Winter sports pictures and school retake pictures will be on November 4th.

A look at this week!

Although it was rainy, we still had a good time on our field trip!







We looked at persimmon seeds in Hunter Safety to predict the winter forecast. What do you see?!

🏈 It’s Game Day at Central Heights! 💙💛
Tonight is the last home game of the season, and our Vikings are ready to take the field under the lights. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
We will also be celebrating our fall sport seniors during halftime, honoring the athletes who have given their time, talent, and heart to Central Heights.
Grab your jacket, find your spot in the stands, and cheer loudly for our Vikings!
Graphic created by Graham Higbie
Tonight is the last home game of the season, and our Vikings are ready to take the field under the lights. Kickoff is set for 6:00 p.m.
We will also be celebrating our fall sport seniors during halftime, honoring the athletes who have given their time, talent, and heart to Central Heights.
Grab your jacket, find your spot in the stands, and cheer loudly for our Vikings!
Graphic created by Graham Higbie

Another way to help in your community. Donate to a Blessing Bag for grades K-5.
Red Ribbon Spirit Week
October 27-31
Join us in some FUN!
October 27-31
Join us in some FUN!

Reminder, the Middle School Boys Basketball team is putting on a Dodgeball Tournament tomorrow in the big gym from 4:00-6:00. Please register your team as soon as possible to vlickteig@usd288.org. Cost is $40 which can be paid when arriving and a small concession stand will be available. We can't wait to see everyone out here!

Tommorrow is Senior Night!
Join us this Friday (10/24) for the final home football game of the season! Kickoff has been moved up to 6 PM, and our senior athletes will be recognized during halftime of the game.
Come out to celebrate our seniors and show your Viking pride! The student section theme is “Dress Like a Senior” so break out those senior vibes and make it a night to remember.
Join us this Friday (10/24) for the final home football game of the season! Kickoff has been moved up to 6 PM, and our senior athletes will be recognized during halftime of the game.
Come out to celebrate our seniors and show your Viking pride! The student section theme is “Dress Like a Senior” so break out those senior vibes and make it a night to remember.

Vikings lead the way! Today the seniors took on the annual College Planning Conference - visiting with over 40 representatives from area colleges, local industry, and military branches.



Big smiles, bright energy, and all the middle school fun, that’s Mrs. Michelle Smith!
As we celebrate National Principals Month, we’re shining the spotlight on our middle school principal, Mrs. Smith, who brings endless energy, creativity, and care to Central Heights every single day. She’s always there to greet students with a friendly hello and makes sure the “middles” have plenty of moments to laugh, learn, and lead.
When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she didn’t hesitate: “Being around some of my favorite people on this Earth — middle school kids and middle school teachers! We’re a different breed down here, and I love every single second of it.” She knows this age is such an important chapter in a student’s life and is proud to help shape who they’ll become in high school.
Her vision for the middle school is powerful: “building an army of students who fearlessly choose to do the next right thing, even when it’s hard… ESPECIALLY when it’s hard.” She hopes to grow a community filled with strong character and a deep sense of belonging.
When it comes to what she wants students to take away from their time at Central Heights, Mrs. Smith says she hopes they know “it’s cool to be the kind kid, it’s cool to work hard, and it’s okay to take chances.” She loves seeing middle schoolers proudly cheer each other on, especially when a classmate earns a Viking Valor award.
Her favorite moment so far this year? The Paint Your Pants Party! A celebration of Viking pride that brought students and adults together for some unforgettable fun.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Smith is most excited about creating more ways for students to lead, give back, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Central Heights shine.
Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for bringing so much joy, heart, and spirit to our middle school. Your enthusiasm makes every day brighter! #NationalPrincipalsMonth #CentralHeightsMiddleSchool #GoVikings
As we celebrate National Principals Month, we’re shining the spotlight on our middle school principal, Mrs. Smith, who brings endless energy, creativity, and care to Central Heights every single day. She’s always there to greet students with a friendly hello and makes sure the “middles” have plenty of moments to laugh, learn, and lead.
When asked about her favorite part of being a principal, she didn’t hesitate: “Being around some of my favorite people on this Earth — middle school kids and middle school teachers! We’re a different breed down here, and I love every single second of it.” She knows this age is such an important chapter in a student’s life and is proud to help shape who they’ll become in high school.
Her vision for the middle school is powerful: “building an army of students who fearlessly choose to do the next right thing, even when it’s hard… ESPECIALLY when it’s hard.” She hopes to grow a community filled with strong character and a deep sense of belonging.
When it comes to what she wants students to take away from their time at Central Heights, Mrs. Smith says she hopes they know “it’s cool to be the kind kid, it’s cool to work hard, and it’s okay to take chances.” She loves seeing middle schoolers proudly cheer each other on, especially when a classmate earns a Viking Valor award.
Her favorite moment so far this year? The Paint Your Pants Party! A celebration of Viking pride that brought students and adults together for some unforgettable fun.
Looking ahead, Mrs. Smith is most excited about creating more ways for students to lead, give back, and strengthen the sense of community that makes Central Heights shine.
Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for bringing so much joy, heart, and spirit to our middle school. Your enthusiasm makes every day brighter! #NationalPrincipalsMonth #CentralHeightsMiddleSchool #GoVikings

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.

