾🥎 This spring, USD 440 proudly unveiled our brand-new baseball and softball facilities—state-of-the-art spaces where our student-athletes can grow, compete, and shine. Our softball team recently hosted Regionals right here at home, and our baseball team wrapped up their season playing on their new home turf. We’ve received nothing but compliments on the upgrades from visiting teams, fans, and officials alike. We believe our students deserve the best, and these fields are just one example of how we’re investing in their growth, talent, and future. #USD440Proud #FieldsOfDreams #HalsteadDragons #30DaysOfHighlighting440 #JoinOurFamily

Day 5: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) FBLA is the largest career and technical student organization in the world—and we’re proud to offer it right here at Halstead High School! In just its second year, our FBLA chapter is making big moves. This summer, five incredible students will head to Anaheim, California to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference! 🇺🇸✨ 💼 National Competitors: 🎤 Leah Parks – Intro to Public Speaking ⚖️ Delia Stewart – Business Ethics ⚖️ Michael Detweiler – Business Ethics ⚖️ Parker Metoyer – Business Ethics 🎬 Ryan Jahnke – Digital Animation These students have put in the work, and now they’re getting the chance to shine on a national stage. We’re so proud of the dedication, preparation, and leadership they’ve shown all year long. Since last year, our chapter has grown by 76%—a clear sign that students are seeing the value of being part of something bigger. From building resumes and sharpening public speaking skills to networking with peers across the country, FBLA is preparing our students for the future in a big way. With strong support from our school and community, the best is yet to come. FBLA at Halstead is just getting started! 💙 #DragonProud #FBLA #FutureLeaders #HalsteadStrong #USD440 #JoinOurFamily

🌿 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