Guthridge Vikings Update
Week #9 October 19th, 2026
Principal's Perspectives
Welcome to Week #9, Guthridge Vikings!
October: Bullying Awareness and Prevention
September was Kindness Month at Guthridge, and October is Bullying Awareness and Prevention Month. Throughout October, during our Good Morning Guthridge assembly, I will share practical tips and strategies to help students and staff recognize bullying behaviors and understand how to respond appropriately.
Our consistent message this month will be simple but important: “If you see something, say something.” We want every Guthridge Viking to understand the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, standing up for others, and reporting concerns to a trusted adult. Together, we can continue building a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for everyone.
Celebrating Attendance at Guthridge
We also continue to recognize students who demonstrate excellent attendance. Each Friday, we select 10 students with perfect attendance for the week by spinning our Perfect Attendance Wheel. On October 1, we celebrated an impressive 67 Guthridge students who achieved perfect attendance for the entire month of September! Congratulations to these students for their commitment to being at school and ready to learn.
Regular attendance gives students more opportunities to learn, participate, build relationships, and make academic progress. We appreciate our families' continued support in helping students arrive at school on time, prepared, and ready to learn.
Use Your Time Wisely: Hard Work Pays Off!
Another important focus this year is our reminder: “This is a school… learn now or learn later.”
Our first nine weeks will conclude on October 23, and we continue to remind students that time is valuable. When assignments begin to pile up, it can become increasingly difficult to catch up as the grading period comes to an end.
One of the most important messages I have shared with our students is the value of using their time wisely. Most Guthridge classrooms do not assign homework, making it especially important for students to take advantage of the learning time provided during the school day. Staying focused, participating in lessons, completing assignments, and asking for help when needed all contribute to student success.
I have encouraged our students to think about where they stand academically and take responsibility for their progress. If they are falling behind, now is the time to make a commitment to getting caught up. Waiting much longer, will make it nearly impossible to get caught up before grade cards are sent home.
Our goal is for every student to understand that the choices they make each day matter. Consistent effort, personal responsibility, and a positive attitude can make a tremendous difference.
Use your time wisely, work hard, and take pride in your progress!
A Great Start to the School Year
Our Guthridge staff continues to work hard each day to provide a caring, supportive, and engaging learning environment for every student. We are proud of the positive start to our school year and appreciate the energy, effort, and enthusiasm our students bring to school each day.
We are equally grateful for the partnership of our Guthridge families. Your encouragement, support, and communication play an important role in helping our students succeed. When school and home work together, our students benefit.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions, concerns, or compliments. I value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you throughout the year.
Thank you for choosing Guthridge Elementary and for trusting us with your children each day. We look forward to continuing to make this a successful and memorable school year for every Guthridge Viking!
Kurt Friess
Principal, Guthridge Elementary
Hard Work Pays Off… Go VIKES!
Parsons Grade Schools PTO
Our PTO gives parents and teachers the opportunity to work together to enrich the learning environment for the students in our district. Our PTO strives to raise funds to benefit our teachers, staff, and students. PTO invites you to join them at their monthly meetings at Parsons Public Library. Visit PTO's facebook page to stay up to do date about what they're doing for Parsons Elementary Schools. The next PTO meeting is Wednesday September 23rd @ the Parsons Public LIbrary. Our September meeting will be on the 23rd.
https://www.facebook.com/p/Parsons-Grade-Schools-PTO-100067962195371/
Please follow us on Facebook & TWITTER
Email: kurtfriess@vikingnet.net
Website: http://guthridge.usd503.org/
Location: 1020 S. 31st Parsons Ks
Phone: (620) 421-6800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GuthridgeSchoolParsonsKS
Twitter: @guthridgeviking