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
#Welcome(back)ToTheValley Mr. Hoffman!
We're excited to announce that Trevor Whittaker will be the new Head Coach for Smoky Valley Wrestling! The former SV State Champ has continued his support of SV Wrestling since he graduated & we can't wait to see what he brings in this new capacity! #WelcomeToTheValley Trevor!
We're excited to announce that SV grad Adam Lackey will be continuing his work with SV Wrestling as the new Associate Head Coach! Adam has been involved in our local wrestling club & SV teams, and we're thrilled to have his passion & leadership! #WelcomeToTheValley Adam
A huge thank you to the SVMS Booster Club and all of the families who supported our fundraising efforts. Your generosity and support helped make this project possible. We can’t wait for everyone to see the transformation! #SVMS #SmokyValleyProud #CommunitySupport
We're excited to announce that Konrad Peterson will be Smoky Valley Middle School's Science Teacher! Konrad is a Lindsborg native & Smoky Valley grad and he'll be helping coach SVMS football!
"Hi there! My name is Konrad Peterson, and I’m thrilled to begin teaching 7th and 8th grade science at Smoky Valley Middle School!
I’m a 2019 SVHS graduate and earned my teaching degree from Kansas State in 2023. For the past three years, I’ve been teaching 7th grade science at Rock Creek.
My fiancé and I are super excited to move back to Lindsborg and settle down here. I can’t wait to build strong relationships with my students and make a positive impact at SVMS!" --Konrad Peterson
#WelcomeToTheValley Mr. Peterson!
We're excited to announce that Easton Burton will be Smoky Valley Middle School's Health and Physical Education teacher! Mr. Burton will also be helping coach football for SVHS!
"My name is Easton Burton, and I am thrilled to announce that I will be joining the school as a middle school physical education teacher. I recently graduated from Fort Hays State University, and I am grateful for the opportunity to begin my career here.
I am looking forward to becoming part of the community, building relationships with students and staff, and creating a positive and active learning environment. I’m eager to get started and contribute in any way I can." --Easton Burton
#WelcomeToTheValley Mr. Burton!
No afternoon Pre-K at Soderstrom and Marquette.
Bus routes will run routes at dismissal (1:15p).
SVHS sports will have shortened practices.
The SVMS 8th Grade Class Night has been postponed to 7pm Tuesday (5/19).
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!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SmokyValleyPublicSchoolsUSD400CommunitySurvey2025
Please note, the survey can only be taken once per device (laptop, tablet, etc.). Also, if you begin the survey and then exit before you have completed it, the system will not let you return later. All of your answers will be confidential.
ExcellenceK12 is also reaching out by phone, so if you receive a phone call from their (913) or (816) area code numbers, we'd appreciate 3-4 minutes of your time with the survey!
The survey will close on November 28.
