Upcoming HS events for the week of 2/16…
2/17-21 National FFA Week
2/17 2/10 USD 340 – No Classes
2/17 Student-Led IPS Conferences 12Noon-7:30pm
2/17 Presidents Day
2/18 G/B BSKB @ Royal Valley 4:30pm
2/19 FCCLA District STAR Events @ St. Marys
2/19 HS Site Council 5:30pm
2/22 Boys Regional Wrestling @ Tonganoxie 9am
It's a time to celebrate FFA and the positive impact it has on its members!
FFA has been shaping the next generation of leaders since 1928. The founders came together with a vision to unify students, teachers and the farming community in support of agriculture education. For 97 years, FFA has had a goal to prepare future generations in the realm of agriculture. This week amplifies FFA's impact in developing future leaders and advancing agricultural education. FFA chapters will unite with their communities through service projects, giving back and making a real difference.
How is FFA Unique?
FFA has had a major influence on millions of students during its existence. Today, there are 1,027,273 FFA members in 9,235 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a global purpose, FFA has provided many opportunities including demonstrating literacy, advocacy and technical skills in agriculture, food and natural resources.
FFA’s impact on students is profound:
Life-Changing: FFA creates positive, transformative experiences that can change students' lives.
School-Based: Members are enrolled in agricultural education.
Career-Readiness: Members gain and learn skills for college and the workforce.
Global Purpose: Members become globally aware citizens.
Agricultural Focus: Members gain skills in agriculture, food, and natural resources.
An interesting part about the National FFA organization is its student-led organization, which allows them to focus on the individual community’s needs and interests. The National FFA Organization covers a vast area, and there are areas that differ greatly — everything from climate to culture — to make up the organization’s unique reach.
Congratulations to Kyle and Nicholas Herrmann on their signing this week with Erskine College Bass Fishing program. TIGER ROAR!!
https://www.wibw.com/video/2025/02/14/local-twins-sign-erskine-college-further-fishing-passion/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIdtLNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHSWOik9I2j-Ucje1SgEJwiM6JkQuFfPWfbZdQTgolwlBMkTPgSjGvdCMtQ_aem_E_3Drh-c8uvHEELu9QTPjg
Congratulations on receiving the KVA All-Academic Volleyball team again this year ladies!!
Head Coach Janelle Noel, Emmie Dean, Harriet Dean, Savannah Jackson, Sydnee Jackson, Kolbie Noel, Mya Vetsch, and Payge Vetsch.
From Head Volleyball Coach Janelle Noel...
It’s always an honor every year to announce the ladies that made the KVA All-Academic team. Being a student athlete is hard work and they all deserve the recognition for doing both!
The individual academic award is for members and managers of the varsity team that earned a letter this past season. First team is for those with a GPA of 4.0 or higher and Honorable Mention is for those with a GPA of 3.75-3.99.
Our team GPA is from an average GPA of all athletes that played on the varsity team at some point this year.
Along with getting the Team Academic award, we had quite a few ladies with individual honors. Keep up the hard work ladies! We are so proud of you!
THANK YOU JEFFERSON WEST EDUCATION FOUNDATION!!
Congratulations to all of the teachers and staff who were awarded over $5,000 in funds for projects and programs they want to bring to Jefferson West!
Kindergarten Round-Up will be April 7th! See flyer for details.
Please help us spread the word!
Remember - USD 340 will not have classes on Monday, February 17, due to Parent/Teacher/IPS Conferences.
Washburn Tech and Highland Tech will have classes.
From Head Wrestling Coach Shawn Dolezilek...
Payge Vetsch made the finals tonight (Friday) and punched her ticket for State!
Josalene Schnacker, Sophie Waters, Mya Vetsch, and Lucy Henderson will wrestle tomorrow (Saturday) and need one win to also qualify for State.
TIGER ROAR LADIES!!
Best of luck to our Forensics team as they compete in Royal Valley today. TIGER ROAR!!
Good luck to our Scholars Bowl team as they attend State today in Paola! Fan information can be found here: https://www.kshsaa.org/react/fanpage/2917
It’s winter in Kansas and, while we’ve already had some crazy driving conditions, there’s still a lot of the season left. It’s likely that between now and spring, we’ll see more difficult driving days in our future.
If you haven’t done so already, be sure your vehicle is packed with a winter weather survival kit. It should include a first aid kit, a blanket and/or heavy clothing, flashlights, an ice scraper and shovel, jumper cables, matches and candles or flares, non-perishable food, a tow rope or chain, and don’t forget some sand or kitty litter for traction in case you get stuck.
Planning ahead is key to safe driving. Before hitting the road, call 511 or visit KanDrive.gov for road conditions.
If you can postpone your plans for when the roads are safer, that’s always your best option. But if not, here’s a few tips to help stay safe:
· Ensure your tires are properly inflated and not too worn
· Check your wipers to ensure they are in good working order
· Have at least a half tank of fuel
· Fully charge your cell phone in case of emergency
· Clear your windshield and windows completely to ensure you can see everything happening around you
· Drive slowly and stop slowly
· Increase your following distance
· Plan your route ahead of time to avoid closed or snow packed roads
· Avoid risky behaviors such as texting or talking on the phone
· And, of course, BUCKLE UP!
Finally, be sure someone knows when you are leaving for your destination and approximately when you should arrive. Taking a few extra steps in planning can go a long way towards keeping you and others on the road safe!
Our basketball teams travel to Holton tonight. Tip-off is 4:30pm. Admission is $5/person (K-Adult). Join us!
If you can't make it to the games, you may livestream them here:
http://www.citylinktv.com/channel/holton/
Good luck to our lady wrestlers who are participating at Regionals today and tomorrow at Paola! Friday matches begin at 1pm and Saturday matches begin at 10am. Fan and ticket information can be found here: https://www.kshsaa.org/react/fanpage/3636
This Valentine's Day, our hearts are full of appreciation for the incredible community that surrounds our schools . USD 340 wishes you a day overflowing with love and joy!
Friday, February 14, is Late Start! Busses will run two hours late, and classes begin at 10am. Highland Tech transportation will run as scheduled. Washburn Tech will NOT have classes.
On Saturday, 2/8, our wrestlers traveled to Silver Lake to compete in their annual Invite. Individual wrestlers were successful in placing were Lucy Henderson, 3rd, Payge Vetsch, 3rd, Sophie Waters, 2nd, and Karson Kahler, 1st. Congratulations!!
Friends of Jefferson West -
Have you ever paid a bill? Are you 18 or older? Would you like to have fun helping Sophomores and Juniors at Jefferson West High School and Eighth graders at Jefferson West Middle School practice finances?
YES? Then, please join us as a volunteer for Reality U's financial simulator at Jefferson West High School on Friday, February 21.
What does it look like to volunteer? The students take a pre-survey of what they want their life to look like at 26 years old. When they arrive at Reality U, they will get a paycheck based on their survey and need to go pay their bills for the month! Volunteers will get to run a booth as a sales rep for housing, phone, transportation, and more! The booth info and training will be provided. We just need YOU!
Together, we get to help students connect their current education with their financial future! Please use the link below to sign up for one, two or all three time slots to volunteer at a booth. If you cannot volunteer but have a friend who would be perfect for this activity or would like to help, please share the link with them.
February 21, 2025 -
Session 1: 8:05-9:25
Session 2: 9:35-11:00
Session 3: 12:30-1:55
To sign up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkfYU1L_l7DoxsiLE0fn6PNMa0sh27FM3evEzJpAxk6oVaAA/viewform?usp=sharing
Seniors - take advantage of this free opportunity to help you through the FAFSA process!
Today, band members will be attending the Baker University High School Honor Band Festival. The Annual High School Honor Band Festival and Concert hosts more than 100 of the top student musicians from more than 15 area schools for a full-day workshop with Baker music faculty and guest conductor. This year's guest conductor is Dr. Timothy Kaiser. The day ends with a concert at 7pm in the Owens Musical Arts Building. Join us!
Boys League Wrestling takes place in Perry-Lecompton today starting at 2pm. TIGER ROAR and best of luck boys!!
