USD 379 District Counselor Lisa Last introduced the annual Sophomore Job Shadow Experience today in Mrs. Reichert’s classes. Throughout the year, students will shadow all kinds of businesses and individuals to get a sense of what they want to do after graduation. THANK YOU to all of you who allow these students this opportunity! #Celebrate379
3 days ago, USD379 Communications
USD 379 District Counselor Lisa Last introduced the annual Sophomore Job Shadow Experience today in Mrs. Reichert’s classes.
USD 379 District Counselor Lisa Last introduced the annual Sophomore Job Shadow Experience today in Mrs. Reichert’s classes.
You are invited to Mr. Nelson's next community conversation tour stop! #Celebrate379
4 days ago, USD379 Communications
USD 379 Coffee Talk graphic featuring a coffee cup with the district logo and coffee beans. Community members are invited to talk with Superintendent Brett Nelson about bond projects, taxes, curriculum, student initiatives, or other topics at 1 p.m. Sept. 3 at Bomber Grind, 707 Elm Street, Wakefield.
The first of many "Community Conversations" for the new school year happened today at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor. Residents and community members enjoyed coffee and snacks with Superintendent Brett Nelson while asking questions and reminiscing about the good old days! And if you are complaining about gas prices, some of these residents will remind you they once rode their horses to school! #Celebrate379
5 days ago, USD379 Communications
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
Superintendent Brett Nelson talks with members of the Presbyterian Manor and answers questions about USD 379.
The Leader In Me program is meant for EVERY student in 379, even preschool students!

Today, Mrs. Bruggeman's students decided on a Classroom Mission Statement. They voted using stickers for how they wanted their classroom to feel. Then they signed the mission statement with their thumbprint. It's now up on their wall to view for the rest of the year! #Celebrate379
5 days ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. Bruggeman's preschool students vote on how they want the classroom to feel like as part of their classroom mission statement.
Mrs. Bruggeman's preschool students vote on how they want the classroom to feel like as part of their classroom mission statement.
Mrs. Bruggeman's preschool students vote on how they want the classroom to feel like as part of their classroom mission statement.
At USD 379, i-Ready Math is one of many tools our teachers use to help students grow and succeed. Students spend very little time on a screen each week, so when they do, it needs to be highly instructional.

Teachers use i-Ready insights to identify individual needs, guide small-group instruction, and provide hands-on learning opportunities. In Mrs. McDonald's 4th-grade classroom, students took the initial diagnostic assessment today. Then, the i-Ready program will place them at their level, supporting personalized instruction. #Celebrate379
6 days ago, USD379 Communications
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
Mrs. McDonald watched over her students as they take the i-Ready diagnostic assessment.
We are hiring at Lincoln Elementary! #Celebrate379
10 days ago, USD379 Communications
Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative #702 and USD 379 hiring flyer for a para professional position at Lincoln Elementary in Clay Center, Kansas. The flyer highlights meaningful work supporting students, competitive pay starting at $13.80 per hour with higher rates based on education and experience, health and supplemental benefits, paid time off and holidays, a supportive team, and professional growth opportunities. Applicants can apply online at usd379.org/jobs or contact Erica Bammes at ericabammes@usd379.org or 785-632-3176 ext. 1229.
You are invited to Mr. Nelson's first Coffee Talk of the 2026-27 school year! #Celebrate379
11 days ago, USD379 Communications
Flyer for the Clay County School District’s “USD 379 Coffee Talk.” Superintendent Brett Nelson invites everyone, including non-Manor residents, to discuss bond projects, taxes, curriculum, staffing, and other topics. The event is August 26 at 10 a.m. in the Presbyterian Manor Community Room at 924 8th Street. The flyer features a cup of coffee, coffee beans, and the USD 379 logo.
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379

12 days ago, USD379 Communications
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379
Mr. Yenni's 5th graders hit the ground running yesterday! First, they participated in a Think-Pair-Share activity discussing their favorite color, food, pets, and hobbies. Then, they created posters displaying how they felt about their first day of school. #Celebrate379
Last Friday, USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident.

Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff practiced how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency.

A key part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families after an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, resource coordination, patient triage, and treatment.

While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most.

Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe. #Celebrate379
14 days ago, USD379 Communications
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
USD 379 joined our local emergency response partners for a mass casualty drill involving a simulated school bus accident. Working alongside Clay County Medical Center, Clay County EMS, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and Clay County Emergency Management, our staff had the opportunity to practice how we would respond and work together during a large-scale emergency. An important part of the exercise for USD 379 was practicing our family reunification protocols—the procedures we would use to safely reunite students with their families following an emergency. The drill also allowed all participating agencies to practice communication, coordination of resources, patient triage, and treatment. While we hope these procedures are never needed, practicing them helps us identify areas for improvement, strengthen relationships with our local partners, and be better prepared to care for our students, staff, and families when it matters most. Thank you to all of our community partners and USD 379 staff members who helped make this valuable training exercise possible. We appreciate the teamwork and commitment to keeping our schools and community safe.
We are hiring! #Celebrate379
16 days ago, USD379 Communications
Recruitment flyer from Twin Lakes Educational Cooperative and USD 379 seeking a paraprofessional at Clay Center Community High School in Clay Center, Kansas. The flyer highlights meaningful work supporting students, competitive pay, benefits, paid time off, a supportive team, and professional growth. Starting hourly pay for 2026–27 ranges from $13.80+ to $16.05+ depending on education and licensure. Applicants can apply at usd379.org/jobs.
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training.

Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end!

Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
18 days ago, USD379 Communications
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end! Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end! Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end! Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end! Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Yesterday at Wakefield, Lighthouse team leader Mr. Freeman brought in students from elementary, junior high, and high school to present their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data from last year. It even included music and poppers at the end! Thanks to the kids (and dinosaurs) who spent part of their last few days of summer helping out our staff! #Celebrate379
As part of their inservice days leading up to the first day of school, all USD 379 buildings are going through Leader in Me training. Today at CCCHS, staff members reviewed their MRA (Measurable Results Assessment) data to set goals for the upcoming year. #Celebrate379
18 days ago, USD379 Communications
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
Teachers and staff review the Leader In Me MRA data and look at trends and goals they can set for the 2026-27 school year.
USD 379 Families,

As part of our ongoing commitment to student safety and emergency preparedness, USD 379 will participate in a bus accident training exercise on Thursday, August 13.

The exercise will take place on a country route in Clay County and will involve USD 379 staff, student volunteers, local emergency response agencies, and CCMC. The purpose of the drill is to give our district and community partners an opportunity to practice how we would work together in the event of an actual school bus accident.

This is a training exercise only. There is no actual emergency, and all injuries and emergency scenarios involved in the exercise will be simulated.

During the exercise, community members may notice emergency vehicles responding in the drill area and may see activity associated with the simulated accident. The exercise may also include simulated medical transport and student reunification procedures. There will also be signs at the scene stating “Crisis Drill in Progress”.

A small group of student volunteers will participate as actors in the exercise. They will receive instructions and safety expectations before the drill begins, and student safety will remain our highest priority throughout the exercise.

Participating agencies and USD 379 staff will conduct a debriefing afterward in the week to discuss what worked well and identify opportunities to strengthen our response procedures.

Exercises like this help ensure that our staff and local emergency responders are prepared to communicate, coordinate, and respond effectively should a real emergency ever occur.

Thank you to our students, staff, families, Clay County emergency responders, and community partners for helping USD 379 prepare to keep our students safe.

USD 379 Clay County Schools
19 days ago, USD379 Communications
USD 379 Clay County Logo
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Garfield! #Celebrate379
19 days ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome to Garfield graphic introducing Renee Taggart, Special Education. The graphic features Renee’s portrait and highlights her education at Ridgewood High School and Kansas State University, her experience as a teacher’s aide, Title I aide, student teacher, and childcare provider, as well as information about her family.
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Wakefield! #Celebrate379
20 days ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome to Wakefield graphic introducing Keegan McDonald, Physical Education. The graphic features Keegan’s portrait and highlights his education at Clay Center Community High School and Washburn University, his first teaching position and role as an assistant baseball coach at CCCHS, and his personal background, including his baseball career and family.
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome to Garfield! #Celebrate379
20 days ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome to Garfield graphic introducing Victoria Whitaker, Special Education. The graphic features Victoria’s portrait and highlights her educational, professional, and personal background, including her teaching experience, ongoing master’s degree work at Fort Hays State University, and family.
Thank you to Ferguson Rexall Drugs for supporting our kids. We hope to see you tomorrow! #Celebrate379
24 days ago, USD379 Communications
Colorful back-to-school flyer announcing free school supplies at Ferguson Rexall Drugs on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. Kindergarten through 5th-grade students from Lincoln, Garfield, Wakefield, and Green Christian can pick up a prepackaged bag of supplies, a backpack, and an iron-on patch. Families unable to attend August 8 may call to arrange a later pickup. Ferguson Rexall Drugs, 713 5th St., Clay Center, KS, 785-632-3121.
USD 379 is welcoming 14 new teachers, 2 new principals, and one new counselor this year. Today, they met at our annual New Teacher Academy as they prepare for a great year ahead.

We’re excited to have these talented educators and leaders joining our schools and becoming part of the Clay County Schools family. We’re glad you’re here, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll make for our students, schools, and community. Welcome to USD 379! #Celebrate379
24 days ago, USD379 Communications
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
New teachers, principals, and counselors were welcomed at the New Teacher Academy on August 7th. They were asked to stand up and introduce themselves.
We are continuing to highlight new certified staff joining USD 379. Welcome (back) to Lincoln! #Celebrate379
26 days ago, USD379 Communications
Welcome graphic introducing Jessica Wietharn as a new 3rd grade teacher at Lincoln Elementary. The graphic features a smiling portrait of Jessica waving while wearing a purple jacket. Text highlights her educational background (Waverly High School, Fort Hays State University, and Emporia State University), her eight years of teaching experience in K–12 and higher education, including preschool, elementary, middle school, and Kansas State University, and shares that she lives near Clay Center with her husband and three children and enjoys gardening and spending time outdoors.
Have kids in multiple buildings? Here is a one-stop shop for dates and times leading up to the first day of school! #Celebrate379
26 days ago, USD379 Communications
USD 379 Back-to-School Schedule for August 2026. The flyer lists important dates and events, including enrollment opening on Aug. 5; free school supplies for Lincoln, Garfield, and Wakefield students on Aug. 8; Wakefield fall sports conditioning (Aug. 10–14); middle and high school fall sports parent meetings on Aug. 13; Meet the Teacher/Open House events on Aug. 14; elementary class lists emailed Aug. 14; first day of fall sports practice on Aug. 17; first day of school with noon dismissal on Aug. 18 for designated grade levels and new students; Project LEAD begins Aug. 19 for Lincoln, Garfield, and Wakefield; and Lincoln Elementary Pre-K begins Aug. 19. The flyer also directs families to usd379.org/enrollment for enrollment, school supply lists, bus routes, free and reduced lunch applications, and breakfast/lunch menus.