Please help us "Welcome" Kara Stanton!! Kara is also returning this year in a new role; she will be splitting the Title Role with Darci! We look forward to everything she is going to bring to this role and how much she will be able to help the children!
Hello! My name is Kara Stanton, and I am excited to begin this school year as the title teacher for our pre-K through third grade students. I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and I’m currently pursuing my bachelors degree in Human Services.
I’ve spent the past four years working as a paraprofessional with students ranging in age from 3 to 14. Last year, I was thrilled to become part of the Valley family when I joined the middle school as a paraprofessional. I’m excited to continue my journey at Northern Valley in this new role and help our youngest learners build confidence, strengthen their skills, and discover a love of learning.
When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me keeping up with my three “spicy chicken nuggets” (my kids!), who keep life busy, full of laughter, and always entertaining. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to make this a fun, successful, and memorable school year!
Hello! My name is Kara Stanton, and I am excited to begin this school year as the title teacher for our pre-K through third grade students. I have my Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and I’m currently pursuing my bachelors degree in Human Services.
I’ve spent the past four years working as a paraprofessional with students ranging in age from 3 to 14. Last year, I was thrilled to become part of the Valley family when I joined the middle school as a paraprofessional. I’m excited to continue my journey at Northern Valley in this new role and help our youngest learners build confidence, strengthen their skills, and discover a love of learning.
When I’m not at school, you’ll usually find me keeping up with my three “spicy chicken nuggets” (my kids!), who keep life busy, full of laughter, and always entertaining. I look forward to partnering with our students, families, and staff to make this a fun, successful, and memorable school year!
Help us "Welcome" Darci! Darci is actually returning this year, but she will be in the Title position this year! She works so well with the kids and will bring great things to the Title Position!!
My family and I have lived in the Valley for nearly ten years, and during that time, it has truly become our home. I love the close-knit atmosphere and the sense of safety and community that comes with small-town life.
My three children attend school here, participate in sports, and enjoy being part of the Valley community just as much as I do. As someone who grew up participating in athletics, I especially appreciate the way sports bring students, families, school employees, and community members together. I enjoy supporting our Valley athletes and being part of the strong sense of community that surrounds them.
After working as a paraeducator, I realized how much I enjoy working with children and helping them learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Teaching gives me the opportunity to pour my heart into work that has a clear purpose and can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. I have also come to appreciate how the staff at the school supports one another and feels more like a family than simply a group of coworkers.
I currently hold an associate degree in social work and am entering my junior year at Fort Hays State University, where I am pursuing a degree in elementary education. In the future, I hope to find a meaningful way to combine my background in social work with my career in education. I consider the opportunity to teach in the Valley a true blessing, and I intend to approach that opportunity with gratitude, dedication, and a commitment to serving the students, families, and community that I have grown to love.
My family and I have lived in the Valley for nearly ten years, and during that time, it has truly become our home. I love the close-knit atmosphere and the sense of safety and community that comes with small-town life.
My three children attend school here, participate in sports, and enjoy being part of the Valley community just as much as I do. As someone who grew up participating in athletics, I especially appreciate the way sports bring students, families, school employees, and community members together. I enjoy supporting our Valley athletes and being part of the strong sense of community that surrounds them.
After working as a paraeducator, I realized how much I enjoy working with children and helping them learn, grow, and overcome challenges. Teaching gives me the opportunity to pour my heart into work that has a clear purpose and can make a lasting difference in a child’s life. I have also come to appreciate how the staff at the school supports one another and feels more like a family than simply a group of coworkers.
I currently hold an associate degree in social work and am entering my junior year at Fort Hays State University, where I am pursuing a degree in elementary education. In the future, I hope to find a meaningful way to combine my background in social work with my career in education. I consider the opportunity to teach in the Valley a true blessing, and I intend to approach that opportunity with gratitude, dedication, and a commitment to serving the students, families, and community that I have grown to love.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and the Beyond the Match Foundation, ALL required school supplies will be provided for Northern Valley students this year! Families will only need to provide backpacks and water bottles. Preschoolers will also need a pillow/blanket and kindergartners will need a pillow.
Join us for a Back to School Night, to celebrate the success of the Beyond the Backpack Fundraiser, on Monday, August 10, from 6:00–8:00 PM at the Almena Community Building. This free, come-and-go event is open to all PreK–12 students and their families and will feature games, crafts, face painting, a photo booth, free snow cones from Verd Ice Cream Truck, Husky gear from The Ink Spot, community resources, and a special care package for every student!
Elementary students will see their school supplies during Meet the Teacher Night on Friday, August 14 from 4:30-6:30 PM, and middle/high school students will receive theirs on the first day of school, August 17.
A handout with additional details will be available during open enrollment on August 4th and 5th from 8AM-4PM. We can't wait to celebrate the start of another great school year with our Husky families! 🐾💚
Please note: Only Kiddos who are in all day pre-K will need pillows and blankets.
Coach Cole;
14 boys in the HS and JH joined the Husky Iron Club this summer, showing up at 7:00am for 80% or more of the total days. 8 weeks of hard work and dedication paid off during max out week! Looking forward to a great school year for weights, and HS powerlifting season in the spring.
Husky Iron Club picture above.
Not pictured: Colt Rogers and Thomas Thompson
14 boys in the HS and JH joined the Husky Iron Club this summer, showing up at 7:00am for 80% or more of the total days. 8 weeks of hard work and dedication paid off during max out week! Looking forward to a great school year for weights, and HS powerlifting season in the spring.
Husky Iron Club picture above.
Not pictured: Colt Rogers and Thomas Thompson
please enjoy a few more pictures of the hall of fame with us!
Can't wait to see everyone!
What a wonderful turn out for the new inductees to the Valley Hall of Fame
Both Jim Cole and Tammy Vincent were inducted on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by many friends and families of the Valley.
Both Jim Cole and Tammy Vincent were inducted on Sunday, July 26, 2026, surrounded by many friends and families of the Valley.
Northern Valley Schools is looking to hire a para-professional for the Long Island school. This is a four – day a week, nine-month position. Please find an application on the school website www.nvhuskies.org or stop by the district office. If you have any questions, please contact Marvin Gebhard (mgebhard@nvhuskies.org) or call (785) 669-2445.
🎒💚 Beyond the Backpack Update! 💚🎒
The Almena, Long Island, and Norton communities continue to AMAZE us! Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, families, and community members, we've already raised $4,325 toward our $8,000 goal for the Beyond the Backpack initiative!
Our goal is simple: to ensure every Northern Valley student starts the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.
Here's what your support will provide:
✅ FREE school supplies for every Northern Valley student.
✅ An unforgettable Back to School Night on Monday, August 10, where families can come together to celebrate the start of a new school year with fun activities, community connections, and more!
💚 Thank You to Our Community Partners!
We would like to recognize the businesses that have already invested in our students and school community :
• Nickell Concrete and Construction
• Mid America Bank
• Wesco Feed Transport
• Theraplay Learning Center
• All Creatures Vet Clinic
• Long Island Redi Mix
• The Ink Spot
• The Hut
• Edward Jones
• Shirk Dentistry
• Sierra Stabenow Massage
• A Step Ahead Adoption Services
THANK YOU to all of these businesses!!
📚 What Families Will Need to Provide
If we reach our fundraising goal, everything on the school supply list will be provided except:
🎒 Backpack
💧 Water Bottle
🛏️ Pillow (Pre-School & Kindergarten)
🛌 Blanket (Pre-School only)
That's it!
❤️ Want to Help?
If you've already budgeted for back-to-school shopping, or if you'd simply like to support Northern Valley students, we would be incredibly grateful for your donation. Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal and ensures every child starts the school year prepared and confident.
Ways to Give:
💚 Donate online:
https://givebutter.com/the-beyond-the-match-fund-tfgggy
💚 Venmo:
@beyond-the-match
📧 Questions?
valerie@astepaheadadoption.com
We're excited to share more details about our Back to School Night on August 10 in the coming weeks. We have some fun surprises planned and can't wait to celebrate with our school community!
Let's finish strong! Together, we're doing more than providing school supplies—we're investing in our students, supporting our families, and strengthening the Northern Valley community for years to come. 💚🎒
Valerie Marble
CEO | Adoption Consultant
A Step Ahead Adoption Services, LLC
Cell: 308.962.0104 (call/text)
Office Hours: Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM CST
The Almena, Long Island, and Norton communities continue to AMAZE us! Thanks to the incredible generosity of local businesses, families, and community members, we've already raised $4,325 toward our $8,000 goal for the Beyond the Backpack initiative!
Our goal is simple: to ensure every Northern Valley student starts the school year with the supplies they need to succeed.
Here's what your support will provide:
✅ FREE school supplies for every Northern Valley student.
✅ An unforgettable Back to School Night on Monday, August 10, where families can come together to celebrate the start of a new school year with fun activities, community connections, and more!
💚 Thank You to Our Community Partners!
We would like to recognize the businesses that have already invested in our students and school community :
• Nickell Concrete and Construction
• Mid America Bank
• Wesco Feed Transport
• Theraplay Learning Center
• All Creatures Vet Clinic
• Long Island Redi Mix
• The Ink Spot
• The Hut
• Edward Jones
• Shirk Dentistry
• Sierra Stabenow Massage
• A Step Ahead Adoption Services
THANK YOU to all of these businesses!!
📚 What Families Will Need to Provide
If we reach our fundraising goal, everything on the school supply list will be provided except:
🎒 Backpack
💧 Water Bottle
🛏️ Pillow (Pre-School & Kindergarten)
🛌 Blanket (Pre-School only)
That's it!
❤️ Want to Help?
If you've already budgeted for back-to-school shopping, or if you'd simply like to support Northern Valley students, we would be incredibly grateful for your donation. Every dollar helps us get closer to our goal and ensures every child starts the school year prepared and confident.
Ways to Give:
💚 Donate online:
https://givebutter.com/the-beyond-the-match-fund-tfgggy
💚 Venmo:
@beyond-the-match
📧 Questions?
valerie@astepaheadadoption.com
We're excited to share more details about our Back to School Night on August 10 in the coming weeks. We have some fun surprises planned and can't wait to celebrate with our school community!
Let's finish strong! Together, we're doing more than providing school supplies—we're investing in our students, supporting our families, and strengthening the Northern Valley community for years to come. 💚🎒
Valerie Marble
CEO | Adoption Consultant
A Step Ahead Adoption Services, LLC
Cell: 308.962.0104 (call/text)
Office Hours: Mon–Fri | 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM CST
Join us on Sunday July 26th @ 2:30PM at the gymnasium in Long Island for the Wall of Fame ceremony! We will be inducting Jim Cole and Tammy Vincent! We hope to see you there and help us celebrate these two wonderful people!
While we are so excited for school to start! We wanted to show you a bit of what was being done around here during the summer!
Hey All!!!
Its that time of year again.... School Enrollment is here!
August 4th and 5th from 8-4 in the high school!
Things To bring with you:
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Immunization Record
Any Medical Information
Money for enrollment
Sports Physicals if NOT done by the school
You can pre fill out all enrollment forms before you come @ https://www.nvhuskies.org/page/enroll-documents
Any questions please call 785-669-2445 Option 1
Its that time of year again.... School Enrollment is here!
August 4th and 5th from 8-4 in the high school!
Things To bring with you:
Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Immunization Record
Any Medical Information
Money for enrollment
Sports Physicals if NOT done by the school
You can pre fill out all enrollment forms before you come @ https://www.nvhuskies.org/page/enroll-documents
Any questions please call 785-669-2445 Option 1
2 Day show choir camp in Almena! Ages 3 through 6th grade, 1-5PM in the music room! RSVP to Mrs. Mordecai at 785-871-0501 or cmordecai@nvhuskies.org
Hello FFA members and those who want to be members! On August 15th @ 4PM we are having our first meeting of 2026-2027 and our back to school party! Mark your calendars to come and have some fun and see what we are planning for the year!
🎒 Exciting News for Northern Valley Families! 💚
We are excited to share a brand-new community initiative coming to Northern Valley this year!
Beyond the Backpack, hosted by Beyond the Match Foundation, is working to provide school supplies for Northern Valley students through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members.
📅 Mark your calendars for Monday, August 10!
Families are invited to join us for a fun Back-to-School Kickoff at the Almena Community Building from 6:00–8:00 PM. The evening will include:
🎒 School supply distribution
🎨 Face painting
📚 Story time
🖍️ Coloring station
🥤 Refreshments
🤝 Community resources
...and more!
If you're able, we encourage families to wait for additional information before purchasing school supplies. Our goal is to provide every Northern Valley student with the supplies they need to start the school year with confidence, and we'll share more details as the event approaches. This is the first year for Beyond the Backpack, and we are incredibly grateful to the Beyond the Match Foundation and the many businesses, organizations, and volunteers helping make this event possible. We hope it becomes a tradition that blesses Northern Valley families for years to come!
💚 Want to Help?
We're currently seeking community partners to help make this event a success! Whether you're a local business, organization, parent, grandparent, alumni, or community member, there are many ways to get involved:
• Sponsor the back to school night event
• Donate school supplies
• Make a monetary gift
📲 Donate online: https://givebutter.com/the-beyond-the-match-fund-tfgggy
📧 Interested in sponsoring or donating?
Contact Valerie Marble at valerie@astepaheadadoption.com
Together, we can help every Northern Valley student start the school year prepared, confident, and supported. 💚🐾
We are excited to share a brand-new community initiative coming to Northern Valley this year!
Beyond the Backpack, hosted by Beyond the Match Foundation, is working to provide school supplies for Northern Valley students through the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community members.
📅 Mark your calendars for Monday, August 10!
Families are invited to join us for a fun Back-to-School Kickoff at the Almena Community Building from 6:00–8:00 PM. The evening will include:
🎒 School supply distribution
🎨 Face painting
📚 Story time
🖍️ Coloring station
🥤 Refreshments
🤝 Community resources
...and more!
If you're able, we encourage families to wait for additional information before purchasing school supplies. Our goal is to provide every Northern Valley student with the supplies they need to start the school year with confidence, and we'll share more details as the event approaches. This is the first year for Beyond the Backpack, and we are incredibly grateful to the Beyond the Match Foundation and the many businesses, organizations, and volunteers helping make this event possible. We hope it becomes a tradition that blesses Northern Valley families for years to come!
💚 Want to Help?
We're currently seeking community partners to help make this event a success! Whether you're a local business, organization, parent, grandparent, alumni, or community member, there are many ways to get involved:
• Sponsor the back to school night event
• Donate school supplies
• Make a monetary gift
📲 Donate online: https://givebutter.com/the-beyond-the-match-fund-tfgggy
📧 Interested in sponsoring or donating?
Contact Valerie Marble at valerie@astepaheadadoption.com
Together, we can help every Northern Valley student start the school year prepared, confident, and supported. 💚🐾
A big shout out to the Norton Eagles Auxiliary #3288! They sent a generous donation that we were able to apply to several lunch balances!
Northern Valley schools is accepting applications for the 2026 – 27 school year for the Title position. We offer a competitive wage and the board will pay up to $450 / month toward a board approved health insurance plan. Please find an application on the school website www.nvhuskies.org or stop by the district office. If you have any questions, please contact Marvin Gebhard (mgebhard@nvhuskies.org), Ken Tharman (ktharman@nvhuskies.org), or call the district office (785) 669-2445.
Northern Valley Schools is looking to hire a full or part-time custodian for the Almena High School. We offer a competitive wage and the board will pay up to $450 / month toward a board approved health insurance plan. Please find an application on the school website www.nvhuskies.org or stop by the district office. If you have any questions, please contact Ken Tharman (ktharman@nvhuskies.org), or call the district office (785) 669-2445.
Week 3 - NVHS Boys Basketball Summer League
39 - 83 vs Scott City Beavers
#2 Colt Rogers - 2 TO
#3 Conner David - 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 TO
#13 Zane Brown - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 4 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 TO
#40 Malikiah Hitt - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 TO
SHOOTING - (14/26, 2PT) (3/20, 3PT) (2 fouled points)
47 - 63 vs Colby Eagles
#2 Colt Rogers - 1 assist
#3 Conner David - 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 TO
#13 Zane Brown - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks
#44 Malikiah Hitt - 1 point
SHOOTING - (14/25, 2PT) (2/11, 3 PT) (14 fouled points)
Coach Cole’s Comments;
We played the best two teams in the summer league in our final week of summer basketball. Scott City shot lights out the entire game and could’ve score 100 points if they wanted to. We did a better job of running man to man defense against them in the second half. Colby was a good game for us. We tried to run the floor and play fast on the offensive side, as Colby looked to slow it down. We have proven to shoot a high percentage around the rim during summer league, as this was an emphasis versus Colby. We would only attempt 11 threes this game. Overall, I was very pleased with how this group of boys played together for 6 summer games. I look forward to building on this during the next season.
39 - 83 vs Scott City Beavers
#2 Colt Rogers - 2 TO
#3 Conner David - 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 TO
#13 Zane Brown - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 4 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 2 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 4 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 blocks, 3 TO
#40 Malikiah Hitt - 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 TO
SHOOTING - (14/26, 2PT) (3/20, 3PT) (2 fouled points)
47 - 63 vs Colby Eagles
#2 Colt Rogers - 1 assist
#3 Conner David - 1 rebound, 4 assists, 2 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 TO
#13 Zane Brown - 13 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 11 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 10 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks
#44 Malikiah Hitt - 1 point
SHOOTING - (14/25, 2PT) (2/11, 3 PT) (14 fouled points)
Coach Cole’s Comments;
We played the best two teams in the summer league in our final week of summer basketball. Scott City shot lights out the entire game and could’ve score 100 points if they wanted to. We did a better job of running man to man defense against them in the second half. Colby was a good game for us. We tried to run the floor and play fast on the offensive side, as Colby looked to slow it down. We have proven to shoot a high percentage around the rim during summer league, as this was an emphasis versus Colby. We would only attempt 11 threes this game. Overall, I was very pleased with how this group of boys played together for 6 summer games. I look forward to building on this during the next season.
NVHS Boys Summer League Basketball
Week 2
47 - 61 vs Hoxie Indians
#2 - Colt Rogers - 1 assist
#3 Conner David - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
#13 Zane Brown - 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
#33 Griffin McKinney - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 TO
#40 Malikiah Hitt - 1 rebound, 1 TO
SHOOTING TOTAL (13/26, 2PT) (4/17, 3PT) (12 fouled points)
40 - 49 vs Oberlin Red Devils
#3 Conner David - 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
#13 Zane Brown - 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 TO
SHOOTING TOTAL (11/25, 2PT) (3/17, 3PT) (9 fouled points)
Coach Cole’s Comments;
The Husky boys played two great games on Thursday night in Colby for their second week of summer league. We ran our new motion offense well getting lots of touches in the paint which led to high percentage shots. The ball is not sticking on offense, and we are also getting open shots on the perimeter.
Hoxie gave us fits on the offensive glass. 4 out of the 5 of their players were taller than 6’ 2”, and we had trouble with that. It was a two point game at half, and one of their players hit multiple threes to extend their lead. We would only have 4 turnovers in the game.
Oberlin was a great game for us. The lead went back and forth the whole game, we got great looks at the rim, Griffin would go 6 for 6 in the first half, and we did a decent job playing our 1-3-1 defense. Oberlin would hit multiple three pointers to extend their lead as well, as they put it out of reach. It was a very physical game that got out of hand, and I was proud of how our guys kept a level head. All the boys are happy we have had close games so far in summer league. We won’t have any trouble competing against WKLL teams next year.
Next week is our last week, as we play Goodland and Colby, at 7:15 pm and 8:45 pm.
Week 2
47 - 61 vs Hoxie Indians
#2 - Colt Rogers - 1 assist
#3 Conner David - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 17 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
#13 Zane Brown - 18 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal
#33 Griffin McKinney - 10 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 TO
#40 Malikiah Hitt - 1 rebound, 1 TO
SHOOTING TOTAL (13/26, 2PT) (4/17, 3PT) (12 fouled points)
40 - 49 vs Oberlin Red Devils
#3 Conner David - 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 TO
#11 Tait Thalheim - 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
#13 Zane Brown - 12 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 4 TO
#24 Lucas Hansen - 1 rebound, 5 assists, 1 steal, 3 TO
#33 Griffin McKinney - 17 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 TO
SHOOTING TOTAL (11/25, 2PT) (3/17, 3PT) (9 fouled points)
Coach Cole’s Comments;
The Husky boys played two great games on Thursday night in Colby for their second week of summer league. We ran our new motion offense well getting lots of touches in the paint which led to high percentage shots. The ball is not sticking on offense, and we are also getting open shots on the perimeter.
Hoxie gave us fits on the offensive glass. 4 out of the 5 of their players were taller than 6’ 2”, and we had trouble with that. It was a two point game at half, and one of their players hit multiple threes to extend their lead. We would only have 4 turnovers in the game.
Oberlin was a great game for us. The lead went back and forth the whole game, we got great looks at the rim, Griffin would go 6 for 6 in the first half, and we did a decent job playing our 1-3-1 defense. Oberlin would hit multiple three pointers to extend their lead as well, as they put it out of reach. It was a very physical game that got out of hand, and I was proud of how our guys kept a level head. All the boys are happy we have had close games so far in summer league. We won’t have any trouble competing against WKLL teams next year.
Next week is our last week, as we play Goodland and Colby, at 7:15 pm and 8:45 pm.