Boys and Girls subdistrict basketball pairings

The basketball subdistricts are the same as volleyball for both boys and girls Boys and Girls Subdistrict D2-3:
Site:
Schools Assigned:	High Plains Community Mead Osceola St. Edward
Boys Subdistrict D2-4:
Site:
Schools Assigned:	Bancroft-Rosalie Lyons-Decatur Northeast Walthill Winside

Rief Design and Manufacturing is Cuming County Small Business of the Year

Bancroft-Rosalie students won the Bright Lights Award at the Cuming County Economic Development Annual Dinner and Awards program Sunday at the Nielsen Center. The students received $500 for their efforts. The contest was sponsored by Citizens State Bank of West Point. Rief Design and Manufacturing of Bancroft won Cuming County Small Business of the Year. Rief Design was started in 2006 and sells agriculture equipment throughout the United States and in Canada. Lucky's Bar of Bancroft received a business appreciation award. Each community recognized an outstanding community member and for Bancroft it was Mike Nottlemann. Mike volunteers many hours for the Bancroft summer recreation program, is a member of the school board, and is active at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bancroft.

Bancroft-Rosalie Cheerleaders helped serve the meal

Cheerleaders again

The winning team B-R School wins the Bright Lights competition with "The Panther Pad"

Mike Nottlemann wins the Piece of the Puzzle award for Bancroft

Senator Brasch of Bancroft talks about economic development in rural Nebraska

Adam Rief accepts the Small Business of the Year award

Bancroft-Rosalie State Assessment results Spring 2013

Here are the Bancroft-Rosalie results on the Nebraska State Assessments from last spring. Total School results- #1 in science improvement and #4 in Math improvement.
Overall rank in Reading in Science is in the middle. Math rank is in the top third.

Grades 3-5: Good results in math and science, low in reading. #4 in science improvement.

Grades 6-8: Great scores in reading and math, in the middle in science. #5 in math improvement.

Grades 9-12 (Only grade 11 takes the test). Great math score, good reading score, decent science score. We had one student who was ill and not in school for the week when the writing test was given, so we received a Not Met for participation. The writing test will be given earlier next year so we all students can make the deadline.

Grade 11: At or above the state average in all areas.

Grade 8: Above the state average in reading and math, below in science.

7th grade: above the state average in reading and math.

6th grade: Well above the state average in reading and math.

Grade 5: Below the state averge in reading and math, above in science.

Grade 4: Below the state average in reading and math.

Grade 3: Well above the state average in math, below in reading.

Outdoor Gospel Concert in Walthill Sunday

Saturday Tournaments Schedule- Softball and Volleyball

2013 Cuming County Economic Development Dinner this Sunday

 
Cuming County Economic Development Dinner schedule

6 pm Social
6:30 Opening- Tom Feller, Cuming County Economic Development Board Member
6:35 Welcome- Judy Mutzenberger,Cuming County Supervisor
6:40 Introduction of Board and special guests
6:45 Dinner catered by Graybeal Foods (Bancroft-Rosalie cheerleaders will help with dinner)
7:05 Bancroft Piece of the Puzzle
7:10 Year in review video
7:15 Beemer Piece of the Puzzle
7:20 Update from Lydia Brasch, Legislator from Bancroft
7:25 Wisner Piece of the Puzzle
7:30 Keynote Speakers- Bancroft-Rosalie students and Wisner-Pilger students competing for $500 7:45 West Point Piece of the Puzzle
7:50 Awards Presentation- Businesses of the Year, Bright Lights Awards, and Board recognition
8:15 Closing remarks- David Steffensmeier- Cuming County Economic Development Board chair

Educational Service Unit #2 Regional E-Library

I want to remind parents that our school participates in a regional E-Library with the following schools:
Bancroft-Rosalie
 Logan View
Lyons-Decatur
Mead
 North Bend Central
 Oakland-Craig
Scribner-Snyder
Wahoo
West Point
Wisner-Pilger
Yutan

Students can login to the library and check out books. There are a variety of fiction and non-fiction books available in both the elementary and middle school-high school collections.
The elementary collection is at http://esuelem.axis360.baker-taylor.com/
The middle school high school collection is at http://esuhs.axis360.baker-taylor.com/

Mrs. Nolting will be available during parent-teacher conferences to help parents set up accounts for their students.

 If you have been accessing the collection through an ioS device (Macbook, Ipad) using Blio and upgraded to ioS7, Blio is now iOS7-compatible! The new iOS7-friendly Blio appeared in the iTunes App Store this morning. So if you or your staff and students need to update in order to make Blio work with your new iOS7, you may do so now. Let's keep those kids reading.

Instructions for installing Blio and setting up an account are below.

Option Enrollment Transportation

Because of increased district valuation, state aid to Bancroft-Rosalie School has decreased significantly. There are a few things schools can do to increase state aid, and one is to increase their net option funding. The state pays approximately $9000 for each net option student. Net option students are when we have more option students coming in than going out. Right now our net option number is +20, which is about $180,000. We have had some students cancel their option and return to their resident school because of transportation problems. I initiated a conversation with the school board about the idea of providing transportation for option students. They could have designated pick-up points just like Rosalie students. The state reimburses families who qualify for free meals for option enrollment transportation. If the school provides the transportation, the reimbursement goes to the school. The transportation could possibly pay for itself. I have talked with two schools that transport option students- West Point Beemer and North Bend. They both consider the number of students needing transportation from a pick-up point when deciding whether or not to send a small bus or van. West Point-Beemer will transport when there are four students to be picked up. I would like some parent and community feedback on providing transportation to option students.

Neihardt Laureate's Feast- A fund raiser for the Neihardt Historic Site

This year's Neihardt Laureate Feast on November 10 will honor as Word Sender, Father Don Doll, SJ of Creighton University, renowned photographer and auther on the Great Plains and Native People, particularly his wonderful photos of Native American children. This fund-raiser for the Neihardt Foundation helps promote programs and projects to educate, inspire, and celebrate the work of John G. Neihardt and the cultures of the Great Plains. We hope you can join us.

Phone Scam Alert

The County Clerk's office reports that there is a bogus business calling local Cuming County businesses. This business claims to represent the Cuming County Clerk's office. Please ignore or disregard any unusual calls making this claim.

District speech at B-R

District D1-3 Speech

Schools Tentatively Assigned:

Lyons-Decatur Northeast, Bancroft-Rosalie, Emerson-Hubbard, Winside, Wausa, Bloomfield, Verdigre, St. Mary's, West Boyd

Director: Ronda Ras Director's E-mail: rras@esu2.org Site: Bancroft Date: Mar 19, 2014 Starting Time: 9:30am

Lock Down

The school went into lockdown for a 2 hours this morning because of a reported threat to a nearby school. The suspect had recently been in Bancroft and lost their wallet, which was found near the school Monday night. Just to be safe, the school was locked down and everyone was kept inside into the suspect was taken into custody by law enforcement.

Officer Sparks notified the school administration as soon as the dispatch was sent to law enforcement, recess students were immediately brought inside, classroom doors were locked, and a text alert was sent to parents.

We will evaluate out lockdown procedures to see if any changes need to be made.

State Graduation Requirements

Effective for 2014-15, Nebraska public schools must require 4 years (40 credits) of Language Arts, 3 Years (30 credits) of Math, 3 years (30 credits) of social studies, and 3 years (30 credits) of science

Bancroft-Rosalie has required this for over 25 years, so no changes will be needed.

The Pledge of Allegiance- Each public school must establish a time during the school day when a majority of students are scheduled to be present, during which pupils will be led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in the presence of the flag of the United States of America in grades kindergarten through twelve. Pupil participation is voluntary.

B-R has students lead the Pledge over the school intercom at 8:15 am before daily announcements are read.

Fall Reading assessment schedule- Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)

Grade K- Tuesday 2:25-2:50 and Wednesday 1:32- 1:57

Grade 1- Tuesday 1:32- 2:25

Grade 2- Thursday 2:25- 3:18

Grade 3- Monday 2:25-3:18

Grade 4- Wednesday 2:00- 2:50

Grade 5- Tuesday 2:53- 3:43

Grade 6- Thursday 3:18- 3:43 and Friday 2:53- 3:43

Grade 7- Tuesday 5th period Reading class

Grade 8- Tuesday in 1st and 2nd period reading class

Grade 9- Wednesday in 7th period English

Grade 10- Wednesday in 2nd period English

Grade 11- Wednesday in 2nd period English

Ten passenger van on the way

The school recently purchased a 2013 Chevrolet Express 3500 ten passenger van. The van will hold two more students than the suburbans, which will come in handy for after practice routes to Rosalie when 9 or 10 students need a ride. We have had to run a bus for 10 students several times this Fall.
A 10 passenger vehicle is also needed for the golf team to go to practice and varsity/junior varsity golf meets.
The school plans to keep the silver van and use it exclusively for the preschool route and driver education. Preschoolers need to be in car seats and we have been taking the seats in and out each time other staff need to use the silver van. 

Accelerating student achievement

The Bancroft-Rosalie instructional program used in the elementary school is Mastery Learning. Students are placed in small groups based on ability level rather than age or grade level. Students are expected to "master" (prove they know) what they are learning before moving on to new concepts.

One of the advantages of this program is that students can be "accelerated"(move ahead in the curriculum).

The purpose of acceleration is to best serve a student by:
1) moving students who are below grade level catch up to their peers, and
2) moving those talented in mathematics, reading, language or spelling to work that is above grade level.





Why is this important?
For those students below grade level, we want them to be able to do grade level work so they can be successful in junior high and high school.
We also want to challenge those that are capable of working ahead.

Some issues to consider are:
- An elementary student taking a reading or math class at a different grade level may possibly have to
attend recess with a different grade level.
- An elementary student taking a math class with the junior high will be on the junior high/high school schedule during that time.
- A junior high school student taking a high school math course earns math credit toward
their graduation requirements. The grades earned will be a part of the student’s GPA, regardless of their age, and will appear on their high school transcript.

Computer one to one program

Students in grades 9-12 have new MacBook Pro computers (silver). Grades 7-8 have the 3 year old MacBook Pro's (white). The computer lab has older white MacBook Pro's and the desktop machines have been disposed of.

Computer lab with white macbook pro computers

Junior high science students on white macbook pro's

High School art class students have silver Mac Book pro computers.

Benefit for Al Berg yesterday

There was excellent support for the Al Berg Benefit yesterday at the Catholic Center. It was nice to see the community come together once again to support our own. I was able to purchase my first chainsaw at the silent auction. The chainsaw was donated by Mel's Small Engine of Bancroft. In the photo below, Al and Andre are eating while I talk to Al's Father at the end of the table.

Joint Bancroft Fire and Rescue and Law Enforcement Training Sunday at B-R School

This Sunday at 9:00 am Bancroft Fire and Rescue will work with local law enforcement to stage an "active shooter" scenario at the Bancroft-Rosalie School. Seven students have volunteered to participate. If you see fire and rescue vehicles and police cars at the school Sunday morning, do not panic. It is only training.

Proposed Student Pick-up and Drop-off area

The school board agreed to purchase the west part of Barber addition lots 11 and 12 south of the school for $16,000. The property will be used for 1) Handicapped parking and additional staff and student parking and 2) Temporary parking for parents who drop off and pick up their students before and after school. This will improve safety by moving the elementary student pick-up point from the east side of the building to the west side and off the street. The next step is to get the property surveyed and agree on an easement for the residents of the house to the east of the property. Alpha surveying has been contacted.

Ben Franklin visits B-R elementary

Fourth and fifth grade students heard a presentation on Financial Literacy from Benjamin Franklin Tuesday. Ben explained the importance of saving money. The presentation was arranged through Senator Lydia Brasch.

School Board meeting summary

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The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, September 9, 2013 at 7:30 pm 
in Bancroft. Two public hearings were held prior to the regular monthly meeting. 
The first hearing was the 2013-14 school budget hearing, followed by the Property 
Tax Request hearing.

During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Cerny presented the August 
transportation report, 2014 valuations, the Enrollment Option report, Annual 
Yearly Progress and the Board Americanism Committee.

In old business the board approved the purchase of the west side of Barber 
Addition lots 11 and 12, Block 2 in Bancroft, south of the school for $16,000 
with an easement access to the east side.

In new business the board approved the 2013-14 school budget as published; 
and set the General Fund tax rate was set at 0.9526, the Bond Fund levy was 
set at 0.0032 for the 9-12 Bond levy and 0.000348 for the K-8 levy and the 
Qualified Purpose Fund levy was set at 0.0035.

Board policies 443, 709, 411.5, 412 and 527.2 were approved. The board 
also gave initial approval to purchase a used 10 passenger van with less than 15,000
miles.

Cedar Bluffs Volleyball Tournament bracket

Harvestfest 2013

School Board meeting agenda

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Budget Hearing Agenda
Monday, September 9, 2013 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call the hearing to order.
2. Roll Call
3. Board discussion on the proposed 2013-2014 Budget.
4. Request for public input on the proposed Budget.
5. Final Board discussion on the proposed Budget.
6. Adjourn.

 Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Tax Request Hearing Agenda
Monday, September 9, 2013 --- 7:40 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call the hearing to order.
2. Roll Call
 3. Board discussion on the proposed 2013-14 tax request.
4. Request for public input on the proposed tax request.
 5. Final Board discussion on the proposed tax request.
6. Adjourn.

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, September 9, 2013 --- 7:50 p.m. in Bancroft
 1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the August 12, 2013 regular board meeting.
 4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A. Purchase of lot south of school
 9. New Business:
A. Milton Miller- Option Enrollment
B. Approve the district budget for the 2013-2014 school year.
C. Approve the district property tax request for the 2013-2014 school year.
D. Final approval of new board policies
443 Initiations, Hazing, Secret Clubs and Outside Organization
709 Fund Balance Reporting Final approval of amended policies
411.5 Option Enrollment
412 Ages of Attendance
527.2 Academic Content Standards
E. Approval to purchase of 10 passenger van
10. Discussion Items
11. Executive Session- 11.
Future Planning- Next scheduled meeting- Monday, October 8, 2012.
12. Adjournment

School safety

Here is a summary of safety issues addressed since May. Bus evacuation drill was held Wednesday, September, 4, 2013 Law enforcement and Fire dept will have terrorist scenario training at the School on Sunday, September 15. Bullying reporting form on website- one reported incident. Woodchips were added under playground equipment. Playground slide has been repaired. Greenhouse replacement pieces have been ordered. Railing east of school going south has been repaired. West parking lot barriers have been installed. Purchase of land south of school in progress. Will be used for elementary student pickup and drop off and for parking.

I Pads at Home

Earlier this week the Omaha World Herald had an article describing how schools were making recommendations for IPad applications that could be used at home. A great idea that could improve academic achievement- for those that have and can afford to pay for IPads and Internet for their children. Bancroft-Rosalie purchased 30 IPads this summer which means there are 45 IPads available for use in the elementary school (6-7 per classroom). We are still determining which applications we want students to use. The plan is to eventually allow elementary students to check out IPads over weekends so that opportunities to benefit from IPad use outside the classroom are available for all.

Bancroft Community Calendar

Nebraska Legislative Education Committee meeting notes

Information provided by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators- During the two-day executive session, the Nebraska Legislature's Education Committee heard from Michael Griffith, school finance analyst for the Education Commission of the States (ECS). He provided information for the Committee regarding school finance policies in other states. Mr. Griffith made the following points during his introductory comments: 1) Nebraska's formula is not among the most complicated. The most complicated systems belong to California and Wisconsin. 2) Predictability of a formula is much more important than simplicity. 3) Revising a school finance system tends to take a lot of time. Implementing an entirely new system tends to take even longer because of the need to run new figures. 4) There is no silver bullet for addressing contention over school funding. It's an issue all states face. 5) A simple, permanent solution can't be developed because education is always changing. 6) The life span for a funding formula tends to be around 20 to 25 years. 7) State constitutional provisions vary greatly with respect to requirements for education. Requirement for a "thorough and efficient" system is common, but courts have different interpretations as to what that means.

Saturday Harvestfest Schedule

Don't forget the beer tasting from 2:00-4:30 pm in the community building. Only $10. Proceeds support the John G. Neihardt Historical Site.