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District Information:
2024-25 Hopkins Classified Staff Award:
The E.L. & Z. Irene Hopkins Foundation has generously supported Lyon County schools for over 20 years 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
Print Your W-2 & 1095C:
All active employees will print out their W-2 Wage and Tax Statement and their 1095C Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage forms through Skyward’s Employee Access. Additional communication will be shared once forms are available to print. Click here for a tutorial on how to print your forms.
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.
District Social Media:
To strengthen our online presence and better connect with our community, we encourage all staff members to actively engage with and share our district's social media posts. Your support is invaluable in spreading the word about the fantastic work happening within our district. You play a crucial role in enhancing our reach and impact by liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts.
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.
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