We are excited to share that we are exploring the possibility of offering a full-day 4-year-old PreKindergarten program beginning in the 2026–2027 school year!
Following our PreKindergarten Round-Up on April 2nd, we are asking families who plan to enroll their child in PreK next year to please take a moment to complete a short survey. Your feedback will help us better understand interest and guide our planning. If you have already taken this survey, please do not do it again.
Attached, you will find a sample of what a full day could look like for your student.
With construction on our new Early Learning Center beginning soon, this is an exciting step toward the future of early learning at CHES. Thank you for helping us shape this opportunity for our youngest learners!
https://forms.gle/md6qM7cg9bXJ4FQY9 - Survey
Following our PreKindergarten Round-Up on April 2nd, we are asking families who plan to enroll their child in PreK next year to please take a moment to complete a short survey. Your feedback will help us better understand interest and guide our planning. If you have already taken this survey, please do not do it again.
Attached, you will find a sample of what a full day could look like for your student.
With construction on our new Early Learning Center beginning soon, this is an exciting step toward the future of early learning at CHES. Thank you for helping us shape this opportunity for our youngest learners!
https://forms.gle/md6qM7cg9bXJ4FQY9 - Survey
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Lyla Hamblin.
Lyla has been a big part of Central Heights through Volleyball, Softball, Yearbook, FCCLA, Student Council (secretary 11th grade/ president 12th grade), Student Lighthouse, Cheer, Drama, FFA, Class Vice President, and Prom Committee.
She has also achieved in the top 10% in English, Social Studies, Anatomy, Physiology, American History, Algebra 2, and Geometry. After graduating, Lyla plans on attending the University of Saint Mary.
One of Lyla’s favorite memories was winning 3 regional championships in softball. She leaves underclassmen with this advice: “Surround yourself with the best people possible.”
Let’s hear it for Lyla Hamblin! Congratulations!
Lyla has been a big part of Central Heights through Volleyball, Softball, Yearbook, FCCLA, Student Council (secretary 11th grade/ president 12th grade), Student Lighthouse, Cheer, Drama, FFA, Class Vice President, and Prom Committee.
She has also achieved in the top 10% in English, Social Studies, Anatomy, Physiology, American History, Algebra 2, and Geometry. After graduating, Lyla plans on attending the University of Saint Mary.
One of Lyla’s favorite memories was winning 3 regional championships in softball. She leaves underclassmen with this advice: “Surround yourself with the best people possible.”
Let’s hear it for Lyla Hamblin! Congratulations!
🎶🏆 2026 KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival Recap 🏆🎶
This past Saturday, March 28, was an incredible day for our Central Heights Music students at the 2026 KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival!
We had 27 students participate in 29 total performances throughout the day, including 19 solos and 10 small ensembles. It was a full day of outstanding musicianship, dedication, and truly AMAZING performances from all of our students.
We are incredibly proud to announce that 20 of our 27 students punched their ticket to State by earning First Division I Ratings!
⭐ 14 Solos received Outstanding I Ratings and qualified for State
⭐ 6 Small Ensembles received Outstanding I Ratings and qualified for State
⭐ 5 Solos earned Excellent II Ratings
⭐ 4 Small Ensembles earned Excellent II Ratings
🥇 State Qualifiers – First Division I Ratings
Benjamin Wuertz – Trumpet Solo
Arlen Underwood – Euphonium Solo
Tate Smith – Tuba Solo
Kinsley Shaffer – Tuba Solo
Avery Coble – Horn Solo
Rhyana Coble – Trumpet Solo
Central Heights Brass Quintet – Knox Cannady, Mathew Dunbar, Jenna Jumet, Kinsley Shaffer, Benjamin Wuertz
Swing Group – Dalainy Coble, Arabella Dunbar, Liley Elsasser, Jenna Jumet, Mya Jumet, Alyson Roll, Kelsie Wilson
Treble Quartet – Arabella Dunbar, Liley Elsasser, Jenna Jumet, Kelsie Wilson
Central Heights Saxophone Trio – Aydan Dunbar, Brooks Hamilton, Tristen McRoberts
Brooks Hamilton – Alto Saxophone Solo
Mya Jumet – Clarinet Solo
Arabella Dunbar – Vocal Solo
Jenna Jumet – Vocal Solo
Liley Elsasser – Vocal Solo
Mya Jumet – Vocal Solo
Central Heights Saxophone Quartet – Aydan Dunbar, Brooks Hamilton, Tristen McRoberts, Willis Miller
Arabella Dunbar – Flute Solo
Brooks Hamilton – Tenor Sax Solo
Central Heights Flute Trio – Arabella Dunbar, Alyssa Powell, Alyssa Powell
⭐ Performances Receiving Excellent II Ratings
Leah Masters – Vocal Solo
Ian Fox – Vocal Solo
Elska Trio – Dalainy Coble, Mya Jumet, Alyson Roll
Knox Cannady – Horn Solo
Willis Miller – Marimba Solo
Josiah Meyer – Xylophone Solo
Central Heights Trumpet Trio – Mathew Dunbar, Ebony Hughes, Benjamin Wuertz
Central Heights Mallet Duet – Josiah Meyer & Willis Miller
Central Heights Brass Trio – Emma Baker, Rhyana Coble, Ella Stinson
Kaylyn Lee – Vocal Solo
These students have put in countless hours of practice over the past three months—some even since the beginning of the school year. Their dedication truly showed in their performances. These kids set high goals for themselves and absolutely knocked it out of the park! They came, they conquered, and they left their mark. One judge was so impressed with the talent from Central Heights that she even asked what we put in the water at our school!
We love that our students have built a reputation for high-quality musicianship and that the Central Heights music program is known and respected across the state. We could not be prouder of them!
🎶 State Festival:
All State qualifiers will compete at the KSHSAA 3A State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival on April 25 at Southeast of Saline High School in Gypsum, KS. We cannot wait to hear these amazing musicians perform on the state stage!
🙌 Special Thank You
A huge thank you to Kristy Hamilton for serving as our third director/driver for the day. Having an extra set of hands with this many students was incredibly helpful. Our phenomenal accompanist Carol Cooper, who played beautifully for 22 of our performances—the maximum number allowed by KSHSAA for one accompanist! We truly could not have done it without her. And to all of the parents and families who traveled to Independence to support our AMAZING music students.
It was truly a great day to be a Viking! 🎶💙💛
This past Saturday, March 28, was an incredible day for our Central Heights Music students at the 2026 KSHSAA Regional Solo & Small Ensemble Festival!
We had 27 students participate in 29 total performances throughout the day, including 19 solos and 10 small ensembles. It was a full day of outstanding musicianship, dedication, and truly AMAZING performances from all of our students.
We are incredibly proud to announce that 20 of our 27 students punched their ticket to State by earning First Division I Ratings!
⭐ 14 Solos received Outstanding I Ratings and qualified for State
⭐ 6 Small Ensembles received Outstanding I Ratings and qualified for State
⭐ 5 Solos earned Excellent II Ratings
⭐ 4 Small Ensembles earned Excellent II Ratings
🥇 State Qualifiers – First Division I Ratings
Benjamin Wuertz – Trumpet Solo
Arlen Underwood – Euphonium Solo
Tate Smith – Tuba Solo
Kinsley Shaffer – Tuba Solo
Avery Coble – Horn Solo
Rhyana Coble – Trumpet Solo
Central Heights Brass Quintet – Knox Cannady, Mathew Dunbar, Jenna Jumet, Kinsley Shaffer, Benjamin Wuertz
Swing Group – Dalainy Coble, Arabella Dunbar, Liley Elsasser, Jenna Jumet, Mya Jumet, Alyson Roll, Kelsie Wilson
Treble Quartet – Arabella Dunbar, Liley Elsasser, Jenna Jumet, Kelsie Wilson
Central Heights Saxophone Trio – Aydan Dunbar, Brooks Hamilton, Tristen McRoberts
Brooks Hamilton – Alto Saxophone Solo
Mya Jumet – Clarinet Solo
Arabella Dunbar – Vocal Solo
Jenna Jumet – Vocal Solo
Liley Elsasser – Vocal Solo
Mya Jumet – Vocal Solo
Central Heights Saxophone Quartet – Aydan Dunbar, Brooks Hamilton, Tristen McRoberts, Willis Miller
Arabella Dunbar – Flute Solo
Brooks Hamilton – Tenor Sax Solo
Central Heights Flute Trio – Arabella Dunbar, Alyssa Powell, Alyssa Powell
⭐ Performances Receiving Excellent II Ratings
Leah Masters – Vocal Solo
Ian Fox – Vocal Solo
Elska Trio – Dalainy Coble, Mya Jumet, Alyson Roll
Knox Cannady – Horn Solo
Willis Miller – Marimba Solo
Josiah Meyer – Xylophone Solo
Central Heights Trumpet Trio – Mathew Dunbar, Ebony Hughes, Benjamin Wuertz
Central Heights Mallet Duet – Josiah Meyer & Willis Miller
Central Heights Brass Trio – Emma Baker, Rhyana Coble, Ella Stinson
Kaylyn Lee – Vocal Solo
These students have put in countless hours of practice over the past three months—some even since the beginning of the school year. Their dedication truly showed in their performances. These kids set high goals for themselves and absolutely knocked it out of the park! They came, they conquered, and they left their mark. One judge was so impressed with the talent from Central Heights that she even asked what we put in the water at our school!
We love that our students have built a reputation for high-quality musicianship and that the Central Heights music program is known and respected across the state. We could not be prouder of them!
🎶 State Festival:
All State qualifiers will compete at the KSHSAA 3A State Solo & Small Ensemble Festival on April 25 at Southeast of Saline High School in Gypsum, KS. We cannot wait to hear these amazing musicians perform on the state stage!
🙌 Special Thank You
A huge thank you to Kristy Hamilton for serving as our third director/driver for the day. Having an extra set of hands with this many students was incredibly helpful. Our phenomenal accompanist Carol Cooper, who played beautifully for 22 of our performances—the maximum number allowed by KSHSAA for one accompanist! We truly could not have done it without her. And to all of the parents and families who traveled to Independence to support our AMAZING music students.
It was truly a great day to be a Viking! 🎶💙💛
High school finished their spring group at New Horizon Ranch today, after six weeks of challenging work approaching topics including respect, communication, trust, teamwork, and leadership. These students experienced several "firsts" and eye opening experiences. In the words of one participant it was the "highlight of every week." Who says learning can't be both challenging and fun!?
This week we got to celebrate Lyla Hamblin and her commitment to continue her volleyball career at the University of St. Mary while she pursues Pre-Physical Therapy after graduation. Congratulations and best wishes on your journey, Lyla!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Kaiden Reeder
While attending Central Heights throughout high school, Kaiden Reeder participated in Baseball, Basketball, Band, FFA, and Trapshooting. After Kaiden graduates, he plans on attending Flint Hills Technical College for Automotive Technology. Kaiden’s favorite memory from Central Heights was winning a lip-sync battle in front of the entire school during his senior year. If he had any advice for underclassmen, it would be to always maintain a positive attitude.
Congratulations, Kaiden! We are incredibly proud of you!
While attending Central Heights throughout high school, Kaiden Reeder participated in Baseball, Basketball, Band, FFA, and Trapshooting. After Kaiden graduates, he plans on attending Flint Hills Technical College for Automotive Technology. Kaiden’s favorite memory from Central Heights was winning a lip-sync battle in front of the entire school during his senior year. If he had any advice for underclassmen, it would be to always maintain a positive attitude.
Congratulations, Kaiden! We are incredibly proud of you!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Adam Mell-Tomberlin.
During Adam’s time at Central Heights, he has participated in Cross Country, Track, Yearbook, and Graphic Design. After Adam graduates from high school, he plans on going straight into the workforce. Adam’s favorite memory from Central Heights was witnessing Jesse draw a dinosaur on his earth and space assignment paper and getting an A just for the drawing, his freshman year. Adam’s advice to underclassmen is: “Whatever you do, do it with 100% effort.” Another great senior to celebrate and congratulate. We’d love to see your well-wishes! We are incredibly proud of you, Adam!
During Adam’s time at Central Heights, he has participated in Cross Country, Track, Yearbook, and Graphic Design. After Adam graduates from high school, he plans on going straight into the workforce. Adam’s favorite memory from Central Heights was witnessing Jesse draw a dinosaur on his earth and space assignment paper and getting an A just for the drawing, his freshman year. Adam’s advice to underclassmen is: “Whatever you do, do it with 100% effort.” Another great senior to celebrate and congratulate. We’d love to see your well-wishes! We are incredibly proud of you, Adam!
Elementary Face Painting Dates
Game day at home!
Central Heights baseball hosts Jayhawk Linn with games starting at 4:30 pm.
Hope to see you at the field!
Central Heights baseball hosts Jayhawk Linn with games starting at 4:30 pm.
Hope to see you at the field!
Back at home tonight!
Central Heights softball takes on Jayhawk Linn with a 4:30 pm doubleheader.
Come out and support the Vikings!
Central Heights softball takes on Jayhawk Linn with a 4:30 pm doubleheader.
Come out and support the Vikings!
On Friday, Central Heights students interested in the Automotive Technology program offered through Flint Hills Technical College in Garnett were given the opportunity to tour and learn more about the two-year hands on program that leads to ASE certification.
We’re excited to announce the Central Heights High School Cheer Team for the 2026–27 school year!
We're excited to see them in action on the sidelines, at pep rallies, and across school events next year!
Congratulations to each of these athletes on being selected.
Go Vikings!
It’s time to start shining a light on the Class of 2026!
We’re excited to highlight this group of seniors and all they’ve brought to Central Heights. No particular order, just a chance to celebrate them one by one. Every school day leading up to graduation, we’ll feature a different senior.
First up, Kreig Garrett!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Kreig Garrett.
During his time at Central Heights High School, Kreig participated in Baseball, Basketball, Trapshooting, and FFA. Kreig plans to join the workforce after graduation. Kreig explains his most meaningful experience at Central Heights would have to be his freshman year in baseball, when we swept Lebo in a walk-off fashion, then afterwards the baseball team all jumped in the school pond. The advice Kreig would give to the underclassmen would be to live life to its absolute fullest. Fabulous job, Kreig! We are so proud of you!
This year’s senior spotlights are being created by seniors Adam Mell-Tomberlin and Aidan Howland, with Adam designing the graphics and Aidan writing each feature.
We’re excited to highlight this group of seniors and all they’ve brought to Central Heights. No particular order, just a chance to celebrate them one by one. Every school day leading up to graduation, we’ll feature a different senior.
First up, Kreig Garrett!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Kreig Garrett.
During his time at Central Heights High School, Kreig participated in Baseball, Basketball, Trapshooting, and FFA. Kreig plans to join the workforce after graduation. Kreig explains his most meaningful experience at Central Heights would have to be his freshman year in baseball, when we swept Lebo in a walk-off fashion, then afterwards the baseball team all jumped in the school pond. The advice Kreig would give to the underclassmen would be to live life to its absolute fullest. Fabulous job, Kreig! We are so proud of you!
This year’s senior spotlights are being created by seniors Adam Mell-Tomberlin and Aidan Howland, with Adam designing the graphics and Aidan writing each feature.
Season opener. Home opener.
The Vikings, four-time consecutive regional champions, host St. Paul tonight for a 4:30 p.m. doubleheader.
Let’s pack the field and get this season started right!
The Vikings, four-time consecutive regional champions, host St. Paul tonight for a 4:30 p.m. doubleheader.
Let’s pack the field and get this season started right!
Home opener!
The Vikings come in off a strong opening win on Monday and host St. Paul today for their home opener. Doubleheader starts at 4:30 p.m
Would be a great night to get out and support these guys!
The Vikings come in off a strong opening win on Monday and host St. Paul today for their home opener. Doubleheader starts at 4:30 p.m
Would be a great night to get out and support these guys!
Track season starts today for our middle school Vikings!
They’ll be at Southeast with events beginning at 3:00.
Good luck to the team as they kick off their season!
They’ll be at Southeast with events beginning at 3:00.
Good luck to the team as they kick off their season!
The Middle School Track season starts tomorrow!
The Vikings head to Southeast for our first middle school meet of the year. Here's a look at the order of events. Field events begin at 3:00 pm with running events starting at 4:30 pm.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Field Events-3:00pm
Pole Vault: 8th boys, 7th boys, 8th girls, 7th girls
High Jump in the following order: 8th girls, 7th girls, 7th boys, 8th boys
Boys Long Jump 7th followed by 8th
Girls Long Jump 7th followed by 8th
Shot Put in the following order: 7th boys, 8th boys, 8th girls, 7th girls
Discus in the following order: 8th girls, 7th girls, 7th boys, 8th boys
Running Events-4:30pm Order: 7th girls, 8th girls, 7th boys, 8th boys
100 Meter Hurdles
100 Meter Dash
1600 Meter Run
4 X 100 Meter Relay
400 Meter Dash
4 X 200 Meter Relay
800 Meter dash
200 Meter Dash
Medley Relay - 100, 100, 200, 400
These kids are absolutely ROCKING our middle school morning announcements...literally! 🎸 This morning, Max joined Allie and Kamden with an acoustic intro before they kicked off the announcements, and it set the tone for a great start to the day.
And it gets even better… every Friday, Max will be leading our students in a “Name That Tune” challenge! What’s the prize? We’re not exactly sure yet, but we do know it’s going to be great. :)
Who will be our next featured artist? 🎤 Which song will Max play this Friday? Stay tuuuuned!
And it gets even better… every Friday, Max will be leading our students in a “Name That Tune” challenge! What’s the prize? We’re not exactly sure yet, but we do know it’s going to be great. :)
Who will be our next featured artist? 🎤 Which song will Max play this Friday? Stay tuuuuned!
Flyer and registration forms are now available for the 2026 Bill Smell Junior Golf program sponsored by Franklin County Optimist Club. They can be picked up in the Elementary School office or at the Ottawa Golf Course. Instruction for ages 7-9 begins on June 1st. Instruction for ages 10-13 begins on June 2nd. Lessons are from 10-11:30 in the morning. There are a limited number of spaces available, so please get your child registered right away. The deadline for registrations is May 22nd.
Our Middle School PTO is bringing the sweetness on this Monday! 🥕 Our amazing staff members were treated to cute little carrot bundt cakes and a refreshing Sonic drink...definitely a sweet way to start the week! Thank you for always being so thoughtful and supportive of our staff!
