THE PIPER PRESS
BACK TO SCHOOL 2025
FROM HELM the
A Message from the Superintendent, Dr. Jessica Dain
Greetings, Pirate Nation!
As we embark on a brand-new school year, I am thrilled to unveil our theme for the year: #PURPLEREIGN. This powerful mantra is more than just a rallying cry; it’s a celebration of who we are, the values we hold dear, and the excellence we pursue every day.
#PURPLEREIGN over your potential.
To our incredible students: You are the heart of Piper Nation. This year, let your curiosity, courage, and creativity reign. Set bold goals, take risks, and know that you have the full support of your Pirate community behind you. You are capable of greatness! Let it shine!
#PURPLEREIGN in every classroom.
To our dedicated staff: Your unwavering commitment to our students and each other is what sets Piper apart. Let this be the year where your passion, innovation, and leadership reign supreme. Your influence is far-reaching and deeply impactful. Together, we will inspire excellence.
#PURPLEREIGN throughout our community.
To our families and partners: Your trust and involvement empower us. Your encouragement and collaboration are what help make our vision for student success a reality. Together, we build bridges that support learning and ensure every child feels valued and seen.
#PURPLEREIGN in our future.
With expanding enrollment, bold innovation, and a shared commitment to excellence, Piper USD 203 is one of the fastest-growing districts in Kansas—now ranked second in per-pupil growth statewide. This momentum reflects the strength of our vision, the dedication of our staff, and the trust of our community. As we look ahead, we remain rooted in tradition while boldly embracing transformation. The future is bright…and it’s ours to reign!
Let this year be marked by unity, pride, and purpose. Let’s lead with compassion, learn with conviction, and lift each other higher than ever before. Together, let’s show the world what it means to live and lead under the banner of #PURPLEREIGN.
Proud to be a Pirate,
Jessica
Dr. Jessica Dain (aka Prince for the day) celebrates with staff from Piper Creek Elementary at the staff kick-off celebration this August, formerly known as Convocation.
WELCOME BACK, PIRATE NATION!
The first day of school is always filled with excitement, smiles, and a sense of new beginnings, and this year was no exception. As we welcomed our students back to the halls and classrooms of the Piper School District, the energy and joy were contagious. From kindergarteners stepping into school for the very first time to our seniors beginning their final chapter, each student brings with them the promise of growth, discovery, and success.
At Piper, our mission is guided by our core values:
Inclusivity – We embrace and celebrate every student’s unique voice, background, and journey. Innovation – We inspire curiosity and creativity, preparing our students for a future full of possibilities. Community – We foster strong partnerships between our schools, families, and neighbors, knowing we are stronger together.
Integrity – We lead with honesty, responsibility, and respect in all that we do. Passion – We bring energy and enthusiasm to learning, teaching, and supporting every child’s dreams.
SUMMER HAPPENINGS
Emily Franz, junior at Piper High School, earned the National Championship title at the FCCLA National Conference for her presentation titled, Protecting our Educators, which focused on teacher burnout. Emily also presented at this year’s Convocation to a captivated 400 Piper employees. Piper High School FCCLA is sponsored by Megan Geist, FACS teacher at Piper High School.
Piper Middle School Cheer had an incredible showing, earning a clean sweep in their division at the regional tournament this summer. The team brought home top honors in Band Chant, Situational Chant, and Cheer (Large Non-Varsity), along with the Herkie Award, St. Jude Spirit Award, Spirit Stick, and 19 All-American nominations, one for every team member. Congrats to All-American winners Ava and Mayzie.
Piper Middle School shined at the FCCLA National Competition this summer. Makinley Lofton and Teghan June were crowned National Champions for their project A Bag at a Time, which was also featured on local news earlier this year. Other top finishes included: Charli Berg & Gracie Healy, Lily Tanner & McKinley Baker, Thomas McKee, and Ali Catron.
MEET PIPER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION’S NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR LIZ GIANESSI
The Piper Educational Foundation is proud to announce the appointment of Liz Gianessi as its new Executive Director. A seasoned nonprofit leader with deep roots in education and strategic development, Gianessi brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for strengthening the Foundation’s impact in the Piper community.
Gianessi joins the Foundation with an impressive background in education-focused nonprofit work, both domestically and internationally. Her career spans leadership in individual and institutional fundraising, strategic partnership development, and program advancement across a variety of mission-driven organizations. Most notably, she has led fundraising and engagement initiatives at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where she helped cultivate support from alumni, families, and philanthropic partners.
“We are thrilled to welcome Liz to the Piper family,” said Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent of Piper School District. “Her passion for education, her track record in development, and her commitment to equity and community-building make her the ideal leader to guide the Foundation’s next chapter.”
Gianessi’s experience also includes direct work with students and families as a preschool and after- school program director. This hands-on perspective informs her collaborative and inclusive leadership style, focused on elevating the educational experience for all learners. She is particularly skilled in building sustainable, community-rooted programs that align with public education goals and support long-term student success.
“I’m honored to join the Piper Educational Foundation and support the district’s bold vision for the future,” said Gianessi. “There is incredible momentum in Piper right now, and I look forward to working alongside our community to grow the Foundation’s reach, inspire investment, and ensure every student has access to exceptional opportunities.”
Gianessi holds a bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in Management and Organizational Leadership from American Public University.
The Piper Educational Foundation works to enhance educational excellence across Piper USD 203 by securing resources, building partnerships, and investing in innovative programs that support students, teachers, and schools. For more information on the Piper Educational Foundation, visit https://www.piperschools. com/piper-educational-foundation.
Be sure to SAVE THE DATE for the 20th Annual Auction on Saturday, October 4, at Homefield! SIP, SAVOR & SUPPORT!
PIPER JOINS NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO REINVENT HIGH SCHOOL FOR TODAY’S STUDENTS
As one of 24 school systems selected by the Carnegie Foundation, PIPER USD 203 will help shape the future of high school education.
Piper USD 203 is proud to announce its selection as one of 24 systems participating in the Future of High School Network, a new national initiative led by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Network brings together innovative systems from across the country to catalyze learning, knowledge and progress to support a ‘new architecture’ for high school nationwide.
The Network is built around a shared vision: high schools should be places where students gain meaningful skills, engage deeply in their learning, and graduate ready to thrive in a changing world. Through this partnership, Piper will explore and elevate new models rooted in competency-based education and improved tools to measure and support student growth.
“Piper USD 203 is honored to join the Future of High School Network and contribute to a national effort to reimagine learning,” said Dr. Jessica Dain, Superintendent of Piper USD 203.
“This partnership empowers us to deepen our work in competency-based education and prepare every student for a dynamic, ever-changing world.”
As part of the Network, Piper will also contribute to the Carnegie Foundation’s upcoming National Research and Development Agenda—a comprehensive roadmap outlining research and development priorities that support high-quality high school transformation across the country. Insights from network members will help identify the conditions necessary for innovation to take root, sustain, and scale.
“The Carnegie Unit has become the bedrock currency of the educational economy, defining almost all aspects of schooling and systematically conflating time and learning,” said Dr. Timothy Knowles, President of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
“The insights and partnerships generated by the extraordinary members of this network—in parallel with the priorities outlined in our forthcoming National Research and Development Agenda—will support knowledge building to enable innovation to flourish in high schools everywhere.”
To learn more about the Future of High School Network, visit www.carnegiefoundation.org.
BUILDING PATHWAYS OF IMAGINATION AND COMMUNITY AT PIPER SCHOOLS
At Piper Schools, we know that partnerships and giving back create ripples of impact far beyond a single project. This month, we are thrilled to celebrate a unique collaboration that brought together a dedicated Piper High School student and two of our incredibly creative art teachers to reimagine play for our youngest Pirates at the Early Childhood Center.
As part of his Eagle Scout project, Grayson Thompson, a junior at Piper High School, took on the challenge of enhancing the Early Childhood Center playground. With careful planning, attention to detail, and many hours of hard work, he transformed the area by painting a vibrant new tricycle path and constructing a safe, thoughtfully designed tricycle parking lot. His project was more than just construction; it was a vision for how play can be structured to inspire movement, creativity, and joy.
The project’s success grew even further thanks to the creative talents of our elementary art teachers, Stacy Haworth (Piper Creek) and Cierha Berry (Piper Prairie). Their artistry brought color and life to the tricycle path, turning it into more than just pavement. With imaginative designs, twists, and turns, Stacy and Cierha created a playful route that sparks storytelling, exploration, and pretend play as students ride their tricycles.
For this outstanding contribution, Stacy and Cierha were honored as August Certified Purple Reign Award winners at the Board of Education meeting, a recognition that celebrates their commitment to innovation and the Piper spirit.
What This Project Means for Our Young Learners
For the children at the Early Childhood Center, this new path is so much more than asphalt and paint. It’s a racetrack where they practice speed and coordination, a winding road where their imaginations take them to new destinations, and a safe place where they learn cooperation and sharing as they navigate together. The new tricycle
parking lot gives them pride in responsibility putting their trikes away at the end of play, and helps build routines that strengthen community.
Most importantly, this project provides students with opportunities for exercise in a joyful way, reinforcing the importance of active play in early childhood development. What once was just open space is now a dynamic, engaging environment that encourages imagination, teamwork, and healthy movement.
This partnership between a high school student and our teachers shows the power of giving back. Together, they have not only built a path and parking lot, but also a legacy of creativity, care, and community for Piper’s youngest learners. Their work reflects the heart of Purple Reign: going above and beyond to uplift one another and create something meaningful that lasts.
We are grateful for their dedication and proud to celebrate their contributions as a shining example of what happens when students and staff come together with a shared vision for making Piper Schools the best it can be.
WELCOME TO THE SHIP, MATES!
LEAH BRISKER
COMPASS TEACHER
PIPER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY
SARAH DERKS
SCIENCE TEACHER PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
KINLEY BROWN
5TH GRADE
PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
PIPER ALUM, C/O 2021
ELLEN BRUGGEMAN MATH
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
MORGAN FURDEK COUNSELOR
PIPER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY
KATIE GRAY MATH PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
LAUREN CARVER
4TH GRADE
PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
ELLENE LAUGHLIN PHYSICAL THERAPIST DISTRICTWIDE
EMILY CROWLEY
ACADEMY PREP 8
PIPER MIDDLE SCHOOL
SOCIAL STUDIES
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
VICTORIA MOSAKOWSKI
SALLY NELSON
BUSINESS
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
VICKEY NUNEZ SPANISH
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
JULIE PRICE
SPECIAL EDUCATION
PIPER MIDDLE SCHOOL
MATT RICHARD SCIENCE
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
KRISTINA SINK 5TH GRADE
PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
CHRISTINA SPRAGUE 4TH GRADE
PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
TREVOR STRATHE BUSINESS
PIPER HIGH SCHOOL
WHITNEY TRIPP COMPASS TEACHER
PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
ERIC WESSEL SOCIAL STUDIES PIPER MIDDLE SCHOOL
BRIANNA WILSON 1ST GRADE
PIPER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY
MARK GOLUBSKI IT TECHNICIAN DISTRICT OFFICE
BREANNA OLESEN PARAPROFESSIONAL PIPER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY
ELIZABETH GARCIA PARAPROFESSIONAL PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
MADELINE WOLFE PARAPROFESSIONAL PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
DEANNA LORENZ PARAPROFESSIONAL PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
RACHEL MILNARK NURSING COORDINATOR DISTRICTWIDE
CAITLIN CANADAY MIS SPECIALIST DISTRICT OFFICE
LIZ GIANESSI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PIPER EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION
KELLEA KNEAS LIBRARY AIDE PIPER PRAIRIE ELEMENTARY
DR. LISA CROSS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL PIPER CREEK ELEMENTARY
DISTRICT DOWNLOAD
Piper Welcomes New Elementary Principals
Piper is excited to welcome two outstanding leaders to our elementary schools. Anne-Marie Short will serve as principal of Piper Prairie Elementary, and Jane Martin will lead Piper Creek Elementary. Together, they bring a wealth of experience, passion for education, and a strong commitment to supporting students, staff, and families.
Both leaders share Piper’s vision of creating a positive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment where every child can thrive. Their leadership will strengthen the K–5 team and help ensure that our elementary schools continue to be places of excellence, growth, and community. Piper is proud to have them on board and looks forward to the great work ahead.
Alumni Celebration – Homecoming 2025
Piper Alumni – we want to see you back on campus! The Piper Alumni Association invites you and your families to join us for a special evening of Homecoming festivities on Friday, September 26. Kick off the night with the Alumni Dinner from 5–7 PM in the Middle School Commons, then cheer on the Pirates as Piper High School takes on Spring Hill High School under the lights at 7 PM. Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with old friends, celebrate our Pirate pride, and make new memories with the Piper community.
Nominate a Piper Staff Member for the Purple Reign Award!
Do you know a Piper staff member who goes above and beyond? Whether it’s a teacher, support staff member, or any member of our team, we want to celebrate their dedication and impact! Each week, outstanding certified and classified staff are recognized with the Purple Reign Award, with honorees also celebrated during our monthly Board of Education meetings. Help us shine a spotlight on the incredible people who make a difference every day at Piper. Let’s keep the Pirate spirit strong by lifting up those who inspire us each day! Nominate at https://tinyurl.com/purplereignawards
MARTIN, CREEK
SHORT, PRAIRIE
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