Dear DRE Families,
Over the next few days, the photo packages from picture day should go home with your student. Here are some instructions on what to do with those packages.
If you wish to keep the photos that you received, you can turn in your payment to the office. There is also an option to pay online if you are not paying with cash or check.
If you do not want the photos, please return them to the office. If you would only like to keep certain photos, you can return the ones that you do not want and your payment for the ones you keep to the front office.
Payments and portraits should be returned to the front office by April 24th. Please contact Ms. Kaya at the front office if you have any questions!
Join us this afternoon for the Students vs. Staff Softball Game fundraiser that will be held TODAY, May 13th at 3:30 p.m.!
$5 entry for BSHS baseball and softball teams! Concessions will be available!
Congratulations to Braelyn Morris - Salutatorian:
Braelyn Morris plans to attend a four-year college, where she will major in psychology, child development, or pre-occupational therapy, though she is still deciding on her final path. During high school, she has been highly involved in a wide range of activities, including volleyball, wrestling, unified bowling, unified soccer, soccer, powerlifting, Orange Crush Chieftain, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Student Council, Youth Lead KC, and serving as a Diversity Ambassador.
Reflecting on those who have supported her journey, Braelyn shares, “I would like to thank my family for always loving and supporting me through all of my endeavors, along with all of the teachers and coaches who have helped me to grow along the way.”
Livestream tonight's Graduation ceremony starting at 7 p.m. at bravesbroadcast.live!
Catch the Graduation Livestream tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at bravesbroadcast.live!
Congratulations to Addison Vogel - Valedictorian:
Addison Vogel plans to attend St. Cloud State University, where she will continue her athletic career in track and field. Throughout high school, she has been deeply involved in a wide range of activities, including volleyball, wrestling, powerlifting, soccer, track, National Honor Society, Diversity Ambassadors, Kay Club, and serving as Student Council President and an Orange Crush Chieftain.
Reflecting on her journey, Addison shares, “I want to thank my mom and Coach Mays for always encouraging me to be confident in myself and pushing me to become better.”
Each month, the Chamber recognizes a teacher for their outstanding service, but this month, they recognized an integral part of our school district - our Transportation Director, Debbie Elmer.
Mrs. Elmer has demonstrated a passion for the students and the district she serves for the last 41 years!
Over the last 41 years, Mrs. Debbie Elmer has exemplified excellence, dedication, and unwavering commitment to our school district as a bus driver and then eventually as Director of Transportation. Through changing times and numerous challenges, her leadership has ensured the safe and reliable transportation of literally GENERATIONS of students.
Debbie’s professionalism, knowledge of all things transportation, and tireless dedication to USD 204 has set a high standard - not only for our district, but for the profession itself! It’s no exaggeration to say she’s been the best at what she does, and we are incredibly fortunate to have benefitted from her dedication for so many years.
Mrs. Elmer will be retiring at the end of June, and we want to wish her all the best. Congratulations, Debbie Elmer, USD 204 Transportation Director, on being recognized as the May Chamber of Commerce School Staff Member of the Month!
https://bonnerspringsedusdks.sites.thrillshare.com/documents/about-us/boe/board-beat/25298948
Dear DRE Families,
If you would like to purchase Class Group Photos, we have extras in the front office. Group Photos are $10 and are available for purchase!
Join us TONIGHT at Chipotle at the Tanger Legends Chipotle from 4pm-8pm! 25% of event sales will be donated to PTO which helps organized fun things for our DRE Community to enjoy! If you don't have any dinner plans, come on out to support and have a good time!
We hope to see you there!
Dear DRE Families,
Check out the PTO April Newsletter!
April 2026 Newsletter
Need help buying food for your children when school is out for summer?
Learn how the Kansas SUN Bucks program can help you!
SUN Bucks, also known as Summer EBT, is a program to help families buy food for their school-aged children during the summer. Families will get a one-time benefit of $120 per year for each eligible child to help buy groceries during the summer months. Children who get SUN Bucks can still participate in other summer meal programs. Receiving SUN Bucks will not affect children or families’ immigration status.
Applications are now being accepted for SUN Bucks benefits for summer 2026. Benefits will not be issued until summer 2026. Some households may be automatically eligible and will receive a letter from DCF after January 2026 regarding SUN Bucks eligibility. Other households can create a DCF Self-Service Portal account or use your existing login to apply before 5 p.m. on August 31, 2026.
If you don't know which preschool your child will attend, check out our Preschool Information page on our website: https://www.usd204.net/page/204pre-k or call one of our schools at:
USD 204 PRESCHOOL - 913-441-2126
Tuition-based preschool hosted at DRE
PRESCHOOL AT MCDANIELD - 913-422-7970
No-fee preschool
PRESCHOOL AT HEAD START - 913-441-2828
No-fee preschool
Join us on Thursday, April 16th to learn about the preschool program at the building your child will attend! Bring your student to visit the classrooms and meet the staff!
We hope to see you there!
Hello 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade DRE Families,
The deadline to register for our school Variety Show is getting close. Registration ends on Friday, April 17th at 4:00 PM. This registration can be found in grade level Newsletters, the Rooms App, or through this link. Right now, we are very low on participants and need MANY more for the show to be able to go on. Let Mrs. Timmons in the Music Room know if you have any questions.
Thank You!
USD 204 Board of Education Appoints Nicole Perica Gerken to fill BOE Vacancy
The Bonner Springs/Edwardsville Board of Education appointed Nicole Perica Gerken as a school board member to replace the vacancy opened when former member Ashley Razak resigned to accept a position within the district. Gerken will serve in this position through December 2027.
A 1997 graduate of Bonner Springs High School, Gerken brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across nonprofit management, strategic communications, fundraising, marketing, public relations, brand development, and operational oversight to the position. She has worked at The HALO Foundation for the past 16 years, including serving as their Chief Operating Officer since 2016.
Gerken applied for the Board position because she believes strong schools are the foundation of a strong and thriving community.
“Through my professional work at HALO supporting homeless and at-risk children and families, I have seen firsthand how education, stability, and supportive environments shape a child’s long-term trajectory,” Gerken said. “I believe school boards play a critical role in setting vision, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources, and supporting educators so they can focus on student success.”
USD 204 Board President Angie Thomas said, “The Board unanimously agreed Gerken’s expertise and leadership make her well suited to fill this role. Her skills and perspective will strengthen our board, and we look forward to the positive impact she will have on USD 204 and the community we serve.”
1st through 12th graders are invited to participate in the Bonner Springs Summer Weights 2026 program! There is FREE registration with a physical on file before April 20, otherwise the program is $20 (includes t-shirt, prizes and giveaways for highest attendance, and free breakfast/lunch offered daily)!
Youth Sessions (1st - 3rd graders):
July 6 - 23 (Monday - Thursday only)
9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Middle School Sessions (4th - 8th graders):
June 8 - July 23, M-Th only (no workouts June 26 through July 5 due to KSHSAA Moratorium)
Session 1: 7-8 grade boys - 7 - 8 a.m.
Session 2: 7-8 grade girls - 8:15 - 9:15 a.m.
Session 3: 4-6 grade boys and girls - 9:30 - 10:30 a.m.
High School Sessions (9th-12th graders)*
June 8 - July 23, M-Th only (no workouts June 26 through July 5 due to KSHSAA Moratorium)
Session 1: high school boys - 6:15 - 8:15 a.m.
Session 2: high school girls - 8:30 - 10:30 a.m.
*There will also be an orientation and newcomers camp for all incoming freshmen and new high school students May 15, 16, 22, and 23rd from 6 - 8 p.m. (Meet in the BSHS commons area.)
Sign up NOW using this link! (Make checks payable to BSHS Athletics)
Please feel free to email Coach Mays with any questions!
Our 2026 boys basketball team made history!
This season, our boys basketball team brought home a state championship, only the second in school history, and the first since 1984. What makes this team special goes beyond the scoreboard, they showed toughness, discipline, and a commitment to each other every single night.
Championship T-Shirts: Bonner Springs made history, and this championship hits different. This isn’t just a shirt, it’s the season we’ll never forget. Get yours and wear it proudly.
If you would like to order one of the championship shirts, here is your chance! We accept cash and card (there is a fee if you pay by card). The deadline for shirt orders will be April 12, 2026. To guarantee you receive your shirt, you need to do two things:
Complete the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdkEKWeFQIVaomeUZwy0-28fCFuDiMpNU2JjeOHjRAq1OgVAA/viewform
Submit payment: If paying cash, you will need to bring it into the high school (give it to the athletic secretary - Mrs. Kelly); If paying by card (there will be a small fee), use this link: https://gofan.co/event/6414951?schoolId=KS18100
Both steps are required for a successful t-shirt order!
