The more than 800 Hutchinson Public Schools staff members formally began the 2013-14 school year with the annual opening convocation Wednesday at Hutchinson High School.
Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Kiblinger gave a “State of the District” presentation during the event. Dr. Kiblinger encouraged staff to focus on preparing students to be college and career ready. Statistically, 90-percent of high school graduates will need to earn some sort of college credential – from an industry certification to a college degree – to meet expected workforce demands in the United States.
Several educators were honored during the event. The Davis Foundation made its annual Teachers of the Year Awards. The elementary winners were Alice Schmidt Boyd, special education teacher at Avenue A, and Jesse Ediger, third grade teacher at Graber.
The middle school winner was Josh Dellenbach, math teacher at Hutchinson Middle School — 7.
The high school winners were Laura Bottom, medical sciences teacher at the Career and Technical Education Academy and Larry Ballard, science teacher at HHS.
Each winner receives $4,000. The Davis Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to Hutchinson Public Schools’ staff and students since its first scholarships were awarded to HHS seniors 56 years ago. This is the 32nd time the awards have been made to teachers.
Also recognized during the event were the USD 308 Kansas Teacher of the Year nominees – Katie Perez, fourth grade teacher at Morgan Elementary school and Joe Godina, English teacher at HHS.
Recognized during the convocation as the Classified Employee of the Year for 2012-13 was Gail Dennis, Counseling Center secretary at HHS.
Additionally, the district recognized a 50-year educator. John Brown, science teacher at HHS, was recognized for his 50-years of teaching.
Staff will have professional development and room preparation for the 2013-14 school year through Aug. 14. Students in pre-kindergarten through ninth grade return on Aug. 15. High school sophomores through seniors begin the year on Aug. 16.