🍂📚 ELK VALLEY PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES & FAMILY FALL CRAFT EVENT! 🎃🦁

Mark your calendars, Lion families!

📅 Thursday, October 22, 2026
⏰ 1:00–7:30 PM

Join us for Parent-Teacher Conferences and make it a family event! 🧡🖤

👩‍🏫 Parent-Teacher Conferences
Take time to connect with your child's teachers, discuss their progress, celebrate successes, and work together toward a successful school year.

🍁🎨 FAMILY FALL CRAFT EVENT 🎃🍂
Come early or stay after your conference to enjoy our fun Family Fall Craft Event, sponsored by 21st Century Community Learning Centers!

Bring the whole family and enjoy some fall-themed creativity and fun together. 🍁✂️🎃

Whether you come early, stay a little longer after your conference, or do both, we hope you'll join us for an evening of family, fun, and Lion Pride! 🦁🧡🖤

📅 Thursday, October 22
⏰ 1:00–7:30 PM

We can't wait to see you there!

#ElkValleyPride #LionPride #ParentTeacherConferences #FamilyFallFun #21stCenturyCommunityLearningCenters
2 days ago, Jason Russell
October 22 1-7 Parent Teacher Conferences
Picture Day for Elk Valley Schools is scheduled for
Thursday, Oct 15.

This event's Order Code is 0474VXF.

Online ordering is available before and after Picture Day. Shipping and handling charges may apply to orders placed after Picture Day.
4 days ago, Jason Russell
Picture Day October 15th!
For Immediate Release:

Elk Valley USD 283 continues to cooperate fully with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement regarding yesterday’s incident on school property.

Based on information available, the individual who died was alone, and at this time, no foul play is suspected. There was no threat to students, staff, or the community at any time.

The district has cooperated fully with the investigation and has provided law enforcement with all requested information and materials, including available surveillance footage.

We are grateful for the quick and professional response of law enforcement, EMS, and other first responders, as well as the cooperation and patience of our students, staff, families, and community.

Because this remains a law enforcement matter, any additional details regarding the individual or circumstances surrounding the incident will be released by the appropriate investigating agency.

Elk Valley USD 283 remains committed to the safety and well-being of our students and staff. We appreciate our community’s understanding as we worked to communicate responsibly while respecting the investigative process.

-Megan Gaston
Elk Valley Superintendent
10 days ago, Jason Russell
Dear Families, Staff, and Community Members, We want to reassure our families and community that all students and staff are safe. There is no current threat to the safety of our school, and classes will continue as scheduled. This evening Elk County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an individual on our campus. Law enforcement has indicated that there is no known threat to students, staff, or school safety. All students and staff are accounted for, safe, and are not involved in the incident. Law enforcement officials expect to complete their work on campus before the start of school Wednesday, Sept 23rd. As a result, school will continue as normally scheduled. We extend our sincere condolences to those affected by this loss. School counselors and support staff will be available for any students who may need assistance. We will continue to cooperate fully with the Elk County Sheriff’s Office and KBI and will share additional information as appropriate. Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Megan Gaston Superintendent 
11 days ago, Jason Russell
This afternoon, the Elk County Sheriff’s Office and Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) were called to school property to conduct a death investigation. Because the investigation is in its very early stages, we are limited in the information we can share at this time. We ask that our community allow law enforcement to conduct its work and avoid speculation or sharing unverified information.

Most importantly, all students and staff are safe and accounted for. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. We will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement as the investigation proceeds.

Thank you,
Megan Gaston
Superintendent
11 days ago, Jason Russell
Dear Elk Valley Families,

Law enforcement and EMS are currently present at Elk Valley USD 283 schools. All students and staff are safe and accounted for, and there is no danger to anyone on campus or in the community.

We wanted to make sure all families were aware of the increased law enforcement and emergency personnel presence.

Please note that dismissal today will take place from the back of the school campus. We ask families to follow the directions of school staff during dismissal.

Our after-school program will take place as scheduled.

We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.
11 days ago, Jason Russell
NOTICE OF INVITATION TO BID

Unified School District No. 283
Elk Valley, Kansas

Unified School District No. 283, Elk Valley, Kansas, is accepting sealed bids for the purchase and complete installation of one (1) new 20-ton ground-mounted packaged HVAC unit serving the district gymnasium in Longton, Kansas.

Minimum equipment requirements include 20-ton nominal cooling capacity, 260,000 BTU/hour natural-gas heating input, 480-volt, 3-phase, 60 Hz electrical service, and R-454B refrigerant. The project includes removal and disposal of the existing unit and complete installation, connections, startup, testing, and commissioning of the replacement unit in accordance with the district's bid specifications.

Complete bid specifications may be obtained from:

USD 283 Elk Valley
PO Box 87
Longton, KS 67352
Phone: 620-642-2215

Sealed bids must be clearly marked:

“SEALED BID – 20-TON PACKAGED HVAC UNIT”

and received by the Clerk of the Board of Education, USD 283, Elk Valley, PO Box 87, Longton, KS 67352, no later than:

Bid Deadline: October 7th, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM

Bids will be publicly opened on:

Date: October 8th, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: USD 283 District Office, Longton, Kansas

Bids received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

The Board of Education of Unified School District No. 283 reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive minor informalities or irregularities when legally permissible. Award will be made in accordance with applicable Kansas law.

Unified School District No. 283
Elk Valley, Kansas
15 days ago, Jason Russell
HVAC Bid Page 1
HVAC Bid 2
HVAC Bid 3
Due to the strong rain and unsafe visibility conditions, our Indy-to-Longton bus routes will be slightly delayed this morning. Student safety is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience as our driver navigates the weather conditions. All tardies resulting from the bus delay will be excused. Breakfast will still be provided for students when they arrive at school. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we prioritize the safety of our students and bus drivers.
23 days ago, Jason Russell
bus delay
🧡🖤 Grandparents Day at Elk Valley! 🖤🧡 We’re excited to welcome our grandparents to school on Wednesday, September 16th for a special Grandparents Day celebration! 🎉 📚 Elementary: 11:00–11:45 AM 🎲 Games in classrooms until noon 🏫 Middle/High School: 12:05–12:35 PM 🍽️ Grandparent Meal: $5.25 per meal We’d love to have you join us for a fun day celebrating the special grandparents in our Elk Valley family! ❤️ 📲 Sign up today! Scan the QR code or visit: https://qr.link/DyczsJ We can’t wait to see you there! 🥰
25 days ago, Jason Russell
grandparents day 9-16
🍎🍕 SEPTEMBER LUNCH MENU IS HERE! 🥪🌮

The September Cafeteria Menu has arrived, and our Lions are ready to eat! 🦁🧡🖤

From tasty favorites to fresh options, there’s something to look forward to all month long! 😋 Check out the full menu so students and families can plan ahead for all the deliciousness coming their way.

📅 September is packed with great meals!
🍔 Favorite foods
🥗 Fresh options
🍎 Fruits & veggies
🥛 And, of course, milk!

Whether you're hungry for pizza, tacos, chicken, or something in between—the cafeteria has you covered! 🍽️

👇 Check out the September menu below!

Go Lions! 🦁🧡🖤
#ElkValleyLions #SchoolLunch #SeptemberMenu #LionPride #ElkValley283
about 1 month ago, Jason Russell
September Lunch Menu 26

🎉 ELK VALLEY AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM STARTS TODAY! 🦁🧡🖤

We’re excited to kick off the Elk Valley After-School Program TODAY! 🎉

📅 Starting Today — September 1st
⏰ 3:30–5:30 PM

Students will have the opportunity to enjoy homework time, tutoring, enrichment activities, fun, and eSports! 🎮📚

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Only students who have turned in completed registration paperwork will be able to participate.

📞 Need your student to do something different today?
Please call the school office, 620-642-2215, BEFORE 3:00 PM TODAY to make arrangements.

📝 Want to sign your student up?
Contact the school office or Mrs. Magee for registration information.

📲 620-642-2215 ext. 199

We’re looking forward to a great year of learning, playing, and having fun after school! 🦁🎮📚

Go Lions! 🧡🖤

about 1 month ago, Jason Russell
After-School Program Starts Today 9-1
🏐🦁 ELK VALLEY LADY LIONS VOLLEYBALL — 2026 SCHEDULE 🦁🏐

The 2026 Elk Valley High School Volleyball season is here! Come out and support our Lady Lions as they compete throughout the season. Bring your school spirit, cheer loud, and help us fill the stands! 🧡🖤

📅 2026 SCHEDULE

🏐 August 28 — @ Chetopa
🕒 Leave: 3:00 PM | 🏐 Start: 5:00 PM

🏐 September 12 — @ Anderson County
🕒 Leave: TBA | 🏐 Start: TBA

🏐 September 14 — @ Douglass
🕒 Leave: 1:00 PM | 🏐 Start: 3:00 PM

🏐 September 18 — @ Altoona
🕒 Leave: 7:00 AM | 🏐 Start: 9:00 AM

🏐 September 21 — @ Caney
🕒 Leave: 3:15 PM | 🏐 Start: 5:00 PM

🏐 October 1 — @ Cherryvale
🕒 Leave: 3:15 PM | 🏐 Start: 5:00 PM

🏠 October 5 — HOME MATCH!
🕔 Start: 5:00 PM
📍 Elk Valley High School

🧡🖤 Let’s pack the stands and support our Lady Lions! 🖤🧡

#ElkValleyLions #LadyLions #ElkValleyVolleyball #LionPride #GoLions 🏐🦁
about 1 month ago, Jason Russell
Volleyball 2026
🎮🦁 AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM IS BACK! 🦁🎮

We’re excited to announce that the Elk Valley After School Program kicks off September 1st! 🎉

📅 Tuesdays–Thursdays
⏰ 3:30–5:30 PM
🍎 Snacks provided
🚌 Transportation provided

Our program is designed to give students a fun, supportive place to spend their afternoons while building skills, connecting with friends, and making the most of their time after school!

📚 Homework Help & Tutoring
✨ Enrichment Opportunities
🎯 Fun Activities for Everyone
🎮 eSports for Middle & High School Students!

And yes… eSports is a BIG part of the program! Students will have opportunities to participate, practice, compete, and develop teamwork and communication skills through our growing Elk Valley eSports program. 🏆🎮

Whether your student needs a little extra time to get homework done, wants to try something new, or is ready to jump into eSports, there’s something for everyone!

Come hang out. Get your homework done. Learn something new. Have some fun. Play eSports. 🎮

We can’t wait to see our Lions after school! 🧡🖤🦁

#ElkValleyLions #AfterSchoolProgram #ElkValleyeSports #GoLions #StudentSuccess #MiddleSchool #HighSchool
about 1 month ago, Jason Russell
EV After School Program
🎉 WHAT A FIRST WEEK! 🦁🧡🖤

What an incredible first week back at Elk Valley! Our students and staff have absolutely knocked it out of the park! 👏

Not only did we have a fantastic week of learning, building relationships, and getting back into the school routine—we also successfully navigated the first week of Kansas’ new bell-to-bell personal electronic device law with ZERO INFRACTIONS! 🎉📵

Kansas House Bill 2299, signed into law by Governor Laura Kelly on March 19, 2026, requires K–12 schools to implement a bell-to-bell restriction on personal electronic devices beginning with the 2026–27 school year.

And our Lions ROSE TO THE CHALLENGE! 🦁🔥

Our students demonstrated responsibility, self-discipline, and a willingness to adapt to a new expectation. Our staff did an outstanding job helping students understand the expectations and creating a positive environment where everyone could focus on what matters most—learning, connecting, and being present.

💯 Week 1: SUCCESS!
📚 Learning: HAPPENING!
🦁 Lion Pride: STRONG!
📵 Device Infractions: ZERO!

We couldn't be more proud of our students and staff. What a way to start the 2026–27 school year!

Keep it up, Lions! We’ve got a LOT to be proud of! 🧡🖤🦁

#ElkValleyLions #LionPride #BackToSchool #WeekOne #Success #ElkValley283 #GoLions
about 2 months ago, Jason Russell
Success
🧡🖤 Meet Mrs. Amanda Kelley! 🖤🧡 We're excited to welcome Mrs. Amanda Kelley as our new Chautauqua & Elk County Special Education Coordinator! Mrs. Kelley brings years of experience in both general and special education, along with a passion for supporting students, collaborating with staff, and building strong relationships with families. A lifelong educator at heart, she is excited to use her knowledge and experience to help every student reach their full potential. Please join us in giving Mrs. Kelley a warm Elk Valley welcome! We are grateful to have her leadership, dedication, and heart for students as part of our team. 🦁 Welcome to the Elk Valley family, Mrs. Kelley! #ElkValleySchools #LionPride #MeetOurStaff #OneFamilyOnePurpose #WelcomeToThePride #SpecialEducation
about 2 months ago, Jason Russell
Mrs. Kelley
🧡🖤 Meet Mrs. Ashley Blackledge! 🖤🧡 We're excited to welcome Mrs. Ashley Blackledge to the Elk Valley family as our new Special Education Teacher! Mrs. Blackledge's journey began as a paraprofessional, where she discovered her passion for helping students grow and succeed. With the encouragement of incredible mentors and a heart for building meaningful relationships, she's excited to begin this new chapter serving Elk Valley students and families. Please join us in giving Mrs. Blackledge a warm Lion welcome! We are grateful to have her passion, dedication, and commitment to student success as part of our team. 🦁 Welcome to the Pride, Mrs. Blackledge! #ElkValleySchools #LionPride #MeetOurStaff #OneFamilyOnePurpose #WelcomeToThePride
about 2 months ago, Jason Russell
blackledge
🍎🦁 Check Out Our New School Menu! 🦁🍎

The new Elk Valley School breakfast and lunch menu is here!

We encourage students and families to take a look at what's being served this month and get excited for delicious, nutritious meals that help fuel learning every day.

🥞 Breakfast to start the day right
🍔 Lunch with a variety of student favorites
🥗 Balanced, nutritious meals
📅 New menu available now!

Remember, thanks to Elk Valley USD #283's participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), every student receives breakfast and lunch at no cost—no applications and no meal fees!

You can find the latest menu on the Elk Valley Schools website and in the Elk Valley app.

Here's to another great month of healthy meals and happy students!

🧡🖤 Elk Valley Schools – Nourishing Our Future!

If you're posting the menu as an attachment, this caption pairs well with it and encourages families to check it regularly for daily meal options.
2 months ago, Jason Russell
Aug 2026 Lunch Menu
📚 FREE School Supplies Event 🎒 📅 Sunday, August 2 🕕 6:00–7:30 PM 📍 Calvary Chapel of Elk Falls Get ready for the new school year! Receive FREE school supplies for your student. This event is open to all Elk Valley and West Elk students. We look forward to seeing you there! Please share with friends, family, and neighbors!
2 months ago, Jason Russell
free school supplies
📚✏️ Elk Valley Registration for the 2026–2027 School Year ✏️📚 It's almost time to kick off another great school year! 📅 Registration Date: Monday, August 3, 2026 🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM We look forward to welcoming new and returning students and helping everyone get ready for an exciting 2026–2027 school year. If you have any questions before registration day, please don't hesitate to contact the school. We can't wait to see everyone on Monday, August 3rd!
2 months ago, Jason Russell
August 3rd Registration 10-6
📚🦁 Back to School Night is Almost Here! 🦁📚

We can't wait to welcome all Elk Valley Schools families back for another great year!

📅 Thursday, August 6
🕓 4:00–6:00 PM

Join us for an evening of:
🍎 Meeting your teachers
🎒 Dropping off school supplies
🌭 Enjoying a FREE hot dog meal for the entire family
😊 Reconnecting with friends and getting excited for a fantastic school year!

This event is for ALL students, Preschool through 12th Grade, and their families.

📚 Don't forget: The first day of school is Monday, August 10!

We are excited to see our Lions back in the building and can't wait to kick off an amazing school year together! 🧡🖤
2 months ago, Jason Russell
Back to School Night August 6th 4:00 - 6:00 pm