South Gray Schools

TO THE PATRONS OF COPELAND USD #476

USD #476 Copeland will hold a bond election on November 3, 2026, seeking voter approval for $5.6 million in bond financing to construct a new elementary school and child nutrition kitchen.

The bond proposal is the culmination of a year-long planning process by the USD #476 Board of Education and administration. The proposed bond would serve as a continuation of the district's current bond issue, which was approved by voters in 2008 for $4 million.

Based on the 2026-2027 USD #476 budget, the projected bond mill levy is expected to remain flat. In addition, the projected mill levy is less than the district's historical average mill levy from 2010 through 2026.

If approved, the bond issue would allow the district to replace the existing elementary school structure, which was constructed in 1957.

The resolution contains the precise wording that will appear on the November ballot:

Shall Unified School District No. 476, Gray County, Kansas (Copeland), issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,600,000, to pay the costs to construct, furnish and equip a new elementary school addition, and all necessary improvements related thereto; all pursuant to the provisions of K.S.A. 10-101 et seq., K.S.A. 25-2018(f), K.S.A. 72-5457, and K.S.A. 72-5458 et seq.?

USD #476 will begin providing voters with information about the bond proposal in September. A bond informational flyer containing additional details about the proposal is currently being produced and will be distributed to district patrons.

The Board of Education has scheduled an initial community meeting for September 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the gymnasium commons at 105 Thatcher Street in Copeland.

This meeting, along with additional community meetings that will be scheduled at a later date, is intended to provide patrons and community members with an opportunity to:

*Learn more about the proposed bond projects;
*View renderings of the proposed new building;
*Walk through the existing elementary school to view its current condition; and
*Ask questions about the bond proposal.

The district encourages all community members to become informed about the proposed bond issue and its potential impact on USD #476 before casting their vote on November 3, 2026.

South Gray HS volleyball’s season opener is tomorrow, Aug. 28 at Hodgeman County. The Varsity will start at 5pm, and the JV will play after the 4pm game between Bucklin JV and Hodgeman JV. There will be a C team game following the JV games. Let’s go Lady Rebels!!

Corrected swim date for Montezuma Elementary! Still swimming Friday but it's tomorrow he 28th.

Parents & Guardians of Montezuma Elementary School Students, K-5 students will be swimming Friday, August 29th. Please send swim attire, sandals, towels, and sunscreen with your child. Also, please send a plastic sack along for wet clothes. Lifeguards will be present.

Parents and Guardians,
We continue to work through issues with our new communication platform Apptegy Rooms. We are making progress but it has been tedious and slower than expected. We are currently activating guardians (parent access). Some of you have been activated but 69% of you are in the process of being activated. As we continue to set up teacher and staff rooms and activate guardians, I will keep you posted on the progress. Mr. Zehr

Welcome Back Rebels! It has been a great first day back for our Copeland Elementary and South Gray Junior High Rebel students. Welcome to our new staff: Ms. Briggs: 4th grade Mrs. Erickson: Elementary Music Mr. Klassen: Instrumental Music Mrs. Harden: Art Ms. Covey: Interrelated Para It's going to be a great year and it's Always a Great Day to Be a South Gray Rebel! ⚔️ 📚✏️⚔️

JH FB and VB practice will be over at 5:15 today so students will have time to get ready for Open House.

Attention Parents--🏈🏈🏐🏐 Junior High Football and Junior High Volleyball practice will end today at 5:15 p.m. due to USD 476 Open House. The shuttle will depart back to Montezuma at that time! 🏈🏈🏈🏐🏐🏐🏐

Please Join us at Copeland Elementary and South Gray Junior High School for Open House Tuesday August 25 starting at 6:00 pm for Elementary and 7:00 p.m. for Junior High. Junior High students and parents please meet in the new gym at 7:00 p.m. See you there!

Parents and students, please join us on Monday, Aug. 24 for:

Montezuma Elementary Open House @ 6:00pm in the cafeteria (103 W Sunnyside Ave.)

SGHS Freshman Orientation @ 7:00 in the High School Commons (200 W Cortez)

Here is the HS Schedule for Next week

HSVB Tues Sept 25 Jamboree @ Scott City 4:00
Depart: 1:30, Bus: #18, Driver: SK

HSVB Fri Sept 28, @ HC 5:00
Depart: 2:45, Bus #18, Driver SK
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HSVB Fri Sept 28, Jamboree @ SGHS. 6:30

Year Book Fri Sept 28, to GC Depart 8:00a, Veh #6, Driver: SH

JH Football practice on Friday, August 21 has been changed to 8:00 a.m. Shuttle leaves Montezuma at 7:45 a.m.

Don't forget to order your yearbook!

Reminder Junior High Volleyball Practice Shuttle from Montezuma will depart today at 3:45 pm. 🏐🏐🏐🏐

Due to Heat....Junior High Football practice has been moved Tuesday 8/18 to 9:00 am until 10:30 am. The shuttle will leave Montezuma at 8:45 am. 🏈 JH Volleyball practice will be at regular time Tuesday afternoon! 🏐

There's only a few days left to get some Rebel gear before the store closes! The QR code from the previous post/flyer was deactivated and no longer works. There is a new QR code on the flyer below. SGHS StuCo is offering Rebel Gear with the help of The Locker Room! A variety of items are being offered in various styles. 🔹T-Shirts 🔹Sweatshirts 🔹Hoodies 🔹Polos 🔹Quarter Zip Pullovers 🔹Hats Scan the QR code or visit the link to order. https://southgrayspirit2026.itemorder.com/shop/home/ The store will close on August 18th at midnight. Items should be ready late August to early September. All proceeds from the store will go to SGHS StuCo to support events for the student body. Thank you for supporting the SGHS student body!

Attention Parents of Freshmen!