Wichita Public Schools - USD259

Congratulations to Patrick Greene, WPS Risk and Compliance Analyst, for being selected for recognition in the Wichita Business Journal’s Young Professionals in Major Companies/Employers!

Each year, more than 2,000 Wichita Public Schools students step onto stages of possibility by joining band or orchestra, igniting their talents with the instruments that shape their musical journeys. At the heart of this creative momentum is the Musical Repair Shop at the WPS School Service Center, where four expert technicians steward the longevity of our instruments—restoring and revitalizing them so they inspire generations of students to come. This commitment reflects WPS’s careful stewardship of community resources, ensuring students can continue benefiting from music education well into the future.

Wichita Public Schools welcomed the Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Wichita cohort for an inspiring Education Day, igniting meaningful connections and shared purpose. Through authentic, one-on-one conversations with our students and staff at North High School and Washington Accelerated Learning Elementary, participants experienced firsthand the passion, perseverance, and promise alive in our classrooms. At North High, participants got an inside look at the programs and achievements shaping our district’s future. At Washington Elementary, Leadership Wichita saw how a deep commitment to belonging empowers every learner to thrive. The day culminated at the FutureReady Center for Manufacturing, where participants witnessed our vision in action—students gaining hands-on skills and powerful pathways, equipped to lead and excel in tomorrow’s workforce.

Dr. Loren Hatfield, Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools, was selected to participate in the Council of the Great City Schools’ Michael Casserly Urban Executive Leadership Institute for Superintendents. Dr. Hatfield is among ten other urban school district administrators from across the country who will participate in the program. Read more at https://bit.ly/48aNXsU

Congratulations to Veronica Gillette, program specialist for the WPS Native American Program, for receiving the Momentum Award at the W – A Community of Young Professionals Game Changers Gala! Her leadership and commitment uplift students, and create spaces where students feel seen, valued, and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Ti'Juana Hardwell’s journey began at South High School, where leading in student government and serving as the editor of the school newspaper sparked her passion for storytelling and community impact. Today, as the founder of Mamarazzi Communications and the driving force behind the Spark Program at Create Campaign, Ti’Juana empowers local entrepreneurs and inspires small businesses to reach new heights. Her story is a living example of how student leadership and creative courage can ignite futures and transform communities.

WPS held its monthly press conference at Hamilton Middle School where Superintendent Kelly Bielefeld and Safety and Environmental Services Director Terri Moses shared updates on recent facility investments that strengthen the security of our schools. Hamilton is one of five schools that received a new secured entrance this summer, marking the completion of districtwide upgrades to ensure every WPS school has a protected and welcoming entryway. Capital funds were used to make these improvements, reducing resources for ongoing building maintenance needs. Watch a replay of the news conference at https://bit.ly/3WC4sYC.

You may have heard that the state has changed the cut scores for state assessments. Superintendent Bielefeld explains how the previous cut scores didn't tell the whole story about what students know and are able to do, and that many students who were labeled "not proficient" were actually excelling.

Congratulations to WPS Future Ready Advocates Larry Allen, who received the Theo Cribbs Political Action Award, and Lee Hurst II, who received the Janett Jackson Community Service Award, from the Wichita Branch NAACP during the 106th Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet. We appreciate their dedication to making our students feel supported and valued, which is essential to student success.

Wichita Public Schools' goal is for every student to be future ready — whether that leads to college, career, or a path uniquely their own. Each year, South High School seniors bring that vision to life through their Senior Project, a personalized roadmap that defines their goals and the steps to achieve them. Students shared their journeys in an interview-style presentation before a panel of judges including school and district leaders, along with community partners from Textron, BG Products, Inc., Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas, and Workforce Alchemy. Together, they celebrated the power of preparation and the promise of what’s ahead.