This milestone was made possible in partnership with Hutch in Harmony, a reflection of what's possible when our community comes together with purpose.
This is our values in action:
💙 Compassion — meeting families where they are
✅ Integrity — ensuring every family has equal access to the information they need
💡 Innovation — finding new ways to serve our community
Access the 2026-2027 Academic Calendar in English and Spanish at www.usd308.com/calendar — and don't forget, our website is available in four languages to make sure every family in our community feels at home.
#USD308 #HutchInHarmony #HutchKS #TogetherWeAchieve #Compassion #Integrity #Innovation
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Recordatorio de la reunión del BOE
La Junta de Educación del USD 308 llevará a cabo su reunión programada regularmente a las 6:00 p. m., el lunes 6 de marzo, en el Centro de Administración del USD 308 ubicado en 1520 N Plum Street. La agenda está disponible en www.usd308.com/boe
☀️The 2026 SUN Bucks application is open! Learn more: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.
SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help families pay for groceries during the summer months.
Some children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Those families should receive a letter soon confirming their enrollment.
If you do not receive an enrollment letter in the next few weeks and believe your child may be eligible based on the guidelines, you will need to apply. Applications for summer 2026 must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.
SUN Bucks 2026 benefits should be distributed this summer. We’ll share updates about the distribution timeline as details become available.
Check out www.usd308.com/article/2740775 for a recap of last week's events and a glimpse at what's coming soon!
🏆 State medals in wrestling
🎤 Forensics bringing home hardware (and a new state qualifier!)
🏀 Substate basketball tipping off
🔧 SkillsUSA competitors headed to the State Fairgrounds
🎶 Middle school choir on the road
📚 Elementary Spelling Bee this Saturday
From mats to microphones to career competitions, our students are showing perseverance, integrity, innovation, and compassion every single day. Extracurriculars aren’t “extra” — they’re how we’re educating and empowering every Salthawk for life and preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s world.
Let’s go, Salthawks! 💙💛
📣 We’re Hiring at USD 308! Join Our Team! 🍎
🔗 Apply today at: www.usd308.com/hiring
USD 308 is looking for passionate, dedicated individuals to join our team for the 2026-2027 school year and make a difference in the lives of students every day. Whether you’re an experienced educator, a recent graduate, or someone looking to support students in a meaningful way, we have opportunities available across multiple departments.
✨ Now Hiring:
-High School: Agricultural Education Teacher, English Teacher, Instructional Coach, Math Teacher
-Middle School: Art Teacher, Math Teacher, Kitchen Assistant
-Elementary School: Classroom Teachers, Instructional Support, Special Education Teacher, Structured Learning Teacher
-Early Childhood: Pre-K Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Child Care Lead & Assistant Teacher, Cook, Family Support Worker, Early Childhood Site Manager
Administrative & Support Staff Including:
-Asst. Director of Curriculum
-Elementary Principal
-Paraeducators (Instructional & Specialized)
-Hearing Impaired Interpreter
-Educational Aide
-Substitute Teachers
-Custodial Staff
-Registered Nurse
-Social Worker
At USD 308, we are committed to:
✔ Supporting student success
✔ Providing competitive pay and benefits
✔ Offering professional development opportunities
✔ Creating a positive and collaborative work environment
If you’re ready to make an impact and be part of a team that truly cares about students and community, we’d love to hear from you!
🔗 Apply today at: www.usd308.com/hiring
📍 Hutchinson, Kansas
Educating and Empowering Every Salthawk For Life ❤️
#USD308 #NowHiring #EducationCareers #HutchinsonKS #JoinOurTeam
Highlights include:
✔️ Approval of the 2026–2027 academic calendar, including a no-work, no-school day during the Kansas State Fair (Check out www.usd308.com/calendar)
✔️ Professional development focused on the power of feedback through Visible Learning
✔️ Grants and donations supporting: student athletics, elementary meal debt relief, Stephanie Kraus memorial, and Lil’ Hawks Child Care Center
Read more here: www.usd308.com/article/2726821
We’re proud of the great things happening across the district - from students advancing to the State Kid Wind Competition to a Hutch High senior earning the prestigious Rudd Scholarship! Read more good news here: www.usd308.com/news
The next Board meeting will be on March 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the USD 308 Administration Center. Full agenda details are available at www.usd308.com/boe
.
Professional development isn’t just a day on the calendar — it’s how we ensure every student gets the very best from us, every single day.
In our district, we use the Visible Learning framework developed by John Hattie to guide our growth as educators. This research-based approach helps us focus on what truly makes the greatest impact on student achievement. It challenges us to reflect on our practice, use evidence to drive instruction, and continually ask: What works best for students?
A key pillar of Visible Learning is feedback. Research shows that clear, timely, and specific feedback is one of the highest-impact influences on student achievement. Effective feedback helps students understand where they are, where they’re going, and what steps they need to take next. It also encourages teachers to seek feedback on their own instructional practices — creating a culture where learning is visible not just for students, but for educators as well.
When our teachers learn and refine their practice through meaningful feedback, our students benefit. Professional development strengthens instructional strategies, builds collaboration, and keeps us aligned around high-impact practices. It ensures we are not just working hard — but working smart — with clarity, purpose, and measurable results.
Investing in our staff is an investment in our students’ success. 💙
⭐ Perseverance ⭐ Compassion ⭐ Integrity ⭐ Innovation ⭐
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 23, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street. The board will begin its meeting at 5:00 p.m. for a Lil’ Hawks Head Start & Cyber Security Training. The regular meeting will follow at 6:00 p.m.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Recordatorio de la reunión del BOE
La Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Unificado 308 celebrará su reunión ordinaria a las 18:00 h del lunes 23 de febrero en el Centro de Administración del Distrito Escolar Unificado 308, ubicado en 1520 N Plum Street. La junta comenzará su reunión a las 17:00 h para una capacitación de Lil' Hawks Head Start y Ciberseguridad. La reunión ordinaria se realizará a continuación a las 18:00 h.
La agenda está disponible en www.usd308.com/boe
From balancing varsity soccer, IB Health Sciences and leadership in HOSA, Giselle has demonstrated grit, determination and heart. Out of more than 700 applicants statewide, only 50 students were selected for this prestigious award. The scholarship covers tuition, room and board, books and more — opening doors as she pursues a nursing degree at Fort Hays State University. We are incredibly proud of Giselle and can’t wait to see the impact she will make in the health care field!
Read the full article here: www.usd308.com/article/2720245
Luke Berblinger Named New Head Salthawk Football Coach
HUTCHINSON, KS- Luke Berblinger, a Hutchinson native and Buhler High School graduate, has been named the new coach of Hutchinson High School Football.
Berblinger starred at Buhler High School, where he helped lead the Crusaders to a State Football Championship in 2013. At Emporia State University, Berblinger competed as a slotback from 2014–2017 while earning his bachelor’s degree in Health & Human Performance in 2018.
Following his playing career, Berblinger quickly transitioned into coaching, serving as a student assistant slotbacks and strength and conditioning coach at Emporia State from 2017–18, then as a graduate assistant in 2019.
Berblinger spent the last seven seasons on the coaching staff at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) under Head Coach Tom Matukewicz, holding a variety of roles including offensive quality control, video coordinator, running backs coach, tight ends coach, and special teams coordinator.
During that period, Southeast Missouri State football was part of a stretch of sustained success, highlighted by three Ohio Valley Conference championships (2019, 2022, 2024), a peak national ranking of No. 6 in October 2024, and the program’s receipt of the 2024–25 Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Cup for overall athletic excellence.
Berblinger and his wife, Baylee—a Hutchinson High School graduate—have a daughter, Lucy, and are excited to raise their family in the community that helped shape who they are today.
Photo Credit: SEMO
For interviews and media inquiries:
Stacy Goss
USD 308 Director of Communications
info@usd308.com
620-665-4048
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold its regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m., Monday, February 9, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Myka Thompson - Butler Community College - Volleyball
Jeremyah Gaitho-Karanu - Lincoln University - Football
Jaden Durant - Seward County Community College - Softball
Stephanie Jenkins - Missouri Valley College - Dance Team
Kylan Mendoza - Sterling College - Football
Jenna Giles - Friends University - Cheer Team
Tramel Walker - Southern Nazarene University - Football
Follow the link for the full article and additional photos : www.usd308.com/article/2682336
Middle School basketball is cancelled. The USD 308 Board Meeting will be held at 6:00pm at the Administration Center.
An important message from our mass communication system: There are current cell phone carrier delays that may delay voice calls. This alert was sent to all parents/guardians in our system via phone call, text message and email.
Reminder: There will be no school for USD 308 on Monday, January 19.
The following week, there will be no school on Thursday, January 29, due to Parent/Teacher Conferences, and no school on Friday, January 30.
******
Recordatorio: No habrá clases en el distrito escolar USD 308 el lunes 19 de enero.
La semana siguiente, no habrá clases el jueves 29 de enero debido a las reuniones de padres y maestros, ni tampoco el viernes 30 de enero.
HCTEA Shines at SkillsUSA District Tournament, Qualifies Nine Students for State Competition
HUTCHINSON, KS – Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy (HCTEA) hosted the SkillsUSA District Tournament on Thursday, November 20, welcoming students from Pratt and Ellinwood high schools. The event featured Leadership competitions including Job Interview, Job Demonstration A, and Job Demonstration Open.
SkillsUSA is a national organization that provides students in technical and career training programs, from middle school through postsecondary education, opportunities to develop leadership skills, compete in industry-related events, and connect with local employers.
HCTEA students dominated the district, qualifying nine out of ten positions for the State SkillsUSA Conference, which will be held March 2–3, 2026. Contestants represented HCTEA’s Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, and Machining programs. Judges represented the professional community from around Reno County.
District Results:
Job Interview – Postsecondary
1st Place: Chyanne Myers, HCTEA (Hutchinson Community College)
Job Interview – High School
1st Place: Weldon Stanley, HCTEA (Haven HS)
2nd Place: Blake Beamont, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
3rd Place: Brody Root, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
Job Demonstration A
1st Place: Jake Wolfe, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Johanna Forssberg, (Pratt HS)
3rd Place: Harlie Terrell, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
Job Demonstration Open
1st Place: Hayden Von Ahnen, HCTEA (Hutchinson HS)
2nd Place: Jared Miller, HCTEA (Buhler HS)
3rd Place: Tanner Loughrie, HCTEA (Haven HS)
Glenna Burden, SkillsUSA Sponsor and HHS Government Teacher, said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our students for their outstanding performances at the SkillsUSA district competition. Their dedication and professionalism truly shined, and they represented our school with exceptional skill and character. Watching them grow into confident, capable leaders is the greatest reward of all.”
HCTEA is proud of the students’ accomplishments and looks forward to cheering them on at the State SkillsUSA Conference in March 2026. Their success reflects the dedication of both the students and instructors in preparing for these competitive leadership and technical events.
About HCTEA
Hutchinson Career & Technical Education Academy provides students with hands-on experience and career-focused training in fields such as Welding, Auto Body and Collision, Auto Mechanics, Machining, CAN/CMA Licensure and more. Programming is available to all Reno County high school students. HCTEA empowers students to develop leadership skills and technical expertise that prepare them for postsecondary education and the workforce.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 12, 2025
Media Contact:
Stacy Goss
Director of Communications
Hutchinson Public Schools USD 308
620-615-4048
communications@usd308.com
The USD 308 Board of Education will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 10, at the USD 308 Admin Center located at 1520 N Plum Street.
The agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe
Hutchinson Public Schools is one of only three school districts in Kansas to be
recognized by the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) and the Kansas State
Board of Education for achieving a Silver Star for excellence in preparing students for
kindergarten. This honor highlights USD 308’s commitment to early childhood education
and its strong partnerships with families and the community.
The Kansas State Department of Education emphasizes that a child’s path to lifelong
success begins well before kindergarten. Early learning experiences and strong
community partnerships play a vital role in preparing children for school and life.
Through its Kansans Can Star Recognition program, KSDE honors districts and
communities that provide high-quality, inclusive early childhood opportunities for young
children and their families. The goal is to ensure every child enters kindergarten at age
five socially, emotionally, and academically ready to learn and succeed.
Hutchinson Public Schools also received recognition in two additional areas. One for
their outcomes in individual plans of study (Bronze Star), providing opportunities for
students to experience connected learning which develops academic knowledge and
technical and employability skills. The other in social-emotional growth (Copper Star).,
promoting character competencies for life-long learning and success in life.
The Star Recognition Program celebrates Kansas school districts and systems for their
outstanding achievements in key areas that reflect success across the state’s education
system. The program highlights excellence, using both quantitative and qualitative
measures to showcase districts’ accomplishments and areas of strength. Districts can
receive gold, silver, bronze or copper stars.
This week we’re celebrating National School Lunch Week 2025 — and it’s all about fun, flavor, and fueling learning! 🎉
Students can look forward to themed lunches, fresh favorites, and special surprises in the cafeteria all week long.
Let’s make healthy eating exciting!
#NSLW2025 #SchoolNutrition #EatSmart
National School Lunch Week 2025 is celebrated from October 13–17, 2025, with the theme "Taste the World: Your School Lunch Passport". The week-long celebration, organized by the School Nutrition Association (SNA), highlights the importance of healthy school meals through international-themed menus and activities.
Homecoming Early Release Reminder & Parade Parking Update
Parents & Guardians- Don't forget that all schools dismiss one hour early tomorrow, Friday, 9/26. Boys & Girls Club, Trinity Treasures, and Hadley DayCare will be picking up students for the early dismissal. Durham bus will also be busing students home as usual with the early release.
If you are planning to attend the Homecoming Parade and/or football game- The Cosmosphere parking lots will not be available for parking. Please use other parking lots as indicated on the accompanying map.
For more information please visit www.usd308.com/hoco
eBoard Notes 9-22-2025
HUTCHINSON- The Hutchinson Public Schools Board of Education held its regular meeting Monday, September 22 at 6:00 PM at the Administrative Center located at 1520 North Plum St.
Hutchinson Public Schools has announced its accreditation for the 2025-2026 school year. The Kansas State Department of Education recently shifted from a five-year accreditation cycle to an annual accreditation model for all schools.
September 22 served as the official student count day across Kansas. Dr. Dawn Johnson noted continuing demographic trends, including lower birth rates in Reno County that have resulted in smaller kindergarten classes. This pattern mirrors a statewide decline, as Kansas saw 5,200 fewer students enrolled last year.
In her superintendent’s remarks, Dr. Johnson highlighted the District’s Virtual School and its use of Acellus software. The program grew by 37 students this year. The District selected Acellus specifically for its academic rigor.
Dr. Johnson also extended an invitation to Board members to join this week’s Homecoming festivities. Friday, September 26th is a one-hour early release for all schools so that students, families and staff can attend the homecoming parade. The parade will be held at 11th and Plum again this year. The start of the parade will be at 14th and Plum, traveling south and turning east on 11th. The parade will travel on the north side of 11th Street and will end at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Football fans will enjoy a packed pregame show at 6:20 PM as the District will recognize outstanding staff including Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees, Horizon Nominee, Certified Employee of the Year, Classified Employee of the Year, and the Salthawk Service Award. The Wall of Honor will recognize Brett Ballard, Class of 1998; Glenna Burden, Class of 1991; and Dwight Hemmerling, Class of 1966. Homecoming King will be crowned during the pregame show. Kickoff is at 7:00 against Salina South.
The halftime show will feature the crowning of the Homecoming Queen, performances by the Salthawk Marching Band and HHS Dance Team, and a Punt/Pass/Kick sponsored by Allen Samuels. The full list of Homecoming Royalty and the schedule of events can be found at www.usd308.com/hoco
The Lil’ Hawks Preschool program presented its annual report for the 2024-2025 school year. Lil’ Hawks operates 15 pre-k classrooms across multiple sites with additional programs serving children and pregnant mothers. For more information visit www.usd308.com/earlychildhood
There was no public participation during the meeting.
The Board approved the superintendent’s consent agenda, which included:
· A memorandum of understanding with Dillon Nature Center.
· Renewal of the Apptegy software and website hosting contract.
· A grant request.
The Dillon Nature Center MOU provides for 45 programs or field trips during the 2025-2026 school year, as well as Arbor Day and Conservation Day programming in spring 2026.
The grant request included a single item: $305 for Lincoln-McCandless Elementary to create a reading corner through DonorsChoose. Emily Moore, Lincoln-McCandless Elementary Principal, said, “Thanks to the grant funding, our fourth graders are transforming their classroom into a vibrant, flexible learning space designed to spark a love for reading! From cozy rugs and soft pillows to comfy cushions and chair fidget bands, students will have inviting, flexible seating options that make reading fun while boosting focus and concentration.”
The personnel report was approved as presented. No executive session was held.
The full agenda is available at www.usd308.com/boe. The next Board of Education meeting will be held October 13 at 6:00 PM at the USD 308 Administration Center, 1520 N. Plum.
