Soderstrom Elementary School

Dear USD 400 Families,

We are excited to welcome your students back for the first day of school on August 20, 2026!

Our teachers and staff have been hard at work preparing for what promises to be an outstanding school year, and we look forward to partnering with you to make it a successful one.

As you may already know, a new Kansas law (HB 2299) is now in effect. This law prohibits students from having or using cell phones and other personal communication devices, including tablets, smartwatches, personal computers, and wireless headphones during the school day, including during lunch.

While this change will require some new routines and expectations, our USD 400 team has been preparing to ensure a smooth transition. Below are a few important details that will help minimize confusion and support a successful implementation.

District Communication Platform

USD 400 has adopted ParentSquare as our official district communication platform. ParentSquare will replace all other communication applications used between staff and families, including platforms such as Text, Remind, Band, GroupMe, WhatsApp, and similar services.

You will receive an invitation by both email and text message to activate your ParentSquare account within the next week. Families with students attending multiple USD 400 schools may receive more than one invitation. You will only need to activate once. I have linked the Step by Step guide to assist you in the documents below once your link arrives from ParentSquare within the next week.

Cell Phone Expectations

If students choose to bring a personal communication device to school, the following expectations will apply:

• Grades 5–12: Devices must be powered off and stored in the student's locker or vehicle during the school day.

• PreK–4: Devices must be powered off and placed in a designated classroom storage area.

• These expectations are in effect from the beginning of the school day until dismissal.

Communicating During the School Day

If you need to contact your child during the school day, please call your child's school office:

• Soderstrom Elementary: 785-227-2945

• Smoky Valley Middle School: 785-227-4249

• Smoky Valley High School: 785-227-2929

If your child needs to contact you during the school day, they should notify their teacher or visit the school office during an appropriate time, such as a passing period.

Frequently Asked Question

HB 2299 does allow students to use their personal communication devices while riding the bus before school and after school, including when traveling to or from school activities. This portion of the law represents no change from our previous district practice.

We recognize that this new law represents a significant adjustment for students and families. We sincerely appreciate your partnership, patience, and support as we implement these new expectations. By working together, we can create an environment with fewer distractions, stronger student engagement, and an even greater focus on learning.

Thank you for entrusting us with your children. We are grateful to have your family as part of the USD 400 community and look forward to an incredible 2026–2027 school year.

To Better Education,

Quentin Breese, Superintendent of Schools

Due to the bitterly cold weather and hazardous road conditions, there will be NO SCHOOL and NO ACTIVITIES on Monday, January 26 for Smoky Valley High School, Smoky Valley Middle School, Soderstrom Elementary School and Marquette Preschool. Please stay warm and be safe!