NICKERSON - SOUTH HUTCHINSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
USD 309 continues to build momentum in both student achievement and instructional excellence, with recent data highlighting sustained progress across the district.
Over the past three years, the district has made significant strides in improving classroom practices and student outcomes. Most notably, the latest state assessment results show USD 309 students outperforming the state average in more than half of all tested areas—an indicator of consistent academic growth.
Student performance milestones have also been evident at the secondary level. This year, approximately half of the freshman class earned the “Rising Star” designation based on their Pre-ACT results. Meanwhile, juniors have demonstrated remarkable progress, raising the district’s overall ACT composite score by more than two points compared to each of the past five years.
District schools are also receiving recognition at the state level. Last May, Reno Valley Middle School was honored with the Visible Learning Associate Level School Award, highlighting its commitment to evidence-based instructional practices. In addition, both Reno Valley Middle School and Nickerson Elementary earned the 2024 Kansas State Department of Education Certificate of Merit, awarded for excellence in math and reading performance along with other key achievement indicators.
Nickerson High School has likewise continued its tradition of excellence, receiving the Kansas All-Star High School Award for the second consecutive year. The recognition reflects the school’s strong commitment to increasing post-secondary enrollment and preparing students for success beyond graduation.
Together, these accomplishments underscore USD 309’s ongoing dedication to academic excellence and student success at every level