On Wednesday, January 27th, district administrators, along with McCownGordon Construction, HTK Architects, and members of the Board of Education hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at Emporia High School. This construction project will provide new upgrades for EHS that include the addition of a state-of-the-art science department and storm shelter, renovation of existing science classrooms into new special education rooms and collaborative student learning areas, modernizing the band, music, and art rooms facilities, as well as upgraded mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, the pool will also receive much-needed repairs.
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Human Resources Reminders:
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February 1st is the deadline for early retirement benefit application forms to be submitted for certified staff. Click here for KPERS information on retirement planning
- 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.
2020 W-2 and 1095 C Forms:
Employees who elected to print their own W-2 Wage and Tax Statements and 1095C Employer-Provided Health Insurance Offer and Coverage forms through Skyward’s employee access can now do so. Click here for a tutorial. For those employees who did not elect to self-print, your statements have been sent to your building.
W-4 and K-4 Forms:
New this year, you will not be required to update your W-4 or K-4 forms with the district. If you need to make any changes, please contact Erica Markley at 341-2248 or Stephanie Morgan at 341-2228 to request a new form.
District Employee Resources:
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 “company code” usd253.
District Events:
Superintendent Chat dates:
In an effort to stay connected with district staff, Interim Superintendent Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder is hosting two informal “Superintendent Chats” with staff members. The virtual sessions will be interactive and give you an opportunity to share your thoughts, ideas, questions, and suggestions in an informal way. Each session will last approximately thirty minutes, however, you are welcome to come and go based on your work schedule. Below is a schedule of meeting times. Please use the Google meet links to join.
Village and Timmerman 5th grade PBL Projects:
USD 253 Village and Timmerman fifth-grade remote learning students have launched their website, Project 26. These students have been remote learning since September and are showcasing project-based learning through photojournalism. Project 26 highlights their individual voices as they provide their fifth-grade perspective on remote learning, social unrest, and a global pandemic. Website Link: Village and Timmerman 5th grade Project 26
Crosswinds Online COVID Support Group:
Crosswinds is offering a Community Support Online Group for those that are experiencing mental health problems related to COVID. This will be offered online every Thursday from 5:30-6:30pm and is open to anyone who is struggling with their mental health in response to COVID. It’s a community support group for people to talk about what they are experiencing and share how they are coping. They will focus on self-care, networking, recognizing signs and symptoms, and identifying resources. There is no cost to attend and confidentiality and respect will be emphasized. Individuals can join at https://zoom.us/j/95886624795; password 12345. People can also join by phone by calling 312-626-6799; the meeting id is 95886624795.
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On Wednesday afternoon, January 27th, district leadership and members of the board of education toured both Emporia Middle School and Emporia High School. Building administrators provided a review of plans as they prepare for a move to step three of the learning plan beginning February 8th. |
Board Approvals:
Board Updates:
Budget Review:
McCownGordan Construction: Eric Woltje, Senior Project Manager for McCownGordon provided updates on the three current construction projects which include Walnut Elementary, Early Learning Center, and Emporia High School. All three projects are going well and on schedule even with some minor delays due to weather. Click here to follow construction updates Click here to follow construction updates
Early Learning Center Name Announcement:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, Interim Superintendent announced the name of the new Early Learning Center to now be known as the Jones Early Childhood Development Center. The center, located by Riverside Elementary is being built as a part of the $78 million bond and a $6 million dollar donation from the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Testamentary Trust.
Superintendent Search:
Dr. Brian Jordan, Deputy Executive Director, of Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB), presented feedback that was received from the online survey and district focus groups regarding the desired characteristics of a new superintendent. Jordan also led a discussion with board members to gather their input on what qualities they would like to see in the superintendent that is selected. Additionally, Jordan reviewed search plans moving forward and the timeline which is anticipated to conclude with on-site interviews the week of February 15-19.
Walnut and Village Redesign:
Vicki Schweinler, Executive Director of Elementary Education, introduced staff members from both Walnut and Village Elementary schools who provided a walk-through of the progress being made and the current projects both schools have been developing. Although COVID has presented increased challenges and will extend the Redesign timeline for both schools, staff have continued to move forward while embracing a response to various changes that are experienced each day. Click here to view the redesign presentation
Student Academic Achievement Report:
Dr. Ryan Karjala, Associate Executive Director of Assessments and Accountability, provided an overview of USD 253 student achievement on the Kansas State Assessment and the NWEA MAP data. Karjala reported that as a group the majority of district students are achieving well and performing on or above grade level. Click here to review the assessment report
COVID-19:
Dr. Allison Anderson-Harder, Interim Superintendent provided updates to the board regarding COVID cases in the community and reviewed the district's goals of safely increasing the number of students on-site. The current recommendations from the COVID Advisory Committee include remaining in step two for secondary students through February 5th and monitor the community COVID statistics for a move to step three on February 8th. Click here to review the COVID report
Future Board Calendar Dates:
- Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 5:30 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, February 24, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, March 10, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
- Wednesday, March 24, 2021, 7:00 p.m., Board Meeting, Mary Herbert Education Center
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Appointments:
Metzli Rosas
paraeducator, Emporia Middle School
Kristen Delgado
custodian, Timmerman Elementary School
Bailee Bones
paraeducator, Emporia High School
Sara Hill
paraeducator, 251 NLC Elementary School
Naomi Gonzalez Castaneda
secretary, MHEC Student and Family Services
Stephanie Castillo
grade 6 social studies, Emporia Middle School
Corey Wiltz
assistant principal/athletic director, Emporia High School
Resignation:
Amethyst Saltkill
paraeducator, 252 Olpe Elementary School
Termination:
Josiah McDougal
paraeducator, Emporia High School
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