Definitely a lot of showers so far this spring, so hopefully the old adage that April showers bring beautiful May flowers proves true in a few weeks.
You know me well enough by now to know I love to brag about the incredible accomplishments of our students. Earlier editions this year have highlighted the outstanding success our students achieved on the 2025 state assessments in Math, Language Arts, and Science, where Spring Hill Schools outperformed more than 98 percent of districts across Kansas. We have also celebrated the recognition from U.S. News and World Report, ranking many of our schools among the very best in the state.
Another major academic milestone recently came to our attention. The Spring Hill High School Class of 2025 earned a composite ACT score of 21.2. This places our students second highest in Johnson County and within the top five of all Kansas school districts.
Student academic success does not happen by chance. It is the result of a shared commitment among our students, staff, families, and community, all working together toward common goals.
|
|
|
Parent-Teacher Conference Survey
|
Parent–Teacher Conferences were held in March this year rather than February. This adjustment was made after recognizing that the early part of second semester often includes interruptions such as the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Presidents Day, and weather-related cancellations.
While the 2026–27 District Calendar has already been approved, we would still value your feedback on the March conference schedule. Your input will help guide future decisions as we continue working to best serve our students and families.
The survey can be accessed here.
|
|
|
Legislative Session Update |
As of the press deadline for this edition of Link’d In, the Kansas Legislature was in its two-day veto session, and not all education-related legislation had been finalized. However, one significant measure has been passed and signed into law.
Beginning with the 2026–27 school year, Kansas will implement a statewide restriction on student use of personal electronic communication devices during the school day.
Under the new law:
• Devices must be stored in an inaccessible location
• The policy applies from the start of the school day through dismissal
• Restrictions include lunch and passing periods
The law defines a personal device as any privately owned wireless device capable of voice, text, or video communication, including cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, and earbuds or headphones.
USD 230 is currently developing procedures to ensure consistent implementation across all schools. Recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education on May 11, 2026.
|
|
|
|
Below are our latest enrollment numbers as of April 9, 2026.
(The total enrollment number reflects the approximately thirty students who completed their Senior Year at the conclusion of the first semester).
|
(2024-2025 total enrollment was 3,968 students.) |
|
|
|
Students from all three of our middle schools recently took part in RealityU at Forest Spring Middle School, a hands-on financial literacy experience that brought real-world decision making to life. During the simulation, students were challenged to budget for everyday expenses, make choices about careers and lifestyles, and adjust when their finances did not quite go as planned.
From deciding what kind of car to drive to managing spending on dining and daily needs, students gained a deeper understanding of the financial responsibilities that come with adulthood. Take a look at the video below to see RealityU in action and how our students are building skills for life beyond the classroom.
|
|
|
SHHS Jazz Band Earns Top Marks! |
Congratulations to the Spring Hill High School Jazz Band on earning Outstanding High School Band honors at the MidAmerica Nazarene University Jazz Festival. Under the direction of Tristan Bartley, these talented students delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing their dedication, musicianship, and commitment to excellence. |
|
|
Kindergarten Roundup took place on April 10, welcoming our newest learners and their families to Spring Hill Schools. This exciting milestone gave incoming kindergarten students a chance to visit their school, meet staff, and begin building connections that will support a strong start to their educational journey. We are thrilled to welcome the Class of 2039 and look forward to an incredible year ahead! |
|
|
|
March Standing Ovation Winners |
Congratulations to our March Standing Ovation winners! |
- Alec Hitchens (Spring Hill Middle)
- Marcel Kadera-Redmond (Spring Hill Elementary)
- Lisa McKoon (Prairie Creek Elementary)
- Gail Nuessen (Woodland Spring Middle)
|
Use this link to nominate a Spring Hill Schools employee today ---> https://qrs.ly/56h4nay
Thank you to Queen’s Price Chopper in Spring Hill for sponsoring this recognition!
|
|
|
|
199th Street Closure Continues |
|
|
A reminder that 199th Street continues to be closed, with the road scheduled to reopen on April 18, 2026.
During this time, access to the District Office and Educational Support building will remain available by traveling west on 199th Street from Renner Road. The roundabout will remain open for traffic traveling north and south on Ridgeview Road and west on 199th Street.
Please plan accordingly and allow additional travel time as needed.
|
|
|
|
|
Event calendars for each school are available online at the links below. |
|
|
Access the 2025-26 Academic Calendar at this link!
|
|
|
After today, just twenty-nine attendance days remain as our school year is set to conclude on Thursday, May 21. Until then, our schools will be filled with a wide range of activities, events, programs, and concerts that showcase the incredible talents of our students and staff.
We hope you are able to attend and support these opportunities. As always, I continue to be amazed and grateful for the strong support our school community shows in every area.
|
|
|
PS: Be sure and follow some of our USD 230 Social Media Sites on Facebook: SHEarlyLearningAcademy, DCESCavaliers, PCESMustangs, SHESColts, TSESRangers, WCESWranglers, FSMSChargers, SHMSMavericks, WSMSStallions, and SHHSBroncos
Most importantly, follow me on ‘X’ at USD230Supt.
|
|
|
|
