Saturday, May 27, 2017

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School 2017 Synopsis

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School 2017 Synopsis
 General Information –
 Class of 2017 had 16 graduates, earning $ 490,936 in scholarships.
 248 students K-12 and 29 preschoolers 
First year Co-oping all sports with Lyons-Decatur. The B-R-L-D Wolverines.
 Sports offered- Boys- Football 11 Man, Cross country, Basketball, baseball, track, and golf. Girls- Volleyball, softball, golf, cross-country, basketball, track.
 Unified Bowling Team and elementary and junior high wrestling.
 Academics Taught 38 dual credits in social studies, english, math, Health science (all 4 medication aide students passed their state certification test) and Industrial Technology.
 94% of seniors and 100% of juniors took a college course this year, all taught by our teachers. Fridays at Northeast courses- Automotive Tech, AutoBody, and Production Welding-
 1:1 laptops in grades 7-12 and 1:1 I Pads in K-6. Had four E-Learning Days.
 Initial year of Pathways To Tomorrow- six schools offering shared programs – this year Computer Science Principles in Beemer
 Activities-  Devon Darnell qualified for the State Boys golf meet and placed 15th and Paige Peters qualified for the State girls golf meet and placed 6th. Kelsey Larsen qualified for state track in the 800 and mile.
The Speech team were district runner-up and qualified 7 events for state, Oral Interpretation of Drama- Tess Nottlemann, Teagan Steinmeyer, Zoe Sjuts and Kariden Briggs (6th); and Zach Bridges, Wyatt Hennig, Kailey Irwin, Joe Lonewolf and Kennedy Schuttler. Poetry- Kylee Cole (7); Duet Acting- Kylee Cole and Anna Currier (2nd); Extemporaneous- Aaron Ras (7th) and Zach Bridges; Entertainment- Teagan Steinmeyer (4th). The team finished 7th at state.
 SkillsUSA had two state champions- Ethan Nelson in Plaumbing and Nolan Smith in Auto Body- qualified for the National Contest in Louisville. Jacob Cole placed second in Early Childhood education, and in Nurse Assisting competition Madison Hansen placed second and Kennedy Schuttler third.

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Bancroft Playhouse presents "Arsenic and Old Lace" Memorial Day Weekend

Come see the Bancroft Community theater perform Arsenic and Old Lace this weekend. Admission $5. Friday 7:00 Saturday 2:00 Sunday 2:00 It should be fun

Monday, May 22, 2017

Zoe Sjuts wins congressional art contest

Here is the recent article from Congressman Fortenberry-

"Amidst all this, good things still happen. In the same building where a secret meeting was held with a top leader at the Justice Department about the special investigation into Russia, right nearby school children learned about our nation, innocently following parents and chaperones throughout the cavernous halls. 

While the President of Colombia updated us on the latest peace process to end years of a guerrilla war, the walls of the Capitol were being prepared to hang the artwork of Zoe Sjuts from Nebraska. As a congressional art contest winner, Zoe depicted her father fishing, in a Nebraska shirt, with a big old bass in his hand and as big a smile on his face. As Congress continues to debate the proper way forward on healthcare, children at Faith Lutheran in Blair wrote to me about their concern for people around the world."


Is housing a problem in Cuming County?

This information is provided by Cuming County Economic Development.

Yes, Cuming County and most of rural America has a housing problem. Studies have shown that rural housing is older, can have major structural issues, such as plumbing, wiring, heating and cooling, and do not meet the needs of today’s families. That is why housing has become a major focus of CCED. One facet of economic development is creating quality affordable housing.

In 2013, Cuming County funded a housing study for the communities of Beemer, Bancroft, Wisner and rural Cuming County, which was part of the County Comprehensive Plan. The study identified a substantial need for new housing. 48 owner occupied units for various income levels and 50 renter occupied units are estimated to fill the need for housing in this area until 2023. “New development in the subject area will be approximately 50% owner-occupied and 50% renter-occupied, a significantly higher percentage of rentals than today’s mix, but necessary to address previous shortfalls in rental construction.”

The County study indicated that the county’s greatest need falls within the $75,000 to $149,000 range and based on the population and income of the Beemer, Bancroft, Wisner and rural residents, the housing needs fall 358 units short. “Overall, many of the areas moderate to higher income households are living in lower cost units and thus squeezing that market for lower income households.” Cuming County’s population is aging which has driven the decline of the household population at a faster rate than that of the State. “Many Baby Boomers are moving into the “empty nest” years, while many of their children have not started families of their own. It is important to note that, even with a stable population, a declining number of people per household will create demand for additional housing.”

CCED Board members continue to explore opportunities to increase the county’s population especially in the age group of 20-39. Increasing the population of citizens in the County would increase the tax base and create an environment that can grow a stronger, more diversified and resilient economy. Equally important is growing an economy that enables all residents to achieve a better life. During the years for 1960 to 2010 Cuming County experienced a significant loss of population in the prime “child rearing” years, 25-39. “Not only were these residents not replaced, many residents moving into these age groups left the county. This segment of the population is the engine of local population growth.”

According to the Baseline Community Profile Study done by UNL Extension for West Point and Cuming County, between the years of 2000-2015, Cuming County has experienced the largest population boost from the millennial age group which would be persons born between the years of 1982 to 2004. Unfortunately, the county’s housing stock leaves a demand for housing for this age group, which also serves as a large part of the county’s blue collar workforce. The studies also indicate a substantial need for elderly housing, both rental and owner occupied, for all elderly income sectors.

As a result of discussion amongst CCED Board members, a housing task force committee was formed to improve housing opportunities in the County. Jon Bailey and Jon Cerny represent Bancroft on the task force which have met three times to discuss housing. The task force recognizes the successes of the individual communities and hopes to work with them to enhance what is currently being done. A down payment assistance program, credit-to-own program, housing rehabilitation, housing demolition, code enforcement; were on the top of the list of activities identified in the studies. With the help of the Economic Development Director, the task force recently received education on federal grant programs through the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). NIFA’s programs use federal tax credits to subsidize the needed programs as identified in the studies. Communities in the area, such as Wayne, Tekamah, and Norfolk, have been working with NIFA for years to build up their communities housing stock to provide diverse options for their citizens.

Traditionally, our communities have relied on the move-up housing approach in which new higher end homes are built which leaves houses for sale. Although this approach is effective, it has not kept up with the demand for quality, affordable housing. 32 single family housing units were built between the years of 2011 and 2016 within the four communities. 27 homes were built within the city limits of West Point, five homes were built in Wisner and two homes in Bancroft.

This leaves a question “WHAT IS AFFORDABLE HOUSING”? In the simplest of terms, affordability of housing refers to the amount of capital one has available in relation to the price of the goods to be obtained. The generally accepted definition of “affordable” is no more than 30% of a household’s income goes to housing costs. Cuming County has a 2015 median household income of $50,013 (Census Bureau); 30% of the median household income equals $15,004, or $1,250 per month for housing (rent or mortgage). The UNL Extension study states the gross rent of 45% of the rentals in Cuming County exceeds 30% of the household income. This might draw the conclusion that there is a demand for “affordable” rental and owner-occupied units in the county. To serve the citizens of our county, and to experience positive growth, the County needs to provide housing options for all income levels. Another interesting statistic from the UNL study is 9% of the total population in Cuming County is classified as in deep poverty which is 2.1% higher than the national average. Could the housing market in Cuming County be contributing to this statistic?

This leaves one more question. How does a community fill the need for affordable housing? The problem in creating affordable housing is there is no profit for the private sector to invest in building housing units for the low to moderate income citizens. Therefore the task is left to non-profits and government subsidies. Cuming County continues to be a progressive County and a leader in the State. Currently it has quality public facilities and new projects on the horizons. Quality affordable housing will continue to be a need for all the communities within Cuming County. It will be important for all groups within the county, private and public, to work together to fill the housing needs of the county now and into the future.

If you feel strongly that the CCED Board members need to work with organizations such as NIFA, please share those comments with the Economic Development Department. You may call 402-372-6001 or email Kelly Gentrup at Kelly@cumingcountyed.com or speak with members of the CCED Board. All thoughts, comments and criticism are welcomed. If you would like to review both housing studies please visit the City of West Point website and the Cuming County website. For the UNL Baseline community profile for West Point and Cuming County, visit the Business section of the Cuming County Website (www.cumingco.com).

Cuming County Economic Development Board
Jon Bailey, Doug Steffensmeier, Tom Goulette, Al Vacanti, Jon Cerny, Holly Schroder, Bonnie Vogltance, Rose Jaspersen, Chet McWhorter

State Golf Championships Tuesday and Wednesday

Devon Darnell will be teeing off at 9:40 on Tuesday, May 23rd at Meadowlark Hills Golf Course in Kearney. You can follow his play online at http://www.ghintpp.com/nga/TPPOnlineScoring/Menu.aspx?mn=30&id=588.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Nebraska School Activities Association Academic All-State- Spring

Congratulations to the following Bancroft-Rosalie students for receiving Academic All-State in the their activity- Baseball- Aaron Ras Golf- Devon Darnell Girls Track and Field- Mariah Petersen

Summer Career Awareness Business Tours for Grades 7-8 this summer

Junior high students currently in grades 7 and 8 have the opportunity to participate in three business tours in the month of June. Heritage Homes in Wayne will give students an opportunity to learn about careers in Architecture and Construction, Central Valley Ag in Oakland for Agriculture careers, and HUDL in Lincoln for Information Technology careers. Each tour will include a fun activity for students in the afternoon. We would like forms returned Thursday so we know how many students to prepare for. There will be 2 teacher sponsors and Mr. Elsasser will drive the bus.


Summer 4-H workshops for students



Junior High trip to Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science

As a reward for excellent performance on the Nebraska state assessments, the 7th and 8th grade students took a trip to the Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science. The pavilion houses an art gallery, concert hall, large-format theater, and science museum in Sioux Falls. The trip was arranged by Mrs. Henry and Mrs. Hulstein.

 Mrs. Hulstein climbing the rock wall.

Monday, May 15, 2017

Spring ACT results are on- Juniors class earns trip to the Zoo

The junior class average ACT composite score on the spring test is 22.35.
The state average last year was 21.5.

The juniors will be going to the Henry Doorly zoo this Wednesday to celebrate their test performance.

Friday, May 12, 2017

Class of 2017 Graduation Tonight at 6:30 pm

 Class of 2017 (Not pictured Tristan Roundstone)


Thursday, May 11, 2017

New trees at the Neihardt Historic Site

Countryside Nursery of Wayne just completed planting new trees at the Neihardt Historic Site. The tree project was funded through a grant from the Lower Elkhorn Natural Resource District.
Ivory Silk lilac tree near the entrance.



Countryside Nursery planting an Amur Maple near the driveway entrance.

Amur Maple along the street


Spring Snow Crab tree replaces a dead crab tree along the entry sidewalk

Autumn Brilliance Serviceberry near the study.

NSAA letter regarding school activities in the summer

Executive Director’s Notebook
Dr. Jim Tenopir, NSAA Executive Director
Summer is Coming! Not admitting that I’m getting old, but I remember a time that coaches were
hired to coach only during the sport season. With the ever-increasing perceived need to “keep up
with the Joneses,” the increased presence of club activities and the strong expectations placed on
coaches by parents, community and some administrators, it is a rarity that coaches only coach
during the season. The reality is that, regrettably in many situations, coaching is now a yearround
proposition. At one point in time, although not easy, it was possible to cover coaching
assignments with teachers and administrators who were under contract with the school district.
Now, because of the often extended time commitments, schools must rely on lay persons to fill
the extra duty assignments. I know some of us yearn for the days when athletic coaching was not
as “high-stakes” as it has become in all-too-many situations. Realizing that “the horses have left
the starting gate,” lamenting about how times have changed will not be productive for any of us.
With that, I think it is important to call attention to existing NSAA bylaws as they relate to
summertime athletic activities and workouts. There are few requirements during the summer
months for coaches who wish to have workout contact with their high school athletes, providing
the school does not sponsor an individual or team, provide uniforms or otherwise be responsible
for a student in summer competition. The summer activities can begin in earnest on the Tuesday
following Memorial Day and extend through July 31. We regularly hear from disgruntled parents
that a coach has placed expectations, penalties and rewards (for others) on summertime
participation.
I know that coaches would prefer that all students take advantage of conditioning, weight
training and other summer activities; however, NSAA bylaws specifically state that no coach or
school representative may directly or indirectly require a student to be involved in summer
activities. Penalties for students who do not meet summer participation standards cannot include
threats of not making the team, level of team participation or extra workouts when the sport
season actually begins. A school-sponsored clinic can be conducted in each sport during that
summertime period. Such clinic can include contact with athletes for ten days during a 21-
consecutive-day period. NSAA Bylaw 3.2.7.2 limits the equipment that can be used for school
sponsored football camps. Weight training and conditioning sessions are limited to a maximum
of 60- minutes per day. Sport-specific drills are not permitted. Students may participate in
summer camps and leagues, but the student and/or parents must pay the fees and expenses for
such participation. The school, booster club, individuals or organizations cannot pay those fees.
Team fundraisers could be used for those summertime activities; however, any athlete receiving
money for those summertime entry/participation fees must have participated in the fundraiser.
With Board approval, school vehicles may be used to transport students to summer activities.
The school shall not provide uniforms for summertime participation. Finally, I think it is
important to note that the NSAA catastrophic insurance DOES NOT cover students and coaches
in summer activities. I trust that each athletic administrator will cover these requirements with

their respective coaches prior to the start of the summer period.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

BR Academic Awards Day

Zach Bridges received five medals at the Nebraska Academic Decathlon: 1st in Arts, 1st in Science, 2nd in Language, 2nd in Math, and 3rd in Music.


Ethan Nelson won the Golden Hammer Award, presented by Skills and Technical Sciences Teacher Mr. Hilsinger.


Students placing at the Northeast Scholastic Contest-
Braxton Bargmann- 1st in Drafting
Aaron Ras- 2nd in Psychology
Ethan Nelson- 2nd in Building Construction
Wyatt Hennig- 3rd in Automotive Technology
Nolan Smith- 3rd in Auto Body and Frame
Zach Bridges- 3rd in Library Usage
Mariah Petersen- 3rd in Advanced Accounting
Justice Johnson- 3rd in Public Speaking



Lauren Ahlers received the Woodmen of the World American History Award.


Aaron Ras and Paige Peters receive the Sportsmanship Award


Junior High Weight-Lifters of the Year
Audra Nolting
Aidan Nelson


High School Weight Lifters of the Year
Jacob Cole
Paige Peters



Tuesday, May 9, 2017

School Board Meeting summary

Bancroft-Rosalie School Board news

The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, May 8, 2017 at 7:30 pm in 
Bancroft. Superintendent Cerny presented the April transportation report, expected 
enrollment for 2017-18, a NeSA assessment Report, Future Ready Nebraska, 
the grade 7-12 class schedule, and 2017-18 athletic schedules. Principal Sjuts 
reported on semester tests, senior sneak trip, graduation, and the BRLD Volunteer 
Services contract.

In old business, the board approved the Memorandum of Understanding for 
Pathways To Tomorrow (P2T) and reviewed the Partnership Agreement between 
P2T, Northeast Community College, and Wayne State College.

 In new business, the board reviewed the preliminary budget study and the summer 
training and workshops. The Board approved the purchase of a used 2015 Bluebird 
bus from Coachmasters. The board also approved the purchase of 20 IPads for 
Kindergarten and four projectors for classrooms.


In other new business, the Board also approved wages for activity bus drivers and 
substitute classified staff, offered a teaching contract to Paige Frank, and approved 
board policy 0580 School Wellness Policy.

Friday, May 5, 2017

May School Board Agenda

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, May 8, 2017 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft

1.   Call to Order
2.   Open Meetings Act
3.   Roll Call
4.   Read and approve the minutes of the April 10, 2017 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
      C. Board Committee Reports
           1. Negotiations
           2. Citizenship/Instruction/ Americanism
           3. Personnel
           4. Buildings and Grounds.
           5. Transportation.
           6. Insurance.
           7. Reorganization
          8. Pathways To Tomorrow

9.   Old Business:
      A. Approve Memorandum of Understanding for Pathways To Tomorrow

10. New Business:
      A. Annual review of financial needs- Preliminary budget study.
      B. Review budget amount for training and workshops.
      C. Review major purchase requisitions for ensuing year.
      D. Set wages for substitute teachers, substitute paras, activity bus drivers and
            substitute cooks.
      E. Approve purchase of 2015 Blue Bird Bus from CoachMasters          
      F. Offer elementary teaching contract.

11. Executive Session-
12. Future Planning- Next scheduled meeting- June 12, 2017 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft.    

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13. Adjournment.