Building Character, Building Community As we start a brand new school year, it's good to go back to the mission that our Heusner community created together. The Heusner community is committed to creating a respectful and engaging environment that inspires the love of lifelong learning where all students will become powerful thinkers, effective collaborators and empathetic citizens in preparation for a successful future. Our school slogan: “Heusner…Developing Creative Minds & Caring Hearts!” At Heusner, because we believe that academics and character go hand in hand, we are partnering with CharacterStrong, a program designed to help students grow into not only great learners but also great people. What is CharacterStrong? CharacterStrong is a curriculum that teaches social-emotional learning and character development through simple, practical lessons. Students participate in activities and discussions that encourage them to practice kindness, empathy, responsibility, and resilience—skills that are just as important in life as reading, writing, and math. How Does It Work? Each week, students focus on a specific character trait or skill. Through stories, role-playing, and hands-on projects, they learn how to apply these lessons in the classroom, at home, and in their friendships. The goal is not just to talk about character, but to put it into action. Why It Matters? Research shows that when students feel connected, supported, and valued, they thrive—not only academically but also socially and emotionally. By weaving CharacterStrong into our school culture, we’re building a stronger community where every student knows they belong and has the tools to make a positive impact. I can’t wait to share more about our journey with CharacterStrong. Sincerely, Lori Munsell, Principal
Growing Creative Minds & Caring Hearts
Heusner Elementary
A Note from the Principal
September 2025
The lunch menu is found on the USD305 website. Click the yellow box (select the current month, switch between breakfast and lunch to see the menus). Pricing Adult/Guest Breakfast $3.50 (Cash Only) Adult/Guest Lunch $5.50 (Cash Only) Student Full Price Breakfast $2.35 Student Reduced Price Breakfast $0.30 Student Full Price Lunch $3.55 Student Reduced Price Lunch $0.40 Extra Milk $0.75
What's for Lunch?
October:
1 No School-Labor Day Recess 2 Group Conferences Grades 2, 3, 4 & Family Marathon Night 6:00-7:00 p.m. 4 Grade 5 Parents join a Morning Meeting with Students to Review Expectations/Procedures 8:15 a.m. 4 Grade 1 Parents join students & orientation at 3:00 p.m. 8 Site Council-12:00-1:00 p.m. PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. 11 Family Marathon Night 6:00-7:00 p.m. 26 Last Day of the Marathon
Click for Lunch Menu
Students and families are invited to join us on September 2 and 11 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This helps students get extra laps in with friends and families. Attention Parents of Grade Levels 2, 3, & 4 on Tuesday, Sept 2: Group conferences are held during this time while your students walk. These grade level teachers invite parents to come to the classroom to go over classroom expectations for the school year.
Join us for Family Marathon Night on September 2 & 11
1 Reading w/ Parents (K-2 Structured Literacy 8:25 a.m.) 6 Site Council 12:00-1:00 p.m. Parent Advisory Council 6:00 p.m. PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m. 7 School Pictures 8 End of Quarter 1 9 No School Teacher In-service 10 No School Teacher In-service/Work Day 15 & 16 Parent/Teacher Conference & Scholastic Book Fair 16 & 17 No School 24 Heusner Marathon Celebration at KWU 2:30- 3:15 p.m. 31 Fall Parade at 8:35 a.m. Fall Parties at 3:00 p.m.
September:
Pick up & Drop off Information
Arrival: Students should arrive no earlier than 7:50 a.m. Breakfast is served from 7:55-8:15 a.m. Students need to line up on the blacktop (play ground side) During the marathon, students need to eat before they run. Students who do not eat breakfast need to line up by their outside grade level doors until 8:15 a.m. Tardy Bell 8:25 a.m. Students arriving after the tardy bell will need to check in at the front office Absences: Parents/guardians are to notify the office before 9:00 a.m. if their student will be absent. Call 785-309-4200 or Bring the office a doctor's note if your student has an appointment. Their office may also fax it to us: 785-309-4201 Dismissal: 3:35 p.m. Student are dismissed at their grade level doors. Make after school plans before school with your student(s). Safety: During arrival and dismissal keep the bus lane clear of all traffic for everyone's safety. All visitors need to check in & out of the front office to ensure safety for all students & staff.
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7:55 a.m Place book bags by assigned outside grade level doors 8:00 a.m Breakfast Eaters meet on the blacktop 8:00 a.m. Students meet at Grade 1 Doors (South side of building) & get assigned bracelet 8:20 a.m. Call Time -Return bracelet at Grade 1 Doors & line up at assigned classroom doors before 8:25 p.m. Tardy Bell
September 2- Family Walk Night 6:00-7:00 p.m September 11- Family Walk Night 6:00-7:00 p.m. October 24- Marathon Celebration at KWU Track 2:30 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Leave all pets at home to keep all all runners/walkers safe.
Special Dates
Lead by P.E. Teacher, Mr. Baird
Marathon Aug. 18- Sept. 26
At Heusner, we invite students and staff to wear fun socks!
PTA News
Fun Sock Friday
PTA invites you to join them September 8, 2025 in the library at 7:00 p.m. PTA wants your ideas and support to help make Heusner great for students and staff. Did you know PTA provided popcorn at meet the teacher night? PTA also provided donuts for the first kindergarten drop off (for parents). Cindy Rocha is the PTA President and she can't do it all by herself. Show your Heusner Pride by joining and supporting your school family.
Mrs. O'Brien Sped Education
Mrs.Wespe Grade 2
Mr. Baird P.E. Teacher
Ms. Taylor Grade 3
Mrs. Yoxall, Kindergarten
Introducing our new teachers!
School Day Hours & Info:
Did you know our school social workers can now assist families with Presumptive Eligibility (PE) enrollment? PE provides temporary Medicaid coverage for children and pregnant individuals who appear to be eligible, giving access to important health services while the full application is being processed. If your family is in need of health coverage or you're unsure where to start, our social workers are here to help guide you through the process. It's quick, confidential, and can make a big difference in ensuring your child stays healthy and supported. To learn more or to schedule an appointment, please contact your school's social worker directly. We're here for you!
Our district is launching a district wide attendance campaign to reinforce the importance of school attendance and to support families in helping every student achieve their personal best. Did you know that missing just 2 days a month for any reason, whether excused, unexcused, or due to suspension, can add up to a student being chronically absent? Chronic absence (missing 10% or more of the school year) can cause students to fall behind academically and feel disconnected from school. As partners in your child’s education, we encourage you to help build strong attendance habits by setting consistent routines. scheduling appointments outside of school hours when possible, and avoiding vacations or trips when school is in session. If your child will be absent, please communicate with the school, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our school counselor or social worker if you have any concerns. They are here to support you and your student. Together, we can help all students grow and succeed because greatness truly grows when you're here!
Greatness Grows When You're Here!
Screen Your Student for Symptoms of Illness
Need Health Coverage? Our School Social Workers Can Help!
It is important to screen your student for illness every day before coming to school. Keep your student at home if sick with any illness. By making sure students are healthy when they come to school, we all can help prevent illnesses that disrupt learning. Thank you for your support!
We strive to be the best place to learn. The only way we can improve is to know about concerns so we are able to address them. Here are some tips for communicating with your child’s school when concerns arise. The fastest way to a positive result is to start with the people closest to the situation in the school. Talk with the teacher or coach about your questions and concerns before going to the principal. Parents and guardians are encouraged to reach out to teachers and school staff by: Calling the school’s phone number. Because they are teaching, you often will need to leave a message for your child’s teacher or coach. Emailing the teacher or coach directly. All teacher emails are available on our school website. We want to be responsive to parents’ questions and requests for information. Our staff will respond to your call or email as soon as possible, in most cases within two school days. If you have had a conversation with your child’s teacher and the principal and are still needing assistance, the director of elementary or secondary programs will be able to provide additional support. We are excited for this new school year and look forward to partnering with you to support a great school experience for your student.
Kansas Parent Information Resource Center
The Kansas Parent Information Resource Center (KPIRC) promotes meaningful family engagement at all levels of education and provides information and resources to help parents, educators and other organizations promote the educational success of every Kansas child. Check out their website at:
Steps to Success: Communicating with Your Child's School
Check Here for Website
Heusner Elementary is a Title I School
We qualify for federal dollars to support the education of our students. Annually, Title 1 schools must notify parents of a Title 1 school of the following: As parents or guardians you may request information regarding the professional qualifications of your student’s classroom teachers, including, at a minimum, the following information: Whether the teacher has met State qualification and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or other provisional status through which State qualification or licensing criteria have been waived. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher and any other graduate certification or degree held by the teacher, and the field of discipline of the certification or degree. Whether the child is provided services by paraprofessionals and, if so, their qualifications. Please contact Mrs. Lori Munsell, 785-309-4202, if you have any questions regarding our Title One Services at Heusner.
#305GrowsGreatness
September Calendar
Unified School District #305 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. Any person having inquiries concerning Unified School District #305 compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI, ADA, Title IX, or Section 504 is directed to contact the Unified School District #305 Executive Director of Human Resources, P.O. Box 797, Salina, Kansas 67402, 785-309-4726.
Contact Us
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Lori Munsell - Principal Sandra Renz - Assistant Principal Melissa Williams - Lead Admin. Assistant
Main Office Phone Number: 785-309-4200
School Website
District Website