*Staff Bulletin/Clipboard February 8, 2024

Staff Bulletin | February 8, 2024

On Wednesday after school, six Emporia High School Art students were recognized for receiving state-level Scholastic Art Awards. Congratulations to Cassie Anderson, Aleena Bair, Hunter Brand, Finley Harjo, Conny Osario, and Delane Stair on a job well done.

District Events:

National School Counseling Week:

Governor Laura Kelly proclaimed this week as National School Counseling Week. Please join the district in saying thank you to all of our School Counselors and Student Support Specialists for all they do for our students every day.

District News:

Employee Assistance Program:

As a USD 253 employee, you have the opportunity to utilize resources provided by New Directions through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Additionally, New Directions offers a variety of free online webinars for all employees. If you or a family member are experiencing any stress or heightened emotions due to events going on in our world, please contact the EAP support line at 833-848-1764 or log onto the New Directions website and use the code usd253. February Newsletter

Thought Box:

The district always likes to hear from you. We appreciate your input and would like to hear your ideas, opinions, and questions to continue moving the district forward. If there is anything you would like to share anonymously, please click here to complete the Thought Box Form. This form will also be in the Quick Links section on the district website's front page.

District Social Media:

To strengthen our online presence and better connect with our community, we encourage all staff members to actively engage with and share our district's social media posts. Your support is invaluable in spreading the word about the fantastic work happening within our district. You play a crucial role in enhancing our reach and impact by liking, sharing, and commenting on our posts.

Human Resources Reminders:

February 15th is the deadline to submit a new national board teaching certificate.
February 15th is the deadline to submit ESL certification to be included in the March paycheck.

Appointments, Resignations, and Retirements:

View the employment recommendations here.

On Wednesday afternoon, students at Jones ECDC were hard at work with paraeducator Ms. Ariana Williams!

On Wednesday evening, teachers from across the district shared an overview of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) model. CKH was first introduced to the district in 2013 at Emporia Middle School. As of August 2023, all certified staff PreK - 12 grade have received training in Capturing Kids’ Hearts.

Board Approvals:

minutes of January 24, 2024
fiscal payments for December 2023
Flint Hills Special Education Cooperative Articles of Agreement
donation of $4,663.78 from Community Philanthropic Ventures, LLC dba POP!
Let bids for the repair of the lighting in the Emporia High School auditorium
close the public hearing for the Kansas Avenue School Building
closing of the Kansas Avenue School Building
use of ESSER III and Title IIA funds for additional Capturing Kids’ Hearts training
Memorandum of Understanding for the Emporia Recreation Center Steering Committee
IMA Corporation to broker Health Insurance for the School District

Board Information and Updates:

Capturing Kids’ Hearts:

Mrs. Judy Stanley, Assistant Superintendent of Teaching, Learning and Student Services; Mrs. Tessa Santangelo, Early Childhood Teacher at Jones ECDC; Mrs. Jen McKay, Kindergarten teacher at Village Elementary; Ms. Abby Littrell, Computer and Business teacher at Emporia Middle School; Ms. MacKenzie Baza, Social Studies teacher at Emporia High School shared an overview of Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) and the impact the program has made in their buildings. CKH is a relationship-building model that includes 4 key components. A Social Contract, Good Things, EXCEL Model, and the 4-Questions.

Emporia Middle School was the first school in the district to receive CKH training in August 2013. As of Fall 2023, all certified staff have received training and have implemented CKH initiatives district-wide in PreK -12th grade.

Following the presentation, the Board voted to allocate $161,520 in ESSER III funds to provide additional CKH training and resources to continuum the momentum of CKH. Read more here.

Emporia Public Schools Climate Survey:

Dr. Alicia Thompson, a representative from the Kansas Association of School Boards Leadership Services, presented results from the district’s recent Climate Survey. The Climate Survey was given to staff members, parents/caregivers, and members of the Emporia community this past October and November. The survey allowed stakeholders to provide feedback on a variety of topics as they relate to Emporia schools. The survey results provide valuable insights into the current state of the school district as well as highlight both positive aspects and areas for growth.

According to Dr. Thompson, The survey results reflect strong support from the school community toward fostering a positive and inclusive environment. The responses provided and highlighted the dedication of the district's teachers, staff, and students in creating a supportive atmosphere conducive to student learning and personal growth.

Superintendent Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, said “The climate survey results reflect a collective commitment to excellence and a shared vision for continuous improvement. The feedback we received not only emphasizes our strengths but also identifies areas where we can continue to grow and enhance our educational community.”