News From the Pride Lands
October 2023
Central Elementary Students "Ski-Walk"
In September, Central Elementary School (CES) students participated in the first Character Education activity of the 2023-2024 school year. The CES Character Education program uses the acronym SHARRP to define positive character traits, which stands for Self-Discipline, Honesty, Attitude, Respect, Responsibility, & Perseverance). The activity, "Ski-Walk," focused on attitude and perseverance, as students had to work together as a team to make their skis move. These activities, led primarily by Mrs. Konda, will take place monthly and will focus on different character traits each time. CES students loved learning and playing simultaneously!
Kentucky Elementary School Principal and Viral Social Media Star to Visit Lyons
Gerry Brooks, who has millions of followers on his various social media platforms is known for the humor he brings to everyday educational issues. He is often seen in his office, talking on the phone to a parent who has a complaint or concern or he is behind the wheel of his car talking about a student, staff, or parent issue.
Gerry Brooks will be in Lyons on February 19 at a teacher in-service discussing the topic "Building a Positive Culture" to over 600 educators from 12 area school districts.
You can check out his YouTube page here.
RealityU
Lyons Middle School recently hosted Reality U for both our 8th graders and sophomores, offering students a unique opportunity to gain insights into their financial future. Reality U is an engaging simulation that empowers students to plan for their "26-year-old life." Participants navigate through the challenges of making financial decisions and managing monthly expenses within the constraints of a budget, all while considering the career they aspire to.
The 8th graders were thoroughly prepared for this experience through a full day of activities. The day commenced with the students having the privilege of participating in two panel discussions featuring former Lyons students and dedicated members of the Lyons Board of Education. These sessions provided valuable insights into education and career pathways, as well as the goals the board has set for Lyons students. Notable participants included former Lyons students Laura Maxwell, Julissa Cereceres, Molly Schultz, Jennifer Wood, and Rassan Hines, along with George Stover and Kendra Grizzle from the board.
In the evening, 8th graders enthusiastically guided their parents through the various simulation booths, explaining the financial choices they made and the insights gained from the experience. The day ended with an enlightening presentation by Raechel Manley, who introduced a savings program in collaboration with First Bank and Inter-Faith Housing. This program allows students to save money, with the added incentive of a grant that matches their savings amount two-fold. The presentation not only inspired students but also demonstrated the importance of smart financial planning.
This valuable educational program wouldn't have been possible without the generous support of community volunteers who ran the booths, including Nathan Steele, Carey Steele, Yvonna Nave, Ben Timberlake, Dustin Schultz, Mandi Beaver, Karla Rivera, Karla Peter, Joel Grizzle, Verle Carlson, Sheryl Carlson, Kathi Gomez, Matt Stafford, Caleb Barros, Ian Geeves, John Wempe, Chelsea Bieberle, Raechel Manley, Jennifer Wood, Molly Schultz, Susan Griffin, and Heidi McCullers. Their dedication and enthusiasm greatly contributed to the success of Reality U.
The implementation of this program incurred costs of approximately $4,000, which were offset by the generous donations from community supporters. Special thanks go to Lyons Federal Bank ($500), Black Diamond Contracting LLC (Dustin Schultz) ($500), Kansas Central Services (Brian Leiker) ($250), First Bank Sterling/Lyons/Chase ($250), and Peoples Bank ($250), whose contributions helped make this enlightening experience possible for our students.
Lyons Middle School recientemente organizó Reality U para nuestros estudiantes de octavo y los sophomores, ofreciendo a los estudiantes una oportunidad única de obtener información sobre su futuro financiero. Reality U es una simulación atractiva que permite a los estudiantes planificar su "vida de 26 años". Los participantes navegan a través de los desafíos de tomar decisiones financieras y administrar los gastos mensuales dentro de las limitaciones de un presupuesto, todo mientras consideran la carrera a la que aspiran.
Los estudiantes de octavo grado estuvieron completamente preparados para esta experiencia a través de un día completo de actividades. La jornada comenzó con la estudiante teniendo el privilegio de participar en dos paneles de discusión con ex estudiantes de Lyons y miembros dedicados de la Junta de Educación de Lyons. Estas sesiones brindaron información valiosa sobre las trayectorias educativas y profesionales, así como las metas que la junta ha establecido para los estudiantes de Lyons. Entre los participantes notables se encontraban las exalumnas de Lyons Laura Maxwell, Julissa Cereceres, Molly Schultz, Jennifer Wood y Rassan Hines, junto con George Stover y Kendra Grizzle del consejo educativo.
Por la noche, los alumnos de octavo grado guiaron con entusiasmo a sus padres a través de las distintas cabinas de simulación, explicándoles las decisiones financieras que tomaron y los conocimientos adquiridos durante la experiencia. El día terminó con una presentación esclarecedora de Raechel Manley, quien presentó un programa de ahorro en colaboración con First Bank e Inter-Faith Housing. Este programa permite a los estudiantes ahorrar dinero, con el incentivo adicional de una subvención que duplica el monto de sus ahorros. La presentación no sólo inspiró a los estudiantes sino que también demostró la importancia de una planificación financiera inteligente.
Este valioso programa educativo no habría sido posible sin el generoso apoyo de los voluntarios de la comunidad que dirigieron los puestos, incluidos Nathan Steele, Carey Steele, Yvonna Nave, Ben Timberlake, Dustin Schultz, Mandi Beaver, Karla Rivera, Karla Peter, Joel Grizzle, Verle Carlson, Sheryl Carlson, Kathi Gomez, Matt Stafford, Caleb Barros, Ian Geeves, John Wempe, Chelsea Bieberle, Raechel Manley, Jennifer Wood, Molly Schultz, Susan Griffin y Heidi McCullers. Su dedicación y entusiasmo contribuyeron en gran medida al éxito de Reality U.
La implementación de este programa generó costos de aproximadamente $4,000, que fueron compensados por las generosas donaciones de los partidarios de la comunidad. Un agradecimiento especial para Lyons Federal Bank ($500), Black Diamond Contracting LLC (Dustin Schultz) ($500), Kansas Central Services (Brian Leiker) ($250), First Bank Sterling/Lyons/Chase ($250) y Peoples Bank ($250). ), cuyas contribuciones ayudaron a hacer posible esta experiencia iluminadora para nuestros estudiantes.
They Truly are the Pride of Lyons!
The Pride of Lyons Marching Band has had another tremendously successful marching season! The band started off with band camp before the school year even started. They marched at the Halstead Old Settlers Parade and learned they had been awarded the Grand Prize for last year's parade! The Pride followed that up by participating in the Hoisington Labor Day parade. The band once again earned two Outstanding ratings at the Kansas State Fair parade--one for marching and one for their arena performance. The band performed during the Sterling College versus Friends University football game on September 30. Next up was the Emporia State University Marching Band Festival where the Pride of Lyons earned an Outstanding rating, First Place in their division, and Second Place overall. The band marched in the Central States Marching Festival of K-State and received yet another Outstanding rating. They also performed at all home football games and the community Homecoming pep rally. The band will be competing in the Kansas Band Association 1234A Marching Band Championships at Hutchinson Community College on October 28.
Kindergarten Students Check Out Emergency Vehicles
Park Elementary Kindergarten students got to check out local emergency vehicles first hand during the first quarter of the year. They got to visit with the local heroes who drive those vehicles, wear some of their gear, explore the vehicles they drive, and learn about some of their special tools. The project combines the kindergarteners' study of the alphabet while learning about their community. While they were learning about the letter "A", they got to learn about an ambulance. Later, they were able to spend time learning about fire trucks and police cars as well. During the ambulance visit, one lucky class got to hear a call come over the radio as well!