

Navigating 495

Dear Ft. Larned Families and Community Members,
As we approach the end of another school year, I want to express my gratitude for your ongoing support and dedication to our students' success. May is a bustling month filled with activities and events, but it's also a time for us to come together and finish strong.
One of the most rewarding moments for me as Superintendent is witnessing our seniors cross the graduation stage, marking the end of their academic journey with us. It's a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and the support they've received from our entire community.
As we celebrate our graduating seniors, let's also recognize the achievements and growth of all our students this year. From preschool to 12th grade, each student has made strides and shown incredible determination.
Together, let's make the most of these final weeks, supporting and encouraging our students as they wrap up the school year. Thank you for your continued partnership in providing a supportive and empowering educational experience for every child in our district.
Sincerely,
Bryce Wachs, Superintendent
Ft. Larned USD 495
Explore our district calendar for exciting events! Track, baseball, softball, tennis, and golf seasons are in full swing. Join us in cheering for our athletes or discover other activities around town for a fun night out!
May Happenings
Monday, April 29 - 5th Grade Band & Music Concert @ 7:00pm @ Community Center
Wednesday, May 1 - May Day Muffins @ 7:30am @ LES
Wednesday, May 1 - LMS Community Service Day
Friday, May 3 - Baseball/Softball Senior Night
Friday, May 3 - 3rd Grade Only KS Kids Fitness Day
Monday, May 6 - 5th Grade Transition Day
Monday, May 6 - NHS Induction @ 7:00pm @ LHS
Wednesday, May 8 - OSHA & NCCER Certification Ceremony @ 12:00pm @ Community Center
Thursday, May 9 - Touch A Truck and Summer Resource Fair @ 6:00-7:30pm @ LES
Friday, May 10 - LHS Booster Athletic Banquet @ 6:30pm @ Community Center
Monday, May 13 - Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00pm @ District Office
Tuesday, May 14 - 5th Grade Sign Up, Move Up! @ 5:00pm @ LES
Wednesday, May 15 - Baccalaureate @ 7:00pm @ Valley Community Church
Thursday, May 16 - LHS Awards Assembly @ 9:00am @ LMS
Thursday, May 16 - LMS Spring Concert @ 7:00pm @ Community Center
Friday, May 17 - LHS Seniors and LMS 8th Grade Last Day of School
Saturday, May 18 - LHS Graduation @ 2:00pm @ LMS
Monday, May 20 - LMS 8th Grade Promotion @ 7:00pm @ LMS
Tuesday, May 21 - Last Student Day of School
Friday, May 24 - USD 495 hosts the Hamburger/Hot Dog Feed for Santa Fe Trail Days @ 5:00-7:00pm @ City Pool
PAT Playground for ages birth to 5 - Every Tuesday from 10:00am-11:00am @ LES
Thank you, USD 495 employees!
Join district leaders in celebrating Ft. Larned School employees represented by the following appreciation days:
May 1 - School Principal's Day
May 3 - School Lunch Hero Day
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
Touch A Truck and Summer Resource Fair
Join us on May 9th from 6-7:30pm at the back parking lot of Larned Elementary School for our Touch A Truck event! This exciting evening is open to families with children in preschool through 5th grade. Explore a wide variety of vehicles, grab dinner from one of the food trucks, and discover valuable local summer resources at our Summer Resource Fair! Plus, by visiting 5 tables, you'll have the chance to enter and win summer fun baskets! Don't miss out on this fantastic night of family fun!
Sign Up, Move Up!
Sign Up, Move Up: LES has purchased yard signs that we will place in the grass near the drop off line to recognize our 5th grade students as they move up to middle school. We invite all of our 5th grade families to come help their child decorate their sign on May 14th from 5:15-6:15 PM in our cafeteria! We have plenty of paint, but feel free to bring any extras you may want to add - pictures, etc. The signs are 19"x14".
OSHA & NCCER Certification Ceremony
Mark your calendars! We will host our OSHA & NCCER certification ceremony on Wednesday, May 8th! Families and members of the community are most certainly welcome to join us as we recognize these students!
Summer Ag Adventure
See the flyer for more details.
Join the LHS Booster Club for the Athletic Banquet on May 10th at 6:30pm at the Community Center! They're offering a catered meal from Los Cabos Fajita House while celebrating our outstanding athletes and their achievements:
- Athletes of the year
- Scholarship winners
- State qualifiers
- State placers
- KSHSAA honors
- Letterers
The Booster Club is excited to have a special guest speaker join you all for the evening. Athletes eat for free but must RSVP by April 29th. Please submit all RSVPs and payments to the LHS office or Reed Pharmacy. Don't miss this memorable celebration of our athletes' hard work and dedication!
District Staff Member of the Month
KAREN FAIRCHILD
Rockstar Teacher at LHS
Congratulations, Amy Wilson!
Classified Superhero Staff Member at LES
Congratulations, Bailey Streit!
All-Star Staff Member at LMS
Congratulations, Janae Finger!
Do Your Best, Be Your Best
LES Students of the Month - April
At Fort Larned Elementary School, we have a Behavior Expectation Matrix displayed throughout the school and in every classroom. This matrix outlines clear expectations for our students, emphasizing three key principles: "Act Responsible," "Be Safe," and "Care for Self/Others." Each month, every classroom teacher selects one outstanding student who exemplifies these values, and they are recognized as the Student of the Month at an all-school assembly.
Heading to State!
Seven LHS band soloists aced the 3-2-1A Regional Music Festival and are heading to state on April 27th: Tristan Thompson on saxophone, Cassie Manry on flute, Troy Hemken on saxophone, David Colglazier on trumpet, Leah Pinkston on bass clarinet, Slade Sundahl on drumset, and Arianna Hemken on flute.
Join Our Fort Larned Family
For more information, visit our Careers Page on our website or contact Tiffany Burris at the District Office (620) 285-3185.
Thank you to everyone who has generously signed up to adopt a senior this year!
Just a friendly reminder that all Adopt A Senior gifts should be dropped off in the LHS office by May 13th. If you need to make alternative arrangements or have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Allisa Spain at (620) 285-3185.
We Started a Podcast!
Dive into the heartbeat of USD 495 with our new podcast, where we sit down with students and staff for insightful conversations about all things happening in our district. Get the inside scoop, personal stories, and exciting updates to stay connected and engaged with #LarnedPride!
Super Chat is now available on:
YouTube: https://youtu.be/MIRfBv37je8?feature=shared
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2SstuxnQT77sd4BuEVy0L4...
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/.../e1-meet.../id1742049071...
Join the PTO!
Please join the PTO! It’s a fun and easy way to connect with your Larned community and contribute to the school.
Click the buttons below to find and join your school's PTO Facebook group.
Hi5 Friday
If your business or organization is interested in hosting a Hi5 Friday at LES, please contact Tina Gladow at tina.gladow@usd495.com
Mystery Monday
If your business or organization is interested in hosting a Mystery Monday at LHS, please contact the LHS PTO at larnedhighschoolpto@gmail.com
Join us for Board of Education meetings on the second Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., located at the District Office, 120 E. 6th St., Larned, KS. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for May 13 and June 10, 2024.
Our seven-member Board of Education, elected for four-year terms, currently includes Brent Hemken, Tyson Atteberry, Tyson Steffen, Michelle Koch, Buddy Tabler, Jessie Pleasant, and Mike Myrick. For more details about our board, or to access Board Briefs, agendas, and minutes visit the Board of Education page on our website.