Linn County CARES to sponsor community open house

MOUND CITY – A fledgling organization in the Jayhawk USD 346 district is looking to make parents and students more aware of area services and resources that are available.

Christy Nickelson, a district resident, has been promoting a Linn County CARES (Community Action and Resources Education Services) to several area groups in the past few week.

Nickelson said that idea for Linn County CARES to conduct a community open house came about after a meeting with Jayhawk-Linn High School (JLHS) Principal Bob Beckham and Assistant Principal Kris Holt.

A Jayhawk district open house will take place at Jayhawk Elementary School (JES) and JLHS on Tuesday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The community open house will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the high school that evening as well.

“The objective of the event is to promote opportunities for children and families in our community,” Nickelson wrote in a flyer promoting the event. “We hope to build community and relationships by providing a space for parents and students to learn about the many positive opportunities and resources offered here in Linn County.”

Community organizations are invited to have a table set up for them in the JLHS commons area to provide information to parents and students about community services; to hand out brochures and business cards; to speak with parents and students about classes, assistance, services or resources they can provide; and to meet with parents, students, Jayhawk staff and other community members to build supportive relationships.

Those organizations wanting to participate in the Community Open House are asked to reserve their spot by Wednesday, Aug. 9, by calling Nickelson at (620) 215-2667. Those who want more information about the event and organization are also invited to call.

“We are excited to bring our community together as we begin this school year,” wrote Nickelson, who is a teacher for at-risk students for Prairie View USD 362. “We know it does ‘take a village to raise a child.’ We are extremely thankful for the ‘village’ our community provides.”

“Through Linn County CARES, we hope to extend the opportunities and kindness so abundant in our community to reach all of our students and families,” she added.