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September NEWSLETTER | 2025 | |
Letter from the Director!
Fair season has come to a close, and just like that—we’re shifting into fall and back-to-school time! Here at the Kansas State Extension Office, we’re busy preparing for a new season of programming designed to support and enhance classroom learning.
This fall, we’ll be sharing a program “catalog” with our local school districts, showcasing the hands-on educational opportunities we can bring to the classroom. Whether it’s nutrition, agriculture, STEM, or leadership, we’re excited to partner with educators to enrich their lessons.
Baley is busy preparing for her upcoming Ag Day event, Jewell is gearing up for the new 4-H year, and Jennifer is collaborating with Shannon Snyder to launch the Matter of Balance program to support older adults. These are just a few of the exciting projects underway across the district!
As for me, I’m looking forward to getting back into classrooms to support teachers—especially with early-year reminders around healthy habits like handwashing and daily routines.
While fair season may be behind us, another busy (and rewarding) season is just beginning!
Warmly, Trisha Greene 21 Central District Director
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Back to School: Easing the Transition for a Successful Start
As school begins, families shift from summer fun to school-year structure. Preparing early can ease the transition and set your child up for success. Here are some helpful tips to support routines, academics, and well-being this school year:
Establish Healthy Routines
- Adjust Sleep Schedules Gradually
- Begin shifting bedtime and wake-up time by 10–15 minutes each night. This helps children ease into earlier mornings without feeling overtired on the first day.
- Start Mornings the Night Before
- Encourage kids to pick out clothes, pack backpacks, and prep lunches in the evening. It reduces stress and creates smoother mornings.
- Create a Family Calendar
- Keep a visible calendar to track school schedules, activities, and events. Involving children helps build responsibility and time management skills.
- Build a Calming Bedtime Routine
- Ease the day’s transition with a few quiet moments together—whether it’s reading a book, saying a prayer, or chatting about the best part of the day. This routine supports emotional connection and helps children wind down for restful sleep.
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Support Academic Success
- Open Communication with Teachers
- Reach out to teachers before school starts if you have any concerns or helpful information about your child. Strong school-family partnerships make a big difference.
- Manage Screen Time
- Reducing screen time in the weeks leading up to school helps improve attention span, focus, and sleep quality.
- Set a Homework Routine
- Establish a consistent time and place each day for homework—such as the kitchen table or counter while dinner is being prepared. A predictable routine before TV, games, or playtime helps children build focus and responsibility.
Promote Healthy Habits
- Pack Nutritious Lunches
- Involve your child in meal planning and packing. Choose a variety of healthy options and use insulated containers to keep foods safe.
- Prioritize Physical Activity
- Daily movement supports mood, focus, and physical health. Aim for active play or walks before or after school.
By easing into routines, supporting healthy habits, and prioritizing emotional wellness, you can help your child step confidently into the new school year. Here’s to a smooth and successful start!
by Trisha Greene – 21 Central District Director
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Simple Back-to-School Meals for Busy Evenings
As families return to school-year routines, dinnertime can feel rushed and stressful. A little planning goes a long way toward making evenings smoother—and tastier! Here are three easy meal ideas and prep tips to take the pressure off your evenings:
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Crock Pot Meal: Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
Place 2–3 chicken breasts in your slow cooker with a packet of taco seasoning and a jar of salsa. Cook on low for 6–8 hours. Shred the chicken and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings. Prep in the morning for a ready-to-eat meal when you walk in the door.
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Sheet Pan Meal: Sausage & Veggie Bake
Slice smoked sausage, bell peppers, and potatoes or sweet potatoes. Toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F for 30–35 minutes. Cut the veggies the night before to save time.
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Skillet Meal: Ground Beef & Rice Stir-Fry
Brown 1 lb. of ground beef with garlic and onion. Add 2 cups of cooked rice, a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, and ¼ cup of low-sodium soy sauce. Stir until heated through. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and a great way to use leftovers.
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Morning Prep, Easier Nights
Try setting the table, chopping vegetables, or laying out ingredients before leaving for the day. Even 10 minutes of prep in the morning can reduce stress in the evening.
Include the Kids
Getting kids involved can turn mealtime into a fun, hands-on learning experience. Younger children can help set the table or stir ingredients, while older ones can read recipes or measure. It’s a great way to build skills—and memories—together.
We are here to help simplify your meal planning, call Trisha at 620.659.2149 for more ideas or recommendations.
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Wheat Plot
Our district hosted a wheat variety plot tour and meal in Edwards County on May 23rd. If you didn’t make it, you missed out on good information and great food!
We have the plot’s harvest data available at the office for anyone who would like to compare how the 12 varieties did. Please stop in or call us at the office at 620.549.3502.
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Carcass Shows
Both of our counties' 4-H youth have the opportunity to participate in a carcass contest with both beef and swine species, after the county fairs.
This is a great educational event that allows the kids to see the final product of their project. We appreciate both host sites for working with us on these contests (Burkhart Meats – Kinsley KS, Ellinwood Packing – Ellinwood KS).
Something to keep in mind for next summer – many 4-Hers have whole, half, or quarters available for purchase, if you need to fill your freezers.
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Ag Day
Stafford County 4th graders will meet in September for the 3rd annual Ag Day. This program has been a HIT, and we love being able to teach kids more about the industry that surrounds them every day. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to see some cute pics of kiddos exploring the cabs of farm equipment!
School Programming
If you see or think of a cool educational school program you’d like to do in your classroom, don’t forget about me! I’d love to get more agriculture into our schools, and am open to new ideas! - Baley
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Attention Educators and Community Members! Discover empowering opportunities at K-State Research and Extension 21 Central District. We offer engaging programs, including 4-H, that promote curiosity and essential life skills. Let’s enhance your students’ or home life experiences together—reach out to us! - See Below | | | |
FAMILY & COMMUNITY WELLNESS NEWS AND DATES with Agent Jennifer Gleason
Sept 4: Judging State Fair Visual Arts
Sept 8-Oct 8: Matter of Balance Mon & Thurs 10 am, Stafford Rec Ctr
Sept 17: St John LIFE after school program
Sept 22-24: State FCS Academy
Oct 9: Stafford CORE Community Meal Planning with Freezer Meals
Oct 21-22: Extension Annual Conference - All Agents attend!
Nov 5: St John LIFE After School program
Nov 20 & 24: EDCO Thanksgiving Food Boxes
Stay tuned for more information about these programs or visit our FACEBOOK PAGE
| | Seniors Living Well: Simple ways to stay active, prevent falls, and keep your confidence. | | |
For many older adults, the fear of falling is a common concern, no matter their level of physical ability. This fear is not without reason. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and they can impact independence and quality of life.
Why the Fear is Real
Recognizing fear of falling as a natural response is the first step toward managing it. The goal is not to ignore the fear, but to use it as motivation to take steps that reduce risk and increase confidence.
Stay Active—Your Way
One of the most effective ways to prevent falls is to keep moving. Exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym—it can be dancing, gentle stretching, or even walking down the hallway with a walker. The key is to choose activities that fit your abilities and to keep them part of your routine.
Practical, Personal Solutions
Fall prevention often comes down to common-sense adjustments. This could include improving lighting, removing tripping hazards, wearing sturdy shoes, or using assistive devices. Everyone’s needs are different, and you know best what works for you.
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Speak Up for Safety
Being assertive about your needs is important. Whether that means asking a friend to walk with you, requesting a handrail be installed, or talking to your doctor about balance concerns, clear communication can help you stay safe.
Your Role in Prevention
Family, friends, and healthcare providers can support you, but ultimately, you are the one who takes the steps to protect yourself. Staying active, making your needs known, and making small changes at home can go a long way in preventing falls and in building confidence to keep enjoying life.
Quick Tips to Prevent Falls
- Keep pathways clear of clutter and cords.
- Ensure good lighting in all rooms and hallways.
- Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes.
- Use handrails and grab bars where needed.
- Stay physically active to maintain strength and balance.
- Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
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4-H Calendar & Update
JUNE
4-H Camp
- June 17-19th, we took 12 4-Hers to WildHorse Camp held at the Silver Maple Campgrounds in Kingman County.
- Our youth participated in a lot of fun camp activities such as, fishing, archery, kayaking, line dancing, hunting for dino fossils, swimming, crafts, and so much more!
- We had a blast and cannot wait to attend again next year!
JULY
County Fairs
Edwards County Theme: Welcome to Fair-a-dise at the Edwards County Fair 2025
- This year’s tropical paradise brought together nearly 60 4-H exhibitors with more than 800 entries and calling it a success is an understatement! The projects on display were incredible, and the fairgrounds were filled with energy and fun. A big highlight of the week was Tropical Takedown, our week-long game where each youth was assigned a target to “eliminate” with a water gun. It was all about strategy, sneaky moves, and plenty of tropical laughs! On top of that, we enjoyed crowd favorites like the Human Slot Machine, the Blender & Splatter Bike, and of course, the always-exciting Barnyard Olympics. We’re already counting down the days until we can do it all again next year!
- Check the fair Results
Stafford County Theme: Bue Jeans and Country Dreams 2025
- We had a week packed full of denim fun! The community joined in our Blue Jean Contest, showcasing creative sewing and craft projects made from denim. Our youth sported their favorite jeans and chased their country dreams during Western Spirit Day. The excitement didn’t stop there; our kids kept us on our toes by finding the medallion in record time each day! And of course, the always-popular Barnyard Olympics brought out the competitive spirit in youth, parents, and even the extension office team. With nearly 80 exhibitors and over 1,000 entries, this year’s fair was nothing short of a success!
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Check the fair Results
SEPTEMBER
State Fair
- This year, our district will be taking a total of 98 exhibits to the State Fair in Hutchinson. We have a broad range of projects going, some areas are Ag Mechanics, Woodworking, Fiber Arts, Foods & Nutrition, Photography, Sewing & Textiles, Vet Science, Visual Arts, Robotics, Rocketry, Electric & Renewable Energy, Building Block Engineering, and many more! We also have a total of 7 participating in the Fashion Revue Contest and 4 bringing livestock in poultry, beef, goat, and sheep.
- If you’re there, you may spot our 4-H Agent helping with the Vet Science & Woodworking judging or helping at the KSRE Booth and the Open Class Goat Show!
OCTOBER
National 4-H Week
- National 4-H Week is coming up October 5 -11th!
- Show your 4-H Pride this week for 4-H!
- Monday the 6th is “Go Green Day!”: Anything green goes - shirts, shoes, socks, etc.
- Thursday the 9th is “4-H For Good Day”: This is a day to recognize all the good our 4-H members and volunteers do throughout the year!
- Join us in celebrating our 4-Hers this week!
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Cucumber Salsa
This is a great recipe if you’re overrun with cucumbers. Adapt the ingredients to your tastes and heat preferences.
Ingredients
▢2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced
▢2 cups diced Roma tomatoes
▢1 cup diced red onions
▢⅔ cup chopped cilantro
▢2 jalapeño peppers diced
▢2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
▢6 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 large limes)
▢1 tablespoon olive oil
▢Kosher salt, to taste
▢Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss together to coat, taste, and season with more salt and black pepper as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to let all the flavors meld together.
Serve with tortilla chips or on tacos, lettuce wraps, salads, fish, or any dish that needs a hint of freshness and brightness.
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K-State Research and Extension - 21 Central District
This quarterly e-newsletter is intended to inform citizens of events, activities and research-based information from K-State Research and Extension Center - 21 Central District.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer. K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities, and programs accessible to all participants. If you have special requirements due to a physical, vision or hearing disability, please contact: Trisha Greene, Extension District Director, 620.659.2149
K State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county extension offices, experiment fields, area extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K State campus in Manhattan. For more information, visit www.ksre.ksu.edu
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