As we celebrate American Education Week, we wanted to thank our staff for their dedication to providing an inviting, safe, innovative, and loving environment for our students to learn. Together, we achieve excellence!
Sincerely,
USD 308 Board of Education & Administration
We are kicking off American Education Week!
Celebrated each year the week before Thanksgiving, American Education Week: “An educational week ... observed in all communities annually for the purpose of informing the public of the accomplishments and needs of the public schools and to secure the cooperation and support of the public in meeting those needs.” This year’s theme is “Together for Safe, Just & Equitable Schools.”
We will be celebrating our staff, parents, and community all week. If you’d like to get in on the fun, you can leave a kudos here: www.usd308.com/staffkudos
#aew2023 #letsgetloud #onceasalthawkalwaysasalthawk
New Calm Room at Hutchinson High School Named After Former Educator
HUTCHINSON, KS- Rusty’s room is a new safe space for students to re-center both physically and emotionally outside of their Hutch High classroom. Named after Rusty Hilst, a Hutchinson High school teacher and golf coach, the room sits in the classroom where he taught Math for 53 of his 54 years of teaching.
Located in C-hall, Rusty’s room hosts soft chairs, soft lighting, a therapy dog named Coco, fidget items, a bubble tube light zone, calming sounds, and other self-regulation opportunities. The calm room aims to lower tension. There is a ClearTouch screen to watch guided meditation and breathing videos. One chair in the room is a privacy chair with high sides and a cushioned seat.
Part of the self-regulation challenge is educating the educators on how and when to use the room. “Students who are dysregulated have different needs than those that are in need of a nurse or needing behavior modification. Sometimes a student just needs a break because they have become overwhelmed with life and they can’t focus on their school work for a bit. We are able to impact students within minutes by offering a calm environment to reset and return to class.” said Jan Young, one of the school social workers overseeing Rusty’s Room.
Students may request to visit Rusty’s room, but teacher or administrator approval is required. Maximum capacity is 3 students at any time in order to give each student ample space and privacy. All time in the room is supervised by a social worker or educational aide with the intent of a student returning to the learning environment as quickly as possible. Rusty’s room also hosts a small group of students for a recurring coping skills meeting and a group focusing on life skills for special education students.
“We know it works because we have seen these techniques put to use in the education environment in the past. We have simply created a space to use them. We all know that slow, regulated breathing is scientifically proven to lower your heart rate. You’ve probably used breathing practices in your life.” Tanya Martin-Nisly stated. Martin-Nisly is also a social worker at HHS. “If a student can drop in for a few minutes to reset then they may be less likely to skip class, or be confrontational with other students or staff. We just want the students to be able to focus on learning and you can’t learn if you’re dysregulated.” As usage of the room catches on, HHS staff hope to track how many minutes students spend in the room during the 2023-2024 school year and are looking for a correlation in attendance, absenteeism, or instances of behavior requiring disciplinary action.
“I’ll be honest, as a Hutch High grad, I can’t tell you enough how much a room like this would’ve helped! We are so lucky to be able to offer this room to our students,” Kurtis Ferguson, educational aide.
Reminder! Tonight is an optional MS 101 Night for parents/guardians. See the attached graphic for information!
Welcome back, Salthawks!
The first Salthawk Talk of the new year has arrived!
https://fb.watch/mvv75CE5Ep/
Your 7th graders have been hard at work learning how to do middle school. Here is an (optional) opportunity for parents/guardians who are new to secondary schools to learn, too! Below is information on a chance to hear about middle school specific programs and tools to help you best support your student. We recognize this is short notice, but felt it was important to offer this early in the school year. If you cannot attend, there will be additional Middle School 101 nights offered throughout the school year. And as always - please don’t hesitate to call our office with any questions at (620)615-4700.
Our Nutrition team had one crazy summer! They served over 66,000 lunches at three sites in the months of June and July.
They are back in schools serving yummy breakfasts and hot lunches today! Let's hear it for the Nutrition Team! 👏
Read the story here: https://hutchpost.com/posts/a0cd4415-f3b1-433f-b5a8-bae117f6bdd1
We can't wait to see you!
Your Salthawk Summer Newsletter has arrived!
If you have questions about the 2023-2024 school year, including how to enroll, you'll find the answers here: https://www.smore.com/3ua9k
Hey Salthawks, LET'S GET LOUD!!
The nominations are in for the 2023 Best of the Best and we are asking you to take just a moment each day to vote for:
- Hutchinson High School in the School- Public category
- Hutchinson Career & Technical in the Technical/Trade School category
You may vote once a day until 7/20. https://bit.ly/usd308BOB2023
#letsgetloud #salthawks #onceasalthawkalwaysasalthawk
Hey Salthawks, let's show Hutch who's Best!
The nominations are in for the 2023 Best of the Best and we are asking you to take just a moment each day to vote for:
- Hutchinson High School in the School- Public category
- Hutchinson Career & Technical in the Technical/Trade School category
You may vote once a day until 7/20.
https://bit.ly/usd308BOB2023
Don't miss out on the HHS Forensics Showcase tomorrow at 7:00 p.m. at the PLC! ✅✨ #SalthawkStrong
As a reminder, Hutchinson Public Schools is seeking feedback from the community as they develop their new strategic plan. All responses are confidential, and no individual answers will be shared with USD 308. https://bit.ly/USD308plansurvey #SalthawkStrong
Support the HHS Theatre Troupe by having them egg your lawn! 🥚🐣🍬 Scan the QR code for more information! #SalthawkStrong
Support Salthawk Athletics this weekend at the We Are Salthawks Ultimate Benefit & Auction! 🏈🏀⚽️✨ Saturday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. on the Kansas State Fairgrounds Cottonwood Court. Purchase your tickets here: Salthawk.givesmart.com #SalhawkStrong
Public Schools Week is Feb. 27 - Mar. 3! Join us in celebrating public schools and the dedicated educators and professionals who support students in so many ways. #SalthawkStrong
It's never too early to get a jump start on their education! 🖍🎓 USD 308, Reno County Head Start, and Early Education Center of Reno County are now taking preschool applications for the 2023-2034 school year! Call now to schedule an appointment 👉🏽 620-615-5750. #SalthawkStrong
Happy Valentine's Day from USD 308! 💖🍫🌹 Tag your Valentine in the comments! #SalthawkStrong
The Hutchinson High School Winter Homecoming candidates stopped by Graber Elementary this afternoon to read to classes! 💙📚👑 #SalthawkStrong
Have plans for that special someone on Valentine's Day? 🤔 Send them a Singing Valentine from the HHS Expressives and Harmonics! 💙🎶 For $20, a choir will travel to your sweetie for a beautiful serenade! Contact wilson.roger@usd308.com to schedule now! #SalthawkStrong
