Kristin Brighton, Manhattan-Ogden USD 383 Board of Education

Know someone searching for after-school care for this fall? Check out this awesome new program through UFM!

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UFM Community Learning Center is launching the new ABLE (After-school Building Leadership and Enrichment) Program for K–5 students during the 2026–2027 school year. Enrollment begins with the purchase of an annual membership, which secures your child’s spot. Students may attend daily from 2:30–5:30 PM Monday through Friday, where they will engage in hands-on STEAM enrichment activities, leadership development, recreation, and even homework support. The program offers a fun, safe environment with mentorship from UFM teen mentors and K-State college students. Transportation will be provided from local schools. After enrollment, families are invoiced $225 per month for services from August 2026 through May 2027. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Please register at bit.ly/42JD2TA. For any questions, please email [email protected].

Please note when registering: For transportation planning, please provide the grade your child will be entering for the 2026–2027 school year and the elementary school they will attend. You may enter this information in the Special Needs/Comments section during registration or email it to [email protected].

This registration reserves your child's spot in the ABLE Program for the 2026–2027 school year. Additional program information, forms, and required paperwork will be provided to enrolled families later this summer.

After School Program (ABLE) Me - 26BYO221 UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving Kansas State University, the Manhattan area and the state of Kansas. Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves a...

Just got back from a terrific tour of Fort Riley, where I attended a signing ceremony for an intergovernmental support agreement (IGSA) between the installation and USD 383. This deal is a huge win for both entities. It allows Ft. Riley to complete needed construction contracts at roughly 30% less cost to taxpayers and about 18 months faster, and it will provide a new revenue stream for the district that could help us greatly with teacher pay and benefits, as well as reduce taxes. It’s a win-win. Ben Van Becelaere and his team were wonderful hosts. We even got to try out some training simulators. Looking forward to seeing the outcomes of this deal benefit the district for years to come.

More reporting on the outcomes of technology use in U.S. classrooms. Our district has a committee exploring possible changes, with a report coming in April.

https://fortune.com/2026/02/21/laptops-tablets-schools-gen-z-less-cognitively-capable-parents-first-time-cellphone-bans-standardized-test-scores/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQNefJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJSaDE5aFpobDNpY1hFTFR4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrsUmgWP6H6w3DSsH3saRdU1223-7PrwDi9BpCNH3mRwGOaoz9Z7Wgi-Ajcu_aem_58iNfsSTm-8YW_rYWvmgaw

The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents | Fortune Neuroscientist Jared Cooney Horvath said older generations “screwed up” giving students access to so much technology: “I genuinely hope Gen Z quickly figures that out and gets mad.”

Here’s a fantastic and free career event for Kansas classrooms: https://www.facebook.com/share/14RmnVgtWEs/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Virtual Health Care Career Day - Happy in Health Care Kansas Virtual Health Care Career Day – February 18, 2026 The 2026 Virtual Health Care Career Day is presented by the Kansas Hospital Association, Kansas Board of Regents and the...

As part of my day job, I’ve had the pleasure of working with MHS students Evan Jackson and Alexis Toews this fall on episodes of Cool Careers. Evan stars in Long-Term Care Administrator with Meadowlark, and Alexis stars in HVAC Tech with Alternative Air. Check out their performances and learn about these high-demand careers at https://hirepaths.com/cool-careers-videos

We love all our Cool Careers episodes…but it was rewarding to get to work with some local students and businesses on these episodes!

Learning more about advocating for public education today at the KASB State Convention!

Here’s a great reskilling opportunity that could make a big impact in the future of Kansas. https://www.facebook.com/share/1Am1sadH52/?mibextid=wwXIfr

"Kansas schools are facing a critical shortage of licensed special education teachers," said Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education. "Our newest MAT pathway directly addresses that need. We are proud to offer a rigorous, flexible and affordable program that prepares professionals for their new careers in education." Read More: https://ow.ly/klHe50XjGVt

Congrats to the cast and crew of MHS’s Little Shop of Horrors! Great job by all!

Ready for my first site council meeting of the year, and my first meeting as a member of Lee’s council! Go Longhorns!