USD 490 eNews

Help us celebrate the amazing staff members we have as #PartOfThePride by letting someone know what a difference they have made for you, a student, or a family in our community.

It's easy:

• Visit our website and click on the image you want to send.

• Fill out the form that opens.

• Let the magic happen.

During Teacher Appreciation Week on May 4-8, 2026, we will email the image you selected along with your note to the staff member you chose. These can be sent to ANY staff member in El Dorado Public Schools! If you want to recognize an entire building or department, please select the building principal's email and we will make sure your message is shared with everyone.

Thank you for helping us celebrate the dynamic people who are doing great things as #PartOfThePride!

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

Families who complete 2026-2027 online enrollment before 5:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026, will be entered into a drawing for prizes!

Completing enrollment early helps us prepare for the fall by making sure we have adequate staffing and allows us to better estimate how many non-resident students we will have the capacity to accommodate. Non-resident forms for both new and returning students are available online and should be returned to the District Office (124 W. Central Ave.) or emailed to Sheila Hogoboom at shogoboom@usd490.org.

Find more information about enrollment on our website: https://www.usd490.org/o/usd-490/page/enrollment-info

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.

The Virtual School application is available on our Virtual School webpage.

• Submit application
• Complete online enrollment for whichever building would would be their traditional school
• Attend an interview

Preschool applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now being accepted!

Types of Classrooms
• Early Childhood with Role Models
• 3-year-old PreK
• 4-year-old PreK

Program Days/Times

Monday – Thursday

AM Sessions:
8:00 AM – 11:15 AM
Drop off begins at 7:30 AM if eating breakfast.

PM Sessions:
12:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Drop off begins at 11:45 AM

Our experienced teachers and engaging curriculum offer children the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe, nurturing environment. Breakfast and lunch will be available to all students at the regular meal prices. Transportation will be provided for all students attending their residence school.

Visit our website for more information.

Explore 490 will run June 1-18, 2026, Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Blackmore Elementary (530 N. Orchard St.).

Registration is due by Friday, May 15.

A Spanish registration link is also available.

Explore 490 is a summer academic enrichment camp offered exclusively to USD 490 students who are in grades K-5. Students will rotate between classrooms focused on reading, math, social studies, and science skills.

The program costs $50 and provides free breakfast, lunch and transportation. Students who qualified for free or reduced meals during the 2025-26 school year or were identified by school staff as academically at-risk will have tuition waived.

If you have questions about Explore 490, please reach out to Program Director Katie Youngers at kryoungers@usd490.org.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Annually, district parents, patrons, and staff are asked to nominate an El Dorado Public Schools classroom teacher to be recognized as the USD 490 Teacher of the Year.

Nominations for the 2026-2027 District Teacher of the Year open tomorrow (May1, 2026). Please consider nominating a great educator for this honor. To learn more or make a nomination, please visit our website: https://www.usd490.org/page/district-teacher-of-the-year

The USD 490 Board of Education approved a partnership between the school district and Beehive Child Care for grades K-5 during their board meeting on Mar. 9, 2026. The partnership will allow us to offer after school care to families beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

The program would run after school until 6:00 p.m. on days when school is in session and include snacks, homework help, and activities. Childcare would not be offered on early release or No School days. The cost will be $230 monthly with discounts available for siblings and employees, as well as opportunities for government assistance.

The hope is to have enough interest to offer the program at all three elementary schools. If there are not enough people who sign up to support three groups, transportation would be provided from the other elementary schools to whichever school site the program is hosted at. Parents would be responsible for transportation home from the child care program.

If you may be interested in this program, please email Kaitlyn at kaitlyn@beehivechildcare.com to reserve a space or ask any questions.

Thank you to Community National Bank & Trust for supporting our schools! They donated $150 from their mascot debit cards reward program to USD 490 this week! We are grateful for all of the community support in #PartOfThePride!

The regional Kansas Teacher of the Year banquet took place in Wichita on April 18, 2026, where we celebrated our district nominees Cristin Hubbard and Lindsay Cooper. Mrs. Cooper was a regional semifinalist!

As the district continues to complete parts of the long-range facilities plan, the multi-purpose practice field and baseball/softball fields at EHS will be getting some new turf and lighting installed beginning the last part of April 2026.

These updates will allow for year-round usage of the fields, supporting multiple high school athletic teams, the marching band, and many youth programs.

Visit ParentSquare to view renderings.

Congratulations to the following El Dorado High School students on being named Kansas Honor Scholars. This designation is awarded to high school seniors who take the ACT before December of their senior year, complete the Kansas Scholars Curriculum and maintain a high GPA.

Carly Carter
Erick Lopez
Jacob Schafer
Logan Diel
Taidhgin Bruce

“We are excited for the students and proud of their hard work!” Jessica Barr-Mallon, EHS Counselor said.

For information on the Kansas Scholars Curriculum, please visit the Kansas Board of Regents website.

El Dorado High School has been named a 2026 All Star High School! This is the third year in a row for EHS to receive this distinction for supporting students in completing admissions applications, seeking financial aid, and celebrating all postsecondary paths. We are proud of our soon-to-be graduates for planning for their future!

Visit ParentSquare to read more.

The El Dorado High School Science Olympiad team competed at the state competition on April 4, 2026. Chloe Iverson won the gold medal for Electric Vehicle and Chloe Iverson and Jaxson Guthrie won the bronze medal for Entomology.

El Dorado High School and EHS Extend students participated in a community service day on April 17, 2026, to give back to the community through a variety of service projects.

Students were able to choose from a variety of options of volunteer work or mentoring elementary students, with the main service event being meal packaging for The Outreach Program. They packaged over 88,000 out of their goal of 100,000 meals that will stay local to support families in El Dorado.

We are so proud of our students for finding ways to contribute to the community that has been so supportive of them in #PartOfThePride!

El Dorado High School FCCLA competed at state April 13-14, 2026, with two participants qualifying for nationals.

STAR Events Results:
Emma Villa earned gold, 3rd place, and qualified for nationals in Leadership!
Gage Walden earned silver, 2nd place, and qualified for nationals in Public Policy Advocate!
Jewelsuna Murphy, Payton Murphy-Ward, Sofia Nunez, and Sydney Terrones all earned silver medals in their events!

STAR stands for Students Taking Action with Recognition. In these events, students complete a project to better themselves, their school, or their community, create a portfolio or board, and present it to judges.

LEO Board Results:
Red Ribbons are the highest possible LEO award, and were earned by the following students in the Focus on the Basics event: Gage Walden, Aryana Vance, and team of Karissa Haubenstein and Katelyn Kelley

A White Ribbon, the 2nd-highest LEO award
In the Focus On the Basics Event: Josiah Gonzalez and team of Emma Villa and Ethan Stalnaker
In the Chapters in Action Event: Gage Walden.

A Team of Sydney Terrones, Jewelsuna Murphy, and Citlalli Cadena-Barraza also earned the black ribbon in the Go for the Red event.

LEO stands for Leadership Education Opportunity. In these events, students create a display board, which allows them to learn more about FCCLA and showcase what our chapter does.

Visit ParentSquare to view more photos.

GOOD NEWS!!!! Jester Nominations are here! Below is a list of our Regional Jester Honorees and Jester Nominees. Each region’s top two scores in each category move onto the Jester nominations except for the Leading Performer and Supporting Performer categories where the top 4 in each category will move onto the Jester nominations.

The 24th Annual Jester Awards Ceremony will take place at Century II Performing Arts Center’s Convention Hall in Wichita at 3 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026. To view the Region 5 honorees, Jester nominations, and photos, please visit the EHS Facebook page.

EHS student Grady Scanlon was selected for an Athlete Spotlight, sponsored by Willie's. Read the article on Vype's website.

Congratulations to Jayda Brown, EHS sophomore, who is the winner of the spoken word category for the 2026 KNEA Student Expression Campaign. She was selected for her piece titled “Being Black in a Small Town.”

Congratulations to our 2026-2027 Link Crew members!

This is a group that works to help freshmen acclimate to life in high school and encourage school spirit.

Each of these students had to apply, collect recommendations from all of their teachers, club sponsors, and coaches, and make it through a panel interview process to be accepted and will spend part of their summer training.

We can't wait to welcome the Class of 2030!

The El Dorado High School prom royalty candidates visited Homestead Assisted Living on April 10, 2026.

Here is the March 2026 JAG-K report for EHS and Extend.

Here is the April 2026 JAG-K report for EHS and Extend.

El Dorado High School students had the opportunity to visit a technology open house and career expo at Pittsburg State University on April 1, 2026.

Our high school track sports buddies traded in their big meets for a kindergarten-style track meet and it was pure joy from start to finish.

From mini races to cheering each other on, our littles had the best time learning, laughing, and moving alongside their big buddies. The high schoolers showed such kindness, patience, and encouragement, making every kindergartener feel like a champion.We absolutely love seeing the bigs with the littles, these moments build confidence, friendships, and memories that will stick for years to come.

Thank you to our amazing sports buddies for making today so meaningful and fun!

The newest members of El Dorado High School’s National Honor Society were inducted and next year’s officers were installed during a ceremony at EHS on Apr. 26, 2026.

Congratulations to new members: Landon Bright, Jayda Brown, William Lechtenberg, Jackson Remsberg, Emilee Stout, Sydney Terrones, and Gage Walden.

Visit ParentSquare to read more and see photos.

El Dorado High School students earned high ratings and represented the school well at the KSHSAA State Solos and Small Ensembles Festival in DeSoto, Kan. on Apr. 25, 2026.

Visit ParentSquare to see results and view photos.

Sixth grade orchestra and band students toured the elementary schools on April 9, 2026, to give fifth graders a preview of those programs that will be available to them in middle school next year.

EMS news is produced by EMS students.

The EMS News students created a quick sports recap.

The EMS News is produced by EMS students.

The EMS News is produced by EMS students.

The Blackmore, Grandview, and Skelly student leadership teams partnered up to package 10,368 meals at The Outreach Program on Apr. 2, 2026. The two types packaged were Cheesy Rice and Tomato Basil Soup, and all of these will remain in El Dorado to support local families. It is amazing to see our fourth and fifth graders making such a phenomenal impact on our community in #PartOfThePride!

Visit ParentSquare to view more photos.

A big thank you to Blackmore PTO for purchasing the soccer goals! The kids are so excited and have already been putting them to great use. We appreciate your continued support of our students and school!

Kindergarten classes had an egg-stra special day filled with fun and learning using PEEPS n April 2, 2026!

Students explored science, art, reading, and math through hands-on activities that kept them engaged and excited all day long. From creative projects to problem-solving and exploring new ideas, our littles were learning in the sweetest way possible!

We love seeing our students have fun while building important skills.

Students were learning about Michelangelo and the Sistine Chapel on April 2, 2026. After their discussion, they had the opportunity to experience his craft firsthand by creating art while lying on their backs just like he did!

What a fun and engaging way to bring history and art to life!

Blackmore students who reached 93% attendance with fewer than 5 tardies or early pick ups celebrated by visiting the Augusta Historic Theatre for a movie on Apr. 24, 2026.

Blackmore said a fond farewell to the chicks hatched in the third grade classrooms by hosting a Chick parade that included the babies and chicken facts on Apr. 24, 2026.

After spring break, Grandview started a new reward. Every Monday, one grade level is awarded the Golden Lunch Tray for demonstrating Independence, Voice Control, and Ownership in the cafeteria during lunch. This past week, first grade was honored with the Golden Lunch Tray for each of their classrooms to display. There is also a special marker placed above their grade level of lunch cards in the cafeteria. If a grade level has consecutive weeks with this honor, there is a special award as well. Congratulations to our second grade for winning this honor the first week and our first graders the second week of its implementation.

The El Dorado High School graduation ceremony will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in the EHS gymnasium. There will be overflow seating available in the EHS auditorium and the event will be livestreamed on the school’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@eldoradohigh1340

Overflow parking is available in the middle school parking lot and the district will provide shuttle service from that site to the high school. The shuttle service will run from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. and will provide transportation back to the parking lot after the ceremony concludes. This shuttle service is handicap accessible and the buses will be air conditioned.

If you have questions about the graduation ceremony, please contact the high school at 316-322-4810. For questions about the shuttle service, please contact our transportation department at 316-322-4804.

Please help us thank and congratulate our retirees!

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. May's drill is a Fire Drill. The purpose of a fire drill is to move students and staff out of the building by means of established routes due to a fire or other emergency that makes it unsafe to remain inside the building. It is important for everyone to know where the nearest exit is from any given location within the building and where their class is designated to meet outside to ensure everyone makes it out safely.

As we approach the end of the school year, we would like to express our gratitude for your support and communication throughout the year. Your involvement has been essential in ensuring the health and well-being of all our students.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Phone Numbers:

Central Office 316-322-4800
EHS 316-322-4810
Extend 316-322-4892
EMS 316-322-4820
Grandview 316-322-4830
Blackmore 316-322-4850
Skelly 316-322-4860

Additionally, if your student has any medications or personal supplies in the nurse’s office, please remember to make arrangements to pick them up before the school year concludes.

Thank you again for your continued support!

CAR CRASHES ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN in the United States.

• In 2022 there were 1,129 traffic fatalities with children age 14 and younger.
• In 2022 there were approximately 156,502 traffic related injuries (429 per day)
• In 2023, 19% of Off-Highway Vehicle Fatalities were children 15 and younger.

Ensuring the safety of children in vehicles is paramount. Adhering to appropriate child passenger safety guidelines significantly reduces the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.

Child Passengers:

• Children Under 1 Year and 20 Pounds: Must ride in a rear-facing child seat.
• Children Ages 1-3: Must be properly restrained in a forward-facing child seat.
• Children Ages 4-7: Required to ride in a booster seat unless they weigh more than 80 pounds and are taller than 4 feet 9 inches, or only a lap belt is available. Children who meet these criteria must be protected by a safety belt.
• Children Ages 8-18: Weighing more than 80 pounds and are taller than 4 feet 9 inches Must be protected by a safety belt. If under the height and weight requirements a booster seat is still required.

Enforcement and Penalties:

• Primary Enforcement: Kansas law allows primary enforcement for seat belt violations involving individuals under 18 or front seat occupants not properly restrained. This means law enforcement can stop and ticket a vehicle occupant for not wearing a seat belt without alleging any other traffic offense.
• Fines: The fine for a child not wearing a seat belt is $60 plus court cost.

Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, El Dorado nutrition professionals have a lot on their plate. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, El Dorado schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 1. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day.

All across the school district, school nutrition professionals will be honored and recognized by students, school staff, parents, and the community.

“School nutrition employees must balance many roles and follow numerous federal, state and local regulations to ensure safe and healthy meals are available in schools. School Lunch Hero Day provides the opportunity for the community to thank these hardworking heroes for their dedication to fueling our students for success,” said Rachel Schroff Director of Nutrition.

Federal nutrition standards ensure that school cafeterias always offer milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein. School meals also meet limits on calories, sodium and unhealthy fats. The importance and nutritional value of school meals are well documented. For many children, school lunch is the most important and nutrient-rich meal of their day.

Get the details about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition program for El Dorado, visit https://www.usd490.org. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is a national, non-profit professional organization representing 50,000 school nutrition professionals across the country. Founded in 1946, SNA and its members are dedicated to making healthy school meals and nutrition education available to all students. To find out more about today’s school meals, visit www.schoolnutrition.org/SchoolMeals.

We will be sharing more details about the EHS graduation ceremony in the coming weeks, but want families to be aware that the ceremony start time is 3:00 p.m. on May 17. It was changed from 2:00 p.m. after the wall calendar was finalized, but the online calendar reflects the correct start time of 3:00 p.m.

Let FCCLA cook for you!

Menu:

• Chicken pot pie- $22 (serves 4-6)
• Lasagna- $32 (serves 6-8)
• Chicken Nuggets- $20 (serves 4-6)
• Beef Enchiladas- $35 (serves 6-8)
• Chicken Enchiladas- $30 (serves 6-8)
• Peanut Butter Jelly Time Snack Bars- $22 (16 bars)

How it works:

• Use this link to order, or email lmwright@usd490.org by the end of the day on May 11, 2026.
• Pick up items from 3:05 - 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in EHS room 116 or we will deliver for $5!
• Cash or check made out to EHS FCCLA is due upon pickup.
• Meals will be fully cooked and ready to heat up in the oven, complete with reheating instructions.

Save the date for the EHS All Sports Athletic Banquet on May 13, 2026, at 6:45 p.m.

Join us at the Civic Center for a catered dinner and awards ceremony to celebrate all of our athletes and coaches.

Tickets must be purchased by 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026. Athlete and coach tickets are free, but registration is required to reserve their seats. Each athlete may bring up to two paying guests and each coach may bring one paying guest. Guest tickets are $10 each and must be purchased in advance.

Remember: We do not order extra yearbooks, so visit yearbookforever.com to get yours today!

If you have questions or are unsure if you've already ordered, please email akhill@usd490.org.

As part of new Kansas cell phone law requirements, El Dorado Middle School is beginning the transition to a bell-to-bell cell phone ban.

We are taking gradual steps now to ensure a smooth and successful implementation for the next school year. We must have this fully implemented by September 1, 2026.

Student Expectations (Starting April 20)

• Cell phones are not allowed on students during the school day
• No cell phone use during Seminar
• Phones must be turned off and stored in lockers
• Phones must remain out of sight and not in use at any time.
• Cell phones are not allowed during lunch

Lunch Procedures

• Students will not be able to use phones during lunch
• Students must use their school ID to receive lunch

The school is providing this for students:

• Lanyards
• Plastic ID holders
• ID storage holders in the lunchroom

Backpack Procedures

• Backpacks must remain in lockers during the school day
• Students may access backpacks after the 3:05 PM bell

Blackmore is hosting a Let's Glow Crazy event on May 1, 2026, from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.

Tickets are $8. Concessions and glow items will be for sale.

All students must have an adult present at registration.

Just a little over 1 month left of school and we are excited to announce our Pay the Day Fundraiser from April 13 through May 15 for our Blackmore Elementary Bears - funds raised will go toward our playground, student VIP events and classroom field trips for the 26-27 school year!

How it works: Donate the amount that matches the day of the month! Example: If it’s the 15th you donate $15 to a student. Every contribution - big or small - helps make a difference!

The students will make note of your name on the day you choose until their calendars are full!

Ways to donate:

• 1. Venmo @Blackmore-17- bears -include the student, student's grade, Month and day you choose
• 2. Cash
• 3. Check: made available to Blackmore PTO

Shout out to H6 Excavation for sponsoring a pizza party for the top 10 students who raise the most funds!

Play Day is almost here—Thursday, May 21st! If you’re interested in volunteering to run a station, please use the link to sign up.

K–2nd grade will be from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, and 3rd–5th grade will be from 12:45 PM–2:45 PM. Volunteer sign-ups are 2-hour time slots, in the morning or afternoon.

Help us make Play Day a great experience for our students!

If you have any questions please reach out to Kayln Beel at kebeel@usd490.org.

Play Day Sign Up

We look forward to seeing all of our Southside Superstars for our Super Mario Bingo Night, sponsored by our Skelly PTO! It’s going to be a fun-filled evening with concessions available and over a dozen prize baskets to win.

Friday, May 8, 2026

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., Bingo starts at 6:00 p.m.

Location: Skelly Elementary (951 Skelly St.)

Here is the link to purchase tickets online.

As an added bonus, PTO will give one extra FREE bingo card with purchase to every student who has completed their enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year.

Bingo cards

• 1 card for $2
• 3 cards for $5

Concessions

• Combo (popcorn, drink, treat) $5
• Soda $2
• Water $1
• Popcorn $2
• Candy $1.50

We can’t wait to see everyone there—Go Panthers!

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

Bus Barn: Steve Jones, Bus Driver
EHS: Lora Goehring, SPED Teacher
EMS: Monica Evans, Nurse Aide
Blackmore: Paige Onek, Fourth Grade Teacher
Grandview: Lauren Davis, Second Grade Teacher
Skelly: Taran Day, Second Grade Teacher

What is phishing?
Phishing is when scammers send fake emails, texts, or messages pretending to be from your school, teacher, bank, or a friend. Their goal is to steal passwords, personal information, or money. It happens on email, text, and social media.

How can I prevent it?
Spot the red flags:

• Urgent or scary words: “Act now or your account will be locked!”
• Asks for passwords, student ID, or personal details such as phone number or personal email address
• Weird sender email
• Poor spelling, grammar, or strange formatting
• Unexpected links or attachments such as Google Forms or shortened URLs (tinyurl.com/sdjflksdlk)
• Too-good-to-be-true offers (free prizes or gift cards, job opportunities, etc.)

I got a phishing email, what do I do?

• Pause: Never click links or open attachments immediately
• Verify: Go directly to the official school website or call using a known number if in doubt
• Ask an Adult: Students – show it to a parent or teacher
• Report/Forward suspicious messages to school administration or IT staff

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!

All students attend June 1-25 and July 6-16. EHS Strength and Conditioning continues until July 30.

Free for USD 490 students. Each session begins at the time noted. Sport and weight sessions do not overlap; students should plan to attend both on any scheduled day.

High School Boys

• Strength and Conditioning Sessions: In the Weight Room Mondays/Wednesdays 6:15 - 7:30 a.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:15-7:30 a.m. or 7:15-8:15 a.m.

• Football: On the EHS practice field Mondays 7:30-8:30 a.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:30-8:15 a.m.

• Basketball: In the Main Gym Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:30-9:45 a.m. and Wednesdays 7:30-8:30 a.m. with an additional evening time Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:15-8:15 p.m. from June 9 to July 17.

• Soccer: On the EMS field Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:00-7:00 a.m. and at BG Stadium 7:00-8:00 p.m. on July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31

High School Girls

• Strength and Conditioning Sessions: In the Weight Room Mondays/Wednesdays 7:30-8:45 a.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:15-8:15 a.m. or 8:15-9:30 a.m.

• Volleyball: In the Main Gym Mondays 8:45-11:00 a.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 7:15-8:15 a.m.

• Basketball: In the Main Gym Wednesdays 8:30-9:30 a.m. and Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:45-11:00 a.m.

• Soccer: On the EMS field Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:00-7:00 a.m. and at BG Stadium 7:00-8:00 p.m. on July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31

Middle School

• Strength and Conditioning Sessions: In the EHS Weight Room Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:30-10:45 a.m.

• Football: On the EHS practice field Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:45-9:30 a.m.

• Volleyball: In the Rec Center Tuesdays 8:45-9:30 a.m.

• Basketball: In the EHS Main Gym Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

• Soccer: At BG Stadium 7:00-8:00 p.m. on July 10, 12, 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31

EHS/EMS Wrestling: There was not enough interest for daytime, so looking at possibly one evening a week. Open Mat time may be available. Contact Lance Barkley (ltbarkley@usd490.org) or Wes Reynolds (wdreynolds@usd490.org) for more info.

Elementary Grades 3-5

• Strength and Conditioning Session: In the EHS Weight Room Mondays/Wednesdays 8:45-9:30 a.m.

• Field Session: On the EHS practice field Mondays 9:30-10:15 a.m.

• Gym Session: In the EHS Main Gym Wednesdays 9:30-10:15 a.m.

Grades 3-5 should plan to attend all three sessions.

Track and Field for Grades K-6: At BG Stadium Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:00-7:00 p.m. July 7-30

Important Dates:

• May 21: Last day of 25-26 school year

• June 1-25 and July 6-16: Summer Athletics

• May 22-31 and June 29-July 5: NO athletics except Boys BB Camp May 26-28

• August 11: First day of 26-27 school year

• August 17: First day of fall sports practices

Cost and sign up information will be released at a later date. If you have questions, please contact EHS Athletic Director Lance Barkley at ltbarkley@usd490.org.

Coaches

• Football: Danny Adelhardt (deadelhardt@usd490.org)

• Volleyball: Taylyn Barkley (tabarkley@usd490.org)

• Boys Basketball: Andrew Culbertson (abculbertson@usd490.org)

• Girls Basketball: Chance Whitehead (clwhitehead@usd490.org)

• Cheer: TBD

El Dorado High School

• Football: At EMS field June 8-12 from 7:30-9:30 a.m.

• Boys Basketball: At EHS Main Gym May 26-28 from 8:00-10:00 a.m.

• Girls Basketball: At EHS Main Gym May 26-28 from 2:00-4:00 p.m.

• Cheer: At Butler Community College June 30-July 2 (time TBD)

El Dorado Middle School

• Football: At EHS practice field June 9-11 from 8:30-10:15 a.m. (grades 7-8)

• Volleyball: at EHS Main Gym June 22-23 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (grades 6-8)

• Boys Basketball: At EHS Main Gym May 26-28 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. (grades 7-8)

• Girls Basketball: At EHS Main Gym May 26-28 from 4:00-5:00 p.m. (grades 7-8)

Elementary

• Football: At EHS practice field June 9-11 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. (grades 3-6)

• Volleyball: At EHS Main Gym June 24-25 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. (grades 2-5)

• Boys/Girls Basketball: At EHS Main Gym May 26-28 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. (grades 3-6)

May 1 School Principals' Day; School Lunch Hero Day

May 4-8 Teacher Appreciation Week

May 5 Teacher's Day

May 6 National School Nurse Day; City-Wide Orchestra Concert at EHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

May 8 Senior Awards Ceremony at EHS Auditorium, 6:00 p.m.

May 9 EHS/EMS Wildcat Cabaret Choir Concert at PAC, 7:00 p.m.

May 10 Mother's Day

May 11 EHS/EMS Band Regalement at EHS Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.

May 15 EHS Grad Walk, 10:00 a.m.; BE Fifth Grade Talent Show, 2:00 p.m.; SE Talent Show, 2:00 p.m.

May 17 EHS Graduation Ceremony at EHS Gym, 3:00 p.m.

May 18 El Dorado Virtual School Graduation Ceremony at Performing Arts Center, 6:30 p.m.

May 19 GE Talent Show, 1:45 p.m.

May 21 Last Day of Classes

May 25 Memorial Day

May 1 School Principal

June 1 Summer Programs Begin

June 14 Flag Day

June 18 Explore 490 Ends

June 21 Father's Day

June 25 Summer Credit Recovery Programs End

July 4 Independence Day

August 13 First day of 2026-2027 school year

August 18 First day of fall sports practices

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