Reminder: The Kansas State Board of Education is holding a special meeting this morning concerning the process of hiring a new Commissioner of Education. For more information, click here: buff.ly/bgn435q

Jennifer Hansen talks about the benefits of parents slowing down for a moment to have conversations with their kids. Listen to the latest episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, “Raising Readers: What every parent should know” wherever you get your podcasts.

ICYMI: Meet the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year, Rachel Marlow! “Children of all ages can express their learning and amplify their voices through music,” she said. Read more here: buff.ly/u0um6u9

𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄. Dr. Laurie Curtis & Jennifer Hansen speak w/KS Dept. of Education's Dr. Randy Watson re: helping your children learn to read, youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd_2hYcIboc9QtbywR3SlLVAvSmgEadty. #RaisingReaders #KSDE @ksde.bsky.social

It’s time to crunch! The 2025 Mountain Plains Crunch Off runs from Oct. 1-31. This regional event celebrates local foods, supports our farmers and ranchers, and encourages more local products in every bite. Register your team here: buff.ly/jQtqotp

“If they can’t say it, they’re not going to be able to write it,” says Jennifer Hansen, an ELA specialist at USD 475. Listen now to the latest episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, “Raising Readers: What every parent should know”. Read more: buff.ly/jwsXkxk

Remember – you are not alone. Help is available 24/7 at 9-8-8, a lifeline that offers free and confidential support for those in distress; prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones; and best practices for professionals. #SuicidePreventionMonth

Did you know there are approximately 7,500 varieties of tomatoes? For more fun facts and resources on this month’s Harvest of the Month, click here: buff.ly/H7MzQbJ

To celebrate Constitution Day, Sept. 17, third grade students are invited to participate in a virtual mock trial, hosted by Olathe USD 233 and Judge Robert J. Wonnell of the Kansas 10th Judicial Court in Olathe. Click here for more information: buff.ly/xNuS8af

The latest episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast is available! Commissioner Randy Watson and his guests explore how parents can help build strong readers. Listen now on: Apple - buff.ly/TmXysae Spotify - buff.ly/bTknl69 YouTube - buff.ly/HhCOlbb

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Let’s raise awareness and show that hope is always within reach. The 9-8-8 lifeline provides 24/7, free/confidential support for those in distress; prevention/crisis resources for you or your loved ones; & best practices for professionals.

The Kansas State Board of Education will meet today, Sept. 9, and tomorrow, Sept. 10. To view the agenda and board materials, click here: buff.ly/UBzPPPp

Today, Sept. 8, is the last day to register for the remaining Counting KIDS workshop in Hiawatha. Click here to register: buff.ly/kQoual0

“I think the shift is that ultimately we want that challenge or experience to happen as soon as possible,” said Blake Vargas, superintendent at Caney Valley USD 436. Listen now to hear what questions parents should be asking their kids after school: Apple: buff.ly/jCHR6sI Spotify: buff.ly/q0SAOu9

September’s Harvest of the Month for KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team is tomatoes! Did you know Americans were initially afraid of tomatoes until the 1830s due to Europeans thinking tomatoes were poisonous? For more fun facts and resources, click here: buff.ly/o3cwQUm

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Let’s raise awareness, offer support and show that hope is always within reach. The 9-8-8 lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for those in distress; and prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. #SuicidePreventionMonth

To celebrate Constitution Day, Sept. 17, third grade students are invited to participate in a virtual mock trial, hosted by Olathe USD 233 and Judge Robert J. Wonnell of the Kansas 10th Judicial Court in Olathe. Click here for more information: buff.ly/xNuS8af

Are you registered for a Counting KIDS Workshop? Tomorrow, Sept. 3, is the deadline to register for the Abilene and Hutchinson workshops. For more deadlines and to register, click here: buff.ly/YbQXrX9

“We want an environment where they’re going to feel challenged and I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, if you’ve never failed, your goals aren’t high enough,” said Superintendent Blake Vargas. Listen now for more information on academic rigor: buff.ly/q0SAOu9

A reminder that the Kansas State Department of Education will be closed today, Sept. 1, 2025.

In observance of Labor Day, the Kansas State Department of Education will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, 2025.

📣 Parents, do you have a question about education in Kansas? Email [email protected] for the chance to have your question answered by Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson on a future episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast.

“We want that relationship so we can push students. That we love you so much and care for you that we’re going to expect the most out of you,” said Ben Proctor on why building relationships is important to implementing academic rigor. Listen now: buff.ly/q0SAOu9

Read more about the connection between family engagement and student success, Topeka USD 501 high school students taking a step toward the teaching profession, and the Horizon teacher application is now open in the Aug. 21 edition of KSDEweekly: buff.ly/2AUTYo2

Counting KIDS workshops, presented by KSDE Fiscal Auditing, discuss counting students on count day and the information to enter for funding purposes. Today is the deadline to register for the first workshop, scheduled for Aug. 25 in Oakley. Register Now: buff.ly/Wu7zzv7

Welcome back to school! As a reminder, school bus safety is year-round. Review the possible scenarios below so you can help keep children safe going to and from school. For additional information visit: buff.ly/ar8VLHU

As a new school year begins, we want to extend a special welcome to this year's kindergartners, the Class of 2038! Have a great school year, everyone! 🍎📚

The Kansas State Board of Education has approved new cut scores for state assessments, reaffirming the state’s commitment to maintaining high academic expectations while ensuring a more accurate and fair measure of student achievement. To read more, click here: buff.ly/VDNPtYI

A new episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast is out now! In this episode, we talk directly to parents about the importance of academic rigor. Listen now: Apple - buff.ly/MYiLjW8 Spotify - buff.ly/ocIyuT3 YouTube - buff.ly/W4v0aoK

A new episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast comes out tomorrow! The newest episode will focus on academic rigor and why it matters for your child’s future. In the meantime, catch up on our previous episodes here: Spotify: buff.ly/xJzOWNK YouTube: buff.ly/1gsDaAq Apple Podcasts: buff.ly/v4xjVoQ

The Kansas State Board of Education meets today, Tuesday, Aug. 12, and tomorrow, Wednesday, Aug. 13. To view the agenda and meeting materials, click here: buff.ly/cqjKnfc

Child Nutrition and wellness team hosted a ‘Baking Bootcamp’ where attendees from a variety of areas across Kansas learned how to make grain items from scratch. Take a look at all the delicious treats they made, such as fresh rolls, pigs in a blanket, cinnamon and dinner rolls!

“We know students that miss a lot of school are not on track for reading.” Shanna Rector, Salina USD 305 deputy superintendent, shares how missing a lot of school is a domino effect, and can lead to the student dropping out. Listen more on: Spotify: buff.ly/kYOGGRH YouTube: buff.ly/Tgitxbp

Have you subscribed to our podcast yet? In our latest episode of the KSDE insight podcast, “Missing More Than Class: What Parents Need to Know About Chronic Absenteeism,” we explore the growing concern of chronic absenteeism and its impact on student success. Listen on Spotify: buff.ly/kYOGGRH

August’s Harvest of the Month for KSDE’s Child Nutrition and Wellness team is melons! Did you know due to being closely related to cucumbers and gourds, the state of Oklahoma has classified watermelon as a vegetable? View our Farm Fresh Friday to make a salad with melons here: buff.ly/x56r6Up

There's still time! Children ages 1-18 are eligible for free meals throughout the summer. Visit a summer meal site near you: buff.ly/Z2FgbE5

"We share what our chronic absenteeism is.” Jenn Reed, assistant superintendent for learning services at Haysville USD 261 explains how being transparent with patrons helps keep everyone knowledgeable about the rates of attendance for students. Listen now: buff.ly/kYOGGRH YouTube: buff.ly/Tgitxbp

Justin Coffey, Ulysses High School principal, shares how incentivizing students can aid with lowering chronic absenteeism. Listen now: Spotify: buff.ly/kYOGGRH YouTube: buff.ly/Tgitxbp Apple Podcasts: buff.ly/ImyOgZN

Don't miss out! Free summer meals are available for kids (ages 1-18)! Find a summer meal site near you: buff.ly/xeBatHZ

Have you ever baked with Sorghum flour? Sorghum is a cereal grain, when milled into flour, creates a smooth texture and dense structure perfect for baking. KSDE’s Child Nutrition & Wellness team thanks USD 282 TNTG Recipe Challenge winners for creating a new recipe! More info: buff.ly/cuse4bo

In this episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast, we explore the growing concern of chronic absenteeism and its impact on student success. Listen now: Spotify: buff.ly/kYOGGRH YouTube: buff.ly/Tgitxbp Apple Podcasts: buff.ly/ImyOgZN

"We share what our chronic absenteeism is.” Jenn Reed, assistant superintendent for learning services at Haysville USD 261 explains how being transparent with patrons helps keep everyone knowledgeable about the rates of attendance for students. Listen now: buff.ly/PWJIIsD YouTube: buff.ly/OUk7DJL

Shanna Rector, deputy superintendent at Salina USD 305, compares a book 100 page book missing 10 pages to chronic absenteeism. Missing days/pages leads to missing part of the story, which leaves gaps in understanding and experience. Tune in now: buff.ly/PWJIIsD

Did you know you could participate in both SUN Meals and SUN Bucks? Visit a meal site near you using the map here: buff.ly/Ewi1EL6. After finding your meal site, learn more about SUN Bucks! SUN Bucks is a one-time benefit of $120 per eligible child. Learn more here: buff.ly/5uW6HH6.

Check out the latest KSDE Insight Podcast episode! We discuss chronic absenteeism's impact on student success, exploring from health, anxiety, transportation and more. Missing a few days can lead to significant academic and social challenges. Tune in now: buff.ly/XBiW0kA

Did you know? In school nutrition programs, at least 80% of the grains served each week must be whole-grain rich! The remaining 20% or less must be enriched. This helps ensure that kids get the best nutrients to fuel their day! For more details on crediting, visit here: buff.ly/cuse4bo

Jenn Reed, assistant superintendent for learning services at Haysville USD 261, says the district’s social-emotional data improved by having students feel a connection to school. Listen more on: Spotify: buff.ly/iOVZ7JH Apple Podcasts: buff.ly/nBy3rwa

Last week, Child Nutrition and Wellness interns Whitney & Kate had attended the Spike event at the Topeka Zoo to help boost awareness for Summer Food Service Program sites! Families loved learning grain facts, easy recipes and more. Find a meal site near you:https://buff.ly/6akLCoN

Episode five of the Insight Podcast is out now! Tune in now to learn about ‘Missing More Than Class: What Parents Need to Know About Chronic Absenteeism’ Listen now: Spotify: buff.ly/kYOGGRH YouTube: buff.ly/Tgitxbp Apple Podcasts: buff.ly/ImyOgZN

“When we talk about why does attendance matter – it matters because there’s a lot of learning that happens in-person in the building,” said Justin Coffey, principal at Ulysses High School, who spoke about how missing school impacts a student’s learning. Listen now: buff.ly/kYOGGRH