Friday, December 30, 2011
B-R plays consolation basketball games today at 2:00 and 3:45
Following losses to Guardian Angels Central Catholic, the B-R boys and girls teams play the consolation games this afternoon in Homer. The girls play Lyons-Decatur at 2:00 pm and the boys play Homer at 3:45 pm.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Bancroft Biz Buzz January 13 at the Pub
The next Bizz Buzz Social will take place on Jan. 13th at the Country Pub at 10am to 11am. All community members are welcome to attend and hear about what is happening in Bancroft.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Five Day Activity Moratorium Dec. 23-27
For five days in December, high school athletes across the Nebraska are required to go through what the Nebraska School Activities Association calls, "a five-day dead period," away from school activities.
The moratorium starts Friday December 23 and continues through Tuesday December 27. Athletes are not allowed to participate in any organized practices, conditioning and/or meetings until Wednesday December 28. The school facilities are not to be used by any school students during the moratorium. Please stay out.
The moratorium starts Friday December 23 and continues through Tuesday December 27. Athletes are not allowed to participate in any organized practices, conditioning and/or meetings until Wednesday December 28. The school facilities are not to be used by any school students during the moratorium. Please stay out.
Monday, December 19, 2011
The Geeks Shall Inherit the Earth
Checked out this book through OverDrive this weekend and read through the first 135 pages. This Alexandra Robbins best-seller follows the lives of seven high school students who are part of the "Cafeteria Fringe". Cafeteria Fringe is the label given to people who are not part of or who are excluded from a school's or society's in crowd.
The author makes a case for these students in her "Quirk Theory". Quirk theory suggests that popularity in school is not a key to success and satisfaction in Adulthood. According to Quirk theory, many of the differences that cause a student to be excluded in school are the same traits or real-world skills that others will value, love, respect, or find compelling about that person in adulthood and outside of the school setting. These traits include Individuality, Courage, Creativity,Originality, Freethinking, Vision, Resilience, Authenticity, Self-awareness, Integrity and Candor.
Some examples of successful cafeteria fringe the author uses are Lady Gaga (who I appreciate because for her current campaign against bullying based on her own school experiences) and Steven Spielberg.
There is hope for us Nerds. Don't let others keep you from pursuing your dreams.
The author makes a case for these students in her "Quirk Theory". Quirk theory suggests that popularity in school is not a key to success and satisfaction in Adulthood. According to Quirk theory, many of the differences that cause a student to be excluded in school are the same traits or real-world skills that others will value, love, respect, or find compelling about that person in adulthood and outside of the school setting. These traits include Individuality, Courage, Creativity,Originality, Freethinking, Vision, Resilience, Authenticity, Self-awareness, Integrity and Candor.
Some examples of successful cafeteria fringe the author uses are Lady Gaga (who I appreciate because for her current campaign against bullying based on her own school experiences) and Steven Spielberg.
There is hope for us Nerds. Don't let others keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Checking out e-books through the Bancroft Public Library
The Bancroft Public Library now has access to e-books through a book source known as Overdrive. Patrons are now able to browse and checkout titles from the digital collection at the Overdrive website. E-books can be checked out for 7 or 14 days (depending on the book). After that time you are no longer able to access them unless you renew it. Most titles can be renewed once. Audio books are also available for download.
Popular books may have a long waiting list (I am on hold for John Grisham's The Litigators" behind 42 other people). You will receive e-mail notification when the book is available. You can also check the website to see where you are at on the waiting list.
Getting started on Overdrive
1. Sign up for a library card at the Bancroft Public Library to get your library patron number.
2. Go to the Overdrive website http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com (Save this site as a favorite)
3. Click on "Sign in" in the upper right hand corner.
4. Select your library from the list (Bancroft Public Library)
5. Enter your library patron number (Must get this from the librarian).
6. Use the search engine to check for books by title or author. Or you could scroll down and select a particular genre of book you are interested in and see what is available. (I prefer non-fiction)
7. Find the book you want and in the format you want. (audio, ePub, Kindle, PDF)
If it is available click on "add to cart."
If it is not available click on "place a hold."
8. When you are finished "shopping" and have books in your "cart", then you will need to click "Proceed to checkout" to finalize the download.
9. In order to open the book to read you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions which is a free download from Adobe. If you download using a computer other than a Mac, you will probably need to sign up for an Adobe account.
Happy reading!! Hope B-R students utilize this resource to read more books.
Popular books may have a long waiting list (I am on hold for John Grisham's The Litigators" behind 42 other people). You will receive e-mail notification when the book is available. You can also check the website to see where you are at on the waiting list.
Getting started on Overdrive
1. Sign up for a library card at the Bancroft Public Library to get your library patron number.
2. Go to the Overdrive website http://nebraska.lib.overdrive.com (Save this site as a favorite)
3. Click on "Sign in" in the upper right hand corner.
4. Select your library from the list (Bancroft Public Library)
5. Enter your library patron number (Must get this from the librarian).
6. Use the search engine to check for books by title or author. Or you could scroll down and select a particular genre of book you are interested in and see what is available. (I prefer non-fiction)
7. Find the book you want and in the format you want. (audio, ePub, Kindle, PDF)
If it is available click on "add to cart."
If it is not available click on "place a hold."
8. When you are finished "shopping" and have books in your "cart", then you will need to click "Proceed to checkout" to finalize the download.
9. In order to open the book to read you will need to download Adobe Digital Editions which is a free download from Adobe. If you download using a computer other than a Mac, you will probably need to sign up for an Adobe account.
Happy reading!! Hope B-R students utilize this resource to read more books.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Football District 2012 and 2013
District D2-3
Bancroft-Rosalie
Lyons-Decatur
Scribner-Snyder
Humphrey
Humphrey St. Francis
Lindsay Holy Family
Bancroft-Rosalie
Lyons-Decatur
Scribner-Snyder
Humphrey
Humphrey St. Francis
Lindsay Holy Family
Nebraska School accountability
The Nebraska Board of Education has approved a system for measuring how well schools educate their students. The "accountability model" is a point system the Nebraska Department of Education will use to rank schools based on state test scores and student growth from year to year. The student growth aspect gives schools the opportunity to show how much each student improves from year to the next. I believe this is the best way to measure a schools performance. Now they need to decide on other forms of data besides state assessments which can measure student growth during the school year. I prefer the MAP test (Measures of Academic Performance) for this.
No decision has been made yet on how to deal with the schools at the bottom of the rankings. One bill in the legislature would take away school accreditation if a school is on the lowest-performing list for five years. That bill would have required an intervention team to devise a progress plan for the lowest-performing schools that is reviewed annually.
Nebraska is operating under the No Child Left Behind law that requires all schools to have 100 percent student proficiency by 2013-14. This is an unrealistic expectation that all students will be proficient.
No decision has been made yet on how to deal with the schools at the bottom of the rankings. One bill in the legislature would take away school accreditation if a school is on the lowest-performing list for five years. That bill would have required an intervention team to devise a progress plan for the lowest-performing schools that is reviewed annually.
Nebraska is operating under the No Child Left Behind law that requires all schools to have 100 percent student proficiency by 2013-14. This is an unrealistic expectation that all students will be proficient.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
2012-13 Football classifications- Eight man
Here are the classifications for D-1 and D-2 for the next two years.
School Board summary
The December meeting of the Bancroft-Rosalie School Board was held Monday, December 12, 2011 at 9:00 p.m. in the school library. Dr. Cerny presented the November transportation report and informed the board that Monday March 12 will be a teacher workday.
In new business the board approved the audit and the annual report. The staff Christmas gathering at the Country Pub was set for Thursday, December 22. A bid from Bleacher Solutions was accepted for bleacher maintenance and repair. The bid opening for the new addition were tabled until the January 9 board meeting to allow the contractors more time to finalize their numbers.
In old business the board approved the cooperative agreement with Pender and West Point Beemer Public Schools for baseball in 2011 and 2012. A resolution was passed dissolving the golf cooperative with Pender due to the high numbers of golf participants at each school. Bancroft-Rosalie will have its own golf team this spring.
In new business the board approved the audit and the annual report. The staff Christmas gathering at the Country Pub was set for Thursday, December 22. A bid from Bleacher Solutions was accepted for bleacher maintenance and repair. The bid opening for the new addition were tabled until the January 9 board meeting to allow the contractors more time to finalize their numbers.
In old business the board approved the cooperative agreement with Pender and West Point Beemer Public Schools for baseball in 2011 and 2012. A resolution was passed dissolving the golf cooperative with Pender due to the high numbers of golf participants at each school. Bancroft-Rosalie will have its own golf team this spring.
Monday, December 12, 2011
School Board Meeting tonight
The bid opening on the agenda for tonight will be tabled until the January meeting to allow the bidders more time to get bid numbers put together.
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 12, 2011 --- 9:00 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the November 14, 2011 regular board meeting.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A. Approve baseball cooperative agreement
B. Dissolve golf cooperative agreement
9. New Business:
A. Approve the 2010-11 audit.
B. Approve the 2010-11 annual report.
C. Approve amount for staff Christmas
D. Open bids for the building addition.
E, Approve bid for bleacher maintenance
10. Discussion Items
A.
11. Executive Session.
12. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, January 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
13. Adjournment.
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, December 12, 2011 --- 9:00 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the November 14, 2011 regular board meeting.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A. Approve baseball cooperative agreement
B. Dissolve golf cooperative agreement
9. New Business:
A. Approve the 2010-11 audit.
B. Approve the 2010-11 annual report.
C. Approve amount for staff Christmas
D. Open bids for the building addition.
E, Approve bid for bleacher maintenance
10. Discussion Items
A.
11. Executive Session.
12. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, January 9, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
13. Adjournment.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Makala Muller signs wih Briar Cliff University
Last Monday, Briar Cliff Head Volleyball coach Jill Muhe came to the Bancroft-Rosalie School gym to sign Makala Muller for volleyball next year. Makala informed me that she is currently undecided about her college major at Briar Cliff.
Why does Nebraska need more college graduates?
This information is from the "LB 637 Study of Dual Enrollment and Career Academies in Nebraska: Current practice and recommendations for the future," Prepared by Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education in December 2011.
"A recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that, as the economy slowly recovers, there will be a growing disconnect between the types of jobs employers need to fill and the numbers of Americans who possess the education and training required to fill them.
The report, Help Wanted: Projecting Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018, forecasts that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require at least some postsecondary education.
In Nebraska, that need is projected to be even greater, with 66 percent of jobs requiring postsecondary education by 2018 – the seventh-highest percentage among all states. Within the next six years, that translates to 56,000 new jobs in Nebraska that will require postsecondary education. (Carnevale, Smith,& Strohl, 2010)
Even though progress toward Nebraska’s higher-education goals is generally in the right direction, it is not aggressive enough to meet the state’s long-term needs and goals – including this growing need for a more educated workforce. As indicated in the state’s 2011 Higher Education Progress Report, produced by the Coordinating Commission, data indicates that:
• The college-going rate of Nebraska high school students continues to improve, but is not high enough to place the state among the top 10 nationally;
• Freshmen retention rates have risen only slightly since 2004, and college graduation rates also are only slightly higher. Furthermore, graduation rates are significantly lower for Hispanics, blacks, and Native Americans compared to white and Asian undergraduate students; and
• Nebraska’s needy students – particularly males – are enrolling and succeeding in higher education at much lower rates than their higher-income classmates.
Nebraska must address this issue through a comprehensive set of strategies that encourage our young people to graduate high school, advance to postsecondary education, and earn credentials that prepare them to be productive members of the state workforce, as well as more informed, involved members of their communities. Furthermore, these efforts must target not only high-achieving students – as has
been the case traditionally in this country – but our underrepresented student populations, such as minorities and those from low-income families. Dual-enrollment and similar programs should be a part of this effort."
"A recent report from the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows that, as the economy slowly recovers, there will be a growing disconnect between the types of jobs employers need to fill and the numbers of Americans who possess the education and training required to fill them.
The report, Help Wanted: Projecting Jobs and Education Requirements Through 2018, forecasts that by 2018, 63 percent of all jobs will require at least some postsecondary education.
In Nebraska, that need is projected to be even greater, with 66 percent of jobs requiring postsecondary education by 2018 – the seventh-highest percentage among all states. Within the next six years, that translates to 56,000 new jobs in Nebraska that will require postsecondary education. (Carnevale, Smith,& Strohl, 2010)
Even though progress toward Nebraska’s higher-education goals is generally in the right direction, it is not aggressive enough to meet the state’s long-term needs and goals – including this growing need for a more educated workforce. As indicated in the state’s 2011 Higher Education Progress Report, produced by the Coordinating Commission, data indicates that:
• The college-going rate of Nebraska high school students continues to improve, but is not high enough to place the state among the top 10 nationally;
• Freshmen retention rates have risen only slightly since 2004, and college graduation rates also are only slightly higher. Furthermore, graduation rates are significantly lower for Hispanics, blacks, and Native Americans compared to white and Asian undergraduate students; and
• Nebraska’s needy students – particularly males – are enrolling and succeeding in higher education at much lower rates than their higher-income classmates.
Nebraska must address this issue through a comprehensive set of strategies that encourage our young people to graduate high school, advance to postsecondary education, and earn credentials that prepare them to be productive members of the state workforce, as well as more informed, involved members of their communities. Furthermore, these efforts must target not only high-achieving students – as has
been the case traditionally in this country – but our underrepresented student populations, such as minorities and those from low-income families. Dual-enrollment and similar programs should be a part of this effort."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
NSAA releases Enrollment figures to be used for 2012-13 classifications
After looking over the enrollment figures, it appears that Bancroft-Rosalie will be D-2 next year for Fall and Winter sports, and probably D-1 in speech and play production. Track and golf will be Class D, softball class C, and baseball Class B.
Football districts should be released in the next week.
Football districts should be released in the next week.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Fall Sports All-state recognition
Four B-R volleyball players and three football players were recognized as all-state honorable mention. The volleyball players are Jessica Tietz, Makala Muller, Allie Vogt and Carly Tietz. The football players are Eric Browning, Anthony Bonneau and Shieler Bolen-Greve.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Nebraska Statute 79-210 School Attendance
Nebraska Statute 79-210 requires all public schools to notify the County Attorney if a student (ages 6-18) misses twenty or more days of school. Bancroft-Rosalie School will comply with the statute and report all students that are absent more than 20 days to the County Attorney in the County in which the student resides. The School will include in the letter any information on illnesses or other extreme circumstances that have impacted the student’s ability to attend school.
I have attached copies of the letters that will be used to contact parents regarding their child's excessive absences. The school must report the number of students with excessive absences to the state and also how many students were referred to the County Attorney.
I have attached copies of the letters that will be used to contact parents regarding their child's excessive absences. The school must report the number of students with excessive absences to the state and also how many students were referred to the County Attorney.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Nebraska bill would require the Pledge of Allegiance in schools
Nebraska State Sen. Tony Fulton says he will introduce a bill in January that would require that the Pledge of Allegiance be said in each public school classroom. The bill would also require that each classroom display an American flag. The hope is that reciting the pledge will teach students patriotism.
Now, schools are required only to have an American flag prominently displayed. Many Nebraska classrooms say the pledge each school day even though it's not required by state law.
The Nebraska bill would be modeled after a Massachusetts law that does not compel
students to participate in the pledge.
The Supreme Court has ruled that requiring the pledge in schools is unconstitutional
unless it provides for parents or students to opt out.
I have two concerns with this bill. First, what are the consequences if a classroom does not say the Pledge of Allegiance? Does the teacher get charged with a crime? Second, the bill would require ALL public classrooms, including college and University classrooms (Good luck enforcing that).
I have not observed that Nebraska students are lacking in patriotism. But I am willing to accept this bill, should it pass, as long as the Pledge can be said once together as a school at the beginning of the day, and that the requirement ends after high school. And add an amendment that the State Legislature says the Pledge before each hearing and legislative session.
Now, schools are required only to have an American flag prominently displayed. Many Nebraska classrooms say the pledge each school day even though it's not required by state law.
The Nebraska bill would be modeled after a Massachusetts law that does not compel
students to participate in the pledge.
The Supreme Court has ruled that requiring the pledge in schools is unconstitutional
unless it provides for parents or students to opt out.
I have two concerns with this bill. First, what are the consequences if a classroom does not say the Pledge of Allegiance? Does the teacher get charged with a crime? Second, the bill would require ALL public classrooms, including college and University classrooms (Good luck enforcing that).
I have not observed that Nebraska students are lacking in patriotism. But I am willing to accept this bill, should it pass, as long as the Pledge can be said once together as a school at the beginning of the day, and that the requirement ends after high school. And add an amendment that the State Legislature says the Pledge before each hearing and legislative session.
Friday, December 2, 2011
College-Going Rate for Bancroft-Rosalie School for the High School Class of 2009-2010
The report "College-Going Rates for Nebraska Public High Schools for the High School Class of 2009-2010" presents the estimated college-going rates for each of Nebraska’s 276 public high schools that awarded regular high school diplomas in 2009-2010. These estimates are based on data obtained from the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC).
Bancroft-Rosalie School reported 22 graduates and 16 attending college from the class of 2009-10. That is a 72.7% attendance rate. That places us above the state average of 71.9%, but not at our goal of 100% college attendance. Other area school rates for 09-10 include Pender- 86%, Wisner-Pilger- 79%, West Point-Beemer- 75%, and Walthill 8%.
In 2007-08 the rates were Bancroft-Rosalie: 78%, Lyons-Decatur: 78%, Pender: 80%, West Point Beemer: 76%, Wisner-Pilger 78% and Walthill 0%.
The National Student Clearinghouse is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a central repository of postsecondary student enrollment, degree and diploma data voluntarily submitted by more than 3,300 colleges and universities. In total, these institutions enroll more than 90% of the college students in the United States.
The National Student Clearinghouse is currently the only reliable source of data for estimating the college continuation rates of all of Nebraska’s public high schools. The data obtained from the Clearinghouse are not perfect because some Nebraska high school graduates go to colleges that do not submit their enrollment files to the
Clearinghouse. These would include several beauty schools and some technical colleges like ITT. However, the estimates based on Clearinghouse data are the best available.
Bancroft-Rosalie School reported 22 graduates and 16 attending college from the class of 2009-10. That is a 72.7% attendance rate. That places us above the state average of 71.9%, but not at our goal of 100% college attendance. Other area school rates for 09-10 include Pender- 86%, Wisner-Pilger- 79%, West Point-Beemer- 75%, and Walthill 8%.
In 2007-08 the rates were Bancroft-Rosalie: 78%, Lyons-Decatur: 78%, Pender: 80%, West Point Beemer: 76%, Wisner-Pilger 78% and Walthill 0%.
The National Student Clearinghouse is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a central repository of postsecondary student enrollment, degree and diploma data voluntarily submitted by more than 3,300 colleges and universities. In total, these institutions enroll more than 90% of the college students in the United States.
The National Student Clearinghouse is currently the only reliable source of data for estimating the college continuation rates of all of Nebraska’s public high schools. The data obtained from the Clearinghouse are not perfect because some Nebraska high school graduates go to colleges that do not submit their enrollment files to the
Clearinghouse. These would include several beauty schools and some technical colleges like ITT. However, the estimates based on Clearinghouse data are the best available.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
B-R 2011 Cohort Four-Year Graduation Rate 96.0%
What is a Cohort Four-Year Graduation Rate?
This is the way that graduation rates for high schools in Nebraska are now being determined. (Previously schools self-reported drop-out's and graduates).
A cohort represents the set of students sharing an expected graduation year. The expected graduation year is determined by adding four years to the school year when the student reaches 9th grade for the first time and remains unchanged. The 2011 graduation cohort is the group of students who entered 9th grade for the first time in the 2007-08 school year.
The Cohort Four-Year Graduation Rate is calculated by dividing the number of students in a cohort who graduate with a regular high school diploma in four years or less by the number of students in the Graduation Cohort.
The cohort is “adjusted” by adding any students transferring into the cohort and by subtracting any students who transfer out, emigrate to another country, or die during the time before the expected graduation year.
The High School Diploma Recipients count does not include certificates of achievement/attendance, alternative awards or General Education Diplomas (GED), those students remain in the denominator.
Why is this important?
High schools that are below a 75% Cohort graduation rate will be identified as a low achieving school.
This is the way that graduation rates for high schools in Nebraska are now being determined. (Previously schools self-reported drop-out's and graduates).
A cohort represents the set of students sharing an expected graduation year. The expected graduation year is determined by adding four years to the school year when the student reaches 9th grade for the first time and remains unchanged. The 2011 graduation cohort is the group of students who entered 9th grade for the first time in the 2007-08 school year.
The Cohort Four-Year Graduation Rate is calculated by dividing the number of students in a cohort who graduate with a regular high school diploma in four years or less by the number of students in the Graduation Cohort.
The cohort is “adjusted” by adding any students transferring into the cohort and by subtracting any students who transfer out, emigrate to another country, or die during the time before the expected graduation year.
The High School Diploma Recipients count does not include certificates of achievement/attendance, alternative awards or General Education Diplomas (GED), those students remain in the denominator.
Why is this important?
High schools that are below a 75% Cohort graduation rate will be identified as a low achieving school.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
B-R One Act gets 2nd at Districts
"Games", the B-R One Act Play, received one 1st, one 2nd, and one 3rd from the three judges at the District contest. Humphrey St. Francis won the contest with one 1st and 2 2nd place votes. Clarkson was third with One 1st and two 3rd place votes. St. Francis will advance to the State competition in Kearney.
The following students received recognition for their performance:
Amanda Brummond, Jasmine Greenfield, Molly Hermelbracht, Ian Nottlemann, Olivia Nottlemann, Shelby Ostrand, Cameron Smyth, Jessica Tietz, Brianna Wegner and Ryan Wellman.
Congratulations play cast.
The following students received recognition for their performance:
Amanda Brummond, Jasmine Greenfield, Molly Hermelbracht, Ian Nottlemann, Olivia Nottlemann, Shelby Ostrand, Cameron Smyth, Jessica Tietz, Brianna Wegner and Ryan Wellman.
Congratulations play cast.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Twelve areas of national need
As students begin to look at different career choices, they should be aware of the twelve areas of national need. The federal government has identified certain fields that are crucial to national innovation, competitiveness and well-being in which not enough students complete degrees.
Twelve areas of national need (from National Center for Education Statistics):
1. Agriculture and conservation sciences
2. Biological and life sciences
3. Computer and information sciences
4. Education (elementary, early childhood, special education, mathematics, science,
foreign languages, bilingual education)
5. Engineering and engineering-related technologies
6. Foreign languages and literature (general foreign languages and literatures,
linguistics, foreign language interpretation and translation)
7. Health professions and related sciences
8. Mathematics
9. Nursing
10. Physical sciences
11. Protective services and criminal justice
12. Social work.
In 2002, only 31.5% of the 1,242,310 bachelor's degrees awarded in 2002 (the most recent year I could find statistics) were in these areas. Notice most areas are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math- often referred to as STEM.
Twelve areas of national need (from National Center for Education Statistics):
1. Agriculture and conservation sciences
2. Biological and life sciences
3. Computer and information sciences
4. Education (elementary, early childhood, special education, mathematics, science,
foreign languages, bilingual education)
5. Engineering and engineering-related technologies
6. Foreign languages and literature (general foreign languages and literatures,
linguistics, foreign language interpretation and translation)
7. Health professions and related sciences
8. Mathematics
9. Nursing
10. Physical sciences
11. Protective services and criminal justice
12. Social work.
In 2002, only 31.5% of the 1,242,310 bachelor's degrees awarded in 2002 (the most recent year I could find statistics) were in these areas. Notice most areas are in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math- often referred to as STEM.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Doc Egerman leaves $5000 to B-R music department
The school received a check over the weekend for $5000 from the Lyle Egerman Estate. The money was designated for the music department. Doc was always a supporter of the Arts in Bancroft, attending many school and Neihardt Center events. It was nice of Doc to remember the school music department with his generous gift. Jason Smith is looking into the purchase of some new instruments with the funds.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
All-Conference Volleyball
Lewis and Clark Conference
East Division
Shelby Lienemann Sr. Winside
Shelby Olsen Sr. Newcastle
Jessica Tietz Sr. Bancroft-Rosalie
Hannah Finnegan Jr. Allen
Brittany Sullivan Jr. Allen
Jerae Doffin Sr. Winside
Nazya Theis Jr. Winside
Marcell Grant Jr. Walthill
Lindsey Jones So. Allen
Shannon Gray Jr. Winside
Honorable Mention
Erin Gray Sr. Winside
Erin Sorenson So. Bancroft-Rosalie
Bridget Gray Jr. Winside
Brook Cayou So. Walthill
Devin Jacobs Jr. Newcastle
Rachel Finnegan Fr. Allen
Makayla Mueller Sr. Bancroft-Rosalie
Allie Vogt So. Bancroft-Rosalie
East Division
Shelby Lienemann Sr. Winside
Shelby Olsen Sr. Newcastle
Jessica Tietz Sr. Bancroft-Rosalie
Hannah Finnegan Jr. Allen
Brittany Sullivan Jr. Allen
Jerae Doffin Sr. Winside
Nazya Theis Jr. Winside
Marcell Grant Jr. Walthill
Lindsey Jones So. Allen
Shannon Gray Jr. Winside
Honorable Mention
Erin Gray Sr. Winside
Erin Sorenson So. Bancroft-Rosalie
Bridget Gray Jr. Winside
Brook Cayou So. Walthill
Devin Jacobs Jr. Newcastle
Rachel Finnegan Fr. Allen
Makayla Mueller Sr. Bancroft-Rosalie
Allie Vogt So. Bancroft-Rosalie
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Study finds that preschool improves reading scores
The National School Boards Association Center for Public Education recently released their report "Starting Out Right: Pre-K and Kindergarten." This report evaluated how different approaches to early childhood effected third grade reading scores, since students who are proficient readers in third grade are more likely to be successful in future grades.
Major findings of the report included:
1. Students that attend a preschool and a half-day kindergarten have significantly higher reading levels by third grade than students who attend only a full day kindergarten.
2. Students who attend a full-day kindergarten make greater academic gains and are less likely to be retained in the early grades than students who attend half-day kindergarten.
3. Two is better then one. A combination of preschool and full day kindergarten is best; but a combination of preschool and half day kindergarten is better then full day kindergarten alone.
It seems that the B-R program of half-day preschool for two years followed by full day kindergarten gives our students the best chance for success.
Major findings of the report included:
1. Students that attend a preschool and a half-day kindergarten have significantly higher reading levels by third grade than students who attend only a full day kindergarten.
2. Students who attend a full-day kindergarten make greater academic gains and are less likely to be retained in the early grades than students who attend half-day kindergarten.
3. Two is better then one. A combination of preschool and full day kindergarten is best; but a combination of preschool and half day kindergarten is better then full day kindergarten alone.
It seems that the B-R program of half-day preschool for two years followed by full day kindergarten gives our students the best chance for success.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
School Board news- Baseball cooperative to add West Point-Beemer
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Board News
The November meeting of the Bancroft-Rosalie School Board was held Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. Dr. Cerny presented: the October transportation report; District tax history; and students with excessive absences.
In new business the board voted to amend the budget by increasing the Bond Fund to $2,310,000 to allow for repayment of bonds refunded last spring. The board also approved adding West Point-Beemer to the baseball cooperative this spring and approving the final baseball agreement at the December meeting.
The board reviewed the documents for the modular addition to the existing secondary building. It was decided to remove the electric furnace from the bidding and purchase that separately so that it is compatible with the existing system. The documents were approved and will be released for bids. The bids will be opened at the December Board meeting.
Principal Sjuts gave a preliminary report on teacher evaluations. The board also reviewed the district multicultural program and the technology plan.
The November meeting of the Bancroft-Rosalie School Board was held Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the school library. Dr. Cerny presented: the October transportation report; District tax history; and students with excessive absences.
In new business the board voted to amend the budget by increasing the Bond Fund to $2,310,000 to allow for repayment of bonds refunded last spring. The board also approved adding West Point-Beemer to the baseball cooperative this spring and approving the final baseball agreement at the December meeting.
The board reviewed the documents for the modular addition to the existing secondary building. It was decided to remove the electric furnace from the bidding and purchase that separately so that it is compatible with the existing system. The documents were approved and will be released for bids. The bids will be opened at the December Board meeting.
Principal Sjuts gave a preliminary report on teacher evaluations. The board also reviewed the district multicultural program and the technology plan.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Rief Design Video
Here is the link to the U Tube video at the Rief Design Open House.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEV07pSlvWI&feature=email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEV07pSlvWI&feature=email
Grandmas Attic Video
To see the U Tube video of Grandma's Attic Open House go to the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpEXQUIOkWw&feature=email
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpEXQUIOkWw&feature=email
School Board Agenda Nov. 14, 2011
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 14, 2011 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the October 10, 2011 regular board meeting.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A.
9. New Business:
A. Annual review of Multicultural program.
B. Annual review of technology
C. Preliminary teacher evaluation
D. Amend 2011-12 Budget
E. Approve cooperative agreement for baseball.
F. Approve building addition documents before releasing for bids.
G. Accept bid for snow removal.
10. Executive session-
11. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
12. Adjournment.
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, November 14, 2011 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft.
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the October 10, 2011 regular board meeting.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A.
9. New Business:
A. Annual review of Multicultural program.
B. Annual review of technology
C. Preliminary teacher evaluation
D. Amend 2011-12 Budget
E. Approve cooperative agreement for baseball.
F. Approve building addition documents before releasing for bids.
G. Accept bid for snow removal.
10. Executive session-
11. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
12. Adjournment.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Bancroft Business Social Friday 10:00 am
The November Bancroft Business social will be held at Rief Design and Manufacturing at 10:00 am. Rief Design is located at 2275 N Road. The drawing for community survey prizes will be awarded.
All District Football Team
D1-2 All District team
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarter Back –
Zach Johnson Pender
Running Backs-
Ben Bermester Pender
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
Brandon Cline Omaha Nation
Ends –
Austin Heineman Pender
Joey Merritt Bancroft-Rosalie
Line–
Connor Fillipi Pender
Nick Svoboda Pender
Isaac Jessen Emerson-Hubbard
Brady Petersen Bancroft-Rosalie
Kicker-
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
DEFENSE
Defensive line –
Nick Svoboda Pender
Shieler Bolen-Greve Bancroft-Rosalie
Mason Renning Emerson-Hubbard
Eugene Zach Winnebago
Linebackers –
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
Justin Miller Emerson-Hubbard
Dyllan Fredrickson Pender
Cory Sebade Pender
Defensive backs
Anthony Bonneau Bancroft-Rosalie
Zach Johnson Pender
Eric Hansen Emerson-Hubbard
Punter-
Adam Drieling Emerson-Hubbard
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarter Back –
Anthony Bonneau Bancroft-Rosalie
Running Backs-
Richard Kearnes Winnebago
Klint Conroy Pender
Cornell Hamilton Winnebago
Line –
Mike Schmidt Pender
Joey Galvin Omaha Nation
Ethan Trenhaile Emerson-Hubbard
Ends-
Kyle Gutzman Emerson-Hubbard
Brody VanDeBurg Pender
DEFENSE
Defensive line –
Andre Berg Bancroft-Rosalie
Patrick Mackling Emerson-Hubbard
Quinn Malmberg Pender
Linebackers –
Ben Burmester Pender
Landon Frenchman Winnebago
Chase Morgan Emerson-Hubbard
Defensive backs
Carsten Tietz Bancroft-Rosalie
Austin Heineman Pender
Tyren Saunsoci Omaha Nation
Greg Neff Winnebago
Honorable Mention
Auston Darnell Bancroft-Rosalie
Drake Luedert Bancroft-Rosalie
Daniel Lyday Bancroft-Rosalie
Logan Peters Pender
Nathan Hogan Emerson-Hubbard
Austin Emmons Emerson-Hubbard
Trey Sheridan Omaha Nation
Hugo Rodas Omaha Nation
Jason GhostDog Winnebago
TaeRyan Parker Winnebago
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarter Back –
Zach Johnson Pender
Running Backs-
Ben Bermester Pender
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
Brandon Cline Omaha Nation
Ends –
Austin Heineman Pender
Joey Merritt Bancroft-Rosalie
Line–
Connor Fillipi Pender
Nick Svoboda Pender
Isaac Jessen Emerson-Hubbard
Brady Petersen Bancroft-Rosalie
Kicker-
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
DEFENSE
Defensive line –
Nick Svoboda Pender
Shieler Bolen-Greve Bancroft-Rosalie
Mason Renning Emerson-Hubbard
Eugene Zach Winnebago
Linebackers –
Eric Browning Bancroft-Rosalie
Justin Miller Emerson-Hubbard
Dyllan Fredrickson Pender
Cory Sebade Pender
Defensive backs
Anthony Bonneau Bancroft-Rosalie
Zach Johnson Pender
Eric Hansen Emerson-Hubbard
Punter-
Adam Drieling Emerson-Hubbard
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarter Back –
Anthony Bonneau Bancroft-Rosalie
Running Backs-
Richard Kearnes Winnebago
Klint Conroy Pender
Cornell Hamilton Winnebago
Line –
Mike Schmidt Pender
Joey Galvin Omaha Nation
Ethan Trenhaile Emerson-Hubbard
Ends-
Kyle Gutzman Emerson-Hubbard
Brody VanDeBurg Pender
DEFENSE
Defensive line –
Andre Berg Bancroft-Rosalie
Patrick Mackling Emerson-Hubbard
Quinn Malmberg Pender
Linebackers –
Ben Burmester Pender
Landon Frenchman Winnebago
Chase Morgan Emerson-Hubbard
Defensive backs
Carsten Tietz Bancroft-Rosalie
Austin Heineman Pender
Tyren Saunsoci Omaha Nation
Greg Neff Winnebago
Honorable Mention
Auston Darnell Bancroft-Rosalie
Drake Luedert Bancroft-Rosalie
Daniel Lyday Bancroft-Rosalie
Logan Peters Pender
Nathan Hogan Emerson-Hubbard
Austin Emmons Emerson-Hubbard
Trey Sheridan Omaha Nation
Hugo Rodas Omaha Nation
Jason GhostDog Winnebago
TaeRyan Parker Winnebago
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Budget amendment won't affect taxes
Last year Bancroft-Rosalie School refunded approximately $1,767,068 of bonds that were previously issued. The refunding saved the district several thousand dollars because the new bonds were issued at a lower interest rate. The old bonds were called in and the payment date will be in January 2012. This amount was left off the 2011-12 budget because it was thought that they would be paid in the 2010-11 budget year. The school auditor noticed this during our annual audit and recommended that the budget be amended to pay for the refunding.
At the November board meeting the school board will be taking action to amend the 2011-12 bond fund from $510,000 to $2,204,000. There will be no change in the property tax asking because the payment will be made from the proceeds of the refunded bonds.
At the November board meeting the school board will be taking action to amend the 2011-12 bond fund from $510,000 to $2,204,000. There will be no change in the property tax asking because the payment will be made from the proceeds of the refunded bonds.
Monday, November 7, 2011
B-R alum having success on the web
Brigitte Gregg graduated from Bancroft-Rosalie in 1998. She started as a newspaper advice columnist for the Lincoln Journal-Star. Writing led to podcasting, and podcasting led to creating several successful web series and a large audience for her personal video blog. She writes/blogs under the name Brigitte Dale.
Brigitte moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and works as a director, writer, or actress. She was a 2010 Streamy Nominee for best VideoBlogger. She was named one of G4's "ten hottest women on the web," won the title of Yahoo Internet Personality of 2008 and was chosen as NatureMade's "Good Mood Blogger" last year.
Brigitte has written/produced/hosted shows for AOL, ABC Family, Ford Motor Company, and NASA.
Her website is www.brigittedale.com and you can view her videoblogs on You-Tube by searching for Brigitte Dale.
Pretty cool. Congrats Brigitte.
Brigitte moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and works as a director, writer, or actress. She was a 2010 Streamy Nominee for best VideoBlogger. She was named one of G4's "ten hottest women on the web," won the title of Yahoo Internet Personality of 2008 and was chosen as NatureMade's "Good Mood Blogger" last year.
Brigitte has written/produced/hosted shows for AOL, ABC Family, Ford Motor Company, and NASA.
Her website is www.brigittedale.com and you can view her videoblogs on You-Tube by searching for Brigitte Dale.
Pretty cool. Congrats Brigitte.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Doane Senior Day (Devon Niewohner] this Saturday
The Doane Football seniors will play their last home game this Saturday in Crete against Dordt College. According to the Doane website, B-R alum Devon Niewohner and the other Doane seniors will be recognized before the game. Kick-off is at 1:00 pm.
Join me in Crete Saturday. You can watch Devon play and catch the second half of the Nebraska game on BTN at a local Crete Sports Bar.
Join me in Crete Saturday. You can watch Devon play and catch the second half of the Nebraska game on BTN at a local Crete Sports Bar.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
B-R student results on PLAN and EXPLORE tests
The student results are in from the PLAN (grade 10) and EXPLORE (grades 8-9) tests. These tests are pre-ACT tests that indicate student strengths and weaknesses. Our students did very well overall.
Based on the test composite (total) score, these students scored above the 50%ile (based on national scores).
Grade 10 PLAN test- 15 of 19 students scored above 50%
Grade 9 EXPLORE test- 12 of 17 scored above 50%
Grade 8 EXPLORE test- 9 of 16 scored above 50%
The scores suggest that our students gave their best effort on the tests. Congratulations. I will be correlating these scores with the students scores on the MAP test and the NeSA state assessment to see which area(s) each student can improve on.
The guidance counselors will be meeting with students to discuss the results.
Based on the test composite (total) score, these students scored above the 50%ile (based on national scores).
Grade 10 PLAN test- 15 of 19 students scored above 50%
Grade 9 EXPLORE test- 12 of 17 scored above 50%
Grade 8 EXPLORE test- 9 of 16 scored above 50%
The scores suggest that our students gave their best effort on the tests. Congratulations. I will be correlating these scores with the students scores on the MAP test and the NeSA state assessment to see which area(s) each student can improve on.
The guidance counselors will be meeting with students to discuss the results.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
"The Coming Job Wars"
Gallup CEO Jim Clifton's new book, "the Coming Job Wars", identifies 10 demands America must master to remain the leading country in the world. Schools can address demand #6- to cut the school drop-out rates. According to Clifton,"too many young people lose hope in their futures as employed, stable adults. So how do schools raise the hopes of young people? What steps can schools take to increase student motivation in school? Most experts tell us to engage students in their schoolwork and make school relevant and meaningful.
The one-to-one computer initiative is one way B-R is trying to engage students. In addition to on-line testing and 24 hour access to class materials, one goal of 1:1 is to have students using technology and the internet for problem solving and critical thinking. We are continuing to move forward in this area.
Career Education is also a focus at B-R. We want all of our students college or career ready by the time they graduate from high school. Career planning is part of junior high Life Skills class. All students will visit at least 3 college campuses in high school. The curriculum provides opportunities for earning college credit during high school. The school is working to provide a career pathway for each of the 6 career fields identified by the Nebraska Department of Education (Ag is the one area we want to offer through distance learning).
Clifton says, "the will of the world is to have a good job." Students need the support of both the parents and the school to help them stay focused on their future.
The one-to-one computer initiative is one way B-R is trying to engage students. In addition to on-line testing and 24 hour access to class materials, one goal of 1:1 is to have students using technology and the internet for problem solving and critical thinking. We are continuing to move forward in this area.
Career Education is also a focus at B-R. We want all of our students college or career ready by the time they graduate from high school. Career planning is part of junior high Life Skills class. All students will visit at least 3 college campuses in high school. The curriculum provides opportunities for earning college credit during high school. The school is working to provide a career pathway for each of the 6 career fields identified by the Nebraska Department of Education (Ag is the one area we want to offer through distance learning).
Clifton says, "the will of the world is to have a good job." Students need the support of both the parents and the school to help them stay focused on their future.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Governor Heineman's comments on Education- part 2
In an earlier blog I commented on Governor Heineman's interview with the World Herald (October 9, 2011) on education in Nebraska. Here is what he said about changes that might boost student performance.
Heineman- "We need a longer school day and a longer school year. Kids who aren't performing, help them out in the summer.---(In Fremont)We were going to have kids in the fourth grade who could do fifth grade math go to the fifth grade class. "And, Oh. we can't do that." They can play together in the under 12 soccer league, but they can't be in different classes just because of age? We have to get away from some of the old mind-sets. If kids can progress faster, so be it. If we can challenge more kids in the last half of their senior year, let them take dual credit courses at community colleges.."
My opinion- I agree that a longer school year would increase student achievement (right now most schools in Nebraska schedule 180 days). Other countries have students in school at least 200 days, many are at 220 days. But the cost of adding school days makes it unaffordable in the minds of many. Especially if schools cannot produce evidence of increased learning.
As far as placing students into classes by age, in the Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary we want students placed at the correct level of difficulty so that the student can be successful. If the work is not challenging the student, we want to accelerate that student into a higher level of work. This is called cross-grade grouping. The problem with placing students is that we want to avoid placement decisions based on "parental energy"- a term I heard used by an Elkhorn administrator to describe efforts by parents to get students placed into classes that the student did not meet the critieria for. We have to get past the excuses ("my child is not a good test taker", or "it might hurt their self-esteem")and make academic decisions based on student data. Some might argue that too much emphasis is placed on reading, writing and math, but if students don't master these skills when they are young, that limits their potential as adults. There are many people who are comfortable with the status quo of "the haves and the have-nots". Public schools should be a place where family social status does not effect student learning.
I also enjoyed the sports analogy. He has a point. I know of football coaches that will spends hours on weekends collecting data on their players (watching film) and making very detailed practice plans to improve player performance. How can we get the same enthusiasm for teaching math, or science, or english?
As for dual credit courses, B-R offers a possibility of up to 29 credits through Northeast Community College. Currently 21 B-R students are taking dual credit classes.
I am glad to see our Governor is a supporter of many of the things we are doing at B-R. I hope he will support providing the resources necessary for all Nebraska schools to improve student performance.
Heineman- "We need a longer school day and a longer school year. Kids who aren't performing, help them out in the summer.---(In Fremont)We were going to have kids in the fourth grade who could do fifth grade math go to the fifth grade class. "And, Oh. we can't do that." They can play together in the under 12 soccer league, but they can't be in different classes just because of age? We have to get away from some of the old mind-sets. If kids can progress faster, so be it. If we can challenge more kids in the last half of their senior year, let them take dual credit courses at community colleges.."
My opinion- I agree that a longer school year would increase student achievement (right now most schools in Nebraska schedule 180 days). Other countries have students in school at least 200 days, many are at 220 days. But the cost of adding school days makes it unaffordable in the minds of many. Especially if schools cannot produce evidence of increased learning.
As far as placing students into classes by age, in the Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary we want students placed at the correct level of difficulty so that the student can be successful. If the work is not challenging the student, we want to accelerate that student into a higher level of work. This is called cross-grade grouping. The problem with placing students is that we want to avoid placement decisions based on "parental energy"- a term I heard used by an Elkhorn administrator to describe efforts by parents to get students placed into classes that the student did not meet the critieria for. We have to get past the excuses ("my child is not a good test taker", or "it might hurt their self-esteem")and make academic decisions based on student data. Some might argue that too much emphasis is placed on reading, writing and math, but if students don't master these skills when they are young, that limits their potential as adults. There are many people who are comfortable with the status quo of "the haves and the have-nots". Public schools should be a place where family social status does not effect student learning.
I also enjoyed the sports analogy. He has a point. I know of football coaches that will spends hours on weekends collecting data on their players (watching film) and making very detailed practice plans to improve player performance. How can we get the same enthusiasm for teaching math, or science, or english?
As for dual credit courses, B-R offers a possibility of up to 29 credits through Northeast Community College. Currently 21 B-R students are taking dual credit classes.
I am glad to see our Governor is a supporter of many of the things we are doing at B-R. I hope he will support providing the resources necessary for all Nebraska schools to improve student performance.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Directions to Adams and to the Adams Park
If you are going to the football game tonight here are some directions.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
8th grade trip to Midland and Metro
Midland College received a great review from several 8th grade students after their campus visit Tuesday. The cafeteria, with the ice cream bar, was a big hit. The meal was free, courtesy of Midland University. Metro Community College in South Omaha was also visited. The trip was paid for by an Education Quest grant. The goal of Education Quest is to get every student to attend college after high school. Midland and Metro were chosen because the sophomores visit Northeast and Wayne State college, so this will give students an opportunity to see something different. Mrs. Ras sponsored the trip and Deb Bonsall made the trip as the bus driver.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Photos of new school display sign
Here are some photos of the school display sign installed last Thursday. Today it is running short videos and photos of students of the quarter. The resolution is very good. It is best viewed driving down the hill from the south. The north view is slightly obstructed by a tree.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Cuming County sales data
The following table shows the impact of a city sales tax for all four towns in Cuming County.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Football Play-off First Round game at Freeman 6:00 pm
Thursday the first round play-off game will be at Adams-Freeman at 6:00 pm.
Adams is south of Lincoln, about a 2 hour 45 minute to 3 hour drive.
School will dismiss at 2:00 pm.
The football team will leave right after eating at 12:45.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
School Display Sign up and running
Love Signs just completed the installation of the new school display sign. Mrs. Nolting and Mrs. Ross are being trained on how to post presentations (messages) to the sign. Come check it out tonight at Parent-Teacher Conferences.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
B-R 8th grade receives grant to make campus visits
EducationQuest has selected 15 schools to receive Eighth Grade College Access Mini-Grants. They are Bancroft-Rosalie Community Schools; Bluffs Middle School, Scottsbluff; Burwell Jr.-Sr. High School; Centennial Public School; Crawford Public School, Culler Middle School, Lincoln; Emerson-Hubbard Schools; Gering Junior High; Lefler Middle School, Lincoln; Madison Middle School; Oakland-Craig Public Schools; Stuart Public School; Valentine Middle School; West Point-Beemer Jr. Sr. High School; and Wisner-Pilger Jr. Sr. High School.
Through the grant funding (the grant was written by Mrs. Ras), 8th grade students at these schools will go on at least one campus visit and participate in activities related to college access, such as creating an Activities Resume, exploring careers that require higher education, and learning about financial aid and scholarships. The effort is part of EducationQuest’s 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Initiative, funded by the federal College Access Challenge Grant, with the goal to increase the overall college-going rate in the state.
Bancroft-Rosalie students will be going Tuesday, Oct. 25, to Metro Community College in Omaha and Midland University in Fremont.
Through the grant funding (the grant was written by Mrs. Ras), 8th grade students at these schools will go on at least one campus visit and participate in activities related to college access, such as creating an Activities Resume, exploring careers that require higher education, and learning about financial aid and scholarships. The effort is part of EducationQuest’s 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Initiative, funded by the federal College Access Challenge Grant, with the goal to increase the overall college-going rate in the state.
Bancroft-Rosalie students will be going Tuesday, Oct. 25, to Metro Community College in Omaha and Midland University in Fremont.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
iChat may need to be shut off
The inappropriate student use of iChat has brought us to the point of having to make a decision about whether the distractions iChat causes during classes outweighs the educational benefits of iChat as a learning tool. iChat allows teachers and students to communicate throughout the school day. But some students are on iChat when they should be listening to the teachers or doing their schoolwork. I happen to believe that we allow students access to what the Mac computers have to offer and expect them to act responsibly. But recently I have begun to question whether or not our student body is capable of handling this responsibility in a mature way. I hope the B-R students can prove me wrong. But if we have to shut down iChat for all students in order to improve the school learning environment, then we will do what we have to.
There have been a few instances of inappropriate comments being sent between students during the school day. Any comments that are harassing, threatening or personal attacks will result in a loss of computer privileges for those students.
There have been a few instances of inappropriate comments being sent between students during the school day. Any comments that are harassing, threatening or personal attacks will result in a loss of computer privileges for those students.
I am Cuming County Video
Check out the marketing video put together for Cuming County. Mike Wegner, Danny and Amber Bridges and Family, James Hulstein and John Ross are in it. Make sure to watch the out takes at the end.
http://vimeo.com/30684932
http://vimeo.com/30684932
Monday, October 17, 2011
Student Trip Fund-raiser at Senior Center Sunday Oct. 23
Students will be holding an omelette feed fund-raiser this Sunday to raise money for their educational trip to Costa Rica.
Friday, October 14, 2011
B-R receives Cattleman's Ball grant
Linda Munderloh accepted a check for $2200 from the Cattleman's Ball last Monday night. Mrs. Munderloh wrote the grant,and funds will be used for supplies for CPR, CNA-Nurse Aide, and EMT classes.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Governor Heineman’s thoughts on Education in the Omaha World Herald last Sunday
I really enjoyed reading the Governor’s comments last Sunday. He and I have a similar philosophy on education. Here are a few of my own thoughts on what the Governor said.
Nebraska State Accountability Tests
Governor, “We need multiple years and multiple scores before we’ll be able to figure this all out.”
Cerny- I agree. Schools are still trying to figure out exactly what is on the tests. For example, last spring when the junior high students were taking the practice science assessments, Mr. Slaughter and I were looking at the questions and making notes to see if we had taught what they were testing. It will take time for schools to make curriculum and instructional adjustments necessary to improve test scores. But once schools know what is expected, I am confident that the results will improve.
Governor, “If you give these kids four years of a good teacher, we can overcome this (low scores). So what are we doing to get good teachers in the classroom?”
Cerny- I somewhat agree. Obviously every student deserves a good teacher. But I hope readers are not interpreting his comments to mean there are a lot of “not good” teachers in the schools. I have two opinions on what “we” need to do. First, teaching is much more a science than an art; good teachers are made, not born. Therefore, teachers require professional development and it is the responsibility of the administrators to provide the structure and support teachers need to improve their teaching skills.
Second, even good employees can become complacent in their jobs. Motivating staff is the most difficult task administrators face.
Ranking schools based on test scores
Governor, “Academics have to be on the same level (as athletics).”
Cerny- I somewhat agree. We need to recognize schools that are doing a great job educating students. The problem is that the media gives all of the recognition to the good athletic teams, but in academics the attention is given to low performing schools. Schools should be ranked based on individual student growth, not on overall student performance. It is more difficult to get a below average student to achieve at an average level than it is to get an above average student to perform at an above average level.
Out of time today, I will try to finish my analysis tomorrow.
Nebraska State Accountability Tests
Governor, “We need multiple years and multiple scores before we’ll be able to figure this all out.”
Cerny- I agree. Schools are still trying to figure out exactly what is on the tests. For example, last spring when the junior high students were taking the practice science assessments, Mr. Slaughter and I were looking at the questions and making notes to see if we had taught what they were testing. It will take time for schools to make curriculum and instructional adjustments necessary to improve test scores. But once schools know what is expected, I am confident that the results will improve.
Governor, “If you give these kids four years of a good teacher, we can overcome this (low scores). So what are we doing to get good teachers in the classroom?”
Cerny- I somewhat agree. Obviously every student deserves a good teacher. But I hope readers are not interpreting his comments to mean there are a lot of “not good” teachers in the schools. I have two opinions on what “we” need to do. First, teaching is much more a science than an art; good teachers are made, not born. Therefore, teachers require professional development and it is the responsibility of the administrators to provide the structure and support teachers need to improve their teaching skills.
Second, even good employees can become complacent in their jobs. Motivating staff is the most difficult task administrators face.
Ranking schools based on test scores
Governor, “Academics have to be on the same level (as athletics).”
Cerny- I somewhat agree. We need to recognize schools that are doing a great job educating students. The problem is that the media gives all of the recognition to the good athletic teams, but in academics the attention is given to low performing schools. Schools should be ranked based on individual student growth, not on overall student performance. It is more difficult to get a below average student to achieve at an average level than it is to get an above average student to perform at an above average level.
Out of time today, I will try to finish my analysis tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Walthill forfeits October 21 Varsity Football Game
Walthill has forfeited the varsity football game next Friday October 21. They only have 7 players left on their football team.
People have asked if it will hurt our power points. A forfeit win is no different than a regular win. We would receive 40 points for winning the game or winning by forfeit. We do have the choice of declining the forfeit and not counting the game. We would only have seven games and the point average would be based on those games only.
People have asked if it will hurt our power points. A forfeit win is no different than a regular win. We would receive 40 points for winning the game or winning by forfeit. We do have the choice of declining the forfeit and not counting the game. We would only have seven games and the point average would be based on those games only.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
B-R school board summary
Bancroft-Rosalie School Board news
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, October 10, 2011 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft.
In new business, the board reviewed the school transportation program and the school insurance. The 1997 bus is scheduled for replacement this year. The board discussed purchasing a mini-bus or a ten passenger van. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, October 10, 2011 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft.
In new business, the board reviewed the school transportation program and the school insurance. The 1997 bus is scheduled for replacement this year. The board discussed purchasing a mini-bus or a ten passenger van. The meeting adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Nebraska-Ohio State football game
This is one of the most interesting Nebraska football games I have attended. The two halves were completely different games. There is a story going around that some of the fans left the game early, but that was not the case in my section, or in any section around me. Those going to get a runza or a pop at half-time were mistakenly thought to be leaving. There was a chorus of boos from the student section when we were intercepted right before half, but that was it except when Suh came out at the end of the game and received a loud "SUH!"
Unfortunately, I had a few complainers behind me that spent the whole game demanding Taylor Martinez be benched and Carl Pelini fired. They weren't even satisfied when Nebraska came back to win the game. I don't think any reasonable person thought this was going to be an easy game. Both teams had very talented players and Ohio State had a good game plan. Nebraska coaches saw what Ohio State was doing and made the necessary adjustments at half-time to win the game.
There is a lot of talk today about how Coach Pelini responded to a sportswriter from the World Herald at the Press Conference after the game. The writer wrote an article last Thursday that I feel personally attacked Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez. Coach Pelini called the writer out on it at the press conference. Maybe it would have been better to have just refused to respond to any of his questions, but the point needs to be made that 20 year old college athletes are not fair game for character assaults by sportswriters. If they want to comment on their performance, that's okay. But to say that he doesn't belong here in Nebraska? Let's save that kind of talk for drug dealers and other criminals. Even they get a chance to face their accuser.
Unfortunately, I had a few complainers behind me that spent the whole game demanding Taylor Martinez be benched and Carl Pelini fired. They weren't even satisfied when Nebraska came back to win the game. I don't think any reasonable person thought this was going to be an easy game. Both teams had very talented players and Ohio State had a good game plan. Nebraska coaches saw what Ohio State was doing and made the necessary adjustments at half-time to win the game.
There is a lot of talk today about how Coach Pelini responded to a sportswriter from the World Herald at the Press Conference after the game. The writer wrote an article last Thursday that I feel personally attacked Nebraska quarterback Taylor Martinez. Coach Pelini called the writer out on it at the press conference. Maybe it would have been better to have just refused to respond to any of his questions, but the point needs to be made that 20 year old college athletes are not fair game for character assaults by sportswriters. If they want to comment on their performance, that's okay. But to say that he doesn't belong here in Nebraska? Let's save that kind of talk for drug dealers and other criminals. Even they get a chance to face their accuser.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Fall Reading testing for grades 3-12 completed
The Fall MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing results are in. A score in the range of 235-240 indicates college readiness.
Here are the grades and the number of students scoring above the 50th percentile. The number scoring above 235 in in parentheses.
Grade 3 12 of 16 Excellent results!!!! (0 scored above 235, and we wouldn't expect 3rd grade to be college ready in reading)
Grade 4 10 of 23 (0)
Grade 5 10 of 18 (0)
Grade 6 15 of 22 Excellent results!!! (0)
Grade 7 11 of 20 (1 scored college ready)
Grade 8 7 of 17 (1)
Grade 9 9 of 17 (1)
Grade 10 11 of 19 (2)
Grade 11 9 of 14 (2)
Here are the grades and the number of students scoring above the 50th percentile. The number scoring above 235 in in parentheses.
Grade 3 12 of 16 Excellent results!!!! (0 scored above 235, and we wouldn't expect 3rd grade to be college ready in reading)
Grade 4 10 of 23 (0)
Grade 5 10 of 18 (0)
Grade 6 15 of 22 Excellent results!!! (0)
Grade 7 11 of 20 (1 scored college ready)
Grade 8 7 of 17 (1)
Grade 9 9 of 17 (1)
Grade 10 11 of 19 (2)
Grade 11 9 of 14 (2)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
School Board agenda October 10, 2011
Bancroft-Rosalie Community School
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, October 10, 2011 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the September 12, 2011 regular board meeting,
Annual budget hearing, and hearing to set property tax amounts.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A.
9. New Business:
A. Annual Review of School Insurance.
B. Annual review of transportation.
C.
10. Discussion Items
A.
11. Executive Session-
12. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
13. Adjournment.
Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda
Monday, October 10, 2011 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Read and approve the minutes of the September 12, 2011 regular board meeting,
Annual budget hearing, and hearing to set property tax amounts.
4. Treasurer’s Report
A. Approve the Bills
B. Financial Review
5. Review Agenda
6. Public Hearing
7. Administrator’s Reports:
A. Superintendent’s Report
B. Principal’s Report
8. Old Business:
A.
9. New Business:
A. Annual Review of School Insurance.
B. Annual review of transportation.
C.
10. Discussion Items
A.
11. Executive Session-
12. Future Planning- Next meeting- Monday, November 14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
13. Adjournment.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Jean Fridays for Staff
Starting this week, teachers and paras have the option of wearing jeans on friday's if their students meet the following conditions:
Pre-6 Each student group completes at least one lesson a day in Reading, math and language for the week..
7-12 No students failing on the weekly eligibility list.
Students can help their teachers by working hard and getting good grades. Let's see those jeans!
Pre-6 Each student group completes at least one lesson a day in Reading, math and language for the week..
7-12 No students failing on the weekly eligibility list.
Students can help their teachers by working hard and getting good grades. Let's see those jeans!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
SEQUEL TO SETTLEMENT STORY UNFOLDS AT NEIHARDT SITE
In keeping with this year’s theme of “Biography: Written Lives,” on Sunday, October 9th at 2 p.m., amateur historian and author D.R. Haskin will read excerpts from his newest installment to the story of the Haskin family who helped settle Northeastern Nebraska. The first book, The Hills of Mars, followed the entrepreneur Samuel J. Haskin and the founding of the settlement of Mars in northern Antelope County near the Verdigris River. The sequel Beyond the Hills of Mars is a “tale of a tiny community’s struggle to survive, a mother’s heart-breaking loss and her will to keep going. “ Told through a daughter’s eyes, the book brings to life the hardships of the time and leaves a legacy of hope. Based on actual events, Beyond the Hills of Mars is a touching story of survival.
D.R. Haskin is the great, great grandson son of Samuel J. Haskin one of the pioneers in the settlement and development of Mars, Nebraska. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Anthropology, Psychology, and Animal Behavior, and has spent 10 years researching the history of Mars, Nebraska.
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. The event is free and open to the public. For more information contact us at 1-888-777-4667 or Neihardt@gpcom.net. Check our website for future events: www.neihardtcenter.org.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Secretary of Education proposes changes to No Child Left Behind
Last week Education Secretary Arne Duncan joined Morning Joe on MSNBC to talk about proposed changes to No Child Left Behind. Duncan commented that "we basically want to get out of the way of the states. While the law has good intent, there are fatal flaws today. Far too punitive. Many ways to fail, no reward for success."
What officials want to fix is the rigidity of the current law, which set standards so restrictive that entire schools are deemed to be failing if only a few students don't meet test standards. Under current rules, a school's success is based on a statewide test that assesses several categories. If just one subcategory — such as students with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged — doesn't make its federal Adequate Yearly Progress benchmark, then the entire school fails.
Since President Barack Obama announced last month that he would sign an executive order allowing states to request waivers from mandatory participation in NCLB, at least 27 have indicated that they will ask to opt out.
In response to a question on what changes they are proposing, Duncan replied,"We encourage states to raise standards not dummy them down from no child left behind. Make sure districts are turning around chronically under-performing school. In exchange we will get out of their way and give them more room to move. The trade-off is a higher bar and give them flexibility to hit the higher bar."
The Nebraska Department of Education does not believe Nebraska will qualify for the proposed waiver of NCLB requirements. Many states have adopted a set of Common Core Standards- Nebraska is not one of them.
The NCLB goal that all students will be proficient in Math and Reading is a worthy one, but it is not realistic to expect all students to be proficient if you have high standards. I would like to see the feds back off on the punishment for low achieving schools, and focus on improving student achievement in those schools on "the naughty list". I believe in holding schools accountable for the performance of their students and the importance of student proficiency in "reading, writing and arithmetic." These are the basic skills that students need before they can ever be considered "college and career ready", the latest term for describing 12th grade student proficiency.
NCLB is often criticized because it "leads to teaching to the test." Yet all good teachers have objectives for their students and assess student progress toward meeting those objectives- which is teaching to the test. As far as I am concerned, this criticism is a false and misleading argument, jargon for those who fear accountability.
What officials want to fix is the rigidity of the current law, which set standards so restrictive that entire schools are deemed to be failing if only a few students don't meet test standards. Under current rules, a school's success is based on a statewide test that assesses several categories. If just one subcategory — such as students with disabilities or those who are economically disadvantaged — doesn't make its federal Adequate Yearly Progress benchmark, then the entire school fails.
Since President Barack Obama announced last month that he would sign an executive order allowing states to request waivers from mandatory participation in NCLB, at least 27 have indicated that they will ask to opt out.
In response to a question on what changes they are proposing, Duncan replied,"We encourage states to raise standards not dummy them down from no child left behind. Make sure districts are turning around chronically under-performing school. In exchange we will get out of their way and give them more room to move. The trade-off is a higher bar and give them flexibility to hit the higher bar."
The Nebraska Department of Education does not believe Nebraska will qualify for the proposed waiver of NCLB requirements. Many states have adopted a set of Common Core Standards- Nebraska is not one of them.
The NCLB goal that all students will be proficient in Math and Reading is a worthy one, but it is not realistic to expect all students to be proficient if you have high standards. I would like to see the feds back off on the punishment for low achieving schools, and focus on improving student achievement in those schools on "the naughty list". I believe in holding schools accountable for the performance of their students and the importance of student proficiency in "reading, writing and arithmetic." These are the basic skills that students need before they can ever be considered "college and career ready", the latest term for describing 12th grade student proficiency.
NCLB is often criticized because it "leads to teaching to the test." Yet all good teachers have objectives for their students and assess student progress toward meeting those objectives- which is teaching to the test. As far as I am concerned, this criticism is a false and misleading argument, jargon for those who fear accountability.
Friday, September 30, 2011
Second Varicella immunization now required
The State of Nebraska requires a second dose of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine starting July 1, 2011 for ALL STUDENTS AGE 5 AND OLDER attending school who have not had the chicken pox illness.
One dose of Varicella vaccine or evidence of disease, has been required for school
entry and/or 7th grade since July of 2004. The Center for Disease Control reports that 15-20 children out of every 100 were not protected against the disease with just one dose. Vaccinated students may have had a “break through” case of chicken pox
which is usually a much milder form of the disease.
Parents have received notification if their child needs to document having had the chicken pox disease or a second Varicella vaccine. If the child has not had chicken pox or a second dose of Varicella vaccine the child must get the second dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
If a Bancroft-Rosalie student is documented with Chicken Pox,then by Law we must exclude every unvaccinated child for a period of two weeks.
One dose of Varicella vaccine or evidence of disease, has been required for school
entry and/or 7th grade since July of 2004. The Center for Disease Control reports that 15-20 children out of every 100 were not protected against the disease with just one dose. Vaccinated students may have had a “break through” case of chicken pox
which is usually a much milder form of the disease.
Parents have received notification if their child needs to document having had the chicken pox disease or a second Varicella vaccine. If the child has not had chicken pox or a second dose of Varicella vaccine the child must get the second dose of vaccine as soon as possible.
If a Bancroft-Rosalie student is documented with Chicken Pox,then by Law we must exclude every unvaccinated child for a period of two weeks.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Homecoming Pep Rally
Matthew Wegner was crowned Homecoming King and Paige Tietz Homecoming Queen at last nights Homecoming Pep Rally. Attendants are-
Freshmen- Dylan Slaughter and Brianna Wegner
Sophomores- Dre Stone and Erin Sorensen
Juniors- Brady Petersen and Kelsey Beaudette
Senior candidates- Anthony Bonneau, Eric Browning, Jessica Tietz and Kiarra Hilsinger.
Freshmen- Dylan Slaughter and Brianna Wegner
Sophomores- Dre Stone and Erin Sorensen
Juniors- Brady Petersen and Kelsey Beaudette
Senior candidates- Anthony Bonneau, Eric Browning, Jessica Tietz and Kiarra Hilsinger.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Colleges working to graduate students in 4 years
Midland joins Doane on the list of colleges that guarantee students will graduate in four years for the fifth year is free. Students must select a major by the beginning of their sophomore year, maintain adequate grades and take a 15 credit course load each semester.
The University of Nebraska has also taken steps to graduate students in four years by capping the hour requirements for most majors at 120 hours. This can be met if students take a 15 hour course-load for 8 semesters.
The University of Nebraska has also taken steps to graduate students in four years by capping the hour requirements for most majors at 120 hours. This can be met if students take a 15 hour course-load for 8 semesters.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Community Pep Rally Wednesday 7:00 pm
Homecoming week 2011 is now upon us. There will be a community pep rally Wednesday night at 7:00 pm at the football field. A community hamburger feed will be held during the Pep rally sponsored by First National Bank. Sodas are courtesy of the B-R student council.
The coronation of the King and Queen and the announcing of the attendants will take place at the pep rally. The cheerleaders have a plethora of activities planned for the night.
The coronation of the King and Queen and the announcing of the attendants will take place at the pep rally. The cheerleaders have a plethora of activities planned for the night.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Basketball subdistricts released
The NSAA released basketball sub-district assignments for girls and boys basketball. The B-R girls are in D1-4 with Allen, Emerson-Hubbard, and Omaha Nation. The boys are also in D1-4 with Allen, Emerson-Hubbard, Omaha Nation and Pender. Pender is C-2 in girls basketball.
The winner of D1-4 plays the winner of D1-3 to go to state.
Girls Subdistrict D1-3:
Cedar Bluffs
East Butler
Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Girls Subdistrict D1-4:
Allen
Bancroft-Rosalie
Emerson-Hubbard
Omaha Nation
The winner of D1-4 plays the winner of D1-3 to go to state.
Girls Subdistrict D1-3:
Cedar Bluffs
East Butler
Guardian Angels Central Catholic
Lyons-Decatur Northeast
Girls Subdistrict D1-4:
Allen
Bancroft-Rosalie
Emerson-Hubbard
Omaha Nation
Wisner named community of the year at County Dinner
The Cuming County First annual Economic Development dinner was held Sunday night at the Nielsen Center in West Point. Wisner won the community of the year for their eonomic development efforts. Citizens State Bank of Wisner and West Point won county Business of the year.
Former husker football player Aaron Davis was the guest speaker. Davis manages his own consulting form and has authored several books.
Bancroft was represented by Jon and Ginger Bailey, Jon and Carol Cerny, and Roy and Jennifer Carlson.
Former husker football player Aaron Davis was the guest speaker. Davis manages his own consulting form and has authored several books.
Bancroft was represented by Jon and Ginger Bailey, Jon and Carol Cerny, and Roy and Jennifer Carlson.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Nebraska Vs. Wyoming on Great Plains cable channel 44
Great news. Bancroft residents with Great Plains cable will be able to watch the Nebraska-Wyoming game from their homes Saturday night. The game is on Versus, which is now channel 44 on Bancroft cable.
GO HUSKERS!!
GO HUSKERS!!
MAP reading achievement testing results
Grades 3-11 will take the Fall MAP reading test this week and next. MAP reading is an on-line assessment that is given three times a year. Teachers, parents and students can look at the results to see a students growth during the year.
Grades 7-12 took the test last year. This year it is being given to grades 3-6 in place of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). The ITBS was given only once a year and the results were not available until the end of the school year. MAP results provide better information on reading and math achievement than ITBS.
The results are back for grades 3,4,9,10 and 11. Grade 3 results are impressive- 75% of the class scored above the state average. In grade 10- 7 of 18 students improved their score from last year. That means ice cream for those seven. In grade 11- 6 of 13 improved their score.
Grades 7-12 took the test last year. This year it is being given to grades 3-6 in place of the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). The ITBS was given only once a year and the results were not available until the end of the school year. MAP results provide better information on reading and math achievement than ITBS.
The results are back for grades 3,4,9,10 and 11. Grade 3 results are impressive- 75% of the class scored above the state average. In grade 10- 7 of 18 students improved their score from last year. That means ice cream for those seven. In grade 11- 6 of 13 improved their score.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
First Annual Cuming County Dinner this Sunday 5:00 pm
Over 100 have pre-registered for the First Annual Cuming County Economic Development Dinner this Sunday at 5:00 pm in the Nielsen Center.
Keynote speaker is Aaron Davis, former Nebraska football player, "It's Not Just Another Talk, it's an Experience."
There will be awards for Community of the year and Business of the year.
Keynote speaker is Aaron Davis, former Nebraska football player, "It's Not Just Another Talk, it's an Experience."
There will be awards for Community of the year and Business of the year.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
One Act Play Districts
District D1-2
Date: Nov 29, 2011
Site: Humphrey St. Francis
Schools Assigned:
Allen
Bancroft-Rosalie
Clarkson
Howells
Humphrey
Humphrey St. Francis
Newman Grove
Walthill
A tough district.
Date: Nov 29, 2011
Site: Humphrey St. Francis
Schools Assigned:
Allen
Bancroft-Rosalie
Clarkson
Howells
Humphrey
Humphrey St. Francis
Newman Grove
Walthill
A tough district.
Basketball classifications for this winter
The NSAA released classifications for girls and boys basketball and play production. Bancroft-Rosalie will be D-1 in all three activities. Below are the D-1 schools in girls basketball. Boys basketball is the same except that Pender is the largest D-1 school.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
World Book on-line is free
Educational Service Unit #2 has purchased access to World Book on-line for all schools in the area. The log in and password will be made available in the next school newsletter. Unfortunately, it cannot be published on-line but can be sent to parents in school publications. Look for it. It is a great resource to have for students (and adults) to look up reliable information (unlike Wikipedia).
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
New kindergarten entrance regulations
Kindergarten entrance rules will be changing next year. The date five year olds are ineligible for pre-school programs moves from October 15 back to August 1. Here is a form that describes the situation based on the date a child was born.
Note that exceptions to the preschool age are for students with IEP's.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Bancroft-Rosalie School Board news
The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, September 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Two public hearings were held prior to the regular monthly meeting. The first hearing was the 2011-12 school budget hearing, followed by the Property Tax Request hearing.
During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Cerny presented the August transportation report, 2012 valuations, the Enrollment Option report, and NeSA test scores.
In new business the board approved the 2011-12 school budget as published; and set the General Fund tax rate was set at 1.0366 (Note correction from yesterday), the Bond Fund levy was set at 0.0400 for the 9-12 Bond levy and 0.0099 for the K-8 levy and the Qualified Purpose Fund levy was set at 0.0033. The board approved a cooperative agreement with the Village of Bancroft for care of the Village athletic complex.
During the regular board meeting, Superintendent Cerny presented the August transportation report, 2012 valuations, the Enrollment Option report, and NeSA test scores.
In new business the board approved the 2011-12 school budget as published; and set the General Fund tax rate was set at 1.0366 (Note correction from yesterday), the Bond Fund levy was set at 0.0400 for the 9-12 Bond levy and 0.0099 for the K-8 levy and the Qualified Purpose Fund levy was set at 0.0033. The board approved a cooperative agreement with the Village of Bancroft for care of the Village athletic complex.
Monday, September 12, 2011
2011 Laureate's Feast
The Laureate's Feast is a fund-raiser for the Neihardt Historical Site in Bancroft.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Lisa Sandlin, Biographer, September 11, 2011 at Neihardt
In keeping with this year's theme of "Biography: Written Lives," on Sunday, September 11th at 2:00 PM, poet, author, and educator Lisa Sandlin will read excerpts from her newest work You Who Make the Sky Bend, a collaborative work on thirty-one Christian saints as archetypes of the human condition combined with original art by Catherine Ferguson of New Mexico. When asked about the work, Sandlin notes she utilized both ancient and contemporary sources about each subject and wove them into mini-narratives. She says, "The saints were born. They lived. They sinned. They were real people. Their human qualities and imperfections are what make their spirituality even more fascinating."
A native of Beaumont, Texas, Lisa is a professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is also the author of The Famous Thing About Death (Cinco Puntos 1991) and Message to the Nurse of Dreams (Cinco Puntos 1997), which won the Violet Crown Award from the Austin Writers League and the Jesse H Jones Award from the Texas Institute of Letters, and a collection of short stories, In the River Province (Southern Methodist University Press 2004). Her writing has appeared in Shenandoah, The New York Times, Southwest Review, Crazy Horse, Story Quarterly, and elsewhere. The recipient of the NEA Fellowship, a Dobie Paisano Fellowship, and a Pushcart Prize, she received her BA from Rice University and her MFA from Vermont College. She is also co-editor of Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace (Backwaters Press), which was named the Poetry Honor Book and won Best Cover Design/Illustration in the 2003 Nebraska Book Awards.
This event is free and open to the public.
A native of Beaumont, Texas, Lisa is a professor of Creative Writing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She is also the author of The Famous Thing About Death (Cinco Puntos 1991) and Message to the Nurse of Dreams (Cinco Puntos 1997), which won the Violet Crown Award from the Austin Writers League and the Jesse H Jones Award from the Texas Institute of Letters, and a collection of short stories, In the River Province (Southern Methodist University Press 2004). Her writing has appeared in Shenandoah, The New York Times, Southwest Review, Crazy Horse, Story Quarterly, and elsewhere. The recipient of the NEA Fellowship, a Dobie Paisano Fellowship, and a Pushcart Prize, she received her BA from Rice University and her MFA from Vermont College. She is also co-editor of Times of Sorrow, Times of Grace (Backwaters Press), which was named the Poetry Honor Book and won Best Cover Design/Illustration in the 2003 Nebraska Book Awards.
This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Advanced Health Science Class (EMT-B)
Three students are taking Advanced Health Science as a dual credit class through Northeast Community College. This class is taught as Emergency Medical Technician- Basic and students can become a certified EMT-B upon completion of the class and passing the National Registry Test.
The course is taught by Larry Bockelman of the Elkhorn-Logan Valley Health department via distance learning from Wisner-Pilger High School. Linda Munderloh (B-R school nurse) is helping the students with their skills. Rob Smith and I will also assist the students with their skills.
The Bancroft ambulance will be at the school over lunch today so students can practice loading and unloading patients.
The course is taught by Larry Bockelman of the Elkhorn-Logan Valley Health department via distance learning from Wisner-Pilger High School. Linda Munderloh (B-R school nurse) is helping the students with their skills. Rob Smith and I will also assist the students with their skills.
The Bancroft ambulance will be at the school over lunch today so students can practice loading and unloading patients.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
64 surveys still needed
Bancroft residents still need to return 64 more income surveys. The drawing for the three cash prizes has been postponed until a second mailing can be completed.
The second mailing will only go to household that have not returned a survey.
If you receive another survey in the mail, please complete and return it.
This survey will provide valuable information about the community that can help with decisions about what direction Bancroft needs to take. This community needs to continue to improve and grow or it may not survive as a viable community for the next generation.
The second mailing will only go to household that have not returned a survey.
If you receive another survey in the mail, please complete and return it.
This survey will provide valuable information about the community that can help with decisions about what direction Bancroft needs to take. This community needs to continue to improve and grow or it may not survive as a viable community for the next generation.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
STATE ED DEPARTMENT DEVELOPS NEW TOOLS TO HELP PARENTS, SCHOOLS IMPROVE STUDENT LEARNING
Nebraska Department of Education unveils parent-friendly reading standards, new instructional tool for teachers, parents.
Nebraska parents and teachers now can find grade-by-grade resources for use in the home or classroom to help children in reading and mathematics.
Student-Friendly Standards
Student-Friendly Standards have been developed to help students better understand what their teachers expect and why they are expected to do certain activities, said Tricia Parker, state language arts consultant. In addition to students, parents also will find the grade-by-grade standards helpful, Parker said. The Student-Friendly Standards will help parents better understand the learning targets set for their children and find it easier to talk to teachers about their child’s progress.
Student-Friendly Standards are available in several formats as well as brochures that may be printed from the Nebraska Department of Education’s homepage at: http://www.education.ne.gov/read/StudentFriendlyStandards/StudentFriendlyStandardsMain.html
The standards are based on the work of national and state education researchers and were developed with the help of Nebraska language arts educators from different grade levels. Parker emphasized that the standards reflect end-of-year learning expectations at appropriate grade levels.
Standards Instructional Tool
Teachers and parents can search a new web tool by subject and grade to learn what schools expect students to know and be able to do and for activities and resources to help students meet reading and mathematics expectations. The interactive web site, known as the Standards Instructional Tool, is available at: http://www.education.ne.gov/AcademicStandards/SIT.
“We designed the Standards Instructional Tool with Nebraska classroom teachers in mind,” said Donlynn Rice, Nebraska Department of Education curriculum and instruction administrator. “Nebraska parents also will find the resources, activities and exercises helpful when they work at home with their children.”
Reading and mathematics exercises, activities, web links and videos on the site will help teachers and parents understand the state’s learning goals, Rice said. Over time, additional resources will be added. Reading activities focus on comprehension and vocabulary. The Standards Instructional Tool was developed by Nebraska Department of Education staff working with Nebraska teachers.
Nebraska parents and teachers now can find grade-by-grade resources for use in the home or classroom to help children in reading and mathematics.
Student-Friendly Standards
Student-Friendly Standards have been developed to help students better understand what their teachers expect and why they are expected to do certain activities, said Tricia Parker, state language arts consultant. In addition to students, parents also will find the grade-by-grade standards helpful, Parker said. The Student-Friendly Standards will help parents better understand the learning targets set for their children and find it easier to talk to teachers about their child’s progress.
Student-Friendly Standards are available in several formats as well as brochures that may be printed from the Nebraska Department of Education’s homepage at: http://www.education.ne.gov/read/StudentFriendlyStandards/StudentFriendlyStandardsMain.html
The standards are based on the work of national and state education researchers and were developed with the help of Nebraska language arts educators from different grade levels. Parker emphasized that the standards reflect end-of-year learning expectations at appropriate grade levels.
Standards Instructional Tool
Teachers and parents can search a new web tool by subject and grade to learn what schools expect students to know and be able to do and for activities and resources to help students meet reading and mathematics expectations. The interactive web site, known as the Standards Instructional Tool, is available at: http://www.education.ne.gov/AcademicStandards/SIT.
“We designed the Standards Instructional Tool with Nebraska classroom teachers in mind,” said Donlynn Rice, Nebraska Department of Education curriculum and instruction administrator. “Nebraska parents also will find the resources, activities and exercises helpful when they work at home with their children.”
Reading and mathematics exercises, activities, web links and videos on the site will help teachers and parents understand the state’s learning goals, Rice said. Over time, additional resources will be added. Reading activities focus on comprehension and vocabulary. The Standards Instructional Tool was developed by Nebraska Department of Education staff working with Nebraska teachers.
Betterment Meeting tomorrow at the Country Pub
Bancroft Betterment Monthly Meeting Agenda
September 7, 2011
10:00 am at the Bancroft-Rosalie School Library
Call to order.
Read and approve minutes of August, 2011 meeting
Guest Speaker- Drawing for cash awards
Reports
1. School
2. Village
3. Cuming County Economic Development
4. Neihardt Center
5. Housing
6. Recycling
New Business
Next meeting- October 3, 2011 ____________ at the Country Pub.
Meeting adjourned
September 7, 2011
10:00 am at the Bancroft-Rosalie School Library
Call to order.
Read and approve minutes of August, 2011 meeting
Guest Speaker- Drawing for cash awards
Reports
1. School
2. Village
3. Cuming County Economic Development
4. Neihardt Center
5. Housing
6. Recycling
New Business
Next meeting- October 3, 2011 ____________ at the Country Pub.
Meeting adjourned
Friday, September 2, 2011
Volleyball Tournament schedule Saturday
AT WISNER ON SATURDAY.
8:30 GOLD—W-P VS. LHNE (NEW)
8:30 GOLD—WPCC VS. WAYNE (OLD)
9:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. S-S (NEW)
9:30 BRONZE—O-C VS. ALLEN (OLD)
10:30 GOLD—W-P VS. WAYNE (NEW)
10:30 GOLD—LHNE VS. WPCC (OLD)
11:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. ALLEN (NEW)
11:30 BRONZE—S-S VS. O-C (OLD)
12:30 W-P VS. GACC (NEW)
12:30 GOLD--LHNE VS. WAYNE (OLD)
1:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. O-C(NEW)
1:30 BRONZE—S-S VS. ALLEN (OLD)
8:30 GOLD—W-P VS. LHNE (NEW)
8:30 GOLD—WPCC VS. WAYNE (OLD)
9:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. S-S (NEW)
9:30 BRONZE—O-C VS. ALLEN (OLD)
10:30 GOLD—W-P VS. WAYNE (NEW)
10:30 GOLD—LHNE VS. WPCC (OLD)
11:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. ALLEN (NEW)
11:30 BRONZE—S-S VS. O-C (OLD)
12:30 W-P VS. GACC (NEW)
12:30 GOLD--LHNE VS. WAYNE (OLD)
1:30 BRONZE—B-R VS. O-C(NEW)
1:30 BRONZE—S-S VS. ALLEN (OLD)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Elementary Parent-Teacher Learning Compact
The Bancroft-Rosalie Parent/Teacher Learning Compacts are being sent home today with elementary students. We need a signed copy for all students and parents in the elementary school in order to be in compliance with federal Title I regulations.
Students that return the compact tomorrow signed by the parent will receive a small treat. Students are not required to sign, but may do so if they can.
Students that return the compact tomorrow signed by the parent will receive a small treat. Students are not required to sign, but may do so if they can.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Omaha South dirrections update
The 24th street exit off I-80 is closed. The team will be taking the 42nd street exit and taking L street east to the stadium.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
NeSA Results
The Nebraska Department of Education released the NeSA results to the public yesterday. I was very disappointed with our student performance because it doesn't correlate to other assessments that the students have taken, particularly in mathematics. It is apparent that several of our students are not taking these tests seriously. Otherwise how can you explain a student scoring at "exceeds the standard" in reading last year and scoring "not met" the standard in reading this year? Poor test results could eventually place schools on the PLAS list (persistently low achieving schools) which is not where we want to be.
These results are published on the internet, and this year's results are embarrassing.
It has been suggested that counting NeSA as a test grade would improve the effort, but I am opposed to that because grades should reflect the learning that takes place in that classrooom. But we may have no other alternative.
Hopefully students and staff will become more aware of the importance of performing well on state assessments and we will get a better effort this year.
These results are published on the internet, and this year's results are embarrassing.
It has been suggested that counting NeSA as a test grade would improve the effort, but I am opposed to that because grades should reflect the learning that takes place in that classrooom. But we may have no other alternative.
Hopefully students and staff will become more aware of the importance of performing well on state assessments and we will get a better effort this year.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Directions to Fridays Football game
The Friday game vs. Omaha Christian Academy will be played at Omaha South. Here are the driving directions from Mapquest.
Country Pub under new management
Vicky Brown of Rosalie is the new owner of the Country Pub in Bancroft.
Friday, August 26, 2011
B-R athletes IMPACT tested
Last night Channel 7 did a feature of ImPACT testing of athletes in Omaha. B-R is also using ImPACT. ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing) is the first, most-widely used, and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. All B-R high school athletes out for football and basketball have been given the test and baseline data is managed through St. Francis Hospital in West Point. New students are being baseline tested this week.
Given the inherent difficulties in concussion management, it is important to manage concussions on an individualized basis and to implement baseline testing and/or post-injury neurocognitive testing. This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete's post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion.
ImPACT can be administered by anyone trained to administer baseline testing. ImPACT takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:
* Attention span
* Working memory
* Sustained and selective attention time
* Response variability
* Non-verbal problem solving
* Reaction time
Given the inherent difficulties in concussion management, it is important to manage concussions on an individualized basis and to implement baseline testing and/or post-injury neurocognitive testing. This type of concussion assessment can help to objectively evaluate the concussed athlete's post-injury condition and track recovery for safe return to play, thus preventing the cumulative effects of concussion.
ImPACT can be administered by anyone trained to administer baseline testing. ImPACT takes approximately 20 minutes to complete. The program measures multiple aspects of cognitive functioning in athletes, including:
* Attention span
* Working memory
* Sustained and selective attention time
* Response variability
* Non-verbal problem solving
* Reaction time
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