Fort Larned USD 495

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Get ready for an amazing start to the 2024-25 school year! Whether you're returning or new to our district, we're excited to have you as part of our Ft. Larned family. Here, you'll find everything you need for a successful year, from school supply lists and important dates (including the first day of school!) to other key resources.

WHO WE ARE AND WHERE TO FIND US

Fort Larned USD 495 is dedicated to providing high-quality education from Pre-K through 12th grade. Our team of approximately 200 staff members is committed to guiding, teaching, and advocating for around 860 students. Our mission is clear: Committed to ALL students, by preparing them for ALL challenges, while supporting them at ALL times.

Our district covers 518 square miles and includes several attendance centers, such as Fort Larned Elementary School, Larned Middle School, and Larned High School. Additionally, USD 495 hosts the Tri-County Special Education Cooperative, extending special education services to neighboring school districts (Kinsley-Offerle and Pawnee Heights).

Contact Information:

• District Office: (620) 285-3185, located at 120 E 6th St., Larned, KS

• Fort Larned Elementary School: (620) 285-2141, located at 2104 Broadway Ave., Larned, KS

• Larned Middle School: (620) 285-8430, located at 904 Corse Ave., Larned, KS

• Larned High School: (620) 285-2151, located at 815 Corse Ave., Larned, KS

• Tri-County Special Services Cooperative: (620) 285-3119, located at 209 E 6th St., Larned, KS

• Transportation: (620) 285-8492, located at 521 Edwards St., Larned, KS

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

We can't wait to welcome your child to another successful school year! Visit our Student Online Registration Page on or after July 15, 2024, to get started with this process.

• Returning Students: Your child is considered a “returning student” if they completed the previous school year with USD 495. Once you’ve signed into Family Access, use the “Registration for Returning Student” button.

• New In-District Students: If your child did not end the 2024-25 school year with us, is attending for the first time (such as a PK or Kindergarten student), and lives inside USD 495 boundaries, they are considered a new student. In this case, click on “New Student Application” in Family Access to enroll your new student.

If you have any questions or issues during the registration process, please contact the USD 495 Tech Office at (620) 285-8451.

ATTENDANCE

The Kansas Compulsory School Attendance Law (KSA 72-3120) mandates that parents or guardians are responsible for ensuring that children between the ages of 7 and 18 attend school continuously unless they have attained a high school diploma or GED.

Parental involvement is essential for optimizing your child's educational experience. Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days, can significantly impact a student’s progress. For a typical 180-day school year, this means missing 18 or more days. This can sneak up on parents — students only need to miss about two days a month to be considered chronically absent.

We understand that life happens—whether it's dealing with health issues or family matters. If your family is facing obstacles or you just want to discuss your child's attendance, please reach out to their school principal. Together, we can work towards helping your child succeed and make the most of their education.

NEW: REPORT AN ABSENCE ONLINE

Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, parents or guardians will now be able to report their child's absence online! All you need to do is open your Ft. Larned mobile app (if you haven't downloaded this, we can't encourage you enough to do so!) or visit our Attendance Hub. Click on your child's school and fill out the form, which will be forwarded to their principal and school secretaries. While you're still welcome to call your child's office for absences, we're excited to offer this additional option for your convenience.

HOW TO CREATE AND MANAGE AN EFUNDS ACCOUNT

1. To make payments for book and student material fees, or school meal fees, follow these steps to set up and manage your eFunds account:

   • Create an Account:

     • Go to https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/56339

     • Click "Create an Account" and provide the requested information.

     • Click "Create Account".

   • Add Students:

     • Log into your eFunds account.

     • Click "Manage Account" in the left column.

     • Select "Manage Students".

     • Enter your student’s Last Name and Family ID.

     • Select "Add Student(s)" (Repeat to add additional students).

   • Add Payment Information:

     • Log into your eFunds account.

     • Click "Payment Settings" in the left column.

     • Select "Payment Methods".

     • Choose "New Credit Card" or "New Direct Debit" and enter the required information.

     • Read the Consent and select "Add" to save the payment information.

SCHOOL MEALS

We encourage all families to consider applying for free or reduced meals. It’s a simple process that can make a big difference in ensuring your child has access to nutritious meals every day! To apply, all you will need is:

• The name, school, and grade for your school-age children

• The name of all adults living in the home

• Income information for any person living in the home

If your family experiences financial hardship at any point during the school year, you can apply for free or reduced meals for your child(ren). These forms are available through your Family Access portal on Skyward. Receiving this assistance can help alleviate some of the financial stress and ensure your child receives healthy meals every day. For help with completing these forms, please contact Hannah Smith at the District Office at (620) 285-3185.

MEAL PRICES