USD 490 eNews

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

Please help us say THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to Vocal Music Director Katie Banks-Todd on being awarded the Quarter 3 USD 490 Award of Excellence! We appreciate the enthusiasm, dedication, and support she brings to #PartOfThePride!

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!

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 applications for Extend opened on Mar. 13 and close on Apr. 17, 2026.

The Extend application is available on our Extend webpage.

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

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.

If you have a child who will be five years old on or before August 31, 2026, please plan to attend Kindergarten Kickoff at your neighborhood elementary school at 5:30 p.m. on April 9, 2026.

This free event allows families to tour the school, meet the staff, ask questions, and compete online enrollment for kindergarten. Please bring your child's birth certificate and immunization record.

Your neighborhood school is determined by your primary residential address. Please contact the Bus Barn at 316-322-4804 if you need help identifying which elementary is your neighborhood school. In-district transfer request approvals will be very limited.

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.

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.

USD 490 is pleased to announce the hiring of Jamie Sundgren as the district’s new Extend/Virtual School Administrator for the 2026-2027 school year. Sundgren brings more than 15 years of experience in education, along with a strong background in curriculum, instruction, and leadership.

Visit our website to read more.

El Dorado High School is pleased to announce the hiring of Summer Ford as its new Assistant Principal/Activities Director. Ford brings more than two decades of experience in education, leadership, and student activities, along with a passion for building strong relationships with students, staff, and the community.

Visit our website to read more.

EHS Students Siouxana Armstead, Lilli Breeden, Sam Christy, Elise Peffly, Brooke Ewy, Hadley Morgan, Charlee Reese, Carsen Willson scored in the early scholar category on their preACT. They were recognized by the USD 490 Board of Education for their achievement during the Mar. 9, 2026, meeting.

Congratulations to El Dorado High School bowler Madison Busby on placing 14 at the state bowling tournament with a 501 series.

El Dorado High School students participated in a day that was completely future-focused during Future Fest on Mar. 3, 2026.

This exploratory event provided students with many hands-on opportunities to learn more about STEM fields, workforce skills, life planning, and military options. Juniors took the ACT during the morning. Seniors were able to schedule job shadows or college campus visits during the afternoon after working on their senior projects and attending Reality U during the morning.

Visit our website to read more.

Congratulations to the El Dorado Science Olympiad team, which has qualified for State!

Regional medals include:

• Jaxson Guthrie and Sebastian Lentz - Dynamic Planet: Oceanography - first place

• Chloe Iverson and Min Castor - Electric Vehicle - third place

• Daniel Jernigan and SiouxAna Armstead - Engineering CAD - fourth place

• Sydney Terrones and Avery Milligan - Experimental Design - fourth place

• Jewels Murphy and Avery Milligan - Rocks and Minerals - fifth place

• Jaxson Guthrie and Chloe Iverson - Entomology - fifth place

• Jewels Murphy - Bungee Drop - sixth place

Several El Dorado High School SkillsUSA members attended the state championships from Feb. 28 – Mar. 4, 2026. Jewelsuna Murphy placed third in the First Aid/CPR, receiving a bronze medal. Jessie Henry placed 11th in Carpentry.

Preston Cody, Abigail Euler, and Sebastian Lentz served as Courtesy Corps members during the championships. Their role was to set up and take down all of the competitions that SkillsUSA hosted.

The El Dorado High School Powerlifting team competed at the state tournament in Wellington on Mar. 7, 2026. Three students placed third overall in their respective weight classes.

Visit our website to see individual results.

Two El Dorado High School and Extend JAG-K students competed at the state CDC competition in Wichita on Mar. 10, 2026. Jada Brown competed in Career Preparation and Brooklyn Knight placed fourth in Financial Budget.

Visit our website to read more.

El Dorado High School junior Colter Baumgartel served as a legislative page at the capitol building in Topeka on Mar. 10, 2026. It's great to see students experience hands-on learning opportunities in #PartOfThePride!

Several El Dorado High School winter athletes received AVCTL honors.

Visit our website to read more.

Two El Dorado High School students have been selected for a competitive summer internship with Textron Aviation, gaining hands-on experience in engineering and aircraft manufacturing.

Erick Lopez and Taidhgin Mora-Bruce will participate in the program in Wichita in June and July 2026, where they will work alongside industry professionals and learn foundational skills in aviation and engineering.

Visit our website to read more.

Several El Dorado High School students qualified for state during the KSHSAA Regional Solo and Small Ensemble Festival in Andover on Mar. 28, 2026. Individuals and groups who earned a 1-rating will advance to the state contest on Apr. 25 at DeSoto High School.

Visit our website to see individual and group ratings.

Students in Mrs. Korkki's class created some amazing biography posters for Women in History Month (March). They worked in groups to research the person they selected and assembled an almost 3 foot poster using the information they learned.

What a fun and creative way to combine academic learning and fine arts to let students show what they know in #PartOfThePride!

El Dorado Middle School students Azalea Perez-Cupp and Bryson Young earned First Place at the District Level in the Elks Americanism Essay Contest!

This year’s essay theme was “What Does Service to Your Country Mean to You?” Their essays were selected as the top entries among students from eight counties in the Southeast District — an incredible accomplishment!

Both students received certificates and recognition for their outstanding achievement. We are extremely proud of the hard work, thoughtfulness, and excellence they demonstrated through their writing.

El Dorado Middle School eighth grade students participated in a Future Now Finance event on Mar. 10, 2026.

This finance simulation provides students with a hands-on experience in understanding the realities of preparing for a successful future and adulthood. They explore budgeting and balancing expenses based on career income and family size while covering all of the essentials to live independently.

Visit our website to read more.

The orchestra, band, and choir performed well at their respective Patriot League Festivals on Feb. 25, Mar. 4, and Mar. 11, respectively.

Visit our website to see how they scored.

El Dorado Middle School students learned about art periods in history, displaying what they learned as artistic works in the hallway.

Visit our website to read more and see photos.

On Feb. 27, 2026, El Dorado Middle School students had an incredible opportunity to celebrate their positive behavior and hard work at a PROS Party at Exploration Place — and what a fantastic experiential learning day it was!

Throughout the visit, students were fully engaged in hands-on, interactive exhibits that brought science, engineering, physics, and problem-solving to life.

Visit ParentSquare to read more and see photos.

The EMS Computer Applications classes have re-launched the EMS News channel to provide school updates to classmates and staff.

El Dorado Public Schools has been selected to receive a grant that provides free bikes, equipment, and professional development to launch a BLAST bicycle safety program for elementary school students starting in the fall of 2026. The district is grateful to have a local bike shop to help make this a viable program as the grant provides everything to start the program, but does not include continuing bicycle maintenance and upkeep.

El Dorado Kiwanis donated $750 to each of the elementary schools in El Dorado to help provide students in need with what they need to learn, experience, dream, and succeed. Club president Bruce Remsberg and members Randy Quinn and Julie Jensen traveled to the schools to present the check to building principals.

Visit our website to read more.

USD 490 fifth graders attended a ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on Mar. 9, 2026, to celebrate the completion of the eight-week Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program and essay contest winners.

Visit our website to read more.

To help celebrate Read Across America Day, Superintendent Davis wanted to share a fun book with everyone! Watch the video to see her read "Pizza Shark" by Mike Lowery.

Blackmore students had an opportunity to purchase entry into a glow dance party on Mar. 11, 2026, using the Bear Bucks they earn for showing up to school, being on time, and attending school events.

Mrs. Briggs’s third grade students took advantage of the beautiful weather on Mar. 26, 2026, and practiced their spelling words outside using chalk on the basketball court! What a fun and creative way to learn—these BEARS are working hard while having fun!

The Grandview kindergarten watched and cheered on their sports buddies via a live stream of the state wrestling match on Feb. 27, 2026. Congratulations to girls wrestlers Izzy Greer and Aryana Vance on their fourth place finishes at state!

To celebrate the important role parents and caregivers play in students' education, Grandview hosted Glazed and Grateful on Mar. 4, 2026. As students were dropped off for school, staff and student volunteers provided parents with a donut and hot chocolate to thank them for their support. We are stronger when tackling challenges together in #PartOfThePride.

Garrett Hadley won the Elks Regional Hoop Shoot competition in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on March 14, 2026.

He competed in the 10-11 boys age group against boys from Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Garrett and the representative from Nebraska each shot 23 out of 25, sending them into a shoot-off where Garrett ended up winning by one free throw –making 43 out of 45 shots. In the last 2 competitions, Garrett has made 68 out of 70 free throws.

He will head to Chicago on Apr. 18 to participate in the national competition against 12 other 10-11 year old boys. According to the El Dorado Elks, Garrett is the first to make it to nationals from their lodge. The national competition will be live streamed. For more information or to access the live stream link, please visit the Elks Hoop Shoot website.

To celebrate learning how to recognize, read, and write all of the letter of the alphabet, Grandview kindergarten lead an Alphabet Parade on Mar. 25, 2026. Each student represented a letter, decorating a vest with items that begin with that letter, as they paraded down the red carpet in the gym and through the hallway to show fellow students.

Visit ParentSquare to view photos.

Mrs. Davis’s 2nd grade class recently took part in a fun and engaging STEM activity designing and building leprechaun traps!

Throughout the activity, students strengthened their problem solving skills as they planned, tested, and improved their designs. They explored basic engineering concepts by building, redesigning, and thinking critically about what worked and what didn’t. Creativity was on full display as students came up with unique and imaginative trap ideas.

Grandview's Katharine Andrews won first place in the Youth Art Month State Art Contest for elementary students across the state. There were over 120 entries. She was presented with the award during a reception on Mar. 28, 2026.

Grandview fifth graders and Mrs. Simmons battled the cool weather and 25 m.p.h. winds in the name of science on Mar. 27, 2026. As part of fifth grade science, students were required to build a vessel that would allow an egg to survive a 100 foot drop without cracking. A great big thanks goes out to our El Dorado fire department for the use of their fire truck and keeping Mrs. Simmons safe as she dropped the egg from their bucket!

Visit ParentSquare to view photos.

Skelly second through fifth grade students recited poems to showcase their public speaking skills in the Poetry Café on Mar. 3, 2026.

This annual event is held at Skelly Elementary each spring and allows students to build confidence, practice public speaking, and explore the beauty of language through poetry.

Visit our website to read more.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

Skelly second and third grades competed to see which grade level could create the longest domino chain of donated boxes of cereal on Mar. 11, 2026.

Visit ParentSquare to read more and view photos.

Skelly students took advantage of the warm day on Feb. 27, 2026, to play outside with Officer Kim Clemmons. Some classes even took the lessons outdoors to enjoy the beautiful day.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

During Parent-Teacher conferences on Mar. 10 and 12, 2026, Skelly provided an opportunity for students and parents to plant seeds to "Skelly-brate" student growth this school year. Empty paper milk cartons were covered with blue paper so students could decorate them before they added the dirt and seeds.

On Mar. 11, 2026, Skelly's PreK and early childhood classes enjoyed some St. Patrick's Day themed actvities, including a scavenger hunt for leprechaun Finnegan McFiddle's pot of gold.

Skelly classes selected or created projects from the school-wide bingo board to complete and spread kindness within our building and community.

They had some playground clean ups, pantry box donations, kindness rocks hidden around town, donations to the El Dorado Animal Shelter, letters written for folks at retirement communities, gardens prepped for spring flowers, positive affirmations in bathrooms, and so much more! Fantastic work Panthers, keep it kind.

Visit Skelly's Facebook page to view photos.

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. April'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.

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

As Spring's warmth encourages more people to be outside and on-the-roadway, it's important to reflect on one of the leading causes of traffic crashes: Distracted Driving- anything that takes the driver's attention away from the roadway. Distracted driving results in approximately 9 Deaths per Day or 3,285 Deaths per Year.

Three Main Types of Distraction

• Visual Distraction: This happens when a driver takes their eyes off the road, such as when reading a text message or looking at a GPS screen.
• Manual Distraction: This occurs when a driver takes their hands off the wheel, such as when reaching for an object, eating, or adjusting controls.
• Cognitive Distraction: This involves taking your mind off driving. For example, being lost in thought, having an emotional conversation, or becoming absorbed in a phone call can severely impair a driver's reaction time and focus.

Tips for Avoiding Distractions

• Put away your phone: Set your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode before you start driving. If you need to send a message or make a call, pull over safely before doing so.
• Plan ahead: Set up your GPS, radio, or entertainment system before driving. Avoid fiddling with these systems while on the road
• Limit conversation: If you're driving with passengers, have a calm, focused conversation. Avoid heated discussions that could distract you.
• Avoid multitasking: Resist the temptation to eat, drink, or do other tasks that take your focus away from driving.

SRO, Kimberly Clemons

OPAA! hosted a live cooking event featuring Chef Joe and build-you-own pasta bar for lunch on Mar. 27, 2026.

Students and staff could choose between rotini or linguini for the pasta base. Sauce options included chicken pesto, chicken alfredo, and marinara meat sauce. They could top it off with parmesan, red pepper flakes, Italian herbs, and garlic. Sides included Italian bread and fresh sauteed vegetables, prepared in real time by Chef Joe.

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.

Plan to eat at Fiesta Mexicana on Mar. 31, 2026, from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. to support the EHS football team!

Fiesta Mexicana has proudly partnered with El Dorado football parents to donate 10 percent of all sales back to EHS football players. This money will go toward food for the football season. Take-out orders are included!

El Dorado High School students are collecting donations Mar. 23 - Apr. 3, 2026, to help assemble food boxes for local families in need through the Community Aid Network (CAN). Our goal is to bring the school and community together to support families by providing essential food items.

To help organize donations, each class has been assigned a specific item to bring:

Freshmen: Canned goods
Sophomores: Mac & Cheese and Pasta/Rice
Juniors: shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Seniors: Deodorant, disinfecting wipes/cleaner, hand sanitizer, socks, and paper towels/cloths

Students can bring their donations to school and give them to their Connections teacher.

Thank you to everyone who is helping support families in our community through this effort. Your generosity can change lives!

Want to be an EHS Cheerleader? Join Us!

Sign up now for your chance to try out for the EHS Cheerleading Squad! All students from incoming freshmen through seniors are welcome! Mark the following days on your calendar:

• Monday, April 6th: Tryout practice 6:00pm - 7:30pm
• Tuesday, April 7th: Tryout practice 6:00pm - 7:30pm
• Thursday, April 9th: Tryout practice 6:00pm - 7:30pm
• Friday, April 10th: Tryouts 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Practices and tryouts will take place in the EHS Main Gym. Please plan to attend ALL practice days.

Please complete this Google Form to sign up: https://forms.gle/JpqEgwkeUuxDovbv6

Remember: Don’t stress about being perfect! What we’re looking for is hard work, enthusiasm, and a willingness to try new things.

Have questions? Reach out anytime at jrstanley@usd490.org

Come and be part of something amazing!

EHS Junior Class presents: Tangled, Let Your Light Shine

April 11, 2026

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Hubbard Welcome Center

901 S. Haverhill Rd., El Dorado, KS

Prom ticket sales begin March 9 and end April 10. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased during lunch, in the office, or from Mrs. Scherrer. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

EHS After Prom 2026 will be at The Lanes at El Bowl.

Hosted by EHS Junior Class parents

April 11, 2026

11:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.

All EHS Juniors and Seniors are invited. You do not have to go to prom to attend. EHS approved prom guests are also welcome. Student or photo ID required for entry.

Activities include:

• bowling
• miniature golf
• cornhole
• Bingo
• pizza and drinks
• smores and candy bar
• prize giveaways

EHS Encore auditions for 2026-2027 are open to incoming freshmen - seniors.

There are two available dates, choose which one you want to attend: April 20 or April 21.

Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: EHS Choir Room

Audition Information:

Dance Audition: Students need to wear something they can move in- this includes shoes!

Singing Audition: Please prepare a 30-second song to sing

Send this link to each of your teachers for a recommendation.

For more information, please email KBT at ksbankstodd@usd490.org.

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. More details to come.

El Dorado High School will be hosting an Incoming Freshmen (current 8th graders) parent meeting on April 8, 2026, from 5:30 - 6:15 p.m. in the EHS Auditorium.

El Dorado Middle School is hosting a fifth grade parent meeting on Apr. 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. It will be located in Gym 1. Parents will receive a tour of EMS and learn about the electives offered. Students are encouraged to come!

This will also be Meet the Instruments Day. Students can try out a variety of band and orchestra instruments to see which one is a right fit for them. Teachers will be available to assist.

We’re excited to announce that sports shirts are now available for purchase! These shirts are open to parents, students, and supporters—a great way to show your school spirit and support our middle school tennis team.

The online shop will be open until April 15th, so be sure to place your order before the deadline.

To place your order, please visit the online shop using the link below:
https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/KaetHywSQx

The shop offers a variety of sizes and styles to choose from. Be sure to place your order soon so you don’t miss out!

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Sarah Windholz at sawindholz@usd490.org.

Thank you for supporting our athletes!

Our PTO is now pre-selling tickets for our upcoming Bingo Night on April 10, 2026!

Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Bingo begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. Kids must be accompanied by an adult.

• Bingo prizes
• 50/50 raffle
• silent auction
• concessions

Tickets can be purchased using Venmo.

Don’t miss out on a fun evening filled with games, prizes, and community!

We can’t wait to see you there!

The Grandview PTO Read-a-Thon fundraising event is taking place Mar. 27 - Apr. 7, 2026.

Every student who participates will receive a prize. Every student who logs 240 minutes read (120 for prek) will be entered to win a Kindle Color E-Reader. Extra raffle tickets will be entered for every 30 minutes read over 240 minutes.

Donation Prizes:

• $25 raised: bookmark and surprise
• Students receive a $5 gift card (McDonald's, Walmart, etc.) for every $100 raised.
• The student with the most money raised will receive a $50 Visa gift card.

Class Prizes:

• $200 raised: extra recess
• $400 raised: extra device time
• $600 raised: ice cream party
• $1,000 raised: silly string party

The class with the most money raised earns a pizza party!

"Pajama Party" K-2 Spring Music Concert

April 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Performing Arts Center

• All students need to be in the Pocket Theater in the Performing Arts Center at 6:45 p.m. April 20. We ask that you do not arrive before 6:30 p.m., as staff will not be there to supervise your student before that time.
• Suggested attire is school-appropriate pajamas and tennis shoes.
• PLEASE NOTE: a certain mode of clothing is not required for students to be able to participate. We simply want to reflect the theme of the musical and show unity in our appearance, much like a sport or team.
• Your student will be riding a school bus to the PAC for an on-stage rehearsal at 12:45 p.m. on concert day. We will return to Grandview by 2:45 p.m.
• This performance will count towards your student’s performance grade. Please notify Mrs. Russell directly ASAP if you know they cannot attend and perform.
• Practice your songs at home! “Pajama Party” by Cristi Cary Miller

Thank you for supporting your student for this very special event!

Mrs. Russell

SKELLY’S KINDERGARTEN, FIRST, & SECOND GRADERS PRESENT: PAJAMA PARTY!

2026 SPRING CONCERT INFORMATION

Parents and Guardians,

K-2 students have been working hard in music class for their upcoming spring program! Please read the information below and mark your calendars for the big day:

Day/Time: Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00 pm
• Please arrive by 6:45 pm and have your child head to the Pocket Theatre to meet their classroom teacher

Place: Performing Arts Center - 500 W. Central Ave

Suggested Attire: Please have your child wear pajamas to match the concert theme.

• NOTE: While this is fun attire, it is still a performance, so students should look their best and pajamas should be freshly-washed and stage-ready. Be sure all clothing is school-appropriate and provides full coverage. If wearing a nightgown or loose bottoms, please have your child wear shorts underneath. Since some pajamas can be thin, layering is recommended to avoid any issues under bright stage lights. There will be lots of movement, so make sure your child will be able to move safely and comfortably on risers. Please avoid wearing slippers or bringing any stuffed animals, blankies, or pillows to the performance. Thank you for your cooperation!

Your student will also be riding a school bus to the PAC for an on-stage rehearsal during school hours on program day, from 8:30–10:30am. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Ms. Bradley by calling the office (316-322-4860) or reaching out on ParentSquare.

Thank you for supporting your students for this very special event!

Ms. Bradley

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

Bus Barn: Cheyene Farr, Bus Driver
EHS: Staci Rickard, Volunteer, College, and Career Coordinator
EMS: Katie Banks-Todd, Vocal Music Director
Blackmore: Toshia Stephenson, Nurse Aide
Grandview: Robin Carleton, Third Grade Teacher
Skelly: Jessica McCoy, Nurse Aide

The MHIT Grant funds important mental health supports in schools. Our mental health liaisons currently serve 140 elementary and 173 secondary students and have had 47 new referrals so far this school year. Students receiving mental health supports have shown improved attendance, behaviors, and academic performance.

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!

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary." - Vidal Sassoon

Opportunities for grades 6-12.

June 1 - 25 and July 6 - 30: Strength and Development/Sports Practices
May 22 - 31, June 26 - July 5, and July 31 - August 10: Best vacation times
August 17: First day of fall sports practices

A specific schedule with dates, session times and additional summer camp information will be released in April.

April 2 National School Librarian Day

April 3 No School

April 5 Easter

April 6 No School; Staff Professional Development

April 9 Kindergarten Kickoff, 5:30 p.m.

April 10 BE Family Night, 6:00 p.m.

April 12 EHS Band BBQ and Jazz Concert at EHS, 5:30 p.m.

April 15 Purple Up for Military Kids Day

April 17 Wear Blue Day for child abuse prevention

April 20-24 National Volunteer Week

April 20 GE Spring Concert (K-2) at PAC, 7:00 p.m.

April 21 Fifth Grade Parent Meeting at EMS Gym 1, 5:30 p.m.; SE Spring Concert (K-2) at PAC, 7:00 p.m.

April 22 Administrative Professionals Day; Earth Day

April 23 BE Spring Concert (PreK-2) at PAC, PreK at 6:00 p.m. and K-2 at 7:00 p.m.

April 24 GE PTO Family Fun Night, 6:00 p.m.

April 26 EHS NHS Induction Ceremony at EHS, 6:00 p.m.

April 27 No School; Staff Professional Development

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