USD 343
Perry-Lecompton
Leading with Sportsmanship. Representing Perry-Lecompton!
A couple of decades ago, former KSHSAA (Kansas State High School Activities Association) Executive Director Gary Musselman published an article about the importance of extracurricular activities. In that article, he referenced Robert D. Putnam’s book, Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis, and shared this quote from the book: “Consistent involvement in extracurricular activities is strongly associated with a variety of positive outcomes during the high school years and beyond, including higher GPAs, lower dropout and truancy rates, better work habits, greater self-esteem and resilience, less risky behavior, increased civic engagement, and greater future educational and career success.” Mr. Musselman added, “Without question, the return on investment in providing extracurricular programs to our students is beyond measure. We would do well to remember that we are about much more important business than simply wins and losses. Every child involved in school activities wins….”
While extracurricular activities are often associated with athletics, there are many other opportunities for students to become involved. Scholars Bowl, band, choir, art fairs, STUCO, Forensics, and the high school musical are just a few examples. At USD 343, our goal is simple: We want every student to find something they enjoy and become involved each year. Through these experiences, students build relationships, develop life skills, gain confidence, and experience many of the benefits described above.
Over the years, it has been exciting to see the positive impact activities can have on our students. They deserve our encouragement, praise, and support. With that in mind, here is an important reminder for all Kaw Fans:
• Players are there to play to the best of their abilities.
• Coaches and sponsors are there to teach and lead to the best of their abilities.
• Officials are there to enforce the rules to the best of their abilities. If a call needs to be questioned, please allow the coach to have that conversation.
• Fans are there to encourage and support to the best of their abilities.
Players, coaches, sponsors, and officials will all make mistakes. Mistakes have always been part of the game or activity. With that said, I have never seen an official change a call because a parent or fan was yelling from the stands. At USD 343, we work hard to help students understand that they represent more than themselves. They represent their classmates, teammates, organizations, teachers, coaches, parents, school district, and the entire Perry-Lecompton Family. The same is true for all of us!! How we conduct ourselves reflects on our schools and community and we should all take pride in representing Perry-Lecompton with positivity, respect, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Years ago, I read an article about being a “Nightmare sports parent,” and it has stayed with me ever since. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate the original article, but I did find another article that references it. (HERE) It is a worthwhile read that had an impact on me as a parent, so I wanted to share it with our PL Family.
Thank you for everything you do to encourage and support our students. As always, please stop by, email, or call if you have any questions, concerns, or celebrations to share.
Thank you!
Josh Woodward, EdD
Be a hero and save a life! ❤️
Our local community blood supply is in high demand, and we need your help to restock it. Plus, there is a huge bonus for our students: if we collect at least 50 donated pints, one of our amazing senior coordinators will receive a $500 scholarship this May!
Last year, our incredible community showed up and donated 67 pints. Let's come together to beat that record this school year!
Our local community blood supply is in high demand, and we need your help to restock it. Plus, there is a huge bonus for our students: if we collect at least 50 donated pints, one of our amazing senior coordinators will receive a $500 scholarship this May!
Last year, our incredible community showed up and donated 67 pints. Let's come together to beat that record this school year!
Upcoming Flu Shot Clinic for Staff & Students!
We are partnering with the Jefferson County Health Department to host a convenient, on-site flu shot clinic on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The mobile clinic will be traveling to all four of our buildings:
ECHC: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
LES: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
PLMS: 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
PLHS: 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Email with all forms that need completed has been sent.
September School Nurse Newsletter
The Early Childhood Center started their morning family time on Friday. Each morning we gather in the gym for morning announcements, celebrate birthdays, and recite the Pledge of Allegiance together. It's a wonderful way to begin our day together! 💙
PLES had a great first day! Thank you for sharing your children with us. We can't wait to see them again tomorrow.
USD 343 is accepting applications for a Title I Paraprofessional for the 26-27 school year. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in applying for this position, please apply at the following link: Application Link
If you have any questions regarding this position, please contact Mark Lamb, Lecompton Elementary Principal, at mlamb@usd343.org.
USD 343 is selling our Columbia ParCar SUv-LN, if you're interested in purchasing placing a bid on the Columbia ParCar SUV-LN, please read the information below:
All bids will be due by Friday, July 24th--the high bidder will be contacted by Monday, July 27th.
In the event that there is tie between two bids, the item will be awarded to the bidder who submitted their bid first.
All payments will need to be made to Jenny Herschell at the USD 343 Board office.
Check or cash (cash must be exact as we will not have change available).
Payment must be made prior to picking up the item you have bid on.
It will be the buyer's responsibility to transport the item.
To schedule time to pickup an item, you will need to work with our Chief of Maintenance, Bryan Williams.
If you have any questions on this item, or would like to schedule a time to look at the item, please contact Bryan Williams via email at bwilliams@usd343.org.
Item Information
This vehicle was purchased used by USD 343 and utilized by staff in Perry to move between buildings.
The vehicle does not currently run, there is an unknown electrical issue.
USD 343 is selling this item "as-is."
Bidding Form: https://forms.gle/RSMGj6RbezKDquU76
The USD 343 Summer Newsletter is now available! The newsletter contains information about enrollment, school supply lists, the school calendar, and more! You may view the newsletter by clicking on the following hyperlink:
Back to School Newsletter
USD 343 is taking applications for an Early Childhood PreK 3-year-old Paraprofessional Educator. If you, or someone you know is interested in this position, please contact Lisa Whitehair-Carver at: 785-597-5156 or lcarver@usd343.org.
https://usd343.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5796586
https://usd343.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5796586
Planning a family vacation, appointment, or special trip during the 2026-27 school year?
Prioritize scheduling vacations, appointments, and other non-school activities during planned school breaks whenever possible.
To help families plan ahead, USD 343 has created a 2026-2027 Vacation Planner that highlights the best opportunities for travel and extended family activities without missing instructional time.
Keep in mind, families should also prioritize attending Parent-Teacher Conferences. These conferences provide an important opportunity to discuss student progress, celebrate successes, address concerns early, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Students benefit most when families and educators work together.
USD 343 is taking applications for an Early Childhood Lead Teacher. If you, or someone you know is interested in this position, please contact Lisa Whitehair-Carver at: 785-597-5156 or lcarver@usd343.org.
https://usd343.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5796656
https://usd343.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5796656
As the academic year draws to a close, USD 343 announces the retirement of veteran elementary educator Todd Gish. Wrapping up an exemplary 33-year teaching career, Mr. Gish concludes his service leaving behind a lasting legacy of warmth, exceptional dedication, and humor within our community.
Mr. Gish’s journey in public education began in 1994. He has spent the vast majority of his career as a first-grade teacher, shaping the foundational learning years of hundreds of children. Before joining the USD 343 family five years ago, he served for 28 years at USD 338 Valley Falls, establishing deep roots and a stellar reputation in neighboring communities.
Reflecting on the evolution of education since his first year in the classroom, Mr. Gish noted that the physical and social landscape has changed significantly. In 1994, classroom technology centered around Apple IIc computers utilizing floppy discs, and school calendars regularly featured full-scale assemblies with storytellers, magicians, and cultural performers—experiences that have since faded due to widespread funding constraints. Furthermore, while the joyful, energetic nature of children remains a constant, Mr. Gish highlighted a heartbreaking rise in students experiencing complex social-emotional needs over the course of his 33 years in the classroom.
Despite these shifting tides, Mr. Gish maintained an unwavering love for his craft, characterized by his notoriously high classroom cleanliness standards and an unforgettable sense of humor. He fondly recalls a classic playground hazard from Valley Falls involving wood chips being tracked into the room, which once led to a memorable instance where a particularly deceptive "wood chip" turned out to be a small piece of disguised waste—a story shared with good humor that highlights the unpredictable and lively reality of first-grade teaching.
Five years ago, feeling somewhat worn out and apprehensive about pulling up stakes after nearly three decades in one district, Mr. Gish made the transition to USD 343. It proved to be a decision that completely re-ignited his passion for teaching. He credits Mr. Lamb for providing seamless support during the transition, alongside his exceptional team teachers, Annie Wade (his mentor) and Grace O’Trimble, upon whom he leaned heavily and to whom he extends his profound gratitude.
In a farewell message to his colleagues and the Perry-Lecompton community, Mr. Gish shared:
"I've been 'Mr. Gish!' for well over 30 years to hundreds and hundreds of children and not having that a part of my day will be a huge change... I truly want to thank all of you for re-igniting my love for teaching. Again, thank you all for your acceptance and welcoming nature. I've added many new friends and memories here and I look forward to catching up with you all in the future."
While Mr. Gish admits he will deeply miss the daily banter and funny stories shared with his colleagues before and after school, he plans to occasionally substitute teach to maintain his routine connection with classroom life.
Retirement will bring a welcome change of pace for Mr. Gish, who plans to maximize his time outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, his immediate plans include backpacking, hunting, and fly fishing during the week when environmental conditions are most favorable, rather than waiting for weekends. He also looks forward to practicing the guitar, playing music with friends, and tackling a vast collection of books waiting on his shelves.
Beyond his personal hobbies, Mr. Gish is eager to travel, reconnect with old friends and relatives, and spend precious time supporting his two daughters, mirroring the parental guidance he received in his youth. He will also keep busy with home improvement projects, doing updating work on his own residence in Valley Falls as well as his wife Anja's home in Lawrence.
Mr. Gish shares this milestone with his beloved family: Wife & Best Friend: Anja Woolverton; Daughters: Sydney and Addison Gish; Step-children: George, Josh, Abigail, Anne, and Francesca Woolverton; Extended Family: Kelly Bonner (Sister), Jeremy Gish (Brother), Dan Gish (Father), Elaine Huscher (Mother), David Huscher (Step-father), and Jeannie Gish (Step-mother).
USD 343 extends its deepest gratitude to Todd Gish for his exceptional service, his inspiring collegiality, and the profound impact he has made on our students. We wish him a long, healthy, and adventure-filled retirement!
Mr. Gish’s journey in public education began in 1994. He has spent the vast majority of his career as a first-grade teacher, shaping the foundational learning years of hundreds of children. Before joining the USD 343 family five years ago, he served for 28 years at USD 338 Valley Falls, establishing deep roots and a stellar reputation in neighboring communities.
Reflecting on the evolution of education since his first year in the classroom, Mr. Gish noted that the physical and social landscape has changed significantly. In 1994, classroom technology centered around Apple IIc computers utilizing floppy discs, and school calendars regularly featured full-scale assemblies with storytellers, magicians, and cultural performers—experiences that have since faded due to widespread funding constraints. Furthermore, while the joyful, energetic nature of children remains a constant, Mr. Gish highlighted a heartbreaking rise in students experiencing complex social-emotional needs over the course of his 33 years in the classroom.
Despite these shifting tides, Mr. Gish maintained an unwavering love for his craft, characterized by his notoriously high classroom cleanliness standards and an unforgettable sense of humor. He fondly recalls a classic playground hazard from Valley Falls involving wood chips being tracked into the room, which once led to a memorable instance where a particularly deceptive "wood chip" turned out to be a small piece of disguised waste—a story shared with good humor that highlights the unpredictable and lively reality of first-grade teaching.
Five years ago, feeling somewhat worn out and apprehensive about pulling up stakes after nearly three decades in one district, Mr. Gish made the transition to USD 343. It proved to be a decision that completely re-ignited his passion for teaching. He credits Mr. Lamb for providing seamless support during the transition, alongside his exceptional team teachers, Annie Wade (his mentor) and Grace O’Trimble, upon whom he leaned heavily and to whom he extends his profound gratitude.
In a farewell message to his colleagues and the Perry-Lecompton community, Mr. Gish shared:
"I've been 'Mr. Gish!' for well over 30 years to hundreds and hundreds of children and not having that a part of my day will be a huge change... I truly want to thank all of you for re-igniting my love for teaching. Again, thank you all for your acceptance and welcoming nature. I've added many new friends and memories here and I look forward to catching up with you all in the future."
While Mr. Gish admits he will deeply miss the daily banter and funny stories shared with his colleagues before and after school, he plans to occasionally substitute teach to maintain his routine connection with classroom life.
Retirement will bring a welcome change of pace for Mr. Gish, who plans to maximize his time outdoors. An avid outdoorsman, his immediate plans include backpacking, hunting, and fly fishing during the week when environmental conditions are most favorable, rather than waiting for weekends. He also looks forward to practicing the guitar, playing music with friends, and tackling a vast collection of books waiting on his shelves.
Beyond his personal hobbies, Mr. Gish is eager to travel, reconnect with old friends and relatives, and spend precious time supporting his two daughters, mirroring the parental guidance he received in his youth. He will also keep busy with home improvement projects, doing updating work on his own residence in Valley Falls as well as his wife Anja's home in Lawrence.
Mr. Gish shares this milestone with his beloved family: Wife & Best Friend: Anja Woolverton; Daughters: Sydney and Addison Gish; Step-children: George, Josh, Abigail, Anne, and Francesca Woolverton; Extended Family: Kelly Bonner (Sister), Jeremy Gish (Brother), Dan Gish (Father), Elaine Huscher (Mother), David Huscher (Step-father), and Jeannie Gish (Step-mother).
USD 343 extends its deepest gratitude to Todd Gish for his exceptional service, his inspiring collegiality, and the profound impact he has made on our students. We wish him a long, healthy, and adventure-filled retirement!
Congratulations to our fourth and final Washburn Tech Apprentice, Kadyn Hoffman. Kadyn has served at the ECC for the past two years.
The Pre-K 4 classes are ready for kindergarten after today! The kids did a great job singing songs and then getting their end of the year awards. We are very proud of them! 🎓💙
After today the Pre-K 4 class is ready for Kindergarten! At graduation the kids sang songs and then received their end of the year awards. We are very proud of them! 💙
Today at the ECC we celebrated Ms. Penny (speech para), Ms. Andrea (speech pathologist), and Ms. Jody (PK3 para). We are sad they are leaving us, but excited for this next phase of their lives-RETIREMENT! Thank you for your dedication to our students! We will miss you!! 💙
Congratulations to our Washburn Tech Apprentices! Carsyn Perkins, Claire Koster and Kaydence Long are a tremendous help to our program at the ECC!
Mrs. Jewell (PK4) and Ms. Sarina (PK3) learned a lot at the HighScope conference! We’d like to thank district leadership for valuing Early Childhood education, Ms. Lisa for encouraging us to go, and our co-workers for taking care of things while we were gone! 💙
Our School District will be celebrating Kansas Fitness day this week!! We will have a field day for 5/6 grade and all LES students!
