Atchison Public Schools

As we welcome 2026, we’re stepping into a new year filled with hope, possibility, and pride in all that makes #WeAre409 so special.

Our students continue to amaze us…
Our staff continues to inspire us…
And our community continues to support us in ways that truly make a difference.

Thank you for being part of a district where great things happen every single day—both big and small. As we turn the page to a new year, we can’t wait to continue sharing the stories, successes, celebrations, and everyday moments that make Atchison Public Schools shine.

Here’s to a year of growth, connection, and endless opportunities for our students and staff.
✨ Cheers to 2026! ✨
#WeAre409 #PhoenixProud #NewYearNewPossibilities

In 4th place with 29,539 views is our shoutout to the Atchison Police Department for helping us get a deer out of our soccer nets!!
#WeAre409 #countingdownto2026

As we look ahead to January, we want to take a moment to recognize three dedicated board members who will not be serving in the next term. Their time on the board has been marked by commitment, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine dedication to doing what is best for our students, staff, and community.

Serving as a board member requires countless hours, careful decision-making, and a willingness to step up when it matters most. These individuals brought steady leadership, meaningful insight, and a deep respect for public education to every discussion and decision.

We are incredibly thankful for Diane Liebsch, Debbie Eplee, and Sean Crittendon for their service and the lasting impact they have made. Their contributions have helped shape our district and will continue to benefit our schools for years to come.

Thank you for your service, your leadership, and your heart for our students and community. ❤️💛

We are proud to recognize our incredible middle school students who earned a spot on one of our three Honor Rolls for Semester 1! Your hard work, determination, and commitment to learning have truly paid off.

Whether you made the Superintendent's Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor Roll, Honor Roll, or Honorable Mention Honor Roll, your achievement reflects the effort you bring to the classroom every day. We are inspired by your perseverance, your curiosity, and the example you set for others.

🌟 Great job, students! Keep believing in yourself, keep working hard, and keep reaching for new goals. We can’t wait to see what the rest of the year holds for you! 💛❤️

#WeAre409 #PhoenixProud #StudentSuccess

We are proud to recognize our high school students who earned a place on one of the district's three Honor Rolls! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to academic excellence do not go unnoticed.

This achievement reflects countless hours of effort and perseverance! We are incredibly proud of you and excited to celebrate your success!

👏 Congratulations to all of our Honor Roll students—keep striving, keep growing, and keep shining! 💛❤️
#WeAre409 #AcademicExcellence #PhoenixProud

Enjoy the beautiful rendition of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" sung by Adrenaline Choir.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10T_ZfFMWw4aBcvaiND2dj2CLELenX6wE/view?usp=sharing
#WeAre409

This year Central students participated in secret Santa gifts but they had to make them all themselves! You'll find many 3d printed items, cookies, dipped Oreos, ornaments and more! High school did it in a white Elephant Gift style and elementary picked each other! Both turned out amazing and the joy in these kids faces say it all! #WeAre409 #joyofgiving

Today was the last day of school for Semester 1. Winter Break is December 19-January 5. Everyone at Atchison Public Schools wishes you a wonderful holiday. Stay safe and warm and we will see you back on January 6. #WeAre409

Congratulations to this month's AMS SOAR Winners!! Keep up the great work!! #WeAre409

Congratulations to our November Para of the Months, Caitlin Rowland, Teanna Scribner, and Joni Dunn!! We are so excited to have such wonderful staff members working in our district!!! #WeAre409

AES Phoenix Instrumental students played the National Anthem last week for the Kansas State vs Ole Miss women's team and won by one point. Let's go, AES Phoenix! So fun to watch them perform!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lo5CrIIrn0 #WeAre409

Congratulations to Hagen and Troy Phillips and to Barb Lott for being celebrated at this months board of education meeting!! Mrs. Lott was recognized for all she does to support and help students at Central and Troy and Hagen were recognized for being all around great students! #WeAre409

We are bringing back #ThrowbackThursdays! It's time to go back in time and see how things were through the last 50 or so years from USD 409!! This week see if you can find yourselves in this pic of a sophomore class pep assembly from 2007!! There's a lot of you!! ##WeAre409

If you would like to be included in USD 409 text alerts about weather updates, school cancellations, or activities, please take a minute to fill out the following form. Anyone is welcome to fill it out.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeitPhYgmkgj4VHjt2NJB5nxydMOInhpCF9NoceUJCi1KqAkA/viewform
#WeAre409

Central students have been applying their Learner Dispositions by competing in the Google Doodle Competition. Their task was to create a doodle that described their superpower. Here are the kids answers to that prompt!! #WeAre409 #learnerdispositions

We are bringing back the "Where Are They Now" Series, which will begin in Semester 2! This means we need to hear from our alumni and find out what you are all doing these days! Take a few minutes to fill out the following Google form! We want to highlight you weekly. This is also an excellent way for our students to learn about different pathways after high school! Share this link with anyone interested! #WeAre409
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfMDziJIneA6W1kV6-CBlQbS84vVld2ZjQj37GEC1N1Ms-lJQ/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=113854142545559348268

Due to expected low temperatures and possible slick roads from refreezing this evening and early tomorrow morning, USD 409 will operate on a 2-hour late start tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2, 2025. There will be no AM or PM PreK.

Here’s what that means:

• Bus Routes
All bus routes will run two hours later than normal. If your child will not be riding the bus, please contact Transportation at 913-367-6382.
Example: If your child is usually picked up at 6:55 AM, tomorrow they will be picked up at 8:55 AM.

• School Start Times
All schools will begin two hours later.
Example: If school doors normally open at 7:15 AM, tomorrow the doors will open at 9:15 AM.

• Staff Reporting Times
Custodial staff will report one hour later than their usual arrival time.
Example: If you normally arrive at 6:00 AM, please report at 7:00 AM tomorrow.
All other staff—certified, classified, and administration—will report two hours later than their usual arrival time.
Example: If you normally arrive at 7:00 AM, please report at 9:00 AM.

Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of our students and staff. Stay warm and stay safe!

USD 409 Superintendent
Laura Batson

Put this on your calendar! Come enjoy some beautiful music! #WeAre409