Room 428


Room 428 is your window into the work happening behind the scenes of Great Bend Public Schools. Hosted by Cole Rief of Eagle Radio, each episode welcomes a special guest to cover a variety of subjects and programs happening in our buildings and beyond. It's a conversation about what we're doing and how we're striving to make every day a great day for our students, staff and community.

2020 Kansas Teacher of the Year Honorees from USD 428

Wendy Popp, Math Teacher at GBHS

Jessica Geist, 6th Grade Teacher at Lincoln

Air Date: 5.19.20


TOY Full Show.mp3

Class of 2020 Valedictorian & Salutatorian

Bayle Sandy, Valedictorian

Chloe Gibson, Salutatorian

Air Date: 5.12.20


Smart FULL show.mp3

Connecting with students in a disconnected time

Debbie Koelsch, Counselor at GBHS

Alana Blessing, Family Support Worker at Park Elementary

Michelle Daniel, Family Support Worker at Riley Elementary

Air Date: 5.5.20


Counselors 5-5-20.mp3

Learning continues in Great Bend

Khris Thexton, Superintendent

John Popp, Assistant Superintendent

Air Date: 3.24.20

Topics: USD 428's Continuous Learning Plan, Safety for staff & students, Free Meal Services continue

3.24.20 Superintendent Updates.mp3

GBHS Career & Technical Education Spotlight

Travis Straub, Woodworking Teacher

Air Date: 3.10.20

Topics: Woodworking programs at GBHS, Career Exploration & Opportunities for Students, Electric Car & VTC (Vocational Technology Club) programs.

Travis Straub - CTE.mp3

Serving the needs of our students - Barton County Special Services

Christie Gerdes, BCSS Director

Air Date: 3.3.20

Topics: Discussing the services BCSS provides, via 60 certified staff members and over 140 paraprofessionals across four school districts.

Christie Gerdes.mp3

Kindergarten Readiness & State Standards

Abby Jonas, Kindergarten Teacher

Pam Jordan, Kindergarten Teacher

Air Date: 2.25.20

Topics: What's expected of kids in Kindergarten, Kansas State Standards for Kindergarteners, Importance of Preschool, and Great Bend School's role in developing a strong educational foundation.

2.25.20 Kindergarten Readiness.mp3

Building Bridges

Randy Wetzel, GBHS Assistant Principal

Lacy Wolters, GBHS ACT and Career Coordinator

Air Date: 2.18.20

Topics: Career & Technical Education at GBHS, Community Involvement, Career Shadowing

2.18.20 Building Bridges.mp3

Student Support in USD 428

Tricia Reiser, Director of Teaching & Learning

Tandi Mai, Instructional ELA Coach - Eisenhower Elementary

Air Date: 1.28.20

Topics: Multi-Tier System of Support (MTSS), English Language and Reading, the Science of Reading, Teacher Clarity and School District Direction

1.28.20 MTSS.mp3

Student Nutrition Update

Kristy Alvord, USD 428 Food Service Director

Air Date: 1.21.20

1.21.20 Food Service.mp3