H.D. Karns Alternative School

📚 We are so excited to welcome back our students on Wednesday, August 12. As you prepare for the new school year, don't forget to gather your school supplies. Read More: https://tinyurl.com/3afztkfd

🩺 The Geary Community Healthcare Foundation in partnership with Keating Chiropractic recently announced that it will be offering 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 to any middle or high school student in Geary County Schools USD 475 on Wednesday, July 22 at Junction City High School USD 475 from 4:30 through 8 p.m.

Please note that no appointment is necessary and a parent or legal guardian must be present. Additionally, private exam spaces will be provided, and a student must bring a completed 2026-27 Kansas State High School Activities Association physical form to receive the free service. Parents can access that form by visiting the KSHSAA website and searching the health and safety section.

A Message from Dr. Eggleston 💙 Geary County Schools USD 475 recently sat down with Dr. Reginald ...

📣 Due to the power being out in the area, Geary County Schools USD 475 will NOT have summer school, 21st Century or extended school year programming on Tuesday, June 9.

Please note that 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗹𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆 as well. Thank you for your understanding.

𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: Due to the weather expected in the area late this afternoon, Geary County Schools USD 475 will be dismissing early on Monday, May 18. All after-school activities are canceled.

Please note that Junction City High School USD 475 will be releasing at 1 p.m., while all other schools will release at 1:45 p.m.

💙 Congratulations Graduates! We are so PROUD of you!

We 💙 Mr. Smith.

🩵 Fredric Smith’s path to the classroom didn’t follow a straight line but his journey now shapes the way he connects with students every day at the H.D. Karns Alternative School.

Smith, who currently teaches middle school English Language Arts and high school social studies, brings a wide range of experiences into his classroom, from growing up across continents to serving 20 years in the Army National Guard.

“Teaching is one of the greatest professions in my opinion. We are responsible for not only educating our students but mentoring the next generation of leaders,” said Smith.

Smith, who was born in Alabama, was raised partly in Europe before settling in Kansas during elementary school. Needless to say, but his early life was defined by movement and adaptability. By the time Smith graduated from Chapman High School in 2000, he had immersed himself in both athletics and activities ranging from cross country, wrestling and track, while also participating in scholars' bowl, choir and FFA.

But teaching wasn’t always the plan.

After earning a degree in political science from Washburn University in 2009, Smith continued his education later at Kansas State University where he completed a degree in secondary education, which was followed by a master’s in curriculum and instruction from The University of Kansas. In between, he built a career that blended service, leadership and mentorship.

It was during a deployment to Africa though that everything changed. While there, he had the opportunity to teach U.S. History to students at an orphanage, which was an experience that ultimately defined his future.

“I have always thought about education as a profession, but while deployed to Africa I had the opportunity to teach U.S. History to students at an orphanage and that is where I really decided I was going to go back to school and get my teaching license,” said Smith.

Now in his third year in USD 475, Smith has quickly become a valued member of the H.D. Karns Alternative School community. In addition to teaching, Smith serves on the building advisory committee and has supported students through after-school tutoring. For him, teaching goes far beyond lesson plans.

“Teaching is one of the greatest professions,” said Smith. “We are responsible for not only educating our students but mentoring the next generation of leaders.”

That philosophy is evident in his classroom where one of his biggest focuses this year has been helping high school students see a path forward, especially those who may feel behind.

“One of my biggest highlights is helping students understand that, with a plan, they can still graduate if they put in the work,” said Smith.

By guiding students through setting SMART goals and tracking their progress, he has watched many begin to rebuild confidence and take ownership of their futures.

Though he is the first teacher in his family, Smith’s impact is already reaching far beyond the classroom. Through his experiences, commitment and a belief in his students, he continues to shape not just academic outcomes, but more importantly lives.

𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘁: All after-school activities are cancelled on Thursday, April 23 due to the weather in the area tonight. The 2026 Geary County Schools USD 475 State of Education Celebration has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 28 at 7 p.m.

Please note that the Junction City High School USD 475 FFA Chapter Plant Sale has also been canceled tonight, but will reopen on Friday from 3 p.m. through 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.