In this edition ...

Five students at Indian Hills Middle School, Shawnee Mission USD 512, were recently crowned the champions of the 2025 National Space Grand Challenge, a prestigious, virtual, game-based cybersecurity competition. The annual event challenges middle and high school students to develop cyber and IT skills through an innovative blend of STEM, space themes, gamification, and esports.

Feeding children to fuel their minds is what motivates Erin Taff to be one of the child nutrition heroes in South Brown County USD 430. 

“As with many districts, the meals some of our students receive at school may be the only things they get to eat that day,” she said. “For me, it is all about the kids. We try hard as a team to not only feed their bellies but to feed their souls with love and compassion each and every day.” 

As summer break approaches, how can Kansas families and educators help students hold onto the academic gains they've made throughout the year? In the May 8 episode of KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore practical strategies to prevent the “summer slide” — the learning loss that can happen when students are out of the classroom for extended periods.

As an administrator in a small, rural district in western Kansas, Jessica Ralston wears many hats, ranging from handling disciplinary issues, to leading instructional leadership, substitute teaching and covering the lunchroom. 

“While it’s certainly stretched me, it’s also accelerated my growth,” said the first-year principal at Bucklin Elementary, Bucklin USD 459. “I’ve had the chance to engage deeply with every facet of school operations which is something that might have taken years in a larger district.”  

School Principals Day is May 1, a day to recognize and appreciate the work principals do to create positive learning environments that impact children’s educational experiences.