HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Buhler USD 313 is moving into the second quarter of the school year with several student achievements, upcoming activities and plans to address technology use in classrooms.
Superintendent Cindy Couchman said the district has been developing an Instructional Technology Framework that will establish guidelines for technology access, screen time and artificial intelligence.
The framework includes a philosophy for technology use, grade-level time limits, digital citizenship, privacy and security, along with expectations and consequences for violations.
Couchman said the plan is expected to go before the Buhler Board of Education in November, as the Kansas State Board of Education also considers statewide guidance on instructional technology.
"The state board of education will be voting on that in November," Couchman said. "Our local board, we've already developed our instructional technology plan, and which limits gives guidelines for how much time students should be on screens by grade level."
The district's cell phone policy has also been working well, according to Couchman.
While administrators have dealt with some violations, including repeat offenders whose parents were required to retrieve confiscated phones, Couchman said most students have adjusted.
"For the most part, I would say I walk the buildings and I have I've only seen one cell phone out and I'm in the buildings often," Couchman said.
She added that administrators at the middle and high schools have reported a smooth transition under the policy.
Meanwhile, Buhler High School students are finishing a successful fall sports season.
The girls golf team finished fourth at the state tournament, while the girls tennis team brought home a third-place trophy. The boys soccer team won its regional semifinal Monday and will play at home Thursday. The football team begins postseason play Friday at home against Circle.
Couchman credited the district's experienced coaching staff and support from families and administrators for much of that success.
"We always talk about the success of programs have to do with a lot of longevity of coaches and personnel and staff," Couchman said.
She pointed to longtime coaches Brennan Torgerson, Curtis Morgan and Steve Warner as examples of the stability within the district's athletic programs.
The Buhler High School marching band is also preparing for a major competition Saturday in Overland Park.
After winning the Kansas Bandmasters Association small-school marching competition, Buhler will compete in the open class against larger schools. Couchman said Buhler will be the only Class 4A school in a field of Class 5A and 6A programs.
"They're the only four A school against all five A and six A schools, and so the competition is steep, and that's what we like," Couchman said.
At Prairie Hills Middle School, both the seventh- and eighth-grade football teams finished as league champions. Fall sports have concluded, and basketball practices began this week.
The district is also preparing for its next driver's education session.
Online registration will open in December for classes beginning Feb. 1. Registration will close once the available spots are filled. Families can monitor the district's website and Facebook page for enrollment information.
Prairie Hills Middle School Principal Abby Thompson serves as the district's driver's education director.
At the elementary level, students have been participating in Red Ribbon Week activities focused on healthy choices. Rise Up Reno County visited students to discuss the importance of making good decisions.
Earlier this month, selected fourth- and fifth-grade Cru Leaders attended a leadership development event at the Cosmosphere on Oct. 14.
Elementary schools will host Halloween parades Friday morning, with increased traffic expected around buildings between 8 and 9:30 a.m.
Buhler Grade School will hold mock elections Tuesday, Nov. 3, giving students an opportunity to learn about the voting process by casting ballots and tallying results.
Veterans Day activities are also scheduled for Nov. 11 at Buhler Grade School and Plum Creek Elementary School. The events will include parades, music programs and breakfasts honoring veterans.
Union Valley Elementary School will host its Family Art Gala Night on Nov. 10, featuring student artwork, live music, hot chocolate and cookies.
Couchman said the event has grown over the years from a simple hallway art display into an evening that brings families throughout the school building.
The district's Ad Astra Academies, which provide virtual and alternative learning opportunities, also have several events planned in November.
Students will travel to Wichita State University's Ulrich Museum of Art on Nov. 11 for a Day of Art and Beyond. A family night is also scheduled for Nov. 17 at the Hutchinson Public Library.
The academies continue partnerships with the YMCA and Buhler Recreation Commission to promote healthy habits. Students participate in YMCA activities on Tuesdays and use the Buhler Recreation Wellness Center on Thursdays.
Couchman said the district is pleased with the progress made during the first nine weeks and is looking forward to the remainder of the semester.
"We just wrapped up our first quarter, nine weeks are under our belt, and we're ready to embrace the second quarter of the semester," Couchman said.