Eudora Unified School District No. 491 1310 Winchester Rd. P.O. Box 500 Eudora, KS 66025 785-542-4910
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Eudora School Newsletter is a quarterly magazine which includes content provided by the Eudora Schools communication department and is produced by the Lawrence Journal-World.
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Staff Directory
DR. STU MOECKEL
Superintendent of Schools stumoeckel@eudoraschools.org
DR. BILL DEWITT
Head Principal, Eudora High School billdewitt@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 Cardinal Academy/Assistant Principal 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
SARAH MILLER
Assistant Principal, Eudora Elementary School saramiller@eudoraschools.org
KRISTEN LEWIS
Early Learning Center Director kristenlewis@eudoraschools.org
ALBANIA ANDRADE Communication and Engagement Specialist, albaniaandrade@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
YEMEN SHAABAN After School Program Director yemenshaaban@eudoraschools.org
AMANDA BRUNKOW Human Resources Director amandabrunkow@eudoraschools.org
STEPHENIE SUDDUTH District Nurse stepheniesudduth@eudoraschools.org
Opening Doors for Eudora Students
In September a Eudora High School student named Lily signed up for a hands-on budgeting activity called Reality U. At first, she thought it would be a fun break from her normal classes. But by the end of the day, she was calculating mortgage payments, balancing daycare costs, and rethinking her dream car. “I didn’t realize how fast adult life comes at you,” she said. “But now I feel like I have a plan.”
Lily’s story is just one example of how real-world learning—made possible through community support—can shape a student’s path.
At Eudora Schools and the Eudora Schools Foundation, our Future Prepared initiative is about giving students the tools they need to succeed beyond graduation—whether that’s through a job shadowing experience, a mentorship conversation, or a financial literacy program that changes the way they think about the future.
To grow these opportunities, we’re launching a Community & Business Partnership Survey—a simple way for local businesses and residents to tell us how they’d like to get involved.
Here’s how you can help Eudora students:
◆ Encourage your workplace to offer internships or job shadowing
◆ Share your story—be a guest speaker or mentor a student
◆ Support experiences like Reality U that teach life-changing skills
◆ Fill out the partnership survey and help shape what comes next
◆ Take the survey today!
When our kids have access to real-world learning, they grow in confidence, purpose, and direction. And when we—schools, families, businesses, and neighbors—work together, we create a community where all students can thrive.
Let’s keep building that future. Together.
Our Promise
Every student in Eudora Schools is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.
Our Promise is at the heart of Eudora Schools—it guides our daily work with students, staff, families, and the community, and serves as the foundation for the Eudora Schools 2024–2029 Strategic Plan. Developed by the Eudora Board of Education, this five-year plan reflects our community’s shared priorities and provides a clear guide for advancing a long-term vision shaped by Our Promise
The Three Focus Areas
Culture of Belonging Instructional Excellence
We will embody a welcoming school community where each student is known by name, strength, and need, and is empowered to engage, lead, and thrive.
Our schools should be places where students feel connected, cared for, and challenged. We are committed to strengthening relationships, building leadership opportunities, and increasing student and family engagement.
We will improve student performance through enhanced instructional coherence and high-impact instructional practices.
Future Preparedness
We will ensure our graduates are prepared for the future they choose.
We believe all students can achieve at high levels—and that belief drives our efforts to support instructional excellence in every classroom. Through consistent curriculum, professional development, and clear expectations, we’re focused on helping every learner grow.
Measuring What Matters
We believe our goal is not just graduation – it’s preparation. Students should leave Eudora High School with confidence and choices – whether that’s college, a career, or another path. We ensure access to Individual Plans of Study, college credit, industry credentials, and real-world learning.
To stay accountable to our goals, we’ve launched the ‘Living Our Promise’ dashboard— an interactive tool that tracks progress across key areas, measures outcomes aligned to each strategic focus, and supports our commitment to continuous improvement. Each data point is directly connected to specific goals and will evolve alongside the growth of our work. You can follow our progress at www.eudoraschools.org/OurPromise
This isn’t just a plan—it’s a daily commitment and a shared responsibility. It’s Our Promise: that every student in Eudora Schools is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose.
Eudora Early Learning Center Celebrates a Strong First Year and Looks Ahead to Growth
Since opening its doors in fall 2024, the Eudora Early Learning Center (ELC) has quickly established itself as a vibrant and nurturing place for young learners to begin their educational journey. In just its first year, the program has seen great success—welcoming eager preschoolers, building strong relationships with families, and fostering a love of learning.
With continued interest and growing enrollment, the ELC is opening a seventh classroom, with the goal of enrolling more 4-year-olds in the program. “We know how important these early years are,” said ELC staff. “Preschool lays the foundation for a child’s future. It’s not just preparation for kindergarten—it’s preparation for life.”
In addition to its core preschool offerings, the ELC works in partnership with several local early childhood providers to ensure families have access to a strong network of support and resources. Earlier in the month of May, the ELC hosted an event for Child Care Provider Appreciation Day, which had a great turnout. It was a meaningful opportunity to connect with others in our community, recognize the vital work of childcare providers, and explore ways we can continue to support one another.
The district also offers the Parents as Teachers program, which provides parents with the tools they need to give their children, prenatal to kindergarten entry, the best possible start in life. The program offers playgroups, hands-on activities, and personalized home visits that focus on each child’s unique stages of development. It gives families the opportunity to ask questions, receive guidance, and get connected to valuable resources—all while
strengthening the parent-child relationship and preparing children for school success.
As the ELC looks ahead, staff remain focused on their mission: to provide every child with a safe, welcoming, and enriching environment. “We’re excited to welcome more families into our program,” staff said. “Our hope is that even more kids in our community will have the opportunity to benefit from early learning.”
Families interested in learning more about our ELC application are encouraged to contact the ELC office at 785542-4920 or visit www.elc.eudoraschools.org. If interested in knowing more about the Parents as Teachers program, contact Sara Sorensen at ssorensen@keystonelearning.org
Eudora Elementary School Hosts Open House
Eudora Elementary School (EES) recently held an exciting Open House, offering families a chance to connect with teachers, explore classrooms, and celebrate the accomplishments of the school year. The event was a wonderful opportunity for parents and guardians to engage in their children’s education and gain a deeper understanding of the learning happening at EES.
During the Open House, parents had the chance to visit classrooms, interact with teachers, and see firsthand the hard work students had put into their academic projects. Teachers were available to discuss student progress, answer questions, and share important updates about upcoming events. It was a great way to foster stronger relationships between families and the school community, allowing parents to feel more involved
in their children’s educational journey.
In addition to meeting with teachers, families were able to explore displays of student work. From art to history projects, the walls of the school were filled with vibrant examples of students’ creativity and learning. Parents and students alike enjoyed taking in the colorful displays and celebrating the successes of the year.
The event also provided students with a chance to reflect on their favorite moments from the school year. Here are a few of the highlights from EES students:
“My favorite thing about our classroom is how we celebrate birthdays. Ms. Crame does a birthday board for each of us where we sit at the board and all of our friends come up and write what they love most about us. It makes me feel so important, loved, and special”.— Kale,
4th grade.
“EVERYTHING has been so much fun this year. Math always feels like a fun game every day. I even like reading a lot more now and I am better at it!” — Vincent, 4th grade
“My favorite part of the school year was the unit on outer space and moon phases in science. I also enjoyed the projects we got to do in art!” — Brentley, 5th grade.
As the Open House came to a close, it was clear that the sense of community and excitement at EES is stronger than ever. Events like this are a reminder of the incredible collaboration between students, teachers, and families that make Eudora Elementary such a special place to learn and grow.
We look forward to another year of success and memorable experiences at EES!
EMS and EES Ambassadors Lend a Hand to Beautify Community Green Spaces
Eudora Middle School and Eudora Elementary School Ambassadors teamed up recently to make a positive impact in their community by helping spread mulch and clean up the green spaces near the Eudora Recreation Center. With gloves on and tools in hand, the students took part in this service project as part of their ongoing leadership development and commitment to giving back.
Under the guidance of staff and in partnership with the City of Eudora Parks and Recreation Department, the ambassadors spent the afternoon refreshing mulch, removing litter, and sprucing up the landscaped areas surrounding the Rec Center. The project gave students the opportunity to connect with peers across grade
levels, work as a team, and contribute to a space used by many families and residents.
The project is part of a larger effort to build community pride and encourage students to take ownership
of their surroundings. With lots of smiles, the event was a success—and the green spaces around the Rec Center now look better than ever thanks to the hard work and heart of these young leaders.
Eudora High School Wraps Up a Memorable 2024–2025 School Year
As we close the chapter on the 2024–2025 school year, Eudora High School is proud to celebrate the achievements, growth, and memories that have shaped our students, staff, and community.
From the first day of classes in August to the final bell in May, our students have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a strong sense of community. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, or on the field, Cardinals have risen to the occasion. We’ve seen students thrive academically, embrace new challenges, and support one another every step of the way.
This year brought many highlights worth celebrating. Studentathletes gave their all during each season, representing Eudora with pride and sportsmanship. Cardinal U allowed students to explore future pathways through internships, certifications, and hands-on learning.
Band and choir accomplished so much, earning high ratings and delivering memorable performances. Clubs and organizations gave students the chance to lead, collaborate, and give back to our community. These are just a few of the many moments that made this school year one to remember.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this year has been watching our seniors step confidently into their future. Whether heading to college, the workforce, the military, or other opportunities, the Class of 2025 has left a lasting legacy. Their determination, kindness, and Cardinal pride have inspired younger students and staff alike.
Behind the scenes, our teachers and staff have remained dedicated to knowing every student by name, strength, and need. Their efforts to foster a safe, inclusive, and challenging learning environment are what make Eudora High School more than just a building—it’s a community.
We’re also grateful for the unwavering support of our families and the larger Eudora community. From cheering in the stands to volunteering time and resources,
your partnership plays a vital role in the success of our students.
As we look ahead to summer and begin preparing for another exciting school year, we do so with gratitude, pride, and optimism. Thank you for being part of our journey.
We wish all of our students and families a restful and joyful summer—and we look forward to welcoming everyone back in the fall. Go Cards!
The Card
Excellence in Eudora Elementary
Field Trips
Eudora Elementary School students had an awesome time this year on their field trips to places like Science City, the Discovery Center, and Main Event. They got to explore handson exhibits, play games, and just have a blast with their friends.
Battle of the Books
The Battle of the Books wrapped up with an exciting final event, where students showcased their reading skills and knowledge. Teams competed fiercely, but it was all in good fun, celebrating their love for books and teamwork.
Card
Excellence in Eudora
Middle
Drama Production
The EMS drama production wowed audiences with an incredible performance full of energy, talent, and heart. From the set design to the student-led acting, every detail showcased the hard work and dedication that went into making the show a success. Bravo to the entire cast and crew!
High School
EHS Seniors Awarded Eudora Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
Congratulations to Ty Deterding and Braydon Gardner, two exceptional Eudora High School seniors, who were recently awarded the Eudora Chamber of Commerce Scholarship! This scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to their community.
Photo By: Kiahnna Merz
CARING, COMPASSIONATE STAFF
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600 E. 20th Street, Suite 200 Eudora, KS 785-542-2345
Choose your primary care partner today at lmh.org/primary-care.
