The students won’t arrive for another week, but it’s back-to-school time for teachers at Great Bend USD 428.

Following a program Thursday morning at Great Bend High School, USD 428 employees will head to the Panther Activities Center (PAC) for the annual Business Showcase, sponsored by the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of vendors will be on hand to welcome them. With some 700 employees, USD 428 is the largest single employer in Barton County, Superintendent Khris Thexton said.

Public Information Director Andrea Bauer said teachers new to the district attended Capturing Kids Hearts’ training Aug. 7-8 at Great Bend Middle School. “USD 428 launched CKH in 2021 as a K-12 initiative focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-driven school culture, and student connectedness.”

The district also has a two-year mentoring program that provides new teachers with consistent resources and the support of a seasoned teacher.

“Aug. 10 was the first day for our teachers and mentors to meet, get to know each other, and start their time together,” Bauer said.

Credit Union of America  hosted a luncheon for new teachers and their mentors on Aug. 10. Later that day, the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce hosted new teachers and mentors at Dry Lake Brewing for an evening of networking and making connections with Chamber Ambassadors, Barton County Young Professionals, and each other.  

New teacher orientation wrapped up Wednesday. All teachers now have in-service training and work days leading up to the first day of school.

Classes for preschool, grades K-6, Great Bend Middle School grade 7, and Great Bend High School grade 9 will start Wednesday, Aug. 23. The first day of classes for grades 8 and 10-12 will be Thursday, Aug. 24.