Welcome to Custer Hill Elementary and an exciting year.  My name is Melanie Laster and I am thrilled to be the principal for this school year and plan on continuing the wonderful traditions of excellence Custer Hill has attained for many years.  I have a passion for learning and have enjoyed my 26 years in education in the Geary County School District.  I taught 17 years in the elementary and secondary classrooms and have served in a leadership role at Junction City Middle School the past 9 years.  I graduated from both Kansas State University and Kansas University with licenses in teaching, leadership, curriculum and instruction and an endorsement as a reading specialist.  My husband, Robert, is a health and physical education teacher as well as the head wrestling coach at JCHS.  We have two great children, Jessica, 20 and Spencer, 14 who will begin high school this fall.  Our 25^th wedding anniversary was celebrated this past March and we are so proud to call Junction City our home.

My philosophy as an educator is to treat all people with respect and hold everyone accountable for their actions.  I believe all will achieve given the resources, time and individual attention.  Our teachers and staff show compassion for our students and continue to learn new strategies to help all students succeed.  We provide a warm and caring environment conducive to learning.  As the administrator I will ensure your child has the best learning experience possible.  Please keep me informed of any concerns you may have.