Central Gives Back

Central Middle School held a food drive this past fall to help families and give back to the community. The students were able to collect a large verity of non perishable foods, like caned foods, cake mixes and dry pastas. Over 165 items were collected! The items will be going to the Bethel Community Center.
The food drive was done as a contest between the Family Advisory classes, with each grade's top winning an ice cream party. The top classes were Boykins for 6th grade, Appleba for 7th grade, and Reno for 8th grade.
"It went well," said 7th grade class president Apshara Gurung. "I thought most people wouldn't do it because not a lot of people like to donate. But as I saw the boxes filling up, I got more and more happy!"
The class presidents for each grade, Marijayne Eastwood fro 8th grade, Apshara Gurung for 7th grade, and Maylen Salazar for 6th grade, helped gather all the supplies together to be donated before the holiday break.

New Year, New Faces

Each year brings new faces to Central Middle School. Meet the new faces of Central for the 2025-2026 school year.

Dr. Thompson - Interim Principal

Dr. Thompson is stepping up to be Central's Interim Principal until a permanent replacement can be made. She has been in education for over 30 years, spending time as a principal at Quindaro Elementary last year and F.L. Schlagle High School for over 10 years. She looks forward to seeing all the students learning at high levels.

"I am here to help student navigate the middle school experience so they are well prepared for high school and can take full advantage of Diploma+."

Ms. Benard - Interim AP

Ms. Bernard will be stepping in as our new Interim Assistant Principal and will be splitting her time between Central and Eisenhower. She has been with the district for over 25 years and previously worked as a PE teacher and an administrator for both Wyandotte High School and Sumner High School.

Ms. Bratton - SPED ELA and Math

Ms. Bratton has been in education for four years, previously teaching in Atlanta, Georgia.
She looks forward to the opportunity to teach in middle school for the first time, as she previously worked at both the high school and kindergarten levels.

"I enjoy making difficult work fun!"

Ms. Evans - Instructional Coach

Ms. Evans has been in education for 37 years. She was previously working in the Lawrence Public School district. She looks forward to getting to know her colleagues.

"Middle schoolers are my favorite people! I taught 8th grade English in Topeka for many years!"

Ms. Cooper - Instructional Coach

Ms. Cooper has been in education for 13 years and was previously an assistant principal. She looks forward to serving the community and building relationships with those here at Central. She said families should know that she's "a history nerd."

Mr. Boykins - Social Studies

Mr. Boykins has been in education for three years, formally teaching at Lemuel Teal Middle school. He looks forward to meeting with all the students.

"I love teaching my subject!"

Ms. Guldner - Theater

Ms G. is in her first year of teaching, having recently graduated from Bethel College in Newton. She did her student teaching at Andover High school near Wichita. She is looking forward to getting to know everyone at Central and start her career as a teacher.

"I was born and raised in KC and I am so excited to be back in the community, starting my teaching journey with you all. I really look forward to what the future may hold for me at Central!"

Mrs. Joyce - 6th grade Science and Exploring Computers

Mrs. Joyce has been teaching for 11 years. She formally taught at Santa Fe Trail High School and Topeka West High School. She looks forward to getting to know the students and families and becoming a part of the Central Middle School family.

"I am married and have a corgi puppy. I absolutely love science and look forward to sharing my excitement and knowledge with my students."

Sra. Marin - Spanish and World Languages

Señora Marin is in her second year of teaching, coming from Lawrence Kansas. She looks forward to getting to know everyone and making friends.

"I enjoy cooking, baking, reading, traveling, and jogging. I LOVE animals!"

Mr. O'Banion - Science

Mr. O'Banion will be taking over a science classroom and helping Central eliminate the need for proximity teaching. He previously taught high school in Arkansas and is qualified to teach math as well as science. He has a four year old daughter at home.

Miss. Perez - ELA and Integrated Reading and Writing

Miss. Perez is brand new to education having just finished her student teaching right here at Central and then jumping right back in for a full teaching position. She recently graduated from Washburn University. She looks forward to getting to know her students and watching them succeed.

"I love getting to now my student and helping. I speak Spanish. I have 3 cats and 2 dogs- I love animals!"

Mr. Sullivan - Long term sub for 7th grade ELA

Mr. Sullivan took over for Ms. Davis' classes when she had to leave Central due to medical complications. He was been working in education for over 10 years. He has worked all over the district, but most recently at Camber for 2 years and at Sumner as an assistant coach for debate and forensics. He plans to finish out the rest of quarter two here at Central.

"I was born and raised in Wyandotte County, I love our home, I love the people in it, and I'm here to serve you."