USD 490 eNews

Please visit our website to view the District Strategic Plan and each school's building goals.

El Dorado Public Schools USD 490 was featured as a 2026 Best Managed Kansas School District in the national Business View Magazine!

Visit their website to read the full article.

Non-resident applications are required to be filled out annually for students who attend USD 490 but do not live within the district's school boundaries.

The 2026-2027 school year non-resident application is available online and should be completed and turned in to the District Office (124 W. Central Ave.) or emailed to Sheila Hogoboom (shogoboom@usd490.org) as soon as possible to save your child's seat for next school year.

USD 490 is continuing its commitment to support English as a Second Language (ESL) families through expanded family outreach efforts and a growing partnership with Orion Education by offering a blended online/in-person English class.

Visit our website to read more.

The applications for Extend will open on Mar. 13 and close on Apr. 10, 2026.

The Extend application will be available on our Extend webpage.

• Submit application (available for grades 7-12)
• Interview schedule din May with parent/guardian(s) and student
• Rubric used to determine placement/need

The Virtual School application will be available on our Virtual School webpage beginning Mar. 23.

• Submit application
• Complete online enrollment
• Attend an interview

The Partners In Education Foundation PIE Patrol delivered the Spring 2026 grant awards to USD 490 schools on Feb. 19, 2026. There were 20 grants awarded, totaling $20,600.

Visit our website to read more.

Click here to view the January 2026 EHS/Extend JAG-K report.

Click here to view the February 2026 EHS/Extend JAG-K report.

Twenty six out of the 42 El Dorado High School students who submitted poems were selected for publication in the 2026 Anthology of Poetry by Young Americans.

The recognition showcases students’ creativity and writing talent in a professionally bound publication alongside other young poets from across the nation.

Congratulations to the following students whose poems were selected for publication: Charles Beggs, Ellee Bressler, Jayda Brown, Jordyn Conant, Lane Eck, Ashlen Hall, Chloe Iverson, Daniel Jernigan, Gavin Jones, Eleanor Lane, Addison Larcom, Gentry Mallon, Noah McLaren, Riley Nichols, Kardyn Nielsen, Madelyn Olson, Addison Penner, Yurihya Quitugua, Makenzie Reiswig, Brooklyn Ritcha, Jaydon Shaw, Coy Stanley, Sydney Terrones, Michael Thurmon, Isabelle Todd, and Grace Wise.

The El Dorado High School Nutrition and Wellness class spent some time in the EHS kitchen with OPAA! staff to learn about safe food handling and kitchen safety on Feb. 5, 2026. Students made four-layered quesadillas to put the lessons into practice.

Representatives from Emporia State University visited El Dorado High School on Feb. 11, 2026, to speak to members of the EHS band and chamber music classes about university music opportunities. They also demonstrated some of their musical talents for students.

Congratulations to the three EHS girls basketball athletes who received honors at the Lady Cat Classic tournament Jan. 29-31, 2026.

Jenna Hadley and Kameron Parker received All Tournament Team honors and Elizabeth Kemboi received All Hustle Team honors.

El Dorado High School hosted a signing day on Feb. 4, 2026, where three student athletes committed to playing sports in college.

Natalie Smithson plans to play softball for the York Panthers. Grad Scanlon plans to play baseball for Butler Community College. Brody Todd plans to run Track for Butler Community College.

The El Dorado High School band, cheer team, and homecoming royalty candidates visited the local elementary schools and the middle school for the annual Homecoming Roadshow on Feb. 6, 2026. They performed pep songs, cheer routines, and introduced the candidates at each school.

Photos from the road show are posted and available for download in the high school yearbook team's Complimentary Photos album. Photos can be downloaded for free after registering with your email address.

Six El Dorado High School FCCLA students placed in STAR events and qualified for state during the regional competition on Feb. 4, 2026.

Jewels Murphy and Emma Villa earned a Silver medal in Leadership. Sydney Terrones earned Bronze in Interior Design. Gage Walden earned Silver in Public Policy Advocate. Payton Murphy-Ward earned Silver in Teach/Train. Sofia Nuñez earned Silver in Career Investigation.

The El Dorado High School boys swim team competed in the AVCTL swim meet in Hutchinson on Feb. 14, 2026. Overall, the team placed fifth.

Sam Christy placed first in the 100 fly and 100 back, setting personal best times in both events. Brody Todd placed second in the 500 free and third in the 200 free with a personal best time. Jaydon Shaw finished 14th in the 100 free and 20th in the 50 free. Sam and Brody both qualified to compete in the state competition in Lenexa on Feb. 20 and 21.

Both swimmers placed at the state boys swim meet in Lenexa on Feb. 20 and 21, 2026.

Sam Christy was State Champion in the 100 back stroke and placed third in the 100 butterfly. Brody Todd placed fifth in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:52.25.

The El Dorado High School girls wrestling team competed at regionals in Augusta on Feb. 13 and 14, 2026. Four athletes qualified to compete at the state meet: Kaylene Vance, Zoey Owens, Aryana Vance, and Izzy Greer.

Kaylene placed third (105). Zoey placed sixth (120). Aryana placed first (155). Izzy placed fourth (235).

The El Dorado High School boys wrestling team competed at regionals in Winfield on Feb. 21, 2026. Two athletes placed third in their respective weight class and qualified to compete at state: DJ Mitchell (175) and Brailin Wright (285).

The City of El Dorado said they received a very strong response from parents and staff completing the transportation safety survey. During lunch on Feb. 19, 2026, high school students shared their stories, ideas and observations with city employees, providing outstanding feedback to help prioritize needs from their viewpoint. City employees said students were thoughtful, practical, and they gave them exactly the kind of real world perspective they need as they build a Safety Action Plan that reflects transportation users in this City.

EHS and Extend students had the opportunity to attend the SkillsUSA Job Fair the morning of Feb. 25, 2026, to explore local jobs and potential summer employment opportunities. There were more than 15 booths where students could talk to representatives about current openings or the career field itself.

We are grateful to all of the businesses and volunteers who participated in the job fair to help our students think beyond the classroom walls. We appreciate our community partners in #PartOfThePride! Visit ParentSquare to view more photos.

El Dorado High School National Honor Society members helped build homes with Habitat for Humanity on Feb. 25, 2026.

Habitat for Humanity is leading Rock the Block, a project to remodel or build 16 homes on Piatt Street between 25th and 26th streets in Wichita. The project aims to provide safe, affordable housing for low-income families. The city has given Habitat until the end of June 2026 to complete all 16 houses.

This is the third time NHS has worked with Habitat for Humanity in this neighborhood. Students worked on two of the remaining eight houses that still need to be completed before the June deadline.

Visit ParentSquare to read more.

El Dorado High School bowler Madison Busby placed eighth with a 454 series at regionals on Feb. 24, 2026, qualifying to compete at the state tournament.

Students at El Dorado Middle School recently learned skills that could help save a life. On Feb. 4, 2026, Stuart Funk from Butler County Emergency Medical Services visited Project Lead the Way – Medical Detectives classes taught by Dawn Gwinn. He taught students how to perform high-quality, hands-only CPR and how to use Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines.

Visit our website to read more.

El Dorado Middle School hosted guest speaker Ben Tracy, founder of Safe Social Network, on Feb. 13, 2026. Tracy is a nationally recognized speaker on online safety, social media awareness, and digital citizenship. He has spoken to hundreds of thousands of students, parents, and educators across the country, sharing real-life stories and practical strategies to help keep students safe online.

Topics included:
• Social media safety
• Cyberbullying & online predators
• Digital footprints & online reputation
• Mental health and technology use
• How families can support and protect students

Learn more about Ben Tracy and Safe Social Network by visiting the Safe Social Network website.

Seventh grade students at El Dorado Middle School visited WSU Tech on Feb. 18, 2026. Students learned about the training and educational opportunities available at WSU Tech and enjoyed some experiential learning with hands-on activities from a variety of career fields. We love seeing students future-focused in #PartOfThePride!

View more photos in ParentSquare.

The El Dorado Middle School girls wrestling team competed at the Patriot League tournament in Augusta on Feb. 23, 2026. Overall, the team placed fifth with 103.5 points.

Individual placers:

• Emmalin Drake, 2nd (95)
• Hadley Williams, 4th (100)
• Parker Cook, 3rd (105)
• Camryn Harris, 3rd (110)
• Keeley Pappan, 3rd (120)
• Katrina Thielen, 2nd (140)
• Nikita Mitchell, 3rd (160)
• Zahara Williams, 4th (175)

The El Dorado High School Homecoming royalty candidates visited Blackmore on Feb. 2, 2026, to help with lessons, play games, and spend time with the future Wildcats.

Three USD 490 elementary students have been selected to represent their schools at the Youth Art Month State Art Contest in Topeka from Feb. 24-Mar. 8, 2026!

Congratulations to:

• Peyton Solis, Third grade at Skelly Elementary
• Katharine Andrews, Fifth grade at Grandview Elementary
• Thana Mosher, Fifth grade at Blackmore Elementary

The Blackmore kindergarten classes celebrated Valentine's Day on Feb. 13, 2026, by spreading joy with the entire staff. They decorated cookies to give to each staff member and shared smiles and hugs as they delivered the treats. They also recorded a special video message that was emailed to staff members.

Grandview kindergarten attended a Tea Party with the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts on Feb. 12, 2026.

"It was truly a heartwarming day," Bright said. "Seeing the children dressed in their very best, their eyes lighting up with wonder, and hearing their giggles fill the room made every moment unforgettable. From their polite manners to the silliest hats, every detail was filled with love, laughter, and pure joy. It’s days like this—full of magic, friendship, and togetherness—that remind us why teaching little hearts is so special."

On Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, Garrett and Emery participated in the state hoop shoot contest held at Sunrise Christian Academy. Emery took 3rd place in the girls 10-11 division. Garrett took 1st place in the boys 10-11 division making 25 out of 25 free throws. Next, Garrett will compete at the regional hoop shoot contest on March 14th in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Grandview kindergarten had fun celebrating the 100th day of school on Feb. 4, 2026, by “constructing” their way through learning!

Students built, created, and explored using hands-on activities that helped them see just how much they’ve grown since the first day of school. Through teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity, they showed off their kindergarten skills in the best way! It was a joyful reminder that they are officially 100 days smarter.

Mrs. Bright and Mrs. Cogan are so proud of all the progress these children have made and send a big "thank you" to all the parents that helped and/or donated items for their day!

Visit our website to see all of our outstanding Students of the Month!

Each month, our schools practice a safety drill to make sure everyone knows what to do and where to go if an emergency situation arises. March's drill is a Tornado drill. A Tornado drill is when classes relocate to a place of safety in the building because of a tornado or severe weather emergency.

Fever
Student will be sent home or should stay home with a fever over 100 degrees, with or without symptoms. Student may return to school when they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medicine.

Eyes
A student that complains of eye pain, has eyes/eyelids that appear red/pink, and/or eye discharge will be sent home. May return 24 hours after initiating antibiotics or provides a note from health care provider stating the condition is not contagious.

Head Lice
A student will be sent home upon finding head lice and may return after pediculicide treatment is initiated. Upon return to school, student will be checked to ensure that no live lice remain.

Diarrhea
May return to school if they have not had any diarrhea or watery stools for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Vomiting
May return to school if they have not had any vomiting for 24 hours without the use of medication.

Impetigo
May return 24 hours after administration of antibiotic (either oral or topical). Keep open wounds covered. Food handler staff is excluded until lesions are healed.

Ringworm
May return after administration of antifungal treatment.

Scabies
May return 24 hours after treatment.

Chickenpox
Student may return when they have been fever free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medication and when all lesions are crusted or dried. Children who have not had chickenpox or vaccinations may also be excluded from school for 21 days following exposure to chickenpox.

Strep Throat
May return 24 hours after antibiotic treatment and fever free without use of fever reducing medication.

Cough
Student needs to remain home if they have a persistent, barking, or hacking cough or unable to practice respiratory etiquette and proper hand washing. Whooping cough – Exclude all confirmed cases for 5 days following initiation of antimicrobial treatment and note from healthcare provider.

Visit your school nurse, counselor, or teacher for access to Simply Hygiene products. Available hygiene products include:

• body soap
• shampoo
• conditioner
• deodorant
• laundry detergent
• lotion
• maxi/mini pads
• tampons
• diapers
• toilet paper
• toothbrushes
• toothpaste
• wipes

Help your friends and family find some happiness.

1. Compliment your friends and family
2. Help your friends and family with a chore or something you know they need to complete.
3. Tell your friends and family how much they are loved and cherished.
4. Do something fun with friends or family.
5. Ask your friends or family about their day and be genuinely interested.
6. Smile! You just might brighten someone’s day.

SRO, Kimberly Clemons

Greetings from your USD 490 School Resource Officers,

We have noticed an increase in drivers not stopping before exiting the drop off/pick up lane at our schools. It is essential that you come to a complete stop before exiting onto the street for safety reasons and because it is the law.

The Kansas State Statute below applies to this situation. It says that drivers must come to a complete stop before entering the street and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and approaching vehicles. Failure to stop can result in a traffic citation.

With the amount of foot, bus, and personal vehicle traffic that we experience around our schools, it is important to remain safe, responsible, and vigilant. We appreciate your help in keeping our students, staff, and families safe in #PartOfThePride!

Under Kansas statute K.S.A. 8-1555, a driver emerging from a private driveway, alley, or building in a business or residential district must stop immediately before driving onto a sidewalk or sidewalk area. If no sidewalk exists, the driver must stop at the nearest point to the roadway to view approaching traffic.

Key Aspects of the Law:

• Stop Requirement: The driver must come to a complete stop before entering the sidewalk area or the street.
• Yielding: Drivers leaving a private road or driveway must yield the right-of-way to all approaching vehicles and pedestrians on the main road.
• Location: This statute specifically applies when exiting onto streets in business or residence districts.
• Violation: Failure to stop can result in a traffic citation, and if an accident occurs, the driver is likely to be found at fault.

This rule is designed to ensure safety, particularly for pedestrians using the sidewalk, and to allow drivers to check for oncoming traffic before entering the flow of vehicles.

OPAA! has been busy cooking up fun in the kitchen for Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras. March 2-6 is National School Breakfast Week and they are excited to serve all of the knights and maidens on the Quest for School Breakfast with delicious food and fun activities.

EHS KAY is hosting a dress giveaway event on Mar. 7, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the high school (401 McCollum Rd.).

This event is FREE and open to any high school student. They have dresses, shoes, jewelry, purses and menswear available.

Apparel shops are open for El Dorado Track & Field! Each shop offers different items, so be sure to check out both links. A portion of all sales will come back to support the team, which we greatly appreciate!

🛍️ BSN Shop – closes on 3/9 - https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/nTtF8EebnV
🛍️ GCI Shop – closes on 3/11 - https://gcilocker.com/product-category/eldorado-high/eldorado-high-track/

Thank you for supporting El Dorado Track & Field this season!

The EMS PTO or PAWS (Parents and Wildcat Supporters) plays an important role in helping develop a closer connection between school and home. We encourage parent involvement and hope to improve the environment at EMS through volunteer and financial support. We meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM at the school, and everyone is welcome—parents, caregivers, grandparents, and community members.

The group has adopted a new mission: No Wildcat stands alone. This mission reflects their commitment to ensuring that every student, family and staff member feels supported, encouraged, and valued. Together, they will continue to build a positive, inclusive, and spirited school community.

📅 Next Meeting: Mar. 24, 2026 (it was moved to the 4th Tuesday because of Spring Break)
⏰ Time: 5:30 PM
📍 Location: EMS Media Center
Contact: prideeldoradomiddleschool@gmail.com if you have questions.

The next EMS P.A.W.S. Dance is Feb. 27 from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. in the Activity Center located at 401 McCollum Rd. Cost is $5. There will be lights, music, games, and concessions. All concession items are less than $5.

Reminder: No hoodies, hats or boots.

KAY Club is collecting items to donate to RISE (Refuge in the Storm El Dorado) for the unhoused around El Dorado.

We are currently collecting things like hats, hand warmers, blankets, fabric to create pillows, or anything they could use in cooler weather. We're collecting for the next few weeks with a planned donation date of Mar. 10. Please give items to Mr. Taylor Jackson.

Our Blackmore PTO plays an important role in supporting our students, staff, and school events, and we would love for you to be part of it! We meet every 1st Tuesday of the month from 5:30–6:30 PM at the school, and everyone is welcome—parents, caregivers, grandparents, and community members.

As some of our current PTO leaders’ children transition to middle school soon, we are currently looking for volunteers, including individuals interested in serving as PTO President and Vice President. This is a great opportunity to help shape events, support our school community, and make a positive impact on our BEARS.

Every level of involvement helps, whether you can volunteer occasionally or are interested in a leadership role. We hope you will consider joining us!

📅 Next Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month (Mar. 3, 2026)
⏰ Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Blackmore Elementary conference room
Contact: blackmoreptousd490@gmail.com if you have questions.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Mar. 2-6, 2026

Monday: Celebrate Dr. Seuss with all-school Seuss Bingo! Prizes Galore!

Tuesday: Wear any Seussical stuff you have or dress like a Seuss character.

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday! Wear crazy socks today to honor Dr. Seuss.

Thursday: Wear green today in honor of Green Eggs and Ham.

Friday: Read a book with a buddy today! Sharing is caring.

The Grandview PTO focuses on the support and betterment of students and staff at Grandview Elementary School. They provide mini grants for teachers, fund field trips, and plan morale-boosting activities for staff and students. We meet every 1st Tuesday of the month from 5:30–6:30 PM at the school, and everyone is welcome—parents, caregivers, grandparents, and community members.

📅 Next Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month (Mar. 3, 2026)
⏰ Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Grandview Elementary library
Contact: grandviewgatorpto@gmail.com if you have questions.

Grandview PTO is asking for volunteers to help with the preparation and set up for Family Fun Night on April 24, 2026. There are NO VOLUNTEERS needed for the actual event. Please look at this link on how you can help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0948A5AA2CA3F5CF8-61919807-funnight#/

Our Student Leadership Team has ​been greeting students and guests in the morning and they have a new professional attire to match their duties. If you are visiting our school, ​please feel free to ask one of these students any questions you may have if needing help/assistance!

Yearbook orders for the 2025-2026 school year are due by Mar. 23, 2026. The ability to personalize a yearbook with your child's name on the cover ends Feb. 10, 2026.

Paper order forms are available at the school, or you can order online with the code 0347MM. Yearbooks are $15 each.

Celebrate Dr. Seuss Week March 2-6, 2026 by participating in these themed days.

Monday: Books Are Groovy! Wear your best Hippie outfit.

Tuesday: Reading Makes you a Star! Dress up like a movie star.

Wednesday: Wacky Wednesday! Wear your wackiest outfit, mismatch socks or crazy hair.

Thursday: The Lorax! Wear orange and your best mustache.

Friday: Green Eggs and Ham Day! Wear your favorite Gator Green for Green Eggs and Ham Day.

Grandview is excited to announce a new Ally the Gator Mascot and you can find it on display in our main hallway when it is not being used for events!

Stop by BrewCo Coffee House/Dilly Deli or BrewCo 2 Go on Feb. 27, 2026. A percentage of the day's sales go back to Grandview PTO!

The Skelly PTO strives to build community by connecting parents and teachers. Our goal is to help cultivate a supporting relationship with staff members that allows students to flourish in a safe environment. We meet every 1st Tuesday of the month from 5:30–6:30 PM at the school, and everyone is welcome—parents, caregivers, grandparents, and community members.

📅 Next Meeting: 1st Tuesday of the month (Mar. 3, 2026)
⏰ Time: 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Location: Skelly Elementary library
Contact: 951skellyelementarypto@gmail.com if you have questions.

Spring pictures will be Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026.

Celebrate Read Across America March 2-6, 2026 by participating in these themed days.

Monday: Cat in the Hat. Big hats! Small hats! Short or tall - wear your hat and surprise us all!

Tuesday: Fox in Sox. Sock so wild, socks so bright, wear them proudly, what a sight!

Wednesday: Oh, The Places You'll Go! You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes. Dress up today like the career you will choose!

Thursday: Thing 1 and Thing 2. T is for Twins and so for today, find a good friend and dress the same way!

Friday: One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish. Red fish, blue fish - what will you do? Show your school spirit - wear Skelly blue!

You are invited to the Skelly Poetry Cafe honoring Skelly student presentations on Mar. 3, 2026, at Skelly Elementary.

8:15 AM: Ms. Day's Class

8:55 AM: Mrs. Ogg's Class

9:35 AM: Mrs. Grooms' Class

10:15 AM: Mrs. Williams' Class

12:15 PM: Ms. Adams' Class

12:55 PM: Ms. Kelty's Class

1:45 PM: Mr. McCarthy's Class

2:25 PM: Mrs. Beasley's Class

EHS Sports Buddies visit elementary schools

EHS boys basketball team at Blackmore

The EHS/elementary Sports Buddies program is stirring up extra Wildcat pride at home athletic events! Grandview kindergarten and fifth grade showed up to support their wrestling buddies during the home meet on Feb. 5, 2026.

We love to see the excitement and pride on the faces of the athletes and their elementary buddies as they cheer them on!

Grandview PTO Movie Night

The El Dorado High School winter homecoming royalty candidates visited Flinthills Services on Feb. 4, 2026. They enjoyed activities such as trivia, karaoke, Battleship and other board games. It's great to see our students sharing the Wildcat spirit in #PartOfThePride!

Please help us say thank you and congratulations to our February 2026 USD 490 Staff of the Month! We are grateful to have such amazing people as #PartOfThePride!

Bus Barn: Chelsea Stebbins, Bus Driver
EHS: Taylyn Barkley, PE Teacher
EMS: Russell Baker, Technology Systems Administrator
Blackmore: Tyler Funk, Fifth Grade Teacher
Grandview: Tiffany Demel, Secretary
Skelly: Page Pound, First Grade Teacher

This is the district's unified communication platform. Please download the app to keep connected with what is going on in your child's school. If you have not received an activation link, please reach out to your child's school office.

Apple:

https://apps.apple.com/us/app/parentsquare/id908126679

Android:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/detailsid=com.parentsquare.psapp&pcampaignid=web_share

Thank you to the middle and high school parents who provided cell phone numbers for their students. This allows coaches and activity sponsors to reach out via text for time sensitive reminders and schedule changes through the StudentSquare platform without actually seeing the student's cell phone number. Providing the student cell phone number is optional and can be added or removed any time throughout the school year by contacting your child's school office.

Be sure to have your child download StudentSquare on their phone if you provided their cell phone number.

Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/studentsquare-app/id1415402057

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.parentsquare.studentsquare&hl=en_US

To help encourage students to begin thinking about post-secondary opportunities, USD 490 will be participating in College and Career Wear Wednesdays on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

All members of #PartOfThePride are encouraged to wear jeans and a shirt representing any of the following:

• College/University
• Military
• Technical/Trade School
• Vocational School
• Certification Program
• Professional Organization

Thank you for helping our students explore their endless college and career opportunities!

Save the date and sign up now for the EHS Encore and FCCLA 2026 Father-Daughter and Mother-Son dances!

Location: El Dorado Rec Center
Date: March 7, 2026
Mother-Son Dance: 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Father-Daughter Dance: 7:15 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Preorder cost (Due 3/1): $30 per pair
Each additional sibling: $10
It will cost an additional $10 if you wait to purchase tickets at the door.

Come join us for fun party favors, crafts, games, snacks, and of course, music and dancing! Photo prints will be mailed to you.

Questions? Contact Larissa Wright (lmwright@usd490.org) or Katie Banks-Todd (ksbankstodd@usd490.org)

Sign up and pay for the Mother-Son Dance here: https://forms.gle/gzx5zLsyQXi7k2qi6
Sign up and pay for the Father-Daughter Dance here: https://forms.gle/WEzZXSsqY472goRY7

Join us for Wildcat Welcome to Preschool on March 24, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Extend Campus located at 123 N. Taylor St.

This FREE event is for any family who has already applied or is interested in applying for a USD 490 preschool program. Attending the event does not guarantee placement in a preschool spot.

There will be fun activities. Parents can learn about programs and transportation and preschool applications will be available. Please bring the child's birth certificate and immunization record.

If you have any questions, please contact Rachael Shipley at rmshipley@usd490.org.

March 2 National Read Across America Day; EHS Spring Sports Practices Begin

March 2-6 National School Breakfast Week; National School Social Work Week; Severe Weather Preparedness Week

March 4 Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day

March 5 EMS Spring Sports Parent Meeting at EMS Gym, 5:00 p.m.

March 7 EHS KAY Dress Giveaway at 9:00 a.m.; Mother/Son Dance at EHS Commons, 5:30 p.m.; Father/Daughter Dance at EHS Commons, 7:00 p.m.

March 8 Daylight Saving Time Begins

March 9 EHS/EMS Choir Concert at EHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.; EMS Spring Sports Practices Begin

March 10 Parent-Teacher Conferences, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

March 12 No School; Parent-Teacher Conferences 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

March 13 - 20 No School; Spring Break

March 23 Online Enrollment for 2026-2027 Opens

March 24 Wildcat Welcome to PreK at PAC, 5:30 p.m.

On Monday, Feb. 9, 2026, the USD 490 Board of Education approved the 2026-2027 school year calendar.

It is available on the district website and is also attached to this post.

2026-2027 Important Dates

Jul 30 – New Certified Staff Report
Jul 31 – New Certified Staff Report
Jul 31 – 1/2 Staff Work Day

Aug 3 – Staff Work Day
Aug 4 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Aug 5 – 1/2 Staff Dev & 1/2 Staff Work Day
Aug 6 – Staff Work Day
Aug 7 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Aug 10 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Aug 11 – First Day of School for Students
Aug 14 - PreK Attendance Day

Sept 7 – No School for PreK-12
Sept 21 – Dist/Building Staff Development

Oct 2 – Homecoming Early Release (2 Hours)
Oct 15 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Oct 16 – Virtual 1/2 Staff Dev & 1/2 Staff Work Day
Oct 27 – PT Conferences (Evening Only)
Oct 29 – PT Conference, No School for PreK-12
Oct 30 – No School for PreK-12

Nov 2 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Nov 23-27 – No School for PreK-12
Nov 30 – Dist/Building Staff Development

Dec 18 – Virtual 1/2 Staff Dev & 1/2 Staff Work Day
Dec 21-Jan 1 – No School for PreK-12

Jan 4 – Staff Work Day
Jan 5 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Jan 6 – First Day Back for Students
Jan 8 - PreK Attendance Day
Jan 18 – No School for PreK-12

Feb 1 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Feb 15 – No School for PreK-12
Feb 16 – Dist/Building Staff Development

Mar 1 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Mar 9 – PT Conferences (Evening Only)
Mar 11 – PT Conference, No School for PreK-12
Mar 12 – Virtual 1/2 Staff Dev & 1/2 Staff Work Day
Mar 15-19 – No School for PreK-12
Mar 26 – No School for PreK-12

Apr 16 – Dist/Building Staff Development
Apr 19 – Dist/Building Staff Development

May 3 – Dist/Building Staff Development
May 14 – Last Day for Seniors
May 20 - Last Day of Classes PreK-11
May 21 – 1/2 Staff Dev & 1/2 Staff Work Day
May 31 - Schools Closed

1st Semester = 80 Student/ 94.5 Staff Days
2nd Semester = 81 Student/ 93 Staff Days
Total = 161 Student/ 187.5 Staff Days

BOE Approved: 2/9/2026

Email: usd490@usd490.org
Website: www.usd490.org
Location: 124 West Central Avenue, El Dorado, KS, USA
Phone: (316) 322-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/eldorado.schools
X/Twitter: @eldoradousd490