USD 343

Calling all 2026-2027 kindergartners! If your child turns five before August 31, 2026 he/shebis eligible for kindergarten! Roundup is April 6 with a morning and an afternoon session.

We're excited to introduce Laurel Rakers, who is joining us from the University of Kansas! Laurel is working with Mr. Matt Simmons at PLHS in the Physical Education department, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have her in USD 343.

🏐 A little about Laurel:
• Hometown: St. Louis, MO (Parkway West High School grad!)
• College: University of Kansas
• Fun facts: Club volleyball player who loves to cook, bake, draw, and color in her free time

Teaching runs in the family for Laurel! Her mom is also a PE teacher, and watching her teach and be in her element inspired Laurel to follow in her footsteps. She's always loved being around kids in the sports world and knew teaching was her calling.

What she loves most about teaching? Seeing students succeed, build confidence, and have fun as they master new movements and skills. That's what PE is all about! 💪

Laurel has been so impressed by our USD 343 students—she says they've been incredibly kind, great listeners, and patient with her as she learns and grows.

Please join us in welcoming Laurel! 🎉

We're excited to introduce Sean Urban, who is joining us from Baker University! Sean is working with Ms. Kat LaFever in the PLMS Social Studies department, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him back in USD 343.

A little about Sean:
• Hometown: Perry, KS (Perry-Lecompton HS grad!)
• College: Baker University
• Fun facts: Former football player (11 years!) and tabletop gaming enthusiast

Sean was inspired to become a teacher by the amazing educators he had in high school, and now he wants to pay it forward by making the same positive impact on today's students.

What he loves most about teaching? Getting to know students and sharing his passion for history with a captive audience!

Sean has been impressed by how willing our USD 343 students are to contribute to class discussions. We're so glad to have him as part of our school community!

Please join us in welcoming Sean! 🎉

We're excited to introduce Justin Miller, who is joining us as a student teacher at PLHS. Justin is working alongside Casey Woodward in the PLHS Social Studies Department!

Justin is from Ozawkie, Kansas and attended Oskaloosa High School. He's currently studying at MidAmerica Nazarene University as he pursues his teaching career.

When he's not in the classroom, Justin enjoys fishing, spending time with family, and watching sports.

💙 Why teaching? Justin has always enjoyed helping people, and teaching allows him to work directly with students and make a difference in their lives every day.

Justin shared that what he enjoys most about teaching is seeing the students each day and helping them learn. He's also impressed by the welcoming community of our USD 343 staff!

Please join us in welcoming Justin to our school community! 🎉

Perry-Lecompton Public Schools is currently accepting applications for a Lead Childcare Teacher. This position is opened until filled. If you, or someone you know, is interested in applying please do so at the following link: https://shorturl.at/L8ioR

It's Winter Royalty Night!

PLHS Gym – 4:30 JV Girls, 6:00 Varsity Girls, 7:30 Varsity Boys

PLMS Gym – 5:45 JV Boys

Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/@USD343Media/streams

The winter royalty crowning will between the the girls and boys varsity games.

Pre-K 3 & 4 AM classes enjoyed having the middle school YEP students read to them.

4th grade students hosted their annual “Wax Museum” and did an amazing job! Students researched influential figures from Kansas history, prepared speeches, and created costumes to bring Famous Kansans to life. Standing still as “wax figures,” they came alive to share the stories and legacies of Kansans who made a lasting impact.

Come out before our high school dual wrestling meet on Wednesday to support the youth wrestlers at 5:00 PM!

PLMS art teacher Mrs. Gantz and some of her students came over to help the third graders create a clay project. They made stars to celebrate the end of their solar system unit. Thank you Mrs. Gantz!

Basketball is headed to Hiawatha today!

Schedule:
HMS Gym - JV girls at 4:30 then C -Team boys

HHS Gym - JV boys at 4:30, Varsity Girls at 6:00, Varsity Boys at 7:30

Livestream address: https://team1sports.com/mscrsn/hiawatha/

Mrs. Hurlbut's favorite day is Kansas Day! They celebrated Kansas' 165th birthday by learning the state symbols, math activities, creating license plates and enjoying sunflower cookies. Happy birthday to our great state!!!

Happy Kansas Day! PLES 2nd grade celebrated by taking their annual trip to the Territorial Capital Museum (Lane University) and Constitution Hall. Students learned about several items from Kansas's past and the important history that took place right here in Lecompton. We give a big thank you to each Historic Lecompton volunteer who helped us learn!

Joann Farb, a former microbiologist, recently began volunteering at PLES. She gave a helpful presentation on germs to our 2nd and 3rd grade students. Students learned the difference between resident and transient germs. They had fun completing an experiment to see how germs spread. Students also learned it is best to wash your hands, but sanitizer is an acceptable alternative if water is not available.

Mrs. Jewell's Pre-K 4 classes had "snow" much fun playing with and investigating snow INSIDE! Our hands were the only things that got cold!❄️☃️🥶

This is Josh Woodward, Superintendent of Schools at Perry-Lecompton.  Due to morning temperatures of minus five degrees and wind chill predictions near fifteen to twenty degrees below 0, Perry–Lecompton Schools will be closed tomorrow, Monday, January 26. A decision will be made by 1pm tomorrow afternoon whether evening activities will continue as scheduled, as temperatures are expected to warm by mid-afternoon. Again, no school on Monday, January 26th.

Congratulations to Mrs. Hurlbut on winning one of the UBenefit grants. She is pictured with Kate McMaster and Leasa Huffman, our OFG Financial Services representatives. The UBenefit grant recognizes and awards educators for all they do, that so often goes unnoticed. This year, we had over 900 applicants and again awarded 100 winners with a $100 grant. Each applicant provided an estimate of the amount of personal funds they spend each year supporting students and classrooms and the average annual amount was over $550. KNEA, OFG Financial Services, and Security Benefit would like to thank Mrs. Hurlbut for her dedication to Kansas students and their futures!

Mrs. Hurlbut's class has been studying the phases of the moon during reading time. They demonstrated their knowledge of the phases with oreos. What a tasty way to learn!