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
SARAH MILLER
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School saramiller@eudoraschools.org
KRISTEN LEWIS
Early Learning Center Director kristenlewis@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
On eudoraschools.org
• District Calendar
• PowerSchool Portal
• e-Funds Portal
• School & Lunch Menus
• Shuttle Information
The Card is a quarterly magazine which includes content provided by the Eudora Schools communication department and is produced by the Lawrence Journal-World.
To advertise in this magazine, contact advertising@ljworld.com.
Garden Goers & Growers: Eudora Schools Foundation’s Green Thumb Triumph
At Eudora Schools, our classrooms don’t just cultivate young minds; they cultivate plants too! Over the years, our students have dug into the soil and their studies with various gardens, all made possible through the generous support of the Eudora Schools Foundation. These green initiatives have sprouted learning opportunities beyond the traditional classroom.
Ms. Jackson’s Blooming Success
In the 2023-24 academic year, second-grade teacher Amber Jackson took her class outside to learn amidst the flowers and bugs. With her grant from the Eudora Schools Foundation, Ms. Jackson’s class received new gardening tools to renovate their beloved garden. Named “Garden Goers & Growers,” this project enhanced the EES garden with interactive and hands-on experiences for students from preschool to fifth grade.
Ms. Jackson and her students dedicated time to spreading mulch, designing the garden layout, and bringing their vision to life. This community project saw many students participating in the planting process, observing the journey from seeds to full-grown plants firsthand. Equipped with magnifying glasses funded by the grant, they marveled at the pollen inside flowers and the intricate anatomy of ladybugs.
Monica Dittmer, volunteer and program coordinator for the foundation, praised the garden for getting students out of the classroom and into nature. “There’s no better way to learn than by immersing yourself in the environment,” she said. The garden not only teaches botanical science but also instills a sense of belonging and pride in the students.
Hydroponics: The Future of Classroom Gardening
Back in 2019, EMS science teacher
Kyle Stadalman received a grant to start a hydroponic garden, a futuristic way to grow plants without soil. This garden continues to thrive, offering seventh graders a unique hands-on experience to understand heredity, genetics, and efficient crop production.
In 2022, Jennifer Decker brought hydroponics to her fourth-grade classroom, which she continued to use in her fifth-grade class the following year. This project, aptly named “Growing Minds and Crops with Hydroponics,” taught students about nutrition and sustainability. Despite the winter chill, Decker’s students enjoyed the year-round experience of growing fruits and vegetables using this innovative method.
Exploring Aquaponics: Ashley Golay’s Water Garden
In 2020, third-grade teacher Ashley Golay wrote a grant for the “Back to the Roots Water Garden,” introducing her students to the fascinating world of aquaponics. This unique system, where fish waste fertilizes plants and the plants clean the water, provided hands-on learning about sustainable and efficient food-growing methods. Golay’s project gave students a glimpse into the practices used by farmers worldwide, allowing them to experience the interconnectedness of ecosystems right in their classroom.
A Community Effort
The Eudora Schools Foundation is fueled by our generous donors, which makes gardening projects possible. These grants give our teachers the resources to turn their innovative ideas into reality, enriching the educational experience with hands-on, practical learning.
As Ms. Jackson said, she hopes every classroom will have the chance to explore the garden. With projects like these, the Eudora Schools Foundation continues to plant seeds of knowledge, one garden at a time.
Summer Bond Construction Projects Enhance Educational and Security Infrastructure
Behind the Scenes Summer Bond Construction Projects
Over the summer, significant bond construction projects have been undertaken to enhance the educational and security infrastructure across the district. These upgrades will improve the learning environment and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Security and Communication Enhancements
The district has focused on upgrading its communication systems to improve security. The security update includes the installation of new district-wide radio communications systems. Furthermore, a new bell-intercomclock system has been installed at ELC, EMS, and EHS, providing a more reliable and efficient way to manage school communications and security alerts. The new system will be installed at EES next summer.
Enhanced Audio-Visual Systems
New projectors and screens have been installed at both EHS and EES Commons. Additionally, EES Commons now features training monitors, providing better resources for instructional sessions. These upgrades are expected to enhance the overall educational experience by providing stateof-the-art technology for presentations and collaborative learning.
Several district-wide projects have been completed, including the replacement of the phone system and classroom audiovisual systems. These updates ensure that all classrooms are equipped with modern technology to support a variety of teaching methods and improve overall communication within the district.
HVAC and Building Controls
New HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) equipment systems have been installed at EES, EMS, ELC, and West, improving air quality and energy efficiency. Additionally, building control systems across the district have been updated, allowing for better management of building operations and energy usage.
Roof Replacements and Gym Remodels
The roof at EHS and WRC/ELC has been replaced, ensuring the longevity and safety of these buildings. The EHS Main Gym has also seen significant improvements, including a new scoreboard and fresh paint, creating a more inviting and functional space for athletic events and school activities.
These bond construction projects represent a significant investment in the district’s infrastructure, enhancing both the educational environment and the safety of students and staff!
The 4th Installment of Eudora Reads!
The fourth installment of the Eudora Reads! Summer Reading Program kicked off in June 2024 with Mrs. Wendy White (EMS) and Ms. Rose Garrison (EHS) serving as program coordinators for the summer. Eudora Reads!, originally the brainchild made possible by funding from the Eudora Schools Foundation, seeks to offer motivation for summer reading in a laid back and zero-tension environment. Ultimately, we understand that a calm approach to reading combined with sensible motivation can help build lifelong reading habits in our young people.
Our elementary readers had the opportunity to sign up for book bundles delivered weekly. Bundles are put together by our volunteers: Barb Keltner, Teresa Carnagie, Claire Harding, Jan Tedrow and Jeannine Sample. Students are weekly surprised with new and exciting books to read from the EES library. Students can also check in weekly to tell us what they’re reading. Students who successfully complete the program by reading and checking in weekly are eligible to select a brand new book of their choice.
This year, we had 94 total elementary participants; among those 62 book bundles. The program estimates we were able to rotate approximately 1,240 books to students over the summer.
Our middle school group was offered the same check in opportunities as well as a literature circle. We read the mysterythriller The Inheritance Games. In conjunction with Mrs. Giffin’s Middle School Summer Academy class, we offered several small reading activities and competitions to motivate reading. We had nearly 40 participants weekly, given summertime schedules and availability to attend.
Our high school readers gathered weekly at Zebs for reading chats along with several unique and enriching special events. First, we held a “Book
Tasting” where students could peruse books for the summer while sampling drinks and desserts. Later, we held a trivia night with a focus on literacy knowledge in books and the arts. Finally, and for the first time, we were able to offer a field trip to the KC Central Library with a trip to the
The Card
Westport district staple, Prospero’s Used Books. Our high schoolers are a bit busier than our other grade levels but we’ve been privileged to offer these unique opportunities to 12 students this summer.
Here’s to many more summer reading adventures in the future!
The Power of Partnerships
At Eudora Schools, we know that education is a team effort! Family engagement can lead to higher student achievement and better social-emotional outcomes for children. Helping every Cardinal succeed and reach their full potential is possible when we work together as a team.
Family + School = Success:
We want to hear from you and love partnering with our families to support their children. Parents can regularly check in via email, phone calls, or in-person meetings to discuss their child’s progress, ask questions, and address any concerns. Eudora Schools will provide regular updates through newsletters, emails, and through ParentSquare, our new communication tool.
Mark Your Calendar:
EHS Fall Sports Parent Meeting: August 8
EES PTO Meeting: August 13
EMS Fall Sports Parent Meeting: August 14
Meet the Teacher Night and Supply Drop off: August 14
First Day for Grades 1-9 & New HS Students; dismissed at 11:15 AM: August 15
First Full Day for Grades 1-12: August 16
Kindergarten PTO Picnic: August 19
WatchDog Dad/Mom Training: August 22
EES Volunteer Training: August 22 and August 23
EMS Meet the Cardinals Sports Scrimmage and Family Cookout: August 29
Parent-Teacher Conferences
We will host parent-teacher conferences which allow parents to stay informed about their child’s progress, understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and collaborate with teachers to support their child’s educational goals.
October 11: EHS
October 15: EHS 4:00-8:00 PM (appointment only) October 16: EES/EMS/EHS 4:00-8:00 PM October 17: EES/EMS
#SchoolMemories:
Encouraging your child’s participation in co-curricular activities can enhance their social skills, boost confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. Get ready for a year of Family Nights, Workshops, Scholar Events, Concerts, Athletic Events, Celebrations, Carnivals, Camps, and more.
You can keep up with all the upcoming events by following our district calendar at eudoraschools.org.
Facebook: Eudora High School Instagram: ehs_cardinals
ESF:
X: 491Foundation
Facebook: EudoraSchoolsFoundation
Instagram: eudoraschoolsfoundation
Partnering for Success
By working together, we can make sure that every student has the support they need to thrive. Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s education. We are excited about the possibilities this school year holds and look forward to an incredible school year. #EudoraProud
Introducing ParentSquare for increased school-to-home communications
Starting this school year, we are excited to announce a transition from Blackboard to ParentSquare, a comprehensive platform designed to elevate communication between our schools and your home.
We have chosen ParentSquare to streamline our communication efforts and keep you thoroughly informed and actively involved in your student’s education. This innovative platform, known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use, provides a secure environment where the school principal, teachers, staff, parents, and guardians can share information, collaborate, and participate in school activities seamlessly.
What to Expect:
With ParentSquare, our schools can seamlessly send updates to parents, guardians, and families at the district, school, and class levels. These updates will be delivered through email, voice messages, text messages, and app notifications, ensuring you never miss any important information. Plus, you can choose
your preferred method of receiving these updates! ParentSquare also features direct messaging between staff members and parents/guardians, as well as group chats, enhancing communication and collaboration within our school community.
Media Sharing:
ParentSquare allows your student’s school to share photos and files with the school community securely. This feature enables us to celebrate achievements, distribute essential documents, and foster a sense of unity and collaboration.
And Much More:
ParentSquare offers various features and capabilities, all conveniently accessible from one central location. We encourage you to explore the platform to discover its full potential and the numerous ways it can enhance your experience. Rather than having to piece together all the places information can be found, ParentSquare will be the central hub for classroom updates, announcements, photo sharing,
reminders, and sign-ups.
ParentSquare will significantly improve our school-to-home communication and strengthen our partnership in supporting your student’s education. We invite you to embrace this new system, as it will undoubtedly facilitate a more connected and engaged school community. We look forward to embarking on this exciting journey together!
Eudora Schools USD 491
2024-25 District Calendar
Transportation office phone: 785-542-4900 | Machaela Beshears, Director (ext. 1115)
NOTE: All times are approximate. All times and bus numbers are subject to change.
Main Street (9th & Main)
Elementary School (801 E 10th St )
West Resource Center (1310 Winchester)
15th & Acorn St.
High School (2203 Church St )
Middle School (2635 Church St )
(801 E 10th St )
Leaving from Going to Bus # Departing at 15th & Acorn St. 15th & Acorn St.
am
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