Stanton CSD Update 8-28-26: Veterans Night, Walking Tacos, and a Fast Start to Fall

Stanton CSD Update 8-28-26: Veterans Night, Walking Tacos, and a Fast Start to Fall

 

 

Stanton Community School District music director Leland Lantz says the first week back felt fast — and tonight at Viking Field will feel even faster. Lantz, who teaches band, choir, and elementary music, visited KCSI Friday to preview Veterans Appreciation Night before kickoff against Griswold, a Music Boosters walking-taco supper, and a fall calendar that already includes Homecoming on September 11.

 

School is open after a summer of renovation work. Lantz skipped band camp because the gym was torn up and admitted he was skeptical last week that the building would be ready. Construction crews, he said, “just really knocked it out of the ballpark.” Offices are still in temporary spaces and some items have not been put back, but classes are running. This week was a full week of school, and next week will be another — a change of pace on Stanton’s four-day calendar.

 

Tonight vs. Griswold

The Vikings host Griswold at 7 p.m. in the second of only three home football games. Music Boosters will serve walking tacos in the cafeteria, just south of the gym. Publicity has listed both 5:00 and 5:30 p.m.; booster Abby Shipp is aiming to be ready at 5:00. A $5 minimum donation is suggested, and proceeds support music programs through the year. Lantz said he never had a walking taco until he moved back to Stanton.

 

The night honors veterans in the country’s 250th year. Veterans are invited onto the field before kickoff to stand with a large American flag — the same flag the school hangs in the gym each Veterans Day, a project Lantz tied to Don Hicks. Griswold will hold one side, Stanton the other, with veterans who are able holding on as the flag stretches across the field. Combined junior high and high school band will play the national anthem with elementary singers, who will then sing two short songs (about five minutes) while the flag is folded. Extra bleachers have been added for veterans and the pep band. The student appearance is not mandatory.

 

It is also Parents Night. Football and cheerleading parents should meet on the track at 6:45 p.m. Student council will sell USA-themed beads, tattoos, hair glitter, and glow sticks. Wear red, white, and blue — or purple. Lantz’s advice: eat early and be on the field by 6:30. Kickoff timing will be tight.

 

A busy September already

Incoming seventh graders learned the school song last May and marched at Adventureland with the combined band. There will be no school musical this year. Lantz cited construction and smaller upper classes and said the program will gear up again next year.

• Saturday, Aug. 29 — Varsity volleyball at Lewis Central after a 3–0 start over Lenox, Mount Ayr, and Shenandoah. John Mainquist is head coach; Jenna Stephens is assistant.

• Monday, Sept. 7, 2 p.m. — Essex Labor Day Parade.

• Friday, Sept. 11 — Homecoming. Parade at 1:30 p.m. on Main Street; pancakes at the Viking Center. Lantz said he does not remember Homecoming this early “ever in my lifetime.”

• Wednesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. — FCCLA blood drive at the Viking Center. Sign up through the American Red Cross or Lori Burton at lburton@stantonschools.com.

• Saturday, Sept. 26, 2 p.m. — Shen Fest Parade in Shenandoah. Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. — Clarinda Band Jamboree.