Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Special School Board meeting tonight to approve construction contract
The Bancroft-Rosalie School Board will hold a special meeting tonight at 6:30 pm in the school library. The purpose of the special meeting is to approve the contract with Crafts, Inc to build the two classroom addition at the north end of the secondary building.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Jessica Tietz signs with Morningside
Jessica Tietz signed a letter of intent to play basketball at Morningside this morning. The newest Mustang joins former B-R players Shelby Beaudette and Kalene Anderson on the nationally ranked team.
USDA announces new nutrition standards for school meals
On Wednesday, January 25th First Lady Michelle Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced new nutrition standards for school meals. The new standards include:
• offering more fruits and vegetables
• serving more whole grain-rich foods
• offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties
• make sure kids are getting proper portion sizes.
Our school district has already brought a variety of healthier choices to our school cafeterias that address goals in the new regulations. For example,
o We serve at least one fresh fruit and vegetables every day
o We already made the switch to 1% or fat free milk
o We offer salads every day
The federal restrictions on the amount of sodium and calories from fat make it difficult to prepare meals that taste the way meals do at home or from fast food places. Since all meals are partially subsidized by the federal government, students and parents need to understand that school meals must follow the federal guidelines for proper portion size and nutritional requirements.
• offering more fruits and vegetables
• serving more whole grain-rich foods
• offering only fat-free or low-fat milk varieties
• make sure kids are getting proper portion sizes.
Our school district has already brought a variety of healthier choices to our school cafeterias that address goals in the new regulations. For example,
o We serve at least one fresh fruit and vegetables every day
o We already made the switch to 1% or fat free milk
o We offer salads every day
The federal restrictions on the amount of sodium and calories from fat make it difficult to prepare meals that taste the way meals do at home or from fast food places. Since all meals are partially subsidized by the federal government, students and parents need to understand that school meals must follow the federal guidelines for proper portion size and nutritional requirements.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Kindergarten admissions
From Roger Breed Commissioner of Education.
"With many school districts making plans now for kindergarten registration for the coming 2012-2013 school year, I would like to clarify the options districts have related to kindergarten admissions under Nebraska law.
Section 79-214 requires that a child must be five years of age on or before July 31 to enroll in kindergarten for the 2012-13 school year.
Section 79-214 goes on to permit school boards to admit children if certain requirements are met. School districts, under the guidance of their school boards, are allowed to enroll a child who turns five after July 31 but on or before Oct. 15 if the parent requests admission and provides an affidavit that states:
1) The child attended kindergarten in another district during the current school year; OR
2) The family plans to relocate to a district that allows admission during the current school year; OR
3) The child has demonstrated his or her ability to do kindergarten level work through a recognized assessment procedure approved by the local school board.
This language is “permissive” so a school district is NOT required to admit a child who turns five after July 31."
In addition, Rule 11 does not allow students that turn 5 before August 1st to attend school-operated preschools. Exceptions can be granted for children who are identified with special needs and whose Individual Education Plan places the child in preschool as the most appropriate placement.
"With many school districts making plans now for kindergarten registration for the coming 2012-2013 school year, I would like to clarify the options districts have related to kindergarten admissions under Nebraska law.
Section 79-214 requires that a child must be five years of age on or before July 31 to enroll in kindergarten for the 2012-13 school year.
Section 79-214 goes on to permit school boards to admit children if certain requirements are met. School districts, under the guidance of their school boards, are allowed to enroll a child who turns five after July 31 but on or before Oct. 15 if the parent requests admission and provides an affidavit that states:
1) The child attended kindergarten in another district during the current school year; OR
2) The family plans to relocate to a district that allows admission during the current school year; OR
3) The child has demonstrated his or her ability to do kindergarten level work through a recognized assessment procedure approved by the local school board.
This language is “permissive” so a school district is NOT required to admit a child who turns five after July 31."
In addition, Rule 11 does not allow students that turn 5 before August 1st to attend school-operated preschools. Exceptions can be granted for children who are identified with special needs and whose Individual Education Plan places the child in preschool as the most appropriate placement.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
2011 MAP test norms
Bancroft-Rosalie students in grades 3-11 just completed winter MAP testing in Reading. I am attaching the 2011 norm data that can be used to gauge individual student performance. If you know a student score, look at the reading section, find their grade level and go to middle of the year mean. This is the national average for that grade. Scores that are in the 235-240 range indicate college readiness.
Next week is the NeSA state writing assessment for grades 4,8, and 11. Grade 4 will start on January 31 and conclude February 1st. Grades 8 and 11 will write on February 1. MAP testing in Math will begin February 6.
All students that increased their MAP score will get ice cream at lunch next week.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Omaha World Herald editorial "Great Teachers Can Often Be Saviors"
Great Teachers Can Often Be Saviors - Excerpt
Nicholas Kristof – Omaha World Herald – Jan. 25, 2012
available at http://www.omaha.com/article/20120125/NEWS0802/701259946/-1#nicholas-d-kristof-great-teachers-can-often-be-saviors
This is a great story about how the efforts of one teacher changed the life of a troubled student. I believe most teachers want to have that kind of effect on their students. Teacher advocacy groups claim that when given well-raised students, they are almost always successful, but when given badly raised kids the results are usually disappointing. By pointing the blame at parents and society in general, are educators admitting that schools/teachers don't make a difference? The education profession needs to focus on what programs are getting positive results for "all students' and try to replicate those programs. Accepting the status quo is not the answer.
Nicholas Kristof – Omaha World Herald – Jan. 25, 2012
available at http://www.omaha.com/article/20120125/NEWS0802/701259946/-1#nicholas-d-kristof-great-teachers-can-often-be-saviors
This is a great story about how the efforts of one teacher changed the life of a troubled student. I believe most teachers want to have that kind of effect on their students. Teacher advocacy groups claim that when given well-raised students, they are almost always successful, but when given badly raised kids the results are usually disappointing. By pointing the blame at parents and society in general, are educators admitting that schools/teachers don't make a difference? The education profession needs to focus on what programs are getting positive results for "all students' and try to replicate those programs. Accepting the status quo is not the answer.
Eric Browning selected for Eight man all-star game
The Eight man all-star teams were selected last Sunday. Eric Browning was picked to represent Bancroft-Rosalie on the East team. The game will be played in June at Hastings.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
School accountability being discussed in the legislature
The legislature is looking at two bills that would develop a multiple measure accountability system for measuring school performance. Some of the measures being considered are:
-- graduation rates,
-- student growth and student improvement on the assessments,
-- student attendance rates,
-- kindergarten readiness rates,
-- parental involvement,
-- suspensions and expulsions,
-- college and career readiness,
-- postsecondary enrollment rates,
-- postsecondary retention rates per high school,
-- growth of students who score in the top quartile and bottom quartile on the
assessments to ensure that schools and school districts that are not sufficiently meeting the needs of both high-performing and low-performing students.
The measures selected by the State Board of Education for the accountability system would be combined into a school performance score and district performance
score.
I support this type of accountability system because student growth is the most important data to consider when deciding how well a school is performing. But I am worried that the state will choose to use average growth data rather than individual student growth data. Average growth would compare how a school's 4th grade students performed one year to how 4th grade students at the same school performed the next year. It would not take into account the improvement shown by each student from one year to the next. With MAP tests (which we give to students in grades 3-11 in Reading and Math) it is possible to look at each students growth from beginning of the year to the end of the year, or from spring to spring, to see how each has improved.
That data will tell you how a school is doing (assuming students will give their best effort).
-- graduation rates,
-- student growth and student improvement on the assessments,
-- student attendance rates,
-- kindergarten readiness rates,
-- parental involvement,
-- suspensions and expulsions,
-- college and career readiness,
-- postsecondary enrollment rates,
-- postsecondary retention rates per high school,
-- growth of students who score in the top quartile and bottom quartile on the
assessments to ensure that schools and school districts that are not sufficiently meeting the needs of both high-performing and low-performing students.
The measures selected by the State Board of Education for the accountability system would be combined into a school performance score and district performance
score.
I support this type of accountability system because student growth is the most important data to consider when deciding how well a school is performing. But I am worried that the state will choose to use average growth data rather than individual student growth data. Average growth would compare how a school's 4th grade students performed one year to how 4th grade students at the same school performed the next year. It would not take into account the improvement shown by each student from one year to the next. With MAP tests (which we give to students in grades 3-11 in Reading and Math) it is possible to look at each students growth from beginning of the year to the end of the year, or from spring to spring, to see how each has improved.
That data will tell you how a school is doing (assuming students will give their best effort).
Monday, January 23, 2012
School internet costs to go down next year
The school has completed its three year agreement for internet service and will be entering a new three year contract beginning next fall. The good news is that the cost will go down 31% and we will be getting 100 mgs of bandwidth instead of the 40 mg we currently receive.
Why will the cost go down and the bandwidth up? The last contract involved Great Plains connecting with Qwest, so we had to pay both carriers. Since the last contract was entered into, Great Plains applied for and received a grant to improve their infrastructure so that they can connect us directly to Omaha (no need for using Qwest, now CenturyLink).
How neat is that?
Why will the cost go down and the bandwidth up? The last contract involved Great Plains connecting with Qwest, so we had to pay both carriers. Since the last contract was entered into, Great Plains applied for and received a grant to improve their infrastructure so that they can connect us directly to Omaha (no need for using Qwest, now CenturyLink).
How neat is that?
Track Districts for 2012
District D-2:
Dates: May 9, 2012
Site: TBA
Schools Assigned:
Bancroft-Rosalie
Cedar Bluffs
Dodge
Howells
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Mead
Omaha Nation
Scribner-Snyder
Walthill
West Point Central Catholic
Dates: May 9, 2012
Site: TBA
Schools Assigned:
Bancroft-Rosalie
Cedar Bluffs
Dodge
Howells
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Mead
Omaha Nation
Scribner-Snyder
Walthill
West Point Central Catholic
Boys Golf Districts for 2012
District D-1:
Dates: May 14, 2012
Site: Oakland Golf Club
Host School: Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Director: Bruce Knaak
Schools Assigned:
Bancroft-Rosalie
Cedar Bluffs
Clarkson
Exeter-Milligan
Friend
Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Hartington
Howells
Leigh
Lewiston
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Osceola
Pawnee City
Pender
Scribner-Snyder
Dates: May 14, 2012
Site: Oakland Golf Club
Host School: Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Director: Bruce Knaak
Schools Assigned:
Bancroft-Rosalie
Cedar Bluffs
Clarkson
Exeter-Milligan
Friend
Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Hartington
Howells
Leigh
Lewiston
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Osceola
Pawnee City
Pender
Scribner-Snyder
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Comparative Analysis of State Assessment results and school poverty level in Class A Nebraska schools
This is reprinted from a letter sent out from Robert Bligh of the Nebraska Association of School Boards. These facts below were conclusions arrived at through a study that looked at Nebraska State Assessment scores at Class A schools in Nebraska and free/reduced lunch rates at the schools.
This makes a strong case for the value of preschool education for students from low income families. And not just "play-based" preschools, but preschools that will provide academic skills to improve each students chances for academic success in the early elementary grades and beyond.
The facts about "good" schools and "bad" schools in Nebraska include the following:
1. Schools that have the highest concentration of students who live in affluent households tend overwhelmingly to have very high average academic achievement scores and, therefore, strong reputations as “good” schools.
2. Schools that have the highest concentration of students who live in impoverished households tend overwhelmingly to have very low average academic achievement scores and, therefore, strong reputations as “bad” schools.
3. It is quite easy to assign surprisingly accurate test score results to schools and school districts based solely on student poverty data.
4. Students who live in affluent households tend strongly to perform academically as well in high poverty (“bad”) schools as they do in low poverty (“good”) schools.
5. Students who live in impoverished families tend strongly to perform academically as well in low poverty (“good”) schools as they do in high poverty (“bad”) schools.
6. The level of academic success of a student is not a result of which school that student attends.
7. The level of academic success of a school is overwhelmingly the result of which students attend that school.
This makes a strong case for the value of preschool education for students from low income families. And not just "play-based" preschools, but preschools that will provide academic skills to improve each students chances for academic success in the early elementary grades and beyond.
The facts about "good" schools and "bad" schools in Nebraska include the following:
1. Schools that have the highest concentration of students who live in affluent households tend overwhelmingly to have very high average academic achievement scores and, therefore, strong reputations as “good” schools.
2. Schools that have the highest concentration of students who live in impoverished households tend overwhelmingly to have very low average academic achievement scores and, therefore, strong reputations as “bad” schools.
3. It is quite easy to assign surprisingly accurate test score results to schools and school districts based solely on student poverty data.
4. Students who live in affluent households tend strongly to perform academically as well in high poverty (“bad”) schools as they do in low poverty (“good”) schools.
5. Students who live in impoverished families tend strongly to perform academically as well in low poverty (“good”) schools as they do in high poverty (“bad”) schools.
6. The level of academic success of a student is not a result of which school that student attends.
7. The level of academic success of a school is overwhelmingly the result of which students attend that school.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Senator shows support for rural Nebraska.
Senator Lydia Brasch was among four senators to introduce LB850, legislation that would provide an incentive to individuals moving from outside of Nebraska to counties, primarily rural, that have been affected by population decline. LB 850 would provide such individuals with an income tax credit of $1,500 per year if they establish residence in one of these counties after having lived outside of Nebraska for five years.
Kudos to Senator Brasch for her efforts to repopulate rural Nebraska communities. If this passes, how could it affect Bancroft? Right now the biggest concern is where would they live? There is a shortage of quality housing in Bancroft, and lots for new home construction are scarce. We have been trying to address this issue for several years and have little to show for our efforts. The recent income survey, that we were informed had to be done before we could move forward on a project, did not meet the 100% return that was needed. So now we are at a standstill.
The Bancroft Betterment group has not received any post-survey feedback yet from the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District as far as options for the community to move forward in its efforts to improve Bancroft housing. I continue to support adding two bedroom apartments with garages to Barber's Sunrise Villa.
It may be time to contact Senator Brasch and find out what her office can do to help us prepare for those who want to relocate to rural Nebraska.
Kudos to Senator Brasch for her efforts to repopulate rural Nebraska communities. If this passes, how could it affect Bancroft? Right now the biggest concern is where would they live? There is a shortage of quality housing in Bancroft, and lots for new home construction are scarce. We have been trying to address this issue for several years and have little to show for our efforts. The recent income survey, that we were informed had to be done before we could move forward on a project, did not meet the 100% return that was needed. So now we are at a standstill.
The Bancroft Betterment group has not received any post-survey feedback yet from the Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District as far as options for the community to move forward in its efforts to improve Bancroft housing. I continue to support adding two bedroom apartments with garages to Barber's Sunrise Villa.
It may be time to contact Senator Brasch and find out what her office can do to help us prepare for those who want to relocate to rural Nebraska.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Nebraska Basketball Jamboree games net $32,000
Bancroft-Rosalie was one of several schools to host a basketball jamboree this season. Proceeds from jamboree games go to the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is housed in the Nebraska School Activities Association building by the University of Nebraska baseball/softball complex.
This year's jamboree events totaled over $32,000 for the Hall of Fame.
This year's jamboree events totaled over $32,000 for the Hall of Fame.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
New business to open in Beemer
A new business recently accepted a proposal from Beemer that will hire up to 10 employees. Beemer received assistance from Cuming County Economic Development in developing their proposal. Beemer offered incentives to attract the business.
I have mixed feelings about this news. As a member of the County ED Board, I am glad that new businesses are moving into Cuming County. According to County ED Director Garry Clark there were five small communities considered within the Cuming County Public Power District. Bancroft was one of these communities. The fact that the Roger's Market building in Bancroft was not seen as a desirable location is disappointing.
So what needs to be done to prepare ourselves to capitalize on the next opportunity?
Local banks and property owners of the available spaces in Bancroft need to work together to develop a plan for offering incentive packages to prospective businesses. The Bancroft Village Board sounds supportive of setting aside money for economic development when the budget allows. Bancroft needs to support the Village and vote FOR the local sales tax on the May ballot.
I have mixed feelings about this news. As a member of the County ED Board, I am glad that new businesses are moving into Cuming County. According to County ED Director Garry Clark there were five small communities considered within the Cuming County Public Power District. Bancroft was one of these communities. The fact that the Roger's Market building in Bancroft was not seen as a desirable location is disappointing.
So what needs to be done to prepare ourselves to capitalize on the next opportunity?
Local banks and property owners of the available spaces in Bancroft need to work together to develop a plan for offering incentive packages to prospective businesses. The Bancroft Village Board sounds supportive of setting aside money for economic development when the budget allows. Bancroft needs to support the Village and vote FOR the local sales tax on the May ballot.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Conference Basketball Tournament brackets
Bancroft-Rosalie School will host first round basketball tournament games in both girls and boys basketball.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Binge drinking in Nebraska
In a recent study by the Center for Disease Control Nebraska placed second in binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as having five or more drinks on one occasion in the month prior to the survey for men, and four or more drinks on one occasion for women. More than 22% of Nebraskans admitted to binge drinking in 2010.
Dr. Joann Schaefer, chief medical officer for the State of Nebraska, said "We've known alcohol is a problem in our state for a while."
Nationally, binge drinking is most prevalent among 18- to 34-year-olds. People in that age group also consume more alcohol in an average sitting — eight to 10 drink (Taken from Omaha World Herald).
The numbers for 18-20 year old's is alarming, given that it is illegal for them to consume. Unfortunately, underage drinking is considered "normal" behavior by many Nebraskans. There has been a statewide effort in Nebraska to combat alcohol abuse, but changing attitudes takes time. There is some hope. Attitudes toward cigarette smoking have changed over the years to the point where it is now unacceptable to smoke in most public spaces. For now, we will continue to deal with the criminal justice and health care problems associated with alcohol abuse.
What I would like to see- a group of student-athletes that would dedicate themselves to their sports and to becoming the best athletes they can be. This would mean abstaining from drugs and alcohol. The difference this would make in the school (as role models) would be extraordinary.
Dr. Joann Schaefer, chief medical officer for the State of Nebraska, said "We've known alcohol is a problem in our state for a while."
Nationally, binge drinking is most prevalent among 18- to 34-year-olds. People in that age group also consume more alcohol in an average sitting — eight to 10 drink (Taken from Omaha World Herald).
The numbers for 18-20 year old's is alarming, given that it is illegal for them to consume. Unfortunately, underage drinking is considered "normal" behavior by many Nebraskans. There has been a statewide effort in Nebraska to combat alcohol abuse, but changing attitudes takes time. There is some hope. Attitudes toward cigarette smoking have changed over the years to the point where it is now unacceptable to smoke in most public spaces. For now, we will continue to deal with the criminal justice and health care problems associated with alcohol abuse.
What I would like to see- a group of student-athletes that would dedicate themselves to their sports and to becoming the best athletes they can be. This would mean abstaining from drugs and alcohol. The difference this would make in the school (as role models) would be extraordinary.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Annie Oakley to appear at Neihardt Center Sunday 2:00 pm
Press release- Continuing with this year’s theme of “Biography” on Sunday, January 15th at 2 p.m., Nebraska author and educator, Charlotte M. Endorf will present the Life and Legacy of Annie Oakley. Oakley, or Phoebe Ann Mosey, often nicknamed “Little Miss Sure Shot” was born in 1860 to a Quaker family. Her twice widowed mother and eventually nine children relied on Annie’s increasing hunting and trapping skills to provide for the family from the tender age of nine. Eventually, her temerity in becoming a champion in a man’s sport changed ideas about the abilities of women in the 19th century, particularly after joining Wm. Cody’s Wild West Show and traveling the world exhibiting her remarkable abilities and endearing herself to everyone she met with her caring and bright personality. When Western movies had their heyday, she was a favorite character but was often portrayed more mythological than factual. Charlotte Endorf will present Oakley in a way to dispel many of the romantic myths and bring the real Annie forward.
This is not Endorf’s first such project. In 2004, she began documenting the real-life stories of the children who rode the Orphan Trains between 1854 and 1929, creating books and a DVD. It also developed into a first-person type of presentation in period dress with artifacts and photographs on display.
The Neihardt State Historic Site is located at 306 W. Elm Street, Bancroft, NE. The program begins at 2 p.m. with a reception and book signing. Author books will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public.
This is not Endorf’s first such project. In 2004, she began documenting the real-life stories of the children who rode the Orphan Trains between 1854 and 1929, creating books and a DVD. It also developed into a first-person type of presentation in period dress with artifacts and photographs on display.
The Neihardt State Historic Site is located at 306 W. Elm Street, Bancroft, NE. The program begins at 2 p.m. with a reception and book signing. Author books will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Biz Buzz Friday 10:00 am at the Country Pub
The Bancroft Biz Buzz Social is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 am at the Country Pub.
Pub owner Vicky Brown will be available to answer talk about her business and answer any questions. Please come and support our local business.
I will have an update on school and community news.
See you friday morning- 10:00 am at the country Pub.
Pub owner Vicky Brown will be available to answer talk about her business and answer any questions. Please come and support our local business.
I will have an update on school and community news.
See you friday morning- 10:00 am at the country Pub.
Board accepts bid from Crafts Inc
The school board resumed the monthly board meeting Tuesday night at 7:00 pm. Representatives from low bidder Crafts Inc of Norfolk went through their proposal and answered questions from the board. The classroom addition will be a 3,120 square foot addition to the north side of the lower level of the existing building.
Concrete will include a sidewalk on the north and west ends of the new addition to connect to the existing sidewalk. The board will consider adding a concrete parking lot to the project west of the new addition. The building will rest on a concrete slab and will have a retaining wall on the east side.
Masonry will match the existing school lower level.
Insulation will be R-19 on exterior walls and R-38 on the roof.
Doors and windows will match the existing building.
The music room will be carpeted and the other rooms will have vinyl tile.
The current storm drain system will be moved.
The following costs were not included in the bid because the school chose to work with their existing system providers:
Fire sprinkler system, heating and air conditioning unit, and Data cables, fire alarm system and intercom system.
I am including a copy of the proposed Timeline in which work would start April 30 and be completed August 1.
Concrete will include a sidewalk on the north and west ends of the new addition to connect to the existing sidewalk. The board will consider adding a concrete parking lot to the project west of the new addition. The building will rest on a concrete slab and will have a retaining wall on the east side.
Masonry will match the existing school lower level.
Insulation will be R-19 on exterior walls and R-38 on the roof.
Doors and windows will match the existing building.
The music room will be carpeted and the other rooms will have vinyl tile.
The current storm drain system will be moved.
The following costs were not included in the bid because the school chose to work with their existing system providers:
Fire sprinkler system, heating and air conditioning unit, and Data cables, fire alarm system and intercom system.
I am including a copy of the proposed Timeline in which work would start April 30 and be completed August 1.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
School Board opens bids for new classroom addition
Bancroft-Rosalie School Board news
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, January 9, 2012 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Board officers elected for 2012 were Kent Neumann- president; Naomi Brummond- vice president; Gary Anderson - secretary; and Marlon Hennig- treasurer.
Superintendent Cerny presented the December transportation report, Superintendent evaluation forms, and information on board workshops. Principal Sjuts reported honor roll.
In old Business, the board opened bids on the two classroom addition. The bid from Crafts, Inc of Norfolk was $312,785. The bid from Heritage Homes was $394,744. The board will meet with Crafts, Inc Tuesday January 10 at 7:00 pm to discuss their bid.
The board approved the purchase of 6 additional security cameras for the new classrooms, the school parking lot and the playground.
In new business, President Neumann appointed the following board committees:
1. Negotiations – Anderson, Reil, Neumann
2. Citizenship/Instruction/Americanism - Hennig, Brummond and Neumann
3. Personnel – Browning, Brummond and Reil
4. Buildings and Grounds – Hennig and Anderson
5. Transportation – Reil and Browning
6. Insurance - Brummond and Hennig
7. Reorganization- Neumann and Browning
President Neumann also appointed Jon Cerny, Naomi Brummond, and Patty Wegner to three year terms on the Bancroft-Rosalie Educational Foundation.
The Bancroft-Rosalie Education Association was recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for certified non-supervisory staff for 2012-13 and 2013-14.
The meeting was recessed and will resume Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 pm.
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, January 9, 2012 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Board officers elected for 2012 were Kent Neumann- president; Naomi Brummond- vice president; Gary Anderson - secretary; and Marlon Hennig- treasurer.
Superintendent Cerny presented the December transportation report, Superintendent evaluation forms, and information on board workshops. Principal Sjuts reported honor roll.
In old Business, the board opened bids on the two classroom addition. The bid from Crafts, Inc of Norfolk was $312,785. The bid from Heritage Homes was $394,744. The board will meet with Crafts, Inc Tuesday January 10 at 7:00 pm to discuss their bid.
The board approved the purchase of 6 additional security cameras for the new classrooms, the school parking lot and the playground.
In new business, President Neumann appointed the following board committees:
1. Negotiations – Anderson, Reil, Neumann
2. Citizenship/Instruction/Americanism - Hennig, Brummond and Neumann
3. Personnel – Browning, Brummond and Reil
4. Buildings and Grounds – Hennig and Anderson
5. Transportation – Reil and Browning
6. Insurance - Brummond and Hennig
7. Reorganization- Neumann and Browning
President Neumann also appointed Jon Cerny, Naomi Brummond, and Patty Wegner to three year terms on the Bancroft-Rosalie Educational Foundation.
The Bancroft-Rosalie Education Association was recognized as the exclusive bargaining agent for certified non-supervisory staff for 2012-13 and 2013-14.
The meeting was recessed and will resume Tuesday, January 10 at 7:00 pm.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Washington DC considering requiring all senior students to apply to college
A bill being considered by the District of Columbia would mandate that all 75,000 students in D.C. public schools would have to take the SAT or ACT college entrance exam to graduate from high school. Every student would also be required to complete “at least one” application for admission to college or vocational or trade school — even if the student does not intend to continue schooling beyond 12th grade.
The bills sponsor, Councilman Kwame Brown, commented “I’m not saying everyone should go to college, but, my goodness, we have to get more young folks prepared to go to college if they want to go college. A lot of them don’t even know how to prepare to apply to go to college. They have never seen a college application. We have to set high expectations.”
Eleven states (not Nebraska) require students to take college entrance exams. If properly utilized, these tests can help students prepare for college.
At Bancroft-Rosalie, our goal is for all students to attend a two or four year college, a vocational or trade school, or join the military.
All 8th and 9th grade students take the EXPLORE test, a pre-ACT test. The results show students what the ACT test will be like and give students feedback on their academic strengths and weaknesses so that they know where they need to improve. All B-R sophomores take the PLAN test, which is also a pre-ACT test. The Plan test results give the students a predicted range that the student will likely score on the ACT.
In their junior year, Bancroft-Rosalie offers all students the chance to take to take an ACT test prep class in the spring and the district pays for the first ACT test fee for all students.
Students not taking the ACT are given the COMPASS test, the college admission test used by Nebraska Community Colleges.
The bills sponsor, Councilman Kwame Brown, commented “I’m not saying everyone should go to college, but, my goodness, we have to get more young folks prepared to go to college if they want to go college. A lot of them don’t even know how to prepare to apply to go to college. They have never seen a college application. We have to set high expectations.”
Eleven states (not Nebraska) require students to take college entrance exams. If properly utilized, these tests can help students prepare for college.
At Bancroft-Rosalie, our goal is for all students to attend a two or four year college, a vocational or trade school, or join the military.
All 8th and 9th grade students take the EXPLORE test, a pre-ACT test. The results show students what the ACT test will be like and give students feedback on their academic strengths and weaknesses so that they know where they need to improve. All B-R sophomores take the PLAN test, which is also a pre-ACT test. The Plan test results give the students a predicted range that the student will likely score on the ACT.
In their junior year, Bancroft-Rosalie offers all students the chance to take to take an ACT test prep class in the spring and the district pays for the first ACT test fee for all students.
Students not taking the ACT are given the COMPASS test, the college admission test used by Nebraska Community Colleges.
Dr. Chipps new President at Northeast Community College
The Northeast Community College Board made a great choice when they hired Dr. Michael Chipps as College President. Dr. Chipps was very successful as President at Mid-Plains Community College in Nebraska. I met Dr. Chipps when we both served on the Governor's Panel for Career and Technical Education. We were part of a small group that visited programs in the Baltimore, Maryland area. Dr. Chipps impressed me with his knowledge, vision and great sense of humor. He will be a great leader for our community college and Northeast Nebraska.
Friday, January 6, 2012
DIBELS Winter Results
The DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) assessments were given before Christmas to students in grades K-6. Of the 132 students that were assessed, 100 were at Benchmark. That is 76%, which is close to the goal of 80% that we set. Even more impressive is that 22 of the 23 6th grade student are at benchmark. This tells me two things: 1) that our reading program is accomplishing what we want it to, and 2) that the program is effective at accommodating students that transfer in to our elementary school.
Job well done, B-R elementary.
Job well done, B-R elementary.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
January 9 School Board Meeting Agenda
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 9, 2012 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Reorganization of the board for 2012.
A. Appoint Supt. Cerny temporary chairperson.
B. Nomination and election of board President.
C. Nomination and election of board Vice-President.
D. Nomination and election of board Secretary.
E. Nomination and election of board Treasurer.
4. Read and approve the minutes of the December 12, 2011 regular board meeting.
5. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
6. Review Agenda
7. Public Hearing
8. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
9. Old Business:
A. Open bids for classroom building addition
B. Purchase of surveillance cameras.
10. New Business:
A. Appointment of Board Committees.
1. Negotiations
2. Citizenship/Instruction/ Americanism
3. Personnel.
4. Buildings and Grounds.
5. Transportation.
6. Insurance.
B. Appoint educational foundation members-
Jon Cerny, Naomi Brummond, Patty Wegner
C. Recognize the Bancroft-Rosalie Education Association as the exclusive
bargaining agent for the district’s non-supervisory certificated staff for the
2012-13 and 2013-14 contract years.
11. Discussion Items
A.
12. Executive Session- Personnel
13. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft.
14. Adjournment.
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, January 9, 2012 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Reorganization of the board for 2012.
A. Appoint Supt. Cerny temporary chairperson.
B. Nomination and election of board President.
C. Nomination and election of board Vice-President.
D. Nomination and election of board Secretary.
E. Nomination and election of board Treasurer.
4. Read and approve the minutes of the December 12, 2011 regular board meeting.
5. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
6. Review Agenda
7. Public Hearing
8. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
9. Old Business:
A. Open bids for classroom building addition
B. Purchase of surveillance cameras.
10. New Business:
A. Appointment of Board Committees.
1. Negotiations
2. Citizenship/Instruction/ Americanism
3. Personnel.
4. Buildings and Grounds.
5. Transportation.
6. Insurance.
B. Appoint educational foundation members-
Jon Cerny, Naomi Brummond, Patty Wegner
C. Recognize the Bancroft-Rosalie Education Association as the exclusive
bargaining agent for the district’s non-supervisory certificated staff for the
2012-13 and 2013-14 contract years.
11. Discussion Items
A.
12. Executive Session- Personnel
13. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft.
14. Adjournment.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Wind Turbine Data
If you would like to see how the B-R wind turbine is doing, go to
http://wind-for-schools.caesenergy.org/pagewind.php?turbine=bancroft&period=10min.
Or google Wind For Schools, click on Nebraska, click on Brancroft-Rosalie (yeah, it is misspelled).
The turbine has generated 2176.51 KW-Hrs since it has been installed. The cost of 1 KW-hr of electricity is approximately 12.8 cents.
http://wind-for-schools.caesenergy.org/pagewind.php?turbine=bancroft&period=10min.
Or google Wind For Schools, click on Nebraska, click on Brancroft-Rosalie (yeah, it is misspelled).
The turbine has generated 2176.51 KW-Hrs since it has been installed. The cost of 1 KW-hr of electricity is approximately 12.8 cents.
Five B-R students receive Academic All-State for Fall Sports
The Nebraska School Activities Association released the Fall Academic All-State Awards. B-R students receiving the award were-
Tyler Ruge- Football
Jasmine Greenfield- Play Production
Molly Hermelbracht- Play Production
Makala Muller- Volleyball
Jessica Tietz- Volleyball
Congratulations.
Tyler Ruge- Football
Jasmine Greenfield- Play Production
Molly Hermelbracht- Play Production
Makala Muller- Volleyball
Jessica Tietz- Volleyball
Congratulations.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Good weather = No snow days
Knock on wood. The forecast for the first half of January is continued good weather. Typically we have used at least one snow day by this time. The B-R school calendar has four snow days built in for students and we are using one of those days March 12 when B-R hosts District speech. March 12 will become a teacher workday to take the place of the scheduled January 2nd workday that was canceled (I see Omaha Public Schools still had teachers come in; that must have been a pleasant work environment).
Three snow days left. Let's hope we can make it through February without using them.
Three snow days left. Let's hope we can make it through February without using them.
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