-- Past Sessions --

May

Q&A with Superintendent Greg Lehr

Date: Wednesday, May 6th

Time: 4:00PM - 5:00PM

Location: Virtual, Google Meet

Target Audience:

All subjects, All Grades

Description:

Did you hear? Why did they do that? This session is aimed at answering questions you want to ask the superintendent and provide an opportunity for participants to connect and collaborate. Join Mr. Lehr for a chance to ask about district direction, progress of the bond, SOAR strategic plan and anything else you are eager to know about Valley Center Public Schools.

About the Facilitators:

Greg Lehr

After graduating from Valley Center High School in 1996, Mr. Lehr received his bachelor's degree in education from Kansas State University in 2002, his master's degree in school leadership from Baker University in 2008, and his district-level licensure from Emporia State University in 2020.

Mr. Lehr has broad educational experience. He began his teaching career as a teacher and coach at Garden City High School from 2002 to 2004, was a teacher and coach at Hesston High School from 2004 to 2005, and was a coach and teacher at Newton High School from 2005 to 2010. In 2010, Mr. Lehr rejoined the district he graduated from when he became assistant principal of Valley Center Middle School. From 2013 to 2022, he was principal of Valley Center Intermediate School. In 2022, he briefly left USD 262 when he was selected as Superintendent of Schools for USD 439, Sedgwick Public Schools. While at Sedgwick, Mr. Lehr was involved with a $13.8 million bond project, developed a strategic plan, and updated business and employee systems. He has also served on the Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative's Executive Board alongside the superintendents from the Burrton and Valley Center school districts.

On May 5, 2023, the Board of Education selected Mr. Lehr to serve as Superintendent of Schools for USD 262 Valley Center Public Schools.

Registration Information:

Registration is CLOSED.

April

From Data Mess to Data Success: One PLC's Journey Toward Better Teaching

Date: Wednesday, April 22nd

Time: 3:10-4:10 pm

Location: VCHS Library

Target Audience:

Secondary 6-12

Description:

Join us for an inside look at the 9-12 ELA PLC's journey from messy, overwhelming data to a focused, reflective, and systematic process that actually improves instruction. This session is perfect for PLC leads, collaborative teams, or any teacher looking to sharpen their practice using the Intentional Teaching Framework.

Participants will explore the ELA PLC’s data inquiry cycle step-by-step, from meaningful data collection to practical analysis structures to making instructional decisions that matter. Whether your PLC is just getting started or ready to refine its routines, this session will offer actionable strategies, real examples, and a clear path for turning data into impactful classroom practice.

About the Facilitators:

Shea Cooper & Aaron Miller

Aaron Miller is an English teacher at Valley Center High School where he teaches junior & senior English and Teaching as a Career. He also serves as the English Department PLC Lead and is currently working toward his LETRS certification. Aaron is trained in Adaptive Schools strategies and is passionate about literacy instruction, valuing the power of collaborative teams to elevate student learning.

Shea Cooper is a 9-12 ELA Support Specialist and English teacher at Valley Center High School. With a background in secondary literacy and cognitive coaching, Shea centers her work on leveraging data, reflective practice, and research-based strategies to drive meaningful growth in student learning.

By coming together in their respective roles, Aaron and Shea work to equip their team with practical tools, structures, and insights that empower teachers to work collaboratively, respond to data effectively, and support all students in becoming confident and capable learners.

Postponed until Fall 2026.

More information to come.

March

Be the Light

Date: Wednesday, March 25th

Time: 4:15-5:15 pm

Location: District Office BOE Room

Target Audience:

Any subject, any grade, those who didn't get an opportunity to participate in this session at Choice PD Day

Description:

Our students walk into our classrooms carrying more than backpacks; many carry the invisible weight of trauma. In this session, we will deepen our understanding of the types of trauma our students experience and how those experiences shape behavior, learning, and relationships at school.

We will explore Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and examine how trauma impacts both physical and mental health over time. Just as importantly, we will reflect on how our own life experiences may shape how we respond to students in moments of stress or challenge.

“Be the Light” is about awareness, empathy, and empowerment. By understanding trauma in our students and in ourselves, we can respond with intention, compassion, and consistency, creating classrooms where students feel safe, seen, and supported.

About the Facilitators:

Beth Allan

This is Beth's 24th year in education and 5th year as a School Counselor. Beth is also a licensed therapist and provides outside therapy. Beth is passionate about helping students become successful, no matter what trauma they may have endured.

Registration Information:

Registration is closed.

Presentation Materials:

January

Slides Don't Teach, You Do

Date: Wednesday, January 14th

Time: 4:15PM - 5:15PM

Location: District Office BOE Room

Target Audience:

Any subject, any grade - Intended for those who present at Choice PD Day, Building PD, or Buzz Into PD!

Description:

Effective adult presentations are more than slides! They’re about capturing attention, promoting participation, and ensuring that learning sticks. This session will equip you with strategies to create engaging, interactive presentations, respond to unexpected challenges, and keep adult learners focused and involved.

About the Facilitators:

Katie Orr

Mrs. Orr earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kansas State University in 2007, her Masters of Curriculum and Instruction from Wichita State University in 2010 and a National Board Certification for Literacy: Reading-Language Arts in 2018. She began her teaching career in Valley Center in 2007, and has been a proud Hornet ever since! Her professional license endorsements include Middle School Social Studies, Reading Specialist, ESOL and School Leadership PK-12. Mrs. Orr is currently pursuing an Ed.D in Educational Psychology through Wichita State University.

Registration Information:

Closed

Presentation Materials:

December

Fireside Chat: Learning & Leading Together

Date: Wednesday, December 10th

Time: 4:15PM - 5:15PM

Location: District Office BOE Room

Target Audience:

Any subject, any grade

Description:

Before we head into winter break, take a moment to slow down, sip something warm, and connect. Join Brianna Deas, Executive Director of Academic Affairs, and Mandy Henry, Director of Special Education, for an informal conversation about teaching, learning, and how we can continue to support students and staff across our district. This is a relaxed space where you can share ideas, ask questions, and celebrate what’s going well.

Please RSVP so we can ensure your beverage of choice is available.

About the Facilitators:

Brianna Deas

Brianna Deas has been a proud USD 262 Hornet for all 15 years of her career. She began as an 8th-grade English Language Arts teacher and later served five years as an assistant principal at Valley Center High School. She then spent three years as the district’s Academic Support Coordinator before stepping into her current role as Executive Director of Academic Affairs, now in her second year. Brianna is passionate about people, especially students, and believes deeply in the power of education to change the trajectory of students’ lives and positively impact generations to come.

Mandy HEnry

Mandy has worked with the Valley Center School District since 2013 as a school psychologist and Instructional Coach. She is currently our Special Education Director with the Ark Valley Special Education Cooperative. Prior to coming to Valley Center, Mrs. Henry served as a School Psychologist for the Blue Valley School District and as a School Psychologist and Special Education Coordinator for the Central Kansas Cooperative in Education in Salina, KS. Mrs. Henry pursued a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and an Education Specialist Degree in School Psychology at the University of Kansas, along with a building level leadership license at Ft. Hays.

Registration Information:

Closed.

November

Collaboration All Around

Date: Wednesday, November 12th

Time: 3:10PM - 4:10PM AND 4:15PM - 5:15PM

Location: VCMS, Room C1

Target Audience:

Any subject, any grade

Description:

Discover practical and engaging ways to build intentional collaboration in your classroom! This session will explore strategies that go beyond traditional partner or group discussions, highlighting approaches such as task cards, gallery walks, and learning stations. Participants will learn how to structure collaborative experiences and vary groupings to enhance student engagement and ownership. Teachers will leave with 1–3 ready-to-use strategies to bring meaningful collaboration to life in their own classrooms.

About the Facilitators:

Casie Yowell

Casie Yowell is a 10-year veteran teacher with experience in the elementary and secondary worlds. She has taught self-contained classes, mixed-grade-level classes, and core content in the secondary world. Mrs. Yowell is married to her husband Jon and has 2 children who both attend VC schools. They moved here 4 years ago to the district to give our children better opportunities. Casie has two master's degrees: one in curriculum and instruction and the other in educational leadership, and her hope is to maybe someday go into leadership, but is enjoying her time in the classroom. She loves to read, spend time with her family, attend all of her children's things, go dirt track racing, and relax with her puppy!

Registration Information:

Closed

Presentation Materials:

Presentation Slides

October

Decrease Behaviors & Increase Learning

Date: Wednesday, October 22nd

Time: 4:15PM - 5:15PM

Location: District Office BOE Room

Target Audience:

Any subject, any grade

Description:

Participants will learn why teaching student expectations is important. They will also be guided through a process to determine what those expectations should be and how to teach them effectively. As a result, they can expect to see fewer behavior issues and more student learning.

About the Facilitators:

Teresa Whitener

Teresa Whitener is a Special Education Instructional Coach serving primarily Valley Center K-5, and Sedgwick K-12. Teresa began her teaching career in 2004 as a general education early elementary teacher with a strong passion for students with special education needs. That passion eventually led her to becoming a Special Education Teacher. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Master's degree in High Incidence Special Education all from Southwestern College. While her passion for teaching students with special education needs is still strong, Teresa moved from an Instructional Support Teacher into her role as an Instructional Coach in 2021 for AVSEC's inaugural year. Teresa enjoys supporting and encouraging both Special Education and General Education teachers, and working together to find ways to best help our students be successful.

Teresa's family includes her husband who is a longtime educator, three grown sons, two daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, and her favorite children...two tiny Chihuahua girls.

Registration Information:

Closed

Presentation Materials:

Presentation Slides

Resources

August

Principal Meet & Greet (In-Person)

When & Where:

Wednesday, August 20th

4:15PM - 5:15PM

Location TBD

Target Audience:

Any Grade Level, Any Subject Area impacted by the Bond restructuring of grade levels

Description:

In this presentation, participants will have the opportunity to connect with our four elementary principals (Megan Carney, Mark Hoy, Diosha North, and Lauren White) and the VCIS principal (Heath Elliott) ahead of the school placement survey to be sent out soon. Come learn more about each principal, about each building, and gather insight to help inform your school preference decision.

About the Facilitators:

Megan Carney

Principal at Abilene Elementary, Megan Carney received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids, IA, in 2004, and a master's degree in school administration from Emporia State University in 2019.

Carney began her teaching career in 2006 as a third-grade teacher at Freeman Elementary School in Haysville; she taught third grade at Olin CSD Elementary School in Olin, IA, from 2011 to 2013; taught first grade at Gammon Elementary School in Wichita, KS, from 2013 to 2021; and is currently a behavior interventionist and assistant principal at Cessna Elementary School in Wichita, KS.

Mark Hoy

Principal at West Elementary, Mark Hoy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Friends University in 1996; Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Friends University in 1996; and his Master’s degree in School Leadership from Friends University in 2001. He has worked in education since 1997 and in a school leadership position since 2007. He joined Valley Center School District in 1997. His professional license endorsements include Elementary K-9, Building Administrator K-9, and Building Leadership PreK-12.

Diosha North

Principal at Wheatlant Elementary, Diosha North earned a Bachelor of Science in early childhood education from Fort Hays State University in 2016 and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Wichita State University in 2021. She is set to complete her superintendency and school district leadership certification in May, also from Wichita State.

Her career in education began in 2016 as an extended school year and pre-kindergarten teacher in Wichita Public Schools. She transitioned into administrative leadership in 2019 and has served as assistant principal at Isely Elementary School since 2021. In addition, she has been a member of the USD 259 Peer Consultant Governing Board since 2023 and recently completed an administrative internship with the USD 259 assistant superintendent of elementary schools.

Lauren White

White brings extensive experience in elementary and middle school education. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education from Wichita State University in 2016 and a Master of Science in building leadership from Newman University in 2022.

Her career in education began in 2009 as a tutor and substitute teacher in Wichita Public Schools. She later taught third grade at Cloud Elementary School and sixth and eighth-grade social studies at Mayberry Middle School, where she also served as an AVID instructor, SEL curriculum team member, and volleyball coach. At Robinson Middle School, she took on multiple leadership roles, including instructional coach, after-school program director, and summer school coordinator. Most recently, she has been the assistant principal at Isely Traditional Magnet Elementary School.

Heath Elliott

Principal at VCIS, Heath Elliott received his bachelor of science degree in education from Northwestern Oklahoma State University in Alva, OK, in 2001, and a master's degree in school leadership from Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, in 2008.

Elliott began his teaching career in 2001 as a math and physical education teacher. In 2012, he joined the El Dorado School District as an assistant principal and athletic director for El Dorado Middle and High Schools until 2017; he was assistant principal and athletics and activities director at Clearwater High School from 2017 to 2022; and he was most recently an assistant principal at Maize High School.

Registration Information:

Closed

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