Staff Directory
STU MOECKEL
Superintendent of Schools stumoeckel@eudoraschools.org
DR. BILL DEWITT
Head Principal, Eudora High School billdewitt@eudoraschools.org
CARA KIMBERLIN
Assistant Principal and Activities Director, Eudora High School carakimberlin@eudoraschools.org
SEAN HAYDEN
Assistant Principal, Eudora High School seanhayden@eudoraschools.org
JESSICA JOHNSON
Director of Alternative and Virtual Learning jessicajohnson@eudoraschools.org
JEREMY THOMAS
Head Principal, Eudora Middle School jeremythomas@eudoraschools.org
TY PATTISON
Assistant Principal and Activities Director, Eudora Middle School typattison@eudoraschools.org
SETH HEIDE
Head Principal, Eudora Elementary School sethheide@eudoraschools.org
JAMIE GRADO
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School jamiegrado@eudoraschools.org
KRISTEN LEWIS
Early Learning Center Director kristenlewis@eudoraschools.org
SARAH MILLER
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School saramiller@eudoraschools.org
ALBANIA ANDRADE
Communication and Engagement Specialist, albaniaandrade@eudoraschools.org
MACHAELA BESHEARS Transportation Director machaelabeshears@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
NICOLE PARKS Food and Nutrition Director nicoleparks@eudoraschools.org
YEMEN SHAABAN After School Program Director yemenshaaban@eudoraschools.org
AMY SHANKS Human Resources Director amyshanks@eudoraschools.org
STEPHENIE SUDDUTH District Nurse stepheniesudduth@eudoraschools.org
Eudora Schools is Seeking Substitute Teachers
Eudora Schools and Morgan Hunter are partnering in substitute staffing. Substitute teaching in the Eudora School District is an excellent opportunity for parents, retirees, college students, or anyone who loves working with children! Substitute teaching is flexible and is a great way to give back to the community while making a nice income. For this school year, the minimum requirement to substitute teach is a high school diploma and a clean criminal background check.
Please contact Morgan Hunter Education at 866-923-6433
or visit their website https://morganhuntereducation.com/ substitute-teacher-jobs/requirements/ for additional information.
Directory of Schools
Eudora Early Learning Center 1310 Winchester Rd. 785-542-4920 elc.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Elementary School 801 E. 10th St. 785-542-4910
ees.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Middle School 2635 Church St. 585-542-4960
ems.eudoraschools.org
Eudora High School 2203 Church St. 785-542-4980 ehs.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Schools Virtual Learning 785-542-4989 esvl.eudoraschools.org
Eudora Unified School District No. 491 1310 Winchester Rd. P.O. Box 500 Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-4910
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The Card is a quarterly magazine which includes content provided by the Eudora Schools communication department and is produced by the Lawrence Journal-World.
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The Eudora Early Learning Center is Thriving
The Eudora Early Learning Center (ELC) has been buzzing with excitement since it opened its doors in August, welcoming eager young learners into its newly built facility. The center is already making a positive impact on the community, with students actively engaged in learning and development.
Kristen Lewis, the ELC director, expressed her excitement about this new beginning. “It’s been an incredible journey so far,” Lewis said. “Seeing the students learn, grow, and become comfortable in this environment has been truly rewarding. I’m so grateful to be a
part of this amazing team.”
The Early Learning Center was designed to provide access to high quality early education and care for all children. Its curriculum follows the Kansas Early Learning Standards and emphasizes early childhood development, school readiness, and socialization. By incorporating play-based learning and hands-on activities, the center nurtures children’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Reaghan Transmeier, ELC aide, explains why she loves working with early childhood education. “We’re setting the foundation for these children at the start of their educational
career and ensuring their future success. It’s important to teach them how to be students, and we take the time and care to make sure they’re ready for kindergarten. It makes me happy to know they’ll always remember what we taught them and see them grow as they continue their education.”
Lewis and her team are thrilled to continue building strong foundations for the young learners, ensuring each child has the best possible start in their educational journey.
As the year progresses, the Eudora Early Learning Center promises to keep growing, thriving, and offering a place where children can flourish.
Laps for Learning: EES Jogathon Fuels Future Adventures
On Friday, September 13, the Eudora Elementary School (EES) campus buzzed with excitement as students from all grades took part in the annual Jogathon, a cherished event planned by the EES Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). This fun-filled day has become a cornerstone of the school’s yearly fundraising efforts, with students eagerly jogging or walking laps around the track during their designated “Specials” time. As always, family and friends rallied behind the students, sponsoring their laps and contributing to a fundraiser that sustains the school’s yearly budget.
The Jogathon offers a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in healthy exercise while raising money for exciting educational opportunities. Donations collected during the event help support not only everyday classroom needs but also enable the PTO to fund memorable
field trips. Past excursions have included learning about the science of football at Arrowhead Stadium, exploring the wonders of the Kansas City and Topeka Zoos, enjoying performances at the Lied Center of Kansas, and experiencing hands-on activities at Science City in Union Station.
As students lined up to begin their walk or jog, time was set aside for stretching and a quick review of safety tips. Teachers, staff, and family volunteers were stationed around the track, offering encouragement and helping students stay motivated. The energy was contagious, with students enthusiastically completing laps and supporting one another, knowing their efforts would directly benefit their school.
“This was such a fun opportunity for the students to move their body and get fresh air. I always enjoy seeing them excel in areas outside of the classroom,” said fifth grade teacher, Adrianne O’Grady, as she watched her students enthusiastically complete their laps.
It’s not just about the students running laps, it’s about seeing the whole school community come together—parents, teachers, staff, and even older students—working towards a common goal. It reinforces the idea that we’re all in this together, and that’s such a powerful lesson for the kids.
While field trips remain the primary focus of Jogathon funds, the PTO also hopes to support special projects and materials for the students, classrooms, and facilities. In previous years, thanks to generous contributions and partnerships with
the district and the Eudora Schools Foundation, the PTO was able to add two new pieces of playground equipment, making recess more enjoyable for all students.
Thanks to the support of the EES community, this year’s Jogathon was another successful event, helping
ensure that students will have exciting and enriching opportunities in the year ahead. As always, EES is incredibly grateful for the support of families, friends, and the entire community in making this event, and the opportunities it provides, a reality.
Cardinals LinkUP Mentoring Program
Fosters Growth and Connection at
EMS
At Eudora Middle School, the Cardinals LinkUP program is transforming the way students connect with their community. This initiative, which began in 2017 during Mr. Thomas’s first year as principal, pairs students with adult mentors from the local area, fostering meaningful relationships that encourage personal and academic growth.
The beauty of the Cardinals LinkUP program lies in its personalized approach. Students are matched with mentors based on shared interests, ensuring that the connection feels natural and supportive. This makes the bond between mentor and mentee much more than a surface-level interaction. It’s a genuine relationship that helps students unlock their
potential and discover the best version of themselves.
A mentor in this program is not a parent, counselor, or social worker. Instead, they are a friend and a guide—someone who offers wisdom and experience, answering questions and helping students
navigate challenges. The mentors are volunteers from the community, dedicating their time without expecting anything in return. They come from diverse backgrounds but share a common goal: to help students succeed.
Michelle Plegge,
program
coordinator, highlights several key aspects of the program, including the group monthly meetings where the energy is contagious, and so many good people come together for the right reasons. There’s a strong community feel, and seeing everyone connect and build relationships is incredibly rewarding.
Any student at Eudora Middle School can participate in Cardinals LinkUP. The program is open to all students eager to learn and grow. It’s perfect for those who want to create a network of positive role models and are committed to their own personal development. By working with their mentors, students learn to take responsibility for their own progress. They set goals, participate in regular meetings, and are open to feedback that
helps them improve.
The program consists of two parts: group meetings and one-on-one sessions. Group meetings take place before school from 7:30-8 a.m., allowing students and mentors to connect without disrupting the school day. Oneon-one meetings are scheduled one to three times a month, providing more individualized support. These sessions help students dive deeper into their personal goals.
To ensure a successful match, students are asked to complete a survey, which gathers information about their interests and needs. One of the final questions on the student survey asks, “Why do you want to participate, and what do you hope to get from the mentoring relationship?” Common responses include: Someone to talk to, a
trusted adult or friend, a desire for good advice, wanting to build a connection, and becoming more confident in learning how to talk to people.
Maizah Mitchell, a mentee, states that she became involved in the program because “it’ll be a great opportunity to meet new people, make connections, and have fun.”
Cardinals LinkUP is about more than just mentoring—it’s about empowering students to believe in themselves and their future. The program has grown to over 80 kids and continues to expand each year. Through this program, students at Eudora Middle School gain the guidance and encouragement they need to grow into confident, capable individuals. With the support of their mentors, they’re ready to soar.
EHS Student-Led Success: The Impact of FFA
The FFA is the largest student-led organization in the United States, and its influence is felt right here in our district. This organization prepares students for leadership and careers in the agricultural industry whether you’re interested in animal science, horticulture, agribusiness, etc. The EHS chapter is one of the standout groups, among 30 to 40 others in the district. With nine officers and over 30 active chapter members, this student-driven organization thrives on leadership and responsibility.
Each summer, the chapter officers dedicate time to planning the entire year’s activities. These include community service projects, fundraisers, and AgVenture—a hands-on event aimed at educating
youth about agriculture, animal care, plants, safety, and sustainability. The event, which is a highlight of the chapter’s calendar, is organized by a committee and features various educational stations, such as cattle, horses, donkeys, tractor safety, and more. Students explain how to care for animals, farm safety, and also have fun engaging activities for students to play. Other stations focus on topics like farm to plate, gardening, and sustainability.
AgVenture is just one of the many activities that the chapter hosts. Throughout the year, students also organize community service activities and a large annual banquet. Every detail is meticulously planned and executed by the students, with their advisor, Mandi Holsten, providing guidance and support. This emphasis on student leadership is central to the FFA’s mission, allowing members to grow not only as leaders but also in other valuable skills.
Beyond leadership, the FFA program helps students develop crucial abilities in public speaking, financial literacy, and career planning. Through the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), students build business plans and career goals,
learning how to navigate the business side of agriculture. The skills they gain aren’t just theoretical; everything they learn in the classroom is applied directly to real-world scenarios.
“I love FFA because I enjoy making new friends, going to competitions, and gaining experience,” said Chapter Sentinel, Porter Bruce. Another member, Chapter Chaplain, Fisher Gray, stated that he loves FFA because he feels like he is part of a family and people show their dedication to agriculture which he enjoys being a part of.
Competitions and contests throughout the year give members the opportunity to refine these skills, from leadership to financial management, preparing them for future careers in agriculture or any other field they choose to pursue. The FFA is a wellrounded program that empowers students to take charge, learn, and lead, all while giving back to the community.
Excellence in Eudora Elementary
On National Custodian Appreciation Day, Eudora Elementary students created thoughtful thank you cards to show their appreciation for the staff’s hard work. This kind gesture was a heartfelt way for students to express their gratitude for the dedication in keeping the school clean and safe, highlighting the importance of recognizing these essential contributions.
EES students participated in “AgVenture-Day on the Farm” where they learned about agriculture, animal and plant science, and sustainability.
Middle
Several stations were set up for the students, allowing them to interact with animals and participate in various activities. It was an enjoyable and
educational day, filled with fun and interactive learning experiences that brought the world of farming to life for the students.
EES students had a special lunchtime visit with local law enforcement officers, creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone. The officers made the day special for students, as they sat together, offered assistance, and had meaningful conversations. The officers were happy to answer and connect with the students, making it an experience filled with curiosity.
The EMS Sewcial Club has had a great start, filled with creativity as students work on a variety of projects, from hand-sewn crafts to machine-stitched designs. Recently, they’ve been learning how to sew straight lines by making eyeglass and sunglass cases out of potholders, as well as creating coasters from felt and fabric. The kids express their enjoyment of the club, appreciating the hands-on experience and the
chance to learn new skills in a fun, supportive environment.
EMS students who are a part of Cardinals Read, led by Jaime Meyers, got to read ‘A Rover’s Story’ by Jasmine Warga. After discussing the book in meetings that took place before school, they took a fun field trip to Washburn University, where they met the author. It was a great way for them to connect with other students who also enjoy reading!
Excellence in Eudora
High
School
JAG-K students recently visited Fuse Candle Bar in Eudora to gain insight into the workings of a small business. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet the owner and learn about entrepreneurship. The students also got hands-on experience by creating their own personalized candles and sprays, making the trip both educational and creative. Throughout the school year, JAG-K students are able to partake in various community service projects, classroom activities, and listen to guest speakers from around the area.
Silvestre Janovec, a senior at EHS, was the 2024 NFL Latino Youth Honors Program nominee for the Kansas City Chiefs. Silvy was selected after being nominated by his head football coach, and his accomplishments were then presented to a panel, which ultimately chose him to represent the Chiefs. Silvy was honored on the field during the Bengals game. He could win a $25,000 scholarship if he advances to the next round of the nomination process.
