District Administration

December 2023 Staff Holiday Message:

Years ago my Dad told me about a very serious conversation he had with my younger sister, who would have been around preschool or early elementary school age at the time this occurred.  It was a teachable moment (about whatever topic was crucial at that time) and my Dad, who was a teacher, school counselor, and coach, was really impressed with how intently she was focused on and listening to what he was saying.  There is little doubt that he was also impressed with his own skills as he believed he was making a profound impact in her little life.  After he finished with the “lesson”, she paused for a moment and, as she pointed into her mouth and talked around her fingers said, “Dad, did you know you have a lot of teeth back there in your mouth?” 

There are many times when we believe our hard work is paying off and then we receive different feedback than we expected.  The great news is that those times occur far fewer than the times that all of your planning, effort, and fortitude make the impact as expected or beyond what you thought could be achieved.  The proof of your accomplishments is evident in our schools and across our district.

Each one of you is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, with colleagues, and parents.  Education is one of the most important careers, if not the most important career, one can choose.  Thank you for choosing Emporia Public Schools and being a leader in your position.  You are important, valued, and needed!  You each deserve a wonderful break with family and friends.  Please take time to rejuvenate and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!!

Holiday Message - December 2023

Years ago my Dad told me about a very serious conversation he had with my younger sister, who would have been around preschool or early elementary school age at the time this occurred.  It was a teachable moment (about whatever topic was crucial at that time) and my Dad, who was a teacher, school counselor, and coach, was really impressed with how intently she was focused on and listening to what he was saying.  There is little doubt that he was also impressed with his own skills as he believed he was making a profound impact in her little life.  After he finished with the “lesson”, she paused for a moment and, as she pointed into her mouth and talked around her fingers said, “Dad, did you know you have a lot of teeth back there in your mouth?” 

There are many times when we believe our hard work is paying off and then we receive different feedback than we expected.  The great news is that those times occur far fewer than the times that all of your planning, effort, and fortitude make the impact as expected or beyond what you thought could be achieved.  The proof of your accomplishments is evident in our schools and across our district.

Each one of you is making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, with colleagues, and parents.  Education is one of the most important careers, if not the most important career, one can choose.  Thank you for choosing Emporia Public Schools and being a leader in your position.  You are important, valued, and needed!  You each deserve a wonderful break with family and friends.  Please take time to rejuvenate and we look forward to seeing you in 2024!!

Educator Appreciation Week May 2024 Superintendent’s Message

Educator Appreciation Week has arrived!  Thank you to each of you for your tireless work today and every day this year! Please watch for our Media Release after the BOE meeting tonight for a special “thank you” for your work!

As we welcome this important week of celebration and appreciation, we also are able to enjoy spring days that are filled with learning in so many ways.  Our students can learn through classroom activities, sports, field trips, and other projects thanks to all of the preparation and thoughtfulness given to each lesson. Our students are able to come to school because of the work of our staff in Transportation, our crossing guards, Food Service staff, paraeducators and teachers’ aides, Maintenance and Grounds staff, and many other positions across the district. As our students are educated these last two weeks, we are also anticipating graduation and other milestones for our students.

Throughout the year we see you working with students as you teach them new skills, better habits, and how to expand their horizons. Our students have access to more opportunities because of what each of you provides to them.  Every interaction through sharing Good Things, redirection to a wiser choice, and demonstration of what you want them to learn has the power to impact their lives.

Convocation for our 2023-2024 school year feels miles away but also like it was just yesterday. Thank you for celebrating each First Friday of the month by wearing your district t-shirt to demonstrate belongingness and pride for our district.  Our social media posts reflect the amazing work happening across our district and you all make me so proud of what we have accomplished so far this year and for the weeks yet to come!  I appreciate the dedication you have for our students, each other, and our community.  You each make Emporia Public Schools the best place to work and live!  Happy Educator Appreciation Week! I have enjoyed seeing you in your schools and at activities this year and look forward to more these last few days.