Jefferson West High School

It's Presidents' Day!!

Historically, Americans began celebrating George Washington’s birthday just months after his death, long before Congress declared it a federal holiday. It was not until 1879, under President Rutherford B. Hayes, that Washington’s Birthday became a legal holiday, to be observed on his birthday, February 22.

In a sense, calling the holiday Presidents’ Day helps us reflect on not just the first president but also our nation’s founding, its values, and what Washington calls in his Farewell Address the “beloved Constitution and Union, as received from the Founders.” Also, Abraham Lincoln’s birthday is February 12, so by calling the holiday “Presidents’ Day,” we can also include another remarkable president in our celebrations.

Today, many calendars list the third Monday of February as Presidents’ Day, just as many U.S. states do. Of course, all of the 3-day retail store sales are called “Presidents’ Day” sales, and this vernacular has also been influential in how we reference the holiday. George Washington’s Birthday is one of only 11 permanent federal holidays established by Congress, observed each year. One of the great traditions followed for decades has been the reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address by a U.S. senator in legislative session, which remains an annual event to this day.

Myths About Washington
Legend has it that George Washington chopped down a cherry tree when he was 6 years old and, when confronted by his father, said, “I cannot tell a lie. I did it with my hatchet.” Turns out Washington didn’t say this; he didn’t even chop down the tree! This tale was, in fact, concocted by Parson Mason Weems (1759–1825), one of Washington’s biographers, who made up the story hoping to demonstrate Washington’s honesty.

This tale is not the only myth about Washington. His wooden dentures? They weren’t made of wood; they were made of hippopotamus teeth that had been filed down to fit into Washington’s mouth.

Source: The Old Farmer's Almanac

Upcoming HS events for the week of 2/15-2/21…

2/16 USD 340 – No Classes – Student Led IPS Conferences
2/16 Presidents’ Day
2/17 G/B BKB vs. Royal Valley 4:30pm
2/18 FCCLA STAR Events @ Holton
2/18 HS Site Council 5:30pm
2/19 Spring Sports Parent Meeting 7:30pm
2/20 G/B BKB vs. NEKSHA 4:30pm
2/21 Boys WR Regionals @ Holton 9:30am
2/22 Community Engagement Meeting @ MS 3:30pm

Hometown Hero Spotlight: Judy McAsey Arnold

Judy sees the world through a camera lens as she travels town to town across capturing the moments that matter most.

From cheering on students at USD 340 Jefferson West School District (where two of her grandchildren attend) to submitting photos to The Vindicator, Valley Falls Newspaper. Known lovingly as “Grandma Judy,” she is always there to document our community’s heart.

Rain or shine, weekday or weekend; you’ll often find her on the sidelines, in the stands, or out in the community making sure no special moment goes unnoticed. Her photos don’t just capture events — they preserve memories, celebrate local stories, and help keep small-town life connected.

Nominated by Alisha Schwinn, Judy’s dedication helps preserve local memories, one photo at a time. Thank you for being a true Hometown Hero, Judy!

Proudly partnered with Lentz Express Catering and Wilson Tire —serving our communities together.

Courtesy: Kanzaland Country - KNZA 103.9 FM & KMZA 92.1 FM

Any Jefferson West Ag student that is interested in this, please see Mr. Bartel for details. Space is limited!!

Kansas Range Youth Camp | June 9–12, 2026
Love plants, livestock, or wildlife? This hands-on camp is for high schoolers (entering 10th–12th grade) who want to explore rangeland management and conservation.
📍 Tentatively at Camp Mennoscah – final location confirmed in April
📌 Ask your local Conservation District about scholarships!
📝 Register now – https://www.kglc.org/range-youth-camp.cfm

Jefferson West FFA would like to see you at their new event, Cowboy Coffee. Local farmers, come out and spend the morning with the officers! We would love to see you 7-9am on Monday, February 16th. Join us! See flyer for more details.

Plant & Soil Science class students created floral arrangements in time for Valentine’s Day. Students also were challenged on using ribbon and they demonstrated how to tie a bow. Were you a lucky recipient?

Animal Science class students took their knowledge of chickens to demonstrate different carcass grades and challenged by dividing their chicken into retail parts. This hands-on experience showcased the value of processing and how it is taken for granted. It was a great experience!

Tuesday kicked off a busy week of basketball at Sabetha. 🏀

Great energy, strong competition, and lots of action as our teams hit the road! 💪

📷Jeff West Sports Pics

Congrats to Osiris Unruh for showing up and standing out this week, and being named Kanzaland Country - KNZA 103.9 FM & KMZA 92.1 FM Male Athlete of the Week! Your hard work, grit, and consistency don’t go unnoticed. Keep setting the standard! 🔥

On Thursday last week, our basketball teams traveled to Marysville. 🏀

Here are a few highlights from the night — great effort, strong teamwork, and another fun road trip for our athletes! 💪

📷Jeff West Sports Pics

In case you missed Friday night’s basketball game vs. Holton High School, here are a few highlights from an unforgettable evening! 🏀

✨ Lots of celebrations including:
• Basketball Action
• Pink Out Night
• Osiris Unruh ~ Shriner's Bowl Award

Great night of school spirit, community support, and recognition of our athletes! 🖤 🤍❤️🏀🎀 🩷

📷Jeff West Sports Pics

Recently a few of our students did an amazing job presenting the Booster to Belts program to our K-3rd graders about the importance of wearing seat belts and booster seats (until the proper age 8 yrs, or 80 lbs or 4'9). They reminded them they should sit in the back seat until 13 years old (due to airbag dangers). TIGER ROAR!!

Girls Regional Wrestling Results 🤼‍♀️
Results are in, and our Lady Wrestlers showed up big at Regional Wrestling this past weekend at Tonganoxie! On Day 1, all 6 participants advanced to Day 2 — an outstanding team effort.

Final Individual Placers:
• Lennox Dooley – 8th
• Sophie Waters – 6th
• Payge Vetsch – 4th
• Arianna Unruh – 3rd

🎉 These 4 ladies will compete at State in Salina in 2 weeks. So proud of this group — hard work paying off! TIGER ROAR!!💪🏆

Not the best day at League Wrestling for our boys on Thursday, but they have regrouped and continue to prepare for Regionals on Saturday, 2/21. Congratulations to Garreson Currie, placing 4th and Osiris Unruh, League Champion. TIGER ROAR!

The Spring Sports Parent Meeting will be held Thursday, February 19, at 7:30pm at the High School. The sports of Baseball, Boys Golf, Softball, and Track will be showcased. Please make plans to attend!

Remember - USD 340 will not have classes on Monday, February 16, due to Parent/Teacher/IPS Conferences.

Washburn Tech and Highland Tech will have classes and transportation will run as usual.

❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Valentine's Day is a day dedicated to expressing love, affection, and friendship through cards, gifts, and kind gestures. Modern celebrations often include flowers, candy, special dinners, and heartfelt messages shared with partners, friends, and family.

We LOVE our Tigers! 🖤🤍❤️