Eudora School Newsletter - March 2023

SAFETY. FACILITIES. TECHNOLOGY.

In a special in person election on May 16, 2023, the community will vote on the future of facilities in Eudora Public Schools. The bond will be for $39,950,000 and will NOT increase the tax rate required for our district! This bond will impact every building in the district, student, staff, and faculty member!

In November 2022, a committee representing a broad range of Eudora patrons was formed to evaluate the needs and concerns of district facilities. This committee created a recommendation that was presented to the USD #491 Board of Education in January. The board then used this feedback to help ensure that the bond project list was informed by the needs and concerns of multiple stakeholder groups.

It has been 16 years since the last bond election in Eudora, and the daily use of buildings, coupled with the aging of equipment, has led to the end-of-life for much of the mechanical and HVAC equipment. To ensure the safety, functionality, and longevity of the buildings, immediate attention is necessary.

Reinvesting in buildings and their aging system assures that Eudora Schools can continue to strive to provide students with outstanding learning environments and programming.

This investment includes maintenance of major mechanical systems, pavement, and flooring replacements, and increased classroom additions at Eudora High School, athletic program spaces to support our growing curricular and extracurricular programs. In addition, the auxiliary gym space and fitness center at EHS would serve as a FEMA rated storm shelter as none currently exist at the high school. A portion of the West Resource Center will be repurposed to expand the Early Childhood Program, with 8 additional classrooms remodeled to meet the needs of the 3 and 4 year olds. The bond would also invest in upgrading and expanding our playground at EES and will feature pieces of equipment that is accessible to students with disabilities. The current playground limits the number of students that can access outdoor play at a given time, and the existing playground structure and base are in dire need of replacement.

One of the primary safety-related projects includes the renovation of the main entryway at Eudora Middle School. The new entryway and office addition will enhance safety measures and provide a secure entrance with a vestibule, similar to Eudora Elementary and Eudora High School.

Several other projects in the bond aim to support school safety enhancements district-wide. These projects will cover

various safety aspects, including upgrading the fire alarms, emergency communication systems, and access card readers. Additionally, security infrastructure improvements will be made.

Eudora Schools invites everyone in the community to an open house to learn more about the school bond! There will be two dates: on April 12, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Eudora High School Performing Arts Center and May 3, 2023 at 6:30 pm in the Eudora Middle School Auditorium.

Advance voting will begin April 26th at the Douglas County Election Office located at 711 W 23rd St., Ste 1, 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays.

Voting in person for this bond will be on May 16, 2023. Voting locations include Eudora City Hall, Eudora Community Center, and Eudora Baptist Church from 7 am to 7 pm. In the next couple of weeks, look for a flyer that will have all voting opportunities, including an advance ballot application to all registered voters in USD 491 district’s boundaries. Also, please check out douglascountyelections. com for ballot language and voting information about this special election.

We encourage everyone to get out and vote!

STAFF DIRECTORY

STU MOECKEL

• Superintendent of Schools

• stumoeckel@eudoraschools.org

RON ABEL

• Eudora High School Head Principal

• ronabel@eudoraschools.org

CARA KIMBERLIN

• Eudora High School Assistant Principal and Activities Director

• carakimberlin@eudoraschools.org

SEAN HAYDEN

• Eudora High School Assistant Principal

• seanhayden@eudoraschools.org

JESSICA JOHNSON

• Director of Alternative and Virtual Learning

• jessicajohnson@eudoraschools.org

JEREMY THOMAS

• Eudora Middle School Head Principal

• jeremythomas@eudoraschools.org

TY PATTISON

• Eudora Middle School Assistant Principal and Activities Director

• typattison@eudoraschools.or

SETH HEIDE

• Eudora Elementary School Head Principal

• sethheide@eudoraschools.org

KEITH WOHLGEMUTH

• Eudora Elementary Assistant Principal

• keithwohlgemuth @eudoraschools.org

JAMIE GRADO

• Eudora Elementary Assistant Principal

• jamiegrado@eudoraschools.org

MACHAELA BESHEARS

• Transportation Director

• machaelabeshears@ eudoraschools.org

HEATHER COPELAND-GASSERT

• Executive Administrative/HR Assistant

• heathercopelandgassert@ eudoraschools.org

BETSY CRABILL

• Finance Director

• betsycrabill@eudoraschools.org

HEATHER HUNDLEY

• Director of School Improvement Services

• heatherhundley@eudoraschools.org

SHANDA HURLA

• Eudora Schools Foundation Executive Director

• shandahurla@eudoraschools.org

CHUCK JAMES

• Director of Facilities

• chuckjames@eudoraschools.org

RON LONG

• Technology Director

• ronlong@eudoraschools.org

JAYLIE POSTLEWAIT

• Communication and Engagement Specialist

• jayliepostlewait@eudoraschools.org

AMY SHANKS

• Human Resources Director

• amyshanks@eudoraschools.org

ROBERT WOOD

• Food and Nutrition Director

• robertwood@eudoraschools.org

Garver Engineers at EES

February 19th-February 25th is National Engineers Week. This week is a celebration of engineers and their influence on our world! Engineers are our world’s problem solvers and our world is currently facing a shortage of those choosing engineering careers. Garver Engineering partners with local fourth grade classrooms in the communities that they serve. They worked with our fourth graders on engineering projects today with hopes to inspire students into considering engineering paths of study as they become high-school and college students. With these partnerships, Garver hopes to increase the number of students who make engineering their

chosen career in the future!

On February 23rd, Garver engineering group came to Eudora Elementary School to visit with our fourth graders. The presentation started with all guests sharing what they do and what a day in the life of an engineer looks like and is all about. The students learned about the various types of engineers and that they are all problem solvers. After the presentation, an engineer joined each classroom to lead a handson engineering activity. Fourth graders worked

together, in teams, as engineers to solve problems while constructing bridges and water filtration systems. Our students participated in the engineering process to complete their projects today. Problem solving and teamwork skills were tested

and strengthened in the process. There has definitely been some cultivation of future engineers in our classrooms today! We extend a huge thank you to Garver Engineering for this partnership and connection with students in our school!

Wild Game and Fish Cleaning Club

The Wild Game and Fish Cleaning Club is an Enrichment Program that was started at Eudora Middle School this school year. Mr. Pattison had thought of teaching students about the love of the outdoors for a long time. He asked Officer Lewis if he would like to help with an Enrichment Program involving hunting and fishing, nature, biology, and food to table preparation. Their goal was to teach something students can do for the rest of their lives and lessen screen time.

The first club meeting was an explanation to the students about what the WG&FCC was going to be about. Mr. Pattison and Officer Lewis wanted the students to understand this was going to be a hands-on learning experience and to be ready to get their hands dirty.

They have cleaned and

prepared pheasants, rabbits, and geese. The students learned different ways to clean the game and always different ways to prepare it. The students have tried it fried, baked, and even made it into jerky. They have partnered with Chef Jack Low and the culinary arts program at EHS. The

students were fortunate to try a special dish prepared by Chef Low and the high school students (Rabbit Confit).

They will start their fishing section in the last few months of the club. Students will learn about the different types of species of fish, their habits, and also how to clean and prepare the fish. In May, the group will take a fishing trip to hopefully catch a variety of new fish.

The opportunities this Enrichment Program has provided have been awesome! They have had guest speakers (taxidermists), integrated a Kansas Hunter’s Safety

Program, and opened up many partnerships with many people.

A special thank you goes out to Ranch Creek Feather Ranch (Wellsville), Joy of Nature (Berryton), Chef Low, Clayton Spring, Ross Stadlman, Chris Brunkow, Kurtis Artzer, and R & K Taxidermy (Topeka).

Car Show / Math Night

CAR SHOW:

The Eudora - De Soto Technical Education Center hosts an annual Open House with a car show and product auction. The upcoming event will occur on April 15, 2023. The car show opens at 8:00 am and will conclude at 2:00 pm. There will be BBQ options for lunch created by our culinary students and a tour of the new outdoor kitchen. The agriculture students will have plants available to see and buy as we enter into the spring planting season, as well as the opportunity to play Cow Patty Bingo. Finally, the woodworking classes will have products made in the woodshop for attendees to admire, as well as some items that will be available to purchase in the auction.

MATH NIGHT:

Auction Items include a 13ft bar made with Gym Floor wood, Poker Table, and more! This event is a great opportunity to tour through the EDTEC building and see the programs that our students get to enjoy and learn in. All proceeds from the day’s activities are used directly within these Career and Technical Education programs.

Car Show: April 15, 20238:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: On the Eudora High School Campus - Park on the south side of EHS. The Car Show is on the north side of EHS.

Auction: Start time for the auction will occur at approximately 12:00 pm

EDTEC: Opens for walk-thru at 9:30 am and will close around noon.

On March 24th, Eudora Schools hosted its first districtwide Math Madness event. It was a huge success! This evening of fun allowed students, early childhood through seniors, and their families to engage with mathematics in a fun, creative way. Participants solved Rubik’s cubes, learned card tricks, explored the math in Art, and even designed their own paper airplanes. A major highlight of the night was showcasing the learning happening in classrooms by having each student share their own work on our Math Timeline.

Baker University Dual Credit Classes

Eudora Schools Virtual Learning (ESVL) and Cardinal Academy Program students have the opportunity to take dual credit courses through Baker University. Classes are 100% online and taught in conjunction with a Baker University professor. Students are given the opportunity to receive tutoring through Baker University students for additional assistance. These classes give students the ability to experience the rigor of a college-level course while also having

The

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the support of Eudora staff if needed. Courses are the same amount of time as a traditional course and are self-paced for students to work through. Baker University allows any ESVL or approved Eudora student who has at least a 3.0 GPA to sign up for courses.

Baker University offers a discounted cost of only $113 per credit hour, with most courses being three (3) credit hours. Students may take up to two (2) courses per semester, which would allow them to earn up to

12 credit hours per year! Students who complete at least one course in high school and then choose to attend Baker University for their post-secondary education are eligible for up to $50,000 in scholarships over the course of four years.

The 2022-23 school year marked the first year that ESVL partnered with Baker University to offer dual credit options. During the fall, three students completed courses. Currently, in the spring, six students are taking courses through Baker University. Students are taking Introduction to Information Technology, English Comp I, and Principles of Economics: Microeconomics.

SPRING 2023 COURSES

• BI151 Molecular and Cellular Biology and Lab (4 hours)

• BK106 College Readiness (1 hour)

• BS141 Introduction to Business (3 hours)

• CH137 Chemistry I and Lab (4 hours)

• CO115 Introduction to Communication Studies (3 hours)

• CS106 Introduction to Information Technology (3 hours)

• EC242 Principles of Economics: Microeconomics (3 hours)

• EN105 Language and Composition (English Comp I) (3 hours)

• EN152 Writing and Research (English Comp II) (3 hours)

• EN120 Introduction to Literature (3 hours)

• HI127 US History to 1877 (3 hours)

• HI128 US History since 1877 (3 hours)

• HI140 World Civilizations I (3 hours)

• MA106 Quantitative Analysis (3 hours)

• MA145 College Algebra (3 hours)

• MU120 Understanding Music (3 hours)

• PH115 Introduction to Philosophy (3 hours)

• PS115 Introduction to American Politics (US Government) (3 hours)

• PY111 General Psychology (3 hours)

Excellence in Eudora

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

GRADE LEVEL DRIVES

First Grade collected hygiene items to donate to the Bird’s Nest. Miss Haney’s class engaged in a project-based learning unit focused on the driving question, “how can we as First Graders help the Eudora community?”. They collected over 900 items as a grade level.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

EMS SCIENCE OLYMPIAD

The EMS Science Olympiad team had an outstanding day on Saturday, February 25th, earning 8th place as a team out of 23 schools and earning their opportunity to represent EMS at the state competition on April 1st!

ALL-STATE CHOIR

Second Grade participated in their annual pet supply drive during the holiday season. Students brought around 225 donations, such as dog treats, peanut butter, dish soap, dog/ cat toys, and other necessities to keep our furry friends at the Lawrence Humane Society happy and healthy!

POSITIVE

PALS

Positive Pals is a program designed for students to connect with an adult staff member or community volunteer outside the classroom. The student meets with their Pal weekly to play a game, color, read, or talk. This year there are currently 74 students and 41 adults meeting each week. All grade levels benefit from the program.

GROWING SMILES DENTISTRY

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. First and Second Grade enjoyed an informative and eye-opening presentation from Growing Smiles Dentistry. Members of the Growing Smiles team brought engaging visuals to help our students see the proper ways to brush and floss their teeth. Additionally, they brought visual boards to show the students how much sugar they eat or drink when snacking on various popular foods and drinks.

Brantley Moeckel and Joey Mastro were selected to the Kansas All-State Middle Level Choir! Brantley is a tenor, and Joe is a bass. Out of 800+ auditions from across the state of Kansas, Joe was one of 20 basses, and Brantley was one of 20 tenors selected for this honor.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

Every grade at Eudora Elementary gets a chance to perform for their parents. Programs range from celebrating Kansas Day to Orff instrument based programs. Fifth Grade finishes their elementary career with a larger show where they experience acting-type roles. In addition, Cardinal Singers and Fifth Grade Band have several opportunities to show their newfound skills to parents.

HIGH SCHOOL

JAG-K

Eudora JAG-K students attend a number of events throughout the year. Students have participated in a Leadership Development Conference in Wichita, toured the Topeka State Capitol, visited Peaslee Technical School in Lawrence, participated in a workforce industry tour provided by Hamm Industries, job shadowed at U.S. Engineering, toured the Eudora Fire Station and Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka, volunteered at the Bird’s Nest clothing closet, the PTO Jog-A-Thon, Homestead Assisted Learning, and hosted a pet food drive.

VIDEO PRODUCTION 1 AND ESF

Last semester the Eudora Schools Foundation awarded the video production 1 class $160 to buy lego sets. Why lego sets for video? Students during the cold winter months don’t have a lot of opportunities to go outside and shoot videos, and they get caught in a creative slump. What better way to fix that than playing with Legos! They have 2 projects that we will be using the Legos for, Unboxing Videos and Stop Motion.

FAA

At the East Central District Selection Day Eudora Schools had:

3 STATE DEGREE CANDIDATES:

• Ben Burling

• Camden Rietcheck

• Blake LaPean

3 PROFICIENCY WINNERS:

• Ag Sales-Entrepreneurship: Ben Burling-Advancing to State!

• Ag Products and ProcessingPlacement: Blake LaPeanAdvancing to State!

• Forestry Products-Placement: Blake LaPean

• District Star Agribusiness: Ben Burling-Advancing to State!

• Kyleigh Heikes was 2nd in her proficiency area and runner up for Greenhand Star Farmer!

PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARDS

Photojournalist staff on The Cardinal participated and took home regional awards for their work in sports and student life photography contests for Kansas Scholastic Press Association (KSPA)’s regional contests. These three now have an opportunity to compete and enter into the state contest against the rest of 4A regional winners.

• Ryleigh Hartwell - 1st Place Student Life (pictured)

• Julian Rosales - 2nd Place Sports Feature

• Jacob Ziesenic - 4th Place Student Life