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District News:
Hopkins Awards 2022-2023:
The E.L. and Z. Irene Hopkins Foundation would like to provide special recognition to those district employees who go above and beyond and demonstrate that one person can make a difference. For the 2022-2023 school year the Hopkins Foundation will be bringing back the Individual Staff awards as they were awarded through 2017. Use the 2022-2023 Hopkins Award Form to nominate a deserving individual. (Click here)
Winter Break:
Winter Break will begin on Thursday, December 22nd, and continue through Wednesday, January 4th. Students will return to classes on Thursday, January 5th. Staff will return on Wednesday, January 4th for PLT.
Payroll Deduction Reminder:
The December 15 paycheck will include premium pay and be the first payroll with new deductions for the 2023 benefit plan year for classified and certified staff. The January 1 paycheck will include premium pay and be the first payroll with new deductions for the 2023 benefit plan year for administrative staff. With that in mind, please review the information below regarding how premium pay will affect your upcoming paychecks. If you have any questions please email payroll@usd253.net.
- Actively employed staff members from 8/16/2022 through 11/26/2022 will receive $500.
- Actively employed less than .5 FTE (less than 20 hours for classified) will receive $250.
- Staff starting after 8/16/2022 will receive $200.
- Staff hired after 8/16/2022 for less than .5 FTE (less than 20 hours for classified) will receive $100.
- Substitute teachers/classified staff, Rule 10 coaches, and AVID tutors will receive $100.
Print Your W-2 & 1095C:
Employees can elect to print out their W-2 Wage and Tax Statement and 1095C Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage forms through Skyward's Employee Access. Employees have until December 31 to make this selection.
Winter Weather:
As we all know, Kansas weather can change quickly and become extremely unpredictable and dangerous. Please be assured that the safety of our students and staff is our highest priority during all threatening weather conditions and emergency plans are in place. We have a team of administrators that watch the weather and monitor weather predictions. A decision on any cancellations or late starts will be made based on the team’s observations for the safety of our students and staff. Click here to review district inclement weather information.
November New Directions EAP:
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.
Thought Box:
The district would like to hear from you. We appreciate your input and would like to hear your ideas, opinion, and questions to continue moving the district forward. If there is anything you would like to anonymously share, please click here to complete the Thought Box Form. This form will also be located in the Quick Links section on the front page of the website.
Early Resignation/Retirement Notification Incentive:
Any certified teacher who has worked greater than two years in USD 253 and is planning to resign or retire at the end of the school year is eligible to receive an early notification stipend.
A written resignation or retirement notice must be submitted to the Director of Human Resources. Stipends will be awarded according to the timetable below at the end of the contract year. Certified staff must provide written notification received by:
- January 1st would receive $250
See the master contract for more information.
District Events:
Blood Drive:
Emporia High School Student Council will sponsor a blood drive on Tuesday, January 10, 2022, from 1:00 PM-6:00 PM. The blood drive will be held at the Flinthills Mall. The drive is a part of the American Red Cross High School Scholarship Program. Students who help coordinate the drives are eligible for college scholarships based on donations at the drive. Click here to sign up.
District Technology Sale:
A district technology surplus community sale will be held on Saturday, December 17th from 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM while supplies last. The sale will be located east of the Flint Hills Learning Center located at the Flinthills Mall. Used Chromebooks and a limited number of IPads will be available.
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