T4T Together for Tomorrow #OneMa1ze

  • Together for Tomorrow: 

    T4T Reopening Plan

  • This resource page includes updated information about COVID-19, the OneMa1ze COVID Advisory Team (OCAT), the T4T Reopening Guide, and more.

  • COVID-19 Dashboard, Employees and Students

    In partnership with the Sedgwick County Health Department, Maize USD 266 is tracking known positive COVID-19 cases and instances of quarantine among staff members and students of the district, as reported by employees and families. The district communicates directly with anyone identified as a close contact, or someone who was within six feet of an infected person for at least 15 minutes regardless of face covering. This chart provides an overview of known cases.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

  • OneMa1ze COVID Advisory Team (OCAT)

    As outlined in the T4T Reopening Plan, the OCAT will provide the district and Maize Board of Education with multi-perspective recommendations to offer the safest teaching and learning environment possible during the COVID-19 pandemic. The team members will use the most recent scientific data and research, along with their professional experience as it relates to their specific medical, health, and educational fields. The team has met twice and serves as content-specific advisors to both the superintendent and board of education. Their recommendations will go before the board for consideration. Please see the teams' most recent update by clicking here:

  • When there is a Positive COVID-19 Case at Maize USD 266

    The district has put together this chart to explain what it will and will not do in the event of a positive case involving a student or staff member in the district.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.
If you are having trouble viewing the document, you may download the document.

  • A Message from Dr. Chad Higgins, Superintendent of Schools: Keeping OneMa1ze safe and informed

    Dr. Chad Higgins, Superintendent of Schools

    OneMa1ze,

    I am proud of our staff members, students, and families for all of your efforts in keeping our community safe and schools open. Getting to and through this back-to-school season was monumental this year, as you know and experienced.

    Please review the COVID-19 Dashboard, OneMa1ze COVID Advisory Team (OCAT) information, COVID-19 symptoms chart, and a chart explaining what Maize USD 266 will and will not do when there is a positive COVID-19 case in the district. These are all new resources recently added to this web resource page.

    Please click here to access the school-specific student self-assessments. The updated documents clarify that a child should stay home from school if he or she has been in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 OR a symptomatic person who is awaiting testing results. This is critical to avoid potential spread and exposure in our district and beyond. Note about the importance of limiting proximity to peers, even when not in school.

    Please also know about a couple of extra efforts the district is making for increased safety and operations:

    • Nursing staff: We have hired two additional nurses, including one with work experience with the Sedgwick County Health Department, to serve on the district’s COVID Response Team, manage contract tracing, communicate with families, answer questions, work with the county health department, and advise and support colleagues. They also can serve as backups to our school nurses, who serve such a crucial role in our buildings, especially right now.
    • Increased cleaning: On Sept. 14, our Maize Board of Education approved a cleaning contract amendment with our contracted cleaning crew to address the increased cleaning and sanitization efforts necessary due to COVID-19. This was a more cost-effective option compared to hiring additional employees. This will increase trash removal and vacuuming services, as well as the sanitization of frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, crashbars, light switches, and countertops. This will cost an additional $173,931 for the 2020-21 school year.

    For the sake of your health and safety and for those around you, please continue to be vigilant regarding the proper wearing of appropriate face masks and of social distancing. We have had a fantastic first few weeks of school and want to do our part keeping schools open and maximizing opportunities for our students and entire OneMa1ze community. We have received some reports of spectators not wearing face masks at athletic events, for instance. Please know that fans not wearing a face mask may be asked to either put on a face mask or leave.

    It is in all of our power to maintain a healthy community that allows us to continue to operate schools as we are and provide every opportunity possible for our students. Thank you for your continued support.

    Dr. Chad Higgins

    Superintendent of Schools

    Maize USD 266

  • YMCA YES Academy remote Wednesday opportunity now available

    YMCA YES Academy The Greater Wichita YMCA, a partner organization of the district, is now offering its YES Academy. This is available for Maize USD 266 students in kindergarten through fifth grade at the Northwest YMCA on Wednesdays when hybrid learning is remote. A reminder that the first remote learning Wednesday of the school year for the hybrid model will be Wednesday, Sept. 16.

    The program, which will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, allows for a structured day with time for virtual learning, physical activities, art, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and social-emotional learning. Please see the attached document for details on the program, registration, fees, and more. You will complete enrollment online first and then visit the Northwest YMCA to complete registration. The enrollment deadline is Sept. 9.

    Click to learn more: YMCA YES Academy

  • UPDATED Aug. 13: Q&A

    Q&A

    Maize USD 266 has reviewed questions and provided the following answers, organized by topic. It is the district’s intention to continue to update this document with additional information. Please note that the date next to the answer indicates the date the answer is posted.

    Together for Tomorrow (T4T) Reopening Plan Q&A (Updated Aug. 13, 2020)

  • Maize USD 266 logo on a face mask Maize USD 266 sporting event spectator information

     
    The district has been working with KSHSAA and the league to maximize opportunities for our students while keeping them and everyone involved safe. Like everything else right now, the following plan is fluid, and additional changes may be needed in the future. 
     
     
    Thank you for your ongoing support of OneMa1ze.
     

  • T4T Objectives

     

    • Determine the steps necessary to move from a standards-based approach to a competency-based approach.

    • Define what high-quality instruction looks like when a) face-to-face and b) remote virtual.

    • Determine what modifications or system shifts will have to occur in order to provide high-quality instruction in either/both settings during the 2020-21 school year.

    • Develop multiple paths for a return to school in 2020-21, with the intent to address the needs of all students.

  • About Together 4 Tomorrow (T4T)

    Maize USD 266 is working intensely this summer on the Together 4 Tomorrow (T4T) plan. About 100 staff members are cooperating on this initiative, which involves developing plans and options for school in 2020-21. Participants represent different departments, schools, and levels of experience and are working in seven teams. They are exploring three possible options for school next year: all students physically in schools, all students learning remotely, and a hybrid model that could present itself in many ways. While the district expects to incorporate innovations in teaching and learning as identified by the T4T process, some alterations may be implemented immediately, while other changes could be used in the future. Additional staff members of various positions and from a variety of grade levels will serve as critical reviewers of any plans or scenarios developed. 

    Participating are six Curriculum and Instruction teams: PreK-5, 6-8, 9-12, Professional Learning, Supporting All Learners, and Social Emotional Learning and Supporting Families. There also is an operations team, which includes five areas of focus: Health and Safety, Personnel, Technology, Food Service, and Transportation.

  • Handwashing Health and safety guidelines.

    District leaders will consider advice from agencies and experts regarding a multitude of topics, including:

    • social distancing
    • face masks
    • handwashing
    • daily school schedules
    • cleaning and sanitization
    • group sizes
    • transportation

  • Maize USD 266 Mission

    The mission of Maize USD 266 is to inspire students to discover their potential through connecting, learning, and leading.

    Maize USD 266 Core Values

    • Integrity
    • Innovation
    • Community
    • Responsibility
    • Empathy
    • Resilience

    Maize USD 266 Vision

    The Maize School District is a student-centered environment where all members of the school-community are empowered to participate and thrive academically, civically, and socially through relevant educational experiences to achieve and fulfill their life’s purpose.