Keystone Elementary

"My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is the students, parents and community members of this great district! I have been fortunate to serve this district and meet so many great individuals. The tradition of excellence that Benton is known for truly inspires people to work together to ensure Benton Community is always “A Place to Belong”!"

School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, September 6. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Have a wonderful long weekend! Be safe and see you on Tuesday.

The early dismissal held today provided time for staff to calibrate after the first week of school, collaborate with each other, and prepare for fall assessments and other classroom related content.

The early dismissal held today provided time for staff to calibrate after the first week of school, collaborate with each other, and prepare for fall assessments and other classroom related content.

My name is Kim Fisher and I serve as an Instructional Coach and PK-6 Curriculum and Professional Development Leader for the district. I was born and raised in this great district and am proudly entering my 19th year as an employee. I live in Van Horne with my husband (Ryan), and three boys (Aidan-7th grade, Brooks-3rd grade, Dierks-1st grade). I continue to choose Benton because this community molded me into the person I am today and I want to pay it forward to other Bobcats.

School will dismiss at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 30. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Our youngest learners started the 2023-24 school year today! Preschool programs got kicked off for both 3 and 4-year-olds at Atkins Elementary and Keystone Elementary. The students who started 3PK today will be the graduating class of 2038 and the students who started 4PK today will be the graduating class of 2037. We are excited to fill those years in between with opportunities that lead to learning and growth for each and every one of them. #APlaceToBelong

Reminder of School Picture Day coming up this week! #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Have a wonderful weekend Bobcats!

My name is Anna Selk and I am beginning my twelfth year as an employee at Benton Community. I have served in a variety of positions throughout the district and currently have the great pleasure of serving as Associate Superintendent. My favorite thing about being a Bobcat is the interactions with the wonderful people that make up this amazing school community. I am fortunate to live, work, and grow in a district where my personal core values align with the core values of the organization I care so deeply about. The overwhelming sense of pride that students, staff, parents, and other community members have in living life the “Bobcat Way” is truly special, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it as a parent, patron, and employee. I lead with both my head and my heart, and my heart lies in Bobcat Country. Benton Community truly is A Place to Belong. I look forward to continued service and opportunities to build and foster that belief and feeling throughout our system.

Hello, students and parents! We're thrilled to welcome all K-12 students back to school tomorrow! Preschool will begin Monday, Aug. 28th. Tomorrow is a full day of school with August 30th being our 1st Wednesday 1:00 p.m. early out. The start of a new academic year is always a time of excitement, learning, and growth, and we can't wait to have you all back in our buildings. With school back in session and the hot temperatures forecasted for the week, it's important to tackle the challenges of both learning and the heat. We're excited to have everyone back in the classrooms, but let's make sure we're taking care of ourselves, as well. 💧 Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key, especially when it's hot outside. If possible, bring a refillable water bottle to school and keep it with you throughout the day. Sipping on water not only helps keep you cool, but it also helps you stay focused and energized for your classes. 🔥 Dealing with the Heat: As the temperature rises, staying cool becomes a top priority. While all of our district classrooms in each attendance center are equipped with air-conditioning, some areas of the building are not. We will be closely monitoring the indoor environment to make sure it’s comfortable for all students. We have also decided that recess for students will be indoors due to the extreme heat. As announced yesterday, activity practices have been adjusted to early morning or later in the evening, as well. 🚌 Bus Rides in the Heat: For those who use our bus services, we want to make sure you're comfortable during your commute as well. Our buses are not equipped with air-conditioning, but we’ll be working to do all we can to manage the heat. We will have bottles of water on afternoon routes for drivers and students if needed in order to help create a pleasant and safe journey for everyone. Let's all work together to make the most of this school year while keeping ourselves safe and healthy. If you have further questions, please reach out to your student's attendance center office. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a great 1st day of school! Go Bobcats! Dr. James Bieschke, Superintendent

Wow, Bobcats! What a great day and evening seeing so many of you across all attendance centers! If you have any questions prior to our first day, please reach out to your student's teacher, building secretary, or administrator. We are so excited to get this year started!

#BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

Good Morning, Bobcats! If you haven't already registered your students for school, please do so ASAP. We are so excited to welcome Bobcat students and families on Monday for tours and meetings with teachers. Please see the schedule pictured below or check out the Benton website for additional information.

I am Shawn Pfiffner and I am beginning my 31st year at Benton Community. I am a proud Bobcat Alum and will do everything I can to help support all of our kids, coaches, and programs. Benton Community is my second family and a great place to belong. Go Bobcats!!:)

The first day of school is August 23 for K-12 and August 28 for 3 & 4 year old Preschool. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong

My name is Tim Lyons, the Transportation Director at Benton. I started as the mechanic 25 years ago and then moved into the role of Transportation Director. I am a Benton grad (once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat) and have one daughter that is a graduate of Benton and two grandchildren that go to Benton. In my spare time I like to be with my family, take day trips, and travel.

Benton CSD welcomed new certified staff yesterday. They spent the morning learning and reflecting with Dr. Bieschke and Mrs. Selk and the afternoon with teacher leaders touring each community and school building in the district.

Employee Spotlight: Katie Bauder, Keystone Elementary Principal Katie answers the question, "Why did you choose to come back to Benton"? I have an extreme sense of pride, honor, and belonging associated with returning to Benton, which I consider my home (you can’t take the Bobcat out of anyone). This feeling of coming back to a place where I feel a strong connection and sense of identity is indeed a powerful and meaningful experience. It's often referred to as a "homecoming" and it evokes a range of emotions, including nostalgia, happiness, and a deep sense of being rooted. Embracing the familiarity and comfort of my hometown, and feeling proud of my association with it, brings a source of great joy and contentment.