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Entries are due July 1, 2026.
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Student Spotlight: Emma Manion — Bringing Ada Deer’s Story to Life
Video courtesy of Kettle Moraine Communications Coordinator, Sara Otto
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Category Archives: Youth
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Early Childhood Trunk Or Treat Is October 30
FSN Teens Launch “Rent-a-Teen” Fundraiser This October to Support Students’ Trip to Nazarene Youth Conference 2026
FSN Teens at Fort Scott Nazarene is excited to announce its “Rent-a-Teen” fundraiser, running throughout the entire month of October. Community members can support local youth while receiving help with projects such as yard work, cleaning, and other odd jobs.
All proceeds will directly benefit FSN Teens’ upcoming trip to the Nazarene Youth Conference (NYC) 2026, scheduled for July 1–5, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah. NYC is a life-changing gathering where high school students from across the U.S. and Canada come together for worship, service projects, concerts, and spiritual growth. This year’s theme, “Wonder,” will inspire students to deepen their faith and live it out boldly.
“Rent-a-Teen is more than a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity for our students to serve their community while preparing for an event that can shape their lives and faith for years to come,” said Pastor Nick.
FSN Teens (grades 7–12) is a ministry of Fort Scott Nazarene that exists to help students encounter God, pursue Jesus, and make an impact. Weekly activities include Wednesday night youth group with dinner, worship, and small groups (6:30–8 PM), as well as Friday morning Donuts & Devos for high school students. Teens also engage in Sunday worship, leadership opportunities like the Impact Summer Internship, and special trips and events throughout the year.
Community members can request a teen worker anytime during October by emailing [email protected] with project details. Teens will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and donations are gladly accepted for their time and work.
For more information or to schedule a teen, please contact [email protected]
Walk and Roll To School Day Oct. 8: Winfield Scott, Fort Scott
Kansas students celebrate Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8
Schools across Kansas will be celebrating International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 8, with support from the Kansas Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. This annual event promotes safe behaviors and community connection by encouraging students and families to walk, bike and/or roll to school.
Currently, there are 27 schools across the state participating. Schools are encouraged to register for the event and download free materials at saferoutes.ksdot.gov/iwrsd.
October is also National Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on enhancing safety for people walking. Pedestrians of all ages are vulnerable, especially children. By promoting awareness of people walking and using other active modes, Walk and Roll to School Day contributes to improving roadway safety roadways for everyone.
A few safety tips to keep in mind this October and all year long:
- All: Follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
- Drivers: Watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks and never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions.
- Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available, make eye contact with drivers who are slowing or stopped at a crossing and walk on sidewalks when available.
| Organization | City | |
| 1 | USD 417 – Prairie Heights Elementary School | Alta Vista |
| 2 | USD 268 – Cheney Public Schools | Cheney |
| 3 | USD 417 – Council Grove Elementary School | Council |
| 4 | USD 417 – Council Grove Middle School | Council |
| 5 | USD 396 – Douglass High School | Douglass |
| 6 | USD 396 – Sisk Middle School | Douglass |
| 7 | USD 396 – Seal Elementary School | Douglass |
| 8 | USD 253 – Walnut Elementary | Emporia |
| 9 | USD 234 – Ft. Scott Elementary School | Fort Scott |
| 10 | USD 457 – Charles Stones Intermediate Center | Garden City |
| 11 | USD 457 – Florence Wilson Elem | Garden City |
| 12 | USD 292 – Wheatland Schools | Grainfield |
| 13 | USD 500 – Frank Rushton | Kansas City |
| 14 | USD 500 – Quindaro Elementary | Kansas City |
| 15 | USD 395 – La Crosse Elementary School | La Crosse |
| 16 | USD 497 – Quail Run Elementary | Lawrence |
| 17 | USD 497 – Langston Hughes Elementary School | Lawrence |
| 18 | USD 383 – Oliver Brown Elementary School | Manhattan |
| 19 | USD 410 – Hillsboro Elementary School | Marion |
| 20 | USD 373 – Northridge Elementary | Newton |
| 21 | USD 233 – Havencroft Elementary School | Olathe |
| 22 | USD 233 – Scarborough Elementary School | Olathe |
| 23 | USD392 – Osborne County Schools | Osborne |
| 24 | USD 512 – John Diemer Elementary | Overland Park |
| 25 | USD 512 – Brookridge Elementary | Overland Park |
| 26 | USD 321 – Rossville Grade School | Rossville |
| 27 | USD 323 – St. George Elementary School | St. George |
About KDOT Safe Routes to School
Safe Routes to School is a comprehensive and effective approach to getting more kids biking, rolling and walking safely to school. Visit KDOT’s Safe Routes to School website at saferoutes.ksdot.gov to learn more and sign up for the quarterly e-newsletter.
FS Preschool Center Trunk or Treat is Oct. 30: Resource Providers Invited
On behalf of the USD 234 School District, we would like to invite you to the 2025 Early Childhood Trunk-or-Treat. This year’s event will be held on Thursday, October 30 from 4:30-6:00 PM at the Fort Scott Preschool Center Gym. All children ages birth through six years old and their families are invited to attend. Last year, school staff and community partners were able to connect with 225 children and their families at our Trunk-or-Treat.
If you are a family resource provider or a community partner, we invite you to attend and set up a table from which children can trick-or-treat. Agencies typically pass out snacks, candy, trinkets, small prizes, etc. During this time, you may also provide brochures, resources, and/or helpful information related to your program. Our goal is to inform families about the resources available in our community. If you are a preschool or childcare provider, please share the attached flyer with your families. We also welcome you to set up a table for your program.
If you plan to attend our event, please complete the form below by Friday, October 17th so we can have a table reserved for your organization.
Parent Empowerment Circle September Meeting Is September 28
Parent Empowerment Circle September Meeting:
Is Your Child Struggling in School?
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
🔹 What’s the right plan for your child?
🔹 How do you get one?
🔹 What are your rights as a parent?
🔹 How do you get one?
🔹 What are your rights as a parent?
Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
👨👩👧👦 Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
🕕 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
🕕 Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
📍 Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
🎤 Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education Director
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
WORK CELL PHONE: 620-945-9081
Parents: Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
Is Your Child Struggling in School?
Learn the Real Differences Between IEPs and 504 Plans
What’s the right plan for your child? How do you get one? What are your rights as a parent?Join us for a free, informative session with a Special Education Specialist who will walk us through the key differences between 504 Plans and IEPs, how to start the process, and how to advocate for your child effectively.
Open to all parents and caregivers of children with special needs (any physical or behavioral difference)— whether you’re just starting out or looking to better understand the system.
Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
Time: 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Location: First Southern Baptist Church, Family Life Center, 1818 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS
Guest Speaker: Tonya Barnes, USD 234 Special Education DirectorSubmitted by
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
FSHS Announces Auditions for the Musical “Between the Lines”
Fort Scott High School is holding auditions for students in ninth through twelfth grade for “Between the Line,” the musical.
Auditions are from 6:30-9 p.m. on either September 2 or 3 in the FSHS Auditorium. Students only need to attend one night of auditions. Rehearsals are Monday through Thursday from 6:30-9 p.m. Performances are Nov. 11, 13, and 15 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m.
“Between the Lines” is based on the young adult novel of the same name by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer. Music and lyrics are by Elyssa Samsel & Kate Anderson with a book by Timothy Allen McDonald & Jodi Picoult.
The musical is directed by Theatre Director Angie Bin, Music Director Taylor Jones, and Assistant Directors Mesa Jones and Abby Starkey. FSHS will be the regional debut for “Between the Lines” which Bin first saw at the International Thespian Festival in 2024.
Students who want to audition for a solo role need to prepare a song ahead of time. Sheet music and accompaniment are available from Bin at the high school.
Technical crew members are needed in the areas of sound, lighting, set design, costuming, make-up, stage management, and stagecrew. Applications are available from Bin at the high school.
For additional information, please contact Bin at [email protected] or 620-719-9622.
# # #
August Parent Empowerment Circle Meeting Reminder
August Parent Empowerment Circle Meeting Reminder for August 24.
Our next Parent Empowerment Circle will focus on fun! The gathering will be held on
Sunday, August 24 from 130 – 3:30
at the Splash Pad and Sensory Park, 111 N. National Avenue in Fort Scott.
Families should bring their own:
*lawn chairs
*water to drink
*snacks for their kids
*sunscreen
*towels
*dry clothes for their kids
Questions? Contact Cherri Walrod, our Community Health Worker: 620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
Parent Empowerment Circle Is August 24 at the Splash Pad
Our next Parent Empowerment Circle will focus on fun! The gathering will be held on Sunday, August 24 from 130 – 3:30 at the Splash Pad and Sensory Park, 111 N. National Avenue in Fort Scott. Families should bring their own lawn chairs, water to drink, plus their own snacks, sunscreen, towels, and dry clothes for their kids.
Questions? Contact Cherri Walrod: 620-223-3720 or [email protected]
Submitted by
Cherri Walrod
Community Health Worker
K-State Research and Extension Southwind District
620-223-3720, ext. 503
Get Ready To Jump Fort Scott
The former Walgreens store at 23rd and South Main Street will soon be filled with lots of excited kids.
Jumpy Jumpland is coming to Fort Scott in that building.
Their opening weekend is August 15-17, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The grand opening weekend is free to public for a preview of what the business has to offer, said Heather Sims, district manager.
“We have indoor inflatables, fun for the whole family,” Sims said.
In addition to the many inflatables, they have a snack bar.
“We do birthday parties and Open Jumps, where anyone can come and play for $7 for as long as Open Jump is open.”
There are two choices for birthday parties: deluxe for $200, which has a one-hour jump time and then 45 minutes in the party area; and supreme at $240, which has 1.5 hours of playtime and 45 minutes in the party area.
They can bring outside food and beverages, but no party supplies can be brought into Open Jump.
Currently, there are three employees, she said. “Two people per shift. We want eyes on the bounce floor at all times.”
Their hours of operation: Fridays are Open Jump from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to noon are available party times, then from noon to 2 is Open Jump, followed by times for parties. The last party of the day starts at 7:30 p.m.
“We chose Fort Scott because it doesn’t have a lot for kids to do,” she said. “We wanted to bring something to them.”
Jumpy Jumpland rents the building from Jake’s Fireworks. Starting the first weekend in June, they will move out and then move back in on the first weekend in August, she said. Jake’s Fireworks’ high sales season is June through August.
“Join us for Open Jump, games, and awesome prizes – we can’t wait to see you there!” said Jessica Benford, marketing director for the To book parties and celebrations, email at jumpyjumpland.com
Their address is 2229 S. Main Street, inside the Jake’s Fireworks building.
About Jumpy Jump Land
Who We Are
Jumpy Jump Land is the premier bounce-house party destination in the Wichita area, offering vibrant indoor play spaces filled with colorful obstacle courses, tall slides, and multiple bounce houses. We host both private parties by reservation and Open Jump sessions where families can drop in and play.
Where We Started
We opened our first location in Andover, Kansas, in 2015. Since then, Jumpy Jump Land has grown into a local favorite and expanded to five locations: Andover, Bel Aire, Haysville, El Dorado – and now, Fort Scott, opening August 15!
Who Owns It
Jumpy Jump Land is owned and operated as a Kansas limited liability company: JUMPY JUMP LAND, LLC.
Why We Do What We Do
Our mission is to create unforgettable moments for kids and families through safe, clean, and energetic indoor fun. We’re passionate about providing a stress-free venue where hosts can truly enjoy birthdays, reunions, corporate events, and more – while kids jump, play, and burn off energy.