The 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) team visited USD 490 on Nov. 21, 2024, to learn more about our district programs and 2025 KTOY semifinalist Jessica Denner’s educational experience in this district.
The team, which included teachers from across the state, toured multiple schools and participated in activities aimed at showcasing innovative teaching methods, student engagement, and community spirit within the district.
The visiting educators—Jodi Schendel, a German teacher from Goddard Eisenhower High School; Peg Meyer, a third-grade teacher at Wheatland Elementary in Valley Center; Todd Hollis, a band teacher at Augusta High School and elementary schools; Kelsi Gallardo, a first-grade teacher at Garfield Elementary in Augusta; Misty Faudel, a second-grade teacher at Bentley Elementary; Sheila Fulton, a math teacher at Haysville-Campus High School; Melissa Short, a STEM teacher at Discovery Intermediate School in Goddard; and Jessica Denner, a first-grade teacher at Blackmore Elementary—spent the day engaging with students and educators, learning firsthand about the unique programs that set USD 490 apart.
The day began at the Performing Arts Center with a lively Drumline performance. The team then toured the Extend Campus, where they were introduced to the school’s innovative approach to providing an alternative learning environment.
At Blackmore Elementary, the team had the opportunity to engage with young learners, reading with first-grade students and participating in art projects with PreK students.
Another highlight of the day was the team’s visit to Skelly Elementary, where they learned about the Spick and Spanthers, a student volunteer cleaning crew. The team also toured the sensory room, a space designed with a variety of sensory input options to help students calm down.
Lunch at BG Stadium gave the team a chance to relax and connect while hearing a presentation from College and Career Coordinator Staci Rickard about the district’s Back to School Bash. The event, which is designed to help families get ready for the school year, has more than doubled in attendance during the three years of its existence. After lunch, the team toured BG Stadium, which had new turf installed in the summer of 2024. They also visited the broadcasting studio, where Butler Community College has partnered with ESPN for live sports coverage.
The day continued at Grandview Elementary, where the teachers met some memorable characters in Mrs. Cogan’s classroom. Stinky Skunk, Granny, and Secret Agent Man helped students with reading activities, such as nonsense words, letter sound identification, and sight word recognition. The Kansas Teacher of the Year team participated in the fun and saw how imaginative lessons can make learning exciting.
At El Dorado Middle School, the visitors observed a PE class where students were practicing running techniques with Mrs. Cooper and a science lesson with Mrs. Arpin, where students created paper pets using principles of Punnett squares.
The final school stop was at El Dorado High School, where they enjoyed listening to a couple of songs by the school’s concert choir under the direction of KBT. After a stop at BrewCo for a quick refreshment, they posed for photos in front of the iconic ELDO letters and and buffalo mural.
The tour concluded back at the Performing Arts Center, where the Kansas Teacher of the Year team expressed their appreciation for the hospitality and dedication to excellence in education that they experienced throughout the day.
This visit highlights USD 490’s commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative learning environment, where students are encouraged to explore, create, and excel. The district’s dedication to providing engaging and meaningful educational experiences for all students was clear to the Kansas Teacher of the Year team, who left inspired and energized by the day’s events.