We are hiring paras at Garfield Elementary! #Celebrate379
1 day ago, USD379 Communications
Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative and USD 379 hiring flyer for a paraprofessional at Garfield Elementary in Clay Center. Duties include supporting instruction and helping students build skills and confidence. Starting hourly pay ranges from $13.80 with a high school diploma to $16.05 with a teaching license, with possible increases for experience. Benefits include insurance, paid leave, and professional development. Apply at usd379.org/jobs. Questions: Erica Bammes, ericabammes@usd379.org or 785-632-1229.
Garfield October BOE Report #Celebrate379
9 days ago, USD379 Communications
Garfield Elementary October 2026 Board Report in orange, black, and white. School-year attendance is 98%, exceeding the 95% goal, with a line chart showing daily attendance. Updates include individualized reading support through Walk to Intervention, Farm Safety Day with FFA on October 9, and Leader in Me incentives. Parent-teacher conferences are October 21, 4–8 p.m., and October 22, 8 a.m.–8 p.m., with a goal of 100% family participation. A Garfield Bengals logo appears at the bottom left.
Garfield Elementary October 2026 Board Report showing fall Aimsweb diagnostic results in four color-coded pyramid charts. Fourth-grade math: 67% low risk, 10% moderate risk, and 23% high risk. Fourth-grade reading: 78% low risk, 9% moderate risk, and 13% high risk. Fifth-grade math: 61% low risk, 17% moderate risk, and 22% high risk. Fifth-grade reading: 70% low risk, 17% moderate risk, and 13% high risk. Green represents Tier 1, yellow Tier 2, and red Tier 3.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time. These fitness components will continue to be developed throughout the year through games, units, warm-ups, and other physical activities! #Celebrate379
18 days ago, USD379 Communications
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Students in Mrs. Craig’s PE classes spent four days learning about the health-related and skill-related components of fitness through a variety of fun and challenging fitness stations. Students explored skills such as cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, agility, power, speed, balance, coordination, and reaction time.
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students can choose from 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill! Different options include:
Diamond Painting
Walking Club
Chance to Win Promoters
Outdoor Games
Drawing Club
Arts & Crafts
Canva Crew
Photography
#Celebrate379
22 days ago, USD379 Communications
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
Every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon at GES is dedicated to Bengal Innovators. Every three weeks, students get to choose between 10 different passion projects. It's a time to enjoy the outdoors, get creative, or learn a new skill
It's Clay County Conservation Poster Contest time again! LES & GES art teacher Mrs. Hauck is having all K-5 students create a poster with the theme of "Soil. Where it all begins." Judging will take place in October, with the top 3 students in the K-1, 2-3, and 4-5 grade levels earning recognition, and the first-place winners moving on to the state competition. #Celebrate379
24 days ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Hauck's 5th graders work on their soil conversation posters.
Mrs. Chestnut taught her 5th graders about paragraph structure in a unique way, using the "Yummy" method. Who doesn't love thinking about hamburgers while writing? #Celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Chestnut taught her 5th graders about paragraph structure in a unique way, using the "Yummy" method.
Mrs. Chestnut taught her 5th graders about paragraph structure in a unique way, using the "Yummy" method.
Mrs. Chestnut taught her 5th graders about paragraph structure in a unique way, using the "Yummy" method.
Mrs. Chestnut taught her 5th graders about paragraph structure in a unique way, using the "Yummy" method.
GES September BOE Report #Celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Garfield Elementary’s September 2026 Board Report highlights a total enrollment of 155 students—70 fourth graders and 85 fifth graders. Students are completing AimsWeb and iReady diagnostic testing, while enjoying rotating classes, school-wide jobs, and the Leader in Me curriculum.
There is a lot that goes into ELA instruction at the K-5 level. But sometimes, it just comes down to teaching kids to love reading! Every Friday, Mrs. Knepper has "Flashlight Friday", where students read in the dark with flashlights for 15 minutes. #Celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Knepper's class reads in the dark as part of "Flashlight Friday".
Mrs. Knepper's class reads in the dark as part of "Flashlight Friday".
Mrs. Knepper's class reads in the dark as part of "Flashlight Friday".
Mrs. Knepper's class reads in the dark as part of "Flashlight Friday".
Mrs. Knepper's class reads in the dark as part of "Flashlight Friday".
Mrs. Knepper's 5th graders reviewed how the alphabet and how the dictionary can be divided into four sections called quartiles. Quartile means one of four parts. We use the pneumonic “Aliens Eat Marshmallow Sandwiches”, or AEMS, to help us remember where each quartile begins.

The next day, Mrs. Knepper called out random letters and had students decide which quartile each belonged in. Knowing these four sections help students narrow down where to look for a word in the dictionary, making dictionary searches faster and easier. #Celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Knepper's 5th graders reviewed how the alphabet and how the dictionary can be divided into four sections called quartiles. Quartile means one of four parts. We use the pneumonic “Aliens Eat Marshmallow Sandwiches”, or AEMS, to help us remember where each quartile begins. The next day, Mrs. Knepper called out random letters and had students decide which quartile each belonged in. Knowing these four sections help students narrow down where to look for a word in the dictionary, making dictionary searches faster and easier.
Mrs. Knepper's 5th graders reviewed how the alphabet and how the dictionary can be divided into four sections called quartiles. Quartile means one of four parts. We use the pneumonic “Aliens Eat Marshmallow Sandwiches”, or AEMS, to help us remember where each quartile begins. The next day, Mrs. Knepper called out random letters and had students decide which quartile each belonged in. Knowing these four sections help students narrow down where to look for a word in the dictionary, making dictionary searches faster and easier. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper's 5th graders reviewed how the alphabet and how the dictionary can be divided into four sections called quartiles. Quartile means one of four parts. We use the pneumonic “Aliens Eat Marshmallow Sandwiches”, or AEMS, to help us remember where each quartile begins. The next day, Mrs. Knepper called out random letters and had students decide which quartile each belonged in. Knowing these four sections help students narrow down where to look for a word in the dictionary, making dictionary searches faster and easier. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story this week with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
about 1 month ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story. This is a comprehension strategy that all Garfield classes use. #Celebrate379
Mrs. Knepper started a new ELA story with "Big Idea" vocabulary. Students learned the definitions of possible unknown words that would occur in the story.

Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about which "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks. #Celebrate379

about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about how "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks.
Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about how "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks.
Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about how "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks.
Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about how "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks.
Mrs. Cott gets into homerooms at least once every other week for Leader In Me counseling lessons. Today, she taught Ms. Bott's 5th graders about "big rocks and small rocks." Students thought about how "big rocks" take up a lot of space in their jar, and how "small rocks" can add up quickly and take over the jar, even when they aren't as important as the big rocks.
Mrs. Schurle's science classes were in investigative mode today. What happens to all of the leaves that drop in the fall that don't get picked up? #Celebrate379
about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Schurle's science classes were in investigative mode today. What happens to all of the leaves that drop in the fall that don't get picked up?
Mrs. Schurle's science classes were in investigative mode today. What happens to all of the leaves that drop in the fall that don't get picked up?
Mrs. Schurle's science classes were in investigative mode today. What happens to all of the leaves that drop in the fall that don't get picked up?
Mrs. Schurle's science classes were in investigative mode today. What happens to all of the leaves that drop in the fall that don't get picked up?
NextGen Under 30 recognizes and encourages the next generation of innovative, creative, and inspiring individuals who push boundaries across various fields. Congratulations, Mr. Wichman! #Celebrate379
about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Recognition graphic featuring Kelby Wichman, a fourth-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary, who was named a 2026 NextGen Under 30 Kansas K–12 Education winner.
Each Friday, students in Mrs. Ferguson's class vote on a class G.O.A.T., listing the 7 Habits and specific examples of great behavior they witnessed from a classmate that week. Here's the post for week one. #Celebrate379
about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Evve Lipker smiles while holding a trophy and certificate recognizing her as Mrs. Ferguson’s first Class G.O.A.T. Award winner for demonstrating positive habits, including kindness, inclusion, and hard work.
It's concert prep season in Mrs. Rourke's music classes! This year, she is giving her students the opportunity to choreograph their routine for each song. Today, students broke into small groups to develop their ideas. Taylor Swift would be jealous! #Celebrate379
about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
Mrs. Rourke's 5th grade music classes come up with choreograph ideas for the songs they will sing in their upcoming fall concert.
At USD 379, i-Ready Math is one of many tools our teachers use to help students grow and succeed. Students spend very little time on a screen each week, so when they do, it needs to be highly instructional.

Teachers use i-Ready insights to identify individual needs, guide small-group instruction, and provide hands-on learning opportunities. In Mrs. McDonald's 4th-grade classroom, students took the initial diagnostic assessment today. Then, the i-Ready program will place them at their level, supporting personalized instruction. #Celebrate379
about 2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
It’s only the 4th day of 4th grade, but Mrs. Pfizenmaier's students are already teaching Leader in Me lessons! Today’s lesson was how to be proactive by taking initiative inside and outside of school! #Celebrate379
2 months ago, USD379 Communications
It’s only the 4th day of 4th grade, but Mrs. Pfizenmaier's students are already teaching Leader in Me lessons! Today’s lesson was how to be proactive by taking initiative inside and outside of school!
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Garfield! #Celebrate379
2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome to Garfield graphic introducing Renee Taggart, Special Education. The graphic features Renee’s portrait and highlights her education at Ridgewood High School and Kansas State University, her experience as a teacher’s aide, Title I aide, student teacher, and childcare provider, as well as information about her family.
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Garfield! #Celebrate379
2 months ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome to Garfield graphic introducing Victoria Whitaker, Special Education. The graphic features Victoria’s portrait and highlights her educational, professional, and personal background, including her teaching experience, ongoing master’s degree work at Fort Hays State University, and family.
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Lincoln and Garfield! #Celebrate379
3 months ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome graphic introducing new USD 379 K-5 art teacher Jeannie Hauck. The graphic features a headshot of Jeannie outdoors alongside information about her background. She graduated from Palo Alto High School in California, earned her bachelor's degree from Colorado Mesa University, and is completing her master's degree at Fort Hays State University. She previously taught K-12 art in Miltonvale and K-5 art in Geary County. Jeannie is a mother of three, grandmother of five, and great-grandmother of one. She enjoys gardening, owns an art studio called The Purple Door in Clay Center, and has a Bernese Mountain Dog named Sophia. Her name and position, "Jeannie Hauck – K-5 Art," are displayed prominently on the graphic.