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
Congratulations to Kaci Young on being selected Honorable Mention All-State Pitcher! #DragonProud
Halstead High School Hall of Fame Nomination Information
To nominate an individual, please use the link below. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, the sport for which they are being recognized, and any accolades they received while at Halstead High School.
https://forms.gle/dZe1fdNYXAs3gSJy9
If you have additional information or supporting materials, please email them to Halstead High School Athletic Director Nick Barnes at nbarnes@usd440.com.
🌿 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
Youth Basketball Camps (6/2-6/4)
As we begin youth basketball camps tomorrow, please note the following important information regarding entry:
High School Auxiliary Gym- Campers should enter through the east doors by the tennis courts to enter the facility.
Middle School New Gym- Campers should use the southwest doors to enter the facility.
******WALK-UPS ARE WELCOME*****
If you have any questions, please contact Coach Schutte or Coach Paramore.
Thank you, and we look forward to a great week of camp!
Congratulations to Evan Wiedeman on his 4th place finish in high jump at the state meet today! #DragonProud
Congratulations to Noah Diehl, Zach Gavlak and Brock Odendahl on receiving All-CKL recognition! #DragonProud
Good luck to all the HHS State Track participants!!! #DragonProud
Halstead High School State Track Send Off and Event Information
Location: Wichita State University-Cessna Stadium ( 21st and Hillside, Wichita, 67208)
Admissions: $10.00 ( Cash or Credit Card)
***Clear Bag Policy***
Summer Meals Program
Please note meals will be served at the Middle School this year due to construction at the High School
Congratulation to Katharine Engel and Sloane Linton on being selected Honorable Mention All-CKL!
Congratulation to Brett Young and Onnyka Nedich on being selected 2nd Team All-CKL!
Congratulation to Kaci Young, Addison Thompson, and Thea Boese on being selected First Team All-CKL!
Halstead High School Boys Basketball Camp Information
Although the official registration deadline has passed, we’re still welcoming sign-ups for the upcoming High School Boys Basketball Camp. Please see the attached documents for information related to the upcoming HS boys basketball camp. Contact Coach Paramore for further information at lparamore@usd440.com.
2025 STATE TRACK SENDOFF INFORMATION
Date: Friday, May 30
TIme: 7:30AM
UPDATED USD 440 Summer Activities Calendars and Important Information
Please see the attached documents for the most up-to-date summer activities calendars and important information.
Best of luck to Maxx Linton as he competes in the 3A State Golf Tournament in Garden City! #DragonProud
Location:
Garden City-Buffalo Dunes
5685 S. Hwy 83, Garden City, 67846
Tee Time: 10:20am
USD 440 Summer Activity Calendars and Information
