Graham County USD 281

A MESSAGE FROM COACH JILKA Sorry for the late notice but the junior high boys basketball camp will be postponed to a later date. Thank you.

A MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT USD 281 is requesting the public’s help in staying off the newly sodded football field. We are watering the field and the new grass calls for an extreme amount of water so the roots can establish themselves. So, we are asking, for the ENTIRE summer, NO activities and no walking on the field until September 2020. We are watering enough, that even walking on the field will leave holes in the field. Please help us by staying off the field. You are more than welcome to go into the stands and take a look at the field. Thanks, Dale Deighton Superintendent USD 281

High School Volleyball camp will be held at the grade school from 8-10am July 13th-July 17th. Please try and make it! If you can’t be there, but want to play during the season let us know.

We’re excited to announce the 2020-21 HCHS cheerleaders! Lindsey Blanks Zoie Beckman Grace Bieker Gretchen Bieker Toria Larson Leah Lindenman Caelyn Pimlott Michelle Richmeier Maggy Smith Stephanie Wahrman Go Ringnecks!

Senior students across the state reached out to the Kansas Department of Education because they wanted to recognize the class of 2020 in some way state wide. This student effort has resulted in Senior Appreciation Day which will take place Wednesday, May 20. We’d love for our seniors to participate! See the flyer for more information.

Wow! The way our community came together to offer Kids Summer Cafe during these uncertain times is amazing! This was a massive undertaking and the Graham County Health Department along with 45+ volunteers did a phenomenal job providing this service to Hill City and surrounding communities. Thank you for all you've done! Check out our Facebook page to see a fun video showing some highlights from this program.

Information from Mr. Jilka: Hello, after talking with our local health department we have decided that we will be starting Drivers Education on June 8th. We have also determined that we can proceed with an important student/parent meeting on Wednesday May 20th at 6:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria to discuss the course and get important papers signed. There will be some additional information in the mail for those of you that have already signed up.

I hope this finds everyone doing well. As we approach the end of the school year, the last day of instruction will be Friday, May 15. All assignments and projects will need to be completed and turned in to your teachers on or before May 19, unless prior arrangements have been made with the teacher. Student check-out will be Wednesday, May 20. Students will need to turn in their laptops and chargers, all books (text and library), pay fees, and anything else that belongs to the school. If your device or charger has been damaged or missing, please be prepared to pay replacement charges. The schedule for Wednesday, May 20 is as follows; Seniors at 9:00 a.m. Juniors at 9:30 a.m. Sophomores at 10:00 a.m. Freshmen at 10:30 p.m. 8th Graders at 11:00 p.m. 7th Graders at 11:30 p.m. Have a great summer. Be Safe!!!

Dear Parents and Students of Hill City Grade School, We are quickly approaching the end of the school year. I know that this school year has been challenging for students, parents, teachers, and staff alike. As restrictions continue to be lifted in the coming days and weeks, I hope you continue to practice social distancing. I am excited to see you all out and about this summer. Next Friday will be the last day of instruction for the 2019-2020 school year. Please make sure that any and all assignments are turned in by May 15th, 2020. No assignments will be accepted after the 15th unless prior arrangements are made with individual teachers. On Monday, May 18th, we will be having students and families return devices (iPad’s and/or Laptops) and school materials to the Grade School. There will be two opportunities on Monday, one in the morning and one in the evening. This will be on Monday only. If you are unable to make your scheduled time please contact the office to set up a drop off time. Please bring all devices, chargers, books, and completed workbooks as advised by teachers. Please do your best to be on time. The full schedule is listed below. Drop-Off Schedule First Opportunity By first letter of the last name 8-9 am -- Letters A-G 9-10 am -- Letters H-M 10-11 am -- Letters M-Z Second Opportunity By first letter of last name 4-5 pm -- Letter A-M 5-6 pm -- Letter N-Z If you need to reach the school please don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Kennedy or Me via email: melaniekennedy@usd281.com; jongranberry@usd281.com. If your device or charger has been damaged or missing, please contact the office in advance for replacement charges. Thanks, Mr. Granberry https://bit.ly/2WErsqg

Driver's Ed Info from Mr. Jilka: We WILL be having Driver's Education at some point this summer, not sure the dates right now, but will let you know as soon as possible. Right now, Mr. Jilka needs to know those interested in taking this course. Even if you have already signed up on the school sign up sheet, please confirm with Mr. Jilka. You must be 14 years of age by June 1 to attend the course. For those of you interested, please respond as soon as possible to let me know if you plan to take this course. If you or your parents have any questions, please contact Mr. Jilka at kylejilka@usd281.com.

🏆State KSPA Winners! Congratulations!🏆 We are proud of everyone who competed! 1st Film Review - Mason Nichol 2nd Advertising - Cadence Cole 3rd Advertising - Darius Obermeyer 4th Sports Writing - Michael Blanks 6th Photo Gallery - Jayda Sansom WAY TO GO, RINGNECKS! See full results at www.kspaonline.org

Hill City High School will celebrate commencement for the class of 2020 on Friday evening, July 17, at 7:00 p.m. A decision will be made no later than July 7 regarding the format of the ceremony. Considerations include a traditional commencement ceremony in the high school, a modified ceremony with limited attendance, or a drive-by ceremony.

Ringneck Stadium will be lit up tonight at 8:20 to honor the Senior Class of 2020, all student of USD 281, their families, teachers/coaches, and the communities of USD 281. We are all dealing with these trying times and we are stronger together. Stay Safe Ringneck Country!!! #WeAreRingnecks

CLASS OF 2020 PARENTS! Please check with your senior and ask if they have sent their senior portrait AND baby/kid photo to me for the yearbook. If not, please help them do so by Thurs., April 16, to meet publishing deadlines. Send to kimpfeifer@usd281.com. Thank you!

As we all adapt to change, one thing that remains constant is the yearbook tradition of documenting the history of our students and capturing their school year forever. We are working hard to complete the yearbook and make sure it is printed. Order yours @ https://www.jostens.com

USD 281 would like to honor the Senior Class of 2020. We all know this is a trying time for all of them and their parents. #WeAreRingnecks

Information for parents regarding online learning at HCGS. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1muvYGuOV63JWXaESoKrYkzy4BgIej4zmwNgdANO-4Cg

Any current 6th and 7th grade girls interested in junior high cheer next year 2020-21 are asked to join the Facebook group Hill City Junior High Cheer.

Office hours for Hill City Jr./Sr. High School are limited. If you have any questions please email christykeith@usd281.com or alanstein@usd281.com. You may also call the office at 785-421-2117 and leave a message. Phone messages will be checked throughout the week. Thank you and Stay Safe!! #WeAreRingnecks

Any student in the 11th thru 8th grades interested in being a HS cheerleader for the 2020-2021 school year, please contact Melissa Lindenman at mslind@ruraltel.net or Mindy Bieker at mbieker@nex-tech.com. Please contact them by April 20. #WeAreRingnecks