Halstead-Bentley USD 440

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

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.