Dr. Greer: District earns Purple Star in support of military-connected students

I am proud to share that Maize USD 266 has received the special designation of a Kansas Purple Star District, one of only 11 schools or districts recognized statewide since 2022. The Purple Star designation is awarded to military-friendly school districts and schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military, including active duty, National Guard, or reserve. The program is a partnership between the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Military Children Education Council.

On March 10, the Kansas State Board of Education recognized our district. I was proud to highlight the ways Maize supports military-connected students, including staff member training, lunch groups, “Welcome Buddies,” school tours, and personalized guidance to help all of our new students transition smoothly.

Joining me was Dr. Lindsay King, our District Military Family contact and Director of College and Career Readiness. An Air Force veteran and Air Force Academy graduate, she leads our pre-K through 12th grade career and college readiness programs and continues to advocate for military teens locally and nationally.

Maize High School Cheer Sponsor Katie Jennings and student Jaycie Pedigo also shared the Maize High School Cheer tradition of supporting Kansas Honor Flights, which transport veterans to Washington, D.C. In nine years, our students have funded 19 trips, welcomed 65 trips home, and donated more than $16,000. In addition, our students and educators support many projects districtwide that honor service members through cards, letters, art projects, assemblies, volunteer days, spirit events, and school recognition.

Jaycie shared, “I have participated in many Honor Flight activities over the past four years. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to support and welcome home our Kansas veterans. My great-grandfather is 91 years old and went on his Honor Flight with my dad as his guardian this past year, and I was honored to welcome him home. Seeing our veterans’ faces light up and watching how happy they are to see all the people who show up to give them the welcome home they deserve is a feeling everyone should have. I am proud to be part of the Maize High School cheer squad and proud that we get to cheer on and welcome our veterans home!”

We are proud to be a Purple Star district and grateful to our community for helping make this important work possible.

Dr. Raquel Greer
Superintendent, Maize USD 266

Resources and information for military families are available on our webpage at usd266.com/military.

Click here to watch a video of the presentation