This will be a good one.
INDIANS AND EMIGRANTS TOPIC AT NEIHARDT SITE
On Sunday, October 18th at 2:00 pm, Nebraska author and educator Michael Tate will discuss the relationships between emigrants and Indians along the overland trails between 1840 and 1865, the period of greatest movement west to California and Oregon across the Great Plains. Unlike in the Hollywood versions, this period was more cooperation than conflict, mainly because the emigrants were anxious to get further west and relied on the Native peoples along the route for much needed fresh meat and produce, help in time of sickness and accident, and their knowledge of the geography and climate. Increased conflict would come toward the end of this period as the greater influx of emigrants depleted the game and pasturage, disrupting the balance until the next period, 1865-1890, would be called the era of the Indian Wars.
Using images and commentary from research for his book “Indians and Emigrants: Encounters on the Overland Trails,” Tate will explain the progression of this change from cooperation to conflict.
Tate is the professor of History and Native American Studies and the Martin Chair of Western History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He is also the author of “The Frontier Army in the Settlement of the West,” “The American Army in Transition,” and a study on the Omaha Tribe entitled “The Upstream People,” as well as several scholarly articles. The current book received the 2006 Great Plains Distinguished Book Prize.
The presentation begins at 2:00 PM and is free and open to the public. A reception will follow and the author’s books can be purchased for signing. The John G. Neihardt State Historic site is located at 306 W. Elm Street in Bancroft, NE. For more information call 1-888-777-4667 or 402/648-3388 or e-mail at neihardt@gpcom.net.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Free and reduced lunch numbers go up
The number of students at Bancroft-Rosalie School has increased this year. Last year there were 44% of students qualifying, and in 2009-10 exactly 50% of the students qualified for free or reduced meals. Is this a sign of the economy in rural Nebraska, or are more people choosing to apply who may have qualified previously?
The increase of low income students is both good and bad. It is unfortunate that so many families are not making a decent income, but the school benefits financially from increases in federal and state aid. The projected increase in state poverty funds could be as much as $30,000. This money needs to be tied in to programs for poverty students that we would not provide otherwise. This year, poverty money is used to pay for the Reading/Math Coach position- Mrs. Vogt. She is responsible for monitoring the progress of students who are not at grade level in reading and math. She also provides some interventions for these students.
One thing I am considering is having a nurse in the school every day for 1/2 of the day. They would be available to check ill or injured students and teach CPR classes, both of which are currently done by the Superintendent. The nurse could also teach CNA classes, which we added this year and contract with Elkhorn-Logan Valley Health Department for an instructor. The half-time nurse (probably an LPN with an RN from the Health Department supervising) would probably cost around $20,000.
Any thoughts on the nurse idea?
The increase of low income students is both good and bad. It is unfortunate that so many families are not making a decent income, but the school benefits financially from increases in federal and state aid. The projected increase in state poverty funds could be as much as $30,000. This money needs to be tied in to programs for poverty students that we would not provide otherwise. This year, poverty money is used to pay for the Reading/Math Coach position- Mrs. Vogt. She is responsible for monitoring the progress of students who are not at grade level in reading and math. She also provides some interventions for these students.
One thing I am considering is having a nurse in the school every day for 1/2 of the day. They would be available to check ill or injured students and teach CPR classes, both of which are currently done by the Superintendent. The nurse could also teach CNA classes, which we added this year and contract with Elkhorn-Logan Valley Health Department for an instructor. The half-time nurse (probably an LPN with an RN from the Health Department supervising) would probably cost around $20,000.
Any thoughts on the nurse idea?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Basketball Districts released
The basketball districts for this year will be in Wisner. The following teams are in the district:
Bancroft-Rosalie
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Stanton
West Point Central Catholic
Winnebago
The winner of the district will play the winner of this district:
Archbishop Bergan
Oakland-Craig
Omaha Brownell-Talbot
Omaha St. Peter Claver
Yutan
North Bend (Girls only)
Bancroft-Rosalie
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Stanton
West Point Central Catholic
Winnebago
The winner of the district will play the winner of this district:
Archbishop Bergan
Oakland-Craig
Omaha Brownell-Talbot
Omaha St. Peter Claver
Yutan
North Bend (Girls only)
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Upset
Not many people thought that the boys would beat Howells last night. It is a good lesson for our kids to learn- that if they work hard and and give a great effort, that anything is possible. The defense played an outstanding game, holding an all-state running back to less than 60 yards.
The coaches have felt that we lack size, but the guys make up for it with desire. And they are pretty tough. Now they need to stay focused and finish the regular season.
The coaches have felt that we lack size, but the guys make up for it with desire. And they are pretty tough. Now they need to stay focused and finish the regular season.
This picture is enough to scare any opponent!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Mrs. Bargmann retiring
Deanna Bargmann will be retiring at rhe end of the school year. She will work through the month of June. The office has received several inquiries into the job and I have established a time-line for filling the position.
The school will officially advertise the position in January. We will accept applications through mid-February, then interview for the position in late February. A recommendation will be made to the School Board at the March Board meeting. The new bookkeeper will begin in April and work with Mrs. Bargmann until the end of June.
Below is the job description for the position. Payroll accounting and paying the bills are the two most important aspects of the job. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous experience in both. We also want a positive, friendly person who works well with students and the public and can deal with confidential matters appropriately.
Title: Business Manager 5.1
Qualifications: 1. High Schools Diploma
2. Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities.
3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find
appropriate and acceptable.
Reports To: Superintendent of Schools
Job Goal: (Administrative Secretary) To assist and relieve administration of paperwork and impediments so that they may devote maximum attention to the central problems of education and educational administration; to contribute to the efficient operation of a school office so that it can play its effective part in the educational process.
(Bookkeeper) To assist in the administration of the district’s business
affairs so as to provide the maximum services for the financial
resources available; To contribute to staff morale by the prompt and
accurate handling of all payroll matters.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Maintains a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions of the district.
2. Records detail of school financial transactions in appropriate journals and subsidiary ledgers from such sources as requisitions, payroll records, etc.
3. Summarizes and balances entries recorded in individual journals and ledgers and transfers data to general ledgers.
4. Prepares financial statements, income statements, and cost reports to reflect financial condition of the district.
5. Traces errors and records adjustments to correct changes or credits posted to incorrect amounts.
6. Computes and records cash receipt summaries.
7. Reconciles canceled payroll and accounts payable checks with bank statements
and verifies bank balance with statements.
8. Receives and computes all payrolls, making deductions for income tax, retirement,
annuities, health and medical insurance, and the like.
9. Maintains records covering all deductions.
10. Keeps record of staff leaves and absences and the records of substitute teachers.
11. Mails checks to those employees who are absent during summer months.
12. Maintains the time records of all hourly employees and certifies them for salary
purposes.
13. Obtains, gathers, and organizes pertinent data as needed, and puts it together in usable form.
14. Maintains a regular filing system, as well as a set of locked confidential files, and processes incoming correspondence as instructed.
15. Maintains such student records as shall be required.
16. Orders and maintains supplies as needed.
17. Places and receives telephone calls and records messages.
18. Welcomes visitors and arranges for their comfort, and screens unexpected callers in accordance with predetermined policy.
19. Types a variety of materials, such as letters, student records, reports, memos,
monthly statements.
20. Verifies totals on report forms, requisitions, etc., and proof reads work of other typists as requested.
21. Performs various related office duties and other such tasks as assigned.
Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the Board. Work schedule to be established by the Superintendent.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy of Evaluation of Classified Personnel.
The school will officially advertise the position in January. We will accept applications through mid-February, then interview for the position in late February. A recommendation will be made to the School Board at the March Board meeting. The new bookkeeper will begin in April and work with Mrs. Bargmann until the end of June.
Below is the job description for the position. Payroll accounting and paying the bills are the two most important aspects of the job. Preference will be given to applicants who have previous experience in both. We also want a positive, friendly person who works well with students and the public and can deal with confidential matters appropriately.
Title: Business Manager 5.1
Qualifications: 1. High Schools Diploma
2. Demonstrated aptitude or competence for assigned responsibilities.
3. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find
appropriate and acceptable.
Reports To: Superintendent of Schools
Job Goal: (Administrative Secretary) To assist and relieve administration of paperwork and impediments so that they may devote maximum attention to the central problems of education and educational administration; to contribute to the efficient operation of a school office so that it can play its effective part in the educational process.
(Bookkeeper) To assist in the administration of the district’s business
affairs so as to provide the maximum services for the financial
resources available; To contribute to staff morale by the prompt and
accurate handling of all payroll matters.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Maintains a complete and systematic set of records of all financial transactions of the district.
2. Records detail of school financial transactions in appropriate journals and subsidiary ledgers from such sources as requisitions, payroll records, etc.
3. Summarizes and balances entries recorded in individual journals and ledgers and transfers data to general ledgers.
4. Prepares financial statements, income statements, and cost reports to reflect financial condition of the district.
5. Traces errors and records adjustments to correct changes or credits posted to incorrect amounts.
6. Computes and records cash receipt summaries.
7. Reconciles canceled payroll and accounts payable checks with bank statements
and verifies bank balance with statements.
8. Receives and computes all payrolls, making deductions for income tax, retirement,
annuities, health and medical insurance, and the like.
9. Maintains records covering all deductions.
10. Keeps record of staff leaves and absences and the records of substitute teachers.
11. Mails checks to those employees who are absent during summer months.
12. Maintains the time records of all hourly employees and certifies them for salary
purposes.
13. Obtains, gathers, and organizes pertinent data as needed, and puts it together in usable form.
14. Maintains a regular filing system, as well as a set of locked confidential files, and processes incoming correspondence as instructed.
15. Maintains such student records as shall be required.
16. Orders and maintains supplies as needed.
17. Places and receives telephone calls and records messages.
18. Welcomes visitors and arranges for their comfort, and screens unexpected callers in accordance with predetermined policy.
19. Types a variety of materials, such as letters, student records, reports, memos,
monthly statements.
20. Verifies totals on report forms, requisitions, etc., and proof reads work of other typists as requested.
21. Performs various related office duties and other such tasks as assigned.
Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the Board. Work schedule to be established by the Superintendent.
Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy of Evaluation of Classified Personnel.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
B-R Kindergarten news
The kindergarten class has 22 students enrolled. In order to keep the class size below 20 students, Mrs. Wegner is a regular education teacher for a group of kindergarten students. Mrs. Wagner is able to do this because the number of elementary special education students is low and most of these students are in the regular classrooms for instruction.
The kindergarten day involves Reading and language time (180 minutes), math time (80 minutes), specials time- physical education, music, art, library, guidance, and computers (78 minutes), unscheduled time (15 minutes at the beginning of the day and 37 minutes in the afternoon), and recess and lunch (50 minutes).
Mrs. Slaughter and Mrs. Wegner split the students for Reading/ Language and Math. The Reading/Language split is Mrs. Slaughter 17, Mrs. Wegner 5. The Math split is Mrs. Slaughter 15, Mrs. Wegner 7. The students are together for specials, lunch and recess, and most of the unscheduled time.
The kindergarten students have been doing well. Three of the four reading groups have mastered the basic language skills and have started learning to read.
The kindergarten day involves Reading and language time (180 minutes), math time (80 minutes), specials time- physical education, music, art, library, guidance, and computers (78 minutes), unscheduled time (15 minutes at the beginning of the day and 37 minutes in the afternoon), and recess and lunch (50 minutes).
Mrs. Slaughter and Mrs. Wegner split the students for Reading/ Language and Math. The Reading/Language split is Mrs. Slaughter 17, Mrs. Wegner 5. The Math split is Mrs. Slaughter 15, Mrs. Wegner 7. The students are together for specials, lunch and recess, and most of the unscheduled time.
The kindergarten students have been doing well. Three of the four reading groups have mastered the basic language skills and have started learning to read.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Do we need more classrooms?
The answer to that questions is yes. There will be some critics who will question why this was not addressed in 1996 when the plans for the B-R school addition were developed. The 1996 plan addressed the anticipated needs of the district at that time, but no one could know that the Nebraska State Aid to schools formula would provide financial incentives for public schools in two areas: 1) to start pre-school programs and 2) to keep K-3 class sizes 20 and below.
When the school absorbed the Bancroft pre-school, a large classroom became unavailable for junior high and high school classes. State and federal funds cover most of the pre-school costs (the district covers the utilities and maintenance costs). The financial incentive to split the second grade class covers the cost of the additional teacher. Financially and educationally, it only makes sense to take advantage of the funds available to help our students. Splitting the second grade also took a room that was used by the high school.
We currently have a need for 2-4 additional classrooms. Not all of these rooms would have to be 900 square feet like the rooms built in the 1998 addition. We could use two 900 s.f. rooms and 2 smaller 600 square foot rooms for small groups to meet. An addition would also be an ideal time to address the need for a larger performance stage and an additional locker room for PE classes. The B-R drama department has grown in interest and the one-act play is very competitive. We want to provide them a good facility. The locker rooms are adequate for sports teams, but not for high school physical education classes. A small locker addition would separate the sports from PE classes and provide a place for visiting teams to use after school.
The 1997 bonds will be paid off in five years. The current levy, bond included, is $1.00. The cost to pay off the bonds will be $370,000 a year through December 2015.
The district will be a financial position in which it can afford to add to the existing structure. Districts that do not maintain a general fund levy of 95 cents are penalized in state aid, so that every dollar the district saves ends up with 50 cents of that going back to the state.
When the school absorbed the Bancroft pre-school, a large classroom became unavailable for junior high and high school classes. State and federal funds cover most of the pre-school costs (the district covers the utilities and maintenance costs). The financial incentive to split the second grade class covers the cost of the additional teacher. Financially and educationally, it only makes sense to take advantage of the funds available to help our students. Splitting the second grade also took a room that was used by the high school.
We currently have a need for 2-4 additional classrooms. Not all of these rooms would have to be 900 square feet like the rooms built in the 1998 addition. We could use two 900 s.f. rooms and 2 smaller 600 square foot rooms for small groups to meet. An addition would also be an ideal time to address the need for a larger performance stage and an additional locker room for PE classes. The B-R drama department has grown in interest and the one-act play is very competitive. We want to provide them a good facility. The locker rooms are adequate for sports teams, but not for high school physical education classes. A small locker addition would separate the sports from PE classes and provide a place for visiting teams to use after school.
The 1997 bonds will be paid off in five years. The current levy, bond included, is $1.00. The cost to pay off the bonds will be $370,000 a year through December 2015.
The district will be a financial position in which it can afford to add to the existing structure. Districts that do not maintain a general fund levy of 95 cents are penalized in state aid, so that every dollar the district saves ends up with 50 cents of that going back to the state.
Monday, September 21, 2009
2009-10 School Budget
The 2009-10 school budget was approved at the board meeting on September 14.
General Fund Budget $3,465,000
- Instructional program $1,420,000
- Special Education $362,500
- Guidance program $84,000
- Library $72,000
- Superintendent's Office and School Board (including school insurance costs) $204,000
- Principal's Office
- Business Services $21,000
- Maintenance and Building Operations $235,000
- Pupil Transportation $129,000
- State programs $43,061
- Federal programs $360,439
- Debt service $330,000
- Summer school $6,000
- Transfer to activity fund $10,000
Depreciation Fund (for vehicle replacement) $34,611
Employee Benefit Fund (Section 125 plan for employees) $51,480
Activities Fund (Athletics and extracurriculars) $325,000
Lunch Fund $220,000
Bond Fund $132,000
Building Fund $70,000
Cooperative Fund (For shared programs like distance learning and dual credit) $64,000
Student Fee Fund (For driver education and other programs where a fee is charged) $15,000
General Fund Budget $3,465,000
- Instructional program $1,420,000
- Special Education $362,500
- Guidance program $84,000
- Library $72,000
- Superintendent's Office and School Board (including school insurance costs) $204,000
- Principal's Office
- Business Services $21,000
- Maintenance and Building Operations $235,000
- Pupil Transportation $129,000
- State programs $43,061
- Federal programs $360,439
- Debt service $330,000
- Summer school $6,000
- Transfer to activity fund $10,000
Depreciation Fund (for vehicle replacement) $34,611
Employee Benefit Fund (Section 125 plan for employees) $51,480
Activities Fund (Athletics and extracurriculars) $325,000
Lunch Fund $220,000
Bond Fund $132,000
Building Fund $70,000
Cooperative Fund (For shared programs like distance learning and dual credit) $64,000
Student Fee Fund (For driver education and other programs where a fee is charged) $15,000
Friday, September 18, 2009
Seasonal flu season is here- Shots now October 7
Bancroft-Rosalie had its first confirmed case of seasonal flu (not swine flu/H1N1). Due to issues with obtaining the vaccine, the school vaccination clinic for seasonal flu will be Wednesday, October 7. Paperwork will be mailed out to families on Monday.The vaccinations will be given by St. Francis Hospital staff. There is a $20 charge for the vaccination.
H1N1 vaccinations are still dependent on the availability of vaccine. These shots will be given by The Logan-Elkhorn Valley Health Department. They are expected to be given in late October, and they are free.
H1N1 vaccinations are still dependent on the availability of vaccine. These shots will be given by The Logan-Elkhorn Valley Health Department. They are expected to be given in late October, and they are free.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
B-R School Board to go paperless
Starting with the October school board meeting, the Bancroft-Rosalie School Board meetings will be paperless. The board members will have lap-top computers with all of the documents stored electronically. The school is purchasing the laptops, and board members can elect to buy them from the school if they want to use them for personal business.
Going paperless will improve communication, since documents can be e-mailed and be received earlier then they could through the old snail mail system. It will also be easier for board members to keep track of old documents. The office staff will have to adjust to saving documents as PDF's. Bear with us for a meeting or two as we make the change to digital.
Going paperless will improve communication, since documents can be e-mailed and be received earlier then they could through the old snail mail system. It will also be easier for board members to keep track of old documents. The office staff will have to adjust to saving documents as PDF's. Bear with us for a meeting or two as we make the change to digital.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
September Board Meeting
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Two public hearings were held prior to the regular monthly meeting. The first hearing was the 2009-10 school budget hearing, followed by the Property Tax Request hearing.
During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Cerny presented the August transportation report, 2010 valuations, flu vaccination clinics, student interest in high school baseball and the Enrollment Option report.
In old business, the board discussed the possibility of a building addition to the north of the school gymnasium to include 2-3 classrooms, 2 meeting rooms, a locker room and a stage. Dr. Cerny will work with staff to come up with a plan.
In new business the board approved the 2009-10 school budget as published; and set the General Fund tax rate was set at 0.9747 and the Bond Fund levy was set at 0.0317 for the 9-12 Bond levy and no K-8 levy was needed. The board also accepted the resignation of bookkeeper Deanna Bargmann effective at the end of the school year. The board also heard from a concerned parent about the policy not allowing seniors to play on junior varsity teams.
During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Cerny presented the August transportation report, 2010 valuations, flu vaccination clinics, student interest in high school baseball and the Enrollment Option report.
In old business, the board discussed the possibility of a building addition to the north of the school gymnasium to include 2-3 classrooms, 2 meeting rooms, a locker room and a stage. Dr. Cerny will work with staff to come up with a plan.
In new business the board approved the 2009-10 school budget as published; and set the General Fund tax rate was set at 0.9747 and the Bond Fund levy was set at 0.0317 for the 9-12 Bond levy and no K-8 levy was needed. The board also accepted the resignation of bookkeeper Deanna Bargmann effective at the end of the school year. The board also heard from a concerned parent about the policy not allowing seniors to play on junior varsity teams.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Health Science Field Trips
The component of a Career Academy that sets it apart of other courses is the work-place component. The Health Science class was set up to include short monthly field trips to health care facilities so students can see what the different jobs are like.
Last week, the class went to St. Francis Hospital. Anna Berg arranged for each of the four students to visit a different area: physical therapy, radiology, the med. tech lab, and occupational therapy. Next month the students will rotate to a different area. Health science is 1st period, so the students only miss their second period class. We appreciate St. Francis Hospital and Anna for taking the time to help us get the Health Science Academy off to a good start. We hope to grow this program in the next few years.
Tomorrow the students will be gone all day to visit the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha.
Last week, the class went to St. Francis Hospital. Anna Berg arranged for each of the four students to visit a different area: physical therapy, radiology, the med. tech lab, and occupational therapy. Next month the students will rotate to a different area. Health science is 1st period, so the students only miss their second period class. We appreciate St. Francis Hospital and Anna for taking the time to help us get the Health Science Academy off to a good start. We hope to grow this program in the next few years.
Tomorrow the students will be gone all day to visit the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) in Omaha.
Obama speech to students not ignored
I had a few phone calls regarding the decision not to show the Obama speech live to all students last week. It was not intended to be disrespectful to the President. In fact, Mr. Hulstein and Mr. Peters showed the speech as part of their social studies classes later in the week. This seemed the most appropriate place in the curriculum.
Friday, September 11, 2009
School response when dealing with sick kids
The Center For Disease Control has released new guidelines for how schools should deal with sick students and staff to reduce the spread of flu. Bancroft-Rosalie School will implement the following procedures when dealing with flu-like symptoms:
1. Students and staff with flu-like illness will be promptly sent home if they have a fever above 100 degrees. The school will take the students temperature via the ear using a ThermoScan.
2. Ill students and staff will be kept separate from well people until they can be sent home. They will be sent to a separate room and will be required to wear a surgical mask and the person who cares for them will also wear a protective mask.
3. Students can return to school after being ill if they have a temperature of less than 100 degrees for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
We wil not be cancelling school for illness.
1. Students and staff with flu-like illness will be promptly sent home if they have a fever above 100 degrees. The school will take the students temperature via the ear using a ThermoScan.
2. Ill students and staff will be kept separate from well people until they can be sent home. They will be sent to a separate room and will be required to wear a surgical mask and the person who cares for them will also wear a protective mask.
3. Students can return to school after being ill if they have a temperature of less than 100 degrees for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.
We wil not be cancelling school for illness.
Neihardt program this Sunday
Jeff Barnes, author of “Forts of the Northern Plains," will be the guest speaker at the John G. Neihardt Historical Site at 2:00 pm this Sunday, September 13.
Forts of the Northern Plains is a guide to 51 historic military posts of the Plains Indian Wars, primarily those involved in the wars with the Sioux (Dakota) Indians. The book includes the seven northern states of the Great Plains. It gives a brief history of each of the posts, why they were built and what became of them, illustrated by historical images and present-day photographs. The guide covers the frontier forts from the late 1810s through the 1890s, reflecting the period of the first and last military conflicts with the Plains Indians. This is the most complete reference guide to the forts in nearly 40 years and adds several sites not included in earlier works.
We hope to have a good turn-out for this program. If you haven't been to a Neihardt Sunday at the Museum program, they last around an hour to an hour and a half, with refreshments afterward. Come and support the Neihardt Center.
Forts of the Northern Plains is a guide to 51 historic military posts of the Plains Indian Wars, primarily those involved in the wars with the Sioux (Dakota) Indians. The book includes the seven northern states of the Great Plains. It gives a brief history of each of the posts, why they were built and what became of them, illustrated by historical images and present-day photographs. The guide covers the frontier forts from the late 1810s through the 1890s, reflecting the period of the first and last military conflicts with the Plains Indians. This is the most complete reference guide to the forts in nearly 40 years and adds several sites not included in earlier works.
We hope to have a good turn-out for this program. If you haven't been to a Neihardt Sunday at the Museum program, they last around an hour to an hour and a half, with refreshments afterward. Come and support the Neihardt Center.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Seasonal Flu vaccination set
A seasonal flu vaccination clinic will be held at the school Wednesday, September 23. The clinic will be administered by staff from St. Francis Memorial Hospital in West Point. St. Francis is providing this service for all Cuming County schools.
Permission forms will be sent home with the students and must be signed and returned if the parents want their child to receive the shot. There is a $20 charge to cover the cost of the vaccine. The payment must accompany the permission form.
Students are not required to get this shot. This is a service provided to parents so the students do not have to leave school and miss classes to get vaccinated.
This is a vaccination for seasonal flu, not H1N1, also known as Swine flu.
Permission forms will be sent home with the students and must be signed and returned if the parents want their child to receive the shot. There is a $20 charge to cover the cost of the vaccine. The payment must accompany the permission form.
Students are not required to get this shot. This is a service provided to parents so the students do not have to leave school and miss classes to get vaccinated.
This is a vaccination for seasonal flu, not H1N1, also known as Swine flu.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Nose and other non-ear piercings
The Bancroft-Rosalie School student handboook prohibits the wearing of visible body piercing jewelry at school on any body part other than the ear. Covering it with a band-aid is not an option. It is acceptable to remove the jewelry and use a plastic flesh-colored stud to prevent the hole from closing.Some students feel that this is limiting their ability to "express themselves." What the rule is meant to do is establish a reasonable expectation for how far students are allowed to go when trying to draw attention to themselves without distracting students from the real purpose for which they attend school- to learn and prepare themselves for life after high school.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
President Obama's speech to students
Bancroft-Rosalie School will not be showing today's 11:00 am speech to the students. The controversy surrounding the speech is something I don't want to get in the middle of. I suggest that parents or students who want to view the speech access the speech through the internet. I believe that it will be made available through videostreaming.
The message that students need to stay in school is an important one, and that message is delivered regularly to our high school students. We make it a priority to encourage all students to continue their education after high school.
The message that students need to stay in school is an important one, and that message is delivered regularly to our high school students. We make it a priority to encourage all students to continue their education after high school.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Kindergarten play- Omaha World Herald article
I imagine I will have several people cutting out the front page article from the Sunday Omaha World herald on playing in kindergarten and putting it in my mailbox. Put away the scissors, I already read it and completely disagree with the notion that kindergarten should be spent playing. The World Herald is responding to a statement from the early childhood people at the Nebraska Department of Education, who do not want students taught by direct instruction.I have attended all of the state reading panel meetings organized by Nebraska Reading First and have heard Nebraska Department of Education early childhood specialist Melody Hobson talk about how "play" is just as effective at teaching early literacy skills as other methods. There are no scientific studies to support this idea. Her belief is based on "brain research" and how some cognitive theorists believe the brain operates.
Reading First schools in Nebraska have shown evidence that direct, explicit teaching of phonemic awareness and phonics is an effective way to teach kindergarten students to read. And it is effective with all types of students, i.e. special education students, english language learners, children living in poverty. This was not mentioned in the World Herald article.
There are an increasing number of schools in Nebraska adopting the Reading First methods of instruction in kindergarten and the early childhood people in Lincoln are not happy about it. The early childhood statement that they are presenting to the Nebraska State Board of Education is aimed at countering this trend. Fortunately, there are a growing number of school administrators in Nebraska who are looking at scientific reading research and not "brain research."
The early childhood office is also the group mandating that any child who turns five before October 15 should attend kindergarten, no five year olds in public pre-schools. Age and maturity shouldn't matter if all they are going to do is play. I can't find a school administrator in Northeast Nebraska who thinks this mandate is a good idea.
I am committed to teaching kindergarten students to read using direct, explicit instruction methods, regardless of what propaganda is printed in the World Herald. I will talk about the misinformation that was included in the article in a later blog.
Reading First schools in Nebraska have shown evidence that direct, explicit teaching of phonemic awareness and phonics is an effective way to teach kindergarten students to read. And it is effective with all types of students, i.e. special education students, english language learners, children living in poverty. This was not mentioned in the World Herald article.
There are an increasing number of schools in Nebraska adopting the Reading First methods of instruction in kindergarten and the early childhood people in Lincoln are not happy about it. The early childhood statement that they are presenting to the Nebraska State Board of Education is aimed at countering this trend. Fortunately, there are a growing number of school administrators in Nebraska who are looking at scientific reading research and not "brain research."
The early childhood office is also the group mandating that any child who turns five before October 15 should attend kindergarten, no five year olds in public pre-schools. Age and maturity shouldn't matter if all they are going to do is play. I can't find a school administrator in Northeast Nebraska who thinks this mandate is a good idea.
I am committed to teaching kindergarten students to read using direct, explicit instruction methods, regardless of what propaganda is printed in the World Herald. I will talk about the misinformation that was included in the article in a later blog.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Flu vaccinations for students
The Logan-Elkhorn Valley Health Department is encouraging all parents to vaccinate their children for the H1N1 flu. They are not sure when the vaccine will be available, but they plan to get to each school and do a large group vaccination clinic when possible.
Permission slips and vaccine information statements will be sent to the schools when more information is available regarding the actual date of the clinic. These permission slips will be sent home with the parent and will have a definitive return by date so that the proper amount of vaccine can be issued. These forms will be very important. They will hold the information parents will need to base the decision of getting their child vaccinated.
Permission slips and vaccine information statements will be sent to the schools when more information is available regarding the actual date of the clinic. These permission slips will be sent home with the parent and will have a definitive return by date so that the proper amount of vaccine can be issued. These forms will be very important. They will hold the information parents will need to base the decision of getting their child vaccinated.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Educational consultant visits B-R
Ray Hall, educational consultant for the National Institute For Direct Instruction, visited the B-R elementary Monday and Tuesday. He was here to provide feedback on the reading, language, spelling and math programs taught at B-R.The reading Program, Reading Mastery, teaches students essential decoding and comprehension skills. The beginning grade levels teach students how to break the code and to read fluently. The intermediate grade levels use social studies and science concepts in stories to teach students how to learn from what they read. The upper levels introduce students to many pieces of classic literature.
The language program teaches receptive and expressive language skills. The early levels focus on the oral language concepts that students need to understand the academic classroom and start the students on the writing process. The middle levels provide full immersion into narrative writing. The upper levels move students into expository and critique writing plus higher order thinking skills.
The math program, Connecting Math Concepts, is designed so that all students will learn to compute, solve problems and think mathematically. The rationale for the program is that understanding math requires making connections between related math concepts and the world around us. The program ensures that students understand these connections, and it establishes relationships between concepts and their applications.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Saxon Math
Students in Math 7 through Geometry will be taught using a new math math series, Saxon Math. Saxon focuses on student mastery of math skills. Each day a new skill is introduced with a few problems requiring the use of those skills. The majority of the class time is spent practicing previously learned skills until they are mastered. The teacher monitors students working and re-teaching when necessary. Mastery tests are given every five lessons.
Saxon course 1 is 7th grade math, course 2 is 8th grade math, course 3 is pre-algebra, then Algebra and Geometry. Seventh grade students have been placed in course 1 or 3 based on results of a placement test given last spring. Eighth grade students placed in course 2 or Algebra. Students that may not have given their best effort in the spring were given a chance to re-take the placement test the week before school started.
Here are the two possible sequences for 7th grade students:
Grade 7- Course 1
Grade 8- Course 2
9th grade- Course 3
10th grade- Algebra
11th grade- Geometry
12th grade- Algebra II
or
Grade 7- Course 3
Grade 8- Algebra
9th grade- Geometry
10th grade- Algebra II
11th grade- Trigonometry
12th grade- Calculus
Once all students are properly placed in the curriculum, Applied Math I and II will be eliminated. It is a goal that nearly all students will complete Algebra II before graduation, since completion of this course is a good predictor of success in college.
Saxon course 1 is 7th grade math, course 2 is 8th grade math, course 3 is pre-algebra, then Algebra and Geometry. Seventh grade students have been placed in course 1 or 3 based on results of a placement test given last spring. Eighth grade students placed in course 2 or Algebra. Students that may not have given their best effort in the spring were given a chance to re-take the placement test the week before school started.
Here are the two possible sequences for 7th grade students:
Grade 7- Course 1
Grade 8- Course 2
9th grade- Course 3
10th grade- Algebra
11th grade- Geometry
12th grade- Algebra II
or
Grade 7- Course 3
Grade 8- Algebra
9th grade- Geometry
10th grade- Algebra II
11th grade- Trigonometry
12th grade- Calculus
Once all students are properly placed in the curriculum, Applied Math I and II will be eliminated. It is a goal that nearly all students will complete Algebra II before graduation, since completion of this course is a good predictor of success in college.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Health Science students get HIPAA training
HIPAA stands for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. The HIPAA training informs students about the requirements for patient confidentiality in the health care workplace. Hospitals require HIPAA training before students can job shadow. Anna Berg, a registered nurse at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in West Point, visited the Health Science class today and informed students about HIPAA.
Part of the Health Science class curriculum is to inform the students about careers in health care. With HIPAA training, Mr. Zavadil will be able to take the students into health care facilities on short field trips once a month.
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