USD 343

Good afternoon, we have a quick message from our partners at BHS: While we are very happy that everyone is excited about the new facilities that will be available this year, they are not currently open to the public. Please refrain from entering the new facilities (including the baseball and softball complex) without communicating with the building, or district administration. While portions of the Bond construction areas are nearly complete, there are areas that are still not safe for the general public to enter. Thank you for your help! Once all of the construction is complete, USD 343 will be looking for an opportunity to showcase the improvements if been made district-wide for all of our patrons.

Grace O'Trimble brings a wealth of experience and deep community roots to USD 343. A graduate of Perry-Lecompton High School and Emporia State University, Mrs. O'Trimble began her teaching journey in USD 501, where she taught first grade for two years. She then returned to her hometown of Perry, dedicating eight years to teaching first grade at Perry-Lecompton. After taking a brief pause to focus on family, she is thrilled to return to USD 343, where her passion for first-grade education continues to flourish. Beyond the classroom, Mrs. O'Trimble enjoys an active lifestyle with her family, including her husband Mitch and their four children: Sadie, Ada, Henley, and Holden. She values morning coffee, workout sessions, and cherishes family dance parties. As a third-generation educator following in the footsteps of her grandmother and mother, Mrs. O'Trimble believes in building strong relationships with her students and creating a nurturing classroom environment. Her deep connection to USD 343, both as an alumna and now as a teacher, reflects her commitment to continuing the district's tradition of educational excellence. A Fun Fact (courtesy of her daughters): Mrs. O'Trimble can touch my tongue to my nose. Watch out America's Got Talent...She's coming for you! Help us welcome Mrs. O'Trimble back to our USD 343 family!

Join Lecompton Community Empowerment for their back to school event on Saturday, August 9th from 5-8pm! They will have a free will donation dinner of chili/chili dogs, and they will also have bouncy houses for the kids. This will be held at 620 E. Woodson Ave., Lecompton, KS, 66050.

We are excited to welcome Mr. Matthew Johnson to our USD 343 family! With an impressive 23 years of teaching experience, Mr. Johnson brings a wealth of knowledge in Physical Education, Health, Drivers Education, and Hunters' Education. Prior to joining us, he dedicated 5 years teaching K-12 in Spearville, Kansas, followed by 18 years serving grades 7-12 in Oskaloosa, Kansas. A graduate of Bethany College and Blue Valley Randolph High School, Mr. Johnson's roots run deep in Kansas, having grown up on a farm northwest of Manhattan. When not in the classroom or gymnasium, Mr. Johnson enjoys watching sports, hunting, and fishing. He's a proud father to his daughter Adlen, who is currently a freshman in Tonganoxie. Mr. Johnson was drawn to USD 343 for its excellent facilities, strong community support, and great location. His favorite aspect of teaching is watching his students grow and succeed in life after graduation. We look forward to the positive impact Mr. Johnson will make in our school community as he shares his passion for physical education and health with our students.

We are excited to welcome Ms. Brianna Gough to USD 343 as our new Family and Consumer Sciences teacher! A recent graduate of Kansas State University, Ms. Gough brings fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our school community. During her student teaching experience at Washington County High School, she developed her passion for teaching Family and Consumer Sciences and looks forward to creating engaging learning experiences for her students. Ms. Gough's love for teaching was inspired by her mother, and she chose USD 343 specifically for its strong community culture. When not in the classroom, she enjoys a variety of creative hobbies including crocheting, cross-stitching, sewing, cooking, and baking. She's also an avid sports enthusiast and plant lover who enjoys fishing in her spare time. Ms. Gough is excited to begin her teaching career here and looks forward to making meaningful connections with both students and colleagues as she embarks on her first year of teaching.

We are gearing up for another great school year! Please take a look at our 2025-2026 District newsletter. This newsletter has many key pieces of information for the upcoming school year! Have a great summer!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CZ16xqfCTNZrPtLlRoVZYPFN-fMrFW-E/view?usp=sharing

We are thrilled to announce the addition of Dr. Alex Sutton to our USD 343 faculty! Dr. Sutton joins our mathematics department with an impressive academic background, holding two Bachelor's degrees in Mathematics and Computer Science from Iowa State University, along with a Ph.D. in Mathematics specializing in Functional Analysis and Quantum Information Theory. Recently completing his teaching certification at Washburn University, Dr. Sutton brings a wealth of teaching experience, having served as a mathematics tutor, teaching assistant, and instructor at various educational levels. Dr. Sutton's passion for mathematics education is evident in his commitment to making complex mathematical concepts accessible to all students. His extensive experience includes teaching and tutoring in subjects ranging from basic algebra to advanced calculus, as well as computer science and test preparation. Already familiar with our district through his work as a building substitute teacher at Perry-Lecompton Middle and High schools, Dr. Sutton looks forward to coaching the Scholars' Bowl team and becoming an integral part of our school community. When not in the classroom, you might find him enjoying board games with friends, spending time with his two cats, Merida and Clio, or helping students discover their potential in mathematics.

We are thrilled to welcome Mrs. Danielle Gomez to our USD 343 family as our new 6th grade teacher! Mrs. Gomez brings a wealth of diverse teaching experience, having taught in Spring Hill, Topeka Public Schools, and Santa Fe Trail. Her background includes teaching multiple grade levels through substitute teaching, as well as dedicated experience teaching 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and high school Geometry. Mrs. Gomez earned her undergraduate degree from Ottawa University and continued her education with graduate studies at Fort Hays State. As a passionate educator who cherishes those special "ah-ha" moments when concepts click for students, Mrs. Gomez is excited to join our small-town community. She looks forward to getting to know each family personally and bringing her creative approach to lesson planning to our 6th grade classroom. When not in the classroom, Mrs. Gomez enjoys traveling, especially to visit her two sisters who live near London, England. She lives locally with her husband Richard and their three children: Brooklyn (12), Jackson (10), and Cameron (6). Please join us in giving Mrs. Gomez a warm welcome to our school community!

Reminder that Free physicals are being held 6/24 and 7/1 5:30- 8:30 pm. Please come with physical paperwork filled out. Papers available on website in health and wellness section. We will also have paperwork at physicals , but parent/guardian must be present to fill out.

We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Steve Murdie to our Perry-Lecompton family as our newest science teacher! With over 30 years of experience teaching Chemistry and Physics, Mr. Murdie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school community. A graduate of Kansas State University and a local from Meriden who attended Jeff West High School, Mr. Murdie's roots in our region run deep. When he's not in the classroom sharing his passion for science, you might find Mr. Murdie engaged in a strategic game of chess. His optimistic approach to teaching and genuine enthusiasm for continuous learning make him a valuable addition to our team. As Mr. Murdie humorously shares, his decision to join USD 343 comes with a special endorsement - his 5-year-old granddaughter believes he's "old enough to teach!" We look forward to the positive impact Mr. Murdie will make as he collaborates with his fellow educators and inspires our students in their scientific pursuits.

From Coach O'Brien- There will be no tennis today at PLHS. Have a great day!

Our incoming K-6 students have been having a great week at the PLHS basketball camp!

Perry-Lecompton is excited to welcome Mr. Eli Wininger as our new fifth grade teacher! Mr. Wininger brings eight years of valuable teaching experience to our school family, having taught for five years in Oakley, Kansas, and three years at Wheatland Grinnell. A graduate of Fort Hays State University, Mr. Wininger's passion for education stems from his desire to be a positive influence in students' lives and his joy in witnessing those "aha" moments when students grasp new concepts. When Mr. Wininger isn't in the classroom, he enjoys playing basketball and cheering on the Kansas Jayhawks. He lives with his wife Brittany and their daughters, Ava (6) and Dillon (2). After substituting in our district, Mr. Wininger was drawn to USD 343 by the positive atmosphere and strong sense of community. He looks forward to building meaningful relationships with both students and staff while becoming more involved in the Perry-Lecompton community. We are thrilled to have Mr. Wininger join our educational team and know he will be a valuable addition to our fifth grade team.

After a long search, USD 343 has found a new mobile dental clinic for our students.

USD 343 is taking applications for our High School Head Wrestling coaching position! If you, or anyone you know, are interested in applying please do so at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/ynk7ucu4. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Paramore at mparamore@usd343.

USD 343 recognized several staff members last week at our end of the year convocation for their years of service to the district, the state, and for perfect attendance for the school year. Staff recognized were: 5 Years of Service to USD 343- Darian Wolken, Carleigh Whitman, Kelli Jewell, Kristin Gantz, Stephanie Elliott, Jamie Hatcher, Jessica Christman, Lynn Boyd, and Mark Scherschligt. 10 Years of Service to USD 343- Caleb Denton and Ronda Green 20 Years of Service to USD 343- Jennie Powell 25 Years in Education (Statewide)- Kelli Jewell Perfect Attendance- Courtney Jarvis

Summer conditioning will begin on Monday, June 2 at 7:00 AM. This is open to all incoming 7-12 graders. Students will all start together at 7 am and then break into groups based on experience and skill level from there. Meet in the HS gym. Sessions run from 7:00 to 8:30 Monday - Thursday, starting June 2. If you have any questions, contact Coach Paramore at mparamore@usd343.org!

A "retired" Perry-Lecompton teacher was recognized by USD 343 with the Legacy Award last Friday at our end of year convocation. The Legacy Award recognizes former USD 343 staff members who continue to stay connected by consistently helping out our school district well into retirement. Congratulations to Tracey Paramore, our 2024-2025 Legacy Award winner! Tracey continues to help USD 343 in our Early Childhood Center as well as at numerous sporting events! USD 343 says, "THANK YOU!"

Congratulations to Perry-Lecompton Elementary teacher, Ms. Megan Stahl, who received the USD 343 Hupe Teaching Excellence Award on Friday, May 23rd. This award is given "to the outstanding teacher of the district each year, particularly the teacher who most motivates students to want to learn and obtain more education." Ms. Stahl was presented with the Hupe Award Plaque and a check for $1,000 to use as she sees fit. Great job Ms. Stahl!!! Ms. Stahl was chosen as the winner of the 2024/2025 Hupe Award by a committee consisting of: the senior class president, a USD 343 administrator, and parents from each buildings Site Council. The other nominees this year were: Robert Weinstein, Jennie Powell, Megan Adams, Kristin Gantz, and Carleigh Whitman.

Marius and Ethan are headed to Garden City to participate at the state golf tournament Tuesday and Wednesday. Good luck to these two at state and go kaws!