Eisenhower Elementary School Principal Abigail Jonas and staff had data to show how students are gaining proficiency in reading and math as the 2025-2026 school year progresses. For Wednesday’s USD 428 Board of Education meeting at their school, Eisenhower students were also presenters.
Kindergartners demonstrated how Eisenhower starts each day, with greetings, morning messages and a “wiggle dance” that board members were invited to learn. Then they asked if any board members wanted to share something they are looking forward to this summer. Superintendent Khris Thexton plans to play some golf; others are taking trips or watching sports tournaments.
“Our emphasis this year was moving Eisenhower in the right direction academically and with social-emotional skills,” Jonas said. “This month’s focus is testing and academics.”
Instructional Coach Katie Zimmerman said goals were set throughout the year. Every class showed growth in reading and math. “A lot of little things we have done (led to) big improvement,” she said. Students were engaged as they colored a thermometer graph to mark their progress.
Student & Family Advocate Alex Westhoff said the new Character Strong program focuses on a different character trait each month. This month’s word is “courage.”
Third-grade teacher Jordan Ewing shared a video of a pep rally held at the school before the Kansas State Assessments. Eisenhower collaborated with Great Bend High School’s cheer leaders, dancers and band members.
Second-grade teacher Ashlee Bevan said one thing Eisenhower wants to implement next year is a sensory path on the playground. A sensory path is a series of markings or art that students can follow to complete a variety of sensory-motor activities.
Fifth-grade teacher Kalee Maneth introduced some of the older Stuco members, who talked about school activities they helped plan or implement this year. These included celebrating Veterans Day, planning spirit weeks, delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to classrooms and doing “cookie drops” to community members.
