USD 490 eNews

It is crucial that we engage our #PartOfThePride community and their voice in this process. We will utilize this community input to help us set focus priorities for our district and identify key action steps at all school levels within this five year plan. Our schools play a critical role in the development of our future citizens- it is nearly impossible for us to create a successful Strategic Plan without hearing from our current citizens.

We will be hosting a couple of community forums in January, but this survey is an opportunity for EVERYONE to provide input.

During the annual Pennies By the Pound Campaign, USD 490 schools raised $3,847.67 to donate to United Way of El Dorado. Each school hosted a competition Nov. 4-8, 2024, to encourage students and staff to donate change.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1870530

he 2025 Kansas Teacher of the Year (KTOY) team visited USD 490 on Nov. 21, 2024, to learn more about our district programs and 2025 KTOY semifinalist Jessica Denner’s educational experience in this district.

The team, which included teachers from across the state, toured multiple schools and participated in activities aimed at showcasing innovative teaching methods, student engagement, and community spirit within the district.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1891216

Fifth grade students from Blackmore, Grandview, and Skelly gathered in Skelly’s gym on Nov. 22, 2024, to be recognized for completing the ten-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1892340

USD 490 hosted the second ESL Family Night on Nov. 18, 2024. The group spent time working together to find creative ways to support the academic success of students from non-English speaking families. The next ESL Family Night will be Jan. 6, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Four El Dorado High School Kansas Association for Youth (KAY) members attended the Area six KAY Regional Conference on Nov. 6, 2024 in McPherson.

The club received the Gold Award, recognizing their student leadership and service to their school, community, nation and world for the 2024-2025 school year.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1866034

Three El Dorado High School volleyball players received AVCTL Division IV All-League honors. Hannah Gantz was named second team all-league. Rylie Wight and Lillian Hamlin-Mefford received honorable mention.

Several El Dorado High School students worked with Ms. Fangmann to clean up along the West Branch Walnut River by Dillons on Nov. 22, 2024.

Several El Dorado High School soccer players received AVCTL Division IV honors.

Second Team, All-League

• Taidghin Mora-Bruce, midfielder

• Jakiyah Warren, forward

• Alex Mitchell, forward

Honorable Mention

• DJ Baca, defender

• Mason McCluggage, defender

Local veterans Dave Brooks and Bill Douglass shared their experiences serving in the military with Extend students on Nov. 6, 2024. Their stories were an inspiring reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the real meaning of service.

National Honor Society (NHS) students helped build houses in Wichita for Habitat for Humanity on Nov. 21 and 22, 2024. Steven Porter organized the service project with Habitat for Humanity while Addison Hull and Taidghin Mora-Bruce each served as team leads for one of the days of building.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1894334

Stephanie Deen with Big Brothers Big Sisters organized kindness activities at El Dorado Middle School on World Kindness Day (Nov. 13). Students received donuts, had affirmations attached to their locker, and positive messages on bathroom mirrors to encourage them to pay kindness forward.

Visit the District's Facebook page to view photos.

Sixth grade students at El Dorado Middle School mummified apples as they explored ancient civilizations in Miss Nichols' class. Through this unique activity, students explored the mummification process and gained a deeper understanding of the cultural importance of preserving the body for the afterlife in ancient Egypt.

Visit ParentSquare to view photos.

El Dorado Middle School orchestra students participated in the Patriot League Honor Orchestra at McPherson High School on Nov. 16, 2024. This year’s guest conductor was Meredith Hopkins from Hutchinson High School.

Participants included: Elise Peffly, Kolby Cooper, Lilli Breeden, Patrick Andrews, Alex Choens, Christopher Thompson, Delilah Hutchins, and Emily Krob.

Four El Dorado Middle School students participated in the Patriot League Honor Choir at McPherson High School on Nov. 16, 2024. They had a wonderful time and SiouxAna was given a solo in one of the songs.

Participants included: SiouxAna Armstead, Alyssa Wright, Gracie Chambers, and Grace Bush.

El Dorado Middle School's KAY Club collected 156 pairs of socks during their sock drive Nov. 18-22, 2024. Seminar classes competed for a pizza party, with Ms. Korkki's class winning with 53 pairs. Mr. McCormick's came in second place with 30 pairs, and Mrs. Meyer's class secured third place with 24 pairs.

Students at Blackmore Elementary School participated in a fun and educational day at the Blackmore Fall Festival on Nov. 7, 2024. The event, hosted behind Blackmore by the K-State Extension Office and their volunteers, featured five interactive learning stations that allowed students to explore various aspects of agriculture and the natural world.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1867174

lackmore Elementary offered VIP passes to special activities for students to purchase with their Bear Bucks this year as an added attendance incentive. The first VIP events occurred Nov. 20, 2024, and were dodge ball or lunch with Principal Arnold.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1886545

Blackmore 4th grade delivered handmade Thanksgiving placemats to residents of El Dorado Care and Rehab Center on Nov. 15, 2024. This heartwarming interaction not only brightened the residents' day but also taught our students the value of community service and the joy of giving.

Visit the District's Facebook page to view photos.

As they prepared for their Fall Festival, Blackmore classes competed in a friendly scarecrow contest.

Visit Blackmore's Facebook page to view photos.

In honor of Veterans Day today, Grandview kindergarten classes presented Student Support Liaison Brian Hiatt with a special quilt to thank him for his 20 years of military service in the U.S. Air Force.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1869150

Click here to view the "Thank You for Your Service" video.

Grandview fourth grade students participated in a poster contest for the Butler County Conservation District and the winners were announced on Nov. 13, 2024. This year’s poster theme was, “May the forest be with you” which centered around the importance of trees.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1873643

Grandview Elementary welcomed students and families to its Fall Carnival Family Night on Nov. 21, 2024. The event included educational games, crafts, and fun activities centered around strengthening reading and math skills.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1890203

In a project led by 4th grade classes, Grandview 2nd-5th grade students remembered veterans on Veterans Day with a Wall of Remembrance. Students and staff recognized members of their family who have participated in the armed services to keep our country safe.

Visit the District's Facebook page to view photos.

The K-State Extension Office visited Grandview kindergarten to teach them about nutrition on Nov. 5, 2024.

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view a video clip.

Grandview kindergarten students learned about the voting process in the days leading up to Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024. To practice voting, students voted for their favorite recess activity. Monkey bars was the winning activity.

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view a video clip.

The K-State Extension Office visited Grandview second grade on Nov. 5, 2024, to teach them about winter vegetables. Students were able to plant pumpkin seeds to take home and try to grow.

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view photos.

Grandview fifth grade students welcomed local veterans and listened to their personal experiences in the United States military on Nov. 6, 2024.

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view photos.

Grandview kindergarten students dressed like the 1950s to celebrate 50 days of learning so far this school year on Nov. 8, 2024.

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view photos.

The Grandview Excite choir showcased their talent as they sang the National Anthem at the Wichita Thunder hockey game on Nov. 22, 2024.

"We are so proud of these talented students for sharing their voices and representing our school with such pride and spirit," Principal Simmons said. "Thank you to all the parents and family members who came out to support them and make the night unforgettable!"

Visit Grandview's Facebook page to view photos.

Skelly students learned how to make nature prints from Dr. Lori Santos on October 31, 2024. Dr. Santos works at Wichita State University and specializes in indigenous art and nature print pressing. She brought flowers and foliage from her personal garden for students to use during the art lesson and talked to them about being good stewards of the land before she explained the art technique.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1851453

Skelly hosted a Family Fall Fun Night on Nov. 14, 2024. Families were invited to enjoy fun educational games, meet animals, have a sweet treat, and learn about some of the community resources and supports available in El Dorado.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1881485

Skelly students visited their own polling booth on Nov. 5, 2024, to practice voting.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

Skelly students released the first Panther Production of the school year on Nov. 11, 2024.

Fourth grade Skelly Street Leaders traveled around USD 490 to visit staff members who are veterans on Nov. 11, 2024, and present them with a token of appreciation for their service. The students learned about the different branches and the jobs that the veterans had while in military service.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

Ruby has completed her trainings and received her certifications to become an official therapy dog at Skelly. She visited with her mom/handler Page Pound on Nov. 13, 2024, and students were excited to greet her.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

The Character Trait of the Month for November and December is "gratitude." Skelly students created a gratitude tree and put something they are grateful for on each leaf as they explored the theme.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

Skelly fifth grade students learned about the origins of the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade and created their own balloons to parade through the school on Nov. 25, 2024.

Visit the District's Facebook page to view photos.

On the first and third Wednesday of each month, #PartOfThePride members are encouraged to wear jeans and a shirt representing a college or career path to help students explore options for their future.

Nominate an outstanding principal or assistant principal for the Kansas Principals Association’s Principal of the Year! Nominations are due by Friday, January 31, 2025. Visit KPA’s website for more information, or click here to make a nomination.

Nominate a current or former teacher for the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame! Nominations are due by February 1, 2025. They must have at least 25 years of experience as a K-12 teacher in the state of Kansas to qualify.

Visit the Kansas Teachers' Hall of Fame website to learn or download a nomination form.

We are looking for a Head and Assistant Soccer Coach at EMS! Contact Nathan Sherwood at nasherwood@usd490.org for more information.

Visit our website to view all current openings or to apply: https://www.usd490.org/page/employment

Looking for safe, quality, affordable after school childcare? The YMCA would like to offer Key Academy at Skelly Elementary for after school childcare. In order to make the program viable, they need at least 10 students to register. Learn more and register online: https://ymcawichita.org/.../child.../before-and-after-school

Our next ESL Family Night will be Monday, January 6, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center located at 500 West Central Avenue.

This is the district's new unified communication platform. Please download the app to keep connected with what is going on in your child's school.

Apple:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parentsquare/id908126679

Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=com.parentsquare.psapp&pcampaignid=web_share

December 5 International Volunteer Day
December 6 Stuff the Truck at Walmart

December 7 Breakfast With Santa at Blackmore, 9:00-11:00 a.m.

December 9 Grandview Winter Concert at PAC, 6:00 p.m.

December 10 Skelly Winter Concert at PAC, 7:00 p.m.

December 11 EMS Spelling Bee, 1:00 p.m.

December 12 Blackmore Winter Concert at PAC, 6:00 p.m.

December 13 EHS Band Concert at EHS, 7:00 p.m.

December 17 EMS Orchestra and Choir Concert at PAC, 7:00 p.m.

December 18 EMS Winter 2 Sports Parent Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

December 20 No School; Staff Professional Development and Workday

December 23-January 2 No School; Winter Break

January 3 No School; Staff Workday

January 6 No School; Staff Professional Development

January 7 Classes Resume

Did you know that the online calendar includes a filter that pulls all of the dates for specific teams or event types. You can also sign up to receive change notifications or sync it to your personal calendar! https://www.usd490.org/page/district-calendars

Services are available for all Kansans 20 years old or younger, including anyone in foster care or formerly in foster care. Call, text, or chat with the helpline at 833-441-2240.

Email: usd490@usd490.org
Website: www.usd490.org
Location: 124 West Central Avenue, El Dorado, KS, USA
Phone: (316) 322-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/eldorado.schools
X/Twitter: @eldoradousd490