|
District News:
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 at 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 aged 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 another location besides 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.
Remaining Dates:
October 9 - Timmerman after school
October 14 - Emporia High School, during lunch 10:44-12:15
October 15 – JonesECDC before school, class begins at 9:00 here
October 21 – Riverside, after school
October 22 – Village, after school
October 23 – MHEC, after school
Benefit Open Enrollment 2026:
We are excited to continue our partnership with AmeriLife Benefits - Benefits Direct as our benefits administrator. Benefit Open Enrollment will take place from October 20 through October 31, 2026. All benefit-eligible employees, which include those working 20 or more hours per week, are required to complete open enrollment even if they plan to waive benefits. This year, there will be no in-person appointments. Instead, employees will have two options to complete enrollment: online self-enrollment or through the AmeriLife Benefits Call Center. If you choose to use the Call Center, you will need to schedule an appointment in advance. More details and instructions will be shared in the coming days through ParentSquare.
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.
Written notification received by:
- November 1, would receive $750
- December 1, would receive $500
- January 1, would receive $250
See the master contract for more information.
Student and Family Resources Clothing Drive:
Student and Family Resources is hosting its annual clothing drive to support students and families in our district. From October 3 through October 27, community members are invited to donate new or gently used children’s clothing. Donations may be dropped off at the Flinthills Mall, either at the back entrance by the theater or at the west entrance by Sutherland’s.
We sincerely appreciate your generosity in helping meet the needs of students and families in our community. For questions or additional information, please contact Heather Wagner at heather.wagner@usd253.net.
Spanish Stipend:
Emporia Schools offers a Spanish language stipend to eligible classified and licensed staff.
Stipends range from:
- Licensed Staff: $250–$1,000/year
- Classified Staff: $0.25–$1.00/hour
Separate verbal and written Spanish tests are required. To learn more, contact HR at human-resources@usd253.net. To schedule testing, contact Jenny Flores-Guerrero at jenny.flores-guerrero@usd253.net or 620-341-2395.
Remaining Schedule for Staff ID Photos:
As a reminder, all staff should have their photo taken on school picture day so you will have a 2025-26 Staff ID. Please plan to have your photo taken while Interstate Studios is in your building. Your Staff ID badge will also get you and your family into home events. If you need an ID badge before your 2025-26 badge is available, please contact community.relations@usd253.net to schedule a time for an individual badge to be made.
- Jones Early Childhood Development Center, October 15
- William Allen White Elementary, October 22
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 is 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, read more here.
District Events:
District Tailgate Reminder:
The District Tailgate is this Friday, October 10, on the Emporia State University campus. Bring your family for an evening of food and fun! Each meal includes a hot dog, chips, a snack cake, and water. Food will be available for the first 400 people.
- Location: Between the tennis courts and Visser Hall, just west of Welch Stadium
- Time: 6:00 PM
Feel free to bring lawn chairs, as seating will be limited, and don’t forget your staff ID for free admission for you and your family. Let’s come together to celebrate and cheer the Spartans on to victory!
| 
