

USD 490 eNews
Community Newsletter

Enrollment for 2024-2025 is OPEN
If your child will be returning to USD 490 for the 2024-2025 school year, please complete their enrollment as soon as possible. This helps schools prepare appropriate staffing for the fall. This is only for the enrollment forms, the payment piece for next school year will not open until July 1. Please visit our website for enrollment instructions: https://www.usd490.org/o/usd-490/page/enrollment-info
We are accepting applications for the three and four-year-old preschool programs and for Role Models for the 2024-2025 school year. Please visit our website for more information or to apply: https://www.usd490.org/page/preschool-programs
Extend applications close
Wednesday, April 24, 2024.
News and Headlines
Refreshed logo family
All of the schools have finished voting on their refreshed mascots and the middle and elementary winners were revealed on Mar. 1, 2024. While each USD 490 school has characteristics that make it unique, we are all #PartOfThePride!
PIE distributes over $11,500 in awards
The Partners In Education Foundation, Inc. (PIE) made its tour of El Dorado schools Feb. 22 to distribute this year’s Spring Awards. Two different types of awards were presented: $9,400 in Grants to Schools, and $2,100 in awards from the Felix Alton Cantrell Jr. Fund.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1484819
USD 490 welcomes Danny Adelhardt as 2024-2025 Head Football Coach
USD 490 is excited to welcome Danny Adelhardt as the new head football coach, powerlifting coach, and weights instructor/coordinator for the 2024-2025 school year.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1492144
Blackmore student featured at state level for Youth Art Month
Blackmore third grade student Natalie Walker was selected as one of the Kansas Art Education Association (KAEA) Youth Art Month (YAM) featured artists for her oil painting of Max the dog. Her art was featured on the KAEA and Kansas Art Teachers Facebook pages on March 14.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1493023
EMS students compete in Patriot League Math Relays
El Dorado Middle School students placed at the Patriot League North Math Relays event on Feb. 27, 2024. Two seventh grade teams placed third in their respective categories.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1493147
EHS athletes receive AVCTL honors
Several El Dorado High School basketball players and wrestlers received AVCTL all-league honors for their performance during the 2024 season.
Visit our website to see individual awards: https://www.usd490.org/article/1505973
EHS students place at state powerlifting
El Dorado High School students competed at the State Powerlifting competition on Mar. 2, 2024. Aysha Nkrumbih placed first in her weight class. Cole Rickard and Bryden Soper each placed fifth in their respective weight classes.
EHS students learn about radar from KAKE meteorologist and EHS alumni
KAKE Channel 10 Meteorologist and EHS class of 2004 alumni Frank Waugh visited El Dorado High School on Mar. 20, 2024, to teach students about using radar to identify severe weather conditions.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1516396
EHS students visit Future Maker Mobile Learning Lab
The Future Maker Mobile Learning Lab visited El Dorado High School on Mar. 19, 2024. The lab provides students with a combination of interactive virtual and augmented reality activities that allow them to explore high-demand careers related to technical education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1517180
Grandview fifth grader wins state art competition
Grandview fifth grade student Hadley Williams won first place in the elementary level at the Blick YAM State Art Competition.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1521438
EMS students take two of top three spots at PL Spelling Bee
Several El Dorado Middle School students competed at the Patriot League Spelling Bee in Haysville on Feb. 29. Sammy Schafer placed first and Jonah Love placed third in the seventh grade league bee.
USD 490 JAG-K students visit state capitol
El Dorado High School and Extend JAG-K Students celebrated JAG-K Day by joining other JAG-K groups from across Kansas on a visit to the capitol building in Topeka, Kan. on Feb. 7, 2024.
Visit our website to read more: https://www.usd490.org/article/1493314
EMS orchestra performs at Patriot League
The El Dorado Middle School seventh and eighth grade orchestra received a I-rating at the Patriot League Orchestra Festival on Mar. 6.
Grandview fifth grade egg drop
Visit our Facebook page to see photos.
Skelly classes compete to create kindness chains
February's character trait was kindness so Skelly classes competed to create kindness chains. For each act of kindness students were observed making, they added a link to the class kindness chain. Mrs. Pound's class won by having the most links in their chain by the end of the month.
Skelly students create name tags with 3D printer
Mr. McCarthy, STEM Lab Aide at Skelly, received a 3D printer thanks to a Partners In Education grant that allows students to engage with coding programming and create cool things. On Mar. 20, 2024, fifth grade students made name tags with the printer.
Skelly Street Leaders fill local blessing box
Skelly's student leadership team, Skelly Street Leaders, collected donations during the Soup-er Bowl Drive in February. They delivered the donated items to a local Blessing Box on Mar. 22, 2024.
EMS students explore geology using tasty treats
Eighth grade science students had a blast as they delved into the fascinating world of the rock cycle using a deliciously sweet approach - Starbursts on Mar. 3, 2024!
Using these colorful treats as their models, the budding geologists observed and discussed how rocks undergo various processes to transform from one type to another. From sedimentary to igneous to metamorphic, each stage of the rock cycle was beautifully represented by the vibrant hues of Starbursts.
Middle School students participate in bookmark contest
Students at El Dorado Middle School competed in a bookmark contest to celebrate Read Across America Day on Mar. 2, 2024.
The winners were:
6th grade- Kaelyn Jones
7th grade- Wrayne Russell
8th grade- Jewels Murphy
Judge's Choice - Hunter Lewis
EMS students create roller coasters to explore physics
El Dorado Middle School seventh graders took an exhilarating journey exploring the principles of physics through hands-on experimentation. On Mar. 8, 2024,, they dove into the world of roller coasters, discovering the fascinating concept of conservation of energy.
In their classroom-turned-thrill factory, students constructed their very own roller coasters, meticulously calculating the gravitational potential energy based on the mass and height of their creations. With every twist, turn, and loop, they witnessed the transformation of potential energy into kinetic energy, as their coasters zipped through the tracks at varying speeds.
EMS students use sidewalk chalk to explore Earth's atmosphere
El Dorado Middle School sixth grade science students traded textbooks for sidewalk chalk as they embarked on a colorful exploration of Earth's atmospheric layers on Mar. 8, 2024.
With the sun shining and creativity in full bloom, students transformed the pavement into a canvas of scientific wonder. Armed with their knowledge of the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, they brought these atmospheric layers to life in vibrant hues and imaginative designs.
As they sketched out the boundaries and characteristics of each layer, they not only demonstrated their understanding of Earth's complex atmosphere but also showcased their artistic talents. Passersby couldn't help but stop and admire the masterpieces taking shape before their eyes.
Through this hands-on activity, the young scientists not only engaged with scientific concepts but also fostered a deeper connection to the world around them. Who knew learning about atmospheric layers could be so colorful and fun?
EMS students use food to explore thermal energy
El Dorado Middle School seventh grade science students embarked on a fascinating exploration into the world of thermal energy on Mar. 8, 2024.
They decided to mix things up a bit and delve into how thermal energy travels by conducting an experiment right in their own classroom!
Using some foods, they measured just how much thermal energy each item contained. Students engaged with the scientific process, asked thought-provoking questions, and collaborated with their peers to uncover the mysteries of thermal energy.
BCC visits Grandview Kindergarten
Students from Butler Community College visited Grandview Kindergarten students on Mar. 5, 2024. The BCC students prepped, planned and enjoyed activities with the Grandview students.
EHS alumni and author visits Grandview fourth grade
El Dorado High School graduate Sierra Bonn visited Grandview fourth grade students on Mar. 19, 2024, to share her book, Innovators: women in history who made positive contributions to STEAM.
Blackmore assembles tower gardens
On Mar. 1, 2024, Blackmore's fifth grade STUCO representatives helped Mrs. Diaz build the tower gardens that they received from the Tim Underwood Memorial grant they wrote earlier in the year.
Blackmore student leadership team delivers donated pet supplies
The Blackmore Student Leadership Team collected pet supplies in honor of therapy dog Sam's birthday. They delivered all of the donated items to the El Dorado Animal Shelter on Mar. 22, 2024.
Local State Farm agent donates bicycle helmets
Local State Farm Agent Wilfredo Blanco-Diaz donated 50 bicycle helmets for USD 490 elementary students on Mar. 19, 2024. There were a variety of colors and sizes that fit children age 5 through 14. We are grateful for community partners who value safety in #PartOfThePride!
Upcoming solar eclipse on Apr. 8
USD 490 purchased eclipse glasses for all students and staff to view the upcoming solar eclipse on Apr. 8, 2024. In our area, the maximum eclipse will be around 1:49 p.m.
For more information about the eclipse, please visit https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/in/@4270873?iso=20240408
Alumni Spotlights
Calling all USD 490 alumni!
We will be highlighting a different USD 490 alumni each Tuesday on our website Live Feed and district social media for #TellOurStoryTuesday. We want you to help us tell our story by sharing yours!
Please take minute to participate in this fun celebration: https://forms.gle/kY2wzUSzxuLLNQmn9
USD 490 Staff of the Month
Staff Appreciation Notes
Please help us celebrate our staff by sending them a Thank You note. There are several designs to choose from. Simply pick the one you like best and provide the information requested so your message can be delivered during Teacher Appreciation Week (May 6-10, 2024).
USD 490 Summer Programs and Drivers Education
Logo Refresh FAQ
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Important Dates
April 4 National School Librarian Day
April 8 Solar Eclipse, 1:49 p.m.
April 12 No School
April 15 No School; Staff Development; Enrollment Help Desk at District Office, 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
April 15-19 National Volunteer Week
April 16 5th Grade Parent Meeting at EMS, 5:15 p.m.; Kindergarten Kickoff, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
April 22 Earth Day
April 24 Administrative Professionals Day
rSchool Online Activity Calendar
Contact US
El Dorado Public Schools USD 490
Email: usd490@usd490.org
Website: www.usd490.org
Location: 124 West Central Avenue, El Dorado, KS, USA
Phone: (316) 322-4800
Facebook: facebook.com/eldorado.schools
Twitter: @eldoradousd490