Turner USD #202

11/06/2026

☕ We are so excited to share this update from the THS Golden Bear Cafe!

This school year, the student-run café at Turner High School has expanded into a new space with upgraded equipment designed to give students a more authentic workplace experience. Students learn everything from customer service and teamwork to preparing espresso drinks, operating a point-of-sale system, managing inventory, and running a business.

Students have also been learning from the professionals! Through a partnership with Broadway Roasting Company, they received hands-on training, visited the company’s roasting facility, and even helped select a signature Golden Bear Blend that will be sold in the café.

The Golden Bear Café is giving students a place to build skills, confidence, and experience they can take with them beyond high school.

➡️ Read more about the expanded café, the students behind it, and how Real World Learning is coming to life at THS:

The café moved into a classroom near the front of the school that has been transformed into a space that feels much more like a coffee shop.

11/06/2026

📆 This is a reminder that there is no school on Monday, November 9th for staff professional learning. We recommend you save our district calendar to your mobile device: https://bit.ly/202DistrictCalendar

11/02/2026

“What did you learn in your classes today?” It’s a question that we encourage every parent to ask their student when they see them after school. In USD 202, we want your student to be able to answer that question and then take it further to be able to share why they are learning it and what they need to do to show they’ve learned it.

That idea is at the heart of teacher clarity, an instructional practice USD 202 is focusing on across the district as part of our Strategic Plan. It isn't a new curriculum or a particular teaching style. Teacher clarity is the intentional practice of making learning transparent so students understand what they are learning, why they are learning it, and how they will know when they have learned it.

➡ Read more about Teacher Clarity and our district's professional development around it through the link below!

The concept helps students understand what they're learning and why.

10/30/2026

In the district's strategic plan, Action Step I under Community Connection is to "Facilitate local community service and engagement opportunities, preferably within Kansas City, Kansas." This is important to us because when our students give back to the community, it benefits everyone! As part of this initiative, several high school athletic teams do a community service event during their athletic season.

Earlier this month, Turner High School football players and managers visited Junction Elementary to help out in classrooms and play with students at recess. The elementary students loved getting to spend time with the high schoolers - and as you can see from the pictures, the team and coaches had a great time too! 💛🏈

10/30/2026

Have you noticed that the Golden Bear Band has a new look this school year?!

The new uniforms feature a sleek black base with gold, white and gray details across the front of the jacket. A gold sash extends across the shoulder and down the back with TURNER prominently displayed, while the tall black marching hats feature the Turner “T.”

For senior Mia Melendez, putting on the new uniform for the first time felt like more than simply changing the band's appearance.

“The new band uniforms brought out the confidence in our band and gives a sense of a new beginning,” Melendez said. “The thing I like most about the uniforms is the style and how they’re more comfortable to move around in.”

The process of selecting that new look began well before students took the field this fall. Director of Bands Wes Lewis and Band Director Eisenbraun started by developing preliminary designs and sharing them with district administration and the Board of Education for feedback.

From there, they met virtually with professional uniform designers and worked together to refine the concepts. Once several final options were ready, the decision came back to the students who would actually be wearing them.

“Once we had several professional looking options, we had our students rank the choices,” Lewis said.

The final design balances the traditional black and gold associated with Turner with a more modern marching band look. It also includes practical updates that make the uniforms easier for students to wear and allow them to be adjusted as they are passed from one band member to another in future years.

Junior Stella Chowning said students have noticed the difference.

“The thing I like most about the new uniforms is how much easier they are to put on, and I also love the new design,” Chowning said. “Getting new uniforms was important to band students because our previous uniforms were worn out from being used for so long; we needed an upgrade, and the new design is very modern for marching band.”

“We really appreciate the school district's support through this process and are excited to showcase our new look!” Lewis said.

10/29/2026

Our boys soccer team has done phenomenal this season! So, for this week's , we have our boys soccer team from 1997. We are so proud of you, bears. ⚽🐻

10/28/2026

Earlier in the semester, fourth grade students in Ms. Earl's art class at Oak Grove Elementary learned all about Dia de los Mu***os and then used their creativity to make their own version of a sugar skull. The skulls were modeled after someone, whether it be a loved one or even a favorite soccer player.

Dia de los Mu***os is a celebration of remembering loved ones and is part of Mexican culture.

We love seeing so much creativity from our students!

10/27/2026

🍪 Students in Turner High School's culinary pathway get hands-on learning in the kitchen each week. Students get to practice a variety of skills and roles that they would have working in a professional culinary setting.

These classes frequently make items for district events, such as group tours and the high school career fair. They also collaborate with our Golden Bear Cafe to sell items for students and staff to purchase. All funds go back to the program so they can continue to expand and grow their kitchen tools and opportunities.

If you know a student interested in a culinary career, be sure to encourage them to enroll in the culinary pathway!

10/26/2026

👑 Congratulations to the 2026 Turner High School Homecoming King and Queen, Osvaldo Cabrera and Alina Zamora!

King Osvaldo Cabrera was escorted by his parents, Karla Romo and Jesus Cabrera. During his time at THS, Osvaldo has been involved in soccer, UBMS, and Claw Crew. After graduation, he plans to pursue a degree in Aerospace Engineering.

Queen Alina Zamora was escorted by her parents, Berenice Zamora and Jesus Zamora. During her time at THS, Alina has been involved in soccer, volleyball, BPA, Claw Crew, and Kay Club. After graduation, she plans to attend the University of Kansas to pursue a degree in nursing.

Congratulations to Osvaldo and Alina!

10/23/2026

🌟 We’re excited to highlight our Secondary Turner Horizon Award nominee, Addie Devine, physical education teacher at Turner High School. Learn more about her below.

The program, sponsored by the Kansas State Department of Education, recognizes and rewards teachers who have served as outstanding representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state during their first year of teaching.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the teaching field?
A: I chose teaching because I wanted a career where I could make a positive impact on students every day. I have always enjoyed working with kids and being involved in sports, so physical education felt like the perfect way to combine those passions. I love having the opportunity to be a role model for my students and show up for them every day.

Q: What did you most enjoy as a first year teacher?
A: I enjoyed all the little moments of being a first-year teacher. Getting to meet my students and coworkers and build relationships with them was one of my favorite parts. Coaching was another highlight. I coached volleyball and soccer, and I really enjoyed being involved outside of the classroom as well. Starting Claw Crew also brought me so much joy. It was so fun to see the school spirit come back and watch students have fun supporting each other!

Q: What do you most like about teaching in USD 202?
A: The Turner community. I have felt supported by the staff and welcomed by the students and families since I started. I love that there are so many opportunities to get involved beyond the classroom and build relationships with students and families. Turner has given me the opportunity to grow as a teacher while also allowing me to become part of a community that truly feels like a family.