This week, SWKS Supts Council and the NWKS Admin Council celebrated the incredible career and upcoming retirement of our Kansas Education Commissioner, Dr. Randy Watson.
For those of us in Western Kansas, Randy has always been more than a commissioner; he is one of our own. From his days leading his local districts as a superintendent to his tireless advocacy in Topeka, he never forgot the unique spirit, challenges, and strengths of rural schools.
He led with a "Kansans Can" spirit, always reminding us that every student—regardless of their zip code—deserves a future full of opportunity. His legacy isn’t just in policy; it’s in the confidence he instilled in our teachers and the brighter futures he helped build for our children.
Thank you, Dr. Watson, for your steady hand, your visionary leadership, and your unwavering commitment to Western Kansas. You’ve left our schools stronger than you found them.
So glad to have KS Education Commissioner Dr Randy Watson @KsCommissioner @ksdehq for bringing KSDE updates @swplains @NKESCDF@davidlyounger
6 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Matt Argubright @nearpodmatt from @GetSchoolAI for discussing Best Practice: AI for Classrooms with us at yesterday's NWKS Admin Council @swplains @NKESCDF @davidlyounger
6 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thank you to @gabuie GA Buie @USA-Kansas for updates on Legislative Priorities for 2026 at yesterday's NWKS Admin Council @swplains @NKESCD @davidlyounger
6 days ago, Traci Taylor
Come to this workshop to learn how to expand your explicit writing strategies starting with creating sentences from fragments and moving to multi-paragraph outlines and essays. Register for Part 2 at https://bit.ly/49agG0f with @swplains consultant @swprscJen Jen Stelter.
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Looking for ideas, fresh energy, and a crew that gets it? Join fellow K–2 teachers for a collaborative session designed to inspire the incredible work you do every day. Register at https://bit.ly/3WJDPky
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Dr Kevin Warner @KevinWarner_214 from Ulysses @UlyPubSchl and @swplains Maria Ortiz-Smith @m_ortizsmith for bringing us information on Biography Driven Instruction at NWKS Admin Council @NKESCDF@davidlyounger
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Dr Clayton Tatro for giving us information about "Racing Thru Life" and the work he's doing with students at NWKS Admin Council @swplains @NKESCDF @davidlyounger
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Angie Stallbaumer @KASBPublicEd for bringing information on KASB Policies Updates to @swplains @NKESCDF @davidlyounger NWKS Admin Council this morning!
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
First @NKESCDF @swplains @davidlyounger @KimberlyMauk NWKS Admin Council of the new year today in Oakley!
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Join the conversation @swplains with Rebekah Bencomo as we lay out the importance of exposure for all students, encouraging higher level thinking/questioning and having a positive mindset when it comes to our students. Register at https://bit.ly/4pzmxCN Repeat of Fall workshop.
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
It's not too late to get registered for the KAESA CTE Annual Conference!
7 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thank you to @gabuie GA Buie @USA-Kansas for updates on Legislative Priorities for 2026 @swplains Supts Council today.
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
@swplains Supts Council heard from Opaal! Food Service @Opaafood this morning. Great information on their service and thank you for sponsoring our breakfast!
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
So happy to have KS Education Commissioner Dr Randy Watson @KsCommissioner @ksdehq for bringing KSDE updates @swplains Supts Council.
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Matt Argubright @nearpodmatt from @GetSchoolAI for discussing Best Practice: AI for Classrooms with us @swplains Supts Council!
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to Angie Stallbaumer @KASBPublicEd for bringing information on KASB Policies Updates to @swplains Supts Council.
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
Yesterday the Garden City @USD457 Science teachers collaborated over standards with @swplains consultant Jen Stelter @swprscJen!
8 days ago, Traci Taylor
Thanks to @JamieRumford @USD466_ScottCo for facilitating @swplains Supts Council this morning.
