🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
To wrap up our series, we’re excited to introduce our final board member—Mike Myrick! Mike just completed his first year serving on the USD 495 Board of Education. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know the dedicated individuals who help guide our district!
When we asked Mike, "What’s one thing about our district that makes you especially proud?" here’s what he shared:
💬 "I’m so proud of the dedication our teachers and staff show to preparing students for the future.
Our district focuses on programs like JAG, which teach resume building, interview skills, and career readiness. Industrial skills classes, including building, electrical, and welding, give students hands-on experience. We also offer college credit opportunities to help students get ahead, and our CDL program allows graduates to earn their CDL license before leaving high school.
As a parent of three Larned graduates, I couldn’t be more proud of how ready they were for their next steps in life."
A huge thank you to Mike and all of our Board of Education members for their leadership and dedication to our schools! 🧡🖤 #larnedpride #bettertogether #ThankBOE
Next Week is SPIRIT WEEK!! 🎉🎲🎰
We know how to have fun around here, and what better way to celebrate Winter Royalty than with a trip to the Las Vegas hotels! Pack your (imaginary) bags and get ready for a week of fun:
🎸 Monday: Hard Rock Cafe – Rock out in your favorite band tee!
🏖 Tuesday: Mandalay Bay – Beach vibes only! Break out your best beach attire.
🎪 Wednesday: Circus Circus – It’s Wacky Wednesday, so get creative!
🏛 Thursday: LES & LHS: Heading to the Mirage! LES – Twin Day! LHS – Dress like the Greek… It’s Toga Day!
LMS: Taking a detour to the Luxor – It’s Egyptian Day!
🛫 Friday: Time to fly home – Wear your orange and black! 🧡🖤
#larnedpride
We loved seeing our students and families come together for a night of learning and fun. Huge shoutout to our teachers, staff, and families for making Math and Reading night happen! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
Meet Brent Hemken! Brent has been serving on the USD 495 Board of Education for seven years and has held multiple terms as BOE President. 👏
When we asked Brent, "What do you find most meaningful about serving on the Board of Education?" here’s what he shared:
💬 "It is an honor to serve on the Board of Education as we work to make the district the best it can be. I strive to look at an issue from all angles and always consider all students and the impacts of our decisions."
Thank you, Brent, for your dedication and leadership in shaping the future of our schools! #larnedpride #bettertogether #ThankBOE
🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
Meet Tyson Steffen! Tyson just completed his first year serving on the USD 495 Board of Education.
When we asked him, “How do you see the decisions made by the board positively impacting students and staff in the long run?” here’s what he shared:
💬 "As a school board member, I view every decision as an investment in the future of our students and staff. By prioritizing equitable access to quality education, we can help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed academically, socially, and professionally. Decisions that focus on curriculum enhancement, infrastructure improvements, and mental health resources create a more supportive and engaging environment where students can thrive.
For staff, the board’s decisions can foster a culture of collaboration, professional growth, and stability. By allocating resources for professional development and creating policies that ensure competitive salaries and benefits, we can attract and retain high-quality educators and staff members. A motivated, well-supported staff directly translates to better outcomes for students.
In the long run, the board’s commitment to holistic decision-making helps cultivate a thriving school community, ensuring students are prepared for their future and staff feel valued in their roles. These efforts contribute to building a stronger community as a whole."
Thank you, Tyson, for your dedication and leadership in shaping the future of our schools! #larnedpride #bettertogether #ThankBOE
Last week, our 8th and 10th grade students got a taste of the "real world" at Reality U, an interactive financial simulation led by United Way of Central Kansas. They stepped into life as a 26-year-old, making decisions about budgeting, housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. It was a fun, eye-opening experience that showed just how important smart choices are for the future!
Huge thank you to the event sponsors: Fusion Bank, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Equity Bank, Golden Belt Telephone, Clock Realty & Insurance, and H & H Roofing. And of course, we appreciate High Plains Farm Credit, Dillons, Subway, and Humble Pie for keeping our volunteers and staff fueled throughout the day!
This year, students also got to attend some awesome breakout sessions on real-life topics:
💡 Reality After High School – Ben Ramsey, High Plains Farm Credit
⚖️ The Cost of Delinquency – Talia Smith & Det. Jacob Robinson
💼 Job Prep – KS Works & JAG-KS
🧘♀️ Stress Management – Shanna Long, Center for Counseling and Consultation
💵 Banking & Finance – Fusion Bank
🚒 Community Engagement – Larned Fire Department
A big THANK YOU to every sponsor, volunteer, and supporter who made this day possible. We’re so lucky to have a community that cares this much about our students! #larnedpride #bettertogether
🎉 It’s Math & Reading Night, Superheroes! 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Who’s ready to unleash their superpowers? 💥 Join us TONIGHT at Fort Larned Elementary from 5–6:30 PM for a night of family fun, learning, and prizes!
📅 Here’s what’s happening this week, January 27–February 1, at USD 495!
LES Families, don’t forget about Family Math & Reading Night tomorrow, Monday, January 27! 🦸♀️📚
Little Indian Cheer also starts practicing this week after school on Tuesday and Thursday. 📣 If your child’s after-school transportation plans will be changing because of this, please call the LES office to let them know! #larnedpride
📞 Good news travels fast! #larnedpride #lesfamily #goodnewscallhome
What do you do on dreary January days in kindergarten? Have a snowball fight, of course! ❄️ Students earned snowballs for successfully reading sight words, CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words, and nonsense words. How fun!
https://youtu.be/fcjLBOsiH-w
#larnedpride #lesfamily #learningisfun
Red flags warn us, green flags guide us—let's learn to spot both for healthier, happier relationships. 🚩💚 #relationshipgoals
Join us February 19th at 8:30 am to learn more during the Jana's Campaign presentation! #larnedpride #bettertogether
What a fun and enthusiastic group we had from the Larned State Hospital this morning! They really showed up for Hi5 Friday at LES. Several students were very surprised and excited to see their parents or family members. Thank you for sharing your morning with us! #larnedpride
🦸♀️ Only a few days left until Math & Reading Night! 🦸♂️
Join us this Monday, January 27th, from 5–6:30 PM at Fort Larned Elementary for a night of family fun! 📚➕
Complete 4 stations with your child to unlock a Superhero Meal and enter to win a prize. 🎉 It’s going to be a SUPER night you won’t want to miss! #larnedpride #lesfamily #learningisfun #bettertogether
Boys basketball final score
Larned Indians 37
Nickerson 33
@CatchItKansas @scoresinkansas
#larnedpride
Girls basketball final score
Larned Indians 67
Nickerson 13
@CatchItKansas @scoresinkansas
#larnedpride
The Larned Indians are heading back to the St. John Mid-Winter Classic this afternoon! Here’s the lineup for today’s games:
🏀 3:30 PM – Larned Girls vs. Nickerson
🏀 5:00 PM – Larned Boys vs. Nickerson
🎟 Admission: $8 for adults, $6 for students
🎟 Tournament Pass: $24 (adults), $18 (students) – good for the rest of the tournament week!
🍔 Come hungry! The concession stand will have more options than usual, so grab a bite while cheering on the Indians.
📺 Can’t make it in person? Watch both games live: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/st-john-high-school-st-john-ks
📻 Or tune in to 106.9 FM to listen live on the radio! You can also stream it on your mobile device or computer: https://hits1069.com/ #larnedpride
🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
Let us introduce you to Tyson Atteberry! Tyson just completed his first year serving on the USD 495 Board of Education, and we’re so proud to have him on the team! 👏
When we asked Tyson, “What motivates you to dedicate your time and energy to serving our schools and community?” here’s what he shared:
💬 "I have had many people who have influenced me in my life that volunteered in various roles in our community. It’s the biggest reason why I have given so much of my time to youth sports in Larned. I felt it was time to do something bigger. I decided to run for school board because of the kids. I am proud to be a part of a board that is committed to giving the students in our district the opportunity to succeed in whatever they decide to do. We continue to lay the foundation for future generations of Larned Indians!"
Thank you, Tyson, for your dedication and leadership in shaping the future of our schools! 🧡🖤 #larnedpride #bettertogether #ThankBOE
🎉 We had the BEST time during our Board Work Session this morning at LES! 🎉
We covered so much—from school updates to hearing from our Building Leadership Team (BLT) members about the impact of our newly adopted Visible Learning practices.
Spending time with some of our awesome 4th and 5th grade ambassadors was definitely a highlight! They spoiled our Board with gifts to celebrate School Board Appreciation Month and even challenged them to a Blooket game about state capitals. It was neck and neck for most of the game, but little 4th grader Josie Kraisinger pulled off an epic comeback and beat Buddy Tabler in the final seconds. Go Josie! 🙌
Our Board also spent time hearing from BLT members and having some great conversations. A few board members even shared how much they appreciated seeing the “back end” of things—how decisions made at their level are put into action in our buildings.
This morning was an absolute 10/10, and we’re so thankful for everyone who helped make it such a great day! 🧡🖤 #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
🎉 It’s School Board Appreciation Month! 🎉
Surely you all know this guy—whether it’s from broadcasting Larned Varsity sports on 106.9, writing for the Tiller & Toiler, or serving on numerous boards and committees around town. Buddy Tabler has also been named a Sports in Kansas Fan of the Year because he’s a huge supporter of our schools and always has been! 🏆
Buddy is entering his 9th year serving on the USD 495 Board of Education. 👏
When we asked Buddy, “If you could share one piece of advice or encouragement for students, staff, or families in our district, what would it be?” here’s what he shared:
💬 "I encourage everyone, students, teachers, and staff, to appreciate what a special school system we have in Larned. It’s not perfect and, thus, we should all do our part to make it even better, from academics to athletics to social activities as well. It’s easy to bail out and look for greener pastures, but it’s far more rewarding to make what we have the best it can be."
Thank you, Buddy, for your dedication and leadership in shaping the future of our schools! 🧡🖤 #larnedpride #bettertogether #ThankBOE
Calling all superheroes! 🦸♀️🦸♂️ Fort Larned Elementary is hosting Family Math & Reading Night on Monday, January 27th, 5–6:30 PM!
Complete at least 4 stations with your child to unlock a Superhero Meal and enter to win a prize. 🏆 Don’t miss this family night of FUN! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
