Yeehaw! 🤠 This morning, our Secondary Staff (Middle & High School) traded classrooms for corrals as we headed to New Horizon Ranch to experience many of the same team-building activities our students get to enjoy when they visit The Ranch.
The theme of the day was TEAMWORK, and let me tell ya... it wasn't our first rodeo, but there were definitely a few moments where we had to cowboy up! 🐎 From problem-solving challenges to cheering each other on, we had plenty of chances to rely on one another. We discovered hidden talents, laughed with teammates we might not normally work alongside, and realized that sometimes the strongest "horse" on the team isn't the one you'd expect!
There were laughs louder than a barn dance, and comradery strengthened tighter than a well-tied lasso. 🤠💙💛 But sometimes, even when you lead that horse to water...well, you know. :)
We're incredibly thankful for our community-school partnership with New Horizon Ranch. The impact they make on our students, and now our staff, is something that reaches every corner of our school community. They really helped to herd us in the right direction! 🐄
What a rootin'-tootin' way to kick off the day! We can't wait for our students to continue growing and building leadership skills at New Horizon Ranch.
The theme of the day was TEAMWORK, and let me tell ya... it wasn't our first rodeo, but there were definitely a few moments where we had to cowboy up! 🐎 From problem-solving challenges to cheering each other on, we had plenty of chances to rely on one another. We discovered hidden talents, laughed with teammates we might not normally work alongside, and realized that sometimes the strongest "horse" on the team isn't the one you'd expect!
There were laughs louder than a barn dance, and comradery strengthened tighter than a well-tied lasso. 🤠💙💛 But sometimes, even when you lead that horse to water...well, you know. :)
We're incredibly thankful for our community-school partnership with New Horizon Ranch. The impact they make on our students, and now our staff, is something that reaches every corner of our school community. They really helped to herd us in the right direction! 🐄
What a rootin'-tootin' way to kick off the day! We can't wait for our students to continue growing and building leadership skills at New Horizon Ranch.
Beginning this school year, as with all Kansas public schools, we are following the new "bell-to-bell" cell phone law (House Bill 2299). That means personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smartwatches, earbuds/headphones, and tablets, must be powered off and locked away for the entire school day.
The good news? This is not a new policy for Central Heights! We have already been a phone-free zone for the past several years. There's just a little more to it now.
Please make sure that you review and discuss these expectations with your Viking(s) at home. And if you haven't already done so, make sure you download our Central Heights App and sign in with the email that you provided PowerSchool so that you will be connected to our School-Approved communication tool: Rooms! We will also have more information about Rooms and opportunities to connect at your school's Back-To-School night (6-12 is August 10th, PreK-5 is August 11th).
And as always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your building principal (Elementary: hlickteig@usd288.org Middle/High School: ahorstick@usd288.org). We look forward to seeing you all soon!
The good news? This is not a new policy for Central Heights! We have already been a phone-free zone for the past several years. There's just a little more to it now.
Please make sure that you review and discuss these expectations with your Viking(s) at home. And if you haven't already done so, make sure you download our Central Heights App and sign in with the email that you provided PowerSchool so that you will be connected to our School-Approved communication tool: Rooms! We will also have more information about Rooms and opportunities to connect at your school's Back-To-School night (6-12 is August 10th, PreK-5 is August 11th).
And as always, if you have any questions, please reach out to your building principal (Elementary: hlickteig@usd288.org Middle/High School: ahorstick@usd288.org). We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Today is always such a special day for our district. It's the day when we get to welcome our new teachers to the building, spend some time bragging about what makes Central Heights so great, introduce them to new staff, form deeper bonds with their mentors, and really get to know who they are as individuals. We have some truly amazing new teachers this year! Here is just a tiny snippet from the presentations made by our district staff this morning.
Tomorrow we welcome back ALL of our staff, and I can already hear the laughter, the exchanging of summer stories, the oohs and aahs from teachers looking at freshly decorated classrooms, and all of the fun! Exciting things await for 288!
Tomorrow we welcome back ALL of our staff, and I can already hear the laughter, the exchanging of summer stories, the oohs and aahs from teachers looking at freshly decorated classrooms, and all of the fun! Exciting things await for 288!
⭐Mark your calendars for our Middle School and High School Back-To-School Night!⭐
The details: Monday, August 10th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the school.
Secondary students: Bring your school supplies, meet your teachers, and get a school tour from our CHMS STUCO kids! (But all can attend to get a pretzel!)
🥨Don't forget to bring your money ($8-$10 per pretzel) for the Pink Pretzelly Truck!
✏️School supply lists are on our school website (www.usd288.org).
📱Bring your phone for a fun selfie challenge with fabulous prizes at the end!
Can't wait to see you there! 😊
The details: Monday, August 10th from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the school.
Secondary students: Bring your school supplies, meet your teachers, and get a school tour from our CHMS STUCO kids! (But all can attend to get a pretzel!)
🥨Don't forget to bring your money ($8-$10 per pretzel) for the Pink Pretzelly Truck!
✏️School supply lists are on our school website (www.usd288.org).
📱Bring your phone for a fun selfie challenge with fabulous prizes at the end!
Can't wait to see you there! 😊
Enrollment is now open for the 26-27 school year!
Back to School Supply Lists are Ready!
Hey Viking families! It is hard to believe, but it is already time to start prepping for the upcoming school year.
To help you get ahead of the game, our official Back to School Supply Lists are now available. We've attached the list right here to make your shopping a breeze!
Hey Viking families! It is hard to believe, but it is already time to start prepping for the upcoming school year.
To help you get ahead of the game, our official Back to School Supply Lists are now available. We've attached the list right here to make your shopping a breeze!
📚✏️ Back-to-School Prep is Here! 🍎🎒
It's hard to believe, but the new school year will be here before we know it! Now is a great time to start checking things off your back-to-school to-do list, and one of the easiest ways to get a head start is by picking up your child's school supplies.
We've attached the 2026-2027 School Supply Lists for PreK through 5th Grade to help make your shopping a little easier.
Getting supplies early can help avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your child is ready for a great first day of school!
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at Central Heights Elementary. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you soon! 💙💛
It's hard to believe, but the new school year will be here before we know it! Now is a great time to start checking things off your back-to-school to-do list, and one of the easiest ways to get a head start is by picking up your child's school supplies.
We've attached the 2026-2027 School Supply Lists for PreK through 5th Grade to help make your shopping a little easier.
Getting supplies early can help avoid the last-minute rush and ensure your child is ready for a great first day of school!
We can't wait to welcome everyone back for another amazing year at Central Heights Elementary. Enjoy the rest of your summer, and we'll see you soon! 💙💛
Here is the list with all activities attached. Girls start weight training and conditioning on Thursday 6.4.26.
Congratulations to Lyla, Aracely, and Lilea.
Congratulations to Kreig, Aydan, Stetson, and Ethan on making the All league baseball team!
Many thanks to our amazing community for supporting this year's senior class in pursuing their interests beyond graduation!
Congratulations to our Middle School students who earned a spot on the All-A's List, Principal's Honor Roll, or the Honor Roll! Keep up the amazing work!
We are looking for a fun, energetic, and passionate person who loves teaching science, STEM, and everything about middle school! Click the link to apply!
https://www.usd288.org/forms/certified-application
https://www.usd288.org/forms/certified-application
The text that Mrs. Cannady just sent from the World's of Fun Music Festival:
"So this just happened! Not only did we receive a Superior 1 Rating from all 3 judges and 1st in the Small School Division....BUT WE WON THE WHOLE DANG THING! We are the OVERALL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER OUT OF ALL BANDS, every size and division from all 3 days of the Festival! I am so proud of these kids!!"
Mrs. Cannady, we are proud of YOU! And the kids, too, of course!! Way to lead with enthusiasm and excellence! Band kids, way to go all in!! No enjoy your day celebrating and having fun at World's of Fun!
"So this just happened! Not only did we receive a Superior 1 Rating from all 3 judges and 1st in the Small School Division....BUT WE WON THE WHOLE DANG THING! We are the OVERALL SWEEPSTAKES WINNER OUT OF ALL BANDS, every size and division from all 3 days of the Festival! I am so proud of these kids!!"
Mrs. Cannady, we are proud of YOU! And the kids, too, of course!! Way to lead with enthusiasm and excellence! Band kids, way to go all in!! No enjoy your day celebrating and having fun at World's of Fun!
Happy first day of summer break!
A reminder that the HS will be celebrating the underclassmen awards and accomplishments this Friday, beginning at 8:15 in the gymnasium!
Elementary yearbooks have arrived! If you pre-ordered a yearbook, it will be sent home with your student before the end of the school year.
We also have a limited number of extra yearbooks available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis. Yearbooks are $18.00 and may be purchased with cash or check to the Elementary Office.
Fewer than 20 copies remain, so please contact the Elementary Office as soon as possible to get yours. Thank you!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Emily Wilcut
During Emily’s time at Central Heights, she has participated in Future Farmers of America. Emily’s favorite time at Central Heights was the 5th hour of her junior year in Ms.Dunn’s room. Emily plans to enter the workforce right out of high school.
We are so proud of you, Emily. Keep doing great things!
During Emily’s time at Central Heights, she has participated in Future Farmers of America. Emily’s favorite time at Central Heights was the 5th hour of her junior year in Ms.Dunn’s room. Emily plans to enter the workforce right out of high school.
We are so proud of you, Emily. Keep doing great things!
Senior Spotlight Class of 2026: Ashley Harkins
As graduation approaches, Ashley plans to attend Washburn University for Radiologic Technology. During her time at Central Heights, Ashley participated in Volleyball, Basketball, Dance, Softball, FFA, Honor Flight, Yearbook, and Student Council, and served as Class President. Ashley will always remember going to state softball the past three years.
Amazing job, Ashley, we are so proud of you!
As graduation approaches, Ashley plans to attend Washburn University for Radiologic Technology. During her time at Central Heights, Ashley participated in Volleyball, Basketball, Dance, Softball, FFA, Honor Flight, Yearbook, and Student Council, and served as Class President. Ashley will always remember going to state softball the past three years.
Amazing job, Ashley, we are so proud of you!
2026 STATE FFA BAND
Congratulations to Brooks Hamilton, Hannah Matile, Tristen McRoberts, and Alyssa Powell for auditioning and being selected for the 2026 State FFA Band! These four will travel to Manhattan, KS, on May 26 - 29 to rehearse and play at the State FFA Convention. The Band will perform at 5:30 PM during the 3rd Session on Thursday, May 28, and again at 2:00 PM during the 7th Session on Friday, May 29. This honor also qualifies them to audition for the National FFA Band that will perform at the 2026 National Convention this Fall. Hannah & Brooks are now 2 time State FFA Band Members. Congratulations on this honor & achievement! We are so proud of you!
Congratulations to Brooks Hamilton, Hannah Matile, Tristen McRoberts, and Alyssa Powell for auditioning and being selected for the 2026 State FFA Band! These four will travel to Manhattan, KS, on May 26 - 29 to rehearse and play at the State FFA Convention. The Band will perform at 5:30 PM during the 3rd Session on Thursday, May 28, and again at 2:00 PM during the 7th Session on Friday, May 29. This honor also qualifies them to audition for the National FFA Band that will perform at the 2026 National Convention this Fall. Hannah & Brooks are now 2 time State FFA Band Members. Congratulations on this honor & achievement! We are so proud of you!
