Dragonbackers

09/03/2026

We need volunteers for the merchandise booth at the home football game this Friday night! Please sign up where you can help. Thank you!

09/02/2026

Let’s go, Reece! 💙

Halstead's Reece Carmichael - Linebacker Poll Winner - Presented by Halstead Bank

https://southcentralksvype.com/featured/halsteads-reece-carmichael-linebacker-poll-winner-presented-by-halstead-bank/

09/01/2026

Please sign up on the Google form where you can help!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1vN4i9e46vvAT-Ua2-YVmXQwKaXrjyh4hufSZ9pb3aMA/edit?usp=sharing

08/29/2026

We love our volunteers! Thank you to Bryan Swift, Steve Hoofer, Jeremy Will, Joey Bryant, Adam Conard, Wayne Brantley, Troy Mueller, Mark Denno, Jordan Soward, Jennifer Swift, Kelli Rump, Gina Carmichael, Kris Schulte, Jennifer Brantley, Joy Hoofer, Melissa Fanshier, Stacey Bernal, Shannon Barnes, Kelli Davis, Dean Whillock, John Back, and our Dragonbackers Board members!

Thank you also to everyone who came out to eat, purchased Dragon apparel or gear, or became a Dragonbackers member!

08/28/2026

What an honor! Congratulations students, Mrs. Clifford, and Mr. Bauer!

More details from Mr. Bauer: Look at Halstead go! This recognition from KSHSAA comes from results across our music, theatre, debate, and forensics programs! This is the first time Halstead has been commended by KSHSAA for our performing arts! Only 23 of the over 300 KSHSAA schools make this list!

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

Congratulations, Mr. Bauer! 💙

Our very own Mr Bauer was recently named the 2026-27 Kansas Speech Communication Association(KSCA) Coach of the Year. He is described as one of the hardest working, kindest, and most talented coaches around. Congratulations Mr Bauer! We are lucky to have you as part of the USD 440 family!

08/27/2026

Dragons! 💙

SPORTS IN KANSAS VOLLEYBALL TEAM TO WATCH: HALSTEAD (3A)

Halstead enters the 2026 season with four players returning from a group that has already experienced championship success at the high school level. Head coach Diana Schutte enters her 12th season at Halstead and 23rd year in coaching with a 453-284 career record. The Dragons won the 3A state championship in 2024 and finished third at state in 2025.

Schutte will be assisted by Kayla Morris and Kelli Zehr as Halstead looks to blend its experienced returning group with a large amount of new talent. The four returners were all part of the 2024 state championship team and also helped Halstead win the 2025 state basketball championship.

Senior outside hitter Bailey Bernal leads the group after reaching 1,000 career kills as a junior and entering her senior season with 1,160. Bernal was a first-team All-State selection as a sophomore and second-team All-State selection last season, along with earning unanimous first-team Central Kansas League honors. Senior setter Jordy Schroeder also returns after narrowly missing 1,000 assists in a single season with 994 last year. Schroeder is one of the most versatile athletes in 3A as she played opposite hitter her freshman year, middle hitter her sophomore year, and was a setter as a junior.

Junior opposite hitter Annie Williams returns after moving from middle hitter, where she played as a freshman on the state championship team. Williams recorded 229 kills as a sophomore and earned honorable mention CKL honors. Senior libero Piper Schroeder is also back after returning from an ACL injury midway through her junior season and will provide valuable experience in the back row.

Schutte knows the returning players will have an important role in helping a talented but inexperienced group adjust quickly to the demands of Halstead's schedule. “We have four girls who know what it takes to win a state championship but a lot of new talent that they are going to have to show the ropes to quickly. Our schedule is tough, including 5A powerhouse Maize South, and you never get a night to just breathe and get an easy win, so hoping the team is up to being tough and showing major grit and what it takes to compete each night.”

08/26/2026

Let’s go, Dragons! 💙