high school Archives - One Delightful Life

Disclosure: Visit Greesnburg sponsored this post. However, all opinions and photographs are my own.

Greensburg isn’t just another small Kansas town on the map. Far from it. It’s a community made up of residents who care for one another. It was their resilience that rebuilt the town after an EF-5 tornado demolished 95% of Greensburg on May 4, 2007.

Today, the town is a flourishing community consisting of tourism-worthy attractions, shopping, and dining. It’s time you visit Greensburg.

Located in Kiowa County, less than a two hours drive from Wichita, Greensburg is a small town reimagined. Rebuilt with sustainability in mind, many of its homes and buildings put the “green” in Greensburg thanks to water-saving features, alternative energy, and earth-friendly design.

I found the town to be a charming place to spend an overnight trip. My first stop? One of 8 Wonders of Kansas!

DAY 1

THE BIG WELL MUSEUM & VISITORS CENTER

The Big Well Museum & Visitors Center (315 S. Sycamore St.) World’s Largest Hand-Dug Well is a must-see attraction to add to your travel bucket list. I was amazed by its impressive size. Down, down, down…109 feet! Visitors have the option of walking down into the well along a sturdy staircase to get a closer look. Three million visitors visit one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas to descend into its depths and/or toss a penny to the bottom.

Just as I was contemplating if I wanted to venture down into the well, a busload of gleeful school children arrived and eagerly walked to the bottom. I’m scared of enclosed spaces and heights, so I chose to stay on the ground floor. The American Water Landmark is truly a sight, and even if you don’t want to walk down into it, seeing it first-hand is worthwhile.

If you visit The Big Well Museum, you can also learn more about the town’s history pre and post-EF5 tornado that changed the lives of residents. A historical timeline telling the story of the night the tornado struck and the events afterward surrounds the space. Visual displays, artifacts, and video testimonials give context. During my visit, I met residents who spoke of “before and after the tornado.” The visitor’s center is the best place to start your exploration of Greensburg to truly understand the gravity of that night in 2007.

Another fact worth noting about the museum is that it is the home of the largest pallasite on display, the Space Wanderer, weighing 100o pounds. The meteorite is from the same shower as another meteorite found in the same area in 2005.

The grounds of the museum include a playground area for kids and free bikes you can borrow to tour the town. The Fleener Family Memorial on display outdoors honors those who perished from the tornado.

PRO TIP: Before visiting the museum, view its hours and admission rates here. If you’re driving an electric vehicle, you can recharge its battery at one of several charging stations in the parking lot.

EXPLORING GREENSBURG BY BIKE

I used one of the museum’s free bikes to explore Greensburg and several of the notable 15 stops listed on the Green Tour map (available inside the museum or you can download the app).

Stop 4 on the tour gave me pause. All that remains of a church that once stood there and later housed Fran’s Antiques Shops is a set of stairs. Red bricks, stairs, and a small pile of rubble.

At this moment, I realized the enormity of the tornado’s devastation. The majority of the town consists of new homes and buildings, but during the self-guided tour, you will notice a few old homes remain.

Other stops worth noting on the bike tour included Starlight Public Art Park and Main Street in the downtown corridor. The park is home to one-of-a-kind sculptures. Nearby native plants and Russian Sage decorate Main Street in concrete planters watered by rainwater captured in underground cisterns.

Visit the park at night to see “The Beacon” illuminated. The cylindrical sculpture commemorates the 10th anniversary of the Greensburg tornado. Read the quote on it.

TWILIGHT THEATRE & COMMUNITY AUDITORIUM

You’ve never seen a theatre like the Twilight Theatre & Community Auditorium (200 S. Main St.). It is the largest one-screen movie theatre with Dolby 7 sound between Wichita and Denver.

George, the theatre’s super friendly manager welcomed me just as he does all theatre guests with a “Hello! How are you today?” As we chatted about the theatre’s features (400 seats!), the sound of popcorn popping and kids begging for candy could be heard.

Locals told me that the theatre’s Monster Mushroom Popcorn was delicious. George graciously gave me a bag of popcorn to try. No words can describe how scrumptious and dangerously addictive it tastes.

As I sat enjoying my popcorn in the lobby on a couch flanked by framed movie posters, I watched as residents greeted one another in the lobby. From the refreshment counter, they shuttled kids into the theater for a showing of Jurassic World Domination.

The summer matinee was a popular choice. When not screening films. the theatre is used by the high school and area groups as a performing arts space.

PRO TIP: View the theatre’s hours and event schedule prior to visiting.

LUNCH AT KOOK’S MEAT & DELI

Kook’s Meat (115 W. Kansas Ave.) is where the locals go once, sometimes twice a day to drink coffee and enjoy a delicious meal with friends. Part butcher shop, part deli, Kook’s serves heaping plates of meaty sandwiches and burgers. I ordered the Patty Melt with a trip to the salad bar for lunch.

Open six days a week for dine-in or drive-up orders, the restaurant is a local favorite. They show up for a hearty meal or select steaks or sausage from the refrigerated case to grill at home.

The conversation is free. But if you drop a swear word, expect to deposit money into the Swear Jar. Oh, and be mindful of where you sit. Some seating is reserved for first-responders and diehard diners. Expect the second wave of locals to arrive for a fresh pot of coffee at 2 pm.

PRO TIP: You need to leave room for dessert. Kook’s is where I rediscovered my love of pie. Regina knows how to make them better than anyone. She had me taste one of each pie and cake in the refrigerated case! They tasted divine.

ONE-OF-A-KIND SHOPPING

Starla’s Stitch & Frame (122 S. Main Street) offers shoppers custom-made framing to beautify their photos and artwork. The opposite side of the retail shop caters to stitchers in search of embroidery supplies and finished pieces to use as wall art. People drive from miles around to stock up on supplies or get artwork framed.

Where’d Find That Antiques (148 S. Main) isn’t your typical antique shop. It’s organized by theme, clean, and the inventory includes treasures you won’t find elsewhere. Voted by Best Things Kansas as one of the top six antique stores in the Sunflower State, it’s worthy of a visit when shopping for collectibles. The owners are delightful and eager to help you find what you’re looking for.

Catherine’s Massage & Bodywork (101 S. Main, Suite 206) instantly transports you to a place of zen. The owner, a certified kinesiologist and massage therapist, welcomes customers who need to learn about how to improve their health. The retail space carries an abundance of personal care products, jewelry, and gift items. Don’t forget to check out the clearance shelf for marked-down deals.

Turquoise Ranch Boutique (300 W. Kansas) is one-stop shopping for “clothing and more in a western decor.” The latest in apparel with vintage, Texas-inspired style. Dresses, boots, jewelry, animal print shoes, you name it, you’ll find it. Aside from women’s clothing, the store carries a selection of menswear and kids clothing. Cowboy up!

PRO TIP: Plan your visit when the majority of downtown shops are open Thursday-Saturday. Check each of the links above. I can’t wait to return to visit a few stores that were closed including The Class Room.

5.4.7 ARTS CENTER

The building’s exterior caught my eye when I drove into town. 5.4.7. Arts Center (204 W. Wisconsin Ave.), a gallery and fine arts center, is a work of art itself. It was designed by University of Kansas architecture students using sustainable materials giving it LEED platinum status.

Inside, visitors can peruse the gallery’s artwork at no charge, however, donations are gladly accepted. During my visit, I fell in love with the work of Kansas artist/farmer Andi Burnum. Her collage art made of tiny strips of magazine pages spoke to my love of both mediums. Her illustrations of cows and dogs living their best life made me chuckle.

PRO TIP: Inquire about art classes and workshops designed for all ages.

MULLINVILLE

My trip host drove me to Mullinville, Kansas (10 miles west of Greensburg) on a mission to show off two roadside attractions that more visitors need to see. As the car approached the last corner of town off Highway 400, I saw it, or should I say, all of it.

MT Liggett Art Environment (119 N. Elm) preserves the work of the Kansas folk artist, MT Liggett, who worked with metal to craft sculptures on his 70 acres of farm property.

After my indoor gallery tour, I headed outside to walk the property and back buildings. The contents were left untouched since his death in 2017.

The man collected 6,000+ coffee cups! Why? No reason. His work glove still sits on the ground near the building’s entrance. Welding tools, an old fan, and racks with splattered paint block the entrance. You simply have to walk the property and see his artwork.

Liggett’s artwork has to be seen in person to appreciate it. Like the artist, it is unique, bold, and strikingly curious.

PRO TIP: Create your own eccentric artwork using the supplies from the Make Your Own Sculpture box in the gallery. Perhaps a heart-themed piece?

FROMME-BIRNEY BARN (3.5 miles South, 1 3/4 miles west of Mullinville) is a roadside gem. People seem to have an affinity for historic round barns, so they travel from miles around to see this one and sign the guestbook. It’s an 8 Wonder of Kansas Architecture for good reason.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the barn was built in 1912 and stands 50’ tall and 70’ in diameter. The structure has fourteen hours stalls on a perimeter. The Fromme family were homesteaders who farmed the land and owned prize-winning horses.

Restored in 1995, people often reserve it to use for weddings and gatherings. I recommend walking upstairs for an awe-inspiring look at the incredible craftsmanship of the barn’s rooftop.

PRO TIP: Visitors can tour the barn for free. Go during the day as outdoor lighting is limited.

LODGING ACCOMMODATIONS

I was ready to check into my hotel and take a short break before enjoying evening activities in town. The Best Western Plus Night Watchman Inn & Suites (515 W. Kansas Ave.) is a highly-rated hotel that provides the relaxing amenities travels need.

You can expect comfortable beds, an indoor pool and hot tub, a fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast, and free Wi-Fi with access to a business workspace. The price per night seems reasonable given the amenities.

PRO TIP: Check-in is 3:00pm, check-out is 11:00am.

KIOWA COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM & SODA FOUNTAIN

For me, the best way to truly understand a town and the people who founded it is to visit a historical museum. The Kiowa Historical Museum houses local artifacts, timelines, and video displays. Carve out at least 30 minutes or more to experience it.

A small town’s pride is undeniable. It’s rare that you get to see it on permanent display, so I appreciate museums that include relics from the past that pay homage to school spirit. I imagine it wasn’t easy to curate items for the display after the tornado destroyed the town, but they managed to assemble a respectable collection.

Be sure to visit the restored Hunter Drug soda fountain near the museum’s entrance. It’s a great place to order a tasty Vanilla Coke or banana split. I nestled into a sunlit booth and enjoyed the view of the outdoor pond and landscaping. If traveling with kids, the outdoor area is a nice tucked-away spot to watch koi fish swimming in the pond.

PRO TIP: Feeling super hungry and perhaps a little adventurous? Tell them you want to try the EF5 Challenge ($40). If you can eat 15 scoops of ice cream and 10 toppings in 30 minutes, you get your photo on the Wall of Fame.

KIOWA COUNTY LIBRARY

The Kiowa County Library (320 S. Main) is only a few steps from the soda fountain. I found it a delightful place to relax and stay cool from the summer heat while perusing books and magazines. I appreciated the handcrafted diorama of Fromme-Birney Round Barn and the historical photographs on display at the library’s entrance.

PRO TIP: A table near the entrance houses new non-fiction books and a good-sized area of the library is devoted to children’s books. Ask about upcoming events designed for kids like the weekly craft session and reading programs.

CRAZY MULE RESTAURANT

Where do you go when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal? Crazy Mule Restaurant (106 Kansas Ave.) serves Kansas classics like beef noodles over potatoes and steak dinners. I chose the Country Fried Steak with a trip to the salad bar for my dinner meal with a towering glass of ice tea. Other options on the menu range from burgers and sandwiches to pork chops and brisket. Dining for breakfast? They serve it all day.

The restaurant is furnished with farm-themed decor. Guests enter under a massive metal windmill covered in lights and framed prints of horses cover the walls. Country music plays in the background. Light fixtures made of minnow buckets and tractor sets hang overhead.

PRO TIP: Check the restaurant’s Facebook page for the daily buffet special.

DAY 2

After a grab-and-go breakfast at the hotel, I checked out of the hotel ready for more adventures. My travel host arranged for us to have a personalized tour of USD 422’s school building. Why? It isn’t your typical school building.

KIOWA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

The residents of Greenwich had to build a new school after the tornado destroyed a majority of the town. USD 422 is the first LEED Platinum K-12 school facility in the United States, a recognition that is well-deserved because of thoughtful planning and design by Kansas City-based architects.

One step inside of the building and you immediately realize its design is unlike any school building you’ve seen before. Reclaimed from Southeast Kansas barns adorn the walls to absorb sound. Natural light floods into every hallway, gymnasium, and classroom. In 2013, they added a new addition to the school outfitted with a limestone exterior and cypress wood salvaged from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Designed to be a Smart building, the HVAC system is state-of-the-art. Each classroom pulls in its own fresh air, which is recirculated outside. Underground geothermal wells maximize energy consumption. The same wells provide renewable energy to many of the town’s community buildings.

Lockers made from recycled plastic line the hallways for the students in the upper grades. School children sit in classrooms outfitted with top-notch technology looking out of windows to landscape spaces. Outdoors, rainwater is collected on the rooftop and stored in four cisterns. Drought-resistant native grasses dot the open spaces.

If you get the opportunity to tour the home of the Mavericks, I recommend you do so. It’s an interesting tour showcasing how designing for sustainability and longevity is possible.

PRO TIP: Take a few minutes to stand in front of the framed panoramic photograph adjacent to the school’s common area. It shows the devastation of the town and serves as a reminder of the community’s resilience.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

City parks beautify the town in several locations. In town, families make use of modern playground equipment and picnic tables when spending a day outdoors. If you like to play disc golf, Davis Park (600 E. Kansas) is the play to ring chains. The park also has two picnic shelters, plenty of shade, playground equipment, and RV electric hookups.

Greensburg’s city pool is where locals and visitors can cool off from the sun’s rays. Admission is $2 per person per day. For its size, the pool impresses with slides for big kids and water features young kids will appreciate.

PRO TIP: Check the pool’s Facebook page to look for upcoming events like Night Swim or Pooch Plunge.

CANNONBALL BAR & GRILL

My tour of Greensburg was coming to an end, but not before I dined at Cannonball Bar & Grill (801 E. Kansas Ave.). The parking lot was active and locals were walking in the door when I arrived for lunch. People waited for to-go orders.

Seated at a booth with a window view, the waitress told me Chicken Fried Chicken Sandwich with Sidewinder Fries was the special of the day. I ate every bite. I was tempted to order a scratch-made slice of pie from the reach-in refrigerator, but I was too full from the hearty lunch plate. My advice? Split a meal and order the dessert.

PRO TIP: The restaurant is closed Sunday-Tuesday. View the restaurant’s hours here. If the neon Open sign is blinking, go on in. Local bands, a pool table, and a jumping jukebox make Cannonball an entertaining place to go on a Friday or Saturday night.

Greensburg is a town that will surprise you. The community’s sheer determination to rebuild itself as a thriving community and now tourism destination is impressive. I encourage you to book an overnight stay or take a day trip from Wichita to experience its attractions first-hand.

When you’re a new educator, veteran teachers will tell you “don’t smile until Christmas.” That’s just crazy talk.

Some days a smile will come naturally as you greet your students as they enter your classroom door. Some days you force a smile when you don’t feel like it so your students don’t think you’ve boarded the crazy train. And other days you won’t smile hardly or at all. The Back To School Teacher Survival Kit is a list of must-have items that you must pack before your first in-service day back. I’m not talking about stashing away bits of chocolate somewhere in your desk. (Oh, you’re going to appreciate those too, which is why chocolate made the list.) I’m talking about items you will need to get you through school days that seem to last forever that include parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings scheduled during your planning period.

Clearly, there is a reason why I think I need to write this post. When I was a new high school teacher I didn’t realize I needed a Back to School Teacher Survival Kit. After teaching seven years in public school, I can assure you that you need to stock up on the following list items to arm yourself for school so that you don’t want to quit before Christmas. Print this list and start hoarding away these items now.

Cough drops. These babies come in handy when you’re talking all day, every day. Yes, some of your lessons allow you to take a minor break from talking but overall your throat is going to feel scratchy and raw. Warning: Don’t pass cough drops out to ailing students even when they beg for them. It’s considered a “medicine” by important school authority people.
Tea bags. Why? See reasons noted in #1. You can make tea in hurry during your passing period, a much faster option than coffee, if you run down to the break room. Passing period time is precious so use these minutes wisely.
Gum. Remember that teacher from your school days who leaned in to help you at your desk with atrocious breath? Don’t be that teacher. Plus, chewing gum is proven to help your productivity.
Deodorant. It’s embarrassing to teach with pit stains just because the school’s air conditioning isn’t working or you’re just having a stressful day. Kids will talk about your pit stains. If you’re a choir teacher or the kind of teacher who speaks using their hands, this item is an essential one.
Coffee. If you don’t drink coffee, think of some other caffeinated drink you prefer because you’re going to need a pick me up after the lunch hour when you, like your students, start to feel like a nap. Plug in a Keurig or another coffeemaker with a self-starting brew timer. Set it to start up just before your planning period. The kids might say the room smells like coffee. Well, at least it doesn’t smell like freshmen body odor, right? Truth.
Snacks. Granola bars, apples, boxes of raisins, bananas, applesauce cups are snacks that can be eaten in a rush between classes. If you don’t care about your diet, stash snack size chocolate bars in your desk cubby or drawer. No one likes to learn from a hangry teacher. (These snacks are also smart to have on hand when a student admits that they didn’t eat anything for breakfast or lunch. Sometimes they won’t admit it. It’s just obvious they’re hungry.)
A second pair of comfortable shoes. Coaching after school? Wearing brand new dress shoes the first day back after summer? You’re going to want a comfortable backup pair hidden under your desk.
Room deodorizing spray or a wax melt burner. When your class comes back from recess or gym class, you’ll thank me. (Note: I never sprayed room-deodorizing spray in front of my class because it is distracting and the kids begin commenting it. Just spray a bit before they enter when you hear the bell ring.)
Paper plates and plastic cutlery. If you pack your lunch and forget your fork or your yearbook class is hosting a deadline work night with food after school, you’ve got what you need on hand.
Jacket. The air conditioning and heater at your school is just there to torment you. It is hardly ever set on a comfortable temperature. In fact, you might just dress yourself in layers. Did you know most classroom thermostats are just placebos? Adjusting them doesn’t make a bit of difference. You also may need an umbrella on the days it’s your turn to monitor recess.
Chapstick. Remember how I said you’re going to talk a lot?
Hand sanitizer. Go to Sam’s or another big box store and buy the super tall mega size sanitizer with a pump. Every surface of your room is covered in germs including all those student papers.
Hand lotion. Sanitizer is drying. Washing your hands is drying. It’s hard to pass out papers when your fingers can’t grip the papers’ corners.
Ibuprofen or anti-headache medicine. Teaching one hour, let alone the entire day, with a headache is agony. Besides, you’ll be another teacher’s hero when you respond to their all-school email in need of headache medicine.
Band-Aids. Educators suffer from massive paper cuts. The kind of slices to the finger that should require surgery so stock up on Band-Aids. Plus, a student will ask you to go to the office for a Band-Aid at some point in the year. No pass, no go! You’ll have Band-Aids in your desk drawer.
Another dress shirt. Spill coffee on yourself when Billy ran into you at the door? Hosting parent-teacher conferences in your room until late at night? Changing your shirt may just be what you need to feel refreshed.
Cell phone charger. It’s important to not show this item on display to students or they will bug you relentlessly to use it. Hide it in your desk drawer and break it out when your phone is about to die because you forgot to charge it last night. You’ll want a fully charged phone for those slow moments in the basketball game’s ticket booth or between appointments during parent-teacher conferences.
Framed family photo. Looking at those warm smiles staring back at you while you eat your lunch at your desk in fifteen minutes recharges your energy. It’s like a virtual hug.
Emergency sub plans. Stop telling yourself you can teach while you’re sick. Don’t be a hero. Go home! These plans are also important to have on hand in case your family needs you away from school.

You’re going to have amazing, joyful moments as a teacher. But there will be days when you feel like you’re barely holding on and you’ll be glad you prepped your survival kit before school was in session. Don’t forget to restock these items as you need them or at semester break.

And about those teachers who will tell you “don’t smile until Christmas,” they’re the grouchy ones that students admit they don’t like. S-M-I-L-E.

Get yourself SUPER prepared for the school year by setting yourself up for success by clicking on my Teacher Resources tab. Need ideas for grab and go breakfast recipes? Try my recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Honey Overnight Oats that includes an info graphic of mix-in options.

Veteran Teachers: What did I forget from this survival kit list? I’m sure I forgot something. Add your must-have items in the comment section below. I’m sure there is something I left off the list. (Dang! I should’ve included bringing a radio to school for your classroom. A backdrop of music is key when you’re grading papers at your desk during your planning period or after school.)

Since it’s back to school time, I’m offering 10% off my photo course Fundamentals of Photo Composition. It expires August 18 so reserve your seat in this class to learn how to take your photos from basic to beautiful.

USE COUPON CODE: BACKTOSCHOOL at checkout. Pay by credit card or PayPal.

Fun Things to Do in Greensburg, Kansas During an Overnight Stay