MTMS News

Lindsay Currie, an award-winning horror and mystery writer for intermediate grades, visited all three USD 232 middle schools on Thursday, October 17, thanks to a grant from the USD 232 Education Foundation. The presentations provided an impactful opportunity for mystery fans and inspiring authors to interact with an author.

Nikki Leisten, the Library Media Specialist at Lexington Trails Middle School, developed the proposal to request grant funds from the USD Education Foundation which would support efforts to invite an author to speak with middle school-aged students about writing as a craft. Thanks to the approval of these funds and additional support from the district, this opportunity was quickly opened up to Mill Creek Middle School and Monticello Trails Middle School as additional locations for an author to speak.

Finding the right author that would be of interest to a middle school audience was no small task, and Lindsay Currie fit the bill. She being a well-known author of mysteries for young readers and who also recently received 2023 William Allen White Award for her book Scritch, Scratch. In addition to writing and to researching forgotten history, Mrs. Currie enjoys speaking at schools. This favorite pastime allows her the opportunity to interact and inspire students and their vast imaginations. Working with school administration and the respective Media Specialist, Mrs. Currie spent approximately one-hour at each middle school. Each visit included a presentation on what inspires her to write, time to answer student questions and book signings.

The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) has named Wendy Ping the 2024-25 Overall Outstanding Art Educator of the year. The award will be officially presented at the KAEA Fall Conference on Saturday October 19 at 11 AM in the Rock Springs Conference Center Heritage Hall Auditorium.

Mrs. Ping is a highly respected Kansas art educator who currently teaches Middle Level Art at Monticello Trails Middle School, Shawnee, KS. Her educational credentials include a BA-Kansas State University, MS-Baker University, and National Board Teacher Certification in Art.

Jennifer Smith, Monticello Trails Middle School Principal, praises “Wendy's commitment to excellence in education… evident in every brushstroke, every sculpture, and every creative endeavor her students undertake.” and notes that “Her commitment to art education extends beyond the walls of Monticello Trails (as she served) on the Kansas Art Education Association board from 2015-2020, lead workshop(s) at the KAEA professional development state conference, and co-chaired the state conference in 2019. Her tireless efforts and exemplary leadership have left an indelible mark on all those she has mentored, collaborated with, and inspired. She is truly a shining example of what it means to be an exceptional art educator, and I have no doubt that her influence will continue to inspire generations of artists for years to come.”

The Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) is a statewide professional organization dedicated to the growth and development of art educators and the advancement of high quality art education. Learn more about KAEA here > www.kaea.com