Valley Falls USD 338

Braylan Heineken is our new High School Math/Science Teacher. Braylon grew up in Valley Falls, graduating from VFHS in 2021. She has completed her associates degree, graduating from Highland Community College in 2022. This is her first year teaching while she continues her degree through Fort Hays State University. Braylan spends her time outside of the classroom with her boyfriend and their dog, Ace. She enjoys going on walks around town with Ace and doing various projects around the house.

Kayla Thayer is our new K-8 PE Teacher. Kayla grew up in Silver Lake, KS and graduated from Silver Lake Junior Senior High. She was the PE teacher at Wetmore for the past six years. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Washburn University. She spends her free time away from school watching sports or spending time with her family. Welcome to USD 338!

John Oakleaf is our new HS Math teacher. Mr. Oakleaf grew up on a farm near Lindsborg, Kansas. Before graduating from Bethany College, he served three years in the United States Army. During that time, he enjoyed playing football with the Army Rangers team while stationed in Okinawa. Later he received his Masters’ Degree from Southwestern State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma. He acquired numerous hours of credit through summer Math Institutes at the University of Kansas. His teaching experience has included math and physical education in the 377 and 409 school districts. His summers provided opportunities to keep busy: building his house in Effingham, working on the farm to help his father, or driving for a silage-cutting crew to help his nephew. Several winter weekends were spent teaching skiing at Snow Creek, near Weston, Missouri. John and his wife, Elaine, enjoy visiting their children in Overland Park, Kansas, cheering on the Chiefs, Jayhawks and Wildcats, and attending area school events. They look forward to becoming acquainted with the Valley Falls Dragons and supporting their school activities. Welcome to USD 338!

Paul Courter is our new Middle School Science Teacher. Mr. Courter worked at Atchison County for the past 6 years as the Middle School Science teacher. Paul and his wife Mauri have two children- Kieran is in his sophomore year at Kansas Wesleyan University and Lauren is a senior in high school. Paul grew up in Nortonville and graduated from Jefferson County North High School, Kansas Wesleyan University, and Fort Hays State University. All spare time is spent mowing, cutting wood, and working outside on various projects. Paul enjoys coaching football. Welcome Mr. Courter!

Our new High School Social Studies Teacher is Derek Bissitt. Mr. Bissitt joins the district with 31 years of teaching experience. He is a graduate of Holton High School & Ottawa University. He received his master's degree in history from Fort Hays State University. He is married to Kathy & they have 3 kids & 6 grandkids. They operate a bison ranch south of Holton where they sell meat & give tours. Welcome to USD 338!

Reminder for PK and Kindergarten parents/guardians: For those students being transported home via bus, the school district requires that a parent be present and visible to the bus driver in order for your child to be let off the bus for safety purposes. Thank you for ensuring parents and guardians are present at drop off. Thank You!

This is an AWESOME staff! Talented and hard working! Have a great year Dragons!

Great seeing everyone at Back to School Night! Thank you PTO for the ice cream and toppings!

Hello all MSFB parents! Tomorrows practice will be held at the practice field at 3:30! Please arrange to drop your child off by that time. They will need there helmets, jerseys and cleats. Practice will conclude at 5:30, please arrange to pick your child up from the field! If you have any question please email me at Dallas.brown@vfalls338.com

Dear Dragon Family, As we prepare for 2023-2024 the new Pre-K addition construction is complete that has changed the entry points into the west gravel lot and changed the parking needs for staff and visitors at the Pre-K center. Knowing this, we ask that 11th and 12th grade students park in the west gravel parking area. Students who are in 9th-10th grade are asked to park in the north parking lot. Staff parking will be available along Elm Street and directly to the north of the building along Caroline. Students will need to enter the building through the north parking lot triple doors and the west vestibule doors from the parking areas upon arrival to school in the morning. Bus drop off/pick up location for those students who ride the bus will be to the east of the grade school along Oak Street. We look forward to seeing everyone! Have a great evening! In Dragon Spirit, Gregory W. Morgan Valley Falls High School Principal (785)945-3229 | greg.morgan@vfalls338.com 700 Oak Street | Valley Falls, KS 66088

Good Evening Dragon Family, the 2023-24 school year is upon us with Freshman and new student orientation tomorrow and all students returning on Wednesday. Fall Sports began today along with staff in-service and work day to prepare for the year. For events of July and early August 2023 at VFHS please check out the VFHS August Board Report at https://5il.co/21f8s. Have a great night and rest of your week! Sincerely, Mr. Morgan

HSFB: - If you have not gotten your equipment, come to the locker room at 3pm to get it. - Practice will be at the field at 3:45pm

Good morning, Tomorrow for Freshman and new student orientation students will enter the building through the North Triple Doors, West Vestibule, or the bus drop off location at the elementary middle school doors. Once you enter the building please report to the West Gym area by 8 am where you will receive an agenda for the day and a starter activity. We are looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow! Have a great afternoon! Sincerely, Mr. Morgan

Good Morning, Fall sport practices will begin today. In order for your student to participate, they must have a physical on file as well as the Appendices forms that were handed out at the All Sport/ Activity meeting last week. If you need a copy of those forms please contact the middle school or high school office to make arrangements to pick a packet up. Thank You!

Great crowd and food at the Ice Cream Social! Estimating around 90 people. A big thank you to the Valley Falls Community Christian Council. USD 338 appreciates your support!

Ice Cream Social today at 6pm. All are welcome!

Hello! Tomorrow will be the 1st MSFB practice of the season! Practice will start at 3:30 and conclude at 5:30. Please arrange to pick your child up from the north parking lot! If you have any question you can reach me at Dallas.brown@vfalls338.com. Thank you!

First Day Fun for K-6th Grade: Parents are welcome to join us on Tuesday to kick off the start of another Dragon School Year! We will have an assembly in the East gym at 8 followed by an informative parent meeting. K-5th parents will then participate in our traditional First Day of School Parade at 9:30. After the parade K-5th grade parents are welcome to join their child or children in their classrooms. We will conclude the day with ice cream and dismissal at 11 AM. Looking forward to a wonderful school year!

PK-8 Back to School Night is scheduled for Monday, August 14 starting at 6 pm. This is a perfect opportunity to meet your child's teacher and drop off their supplies. PTO is sponsoring an ice cream sundae bar in the lunchroom that evening as well. 7 & 8 graders may check out Chromebooks if tech fee has been paid. 6th grade parent meeting is scheduled for 7 pm in the East Gym.

HS Football: If you have not gotten your equipment yet, we will check it out tonight at 5pm.