Colby Public Schools Update: Football, Fall Fun, Track Progress and a Chance for the Community to Speak Up

There's never really a slow time at Colby Public Schools, and this week is certainly no exception!

USD 315 Superintendent Dr. Kevin Warner stopped by the NWKS Radio studios for his weekly visit with Joel Navarro, bringing updates on everything from football and Halloween festivities to school musicals, track construction and a new opportunity for the community to help shape the future of Colby Public Schools.

And while Warner jokingly referred to this as the district's "slow time of the year," he admitted things will only get busier when spring rolls around.

Football Gets an Early Start Thursday Night

Colby Eagles football fans will want to make a note of a schedule change this week.

The Eagles will host Nickerson on Thursday, October 29, with kickoff moved up to 6 p.m.

Warner explained that the change helps accommodate Nickerson's travel schedule while also getting ahead of potentially heavy rain forecast for Friday.

The earlier game also gives Colby's seniors an opportunity to enjoy their final home game without the weather potentially interfering.

Music, Musicals and Halloween Fun

There's plenty happening away from the football field, too!

Colby's fourth graders will take the stage Thursday, October 29, for their musical performance at 7 p.m. in the middle school auditorium on Third Street.

On Friday, October 30, the grade school will celebrate Halloween with classroom parties and its traditional costume parade. Warner said everyone is hoping the weather cooperates so students can enjoy the outdoor festivities.

And the performing arts fun doesn't stop there.

Colby High School students are also preparing for their production of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, with performances announced during the interview for November 13 and 14 at 7 p.m.

Warner said he is looking forward to seeing the students and teachers showcase their talents.

Colby Public Schools Wants to Hear From YOU!

One of the biggest topics during this week's visit was an opportunity for the entire community to share its thoughts about USD 315.

Colby Public Schools is participating in a national research survey called K-12 Confidence in Public Education, conducted through the American Association of School Administrators and ThoughtExchange.

The survey gives parents, staff and community members an opportunity to share what they believe the district is doing well and where improvements could be made.

And you don't have to currently have children attending Colby Public Schools to participate.

Warner emphasized that feedback from the entire community is valuable, whether you're a current parent, a former parent or simply someone who cares about local education.

"I can tell you personally I will be looking hard at what Colby has to say about USD 315," Warner said.

As a relatively new superintendent, Warner said hearing from the community is an important part of understanding the district's strengths and identifying opportunities for improvement.

The survey also offers an interactive feature that allows participants to view and rate thoughts submitted by others.

Warner said the results specific to Colby will be available to district administrators and the Board of Education, providing useful information as they evaluate the district.

"I'm a big believer [you're] never as good as you think you are, but you're never as bad as you think you are either," Warner said.

The community survey is already open and is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Students in grades 8 through 12 may also have an opportunity to participate once the district completes the necessary parental permission requirements.

To find the survey, visit colbyeagles.org and look through the district's Live Feed, or check the Colby Eagles Facebook page.

New Track Project Continues to Take Shape

And before wrapping up the interview, Warner remembered one more update: progress at Dennen Field!

Construction crews have started laying concrete for the inside and outside edges of the new track.

Fans attending Thursday night's football game should be able to see some of the latest progress firsthand.

It's another step forward for a project that will benefit Colby students, athletes and the surrounding community for years to come.

Something for Everyone at USD 315

From football under the lights and Halloween costumes to student performances and construction projects, there's certainly no shortage of activity around Colby Public Schools.

And with the district's new community survey, everyone has an opportunity to be part of the conversation about what's next.

Keep listening to NWKS Radio for weekly updates from Dr. Kevin Warner and the latest happenings around USD 315.