Our 4th graders spent the day learning about animals, ag, and more—thanks to some generous community partners, 4-H members, and our very own LHS FFA students! #larnedpride #lesfamily #learningisfun #bettertogether
Mr. Wachs has been starting his mornings with our seniors—breakfast, good conversation, and honest feedback about their time in our schools. It’s been a great way to hear what’s working, what needs work, and where they’re headed next.#larnedpride
Just a few more reasons to smile... some of our latest #goodnewscallhome! #larnedpride #lesfamily
Thank you to Alice Clapsaddle and Kristen Keith for bringing some old-school fun to LES for Frontier Friday during Larned Tourism Week! Our kids loved learning from your stories and seeing all of the interesting items you brought along! #larnedpride #bettertogether
Check out our lucky winners from the Summer Resource Fair!
One more thank you to all the families and community partners who helped make the night such a good one. #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
You don’t forget a teacher like Dave Gladow.
From one-liners to life lessons, he brings energy, humor, and heart into the classroom every single day. He meets students where they are, makes learning fun, and builds connections that last long after fifth grade. Whether it’s a small gesture on a hard day or a conversation that sparks a future career, Dave shows kids they matter—and they remember that.
🧡 Thanks to the Larned State Theater, Pin High, Peking Garden, and Lyndsey Perez Photography for sponsoring today's prize! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether #teacherappreciationweek
The Pawnee County Ladies League brought the sunshine and the shades for Hi5 Friday! Thanks for helping our crew head into summer in style. ☀️😎 #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
Big thanks to Shull Roofing for sponsoring LHS junior Mason Miller’s trip to Atlanta this summer! Mason will compete in the SkillsUSA commercial roofing competition, and we’re proud to have him represent Larned. Good luck, Mason! #larnedpride #bettertogether
Nominate a teacher you’ll never forget! Someone who left a lasting mark. It could be from this year or years ago. Share your story in the comments or email allisa.spain@usd495.com if you'd rather keep it private. We’ll begin reviewing nominations at noon on Friday, May 9, and one teacher will be selected to receive a prize bundle from all of today’s sponsors!
🧡 Thank you to today’s sponsors:
State Theater | 617 Broadway | (620) 285-3535
El Dos De Oros | 417 W 14th St | (620) 285-6238
Pin High | 681 E 14th | (620) 804-6038
Peking Garden | 621 Edwards | (620) 285-2263
Lyndsey Perez Photography | (620) 804-1758
#larnedpride #bettertogether #teacherappreciationweek
Kayla Long is the kind of light every building needs. 💡
Whether it’s second graders in her classroom now or seniors remembering years later, Kayla shows up for every kid. She cheers them on, helps them grow in confidence, and makes sure they feel seen. Younger students already hope to have her someday, and staff say she’s always the first to help or listen. Her care is constant, and her impact is lasting.
🧡 Thanks to My Favorite Furnishings and Harvest Nutrition for sponsoring today’s prize! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether #teacherappreciationweek
👏 Congratulations to Zane Burger, LHS JAG Student of the Month!
"Zane works really hard in class. He communicates well and is always willing to help his classmates however he can."
"I'm so proud of Zane—not just for his academic achievements, but for the way he shows up every day with kindness, curiosity, humor, and heart. Watching him grow into the person he is today throughout his time in high school has been such a joy. Keep chasing your dreams, Zane. I'll always be cheering you on!"
We’re proud of you too, Zane! You will be missed after graduation! #larnedpride
Some teachers just light up the whole building. Whether it’s their energy, their smile, or the way they lift others up, and we want to hear about them. Drop their name in the comments and tell us what makes them shine! We’re not looking for the most nominations, just the best stories.
Nominations close Thursday, May 8 at noon. One teacher will win a prize that’s perfect for someone who brings the light to their building! You can also email your nomination to allisa.spain@usd495.com.
🧡 Thank you to today’s sponsors:
My Favorite Furnishings | 401 Broadway | (620) 285-6944
Harvest Nutrition | 518 Broadway | (620) 804-5029
Don’t forget: the judges are looking for how well each nomination connects to the day’s theme. Try to share how your teacher is a bright light in your school! #larnedpride #bettertogether
Terry Rainbolt makes the whole room bloom. Year after year, student after student. 🌸
She’s full of patience, joy, and heart, and she’s spent her career helping first graders grow into confident, kind learners. Her impact will be felt long after she closes her classroom door one last time.
🧡 Big thanks to Country Seasons Flower Shoppe and Dress It Up for sponsoring today’s prize! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether #teacherappreciationweek
Happy School Nurse Day to the ones who take care of it all—sick kids, bumps, scrapes, and everything in between. We’re so thankful for you! #larnedpride
Each year on the first Friday in May, 3rd grade students across Kansas take part in Kansas Kids Fitness and Safety Day. The event focuses on promoting physical activity and safety awareness, with nearly 18,000 students participating at more than 40 sites across the state.
This year, USD 495 had the honor of hosting the event at Fort Larned National Historic Site. Our 3rd graders enjoyed a busy, fun-filled Friday with hands-on activities that took them “back in time.” We welcomed 98 students from four schools: Larned, Otis-Bison, Holy Family (Great Bend), and St. Joseph (Ellinwood).
A big thank-you goes out to the LMS students who volunteered to help run the stations, and to everyone who helped make the day a success. Special thanks to LES PE teacher Mrs. Crosby for leading the way and making sure everything ran smoothly! #larnedpride #lesfamily #bettertogether
Middle School boys league tennis has been rescheduled for Tuesday May 13th at 9 am at Smoky Valley.
Some teachers just have a way of helping things grow—whether it’s the confidence to read out loud, the courage to try again, or the joy of learning something new. Their impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
If a teacher came to mind just now, tell us about them in the comments. We’ll read all nominations submitted before noon on Wednesday, May 7, and one teacher will be selected for a prize from today’s sponsor. Private nominations are welcome at allisa.spain@usd495.com.
🧡 Thanks to Wednesday’s sponsors:
Country Seasons Flower Shoppe | 519 Broadway | (620) 285-6543
Dress It Up | 511 Broadway | (620) 285-6686
Just a reminder: it’s not about how many times someone is nominated—it’s about the why. What made you think of that teacher? How have they made a difference for your child, your family, or your team? The stories behind the names are what really stand out to the judges. (Some of the best nominations so far have even come from coworkers.)
One more hint: part of the judges’ rubric is based on how well the nomination fits the theme. So if you can, try to connect your story to how that teacher helps others grow! #larnedpride #bettertogether
Adam Hewson keeps cool under pressure—and helps his students do the same. 🧊🔧
He’s calm, patient, and intentional with every student. Whether it’s wiring, welding, or woodworking, Adam creates a space where kids feel safe to learn, ask questions, and try again. He doesn’t just teach tools—he teaches confidence. His students leave with real-world skills and a belief in themselves that lasts long after high school.
🧡 Thanks to B&B Quality Meats, Doerr’s Ace Hardware, and Santa Fe Convenience Store for sponsoring today’s prize! #larnedpride #besttribeever #bettertogether
On Saturday, Mr. Scheideman’s LHS Forensics students competed at the state speech championships at Maize High School, taking on five events. Erin Tims qualified in Impromptu and paired with Emma Corman in Improvised Duet Acting. Emma also competed in Humorous Solo, and Troy Hemken represented in Extemporaneous (a timed event where students research and deliver a speech on current events with limited prep).
Three events made it to semifinals: Troy placed 9th in Extemp, Emma placed 11th in Humorous Solo, and Erin and Emma finished 7th in Duet Acting—just one spot shy of a medal!
These students had a strong season, and we’re proud of how they represented LHS and the Forensics program! #larnedpride
Touch-A-Truck Night is one of our favorite nights of the entire school year!
It wouldn’t be possible without the people who show up for our kids. Thank you to everyone who brought their “trucks,” shared summer resources, donated prizes, served delicious food, and painted so many happy faces. We’re also grateful to all of the families who came out and made the night so much fun.
We say it a lot, but it’s true! We’re #bettertogether, and this night was one more reason why. #larnedpride #lesfamily
