USD 490 eNews
Community Newsletter
EHS Building Goals
EMS Building Goals
Blackmore Building Goals
Grandview Building Goals
Skelly Building Goals
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 are open. 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
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
We are offering a call or walk-in Enrollment Help Desk for those who need help completing online enrollment.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Skelly Elementary (951 Skelly St.)
316-322-4860
Returning non-residents: Don't forget to fill out your application for the 2026-2027 year!
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.
Application and enrollment for Virtual School
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
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.
USD 490 has been approved for a grant that will allow us to offer free breakfast and lunch for anyone ages 1-18 in June and July 2026.
Where:
El Dorado High School Cafeteria
401 McCollum Rd.
El Dorado, KS 67042
When:
Monday - Thursday
June 1 - 25 and July 6 - 30
Extra meals will be provided on Thursdays to cover Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There will also be extra meals provided on June 25 to cover the following week when the meal site will be closed.
Meal times:
Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
Lunch: 10:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Meals will be served in a grab-and-go style. All kids receiving meals must be present.
We will be sending out a quick poll to parents later in the week to get a rough estimate for food ordering purposes. If you have any questions, please reach out to Melissa Smith at msmith@usd490.org.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
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.).
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. Registration closed May 15.
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.
USD 490 partners with Beehive Child Care to offer after school care next 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.
Parent Survey Results
Thank you to everyone who took a moment to fill out our Parent Survey! We received some great feedback on where parents feel like we are at in a variety of areas, which helps us as we plan for the coming school year.
Seize Your Future provides awareness materials for schools
Seize Your Future provided seizure awareness posters for our schools and books for the elementary libraries to help raise awareness about Epilepsy! We love our community supports in #PartOfThePride!
EHS summa cum laude graduates recevie Myrrl Houck scholarship
Nine El Dorado High School seniors, all Summa Cum Laude graduates, were presented Myrrl Houck Memorial Scholarships at a reception Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the El Dorado High School Library. The honorees are: Carly Carter, Ed “Min” Castor, Alawna Herrman, Erick Lopez, Taidhgin Mora-Bruce, Jacob Schafer, Kelci Stewart, Hannah Swingle and Brody Todd.
EHS students named Governor's Scholars
Three El Dorado High School students were recognized as Governor’s Scholars during a ceremony on May 3, 2026. To be eligible for this honor, students must academically be in the top one percent of their graduating class.
Congratulations to Carly Carter, Addison Hull, and Taidhgin Mora-Bruce on this wonderful accomplishment!
EHS Drama receives Jester awards
The El Dorado High School cast and crew of the "Good News!" fall musical production won Best Lobby Display and Spirit of the Jesters at the Music Theater of Wichita Jester Awards on May 3, 2026.
EHS alum donates painting to high school
El Dorado High School received a special gift from EHS Class of 1962 graduate Milo West on April 30, 2026. West donated a 4-by-4-foot painting of a wildcat on the prowl. The artwork is meant to represent all EHS graduates — past, present and future.
EHS celebrates senior Decision Day
El Dorado High School seniors had the opportunity to celebrate their post-graduation decisions during a Decision Day event on May 6, 2026.
College and Career Coordinator Staci Rickard invited colleges and military recruiters to join the event, providing swag and information to the students about their programs of choice. Students who participated were able to invite family to join them as they signed a Decision Day poster, took photos in front of the EHS backdrop and enjoyed snacks in the Commons.
EHS students explore military careers
El Dorado High School students got a unique opportunity to climb aboard a blackhawk helicopter and see a military mobile garage on May 1, 2026, as part of a military career exploration event at EHS.
The helicopter landed around 9:30 a.m. and students were released by grade level to go outside and see the military equipment and learn more about job opportunities in the service branches. They were able to sit in the pilot seats, try out the seatbelts in the back, and see the storage compartments and tools in the mobile garage.
EHS baseball team volunteers at local Senior Center
The El Dorado High School baseball team volunteered at the El Dorado Senior Center on Apr. 26, 2026. They tightened and cleaned all of the tables and chairs, cleaned out the community storm shelters and cleaned out the shed. The Senior Center was pleasantly surprised at the amount of work they were able to complete and grateful for their help.
EHS golf team qualifies for state
The El Dorado High School golf team placed fifth at the AVCTL golf tournament in Wichita on May 12, 2026. Zekiah Kern placed 14.
The El Dorado High School golf team placed fourth at the sub-state tournament in Emporia on May 18, 2026.
Matus Kalis placed eighth. Zekiah Kern placed 11. Blake Zogleman placed 15.
EHS Drama receives $500 donation from White Eagle Credit Union
The El Dorado High School drama department received a $500 donation from White Eagle Credit Union on May 18, 2026. Drama Director Katie Banks-Todd says the funds will go to support the 2026-2027 musical production equipment.
We are grateful to have such generous community partners in #PartOfThePride!
EHS girls swimmers place at AVCTL
The El Dorado High School girls swim team competed at the AVCTL meet in Hutchinson on May 15, 2026.
- 200 medley relay team (Carly Carter, Aubrey Larcom, Ashlen Hall, and Makenzie Reiswig)- 4th
- 400 free relay team (Carly Carter, Aubrey Larcom, Ashlen Hall, and Makenzie Reiswig)- 5th
- Carly Carter- 4th in 100 freestyle; 5th in 100 backstroke
- Makenzie Reiswig- 9th in 200 IM; 12th in 100 freestyle
- Aubrey Larcom-9th in 50 freestyle
- Ashlen Hall-11th in 100 breaststroke; 18th in 50 freestyle
- Koda Edwards-17th in 100 backstroke; 27th in 50 freestyle
EMS boys tennis competed at Patriot League on May 4.
The El Dorado Middle School boys' tennis team sent four to the league tennis tournament at Campus High School on May 4, 2026.
Results:
#1 Singles: Ronan Todd 5th
#2 Singles: Ben Todd 5th
#3 Singles: Sylar Gulick 5th
#4 Singles: Jackson Wilson 4th
El Dorado Rotary encourages water safety to elementary students
El Dorado Rotary visited local elementary schools to read “Josh the Baby Otter” by Blake Collingsworth to kindergarten and first grade students. The book teaches students about the importance of water safety.
Grandview third grade hosts art exhibit
Grandview third grade hosted an Art Museum of famous artists on May 13, 2026. They researched a painter and created a slideshow about what they learned about the artist’s life and work. Mr. Bane then helped them create a miniature painting using the same style as their chosen artist. During the art show, they presented their artwork and what they learned to parents.
Extra Duty Work
Looking for some extra work or a way to support student athletes? We need extra duty workers as #PartOfThePride to help with home games for many sports! Visit our website to check out all of our openings and to apply today: https://www.usd490.org/page/employment
USD 490
We are still looking for some dynamic individuals to help support students in #PartOfThePride! Check out all of our openings and to APPLY TODAY: https://www.usd490.org/page/employment
Para Professionals
We need YOU in #PartOfThePride! We still have a few para openings and would love to have you join our 490 Family! Visit the Butler County Interlocal website to apply for a para professional position today! https://www.bcsbc.org/
OPAA! grills hamburgers and hot dogs to celebrate summer
FCCLA offering t-shirt sponsorships to local businesses
Sponsor EHS FCCLA!
What is FCCLA?
FCCLA stands for Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America. We are the student professional organization for FCS, or home economics back in the day.
Why do we need sponsors?
- We compete in STAR Events. STAR stands for Students Taking Action with Recognition. In short, we take what we learned in our FCS classes and use it to improve our school, ourselves as leaders, and/or our community.
- Two students qualified to compete at Nationals in Washington DC this summer!
- Although we are fortunate enough for PIE to help us pay the remaining cost of Nationals, we still need money for next year, both for competition and leadership conferences we attend in August and October.
How can your business help? Become a Sponsor!
We are creating EHS FCCLA t-shirts, which are to be worn at FCCLA events, including in Washington DC!
Buy a spot on the back for your company’s logo!
- Small - $100
- Medium - $200
- Large - $300 The large logos will be in the center of our shirts!
Benefits
- Mrs. Wright will write you a receipt for a tax write-off
- Our shirts will advertise your company at concession stands, fundraisers, conferences, etc.
Donate to our raffle
- We are going to be holding a raffle to help raise funds
- Your business can donate merchandise or gift cards to be prizes in our raffle!
Contact: Larissa Wright at lmwright@usd490.org
Senior Spotlights
We were excited to launch Senior Spotlights on the district and high school Facebook pages May 1-15.
Homeschool students who live in USD 490 and plan to join a 490 team next school year can participate in USD 490 summer athletics!
If you have any questions, please reach out to our Athletic Directors.
Middle School: Nathan Sherwood (nasherwood@usd490.org) 316-322-4820
High School: Lance Barkley (ltbarkley@usd490.org) 316-322-4810
Fill out an Online Interest Form.
Learn more about USD 490 summer programs.
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)
Who: students going into grades 3-12
Where: El Dorado High School Gym (401 McCollum Rd., El Dorado, KS 67042)
When: Tuesday, May 26 - Thursday, May 28
EHS Boys Team Camp (High School)
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. - $20
EMS Boys Team Camp (Grades 7-8)
10:00 - 11:30 a.m. - $40
Jr. Wildcat Camp (Grades 3-6, coed)
12:00 - 1:30 p.m. - $40
Register by May 20, 2026 to secure a camp t-shirt.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Drew Culbertson at abculbertson@usd490.org
BOE approves 2026-2027 calendar
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
El Dorado Public Schools USD 490
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