Staff skit reminds students of bathroom behavior

Bathroom behavior was a topic for Rewire Wednesday January 30. Staff members put together a skit to reteach appropriate behavior in the school restrooms. You can view a video of the bathroom skit at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V8UsqTVgvo

February Biz Buzz

The Community Club is in the process of planning Harvestfest for this Fall. They are looking for activities. If you have any ideas, the next meeting is February 25.

College Freshmen report drinking less- Focused on job prospects

Information was published at http://shine.yahoo.com/work-money/drinking-among-college-freshmen-hits-record-low-major-185900788.html. Communities invest a lot of time and money to educate our elementary and high school students. And we like to see that this investment in education put to use by graduates. Therefore, I was pleased to see the results of the "2012 Freshman Norms report," conducted by UCLA's Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP). Each year since 1966, the CIRP has surveyed college freshmen. The 2012 survey found that only 33 percent of college freshman reported drinking beer in 2012, down from 35.4 percent in 2011 and far lower than the 73.7 percent who were knocking back drinks in 1982, (when many of their own parents were in college). The 2012 survey gathered data from 192,912 first-time, full-time students at 283 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. It also found that an all-time high of 87.9 percent of freshman said that they were attending college "to be able to get a better job," a stark contrast to students in 1976, when just 67.8 percent of freshman said that job prospects played a part in their decision to go to college. "Students have figured out that increased lifetime earnings result from a college education," Sylvia Hurtado, director of the Higher Education Research Institute (HERI) at UCLA's Graduate School of Education and Information Studies said in a statement. The John Baylor Test Program that we use at Bancroft-Rosalie tells students that a four year college graduate will earn $1.2 million more over their lifetime than a student with only a high school diploma. The urge to study may have started while today's freshmen were still in high school. The CIRP survey also found that just 13.7 percent of college freshmen said they spent six or more hours partying per week when they were seniors in high school, a dramatic drop from 63 percent in 1987, when the question was first asked. It is refreshing to see that students are making good choices.

Affordable Care Act - Obamacare

January 1, 2014- That is the effective date in which the Affordable Care Act goes into effect for organizations that have more then 50 employees. Organizations with less than 50 employees are exempt. Full-time employees (working more than 30 hours per week) count as 1 employee. Employees working less than 30 hours count as part of an employee (a 15 hour employee would count as 0.5 full-time equivalency) Bancroft-Rosalie School has 48 "full-time" employees. Part-time coaches also count toward the 50 employees, so the school will be very close to 50, possibly too close to risk going over. So what does the law require? 1. Full-time employees must have the opportunity to enroll in an insurance plan that has "minimum value coverage". Minimum value coverage is an insurance plan that pays for at least 60% of covered health care expenses for a typical population. Bancroft-Rosalie School currently offers this to all full-time employees. 2.The insurance plan must be affordable. The employee cannot pay more than 9.5% of their family income for the employer insurance coverage. If either of these conditions are not met, the employee can choose to buy coverage in an Exchange and receive a premium tax credit. The penalty to the employer is $3000 annually for each full-time employee receiving a tax credit up to a maximum of $2000 times the number of full-time employees minus 30. The penalty will increase each year to account for the growth in insurance premiums. The employer only needs to offer affordable minimum value coverage to avoid the penalty- If the employee chooses not to take the insurance there is no penalty. This situation may exist when an employee accepts a cash in-lieu of insurance option because they have insurance coverage through their spouse.

Proposed school calendar for 2013-14

This calendar would start school Thursday August 15. The Cuming County Fair runs August 8-11. The last day of school would be May 22,the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Students would have two full weeks of Christmas break. The teacher workday would be Friday January 3rd. Four snow days are built in. Graduation would be Friday May 16. The calendar will be on the agenda for adoption at the February 11 Board meeting.

Resolvent concert raises $245

A benefit concert was held in the Bancroft old gymnasium to raise money to provide assistance to needy students. "Resolvent" plays Christian music. Members of the band include lead singer Danny Bridges of Bancroft, drummer Dana Johnson, and guitarists John Mayo and Curt Hineline.

B-R fourth grade selected for NAEP testing in February

NAEP- the National Assessment of Educational Progress- is a congressionally mandated project overseen by the National Center for Education Statistics to monitor the knowledge, skills, and performance of the nation's children and youth. NAEP serves as the Nation's Report Card. Our fourth grade students have been randomly assigned to take either the Reading or Mathematics test. A parent notification letter (below) will be sent out Monday.

MAP test and NeSA writing Schedule Jan. 28- Feb. 7

MAP test results will be available at Parent-Teacher Conferences in February.

Food service program receives certification

Bancroft-Rosalie School received notice from the Nebraska Department of Education Nutrition Services that it has reviewed and approved the menus and worksheets submitted by the school for certification. With this certification the school will receive an additional 6 cents in reimbursement for each student lunch served. The school averages 231 lunches served each day, so the reimbursement will be approximately $14, over $2000 for the year.

Certification means that the school meals meet the new federal meal pattern requirements for each type of menu served.

IXL- an online supplemental math program for K-6 students

Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary School has purchased a site license for a supplemental online math program called IXL. IXL is a completely Web-based program and can be accessed from any web browser (however student reports and graphing cannot be done with an IPad). IXL tracks each individual student and adapts to his or her math abilities, increasing the level of difficulty as a student improves. Students receive virtual prizes for mastering a math skill, which motivates the student to want to do math.

Grades 1-6 have been given IXL passwords and many students tell us they have working on it at home.  The kindergarten will be given passwords in the next month. The IXL math skills follow the Nebraska State Math Standards and are broken down into grade levels, so students can work on higher grade levels once they have mastered the skills in their own grade.

Mrs. Buck is the school IXL coordinator. Students work on IXL during some of their computer activity times in the afternoons. The school expects that the addition math time working on state math standards will increase student performance on the State Math Assessments this spring.

Parents of elementary students, if you have internet at home, encourage your children to use IXL and ask them to show you how they are doing. They will be glad to show you the virtual prizes they have won.

Gallup Poll- U.S. students have undeveloped entrepreneurial aspirations

This information comes from
http://www.gallup.com/poll/160040/students-entrepreneurial-aspirations-undeveloped.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=All%20Gallup%20Headlines

The following article offers evidence of the need for a comprehensive career and technical education program in the schools. Our Health Science curriculum is a good example of an effective career education program. Students take an introduction class that includes monthly job shadowing at the West Point Hospital. The next semester they continue the job shadowing as they take a class in medical terminology that provides 3 hours of articulated credit at Northeast Community. The second year the students complete the Certified Nurses Assistant class first semester that makes them employable as a CNA. During second semester they complete the Medication Aide class. After high school the students can choose to work as a CNA or continue their education in nursing or another medical field.

I have been exploring the idea of a student-run business in the community to give students "practical work experience and participation in the economy" that the article recommends. Arnold and Keya Paha are Nebraska schools that have a student business in place. Funding is the problem holding this idea back right now.  

Entrepreneurial aspirations among fifth- through 12^th-graders in the U.S. remained high and stable over the past year, according to the 2012 Gallup-HOPE Index. About four in 10 students (43%) say they plan to start their own business. Similarly, four in 10 students (42%) say they will invent something that changes the world.

Despite the fact that many students have entrepreneurial aspirations, relatively few, including those who plan to start their own businesses, have any direct work experience in the world of business or entrepreneurship. Overall, just 22% of students worked one hour or more at a paying job in the last week, and far fewer (7%) say they are currently interning

About one in four (26%) high school students in grades nine through 12 say they worked more than one hour at any paying job in the last week. Nineteen percent of younger students (grades five through eight) worked for one hour or more. Similarly, older students (10%) are slightly more likely than younger students (5%) to say they are currently interning with a local business.

Nearly six in 10 students (59%) say their school offers classes in how to start and run a business -- this is up from 2011.

About one-third (32%) of young people say their parents or guardians have started a business, which affords them a first-hand opportunity to see an entrepreneur in action. These students are somewhat more likely to say they plan to start their own businesses (49%) than those students whose parents are not business owners (40%). 

Recommendations:

Practical work experience, in tandem with the guidance of a mentor in a new or small-business environment, may be a key to helping youth realize their future entrepreneurial aspirations.

U.S. cities must tap and ignite economic energy earlier and more intentionally in young Americans. With policies and curricula in place, leaders can begin to close the gap between entrepreneurial aspirations and attitudes in youth, on the one hand, and the lack of universal access to business/entrepreneurship education, practical work experience, and participation in the economy on the other. Successful small-business owners and entrepreneurs should invest in career literacy and education, and should partner with schools and educators to mentor and invest in young talent.

America needs to quickly develop a system to identify and equip young entrepreneurs who can rev up the nation's economic engine. This is critical to a future of continued global economic advantage and ensuring that generations of Americans can prosper and thrive.

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Foundation Annual Meeting

The Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Foundation Board held their annual meeting on January 21.

The Treasurer's Report:

Beginning Balance 01/01/2012                                                55525.26

Receipts                                                                                      5850.78

                        2012 Donations     5575.00

                        2012 Interest            275.78

Expenses                                                                                    3684.16

Ending Balance 12/31/2012                                                     57691.88

Officers for the 2013 year

President- Dr. Jon Cerny

Vice-President- Jon Bailey

Secretary- Judy Ross

Treasurer- Lori Archer

The board voted to offer six $350 scholarships to the class of 2013.

A committee has been established to set up the criteria for a small grant program to B-R teachers with worthy projects.

Remember the Bancroft-Rosalie School Foundation when making memorial gifts.  

Bracket for Saturdays Junior High Girls Basketball at Cedar Bluffs

Determining district financial needs for state aid formula

The Nebraska Department of Education released information on the adjusted school general fund expenditures. These numbers will be used to determine state aid for the 2013-14 school year. 

How it works- 

the schools are listed in order by the number of K-12 students;

the ten larger schools and ten smaller schools closest in size are identified (listed below);

the two highest spending and two lowest spending schools are dropped from the list;

the expenditures of the remaining 17 schools are averaged and that average is our calculated formula need for next year.

Schools dropped- lowest spending- Minatare and Pleasanton. This is the first year it was not Bancroft-Rosalie. We had two smaller spending schools in our comparability group this year.

Schools dropped- Highest spending- High Plains and Creek Valley.

GARDEN COUNTY SCHOOLS 225.12 students 

2,901,875 adjusted expenditures

SCRIBNER-SNYDER COMMUNITY SCHS 226.12 

2,842,275

LYONS-DECATUR NORTHEAST SCHS 227.49 

2,912,707

MINATARE PUBLIC SCHOOLS 229.12 

1,912,159

HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 229.42 

3,630,169

ELWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 229.73 

2,659,535

PLEASANTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 237.23 

2,205,888

PALMER PUBLIC SCHOOLS 237.66 

2,488,004

MEAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 239.07 

2,447,997

BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 240.08 

2,405,284

BANCROFT-ROSALIE COMM SCHOOLS 240.88 

2,239,157

RED CLOUD COMMUNITY SCHOOLS 240.95 

2,453,777

OSCEOLA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 242.95 

2,685,846

CREEK VALLEY SCHOOLS 246.54 

3,400,230

DILLER-ODELL PUBLIC SCHOOLS 248.82 

3,008,463

EMERSON-HUBBARD PUBLIC SCHOOLS 249.30 

2,986,064

HUMPHREY PUBLIC SCHOOLS 249.80 

2,646,792

RANDOLPH PUBLIC SCHOOLS 253.29 

3,066,847

HARTINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS 257.21 

3,037,951

MC COOL JUNCTION PUBLIC SCHS 259.01 

2,264,257

BERTRAND PUBLIC SCHOOLS 259.52 

2,618,204

Resolvent Band concert January 27 in Bancroft gym

A group of area musicians comprising the christian band "Resolvent" will be performing in the Bancroft-Rosalie Gymnasium on Sunday January 27 (one week from this Sunday).

There will be a free will donation to establish a fund administered by the Bancroft-Rosalie teachers association to help local families in need. Please come to enjoy the music and generously support the local community. 

Biz Buzz Friday Jan. 17 10:00 am at Ideal Wheels

Reminder- The Biz Buzz social this month is at Ideal Wheels. Everyone is welcome.

Registration for Dual Credit History Classes

Today students began registering for two dual credit history classes- American History and World Civilizations. The classes are 3 college credits each from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Mr. Hulstein is the adjunct professor for both classes. The cost to students is $260 for a three hour class.

That brings the total dual credit offerings at Bancroft-Rosalie School to 28 credits.

World Civilization, 3 credits, Nebraska Wesleyan, Mr. Hulstein
American History, 3 credits, Nebraska Wesleyan, Mr. Hulstein
English Composition, 3 credits, Northeast Community College, Mrs. Ras
British Literature, 3 credits, Northeast CC, Mrs. Ras
Calculus, 5 credits, Northeast CC, Mr. Zavadil
Trigonometry, 5 credits, Northeast CC, Mr. Zavadil
Certified Nurses Assistant, 3 credits, Northeast CC, Mrs. Linda Munderloh
Medication Aide, 3 credits, Northeast CC, Mrs. Munderloh

Net State General Fund Receipts

Reprinted from information provided by the Nebraska Council of School Administrators. The Nebraska Department of Revenue issued the monthly press release describing General Fund revenue results for the month of December and the current fiscal year to date. The news is relatively good. Tax Commissioner Doug Ewald reported Thursday that net receipts for December were $363 million, which is 12.9% above the certified forecast of $322 million. A strong showing came from both individual and corporate income taxes. Net General Fund receipts for fiscal year 2012-2013 were $1.86 billion, which is 4.5% above the certified forecast of $1.78 billion. Net Sales and Use:  0.1% above forecast Net Individual Income:  6.3% above forecast Net Corporate Income:  28.8% above forecast Net Miscellaneous:  2.1% below forecast NOTE:  Important milestones in the 2013 Legislative Session will be the decisions made by the Nebraska Economic Forecast Advisory Board (Forecast Board) at their February and April meetings. A healthy forecast will play a major role in the decisions of the Legislature with regard to appropriations for public education and other programs.

Conference Tournament Brackets

Public Television legend Ron Hull coming to Bancroft Sunday

On Sunday, January 20^th at 2 p.m., Nebraska educator and public television personality Ron Hull will talk about his life in broadcasting and sign his book “Backstage.”  Hull has been involved in television for six decades, nearly since its inception.  According to the publisher’s promotional materials, “Hull sets out in Backstage to tell his story—from playing a bellhop in a junior class play in South Dakota to initiating the American Experience series for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Before he even owned a television set, Hull produced a military TV show at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. But it wasn’t until he got a job in public broadcasting in Lincoln, Nebraska, that he truly found his medium. Hull has a lifetime of fascinating anecdotes to tell: working as a producer and director, encountering celebrities like John Wayne and William Shatner, befriending famous Nebraskans like writers Mari Sandoz and John Neihardt and actress Sandy Dennis, moving to Saigon in 1966 to bring television to embattled Vietnam, and working in Washington as director of the program fund for the CPB. Through it all, though, Hull’s story is a tribute to his adopted Nebraska, a celebration of the people—stars and unsung heroes—he’s known, and a moving memoir of the dramas of life, large and small. “

Come meet and visit with this Nebraska treasure at the home of another Nebraska treasure, the John G. Neihardt State Historic Site. 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 book will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. This program is sponsored by the Nebraska Humanities Council. 

School Board meeting summary

Bancroft-Rosalie School Board news

The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, January 14, 2013 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Board officers elected for 2013 were Doug Reil- president; Naomi Brummond- vice president; Pat Browning - secretary; and Mike Nottlemann- treasurer.

Superintendent Cerny presented the December transportation report, upcoming conferences, the Educator Wellness Program, tardy policy, and college credit history classes. Principal Sjuts reported honor roll.

In old Business, the board approved the interlocal agreement for baseball and reviewed the school strategic plan for communication.

In new business, President Reil appointed the following board committees:

1. Negotiations – Reil, Hansen, Browning

2. Citizenship/Instruction/Americanism - Brummond, Bonneau, Nottlemann

3. Personnel – Brummond, Reil, Browning

4. Buildings and Grounds – Nottlemann and Bonneau

5. Transportation – Bonneau and Hansen

6. Insurance - Brummond and Reil

7. Reorganization- Hansen and Browning

The board accepted the bid from Diode Technologies to install a security system on the front entrance of the school.

 President Reil also appointed Jon Bailey, Bev Zwygart, and Marjorie Vogt 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 2014-15.

The board went into executive session to discuss personnel.

School Board Agenda- Monday Jan 14

Sorry this is late. I was in Lincoln listening to the governor and several senators yesterday. I will post the summary of the meeting later this morning.

Nebraska School Activities Association votes on proposals

The Nebraska School Activities Association held district meetings Wednesday to vote on proposed changes for next year. Here are some of the proposals and how our district (District III) voted:

1. Schools have until May 1st (previously it was March 15) to submit the names of students that are transferring into their high school in order for the students to be eligible for the fall semester. The State deadline of March 15 for option enrollment hasn't change. This will be enforced beginning this May if approved by all 6 districts. It passed District III 47-2.

2. Allow baseball and softball coaches to begin working with players 4 weeks prior to the official start of practice. No more than 8 players at a time. This is to help pitchers get their arms in shape. Passed 19-8.

3. To change class C football to 9 regular season games and 16 teams qualify for the play-off's. Passed 29-16.

4. To allow the use of electronic devices in the preparation room during speech meets. This would allow extemporaneous speakers to use computers to research their topic. Passed 45-2.

5. Seed Class B district baseball 1 week prior to the first district game (currently two weeks). The district tournaments are played at the sites of the top 6 point leaders. Counts one more week of games toward seeding. Passed 19-1.

6. Have a running clock in basketball after 40 points. Failed 18-31.

7. Eliminate oral critiques at the State Play contest. Passed 27-20.

8. Allow 18 dates for softball (currently 17). Each team can now schedule to play on one additional date. Passed 27-1.

9. District speech- All contestants will compete in two preliminary rounds (currently one). Each school will provide a judge. Passed 41-7.
10. Same as 9 except the NSAA will assign all judges. Passed 48-0.

These are the proposals that would have the most impact on Bancroft-Rosalie.

Elementary Math Scores

The Bancroft-Rosalie School 2011-12 Annual Report has been sent out as part of the monthly school newsletters. I want to point out an area that concerns me and what steps the school has taken to address the issue.

In elementary math (this years grades 4-6) there are too many students that scored below 50% on the State Math test and the MAP achievement test. A score of 50% would place that student at the average of all students in the United states that have taken the test.

Within two days of when the tests were taken last spring, we looked at the results and made some decisions on what we could do to improve the math achievement for these students.

First, at the beginning of this school year we placed the students into smaller math groups. We have ten certified teachers teaching elementary math groups. That does not include the 3 sixth grade students that take pre-algebra with the junior high students in Mr. Elsasser's class. Four of those 10 teachers have two groups and have a para assigned to their classroom during the math block. Here are the group sizes for the 14 math groups- 13, 13, 13, 12, 12, 11, 11, 9, 8, 8, 6, 5, 3, 3 (the groups of 6, 5, 3, and 3 are the second groups in classrooms with paras). We hope that keeping the groups small will improve lesson progress. In our Mastery learning system, if too many students in a group are not able to achieve Mastery (90% or better on the Mastery test) then the group goes back and covers some of the lessons again. The further the students have progressed through the math programs, the better they do on the state assessment and achievement tests.

Second, we are placing students into the Middle School Math program (Saxon Math) after the students have completed fourth grade math. We have been seeing excellent student growth in Math since we started using Saxon for junior high math and Algebra 4 years ago.

Third, students spend some of their computer time in the afternoons doing Math on the computer. Mrs. Buck has each K-6 student enrolled in a computer program called IXL. IXL has questions that are tied to the Nebraska State Math Standards, which will help prepare students for the State Math Assessment given to students in grades 3-8 the last week two weeks in April. Students can access IXL from their home computer (using the login and password information that was sent home) and work on math problems on their own. IXL keeps track of student progress and issues computer ribbons when a math standard is mastered.

On a good note, this is the first year that we have had 7th grade students taking high school algebra. Six of the 21 7th graders place in Algebra and have been doing very well. And based on Fall MAP test results, I believe that all 17 high school juniors will score at Benchmark on the State Math Assessment in April.

Studentsfirst give Nebraska Schools an F

Nebraska and Iowa are two of the 11 states that received an F on the Studentfirst report card. The report card can be found at . Nebraska has a high graduation rate and our student average ACT score is one of the highest in the country. So why the F?

The following is quoted from the website http://reportcard.studentsfirst.org/

"StudentsFirst created the State Policy Report Card to evaluate the education laws and policies in place in each state. We hope this helps reveal more about what states are doing to improve the nation’s public education system so that it serves all students well and puts each and every one of them on a path toward success.

We believe state policies must empower parents to make the best choices for their children, and they must enable school administrators to recognize, reward, and retain the best teachers and principals. Using common-sense education policies, states must create opportunities for innovation, improvement, and reform. In states with strong, student-centered policies, all stakeholders — parents, students, teachers, and district and school leaders — are able to work together to make schools better for kids."

Here is what Studentsfirst recommends for Nebraska: (from http://reportcard.studentsfirst.org/)

"Currently, Nebraska's education policies do not prioritize great teaching, empowering parents with quality choices, or allocating resources wisely to raise student achievement. The state trails most of the country when it comes to enacting critical education reforms. Nebraska does not evaluate teachers and principals in a meaningful way, and it does not link student performance, educator performance, and district personnel and salary decisions. The state does not provide parents with meaningful information regarding school or teacher performance, and parents have no educational options, such as choosing a public charter school, when their children are trapped in low-performing schools. Nebraska also has not established state authority to intervene in low-performing schools or districts, and boards of education are not held accountable when schools fail to meet objectives. Finally, Nebraska should no longer lock teachers into the existing outdated pension system and should instead offer a more attractive, portable retirement option."

Nebraska would have to put the following reforms in place in order to gett a "passing" grade from Studentsfirst.

1. Evaluate principals and teachers based on how their students perform on state tests. I don't think any state has figured out how to do this in a fair and just way. Nebraska is piloting a new Principal/Teacher evaluation system in some schools this year. Student performance is being looked at as one component of the evaluation.

2. Allow public charter schools in Nebraska. Charter schools receive public money and they are subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools, but generally have more flexibility than traditional public schools. Charter schools are expected to produce certain results, set forth in each school's charter Charter schools are attended by choice.

In exchange for flexibility, charter schools receive less funding than public schools in the same area - typically, they receive only 'head' funds (a certain amount per student) and do not receive any facilities funding which typically pays for a public school's maintenance and janitorial needs. Although charter schools provide an alternative to other public schools, they are part of the public education system and are not allowed to charge tuition. When applications exceed space available, admission is frequently allocated by a lottery-based admissions systems.
Nebraska has resisted any efforts to pass legislation allowing charter schools. In my opinion, there is a fear that charter schools would start up all over rural Nebraska after the state just closed many K-6 "country schools" a few years ago.
3. Have the state take over low-performing school districts. Nebraska is a local control state and does not have the resources available at the state level to run individual school districts.

It looks like we will be on the Studentsfirst "Failing list" for the foreseeable future. But student achievement for all students is the top priority for public schools in Nebraska regardless of what this website would lead you to believe.

Cybersecurity webinar for grades 7-12

Here is the handout from today's Cybersecurity webinar, provided courtesy of Cuming County Diversion. Students were advised to check the privacy settings on their facebook accounts and to clean up their page.  If you cannot read the page below, you can access the PDF at https://docs.google.com/open?id=0BzAgKW5YembwN2Nfanpia0NYcWc

2013 Assessment Schedule

Assessment Schedule             Winter-Spring 2013

Jan. 28- Feb. 5                        Grades 3-11  MAP Reading and Math testing

Jan. 29-30                        4^th grade writing- NeSA            8:30-9:30

Jan. 31                                    8^th grade writing- NeSA            4^th-5^th periods in computer lab

Feb. 5                                    11^th grade writing- NeSA            3^rd-4^th period

March 4-15                        Grades 3-11 MAP Language testing

April 2-5                        3-6 grade NeSA Reading Prep  

                                    Students stay in home rooms during Reading/Language time

April 3-4                        7^th-8^th grade reading- NeSA

April 9-10                        3^rd-4^th grade Reading- NeSA

April 11-12                        5^th-6^th grade Reading- NeSA

April 15-19                        3-6 grade NeSA Math prep

                                    Students stay in home rooms during Math time

April 16-17                        7^th-8^th grade Math- NeSA                       

April 17                        11^th grade reading- NeSA

April 23-24                        3^rd-4^th grade Math- NeSA

April 25                        11^th grade Math- NeSA

April 25-26                        5^th-6^th grade Math- NeSA

April 30                        5^th grade Science- NeSA

May 1                                    11^th grade Science- NeSA

                                    8^th grade Science- NeSA

April 29-May 3            3-11 MAP Reading

May 6-10                        3-11 MAP Math

American Legion baseball to have coaches review umpires

The Nebraska American Legion baseball program has produced a new form that is to be used as a tool for getting feedback from coaches on Umpire performance issues related to rule enforcement in an effort to improve adherence to American Legion Baseball rules. The reporting goes into effect beginning in the 2013 season.


The following is displayed on the top of the Coaches Report form:

"This report is to be submitted to the Activities Director within 24 hours after a game in which an Umpire has violated a Baseball rule, failed to enforce a Legion rule or displayed poor/unacceptable conduct towards, coaches, players, or fans. Umpire actions concerning “judgment calls”, “strike zone” or “personality conflicts” are NOT what this form is for and will not be addressed. The report should be submitted as soon as possible after the game (fax or email). Give full name(s) of the involved parties. All reports will be reviewed by the Committeeman for that area, the Head Legion Liaison Umpire, and the Chairman to determine if corrective action is needed.  If it's deemed that corrective action is necessary, the Chairman will call for a vote of the entire Committee to determine what action will be taken."

As an American Legion umpire and a high school head football coach, I have been on both sides of the officiating issue. The intent of the form is to ensure that the rules of the game are followed. Whether this is truly how the form is used remains to be seen. If an umpire misinterprets a rule, that needs to be fixed. But almost all of the disagreements I have seen between umpires and coaches have involved the "judgment calls." And a coach who has to be warned by the umpire about coach or player behavior could make the argument that the umpire is exhibiting "poor conduct" toward their team by failing to allow them to behave however they want. In 14 years of umpiring American Legion baseball, I have never ejected a coach or a player. I find most coaches reasonable if given a chance to voice their concerns.

In any competitive contest there is always subjectivity. School activities emphasize sportsmanship and accepting the decisions of the officials, whether you agree with them or not. In varsity athletic contests, the schools are to agree to the officials beforehand (although this is not always the case- some substitutions take place after contracts are signed). In sports where there is a shortage of officials, like football, schools generally operate under a gentleman's agreement to accept whoever the other school is able to contract with.

As a coach, I would like an opportunity to provide input on how Varsity game officials perform. How about a five point scale on an index card that coaches mail in after every game? (or fill out online if the technology is available). Average ratings would be considered when assigning post-season contests. But data management could be a problem.

I don't see Nebraska school athletics soliciting coaches feedback anytime in the near future. I trust that the Head Legion Liaison Umpires and the Legion Chairmen will use this form as it is intended.  

Bancroft-Rosalie School joins the Educator Health Alliance Wellness Program

Educator Health Alliance Wellness is a voluntary program offered to all school groups by Blue Cross Blue Shield. Staff members can choose to participate in any or all of the activities available throughout the year.

Colleen Elsasser and Judy Ross are the Bancroft-Rosalie Wellness coordinators. 


Every other month (October, December, February, April, June and August) staff members have the option to 

participate in a fun, online wellness program focusing on a different topic each time. Incentives are 

also included with each program and all who complete the program will be entered into a drawing 

for a gift card.

February is Healthy Directions Month
Program Guidelines for February 2013:

• Enjoy 30 minutes of exercise each day.
• Eat at least 3 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruit each day
• Read Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 95 pages

Participants must meet the guidelines on 20 of the 28 days in February to have their name entered into the drawing.

So if you see me on the school treadmill after school or walking home from Ru-De's with a bag of fruit and vegetables, it is because I am working to meet my exercise and nutrition goal for that day. 

Blood Drive at the school January 7

Unemployment figures in Northeast Nebraska

National unemployment for November 2012 was 7.7%

Nebraska unemployment for November 2012 was 3.4%

November 2012 unemployment for area counties:

Cuming County 2.3%

Thurston County 7.2%

Burt County  3.4%

Dakota County  5.2%

Dodge County 3.7%

Stanton 2.5%

Wayne 2.7%

Madison County 3.1%

Bancroft Biz Buzz January 18 10:00 am