It's Presidents' Day!!
Historically, Americans began celebrating George Washington’s birthday just months after his death, long before Congress declared it a federal holiday. It was not until 1879, under President Rutherford B. Hayes, that Washington’s Birthday became a legal holiday, to be observed on his birthday, February 22.
In a sense, calling the holiday Presidents’ Day helps us reflect on not just the first president but also our nation’s founding, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and Union, as received from the Founders.” Also, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12, so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can also include another remarkable president in our celebrations.
Today, many calendars list the third Monday of February as Presidents’ Day, just as many U.S. states do. Of course, all of the 3-day retail store sales are called “Presidents’ Day” sales, and this vernacular has also been influential in how we reference the holiday. George Washington’s Birthday is one of only 11 permanent federal holidays established by Congress, observed each year. One of the great traditions followed for decades has been the reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address by a U.S. senator in legislative session, which remains an annual event to this day.
Myths About Washington
Legend has it that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree when he was 6 years old and, when confronted by his father, said, “I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my hatchet.” Turns out Washington didn’t say this; he didn’t even chop down the tree! This tale was, in fact, concocted by Parson Mason Weems (1759–1825), one of Washington’s biographers, who made up the story hoping to demonstrate Washington’s honesty.
This tale is not the only myth about Washington. His wooden dentures? They weren’t made of wood; they were made of hippopotamus teeth that had been filed down to fit into Washington’s mouth.
Source: The Old Farmer's Almanac
Historically, Americans began celebrating George Washington’s birthday just months after his death, long before Congress declared it a federal holiday. It was not until 1879, under President Rutherford B. Hayes, that Washington’s Birthday became a legal holiday, to be observed on his birthday, February 22.
In a sense, calling the holiday Presidents’ Day helps us reflect on not just the first president but also our nation’s founding, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and Union, as received from the Founders.” Also, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12, so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can also include another remarkable president in our celebrations.
Today, many calendars list the third Monday of February as Presidents’ Day, just as many U.S. states do. Of course, all of the 3-day retail store sales are called “Presidents’ Day” sales, and this vernacular has also been influential in how we reference the holiday. George Washington’s Birthday is one of only 11 permanent federal holidays established by Congress, observed each year. One of the great traditions followed for decades has been the reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address by a U.S. senator in legislative session, which remains an annual event to this day.
Myths About Washington
Legend has it that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree when he was 6 years old and, when confronted by his father, said, “I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my hatchet.” Turns out Washington didn’t say this; he didn’t even chop down the tree! This tale was, in fact, concocted by Parson Mason Weems (1759–1825), one of Washington’s biographers, who made up the story hoping to demonstrate Washington’s honesty.
This tale is not the only myth about Washington. His wooden dentures? They weren’t made of wood; they were made of hippopotamus teeth that had been filed down to fit into Washington’s mouth.
Source: The Old Farmer's Almanac
Hometown Hero Spotlight: Judy McAsey Arnold
Judy sees the world through a camera lens as she travels town to town across capturing the moments that matter most.
From cheering on students at USD 340 Jefferson West School District (where two of her grandchildren attend) to submitting photos to The Vindicator, Valley Falls Newspaper. Known lovingly as “Grandma Judy,” she is always there to document our community’s heart.
Rain or shine, weekday or weekend; you’ll often find her on the sidelines, in the stands, or out in the community making sure no special moment goes unnoticed. Her photos don’t just capture events — they preserve memories, celebrate local stories, and help keep small-town life connected.
Nominated by Alisha Schwinn, Judy’s dedication helps preserve local memories, one photo at a time. Thank you for being a true Hometown Hero, Judy!
Proudly partnered with Lentz Express Catering and Wilson Tire —serving our communities together.
Courtesy: Kanzaland Country - KNZA 103.9 FM & KMZA 92.1 FM
Judy sees the world through a camera lens as she travels town to town across capturing the moments that matter most.
From cheering on students at USD 340 Jefferson West School District (where two of her grandchildren attend) to submitting photos to The Vindicator, Valley Falls Newspaper. Known lovingly as “Grandma Judy,” she is always there to document our community’s heart.
Rain or shine, weekday or weekend; you’ll often find her on the sidelines, in the stands, or out in the community making sure no special moment goes unnoticed. Her photos don’t just capture events — they preserve memories, celebrate local stories, and help keep small-town life connected.
Nominated by Alisha Schwinn, Judy’s dedication helps preserve local memories, one photo at a time. Thank you for being a true Hometown Hero, Judy!
Proudly partnered with Lentz Express Catering and Wilson Tire —serving our communities together.
Courtesy: Kanzaland Country - KNZA 103.9 FM & KMZA 92.1 FM
Jefferson West FFA would like to see you at their new event, Cowboy Coffee. Local farmers, come out and spend the morning with the officers! We would love to see you 7-9am on Monday, February 16th. Join us! See flyer for more details.
Remember - USD 340 will not have classes on Monday, February 16, due to Parent/Teacher/IPS Conferences.
Washburn Tech and Highland Tech will have classes and transportation will run as usual.
Washburn Tech and Highland Tech will have classes and transportation will run as usual.
❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️
Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to expressing love, affection, and friendship through cards, gifts, and kind gestures. Modern celebrations often include flowers, candy, special dinners, and heartfelt messages shared with partners, friends, and family.
We LOVE our Tigers! 🖤🤍❤️
Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to expressing love, affection, and friendship through cards, gifts, and kind gestures. Modern celebrations often include flowers, candy, special dinners, and heartfelt messages shared with partners, friends, and family.
We LOVE our Tigers! 🖤🤍❤️
🎀 Pink Out Night 🎀
The Jefferson West Student Council invites the community to our local Pink Out event during the High School Basketball games TONIGHT!
This year’s recipient is Shannon Frakes.
💗 Free will donations will be accepted.
Come out, wear pink, and support a great cause!
📢 Late Start – Friday, February 13
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
📢 Late Start – Friday, February 13
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
🚨 BUILT FOR STUDENTS, INSPIRED BY YOU!🚨
What questions do you have? Come talk, meet neighbors, and get informed.
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | ⏰ 3:30 PM | 📍Jefferson West Middle School
📅 Wednesday, February 25th | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍Jefferson West High School
What questions do you have? Come talk, meet neighbors, and get informed.
📅 Sunday, February 22nd | ⏰ 3:30 PM | 📍Jefferson West Middle School
📅 Wednesday, February 25th | ⏰ 6:00 PM | 📍Jefferson West High School
🎀 Pink Out Night 🎀
The Jefferson West Student Council invites the community to our local Pink Out event during the High School Basketball games on Friday, February 13th.
This year’s recipient is Shannon Frakes.
💗 Free will donations will be accepted.
Come out, wear pink, and support a great cause!
The Jefferson West Student Council invites the community to our local Pink Out event during the High School Basketball games on Friday, February 13th.
This year’s recipient is Shannon Frakes.
💗 Free will donations will be accepted.
Come out, wear pink, and support a great cause!
📢 Late Start – Friday, February 13
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
USD 340 will have Late Start, 10am.
❌ No WIT classes
🚍 HCCTC transportation will run as scheduled
Please plan accordingly.
📢 No School – Monday, February 9
USD 340 will not have classes due to Professional Development.
🚍 WIT/HCCTC will have classes and transportation will depart as usual.
Please plan accordingly.
USD 340 will not have classes due to Professional Development.
🚍 WIT/HCCTC will have classes and transportation will depart as usual.
Please plan accordingly.
📢 UPDATED COMMUNITY MEETING NOTICE:
Regular board meeting scheduled for tonight, Feb. 4th, 2026 at Jefferson West High School.
Agenda: https://usd340.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=149
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81648403308?pwd=oqZ82ilrciyC8tS50DH2zAGaS1XKf2.1
Agenda: https://usd340.community.diligentoneplatform.com/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=149
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81648403308?pwd=oqZ82ilrciyC8tS50DH2zAGaS1XKf2.1
Booster Club meeting tonight @ 6pm @ Gambino's. Join us!!
This week is School Counselor Week, and USD 340 Jefferson West has the best!
Phil Korb - Elementary School, Payton Andrews - Middle School, Kasey Jensen - High School...All you do for our students (and your colleagues) does not go unnoticed! It is a pleasure to work with you and wish you an awesome second half of the school year! HUGE TIGER ROAR!!!
Phil Korb - Elementary School, Payton Andrews - Middle School, Kasey Jensen - High School...All you do for our students (and your colleagues) does not go unnoticed! It is a pleasure to work with you and wish you an awesome second half of the school year! HUGE TIGER ROAR!!!
Break out the birthday cake! It's Kansas Day, a celebration of our State’s birthday and the anniversary of Kansas’ admission to the Union as the 34th state on January 29, 1861.
Kansas Day was first celebrated in 1877 by schoolchildren in Paola and is now an annual celebration throughout the State. Kansas is a place full of possibilities. Explore it!
Kansas Day was first celebrated in 1877 by schoolchildren in Paola and is now an annual celebration throughout the State. Kansas is a place full of possibilities. Explore it!
🎉 IT'S HAPPENING!! Calling all future Tigers that will be THREE or FOUR before August 31st, 2026.
Future preschoolers of Jefferson West, see the flyer for details regarding PRESCHOOL ROUND-UP!
Future preschoolers of Jefferson West, see the flyer for details regarding PRESCHOOL ROUND-UP!
📸: Preschool Spring Picture Day is ONE WEEK from today - Tuesday, February 3rd.
You can pre-order online at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0382JRF to receive FREE SHIPPING to the school!
You can pre-order online at https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0382JRF to receive FREE SHIPPING to the school!
REMEMBER...TOMORROW, MONDAY, 1/26
JANUARY 26 - Due to windchills predicted for Monday morning Jefferson West will be closed. This also applies to those students who attend Washburn Tech and Highland Tech. Stay safe and warm, Tigers!
