<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726858145146.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings about the For The Heart of Hays campaign.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y0H2uk81iqI?si=iOMAfQGeFaBIUpj3" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>On this episode of Forward Ever: Leading in Challenging Times, host Gary Shorman speaks with&nbsp;Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings about the For The Heart of Hays campaign.

🎤Forward Ever: Hays Arts Council board member JoAnn Jennings

What do you give a sick bird? A tweetment.

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

What do you give a sick bird? A tweetment.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/20/24

The Hays Symphony invites the community to its
opening concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Themed as “Dark Whimsy,” the
concert repertoire includes delightfully stark yet dreamlike compositions from
Shostakovich, Bacewicz, and Beethoven. 

In “Dark Whimsy,” passion and nostalgia meld
into a contemplation of things past where the idyllic and surreal cross the
sinister. Cello virtuoso and FHSU music faculty member Ben Cline will feature
as a soloist in Shostakovich’s brooding and off-kilter Cello Concerto No. 2.

Ben Cline himself explains more about his
experience preparing for the concerto in a recent video interview. “There’s an
interesting quality to this piece,” said Cline. “Shostakovich wrote it in the
last decade of his life. It’s true of a lot of composers, especially composers
of his stature, that they keep reinventing themselves—that they keep pushing
their style forward.” 

He continues to add: “But as they do that into
the latter part of their career, there’s a lot of introspection. This piece has
those elements in it. It is nostalgic in a way. There’s a sense of sorrow in it
. . .” (The full video interview can be found on the Hays Symphony’s official
Facebook and Instagram pages.)

Two additional pieces contribute to Music
Director Brian Buckstead’s vision of “Dark Whimsy.” The concert opener, Grażyna
Bacewicz’s Overture, offers the
energy and volume of an entire symphony packed within its short six minutes.
Bacewicz completed her Overture in
1943 during the German occupation of Poland. However, the Overture would not see its performance until after Poland’s
liberation from the Nazis in 1945. Despite her prolific background, Bacewicz
has received little attention in the United States—until recently.

The other highlight of the concert is
Beethoven’s playful yet fiery Symphony
No. 8. Driven by interpersonal and romantic troubles, Beethoven reflects
the equally unpredictable sways of passion and human emotion in his lively and
witty Eighth Symphony.

Following the concert, attendees are welcome
to mingle with the musicians at the post-concert reception in the hall’s lobby.
This dessert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Area
Bicyclists. 

Over the summer, various players in the
orchestra provided musical entertainment for the Hays Area Bicyclists’
successful “Tour Die Kapellen.” Concert-goers can learn more about this “Tour
of the Chapels” and how to participate on the Hays Area Bicyclists’ website.

Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets
for future concerts in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a>
where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays
community.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726774801274.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>SubmittedThe Hays Symphony invites the community to its
opening concert of the 2024-25 season on Saturday, September 28, at 7:30 p.m.
in the Beach/Schmidt Performing Arts Center. Themed as “Dark Whimsy,” the
concert repertoire includes delightfully stark yet dreamlike compositions from
Shostakovich, Bacewicz, and Beethoven. In “Dark Whimsy,” passion and nostalgia meld
into a contemplation of things past where the idyllic and surreal cross the
sinister. Cello virtuoso and FHSU music faculty member Ben Cline will feature
as a soloist in Shostakovich’s brooding and off-kilter Cello Concerto No. 2.Ben Cline himself explains more about his
experience preparing for the concerto in a recent video interview. “There’s an
interesting quality to this piece,” said Cline. “Shostakovich wrote it in the
last decade of his life. It’s true of a lot of composers, especially composers
of his stature, that they keep reinventing themselves—that they keep pushing
their style forward.” He continues to add: “But as they do that into
the latter part of their career, there’s a lot of introspection. This piece has
those elements in it. It is nostalgic in a way. There’s a sense of sorrow in it
. . .” (The full video interview can be found on the Hays Symphony’s official
Facebook and Instagram pages.)Two additional pieces contribute to Music
Director Brian Buckstead’s vision of “Dark Whimsy.” The concert opener, Grażyna
Bacewicz’s Overture, offers the
energy and volume of an entire symphony packed within its short six minutes.
Bacewicz completed her Overture in
1943 during the German occupation of Poland. However, the Overture would not see its performance until after Poland’s
liberation from the Nazis in 1945. Despite her prolific background, Bacewicz
has received little attention in the United States—until recently.The other highlight of the concert is
Beethoven’s playful yet fiery Symphony
No. 8. Driven by interpersonal and romantic troubles, Beethoven reflects
the equally unpredictable sways of passion and human emotion in his lively and
witty Eighth Symphony. Following the concert, attendees are welcome
to mingle with the musicians at the post-concert reception in the hall’s lobby.
This dessert reception is sponsored by a generous donation from the Hays Area
Bicyclists. Over the summer, various players in the
orchestra provided musical entertainment for the Hays Area Bicyclists’
successful “Tour Die Kapellen.” Concert-goers can learn more about this “Tour
of the Chapels” and how to participate on the Hays Area Bicyclists’ website.Attendees are encouraged to reserve tickets
for future concerts in advance on the symphony’s website at <a href="https://www.hayssymphony.org">https://www.hayssymphony.org</a>
where they can also make donations to sustain free classical music in the Hays
community.

Hays Symphony opens season with September’s Dark Whimsy

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726775247034.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

<div><iframe title="Grow Hays director discusses property taxes" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=i5kp3-16dab3e-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the Post Podcast, Hays Post Reporter Cristina Janney speaks with Grow Hays Executive Director Doug Williams about property taxes.

🎙 Post Podcast: Grow Hays director discusses property taxes

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."

Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

A jumper cable walks into a bar. The bartender says, "I'll serve you, but don't start anything."Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/19/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726695348273.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

I saw two huge black birds in my garden this morning and they were stuck together. Turns out they were Velcrows.

Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

I saw two huge black birds in my garden this morning and they were stuck together. Turns out they were Velcrows.
Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/18/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726610445913.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

What do you call a cow that eats grass? A lawn moo-er.

What do you call a cow that eats grass? A lawn moo-er.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/17/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726525245773.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

At the dog park, a lady had two rather large rottweiler dogs. On being asked the dogs’ names by another park visitor she replied, “one is called Timex and the other Rolex.”

“Wow, those are some strange names for dogs!” the visitor replied.

“Not really,” the dog owner replied, “they’re watch dogs.”

At the dog park, a lady had two rather large rottweiler dogs. On being asked the dogs’ names by another park visitor she replied, “one is called Timex and the other Rolex.”“Wow, those are some strange names for dogs!” the visitor replied.“Not really,” the dog owner replied, “they’re watch dogs.”Join fans of 99 KZ Country on Facebook:<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/16/24

By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension District

K-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.

Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!

I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!

Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>

I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.

Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668522152076.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MONIQUE KOERNER Cottonwood Extension DistrictK-State Research and Extension Cottonwood District will be hosting our annual make and take pizza night in honor of National Family Day on September 23, 2024 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at our office located at 601 Main Street in Hays.Family Day is a national effort to promote family dinners. Research shows family dinners are a great way to reduce youth substance abuse and other risky behaviors as reported by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Colombia University. Not only are family dinners a way to bring families together but young children can also learn valuable life skills. Cooking is an important life skill for children to learn before they grow up and are out on their own. Knowing how to plan menus, budget for food, and follow a recipe provides many skills that will help children as they become adults. Knowing how to cook meals versus heating something up from a box can also aid our children’s health. Processed foods often have many added ingredients that can lead to health issues. Having children help in the kitchen teaches them math skills and to follow directions. When children help prepare meals they tend to have more motivation to eat the meal as well. If they have taken part in preparation they are more likely to try new foods and recipes. This can be particularly helpful for picky eaters!I want to give a shout out to our sponsors. Papa Murphy’s donates the pizza crusts and Kiwanis gives a donation to help buy toppings as well as fruit and vegetables. Thank you very much! We couldn’t hold this night without their continued support every year!Come join us for a low cost and healthy meal that you can make with your children. Please RSVP and pay the $3 per pizza at 601 Main Street by Sept 20, 2024. We are continuing online registration this year. Use the link&nbsp; <a href="https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw">https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0jhSkOmNBcoOBvw</a>I hope to see many of you there. If you ever have any questions or would like a program about healthy eating, food safety, budgeting, or staying active, please reach out to me. You can find me at our office on Main Street or you can call or email anytime.Monique Koerner is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 785-628-9430 or moniquek@ksu.edu.

KOERNER: Family Pizza Day

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726420847727.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

The Rush County Community music choir will start practicing for the annual Christmas Cantata each Sunday from Sept. 22 through November.&nbsp; 

Practices will be at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse at 1:30.

 The cantata will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Catholic Church in La Crosse and at 4:30 p.m. in the Hope Lutheran Church in Rush Center. 

For more information, call 785-387-1600. 

Please come join us and be a part of this inspirational event.

SubmittedThe Rush County Community music choir will start practicing for the annual Christmas Cantata each Sunday from Sept. 22 through November.&nbsp; Practices will be at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church in La Crosse at 1:30. The cantata will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Catholic Church in La Crosse and at 4:30 p.m. in the Hope Lutheran Church in Rush Center. For more information, call 785-387-1600. Please come join us and be a part of this inspirational event.

Rush County Community music choir seeks singers

On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div><iframe title="Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services" allowtransparency="true" height="600" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:600px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=9bqpt-16ce232-pb&from=pb6admin&square=1&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=600" loading="lazy" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>On this episode of the <a href="https://hayspost.com/category/post-podcast" target="_blank">Post Podcast</a>, <a href="http://www.ipifinancialservices.com/" target="_blank">IPI Financial Services</a> account executive Brian Weimer discusses multi-year guaranteed annuities with <a href="https://hayspost.com/" target="_blank">Hays Post</a> reporter Becky Kiser.&nbsp;&nbsp;

🎙 Post Podcast: Multi-year guaranteed annuities explained with IPI Financial Services

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726244657942.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

🎤Forward Ever: KDOT I-70 bridge demolition

Do you want to hear a construction joke? Sorry, I’m still working on it.

Do you want to hear a construction joke? Sorry, I’m still working on it.Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/13/24

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1726165984837.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

BUNKER HILL, KS – Smoky Hills PBS is excited to announce the premiere of a new educational series, "Cool Careers," set to air on September 15th.&nbsp; The series will introduce kids and families to the exciting and diverse career opportunities available right here in Kansas.

"Bringing the Cool Careers series to Smoky Hills PBS is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible career paths available in Kansas,” said Audrey Parsons, SHPBS Programming Director.&nbsp; “We're excited to inspire local youth by highlighting the diverse and rewarding opportunities that might be right there within their own communities."

In "Cool Careers," a crew of real Kansas kids will explore various high-demand careers across the state. The series is designed to showcase the day-to-day responsibilities of professionals in different fields and inspire kids to consider pursuing similar paths in the future.

Targeted for families and kids in grades 4 to 8, "Cool Careers" aims to open young minds to the possibilities that exist within their own communities, helping them understand the skills and education needed to launch a rewarding career.

Episode 1 – Robots, Drones, and Turbines – Oh My!

Air Dates:&nbsp; 9/15 at 6:30 PM, 9/20 at 1 PM, 9/22 at 11 AM

Air Dates:&nbsp; 9/22 at 6:30 PM, 9/27 at 1 PM, 9/29 at 11 AM

Air Dates: 9/29 at 6:30 PM, 10/4 at 1 PM, 10/6 at 11 AM

Air Dates: 10/6 at 6:30 PM, 10/11 at 1 PM, 10/13 at 11 AM

Episode 5 – People and Products on the Move

Air Dates: 10/13 at 6:30 PM, 10/18 at 1 PM, 10/20 at 11 AM

Air Dates: 10/20 at 6:30 PM, 10/25 at 1 PM, 10/27 at 11 AM

Episode 7 – Professions That Put People First

Air Dates: 10/27 at 6:30 PM, 11/1 at 1 PM, 11/3 at 11 AM

Don’t miss the chance to explore what’s possible—tune in to Smoky Hills PBS starting September 15th!

To watch this documentary, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/"> LLS Channel</a>, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, HULU+LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices.&nbsp; For more information, visit<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/"> SmokyHillsPBS.org</a> or call 1-800-337-4788.&nbsp;

Cool Careers is made possible in part by these current sponsors: Colby Community College, Garden City Coop, Grow Ellsworth County, JOMAX Construction Company, Inc., Leon’s Welding &amp; Fabrication.

SubmittedBUNKER HILL, KS – Smoky Hills PBS is excited to announce the premiere of a new educational series, "Cool Careers," set to air on September 15th.&nbsp; The series will introduce kids and families to the exciting and diverse career opportunities available right here in Kansas."Bringing the Cool Careers series to Smoky Hills PBS is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible career paths available in Kansas,” said Audrey Parsons, SHPBS Programming Director.&nbsp; “We're excited to inspire local youth by highlighting the diverse and rewarding opportunities that might be right there within their own communities."In "Cool Careers," a crew of real Kansas kids will explore various high-demand careers across the state. The series is designed to showcase the day-to-day responsibilities of professionals in different fields and inspire kids to consider pursuing similar paths in the future.Targeted for families and kids in grades 4 to 8, "Cool Careers" aims to open young minds to the possibilities that exist within their own communities, helping them understand the skills and education needed to launch a rewarding career.EpisodesEpisode 1 – Robots, Drones, and Turbines – Oh My!Air Dates:&nbsp; 9/15 at 6:30 PM, 9/20 at 1 PM, 9/22 at 11 AMEpisode 2 – Feed The WorldAir Dates:&nbsp; 9/22 at 6:30 PM, 9/27 at 1 PM, 9/29 at 11 AMEpisode 3 – Healthcare HeroesAir Dates: 9/29 at 6:30 PM, 10/4 at 1 PM, 10/6 at 11 AMEpisode 4 – Building CareersAir Dates: 10/6 at 6:30 PM, 10/11 at 1 PM, 10/13 at 11 AMEpisode 5 – People and Products on the MoveAir Dates: 10/13 at 6:30 PM, 10/18 at 1 PM, 10/20 at 11 AMEpisode 6 – Make Things Work!Air Dates: 10/20 at 6:30 PM, 10/25 at 1 PM, 10/27 at 11 AMEpisode 7 – Professions That Put People FirstAir Dates: 10/27 at 6:30 PM, 11/1 at 1 PM, 11/3 at 11 AMDon’t miss the chance to explore what’s possible—tune in to Smoky Hills PBS starting September 15th!Air Times:ALL NEW episodes – SUN 6:30 PMWatch Again – FRI 1 PM, SUN 11 AMWays to Watch:To watch this documentary, tune into Smoky Hills PBS, which can be found through antenna, on many cable systems, Smoky Hills PBS<a href="https://video.smokyhillstv.org/livestream/"> LLS Channel</a>, DirecTV, Dish Network, LocalNow app, YouTube TV, HULU+LIVE TV.&nbsp; You can also access Smoky Hills PBS via the FREE mobile app for Android and iPhone devices.&nbsp; For more information, visit<a href="http://smokyhillspbs.org/"> SmokyHillsPBS.org</a> or call 1-800-337-4788.&nbsp;Cool Careers is made possible in part by these current sponsors: Colby Community College, Garden City Coop, Grow Ellsworth County, JOMAX Construction Company, Inc., Leon’s Welding &amp; Fabrication.

 Smoky Hills PBS to Launch ‘Cool Careers” – Inspiring Youth with Local Opportunities

On a flight across the country, a man found that his seat mate was a woman. Ever the charmer, he asked the woman, "Does the airline charge you extra to sit next to a good-looking man?" "Yes," she replied, "but I wasn't willing to pay."

On a flight across the country, a man found that his seat mate was a woman. Ever the charmer, he asked the woman, "Does the airline charge you extra to sit next to a good-looking man?" "Yes," she replied, "but I wasn't willing to pay."Join fans of KZ Country on Facebook:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry" target="_blank">http://www.facebook.com/99KZCountry</a>

KZ Country Cheesy Joke of the Day 09/12/24

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

The Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.

It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;

Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator.

"Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;

What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.

The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19.

"We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said.

"The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;

Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.

Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;

"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."

The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied.

"Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.

"It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."

Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;

"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."

The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;

"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;

Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;

Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;

"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."

Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;

Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.

Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.

Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn.

"Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;

The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;

"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1725912241917.jpeg" alt="Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo" />
 <figcaption>Hays Virtual School graduates. Courtesy file photo</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="USD 489 Hays Virtual School to celebrate 25th year in January" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=kwg7x-16ce8c6-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostThe Hays Virtual School, which was started by USD 489 as an adult learning center for diploma completion, will celebrate its 25th year in January 2025.It's one of the oldest virtual schools in Kansas, securing its state virtual licensure in the early 2000s.&nbsp;Expansion and changes during the years brought the need for a virtual high school, said Sondra Hickert, lead educator."Fred Kaufman (former superintendent) and Mark Hauptman (former assistant superintendent) were dedicated to [starting] a USD 489 virtual school," she said.&nbsp;What was formerly known as The Learning Center of Ellis County is now housed in the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St.The school transitioned from an adult learning center to a traditional high school with students ages 14-19."We were able to offer them a web-based program where they could complete their high school diploma,"&nbsp;Hickert said."The state of Kansas requires they come through our doors for final exams in person for the program's integrity to be maintained, ensuring that it is that person who did the work," she said.&nbsp;Last year, the program had 117 students. Seventy-one students started this academic year in August, and Hickert expects the number of students to increase.Each student who enrolls is unique, she said.&nbsp;"Our individual plan of study for each student is pivotal. It's the opportunity for them to have an education tailored to their lives, their needs and their expectations."The reasons why students enroll in Hays Virtual School are varied."Maybe the student has given up on the idea of being a successful high school graduate at a traditional high school, regardless of where they might have attended," Hickert said.Many students are from outside of Hays."It may be that they want to accelerate their education," she said. "We've had students who want to go study in China, so they get some necessary high school credits out of the way."Other students may have experienced trauma, such as losing a parent.&nbsp;"It's a life-changing event," Hickert said, "and we can offer that student just a moment to recognize who they are and what they've been through and then begin to build their individual plan of study from their own life experiences."The Fort Hays State University Department of Social Work put a master's level practicum position in the virtual school four years ago.&nbsp;"That FHSU student comes alongside our students and helps them with education, everyday challenges and mental health. If there's a need that's keeping them from advancing academically, we get that need taken care of," Hickert said.&nbsp;Students also utilize community resources partnered with the school, including transitional housing, life skills counseling and mentorships, food pantry and hygiene pack availability, apprenticeships, employment programs, and medical assistance programs.&nbsp;Hickert said retaining these "vibrant, young, educated" individuals is important to the regional economy.&nbsp;"Providing an opportunity for a high school diploma changes the workforce for our area, [with] local people doing regional work," she said. "We're keeping the life of our surrounding communities going."Graduating students are prepared for college or career readiness.&nbsp;Numerous graduates have qualified for career and technical education scholarships from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation in Logan or the O'Brate Foundation in Garden City. One student even was awarded a physics and engineering scholarship from NASA.Many of the graduates go on to complete programs at FHSU, Fort Hays Tech-North Central, Hays Academy of Hair Design and Barton Community College. Others begin immediately working in skilled trades.Hickert said the Hays Virtual School students are taught how to learn."Our structure is a triangle," she said. "At the top apex is student needs. What does that student need to become a successful high school graduate?"&nbsp;The lower two apexes are meeting standards to have a graduate either career-ready or college-ready and to graduate within four years as required by the U.S. Department of Education.&nbsp;"We are a champion for our school in support of the USD 489 mission to provide a quality learning experience for every student in every classroom every day," Hickert said.

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