Julie Voelz, left, science teacher at Emporia Middle School, and Frances Wecker, science teacher at Emporia High School, were honored as Kansas Teacher of the Year Nominees in Region I last weekend in Salina. Several teachers and administrators from the district attended.
Staff Bulletin | September 24, 2015
District News

New District Webmaster

Matt Fowler has joined the district as the electronic media specialist. He will replace Dave Leiker, who retires from the Technology Department in November. Matt will be responsible for the website and other electronic communication, photography, video production, and serve as an adviser to E-Vision at Emporia High School. Matt is a graduate of the Emporia Public Schools and a former E-Vision student.

Staff Resources Page
On District Website
The redesigned district website includes a new section for Staff Resources. Be sure to check out the section - it contains links to many commonly used applications, employee benefits, contracts & handbooks, wellness, a section to highlight staff and student awards, and much more. 

Emporia Board of Education

Personnel Report

Appointments

Kevin Howard
paraeducator, Riverside

Liliana Ramos
paraeducator, Riverside

Claire Foraker
paraeducator, Timmerman

Desiree Essex
paraeducator, Timmerman

Josselyn Martinez-Funes
AVID tutor, EHS

Lindsay Mauk
paraeducator, Riverside

Nichol Lewandowski
paraeducaor, Riverside

Sabri VanFossen
bus aide, Transportation

Teena Davies
adjunct faculty, Sacred Heart

Jose Pardo
roving custodian, Maintenance

Bobbi DeLong
paraeducator, Timmerman

Retirements

Christina Pletcher
computer applications, EMS

Resignation

Christina Pierce-Parker
bus driver, Transportation
Board Reports
FHTC Board of Trustees: Grant Riles reported that the Technical College is adding some satellite locations at Lawrence and Topeka.
KSHSAA: Mike Crouch updated the board on some final rule changes for high school athletics.

Asbestos Management
The board approved a three-year reinspection report and reappointed David Smith as the designated employee for asbestos management. 

Consent Agenda
The board approved these consent agenda items:
  • Site council memberships for 2015-16
  • Annual assurances of compliance with federal IDEA program and grant requirements

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Successful Health Fair
EHS secretary Diana Delgado was one of 310 district employees who attended the Healthier Lyon County Health Fest Saturday at the Flinthills Mall. Diana was the first of 170 employees to reach the Wellness Program Level 1 Incentive - water bottle and T-shirt. 

Coloring Books for Hospital
A family illness inspired Walnut paraeducator Donna Russell to launch a project to help patients and families coping with health issues. Donna recently spent time at Children's Mercy Hospital with her daughter and granddaughter.

"When we were at clinic a couple of weeks ago, I printed off some adult coloring pages for Reese, Jennifer and I to do. We spent 4-5 hours coloring. It took away the worry and the waiting time. So my goal is to do this for 1,000 other people at Children's Mercy."

Anyone interested in helping can order the books from amazon.com and ship them to: Jim Russell. PO Box 1085, Emporia KS 66801. The 36-pack of Crayola coloring pencils can be purchased at Amazon or Wal-mart.com. Donna also will accept cash donations to purchase the items. "I'll be bringing smiles for kids and adults!"

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Watch for good things happening in USD 253 on the Teaching & Learning Facebook page. Regular reports & photos from classrooms will brighten your day.

Follow news about job postings & education highlights on the Human Resources Facebook and Twitter page.
Emporia Public Schools
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Board of Education Welcomes New Member
Colleen Mitchell began serving her term on the board Wednesday night. She was appointed last week to fill the unexpired term of Brent Windsor.

Superintendent Search
The board hired the Kansas Association of School Boards to assist with the process for selecting a new superintendent. A timeline will be developed to advertise and take applications for the job this fall with a selection to be made no later than February.

Trimester Study
The board approved a trimester schedule for the district starting next year. The change will have minimal impact on elementary and middle school schedules. At the high school, students will take the same five or six classes every day for approximately 12 weeks. Some classes will meet for one trimester, others for two or three trimesters. Students will have more time with their teacher than in the current 18-week semester so the opportunity for additional and more rigorous content and learning occurs. Dr. George Abel will meet with all school site councils this fall to inform them of the change and what it means for students and teachers.
See trimester presentation

State Testing Report
The board heard a report on the Kansas assessment results and how the scores will be reported. The results of these tests cannot be compared to the previous state assessments because the test is much different and more difficult. Scoring places students in one of four levels. Levels 2, 3 and 4 place students at or above grade level; Levels 3 and 4 place students at College and Career Ready. Only state results have been released. Individual student results will be available after October 1, and those reports will be given to parents at the October parent-teacher conferences. District results will be released in State Report Cards in early December.

Summer Projects
Maintenance Director Bob Fancher reviewed the summer maintenance projects completed this year. These included the first phase of replacing old sewer lines under the Food Service kitchen floor at EHS; reconfiguring the Food Service office, adding a small restroom and updating a meeting room and the enrollment center at Mary Herbert; adding insulation and sheetrock on brick walls at Village to reduce cold air infiltration; and various electrical and plumbing  projects.