USD 409 is seeking feedback on the qualities and characteristics you want to see in our next superintendent. Your voice is crucial in helping guide this important decision. Please take a moment to complete our brief survey and share your thoughts: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/usd409ss Let's shape the future of our district together! #WeAre409 #CommunityVoice #LeadershipMatters
Our next two seniors are Hugh Davis and Kathryn Nieder-Nazarenko! Best of luck to each of you as you head to college next year!
#WeAre409 #MovinOnUp #ClassOf25
We have 10 new seniors we will highlight this week!! Let's kick it off with recognizing Xavier Tisdale and Chandler Dunn! Best of luck to both of you! ❤️💛
#WeAre409 #MovinOnUp #Classof25
Congratulations, and best of luck to Lily Oertel and Addison Bottorff next year! You both will do amazing things in the future! #WeAre409 💛❤️
It's time again to start celebrating the Class of 2025! Each day until graduation, we will celebrate two seniors and their plans for after graduation! Our 1st two seniors we are excited to celebrate are Devon Warman and Kionna Sharp! Best of luck next year! #WeAre409 💛❤️
Congratulations to Molly Cook, who found out a couple of weeks ago that she was a recipient for the Rudd Foundation Scholarship!! A four year, full ride to Emporia State!! Read more from Molly on this amazing accomplishment.
"Thursday, my life was changed for the better in a way I could never have imagined. I was honored to be awarded a full ride through the Rudd Foundation Scholarship. This incredible opportunity is a blessing, and it's made possible by a group of truly wonderful people. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude, and it’s heartwarming to know that all of my hard work and dedication has meant something. I can't fully express how thankful I am for this life-changing opportunity.
Of course, the road to this moment wasn't without its challenges. The application process was extensive and required me to demonstrate my involvement in both community and educational activities. I wrote two essays and had to prove my eligibility for a Pell Grant. At times, it felt like a shot in the dark. That the next stage was out of reach, but I tried my hardest and got a call saying out of almost 800 I made it to the top 75 and was on to the interview stage!
I traveled to Wichita for the interview with my cousin and their partner, feeling both prepared and nervous. The committee was incredibly kind and welcoming. Waiting to hear the outcome was a nerve-wracking experience, knowing how much this scholarship could change my life. So, when I found out yesterday that I had been selected of the top 50, I was completely taken by surprise and filled with immense gratitude. This scholarship is more than just financial support—it’s the start of a community that will guide and encourage me as I take the next step in my life.
I couldn’t have done this alone. The support I received from my community was invaluable. I’m deeply grateful for the mock interviews I had with Dr. Nugent and Mrs. Young, and for the amazing letters of recommendation from Miss Martin and Dr. Smith. I’m sure their words helped me stand out, and I’m so thankful for their belief in me.
This scholarship represents not just a chance to continue my education, but also a reminder of the incredible people who have invested in my success. I’m excited to move forward, knowing I have such a strong foundation to build on." -Molly Cook, AHS Senior
#WeAre409
Central's had a busy day today and this week! Some of the students went out to see the Mobile Dairy Farm, the elementary students took their first walking field trip to the train depot and the middle schoolers were able to deliver some of their 3D prints to ACCA! #WeAre409
Check it out! Our Special Education Director is a published author!! Her article is on pages 9-11 in the magazine below and its focus is All Means All, when it comes to Inclusion!
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/70064230/under-the-umbrella-volume-7-issue-8
#WeAre409
Dr. Nugent has announced her resignation as the Superintendent of USD 409 as she steps into an incredible new opportunity as the Deputy Commissioner for the KS Department of Education. While this change is bittersweet for the district, we are also incredibly proud and grateful for her leadership, dedication, and the positive impact they have had on our students, staff, and community.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Nugent on this well-deserved achievement! We wish them all the best in this next chapter and know they will continue to make a difference in education at an even greater level.
To learn more click the link below.
https://www.ksde.gov/Home/Quick-Links/News-Room/ArtMID/3386/ArticleID/4151/Nugent-named-KSDE-Deputy-Commissioner-of-the-Division-of-Learning-Services
#WeAre409
The boys basketball team was able to make a quick stop yesterday at AES so our elementary students could wish them luck before they head state basketball this morning! Let's help cheer them on to a victory today!! #WeAre409
Please help us congratulate Jordan Malcom as the new AHS Head Football Coach!! Coach Malcom, a native of Moreno Valley, California, brings passion, dedication, and a winning mentality to his new role as Head Football Coach. A former collegiate athlete, where he played football at Benedictine College while earning his degree, laying the foundation for his leadership both on and off the field. After two successful seasons leading Atchison as the defensive backs coach, Coach Malcom is eager to take over the program and continue building a culture of excellence. His commitment to hard work, discipline, and player development has already proven successful, and he looks forward to instilling those same values in the team. Off the field, Coach Malcom is a devoted father to two beautiful daughters and is building a future in real estate alongside his fiancé, Lauren. His leadership extends beyond football, shaping young athletes into outstanding individuals prepared for success in all aspects of life. ❤️#WeAre409💛
Tomorrow, March 10, 2025 is Early Release. #WeAre409
Please welcome Felicia Yoakam, our new Director of Curriculum and Instruction! She brings a wealth of experience to USD 409, having most recently served as Junior and Senior High School Principal at Oskaloosa Jr/Sr High Schools. In this role, she led both building and district level professional development initiatives, curriculum and standards alignment, Professional Learning Communities, and MTSS interventions. Her leadership journey also includes serving as an Elementary Principal in Olathe Public Schools and working as an instructional coach in Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. Additionally, she spent over a decade teaching elementary grade levels in Lansing USD 469, fostering a deep understanding of classroom instruction and student engagement.
Felicia’s expertise in curriculum design, data-driven instruction, and teacher development aligns closely with USD 409’s strategic goals. She is committed to supporting administrators and teachers in implementing research-based instructional strategies, ensuring the continued advancement of Visible Learning, and strengthening district-wide standards and curriculum alignment. Through her leadership, she will guide professional learning initiatives that enhance teacher effectiveness and drive student achievement.
Felicia holds a Master of Science in Education Administration from Fort Hays State University and a Master of Arts in Technology Enhanced Teaching from MidAmerica Nazarene University. She is currently pursuing District Leadership Licensure at Emporia State University, further demonstrating her dedication to educational leadership and continuous improvement.
Felicia lives in Leavenworth, KS, with her husband, Aaron, and their three children, ages 17, 15, and 11. She looks forward to building strong relationships with the Atchison USD 409 community and contributing to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and student success.
❤️#WeAre409💛
Makeshift Band Room while Construction is going on for our Bond! Love our flexibility at AHS! ❤️💛👷♂️ #WeAre409
Did You Know...Meeting the Needs of Exceptional Learners
#DYKKansasKids @USAKansas @kasbpublicEd @ksdehq @aasahq #WeAre409
It's time again for the NHS blood drive at AHS! Sign up for an appointment using the flyer below! #WeAre409
There will be NO School for Atchison Public Schools today, due to blizzard-like conditions. Stay warm and safe.
Did you know that public schools are preparing the workforce of tomorrow?
@USAKansas @kasbpublicEd @ksdehq @aasahq #WeAre409
Congratulations to Eric Smith lll for his invitation to play in this year's Shrine Bowl and to Coach Battle for his 250th win!!! Amazing accomplishments to both of you!!! #WeAre409
Tomorrow is the Polar Plunge!! You can watch it all live streamed on our district Facebook page!! Thank you to all of our sponsors, without your support this would not have been successful!! #WeAre409
