Staff Bulletin | January 23, 2025

On Wednesday evening, members of the Board of Education, District Support Team, Emporia High School Administrators, and Emporia High School Student Council gathered at EHS for their annual dinner meeting. This event provides an opportunity for Board members to hear directly from StuCo about their activities and celebrations for the year.

District Information:


W-2 and 1095C Forms:

W-2s and 1095-C forms were delivered to your building today. If you don’t receive yours by Monday, please email director.budgets@usd253.net. If you’re a substitute teacher or work in an outlying district, your W-2 was sent by mail.


KPERS Pre-Retirement Sessions:

KPERS will be hosting a pre-retirement session on February 19, from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Mary Herbert Education Center, 1700 W. 7th Ave, Rm 112


2024-25 Hopkins Classified Staff Award:

For over twenty years, the E.L. & Z. Irene Hopkins Foundation has generously supported Lyon County schools by providing Hopkins Awards. Traditionally, these awards have been divided into two categories: Project Awards and Individual Awards. This year, the Foundation is introducing a new initiative recognizing Heroic Classified Educators. While past awards primarily highlighted the contributions of licensed educators, this year’s awards aim to celebrate the classified staff members who play an essential role in daily school operations and significantly impact students’ lives.


The awards will honor individuals who have performed remarkably, making a meaningful difference in the life of a student or colleague. To be eligible, nominees must be classified staff members, either full-time or part-time, who are in good standing. Nominations can be submitted by employees, students, parents, or community members. Those making a nomination must provide a brief statement using the designated form, describing the nominee’s contributions and how they have benefited others. All nominations must be submitted online.


Nominations are currently being accepted and will remain open through February 15. Once the nomination period closes, a selection committee will review submissions in late February. Their direct supervisors will then verify potential winners before final selections are made. Award recipients will receive a cash prize of $500 (minus taxes) to use as they wish.

Use this link to nominate a deserving classified staff member by February 15.


January Lucet Employee Assistance Program:

As a USD 253 employee, you can utilize resources provided by Lucet, (formally New Directions) through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, Lucet offers a variety of free online webinars for all employees. If you or a family member are experiencing any stress or heightened emotions due to events going on in our world, please contact the EAP support line at 833-848-1764 or log onto the Lucet website and use the code usd253. January Newsletter


Flex Made Easy or ID Force products:

Employees who have enrolled in a Flex Made Easy (HSA, FSA, etc.) or ID Force product will receive communication directly from the provider. In some cases, coverage may not start until you have set up an account and provided them with additional information. If you have questions please call AmeriLife Benefits at 1-833-675-2876 or contact melissa.vogts@usd253.net.


Winter Weather:

Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority during all threatening weather conditions and emergency plans are in place. As we all know, Kansas weather can change quickly and become highly unpredictable and dangerous. Decisions regarding cancellations and delays will be based on what is safest for students and staff of Emporia Public Schools (EPS). While we work collaboratively, choices made by other districts or by local higher education institutions may or may not influence the final decision made by EPS because of districts and institutions that differ in size or the operational procedures of that institution. Highlights of the Emporia Public Schools emergency weather safety procedures are outlined below. Click here to review district inclement weather information.


Thought Box:

The district would like to hear from you. We appreciate your input and would like to hear your ideas, opinions, and questions to continue moving the district forward. If there is anything you would like to share anonymously, please click here to complete the Thought Box Form. This form will also be located in the Quick Links section on the district website's front page.


Human Resources Reminders, Licensed Staff:

  • February 1st is the deadline for early retirement benefit application forms to be submitted for certified staff. 
  • February 15th is the deadline to submit a new national board teaching certificate. 
  • February 15th is the deadline to submit ESL certification to be included in the March paycheck.


District Events:


Walnut Elementary Blood Drive:

Walnut Elementary will be hosting a blood drive on Tuesday, January 28, sign up online at redcrossblood.org.


Appointments, Resignations, and Retirements:

View the employment recommendations here.

On Friday, January 17, the Emporia High School Student Athletic Leadership Team (SALT) visited Riverside Elementary to play board games with students as part of their reward day. 

The EHS Theatre Department traveled to Wichita, KS, on Jan. 9-10 to attend the Kansas Thespian Festival! The troupe earned 2nd place for their lobby display, achieved Gold Honor Troupe status, and qualified 7 students to represent EHS at the International Thespian Festival this June. Students also attended professional workshops and experienced incredible performances from Kansas high schools. Way to go, EHS Theatre!

Board Approvals:


  • Minutes of January 8, 2025
  • Treasurer’s Report for December 2024
  • Donation of $1,000 from Witten Construction to the Emporia High School Spartan Stop
  • Donation of $10,000 from the Steven L. Davis memorial donation from the Emil Babinger Charitable Trust to the Emporia High School Theatre program
  • Resolution 2025-2, extend the term of Board Officers


Board Information and Updates:


State Standards and Curriculum Alignment:

Mrs. Judy Stanley, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Student Services; Mrs. Megan Powers, Elementary Instructional Coach; Ms. Erica Fianu, Elementary Instructional Coach; Mrs. Abby Breshears; Mrs. Stephanie McCracken, Secondary Instructional Coach provided an overview of the critical connection between state standards and the district curriculum. State standards serve as the foundation, defining the knowledge and skills students are required to master at each grade level. PreK-12 teachers and instructional coaches collaborate to align these standards and develop curriculum guides. These guides ensure consistent instructional goals across the district, maintain vertical cohesion, and document curriculum expectations.


The presentation emphasized the importance of alignment to maintain consistency, meet state expectations, and support seamless learning progression across grade levels. The curriculum guides serve as a key tool in ensuring that instruction aligns with state standards and supports student success.

View the presentation here.


Construction Update:

Mr. Eric Woltje, Senior Project Manager at McCownGordon, provided the Board with an update on the William Allen White Elementary construction project, which is approximately 85% complete. The new addition, which includes a Multipurpose Room, Kitchen, and Music Room, was completed and turned over to the district following winter break. Current work includes repairing interior corridors, demolishing the old kitchen, and replacing the low roof on the east side. The project is progressing rapidly and is on track for potential completion by summer.

View the presentation here.


Future Board Calendar Dates:


  • Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
  • Wednesday, March 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center