PRE News

At the Board of Education Meeting on Monday, February 3, four staff members were recognized with the 232 TORCH Award presented during the month of January. This award, newly branded for the current school year, recognizes district staff for their exceptional commitment to students and our district.

The first school visited for the month of January was Monticello Trails Middle School where Proud Superintendent Cory Gibson and Principal Jennifer Smith celebrated paraeducator, Matt Fugate. Matt is appreciated not only for the things he does every day to help his students be successful but also for his willingness to step in and help wherever it is needed. This includes stepping in as an emergency substitute teacher, to helping coach and manage sports teams, to assisting with custodial duties after school - Matt is there for his Timberwolf family. 

Next, recognized was Carly Bowden, seventh grade Pathways teacher at Monticello Trails, with the TORCH award for the month of January. Principal Jennifer Smith provided details about the sincere appreciation the MT staff and students have for what Carly does every day in her classroom but also for her contributions in professional development. Her eagerness to help extends outside the classroom as one of the coaches of the Timberwolves Football Team! 

At Prairie Ridge Elementary, paraeducator Kerri Dupriest, was surprised with the 232 TORCH Award. Principal Kristel Fulcher shared that Kerri is very well known on the PRE SPED team for being the “mathematician expert”. Her skills help students better understand math and also allows her time to co-teach the subject with some of the teachers. Her calm, approachable demeanor is a comforting quality for several students. 

Heading to the PRE kindergarten pod, Laurie Hoover was found having fun with her students during their indoor recess. Principal Kristel Fulcher revealed to the excited kindergarteners the reasons their amazing teacher was selected for the 232 TORCH Award. During her 18-years at PRE, Laurie continues to rise above challenges with a positive attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes.  Her dedication and compassion for her students are truly inspirational.

Congratulations to all staff members recognized for the month of January with the 232 TORCH Award!

May 6, 2024

USD 232 announced its Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year for 2024 at the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting on Monday, May 6.

The Board surprised Lisa Miles and Neil McLeod with the special award during a time of recognition. These two educators, among the best of USD 232, will go on to represent the school district in the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year awards program.

Lisa Miles is a Special Education resource teacher at Prairie Ridge Elementary and has been with the school district since 2003. Lisa first joined the district as a paraprofessional. She continued her education so that she could become a resource teacher, supporting our students with special needs.

Neil McLeod teaches Robotics and AP Chemistry at Cedar Trails Exploration Center and also teaches AP Chemistry and Organic Chemistry at Mill Valley High School. In addition to teaching, he is the sponsor of the student robotics teams. Neil has been with the school district since 2019.

Neil and Lisa will now move forward in representing the district in the 2026 Kansas Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education. KTOY recognizes and utilizes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. Its mission is to build and utilize a network of exemplary teachers who are leaders in the improvement of schools, student performance and the teaching profession.

The Kansas Teacher of the Year program consists of local, regional and state competition. The regions correspond to the state’s four U.S. congressional districts. USD 232 is in region three. Please join us in congratulating Lisa and Neil and wish them well in the upcoming KTOY awards competition.