Eudora School Newsletter - Spring 2024

T H E C A R D

EHS Scholars’ Bowl State Championship

EMS

ESF Principal for a Half Day

Staff Directory

STU MOECKEL

Superintendent of Schools stumoeckel@eudoraschools org

DR. JUSTIN BOGART

Head Principal, Eudora High School justinbogart@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

JESSICA CAGLE

Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School jessicacagle@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

JAYLIE POSTLEWAIT

Communication and Engagement Specialist jayliepostlewait@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 Early Learning Center

Opening August 2024 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

Introducing The New Early Learning Center

In August, the Early Learning Center (ELC) will open it’s doors! With a steadfast commitment to providing access to high-quality early education and care for children ages 3 and 4, the ELC stands as a testament to our dedication to nurturing the minds and hearts of our youngest learners The ELC will be under the guidance of Kristen Lewis who has worked in the Early Childhood field for over 30 years, 21 of those serving as a preschool director.

At the core of our mission lies a belief in the transformative power of education, one that begins at the earliest stages of a child’s development. Grounded in the Kansas Early Learning Standards, our curriculum serves as a road map for fostering early childhood development, preparing children for school, and nurturing vital socialization skills

In our child-centered environment, play is more than just a pastime, it’s a gateway to exploration, creativity, and problem-solving. Through carefully crafted experiences that encourage curiosity and a connection with nature, we strive to ignite a lifelong love for learning in each child who walks through our doors By

embracing the diverse needs and interests of our students, we create an atmosphere that celebrates difference and cultivates a sense of belonging. With a team of dedicated licensed early childhood teachers overseeing our classrooms, we aim to create an optimal learning environment that nurtures the potential of every child.

For those enrolled in the program, the standard hours from 8:05 am to 3:15 pm Monday through Friday are available at a rate of $250 00/month Parents/Guardians are able to drop their student off as early as 7:30 am. We understand the demands of modern life, which is why we offer extended care options until 5:30 pm for families requiring a later pickup time for an additional $50/month.

But our vision extends beyond the walls of the classroom By offering education throughout the year, we not only prioritize the holistic development of children but also contribute to the broader goals of economic growth and workforce retention. We believe that by investing in early education, we are laying the foundation for a future generation

For more information about the program, to view renderings, and a virtual tour of the ELC visit elc.eudoraschools.org or scan the QR code.

Come grow with Eudora: Where Excellence Begins Early!

Eudora Elementary School Student Ambassadors

Fifth grade student ambassadors serve as exemplary leaders, contributing actively to various school initiatives throughout the academic year

Selected through an interview process at the end of their fourth grade year, these outstanding individuals u of representing EES with distinction

Eudora High School

Cardinal Academy Students Find Success Through Peaslee Tech’s Youth Apprenticeship Program Championship

Kaden Mul and Tommy We seniors at Eudo High School and enrolled at Cardinal Academy, both began Peaslee Tech’s Youth Apprenticeship Commercial

Their impact extends across a range of activities: from leading grade levels in a demonstration of the Eudora Elementary School SOAR (Safe, Outstanding, Accountable, and Respectful) expectations to collaborating with counselors for Start with Hello Week, where they extend warm welcomes, kindness, and stickers to fellow students at the beginning of the day. Additionally, some volunteer their time during breakfast duty a true testament to their commitment to service They also spearhead initiatives such as the Gratitude Challenge and fitness challenges, fostering a sense of community and well-being among their peers

They also played a pivotal role in introduction of the Gaga Ball pit donated by the Eudora Schools Foundation, ensuring every grade level understood the rules and participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Recently the EES Ambassadors met with the Eudora Middle School Student Ambassadors to create Valentine cards and decorations for the residents of Homestead Assisted Living and Memory Care as well as patients at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital Oncology Center

The ambassadors are always seeking ways that they can be helpful to our students and staff and have done a phenomenal job this school year!

Driver’s License (CDL A) program at the beginning of the Spring semester. Through classroom instruction, Tommy has secured his learner’s permits and DOT medical cards, and Kaden will be taking his permit test before the end of March Next, they will begin diving into the comprehensive curriculum, mastering pre-trip inspections and maneuvering through diverse driving scenarios under the guidance of experienced instructors until they are ready to take their exam for their CDL-A license Peaslee instructors will escort them to a DMV location and allow them to use a Peaslee truck and trailer for the test.

Their journey is not just about obtaining a license; it’s about honing practical skills and exploring future career pathways Throughout their journey, they’ve received unwavering support from Peaslee Tech instructors, who have been instrumental in shaping their path toward success. With a CDL-A license in hand, Kaden and Tommy are poised to explore diverse career opportunities, from truck driving to specialized roles in transportation and beyond Peaslee will assist both of them in securing apprenticeships driving. Tommy is already planning on entering a job as a lineman shortly after graduation. By enrolling in the CDL-A program at Peaslee Tech, students like Kaden and Tommy can embark on a transformative journey toward a rewarding career in professional driving, equipped with the skills and credentials needed to thrive in the transportation industry.

Eudora Middle School Secretaries Lead the Way with Enrichment Clubs

Eudora Middle School prides itself on offering a rich variety of Enrichment Programs, ranging from 15 to 20 annually, aimed at nurturing the diverse interests of our students. These programs, supported by the Eudora Schools Foundation and Eudora Schools, are a testament to our commitment to fostering creativity and innovation among our student body.

Under Mr. Thomas’s leadership, EMS staff are constantly encouraged to explore new avenues and push the boundaries of traditional education.

This year, EMS secretaries, Kristine Schnebly and Karla Cleveland, rose to the challenge! Kristine has overseen two clubs this year, the DIY Gift Club and the Sewcial Club, while Karla has taken on the role of sponsoring the No Bake Club alongside EMS counselor Michelle Plegge

Karla said, “I help with the No Bake Club this year and am really enjoying it! I love to cook and bake, so sharing my experience with students has been really fun. The best part is getting to know students that I didn’t previously know.”

Similarly, 6th-grade resource teacher Wendy White and Attendance Secretary Kristine Schnebly recognized a need within our student body and

took proactive steps to address it

Through the DIY Gift Club, funded by a grant from the ESF, students were empowered to create heartfelt holiday gifts for their loved ones, regardless of financial constraints or skill limitations

This initiative, now in its second year, not only facilitates the development of

“I love to cook and bake, so sharing my experience w ith students has been really fun. The best part is getting to know students that I didn’t previously know.”

practical skills but also instills a sense of pride and accomplishment in students like never before This year student’s created fun items ranging from coasters to body butter and the kids favorite - sand art brownies.

The Sewcial Club made possible through generous grants from the ESF and DCCCA, has brought together a dynamic group of middle school students, a dedicated secretary, and two retired librarians with a shared

passion for sewing. Meeting monthly on early release Wednesdays, the club has embarked on a journey of creative exploration by learning how to make coasters, pillowcases, eye masks and reusable snack bags and will be finishing the school year by sewing custom sized PJ pants

Under the guidance of Kristine Schnebly and the expertise of retired librarians Barb Keltner and Lois Epperson, students have not only honed their sewing skills but also gained valuable life lessons in patience, perseverance, and the joy of craftsmanship. The involvement of community volunteers has further enriched the club experience, fostering meaningful connections between generations and creating a supportive environment for learning and growth

EMS extends its gratitude to Quilting Bits and Pieces for their generous support. They invite community members with a passion for sharing their expertise to join them in empowering the next generation of learners at Eudora Middle School Together, let’s continue to cultivate a culture of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration that extends beyond the classroom walls.

Eudora High School Scholars’ Bowl Team Wins 4 A State Championship

Call them the Comeback Cards

Why? Because at the 4A State Scholars’ Bowl Tournament, the Eudora High School Scholars’ Bowl Team secured its first-ever state championship after trailing early in its championship match to a team that had beaten them throughout the regular season. In fact, the Cardinals avenged multiple regular-season losses on their way to being state champions The EHS team of Addy Barnard, Georgia Martin, Max Mitchell, Justin Shoemaker, Nate van Foeken, and Eugene White brought home the state championship trophy after a season of playing mostly underdogs in their Scholars’ Bowl tournaments.

Cardinals would move on to face Bishop Miege in the championship round.

In regularseason tournament matchups with Miege, the Cardinals lost each time to the Stags, and after only a few questions into the state championship match, EHS found itself trailing Miege 5-20 The Cardinals answered four of the next five questions correctly to take a 45-20 lead with only two questions remaining in the match EHS held an insurmountable lead to the point they could withhold from answering those questions. Minutes later, the underdog Cardinals hoisted the state championship trophy.

On Saturday, February 10, the Cardinals headed to the state tournament having earned 3rd place finishes at both the Frontier League and Regional tournaments After advancing out of the eight-team pool play, EHS would face Frontier League champion Louisburg in the semi-final round Louisburg entered the match as the number one seed and had beaten the Cardinals earlier that day in pool play, 70-50. EHS opened the match with a 20-10 lead, then ran away from the Wildcats, winning the match 60-20. This was the first time all year that EHS beat Louisburg, and, with the victory, the

Coach Jim Barnard emphasized the team effort demonstrated by the Cardinals with each student scoring points in the matches Moreover, Coach Barnard was effusive in his praise of the team and the hard work they invested in making themselves better with every hour of studying and preparation. Coach Barnard recognized that the students “are champions because of the hard work of so many great teachers, parents, and supporters . . . and the state title is a reflection of the great school system and community that we have in Eudora – we can all be proud of this together ”

Eudora Schools Foundation Principal for a Half Day, Celebrates

Success in Fostering Community Collaboration

Since its inception in 2019, Eudora Schools Foundation (ESF)’s groundbreaking program, “Principal for a Half Day,” has become a local sensation. Over 200 community and business leaders have stepped into the shoes of a school principal, and this unique initiative has garnered widespread acclaim for providing an exclusive glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of the education system.

a deeper understanding of their complex roles and the day-to-day operations of the schools. This immersive experience includes activities such as talking with students and faculty, attending assemblies, and engaging in other educational pursuits The guest principals are strategically assigned to elementary, middle, or high schools based on their interests and the schools’ needs.

The program has become a vital tool in building stronger relationships between Eudora schools, local businesses, and the community. Shanda Hurla, ESF Executive Director, emphasizes the mutual benefits, stating, “Inviting the community into our schools is mutually beneficial This event creates a terrific opportunity for future partnerships that will benefit our vibrant community as a whole.”

Participants spend a morning shadowing school principals, gaining

experience. I want to continue to learn more. I want to come back again,” highlight the positive impact of the initiative.

The day culminates in a lunch hosted by Superintendent Stu Moeckel, where participants from various schools come together to share their experiences and insights. The program’s success lies not only in providing an educational experience

Stu Moeckel, Superintendent of Schools, expresses excitement about the program, noting, “We have a lot to be proud of -- as well as discussing future opportunities and challenges – and it will be a great time to share both ”

Reviews from past participants reflect the program’s success Comments such as, “I love the idea of having business and community leaders come into the schools to share and learn,” and, “It was a great

for community leaders but also in creating a platform for dialogue between schools and businesses.

Scheduled for Friday, April 26th, from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, the upcoming “Principal for a (Half) Day” promises an enlightening and memorable half-day journey Attendees will have the chance to connect with school principals, embark on engaging school tours, and participate in activities that showcase the depth of the education system.

Excellence in Eudora

Elementar y

M iddle

The Hunger Games Enrichment Program, along with Staff, EMS Students, and Community Members packed 10,000 meals in one hour! The Hunger Games is an opportunity for students to understand and investigate domestic hunger in the U S and our own community

Fourth grade participated in Day on the Farm at the Douglas County Fair Grounds in Lawrence.

While there, students learned about agriculture and where their food comes from. The stations included: soil/water conservation, grain production, sheep/goats, fruit/vegetable production, poultry and rabbits, health and nutrition, pollinators, and dairy

High School

For the EES Spelling Bee, one representative from each 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class was chosen to participate. Chazley Thomas was the winner, and Simon Perez was the runner up Chazley participated in the Douglas County Spelling Bee on February 10th where she placed 10th.

EHS senior Max Mitchell, son of Jeff and Jody Mitchell, was contacted by Kansas Representative Tracey Mann, who congratulated him on his acceptance into the United States Military Academy at West Point. Max is interested in becoming a pilot through his academy training!

EHS students, under the direction of Lisa Moffitt, took to the stage in February to perform I Hate Shakespeare, a play of comedic vignettes inspired by Shakespeare’s comedies and tragedies.

Fourth grade went to the Topeka Capitol on November 2, 2023, as part of their government unit They learned about the history of the building and what happened there and were able to climb to the top of the dome

The EMS Sci-O team had one of the best performances in school history at the Northeast KS Regional Science Olympiad competition They competed against 23 schools and came away with a trophy - a third-place finish!

Photo By: Brittney Gassert, EHS Student

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