Cardinal Connection

The Cardinal Connection is where Eudora Schools staff can find information relevant to all positions! Each month ​you will read about upcoming events, information from directors, staff spotlights, resources, and staff favorites!

Upcoming Events

Bond Updates

Construction on Bond projects is scheduled to begin during/after Spring Break. Please see/click on the ​maps below for adjustments that will be in effect after Spring Break. If you have any questions, please ​don’t hesitate to reach out to your building principals or Stu Moeckel (stumoeckel@eudoraschools.org) ​for further clarification.

Awards

Eudora Schools is now collecting nominations for the Spring Apple Award, Classified Employee of the ​Year, and Teachers of the Year! Each year one classified employee, one elementary, and one ​secondary teacher are chosen for this recognition.

The winners will be announced during our Eudora Schools Applauding Excellence Ceremony on May ​8th. This nomination form will close on March 31st.

On page one of the form, you will nominate someone for the Spring Apple Award, on page two you ​will nominate a Classified Employee of the Year, on page three of the form nominate Eudora Schools ​Elementary Teacher of the Year, on page four of the form nominate Eudora Schools Secondary ​Teacher of the Year.

We would love for you to fill out each page of the form but it is not required. Thank you for your ​support of Eudora Schools and our outstanding staff.

Information from Directors

Part of my role is to showcase the excellence within our district. By highlighting these ​moments, we can celebrate the hard work and achievements of our students and staff. ​Whether it's a special project, a department activity, or everyday learning, I would love to ​capture it. A lot of the time I hear “Well, this is just what we do every day it’s not ​special/interesting.” but everyday education and activities are part of our story!

Please email me (jayliepostlewait@eudoraschools.org) and I will do my best to attend ​(seriously though, because I don’t know all the things going on ☺)

Thank you to those who have invited me to their classroom/event/building!

Nurse Stephenie Sudduth is still able to test for Strep, Covid, and Flu. Please note that ​Strep testing will be conducted exclusively at the high school, while any of the schools ​within our network are equipped to test for Covid. This service is also available to all

staff members, ensuring convenient access to these essential health assessments. As flu ​season is upon us and cases of Covid and strep are also circulating, let's prioritize ​everyone's health by diligently washing hands and sanitizing student and work areas.

Do you know a student who wears glasses or could use an eye exam? VSP Vision: Eyes of ​Hope has provided us with a limited quantity of FREE Vision Vouchers for our students! ​The vouchers cover one of the following: a comprehensive eye exam, Marchon or Altair ​frames up to 150.00, single or lined multifocal lenses, and Polycarbonate lenses.

If you know of a student who would benefit from one of these services, please reach out ​to Nurse Stephenie Sudduth. For a student to use this service, they will need to go to a ​VSP Vision location; the closest one is Mission Eye Care of Lawrence.

Human Resources: Amy Shanks and Heather Copeland-Gassert

March payroll will show up in your account a little earlier this month. Due to spring break, ​payroll will be processed earlier and direct deposits and payroll checks will be made ​available on March 13th, 2024. If you receive a paper check, please plan to pick up your ​March paycheck at the district office before noon on March 13th. Any checks that have ​not been picked up by noon will be placed in the mail.

Biometric screenings were made available to district staff in December of 2023. The ​purpose of biometric screenings is to provide individuals with valuable information about ​their health status. Measurements such as blood pressure, cholesterol levels, body mass ​index (BMI), glucose levels, and waist circumference can indicate potential health risks ​such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity. Identifying these risks early on ​allows individuals to take proactive measures to improve their health through lifestyle ​changes or medical interventions.

By regularly monitoring biometric data, individuals and healthcare providers can detect ​health issues early, potentially allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. This can ​lead to better health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in the long term.

Aggregate results from the screenings revealed the three highest risks for long-term ​illness were increased levels of Body Mass Index (BMI), High levels of Low-Density ​Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol, and increased levels of Waist Circumference. Individuals ​with increased levels in these categories are at a higher risk for developing Metabolic ​Syndrome, which may put them at a higher risk of becoming a diabetic or having a ​cardiovascular event.

The good news is these risks can be reduced with certain lifestyle changes. See the ​attachments below for more information on what can be done to lower the risks of ​metabolic syndrome.

Please see the attached special edition of the Financial Focus newsletter made ​available to district employees from Security Benefit. The newsletter provides ​useful information regarding investing and saving for retirement.

Part of our mission at Eudora Schools is to continually strive to enhance the well-​being and satisfaction of our employees. As part of our commitment to employee ​health and convenience, we are considering the possibility of introducing an on-​site dental clinic through Jet Dental that would be available for all staff and their ​families. Jet Dental would provide an on-site clinic that would utilize our insurance ​and handle all other billings for possible treatment costs if needed. Those who ​currently do not have dental insurance would also have the opportunity to obtain ​a preventative visit for a low cost as well. We would appreciate your input in ​helping us gauge the interest and needs of our staff regarding this potential ​addition. Please take a few moments to complete this survey.

We are excited to announce "Sweating for ESF," a special event taking place on ​Tuesday, March 5th at WRC to help kick-off Give Day 2024! The Cardinal Wellness ​Committee has teamed up with JK Fitness to support the Eudora Schools ​Foundation in raising funds that help our Eudora students!

We invite all staff members to participate in our FREE morning workout session led ​by Jennifer Kerr of JK Fitness. The workout will take place from 5:15 am to 6:00 am. ​A donation of $5 - $10 upon arrival to contribute to the ESF Give Day is requested. ​Plus, you get to sample one of our morning workout sessions! Additionally, all ​attendees will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a chance to win a $20 ​Visa gift card!

As an extra incentive, staff members who participate in the Eudora Schools health ​insurance plan will earn 5 incentive points that could help with your 2024-25 ​insurance premiums!

After the workout, a light grab-n-go snack will be provided for all participants.

Please sign up by clicking the link below if you plan to attend so we can plan ​appropriately.

Let's come together to support the Eudora Schools Foundation and help kick-off ​Give Day 2024 in a healthy and active way!

We are excited to announce the launch of our newest wellness initiative: the ​Cardinal Wellness BINGO Challenge! This challenge is designed to make wellness ​fun and encourages ALL our staff to participate in our FREE wellness sessions!

The Cardinal Wellness BINGO Challenge begins March 4th and will continue through ​May 17th.

Here's how it works:

Below is the Cardinal Wellness BINGO sheet and your goal is to complete the ​square on the card to achieve a BINGO. BINGO's can be a completed row, column ​or diagonal line. And the best part? You can earn prizes!

• 1st BINGO prize - motivational keychain/bracelet
  
• 2nd BINGO prize - 5 "dress like a gym teacher" passes
  

But wait, there's more! For those who manage to achieve a blackout BINGO (filling ​every square on the card), you'll earn a healthy snack gift bag AND an entry for a ​chance to win an under-desk elliptical! It's a fantastic opportunity to add some ​movement to your workday and enhance your overall wellness.

Need an additional blackout BINGO incentive? For those who utilize USD 491 health ​insurance through Aetna, you will earn an additional 5 incentive points to go ​towards next year's premiums!

Let's make this Cardinal Wellness BINGO Challenge a success!

February Teacher of the Month

Congratulations, Cynthia Andrews, for being named the February Teacher of the Month! ​Mrs. Andrews shared with us what it's like being a Reading/ELA Teacher at EHS!

New Staff

Kristen Lewis:

ELC Director

Kristen has worked in the early childhood field for over 30 years but also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources. She has 21 years of experience working as a preschool director and is very passionate about Eudora schools! Kristen has been married for twenty-six years to Officer Caleb Lewis (EMS SRO), and together, they have two wonderful children. She wants to create a school where everyone feels welcomed and that the children, families, and staff see the amazing academic growth of all children.

Staff Hobbies

Each month we ask a question, last month we asked “what are your hobbies or ​interests you enjoy pursuing outside of work.” Read the responses below and ​you might find something you have in common with another staff member!

• Doing jigsaw puzzles and learning ASL on an app. - Rebecca Killen

• Arts and crafts - especially scrapbooking! - Tammi Krebaum

• Taking classes through the Lawrence Arts Center! - Jessica Vanstory

• Legos! I have a huge collection of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Marvel. ​Ask me for PHOTOS!! - Jack Low

• Watching my kids play sports, Barre Class, reading, baking, cheering ​on KU & the Chiefs! - Chelsey Stulz

• Reading, reading, and more reading - Heather Moore

• Yoga and reading - Brandy Claire

• Attending all of my kids’ activities and being a mom taxi! :-) - Jamie ​Grado

• Reading and hiking! - Payton Knoll

• Attempting to use my Cricut, walking with my husband, and watching ​my kid's sporting events - Megan Cleveland

• Reading and watching my kids’ activities - Stu Moeckel

• Reading books, playing board games, completing puzzles-all kinds ​from jigsaw to logical reasoning ones - Barbie Hartwell

• I enjoy reading, going to concerts and shows, seeing new movies, ​going to museums, and spending time with my people. I also really ​enjoy traveling and going places I have never been before! - Autumn ​Blakesley

• Listening to podcasts and hiking! - Heather Hundley

• I like finding treasures at thrift stores and repainting or re-purposing ​them! - Brittainy West

• I have so many hobbies, but in the winter months, I like to quilt. I make ​quilts of all sizes, table runners, and dog scarves. - Danielle Young

• Does going to all my kids’ activities count as a hobby??? - Jill Moore

• Gardening, pickleball, disc golf, crossword puzzles, and spending time ​with my grandson! - Brenda Wiley

• Running, taking walks with my kids, spending time outdoors when the ​weather is nice. - Katie Urban

• Attending Backstreet Boys Concerts (picture of Nick Carter and myself ​attached), attending soccer games my children play in, and reading. - ​Kelsey Scarlett

• In my free time, I love to be outside- whether that’s going on a hike, ​wandering around a Farmer’s Market with a coffee in hand, or working ​out. I also love to craft (crocheting, hand lettering, painting) or curl up ​with a good book! - Jasmine Crame

• Reading, Board Games, Card Games, Playing games on my Switch. - ​Jessica Johnson

• I love to bake. Bread is my favorite, especially sourdough bread! - ​Rachel Butrum

• I enjoy watching my kids play their sports and activities. I also enjoy ​playing the piano. - Amy Giffin

• Reading - Theresa Abel

• Painting on canvas, baking, finishing my basement, jamming out with ​my kids “family band”, and dance parties! - Devina Garrett

• I enjoy winning fantasy football, cheering for the Chiefs and Jayhawks, ​watching my kids play sports, reading, and traveling near and far! - ​Monica Dittmer

• Going to local coffee shops, building puzzles, playing board games, ​and listening to podcasts! - Jaylie Postlewait

• Gardening! We have a large vegetable garden during the summer and ​also our flowerbeds. I am a bit obsessed with trying to create a cottage ​garden. Hopefully in a couple of years I will get it how I want it. - Ashli ​Olivera

• I read, crochet, sew, play piano, play video games, bake, and hike. I ​love learning new things and creating things. I recently crocheted ​blankets for Christmas gifts and sewed a dress. - Shayna Messick
  

March Birthdays

• 3/2 - Amy Gabriel (EHS Healthcare Teacher)

• 3/5 - Randy Foos (EES Para)

• 3/6 - Harrison Willis (EMS Custodian)

• 3/7 - Vicki Gloshen (EES Admin Assistant)

• 3/10 - Holden Andrews (EHS Welding Sub)

• 3/10 - Amy Giffin (EMS ELA Teacher)

• 3/10 - Theresa Wilcox (4th Grade Teacher)

• 3/12 - Steve Rife (EHS Custodian)

• 3/14 - Ryan Jacobs (EMS Social Studies Teacher)

• 3/15 - Kyle Stadalman (EMS Science Teacher)

• 3/16 - Nicole Parks (Food Service Director)

• 3/16 - Jessica Johnson (Virtual & Alternative Director)
  

• 3/17 - Jesica Sadler (Assistant HS Volleyball Coach)
  

• 3/17 - Wendy White (SPED EMS Teacher)

• 3/18 - Deborah Basel (Transportation)
  

• 3/19 - Ami Bruce (HS Admin Assistant)
  

• 3/19 - Lisa Daniels (Para EMS)

• 3/21 - Karla Cleveland (EMS Admin Assistant)

• 3/22 - Stacey Heck (EES Custodial)

• 3/23 - Meghan Orlando (1st Grade Teacher)

• 3/25 - Tyler Blackburn (EMS WEBS Teacher)

• 3/25 - Heather Grant (Transportation)

• 3/27 - Michelle McNichols (EMS Math Teacher)
  

Our Newest Cardinals

Resources

In today's fast-paced world, stress and burnout can affect each and every one of us at some point in our lives. It's crucial to recognize when we may be at risk of a mental health condition and to understand that help is always available. As part of our commitment to your well-being, we want to remind all Eudora staff members of the various mental health support resources available to you, both locally and nationally.Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, and taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you notice a colleague who might be struggling, please offer your support and let them know about these resources. We encourage you to take advantage of the following resources:

Earlier this year, Dr. Jim Persinger, Assistant Director for ECKCE delivered valuable resources and ​training to school district staff, focusing on combatting burnout within the education profession. ​Building on this initiative, Dr. Persinger continued his support during the Dream Big Conference, ​offering insightful sessions on resiliency and additional tools to prevent workplace burnout.

For your convenience, the presentation detailing the process, along with a landing page housing all the ​resources, can be accessed in Self Care Planning for Educators. We encourage you to explore this ​information, as it is designed to equip you with strategies to navigate and overcome challenges, ​promoting a healthier and more sustainable work environment.

The intention is for you to find these resources not only informative but also practical in your day-to-​day professional life. Feel free to refer back to them whenever needed, ensuring ongoing support in ​your journey towards maintaining well-being and resilience.

We appreciate your commitment to personal and professional growth, and we hope these resources ​contribute positively to your experience within the school district.

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Suggestions/Feedback

Thank you for taking the time to read the Cardinal Connection! If you have any suggestions or feedback, ​we would love to hear them! Please use the link below to submit your thoughts.