New Teacher Alert: Meet Amanda Vanderharr!

We are excited to welcome Amanda Vanderharr to Holton Elementary and our incredible elementary teaching team!

Amanda brings a tremendous amount of experience, knowledge, and passion for supporting students. Throughout her career, she has worked across a variety of educational settings, helping students grow academically, socially, and emotionally while creating classrooms where students feel safe, encouraged, and capable of success.

One of Amanda’s greatest strengths is her belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. She is deeply committed to building inclusive learning environments where students can take risks, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

Amanda’s background includes extensive work in Early Childhood Special Education, autism support, behavior intervention, and multi-tier systems of support. Her experience gives her a unique ability to meet students where they are and provide the individualized support they need to thrive. She understands that student success comes from strong relationships, consistency, and high expectations paired with care and compassion.

She also values the importance of strong partnerships with families and the community. Amanda believes collaboration between school and home plays a critical role in helping students reach their full potential, and she is excited to build those relationships here in Holton.

We are grateful Amanda is joining our district and know she will make a meaningful impact on students, staff, and families alike.

Please join us in giving Amanda a warm Holton welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter with us!

Tiny Paws Daycare is now accepting a limited number of 2 1/2 year olds for the 2026/2027 school year. The daycare follows closely with the Holton USD 336 school year calendar.

If this fits your child’s age group and you'd like to learn more, please contact the district office at 785-364-3650 and ask for Karla Tanking or email her at k.tanking@holtonks.net for more information.

We’re celebrating the retirement of Kelli Thompson and the lasting impact she’s made across Holton USD 336.

Kelli has spent nearly her entire career serving our students—whether teaching and challenging learners at Colorado and Central Elementary, or helping care for and build a strong foundation for our youngest students in the Holton Elementary Preschool.

Across every role, her focus has been the same: helping students grow. She’s invested in their learning, their development, and their future, meeting them where they are and pushing them forward with care and intention.

That kind of consistency over a career leaves a mark—not just on individual students, but on an entire system.

Kelli, thank you for your dedication to our schools and the generations of students you’ve supported along the way. Your impact has been phenomenal! 

Enjoy the well earned time in retirement! 

Let’s give a round of applause to Sandy Allen for the impact she’s made supporting students at the high school!

Sandy has played an important role in helping students stay on track—providing the support they need to keep learning and growing. She’s built strong relationships by showing up consistently, listening, and making sure students know someone is in their corner. She’s also poured into students beyond the school day, helping lead a faith-based club that reflects her commitment to supporting the whole student.

At the same time, she’s never lowered the bar. Sandy balances care with accountability—holding firm boundaries while helping students take responsibility for their learning. That combination is what helps students move forward with confidence.

Sandy, thank you for the steady support, high expectations, and meaningful relationships you’ve built with our students. You’ve made a difference that matters.

Wishing you all the best in your retirement!

We’re celebrating the retirement of Eunice Klahr and the lasting impact she’s had on our students over the years.

Eunice has dedicated her career to helping students grow—first in special education and later in middle school math. Across both roles, she’s been unwavering in her belief that students can rise to meet high expectations. She’s pushed them to think, to take responsibility, and to keep going when things get difficult.

That focus on perseverance and accountability doesn’t just shape academic success—it builds character. And that’s where Eunice’s impact runs deep. She’s helped students see what they’re capable of, even when they weren’t sure themselves.

Eunice, thank you for the commitment, care, and high standards you’ve brought to your work every day. You’ve made a difference that will last well beyond the classroom.

Wishing you all the best in your retirement—you’ve earned it!