Valley Heights District Newsletter

Valley Heights USD 498 continues to stand out among league school districts with outstanding state assessment results that reflect the dedication of our students, staff, and community. Our district’s continued success has been recognized statewide through multiple Kansas Star Recognition Awards, celebrating excellence in student achievement and growth. These accomplishments are a direct reflection of the pride, purpose, and passion that define who we are as a district. Why Valley Heights? Because here, we believe in setting the bar high — and then working together to rise above it.

— Sean Spoonts, Superintendent

• Elementary was recognized as a National ESEA Distinguished School in 2023 for exceptional student performance and academic growth.
• The district also earned a designation as a National Blue Ribbon School.
• These recognitions indicate the district is doing more than baseline: it is striving for high levels of achievement and improvement.

2025 Star Recognition awards included the following:

• There were 40 districts/systems recognized in the social-emotional growth outcomes area: 9 silvers, 11 bronzes and 20 coppers in 2025. Valley Heights Copper Award

• There were 26 districts/systems recognized in the kindergarten readiness outcome area: 3 silvers, 20 bronzes and 3 coppers in 2025. Valley Heights Copper Award

• There were 28 districts/systems recognized in the civic engagement outcome area: 4 golds, 2 silvers, 13 bronzes and 9 coppers in 2025. Valley Heights Copper Award

• There were 48 districts/systems recognized in the individual plan of study (IPS) outcome area: 23 coppers, 20 bronzes, four silvers and one gold for 2024.

• There were 148 districts/systems recognized in the high school graduation outcome area: 76 golds, 28 silvers, 38 bronzes and 6 coppers in 2025.

• There were 140 districts/systems recognized in the academically prepared for postsecondary outcome area: 2 golds, 21 silvers, 42 bronzes and 75 coppers in 2025. Valley Heights Silver Award Valley Heights Silver Award

• There were 140 districts/systems recognized in the postsecondary success outcome area: 10 golds, 36 silvers, 42 bronzes and 52 coppers.

• The district acknowledges socioeconomic challenges (poverty levels, etc) and has responded with supports: a family advocate, mobile resource center, social/emotional supports.
• The district secured a sizeable grant ($390k) for safety and security enhancements-modern key-fob access, protective barriers, improved signage, etc.
• Community integration is strong: The district serves the communities of Blue Rapids and Waterville (and surrounding areas) emphasizes "Two Towns, One Community"

Why this matters for our kids:

• This ties into our value of connections-kids are not just bodies in classrooms, but part of a community.

💬 Early Learning at Valley Heights! 🎒✨
✅ Half-day preschool – only $40/month
✅ Free after-school program
✅ Free summer camp for enrolled elementary students

At Valley Heights, every child starts strong and stays engaged all year long! 🌟
📞 Call your school office for details!

#EarlyLearning #MustangStrong #ValleyHeightsPride

Willson Fund Community Impact

For decades, the Willson Fund has supported programs and facilities that enrich the lives of Valley Heights students and strengthen the community of Waterville. Investments have included long-standing support for (Waterville) youth swimming lessons, summer recreation programs, and athletic facilities; contributions to vital safety and emergency services training; and enhancements to community parks, ball fields, theatre and arts programs, historical preservation, and public spaces. From educational opportunities and wellness programming to major capital improvements such as Opera House renovations and local recreation facilities, the Willson Fund continues to play a key role in fostering student growth, community engagement, and quality of life across the district. The Willson Fund also helps the school district operate the Pre-School in order to have affordable pre-school for our patrons.

Key Highlights

✅ Youth Recreation & Swimming

• Annual swimming lesson funding, pool staffing & equipment

• Support for summer recreation & youth sports programs

✅ Community Safety & Training

• EMT and emergency responder training and materials

• Fire prevention and student safety programs

✅ Parks, Athletics & Facilities

• Major investments in ball field fencing, equipment & lighting

• Support for golf course upkeep and improvements

✅ Arts, Culture & Education

• Theatre enhancements & live performances

• Community speakers, student workshops & local history preservation

✅ Community Capital Projects

• Opera House accessibility upgrades

✅ Student Enrichment

• Dance, gymnastics, football, and motivational programs

• Parents As Teachers & preschool safety activities

• Outstanding Arts and athletic programs.
• Being a smaller district doesn't mean fewer opportunities: in fact, in many rural districts students often have more chances to participate in a variety of activities.

✅ Competitive athletics for 7-12 grade levels
✅ Clubs, arts, and extracurriculars for every interest
✅ Opportunities to build teamwork, leadership, and confidence

At Valley Heights, students shine on the field, on the stage, and in the classroom! 🌟

Valley Heights Volleyball has had an incredible four year State Volleyball run with back to back 2nd place finishes at 2A state.

Valley Heights was well represented at the State XC meet this year!!

Kebeb Zimmerman- 17:28 (22)
Langston Gray- 18:02 (33)
Tyler Holmes- 18:11 (34)

Emma Warders- 23:18 (76)
Lindsay Gray- 23:51 (86)

Also a HUGE shout out to all the VH community that came out to support our athletes!!

We established three primary areas of focus: Passion, Purpose, and Connections.

In our efforts to strengthen community and business connections, we have:
- Conducted in-service visits to local businesses as a gesture of appreciation.
- Toured Titan Manufacturing and the Weaver Hotel last year, and toured GP and Sharp Manufacturing in Blue Rapids

To enhance our connections further, we:
- Engaged with the Rotary Club monthly, rotating between our buildings.
- Increased communication through district and building-level newsletters.

In our schools, driven by purpose and passion, we achieved:

- Receiving the National Blue Ribbon Award and ESEA Distinguished Award for the second time, with the support of Rotary for the Waterville sign and Blue Rapids Community Action for the Blue Rapids Sign.
- Applied for Kansas Star Recognition in Social Emotional, Civic Engagement, and Kindergarten Readiness areas.

USD 498 State assessment results were outstanding across most categories, reflecting the hard work of our staff, parents, and students. Great job to everyone involved!

Our district will focus more deeply on data and instructional strategies as part of our KESA (Kansas Education Systems Accreditation) efforts.

Regarding facilities, we are working with Anderson Knight Architects on long-term planning and capital improvements, addressing critical areas like roofs, track, HVAC, and lighting.

Our district is focusing on capital improvements and establishing a long-term capital outlay plan, particularly regarding deferred maintenance. Immediate needs were prioritized, with roofing and lighting at the forefront of the initiatives.

Our district has applied for the SVPP Grant for school safety, which, if awarded, will provide $392K in funding, matched by $98k from the district. This will enhance our security systems, including cameras, intercoms, signage, outdoor security, the E3 app, and key fobs for all entrances and teacher doors.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication to our district's success.

Sincerely

Sean Spoonts Superintendent

Email: sspoonts@valleyheights.org
Website: https://www.valleyheights.org
Location: 2274 6th Road, Blue Rapids, KS, USA
Phone: 785-363-2398
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vhusd498/
Twitter: @usd498