New energy, fresh ideas, and plenty of Viking pride, meet our high school principal, Mr. Adam Horstick!
It’s National Principals Month, and today we’re celebrating Mr. Horstick, who is off to an incredible start in his first year leading Central Heights High School. His enthusiasm for students, staff, and school spirit has already made a big impact in the high school.
When asked what he loves most about being a principal, Mr. Horstick said it’s “being able to interact with and know all of the students, not just the ones that are in my classroom.” That genuine connection shows every day as he cheers students on in the halls, at games, and at events.
His vision for this year centers on building relationships, growing leadership, and keeping Central Heights a place where students feel supported and proud to call home. He hopes that every student leaves CHS knowing “there is always a community here that supports them and cheers them on no matter what they do in life.”
When asked about a favorite moment so far, he didn’t hesitate, "watching the teachers beat the seniors in the obstacle course race at the first pep rally." A little friendly competition never hurts school spirit!
And what’s he most looking forward to? “Watching this senior class lead and set the example for what it means to be a Viking, and then watching them pass the torch to the juniors in May.”
We’re grateful for Mr. Horstick’s energy, leadership, and commitment to keeping Viking pride strong. Thank you for all you do for our students and staff!
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CentralHeightsHighSchool
It’s National Principals Month, and today we’re celebrating Mr. Horstick, who is off to an incredible start in his first year leading Central Heights High School. His enthusiasm for students, staff, and school spirit has already made a big impact in the high school.
When asked what he loves most about being a principal, Mr. Horstick said it’s “being able to interact with and know all of the students, not just the ones that are in my classroom.” That genuine connection shows every day as he cheers students on in the halls, at games, and at events.
His vision for this year centers on building relationships, growing leadership, and keeping Central Heights a place where students feel supported and proud to call home. He hopes that every student leaves CHS knowing “there is always a community here that supports them and cheers them on no matter what they do in life.”
When asked about a favorite moment so far, he didn’t hesitate, "watching the teachers beat the seniors in the obstacle course race at the first pep rally." A little friendly competition never hurts school spirit!
And what’s he most looking forward to? “Watching this senior class lead and set the example for what it means to be a Viking, and then watching them pass the torch to the juniors in May.”
We’re grateful for Mr. Horstick’s energy, leadership, and commitment to keeping Viking pride strong. Thank you for all you do for our students and staff!
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #CentralHeightsHighSchool
Kudos to the middle school leadership class and the 4th graders for their commitment to making their environment better! Their efforts in picking up trash show great responsibility and care for their school community.
The 4th grade students are showing they have big hearts for their furry friends at Prairie Paws. Their dedication is making a difference in the lives of the shelter dogs and cats. Earlier this month they had a fundraiser and today they made treats and toys! 🐶🐱❤️
Veterans and Families, You’re Invited!
Central Heights would be honored to have you join us for our Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11. This special morning is our way of saying thank you to those who have served and to the families who have supported them.
Breakfast will be served in the High School Cafeteria beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by a district-wide assembly in the Gymnasium at 9:30 a.m. Students and staff are looking forward to honoring your service through music, student tributes, and a heartfelt program that celebrates our local heroes.
If you are a veteran, please send a photo from your time in the service to khinrichs@usd288.org, so we can create a commemorative button in your honor.
Questions can be directed to Terrie Titus at (785) 869 1012 or ttitus@usd288.org
We are grateful for your service and hope you will join us for this special morning of appreciation.
Central Heights would be honored to have you join us for our Veterans Day Celebration on Tuesday, November 11. This special morning is our way of saying thank you to those who have served and to the families who have supported them.
Breakfast will be served in the High School Cafeteria beginning at 8:30 a.m., followed by a district-wide assembly in the Gymnasium at 9:30 a.m. Students and staff are looking forward to honoring your service through music, student tributes, and a heartfelt program that celebrates our local heroes.
If you are a veteran, please send a photo from your time in the service to khinrichs@usd288.org, so we can create a commemorative button in your honor.
Questions can be directed to Terrie Titus at (785) 869 1012 or ttitus@usd288.org
We are grateful for your service and hope you will join us for this special morning of appreciation.
Kindness Club information!
A joyful heart, a bright vision, and endless Viking pride, that’s Mrs. Hope Lickteig!
It’s National Principals Month, and we’re taking time to celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools each day. At Central Heights Elementary, Mrs. Lickteig brings an unmatched mix of energy, compassion, and vision to everything she does.
When asked what she loves most about being a principal, she said it’s “getting to see the whole picture and the amount of growth that every student and staff member make through the year.” From kindergarteners learning to tie their shoes to fifth graders stepping up as leaders, she finds joy in every milestone and every smile.
Her vision for this year centers on continuing the strong, positive culture that makes Central Heights such a special place. She hopes to deepen the school’s focus on reading growth while ensuring that every child and staff member feels valued, supported, and inspired.
When asked what she hopes students take away from their time here, her answer was simple but powerful: a love of learning, confidence, belonging, kindness, and respect.
And her favorite part of each day? The hugs, the laughter, and the moments when students stop by just to share something they’re proud of.
Thank you, Mrs. Lickteig, for leading with heart and helping every Viking student feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #ThankYouPrincipals #GoVikings
It’s National Principals Month, and we’re taking time to celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools each day. At Central Heights Elementary, Mrs. Lickteig brings an unmatched mix of energy, compassion, and vision to everything she does.
When asked what she loves most about being a principal, she said it’s “getting to see the whole picture and the amount of growth that every student and staff member make through the year.” From kindergarteners learning to tie their shoes to fifth graders stepping up as leaders, she finds joy in every milestone and every smile.
Her vision for this year centers on continuing the strong, positive culture that makes Central Heights such a special place. She hopes to deepen the school’s focus on reading growth while ensuring that every child and staff member feels valued, supported, and inspired.
When asked what she hopes students take away from their time here, her answer was simple but powerful: a love of learning, confidence, belonging, kindness, and respect.
And her favorite part of each day? The hugs, the laughter, and the moments when students stop by just to share something they’re proud of.
Thank you, Mrs. Lickteig, for leading with heart and helping every Viking student feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #ThankYouPrincipals #GoVikings
Congratulations to the Central Heights students and staff for receiving four STAR Awards from the Kansas State Department of Education. Great job Vikings!
There will NOT be a JV football game on 10/21 AT Central Heights.
It’s Regional time for Viking Volleyball! 🏐💙💛
Our Vikings are headed to Rossville on Monday, October 20 to battle it out in the Regional Tournament — and we want the stands packed with blue and gold!
High school students, this one’s for you. Sign up for the pep bus in the office before 1:00 PM if you want to ride along and cheer on our team. The bus will leave around 3:15–3:30 PM, and games start at 5:00 PM with three matchups back-to-back.
Let’s make some noise, bring the energy, and show everyone what Viking pride looks like. $6 entry fee at the door.
Our Vikings are headed to Rossville on Monday, October 20 to battle it out in the Regional Tournament — and we want the stands packed with blue and gold!
High school students, this one’s for you. Sign up for the pep bus in the office before 1:00 PM if you want to ride along and cheer on our team. The bus will leave around 3:15–3:30 PM, and games start at 5:00 PM with three matchups back-to-back.
Let’s make some noise, bring the energy, and show everyone what Viking pride looks like. $6 entry fee at the door.
A look at the week ahead.
Let’s go, Vikings!
Our JV volleyball team is hitting the road for the Osawatomie Tournament this Saturday. Matches start bright and early at 9 AM, and this crew is ready to serve up some energy and teamwork.
Good luck to our Vikings as they battle it out on the court — let’s bring home some wins! 💙💛
Our JV volleyball team is hitting the road for the Osawatomie Tournament this Saturday. Matches start bright and early at 9 AM, and this crew is ready to serve up some energy and teamwork.
Good luck to our Vikings as they battle it out on the court — let’s bring home some wins! 💙💛
What a blast in Ms. Rohde’s STEM class this week! Students mixed science with creativity as they built and erupted their own “elephant toothpaste volcanoes.” The class was bubbling with excitement as colorful foam shot sky high in this hands-on experiment.
Let’s hear it for the Vikings!
Our boys hit the road tonight for a showdown in Eureka — game time is 7:00 PM. Central Heights is bringing the grit, the heart, and that unmistakable Viking spirit.
Make the trip, cheer loud, and back our team all the way. Let’s go, Vikings!
Graphic created by Aidan Howland and Graham Higbie
Our boys hit the road tonight for a showdown in Eureka — game time is 7:00 PM. Central Heights is bringing the grit, the heart, and that unmistakable Viking spirit.
Make the trip, cheer loud, and back our team all the way. Let’s go, Vikings!
Graphic created by Aidan Howland and Graham Higbie
Congratulations to these students for making the Honor Roll and the Principal's Honor Roll!! We are so proud of you!
🏈 It’s Game Day!
The Vikings are heading to Uniontown tonight, ready to bring the heat under the lights! Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. and our middle school boys are locked in for their final matchup against the Eagles.
Let’s make some noise and finish the season strong!
The Vikings are heading to Uniontown tonight, ready to bring the heat under the lights! Kickoff is at 6:00 p.m. and our middle school boys are locked in for their final matchup against the Eagles.
Let’s make some noise and finish the season strong!
🏐 It’s Game Day for Middle School Viking Volleyball!
Our middle school teams are on the road to Uniontown and ready to serve up some excitement. The first match begins at 5:00 p.m., and you can bet our girls are bringing the energy. Order of play will be C, B, then A.
Let’s cheer them on as they face the Eagles and finish the season strong!
Our middle school teams are on the road to Uniontown and ready to serve up some excitement. The first match begins at 5:00 p.m., and you can bet our girls are bringing the energy. Order of play will be C, B, then A.
Let’s cheer them on as they face the Eagles and finish the season strong!
A new nine weeks means it is time for a HS Counseling Corner newsletter drop!
The first Counselor's Class Challenge of the year has concluded! The freshman started strong, but the Class of 2028 took home the title for the "Attitude of Gratitude" challenge. As a high school nearly 250 messages of gratitude were shared with staff, peers, and parents, authored by students.
Thanks for the pumpkin donation. We had a lot of fun painting them!
At the end of last week, Mr. Bentley’s Banking and Finance students swapped lectures for the Game of Life!
They used what they’ve been learning in class to navigate the ups and downs of the classic Game of Life, making smart financial choices along the way. From paydays to unexpected expenses, students put their banking and finance knowledge to the test and had a great time doing it.
Learning about money management never looked so fun!
They used what they’ve been learning in class to navigate the ups and downs of the classic Game of Life, making smart financial choices along the way. From paydays to unexpected expenses, students put their banking and finance knowledge to the test and had a great time doing it.
Learning about money management never looked so fun!
