District News:

ENEA Scholarship Fundraiser during November 18-22 

Please mark your calendars for National Education Week which is November 18-22. Each year district staff have the opportunity to wear jeans all week long for $5 (or greater donation). The funds raised go toward the ENEA scholarship given to students who choose education as a major in college.

General Election:

All staff members are encouraged to vote in the General Election before or after their scheduled work time on Tuesday, November 5. However, if that is not possible, please work with your principal or supervisor to determine a suitable time for you to exercise your right to vote. If you need to check your voter registration status, please click here.

Insurance Reminder:

November 30th is the last day changes can be made for insurance elections for the 2025 plan year which will become effective January 1, 2025. AmeriLife is meeting with employees face-to-face in each building. If you need to make a change after the AmeriLife representative has completed your building's enrollment please contact Melissa Vogts at melissa.vogts@usd253.net.

Early Resignation/Retirement Notification Incentive:

Any licensed teacher who has worked for more than two years in USD 253 and is planning to resign or retire at the end of the school year is eligible to receive an early notification stipend.  

A written resignation or retirement notice must be submitted to the Director of Human Resources. Stipends will be awarded according to the timetable below at the end of the contract year. See the master contract for more information.

Written notification received by:

• November 1st would receive $750
• December 1st would receive $500
• January 1st would receive $250

Student and Family Resources Clothing Drive:

Student and Family Resources is collecting donations for the annual clothing drive. Please bring new or gently used children’s clothing items to the Flinthills Mall, back entrance by the theater during October. Thank you for your donation and for helping serve the students and families of our district. If you have questions, please Contact Heather Wagner at heather.wagner@usd253.net.

Employee Assistance Program:

As a USD 253 employee, you can utilize resources provided by New Directions through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, New Directions 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 in our world, please contact the EAP support line at 833-848-1764 or log onto the New Directions website and use the code usd253.

October Newsletter

District Events:

KPERS Pre-Retirement Presentation:

October 17, 2024, 6:00 PM at Mary Herbert Education Center, Rm 112

Staff Flu Shot Schedule:

The district will once again be offering flu shots. If you are interested in getting a flu shot please complete the pre-registration form and turn it in to the school/department where you will be receiving the shot.

Helpful reminders:

• You must fill out a pre-registration form and return it to the school nurse of the school where you are receiving your flu shot.
• Completed forms should be submitted a day before the scheduled flu shot date. Click here for a pre-registration form
• Staff and their family members ages 9 years and older are eligible to receive their flu shot.
• Private insurance and Medicare are accepted; Medicaid is not accepted.
• Cash payments are not accepted as going elsewhere such as Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS would be less expensive.
• The high-dose flu shot for those 65 + will not be offered.
• You may sign up at a location other than your school. If you do, please contact that school to get on their sign-up list. 
• Remember to wear short sleeves on the day of your flu shot.

Appointments, Resignations, and Retirements:

View employment recommendations here.

Emporia State University softball players were the mystery readers this week for first graders at William Allen White Elementary. The students enjoyed story time with the student-athletes, and then played together at recess.