USD 490 eNews

The USD 490 Board of Education approved a transition to the “I Love U Guys” Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for the 2025-2026 school year as we continually work to improve safety, communication, and consistency across all our schools.

The SRP is a simple, action-based approach designed to help students, staff, and first responders react quickly and effectively to any emergency. It organizes responses to any given situation into five clear actions:

1. Hold! - Stay in your classroom or area. Hallways must remain clear.

2. Secure! - Get inside. Lock outside doors.

3. Lockdown! - Locks, lights, out of sight.

4. Evacuate! - Move to a designated location.

5. Shelter! - Take safety measures based on the specific hazard (e.g., tornado, hazardous materials).

These responses provide a standardized vocabulary that students, staff, and first responders can all understand, making emergency situations easier to manage. The SRP is widely used across schools, businesses, and communities and is developed with input from safety experts and first responders.

Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/2084523

THANK YOU to our #PartOfThePride community for all of the donations that allowed us to serve nearly 650 people during the Back to School Bash on July 31! We love helping students and families feel prepared to have a great start to the school year!

View more photos on our District Facebook page.

THANK YOU to BG Products for donating school supplies for our students! We are grateful to have such generous community partners in #PartOfThePride!

Thanks to volunteers Dr. Andew Zimmer from ELDOKS Chiropractic, Dr. Marcus Deaver from Art of Life Chiropractic, and Dr. Amanda Hursh from Joyce and Hursh Optometry, EHS was able to offer athletic and activity physicals for $10 to students on August 6, 2025. We are grateful to our local volunteers for helping make these opportunities possible for our students and families!

THANK YOU to HF Sinclair for the school supply donation! Our families in #PartOfThePride have some amazing community supports!

USD 490 schools were awarded $39,646.61 in grants from the Tim Underwood Memorial Fund managed by HF Sinclair. The building principals attended a luncheon on Aug. 28, 2025, where the grants were announced.

Some of the projects and initiatives that received funding include: preschool and early childhood programs, a Pebblego.com online book subscription, elementary soccer goals and sensory room additions, a chick lifecycle unit, indoor recess equipment, Grandview's Student Leadership Team projects, clothing and winter coats, Inchy Bookworm Vending Machine books, elementary Art program, Back to School Bash sponsorship, and the Wildcat wrestling program.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous community for their commitment to the education and well-being of our students in #PartOfThePride!

Please remember to slow down in school zones and be extra vigilant as children are trying to arrive to school and return home safely.

Please also to talk to your children about routes and rules they should remember as they are walking or riding their bicycles to and from school, and remind them to use designated road crossings wherever possible.

El Dorado High School hosted an activity fair during the August 13, 2025, orientation day to let incoming freshmen know what sports, clubs, and activities are available for them to participate in during the school year. This provides them with an opportunity to ask questions and sign up to become more involved in #PartOfThePride.

The El Dorado High School carpentry class needs a sponsor for their storage shed building project. The only cost would be for materials, and the owner of the completed shed would be responsible for moving the finished shed from EHS at the end of the school year.

For more information or to request a shed, please reach out to Pete Cisneros by the end of September at pcisneros@usd490.org.

The ten student athletes who had the best attendance during summer weights received new backpacks as congratulations. Their dedication is fueling future success and their coaches are extremely proud of them and their hard work.

Students in Lindsey Baker's class have already been building and operating Vex Robots this school year. The STEM equipment was purchased thanks to a Partners in Education grant that was awarded last spring.

See one of the robots in action in the video clip below.

Students in Deanna Korkki's Social Skills class participated in a get-to-know-you activity that helped them identify things they had in common with their peers. They were divided into groups where they wrote traits that they had in common on individual index cards. Then, each group raced to build the tallest tower from those cards.

The sixth grade seminars competed in a STEM activity to learn more about El Dorado Middle School on the first day of school. They used ordinary supplies like pipe, cleaners, straws, masking tape, paper, clips, ribbon, etc. to build a fishing rod. They were given a magnet they could attach to their fishing rod in whatever fashion they desired. They then had to use the magnet to hook a fish that had a question about the middle school. They earned points for each question they got right.

Sixth grade students in Mrs. Jost and Ms. Nichols' science classes became archaeologists in training on Aug. 26, 2025. Using cookies as excavation sites, students carefully "dug" out chocolate chip artifacts with toothpicks while recording their observations, sketches, and conclusions. This hands-on lab taught students the importance of patience, precision, and scientific observation - plus, it was a whole lot of fun!

Visit the article on ParentSquare to view more photos: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/56284215

El Dorado Middle School students in Deanna Korkki's class learned about fixed versus growth mindsets on August 22, 2025, and created a poster to show their new knowledge. They “tackled a few challenges."

The first challenge was building towers with cards. The cards were slick, the tables were smooth. Students were heard saying “this is impossible” and “we can’t do this.” After ten minutes, the class discussed how easy it is to slip into a fixed mindset. Mrs. Korkki built a very short tower just to show them that it was in fact possible.

The next activity had students keeping a foam cup from touching the ground while saying the ABCs one at a time. They could not touch the cup two times in a row and they had to keep a growth mindset. This time Mrs. Korrki heard them saying “let’s try again” and “we can do this.”

EMS Principal Tom Simmons was invited to listen to the sixth grade choir on Aug. 26, 2025. He says they are learning fast and sounding fantastic already!

"It's inspiring to see these students grow in confidence and talent so quickly," Simmons said. "Big shout out to their amazing direct KBT for building such a strong foundation this early in the year. EMS has a lot to be proud of!"

Thank you to all of the families that came to our Open House or Meet the Teacher Night events! We had so much fun welcoming students and families to another great school year! Here are a few photos that were captured and shared on school social media pages:

Blackmore's Facebook page.

Skelly's Facebook page.

Decisions to cancel school will be made by 6:30 a.m. School may be cancelled the night before, but with Kansas’ fluctuating weather conditions it is unlikely that an early determination will be made.

If school is cancelled phone calls, emails and text messages will be sent to all student and staff phone numbers and email addresses on file with PowerSchool. It is critical that parents and staff keep these contact numbers up-to-date with their school office. Information will also be posted on the district webpage, www.usd490.org, and local media outlets will be notified.

Multiple factors are considered when determining whether to cancel school. These include actual and predicted snowfall, icing, drifting, wind chill, flooding conditions, street/road conditions, utility and communications systems integrity, and other emergencies that prevent building and/or transportation operations. There are no specific snowfall amounts, temperature/wind chill factors, or flood stage levels that present a single determining factor for school closings. Moreover, it is more often a combination of the conditions noted above.

For more information, please visit our district website: https://www.usd490.org/page/severe-weather-procedures

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. August's drill was a Hold. A Hold would be called any time the hallways need to remain clear for any reason. Students who are not already inside their classroom would immediately return to their classroom and teachers would continue to teach. Parents would not be allowed into the building until the Hold was released.

September's drill will be a Tornado Drill. The action code for a Tornado or other severe weather emergency is Shelter! During a Tornado drill, classes relocate to a place of safety in the building where they would be safe during a tornado or other severe weather emergency. Parents who are onsite would be encouraged to shelter inside. No students would be released to leave with parents until after the Shelter was released.

SparkWheel provides various support services and enrichment experiences to support students’ unique needs. Whether through mentoring, enrichment activities, homework support, attendance check-ins, help with setting goals and staying motivated, information/referrals to community resources, SparkWheel is there to support students in grades 6-8.

Looking for safe, quality, affordable after school childcare? The YMCA would like to offer Key Academy at Skelly Elementary for after school childcare. In order to make the program viable, they need at least 10 students to register. Learn more and register online: https://ymcawichita.org/programs/child-care-and-camps/before-and-after-school/registration

Please ensure that your child is up to date on required immunizations and that the school has an updated copy of the records!

Records may be faxed to:
EHS 316-322-4811
EMS 316-322-4821
Blackmore 316-322-4851
Grandview 316-322-4831
Skelly 316-322-4861

Medical and religious exemption forms need to be on file. Please contact your student's school if you need the medical exemption form.

Will your child be taking a prescription medication at school, use an inhaler, or do they have an allergy that may require the use of an Epi-Pen? If so, a medication administration form will need to be on file in the nurse's office. This form requires a signature from the parent/guardian and medical provider. Nursing staff will not be able to administer medication without the proper completed forms. If you need assistance with these forms please contact the nursing staff at your student's school.

Phone Numbers:
District Office 316-322-4800
EHS 316-322-4810
Extend 316-322-4892
EMS 316-322-4820
Blackmore 316-322-4850
Grandview 316-322-4830
Skelly 316-322-4860

September is National Preparedness Month

Natural and man-made disasters can strike at any time. It's important for you and your family to have a planned response no matter where you are. The National Safety Council offers safety tips specific on preparing for natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and on how to minimize fire risks.

The grade scale used for grades K-5 is the Mastery Grade Scale. This method of assigning grades is designed to focus on your child's mastery of grade appropriate skills.

NA - Not Assessed (this still has not been assessed)

NM - Not Mastered (59% or lower skill accuracy)

P - Progressing (60% - 79.9% progress shown in skill)

M - Mastered (80% or higher skill accuracy)

THE OBJECTIVE

Bear Bucks are an incentive program designed to encourage daily attendance and punctuality, supporting student success by rewarding their commitment to coming to school.

HOW DOES IT WORK
Students earn 1 Bear Buck each day for attending school and being on time. Additionally, they can receive bonuses for perfect weekly attendance ark overtime pay for attending special events, such as our Fall Festival.

BEAR BUCKS VIP EVENTS
Students can use their Bear Bucks to buy tickets for VIP Events-like dodgeball, dance parties, snowball fights, extra recess, or even dunking the principal! These events celebrate great choices and build Blackmore pride.

Every Wednesday Blackmore celebrates students who earn positive office referrals by recognizing their Bear pride!

The school fundraiser runs from August 29 through September 12. Mark your calendar and get ready to support Blackmore Bears!

Blackmore Elementary will host dental screenings on Tuesday, September 10, 2025. This is a great opportunity to ensure our students' smiles are healthy and bright!

he Gator Expectations are values that guide every Gator daily at Grandview Elementary!

• Grow Every Day: Encouraging continuous learning and personal growth.
• Act Responsibly: Teaching the importance of responsibility in actions.
• Teamwork: Fostering collaboration and support among peers.
• Own Your Choices: empowering students to take ownership of their decisions.
• Respect Yourself and Others: Promoting self-respect and kindness towards everyone.

We believe these expectations create a positive and supportive environment for all our students. Thank you for your continued support and please feel free to share with your children how these expectations apply outside of school as well.

We would like to remind everyone of the procedures for drop-of and pick-up to ensure the safety of all students.

Please drop off your children between 7:30 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. at the designated area in front of the school. When entering the drop-off lane, please do not leave your vehicle unattended. If you need to leave your vehicle, please park in the designated parking areas.

Dismissal begins with our PreK/ECE and Kindergarten, following with our 1st-5th graders. Please follow the flow of traffic and please park in the designated parking areas if you need to exit your vehicle. We also ask that if you are walking, especially with children to please use the designated crosswalks. Your cooperation in following these guidelines helps us create a safe and efficient process for everyone. Thank you for your support.

Parents make decisions for children to ride bicycles, or scooters as forms of transportation. We need your help in reminding children the importance of safety. If a student rides a bicycle or scooter to school, we ask that once they enter the school property, they walk their bicycle/scooter. Bicycles/scooters are to be parked on either side of the bicycle rack and a lock is encouraged. If rain is in the forecast, please have your student use other forms of transportation than their electric scooter. If you need further information, please refer to the 25-26 Elementary Student & Parent Handbook located on our school website.

At Grandview Elementary School, our Student Leadership Team (SLT) is a crucial group of 4th and 5th graders who collaboratively seek to do their best and set the example for all students. Leadership team members are hand-selected by their teachers and recommended by adults to be on the team. Before students are accepted, they must complete an interview with the Principal and School Counselor. This process helps students understand that being a leader is challenging, and often requires us to get out of our comfort zone.

Throughout the school year, leadership team members will learn about different leadership styles, leadership characteristics, as well as complete community service projects. Furthermore, they will participate in school enhancements, learn about leadership traits such as courage and resilience; all while exceeding all of Grandview’s Gator Expectations. Students understand that being on the leadership team is an honor, and that maintaining good grades and behavior is critical to maintaining membership.

During the ‘24-’25 school year, the Leadership Team wanted soccer goals to be available during recess and other outside events. I am pleased to say that this year their hard work paid off. Due to their hard work and dedication and with the help of HF Sinclair Tim Underwood Grant funding, Grandview will be getting new regulation size soccer goals within the next few months.

The Student Leadership Team is looking forward to another outstanding year, where the goal is to always be the best versions of ourselves that we can be.

Grandview's fall picture day is Thursday, September 4, 2025.

Skelly is hosting a Book Fair to help raise money for the school's library September 9-12, 2025. Order online at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/skellyelementaryschool.

In person book fair hours:

Sept. 9: 2:15 - 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 10-12: 3:15 - 3:45 p.m.

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

USD 490 switched to a new online payment system over the summer that comes with several benefits for parents!

• It's easy to create an account
• No processing fees for parents making online payments
• Ability to schedule recurring payments to keep lunch money refilled
• Ability to schedule monthly payments to take care of fees throughout the school year
• No need to provide credit card or personal information over the phone

For information about setting up your ParentSquare or eFunds account or using any other school websites or apps, please see the Setting Up Accounts brochure.

Please join us for the Back to School Jamboree at BG Stadium TONIGHT, Aug. 29, at 5:15 p.m. There will be food trucks, fun, and free admission! Come celebrate being #PartOfThePride and meet our fall athletes. Sports passes will be offered at a 10 percent discount if purchased during the event.

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, beginning this coming Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

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!

Join us to celebrate the unique role grandparents play in students' lives!

Friday, September 5, 2025

8:00 AM EMS
2:00 PM Grandview

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

7:45 AM Extend
9:00 AM EHS
1:30 PM Blackmore
2:15 PM Skelly

September 1 No School/Labor Day

September 5 Grandparent celebrations: 8:00 a.m. at EMS; 2:00 p.m. at Grandview; EHS Football Elementary Night

September 6 PIE Sporting Clay Shoot at Michael Murphy's, 9:00 a.m.

September 8 No School/Staff Professional Development

September 9 Grandparent celebrations: 7:45 a.m. at Extend; 9:00 a.m. at EHS; 1:30 p.m. at Blackmore; 2:15 p.m. at Skelly

September 15 IT Professionals Day

September 15-19 Arts in Education Week

September 16 EMS Family Night, 6:00 p.m.

September 17 Constitution Day

September 23 EHS Soccer Elementary Night

September 29 No School/Staff Professional Development

October 2 Custodian Recognition Day

October 3 All Schools Dismiss Early: EHS/EMS at 1:00 p.m.; Elementary at 1:15 p.m.; Homecoming Parade at Downtown El Dorado, 2:00 p.m.; EHS Fall Homecoming Game v. Mulvane, 7:00 p.m.

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