Sunday, January 31, 2010

Computer classes offered in Bancroft and Rosalie

The BIT Mobile is coming to the Logan Valley Area beginning in February. The BIT Mobile is a mobile computer lab that can accommodate up to 14 people at a time. This is a great opportunity for you to take advantage of if you want to brush up on what you know or learn new computer skills. There are a variety of classes to choose from and you are welcome to attend a session in any of the communities listed on the schedule. These classes are free and will last about two hours. There is limited space, so register quickly as it is on a first come first serve basis.

For More Information and to Register for Workshops Contact:
Stephanie Fritz 402-358-3432 402-270-1070
Dewey Teel 402-887-5414 402-929-0373 dteel1@unl.edu
Register online: www.antelope.unl.edu/community

Schedule of Workshops for Bancroft

Bancroft Feb 8 1:30 pm Basic Computers
Bancroft Feb 8 6:00 pm Intro to Internet
Bancroft Feb 9 6:00 pm Podcasting
Bancroft Feb 11 6:00 pm Social Networking
Bancroft Feb 12 1:30 pm Digital Photography

Schedule of classes for Rosalie

Rosalie Mar 23 1:30 pm Intro to Internet
Rosalie Mar 23 6:00 pm Basic Web Design
Rosalie Mar 24 1:30 pm Social Networking

Friday, January 29, 2010

2010 BRP Baseball schedule

Mr. Hulstein released the 2010 BRP baseball schedule:

3/27 Bellevue East---JV Doubleheader 12:00pm
4/1 @ Norfolk---JV & V 4:00pm
4/10 @ Yutan “Yutan Tourney” 10:00am
4/16 Bennington---V Doubleheader 4:30pm
4/19 @ DC West---V Doubleheader 4:30pm
4/22 Seward ---V Doubleheader 4:30pm; 6:30pm
4/24 Omaha Benson---V Doubleheader 12:00pm
4/29 Norfolk---JV & V 4:00pm
5/1 @ Mt. Michael--- JV & V 12:00; 2:00; 4:00pm

A varsity doubleheader with Wahoo is also a possibility.

Thursday, January 28, 2010

Class of 2012 career interests

Last October the sophomore class took the PLAN pre-ACT test. The test included some career interest questions. I looked through the results and compiled them to give us an idea of what kinds of classes the school will need to provide to help prepare students for life after high school.
The Nebraska Career Education model separates careers into 6 career fields. These fields are then broken down into career clusters. Here are the PLAN results:

Human Services Field
Education – 4 students
Law and Public Safety- 3 students
Human (Community) Services- 2 students

Business Field
Marketing- 1 student
Management- 1 student

Agriculture Field- 1 student

Information and Communication Field
Arts, technology and Communication- 1 student

Industrial/Manufacturing/Engineering Field
Transportation- 1 student
Science, Technology, and Engineering- 1 student
Manufacturing – 1 student

Health Science Field- 8 students

Undecided- 5 students

Employment- 1 student

From these results, it looks like the decision to start offering Health Science classes was the right decision for this group of students.

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Making Up Snow Days

Bancroft-Rosalie School has missed nine school days because of weather. Four snow days were built into the calendar. The other nine days will require extra days added on to the calendar.

Calendar changes-

Day 1- February 12 (Friday). This will be a regular school day (Winter break is cancelled). The basketball teams and speech team are competing this day, so it is not a good day for a three day weekend getaway for families anyway. Some families scheduled appointments for this day, and if it comes down to perfect attendance for someone then we can make this day an exception.

Day 2- May 21 (Friday). This day is state track, so a few students and coaches will be gone. It was originally scheduled as a teacher workday.

Day 3- May 24 (Monday)

Day 4- May 25 (Tuesday) Semester Test Day

Day 5- May 26 (Wednesday) Semester Test Day. Last Day of School.

May 27 will be a teacher workday.

This will leave a couple days in May just in case the rest of the winter is not kind to us. My priority is to finish before Memorial Day with students and staff.

Easter Monday is still a vacation Day (Hopefully this does not change).

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

NSAA information on transfers

The NSAA sent out the following information regarding eligibility for transfers between schools. If you know of any high school student considering a transfer, please share this information with them.



Enrollment Option Transfers

Current NSAA Bylaws 2.7.7.1 and 2.7.7.2 state, “Those students who have their Enrollment Option applications signed and filed prior to March 15 shall be eligible immediately in the fall. Those students who do not have their Enrollment Option applications signed and filed prior to March 15 shall be ineligible for ninety school days, with such transfers being subject to hardship waiver guidelines.”


Other Transfers

Current NSAA Bylaws 2.7.8 through 2.7.8.3 state,
2.7.8 Transfer Exceptions. In addition to Enrollment Option students, an exception to NSAA Bylaws will be considered for transfer students who have transferred from one member high school to another member high school when there is not a change of domicile by the parents. This would apply to students who transfer: (1) from public school to private school; (2) from private school to public school; (3) from private school to private school; (4) from public school to public school; (5) from out-of-state schools, and (6) transfers from school to school within a multi-school district.
2.7.8.1 Those students who have their transfer papers signed and filed on or before March 15 shall be eligible immediately in the fall, providing the school into which the student transfers notifies the NSAA of the transfer by March 15. Once the transfer papers have been signed, filed and the NSAA has been notified, the student could complete that year of eligibility in the school the student was leaving. The student would, however, become ineligible for ninety (90) school days the next fall if the student were to change his/her mind and decided not to transfer. (Approved Ruling Clarification: Unless there is a bona fide change of domicile by the legal parent, a student may transfer only one time to a different school under the March 15 transfer deadline. A student who transfers under the March 15 transfer provisions and who later decides to return to his/her former district before 90 school days have elapsed shall continue to be ineligible in the former district for 90 school days, with the ineligibility period commencing at the start of the fall semester. This ineligibility shall continue, regardless of the parent’s domicile change within the resident district.)
2.7.8.2 Those students who do not have their transfer applications signed and filed on or before March 15, and whose transfer has not been reported to the NSAA in writing, postmarked no later than March 15, shall be ineligible for 90 school days, with such transfers being subject to hardship waiver guidelines.
2.7.8.3 Such transfer students may transfer under this rule one time during their high school years, unless there is a change of domicile by the legal parent. Such students who transfer a subsequent time without a change of domicile by the legal parent shall be ineligible for 90 school days.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Late start issues

This morning there was a problem with the SnowCap announcements. The late start was submitted on-line to SnowCap at 5:55 am. At 6:20 the text system had not activated yet, so I called and was told that there were computers issues at SnowCap that was delaying messages. SnowCap was working on the problem. The late start appeared on channel 9, so the B-R announcement was sent out from SnowCap at some point, but it was not showing on channels 4 or 14 and no text message was sent.
I called back at 7:15 and SnowCap said they were going to call the television stations directly with the B-R announcement. I finally saw the late start on channel 4 at 7:40 am. I was told that the text message was received around the same time.
The on-line system is convenient, but when there are computer glitches (like today) or electrical problems (like last week) communication suffers. Unfortunately there was nothing that could be done at the school to solve today's problem. I would recommend listening to the West Point radio station. They accept school announcements over the phone in addition to their on-line system.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Elementary Bus Schedule Change

Beginning Thursday, January 21, 2010 the first bus will leave Bancroft at 3:45 (instead of 3:40 pm). This bus will carry grades Pre-5 students.

The second bus will leave at 3:50 (as usual) and will carry grades 6-12.

The reason for the change is to even out the number of students riding each bus. Some elementary students have been waiting to ride the second bus with older brothers and sisters and the second bus is sometimes to capacity with only a few students are the first bus.

Leaving 5 minutes later will keep the arrival times of the buses within 5 minutes of each other and will require younger students a short amount of time to wait for older siblings on the second bus.

Entrepreneurship workshops for grades10-12

On February 9-10-11 the Bancroft-Rosalie Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors will be participating in an entrepreneurship workshop as part of the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act grant program. Each grade will meet with an entrepreneurial trainer for two class periods each of the three days. The periods will be rotated so that the same classes will not be missed.
The schedule will be-

February 9th, Tuesday

periods 2-3 sophmores
periods 4-5 juniors
periods 6-7 seniors

February 10th, Wednesday
periods 2-3 juniors
periods 4-5 seniors
periods 6-7 sophomores

February 11th, Thursday
periods 2-3 seniors
periods 4-5 sophomores
periods 6-7 juniors.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Attracting people to live in the community.

A community workshop was held in the school library Saturday January 16 to discuss improving the community. Twelve community members were in attendance. Kathy Kreikemeier led the workshop. There were lots of ideas presented and the focus became “How do we attract and retain our young people in the community?”
The group decided to start by improving relations with the B-R alumni. The plan is to work with the alumni association to develop a database of all alumni. A goal of the group is to encourage former residents to return to Bancroft and Rosalie over Memorial Day weekend on an annual basis. Each B-R graduate would receive a personal invitation to the Alumni Banquet. This might lead to an alumni banquet committee being formed to help organize the alumni banquet. Some members of the 15 year class would serve on this committee for three years, starting one year before their 15th and ending one year after. This would lead to better coordination each year.
A second goal is to increase the number of activities for families to participate in during Memorial weekend. This could involve food stands, alumni basketball or volleyball tournaments, and a parade.
A meeting will be held within the next month to further discuss how to accomplish these goals. The Q125 committee will be contacted to see if there is any interest in the Memorial Day weekend idea.
Other ideas discussed included the need for more things for teenagers to do in the community and a place to do them, more recreational opportunities (swimming pool and fitness facilities), and more housing options (homes for young families, housing for the elderly, and the possibility of an assisted living facility in the community).

Thursday, January 14, 2010

School Board summary

The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Wednesday, January 13, 2010 at 8:00 pm in Bancroft. The Board held a hearing to discuss amending the 2009-10 Bond Fund budget.

During the regular board meeting officer were elected for 2010. The officers are Naomi Brummond- president; Kent Neumann- vice president; Gary Anderson - secretary; and Marlon Hennig- treasurer.

Superintendent Cerny presented the December transportation report, Superintendent evaluation forms, information on board workshops. Principal Sjuts reported honor roll. Mr. Hulstein updated the board on baseball scheduling.

In new business, President Brummond appointed board committees and the board appointed Jon Bailey, Marjorie Vogt, and Bev Zwygart to three year term on the Bancroft-Rosalie Educational Foundation.
The board approved amending the Bond Fund budget. The amount budgeted for paying principal and interest will increase from $50,000 to $132,000 and the cash reserve will decrease from $82,000 to $0. This amendment was in response to a recommendation from the school auditor. The expected bond fund payments are not expected to exceed $60,000, but the amendment will allow the board access to the entire $132,000 if necessary. The amendment will have no effect on the tax request or the tax levy.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Neihardt Art Exhibit opening Sunday at 2:00 pm

The art exhibit opening reception originally scheduled for January 10th has been rescheduled for Sunday, January 17th at 2:00 pm. A reception to open the exhibit will be held for artists whose work will be on display through January 30th.

The pieces on exhibit are in a variety of mediums by 40 artists who are all members of the Northeast Nebraska Art Association as well as the Association of Nebraska Art Clubs. In an effort to get the members’ works known in smaller communities across the state, they have exhibited most recently in Hartington, Tilden, and Norfolk. NNAA was the driving force behind the creation of the Norfolk Arts Center and continues to be involved at the Center.

The artists include Leroy von Glan, Randel Anderson, Jeri Volk, Bill Hoile, Jane Rhebb, Kathy Eddy, Peg Timmer-Kathol, Wendy Ketelson, Barb Gustafsson, Sue Morfeld, Steve Volk, Elizabeth Johnson, Bev Henkel, and Lavonne Nightengale. The wide variety of mediums includes raku and stoneware, watercolor, acrylic, oil, stained glass, graphite, wood, and photography. Several of the artists will be present at the reception to discuss their selection of medium, subject matter, and processes. Many of the pieces will be for sale.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Learning To Lead series comes to Bancroft

The Bancroft Community building will be the host site for phase I of the Learning To Lead workshops. Phase I workshops will start at 6:00 pm and end at 8:30 pm. The cost of each workshop is $5, $15 for all three phase I workshops, and $40 to register for all three phases. The cost goes toward the purchase of food each night.

The first session, Understanding Personalities will begin at 6:00 on Wednesday, January 13th. Participants must complete the Myers-Briggs personality test on-line in advance. If you are able to attend the first session, please contact Carroll Welte (402) 374-2929 or cwelte1@unl.edu to get the link information to take the Myers-Briggs Personality test on-line.

Bancroft-Rosalie School will cover the cost of up to ten students to attend any of the nine Learning To Lead workshops.
January 20 in Bancroft. A study of leadership styles.
January 27 in Bancroft. How generatinal differences affect the workplace
Phase II
February 10 in Pender. Planning and leading effective meetings
February 17 in Pender. Community leader collaboration.
February 24 in Pender. Managing conflict.
Phase III
March 17 in Lyons. Entrepreneurial and innovative thinking
March 24 in Lyons. Economic development in rural communities.
March 31 in Lyons. Leading economic development.

Monday, January 11, 2010

School Board meeting moved to Wednesday at 8:00 pm

The January school board meeting has been moved to Wednesday night at 8:00 pm in Bancroft because of the basketball games postponed to tonight.

Community Assembly Tuesday at 6:30 pm

On Tuesday there will be a community assembly at 6:30 pm at the school. The assembly will feature presenter Kathy Kreikemeier, who will share opportunities to encourage multiple generations working together to enhance the community.

There will be a separate assembly by Kathy at 10:00 am for grades 9-12. These activities are funded by the Building Entrepreneurial Communities Act Grant. The grant covers the communities of Bancroft-Rosalie, Lyons-Decatur, and Pender-Thurston. The communities are working to attract young people back to their home towns.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Tournament games set for Monday

The consolation games of the post-holiday between Bancroft-Rosalie and West Point High have been scheduled for Monday January 11 at 6:00 pm in West Point.

The junior high games vs, Dodge in Bancroft Monday night will go on as scheduled.

The Monday school board meeting will probably be moved to Tuesday if there are not enough memebers to establish a quorum.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mrs. Schuttler has a baby boy

John and Carri Schuttler are the parents of a new baby boy, Max Edward Schuttler. The baby was born at 7:32 am and weighed 9 pounds 13 ounces and 19 1/2 inches long.

While Mrs. Schuttler is on maternity leave, Ashley Bessmer will be teaching her second grade class. Miss Bessmer was a student teacher at Bancroft-Rosalie School last spring.

Friday, January 8, 2010

H1N1 shots rescheduled for January 25

The H1N1 immunization clinic will be Monday, January 25 at 11:00 am.

The clinic is open to anyone desiring a shot and will be the second dose for children.

A signed consent form is required. These forms are available at the Bancroft-Rosalie School office.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

No School Friday, Games moved to Saturday

The area roads are closed due to snow and the prospects of having them clear Friday morning are small. Therefore, Bancroft-Rosalie will not be having school Friday.

The basketball games with Lutheran High Northeast have been moved to Saturday beginning with the JV girls game at 3:00 pm.

The senior soup supper will also be moved to Saturday. The soup is on at 4:00 pm.

This week's snow days have exceeded the limit for the year. My initial thought on making up two days is to add them in May (May 24 and 25). This would preserve the built in vacation days in February (end of quarter) and April (Easter weekend Friday and Monday).

Any comments from parents? Please respond.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

No school Thursday

Due to the blowing and drifting snow, Bancroft-Rosalie School will be closed Thursday.
Let's hope that the storm eases Thursday afternoon so that the soup supper can go on as planned.

Boys and Girls State applications

Now is the time for juniors to complete their applications for Boys or Girls State. It is one week in June, and as a former Boys Stater I can tell you it is a fun experience interacting with other students from across the state of Nebraska.
The last three years the number of students applying has been down. Two times we could not even get both positions filled.
Parents, please encourage your son or daughter to apply.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Junior ACT test fee rebate

Juniors who take the April ACT test and complete the John Baylor Test Prep program (offered during school time) will have the cost of the ACT test reimbursed, thanks to a grant from EducationQuest.
The ACT registration deadline is March 5. The John Baylor Test Prep classes begin February 9.
Parents- make sure your junior students get signed up.
The school average ACT school has increased since we began using John Baylor.