Local Farmers support needed

Bancroft-Rosalie School needs your help to secure funding for purchasing Ipads for use in the elementary school.

We are asking local farmers to nominate Bancroft-Rosalie Community School for the opportunity to compete for a $10,000 grant through Monsanto Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education.

For the second year in a row, the Monsanto Fund is gearing-up to invest $2.3 million to strengthen math and science education in rural communities through America’s Farmers Grow Rural Education℠. Now until April 15, 2013, farmers can nominate their favorite, local public school district.

Bancroft-Rosalie School has already received eight nominations. The school has submitted a grant application to enhance their math programs through the use of Ipads in the elementary school.

Grants will be awarded based on merit, need and community support. The more farmers to nominate our school district, the more it demonstrates community support and strengthens our application. 

Visit GrowRuralEducation.com for more information on how to Nominate Bancroft-Rosalie School.

Preschool students dress up like Dad/Grandpa

Bancroft Summer Rec Basketball Tournament

The Bancroft Summer Rec held their youth basketball tournament Friday and Saturday, Feb 22-23 in Bancroft and Rosalie.  Bancroft-Rosalie School provided the Bancroft and Rosalie facilities for the tournament.  There were 29 teams in town for the event.  B-R took home the 1^st place medals in the Girls 3-4 Division and the Boys 5-6 Division.  Oakland placed 1^st in the Boys 3-4 Division and in the Girls 5-6 Division.   The Bancroft Summer Rec Board organized and worked the tournament, but the day could not have gone on without the help from volunteers of all ages.  Volunteers were Josh Buchholz, Zack Soll, Waylon Carlson, Johnny Zwygart, Doak Wegner, Mike Sjuts, Adam James, Jason Gatzemeyer, Nels Nelson, Trey Bonneau, Dusty Welsh, Erin Witt, Deb Bonsall, Matt Kai, , Tricia Darnell, Breanna Beutler, Jill Tietz, Melissa Johnson, Preston Peters, Carsten Tietz, Caleb Hansen, Nick Sjuts, Auston Darnell, Ryan Wellman, Tim Browning, Paige Raasch, Hannah Flock, Kennedy Schuttler, Maddie Hansen, Ty Hermelbracht, Jacob Zulke, Suzanne Ras, Aaron Ras, Allie Vogt, Shelby Ostrand, Kelcee Bacon, Morgan Bonneau, Vicki Gatzemeyer, Justin Johnson, Kylee Cole, Kinlee Bacon, Jaxon Johnson, Tyra Bonneau, Emma Beutler, Caragan Tietz, Alexzi Nottlemann, Elliot Nottlemann, Cale Kai, and Lucas Vogt. 

Neihardt Spring Conference Saturday April 27

Option Enrollment Information

I received some questions about option enrollment from district patrons and thought it would be appropriate time to provide information about the state option enrollment program.

 The enrollment option program was established to enable any kindergarten through twelfth grade Nebraska student to attend a school in a Nebraska public school district in which the student does not reside, subject to certain limitations.

School districts receive state aid for net option students. Net option is the difference between students optioning into the district and those optioning out of the district. Bancroft-Rosalie has approximately 40 more students optioning in than out each year. The state aid for the net option students in 2012-13 is $350,898 (about $8300 per student).

The option is available only once to each student prior to graduation unless (a) the student relocates to a different resident school district, (b) the option school district merges with another district, (c) the option school district is a Class 1 district, (d) the option would allow the student to continue current enrollment in a school district, or (e) the option would allow the student to enroll in a school district in which the student was previously enrolled as a resident student.

Parents or legal guardians must submit an application to the school board of the option school district between September 1 and March 15 for enrollment during the following and subsequent school years. Applications submitted after March 15 must be accompanied by a release approval from the resident school district on the application form. The Enrollment Option Application form contains a section for the resident district to complete to provide this release.

School boards must adopt by resolution specific standards for approval and denial of applications to option into their districts. Standards may include the capacity of a program, class, grade level, or school building, based upon available staff, facilities, projected enrollment of resident students, projected number of students the option district will contract based on existing contractual arrangements, and availability of appropriate special education programs. The school board of the option school district may by resolution declare a program, a class, or a school unavailable to option students if the district is at capacity. Standards shall not include previous academic achievement, athletic or other extracurricular ability, disabilities, proficiency in the English language, or previous disciplinary proceedings (except where a student was expelled from a district and has not completed the terms of the expulsion). Resident districts also must have adopted standards for release of students that file late applications.

The school board or board of education is required to adopt by resolution specific policies for approval and denial of applications. Once the policies have been established, there is no need for the board to vote on approval or denial for each application. Instead, the local district board can authorize a district official, such as the superintendent, to act on applications in accordance with the policy. The authorized district administrator should apply the school board’s policies to all applications. 

Conference Art Results

The Conference Art show was held Saturday February 23 in Osmond. The art students did very well in the art competition. Mr. Cory Meyer is the B-R art teacher. 

Miranda Zimmerman: Best of Show
Jerrica Tietz: three 2nd places and one 1st place
Paige Raasch: two 2nd places and one 1st place
Allie Vogt: one 2nd place and two 1st places
Amanda Brummond: one 3rd place and one 1st place
Lizeth Solares: 2nd place
Brianna Wegner: 1st place 

Paige Raasch 1st place- "Rusty Bicycle Seat" in colored pencil

 Amanda Brummond 1st place- "Old Woman" in pencil

 Allie Vogt 1st place- "MG" in colored pencil

 Allie Vogt 1st place- "Elephant" in charcoal

 Jerrica Tietz 1st place- "Faith" in pencil

 Brianna Wegner 1st place- "Brianna" in pencil

 Miranda Zimmerman- Best of Show- "1955 Pontiac" in colored pencil

Derek Archer coaches Lewis Central girls to state

B-R grad Derek Archer coached his seventh-ranked Lewis Central (20-3) girls basketball team to a 58-46 victory over No. 4 Indianola (15-8) in the Class 4-A Region 7 final. It will face No. 5 Cedar Rapids Xavier (14-9) in its first state game in eight years at 10 a.m. on Feb. 27 in the quarterfinal round at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

See full article at:
http://www.southwestiowanews.com/council_bluffs/sports/local_sports/l-c-girls-punch-ticket-to-des-moines/article_d12c61cc-7b1a-11e2-ad43-001a4bcf887a.html

Jeremy Schuetze directs new film

B-R grad Jeremy Schuetze's short film "Ghost Light" is entered in the Omaha Film Festival in the category of Nebraska Short Film. 
Ghost Light is about Sam, a typical teenage boy, with a typical teenage crush. The only problem is, Sam lacks confidence. It is Sam's first night working at the community theater. Bruce, Sam's boss, makes him stay the night in the theater. Little does Sam know, there is more than meets the eye to this haunted old place. In order to survive, Sam will have to find some inner confidence. Will he have what it takes?

You can see the trailer at http://omaha.festivalgenius.com/2013/films/ghostlight_jeremyschuetze_omaha2013#screenings

Cast and Crew
Director- Jeremy Schuetze
Screenwriter-  Chris Banda
Cast-  Ben Stewart, Bruce O Leon, Casey Fischer, Daniel Sugimoto, Edrina Bliss, Kenichi Iwabuchi Producer-  Chris Banda and Jeremy Schuetze
Cinematographer-  Robert Jensen
Production Designer-  Brooks Fairley

School Closed Friday

Due to the heavy snowfall, Bancroft-Rosalie School is closed Friday.

Early Dismissal 2:00 pm

Bancroft-Rosalie School will be dismissing at 2:00 pm today due to expected heavy snowfall.

B-R grad Jade Farmer in the news

This article is reprinted from Pender-Thurston online at http://www.penderthurston.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=23&ArticleID=825 Young Winnebago woman is defined by her success Jade Farmer overcame many struggles and will be first in her family to earn bachelor's degree Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you. They’re supposed to help you discover who you are. Before she was even born, the cards were stacked against Jade Farmer. Her father died five months before she was born at age 18, leaving her teenage mother to raise her on her own. Despite alarming statistics of teenage parents and limited education, Claudine Farmer was determined to make her life better for herself and her daughter. At age 17, three years younger than Jade is now, Claudine gave birth; a year later she earned her GED. She also attended Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan., University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and University of Wisconsin-Baraboo, graduating with honors with an associate’s degree in ethnic studies and is only 14 credits shy of earning her bachelor’s degree. “While raising Jade, there were not many times she didn’t see me reading or writing,” Claudine said of her oldest and only daughter. “Jade was taught to always work hard and to never give up.” As a Winnebago Indian, Jade learned how to overcome obstacles by watching her mom, who is now employed as the communications officer for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. “I am so lucky to have such a wonderful and caring mother to push me to be my best in every aspect of my life. I wouldn’t be where I am without her,” Jade said. And where is she today? After graduating with a class of 24 from Bancroft-Rosalie High School in 2011, Jade enrolled at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, where today she is a sophomore business major. Raising a family of three, which includes younger brothers Sammy and Gavin, Claudine taught her children through action that hard work and determination eventually pays off. And through that action, Jade will become the first in her family to earn a bachelor’s degree. Her dedication to her education is getting noticed, too. Recently, Jade was one of 10 Nebraskans chosen to share more than $52,000 in renewable “Reaching Your Potential” scholarships from EducationQuest Foundation. “I want to set an example for younger students and show them that they can go to college and that there’s people out there willing to help them succeed if they put in the effort,” the 20-year-old said. Jade doesn’t have to look very deep down her family tree to find more inspirations. Her great-grandmother, Dorothy Irene Bear-Holstein, became the first woman and first Native American woman to be named to the Nebraska School Board in the 1960s and Siouxland National Bank board of directors all while owning her own business in Winnebago for 20 years. Despite never having the chance to meet her father, Leonard Zach Jr. is never far from her mind. “I just wonder if he’s proud of me and if I’m on the right path. I wonder what he was like, and I wish I could have met him once or he could have at least held me,” Jade said of her father, who graduated from Walthill High School in 1992. “Even though I miss him every day, I love the way my life has turned out because I might not be where I am today or have my two wonderful little brothers in my life.” Besides bearing a strong physical resemblance to her mother, Jade hopes to also follow in her footsteps. “I chose business because I know I will enjoy it, and there are a variety of jobs available to me,” Jade explained. “I would like to work for Ho-Chunk when I graduate or the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska.” Her mom knows she will succeed. “Jade comes from a very long line of strong Winnebago women, and she is merely following in their footsteps while making some pretty big ones of her own. What some may view as obstacles, Jade has handled with gracious dignity and a profound desire to succeed.” Like her mom, who was named Coach of the Year while leading the Wisconsin-Baraboo/Sauk County women’s volleyball team, Jade enjoys playing volleyball and running around the track at the university’s rec center. And like most students her age, she likes listening to music and sleeping. As she continues her education to become a role model for others with similar challenges, Jade’s main mission is to get her word out. “College is an option for everyone, and if you really want to get an education, there are people and organizations out there that will help you follow your dream.”

Boys subdistrict moved to Saturday

The Boys basketball subdistrict game with Wynot has been moved from tonight to Saturday night at 7:00 pm in Hartington.

Thunder Baseball youth camp sign-up sheets

Sign-up sheets for the Thunder Baseball youth camp are available at the school or you can print a copy from this blog.

Boys Basketball Subdistrict bracket

Ice Cream snacks just what the Dr. ordered for High Math Achievement

Ice cream treats were distributed to students that improved their scores on the Math MAP test. in grades 3-6, 64 of 71 students showed growth. Some students improved by a years growth in the 4 month period since the Fall testing was completed. In grades 7-8, 34 of 38 students had improved scores and in grades 9-11,27 of 47 had higher scores, but it is difficult for some to improve if they are scoring at very high levels. Good job B-R students, math teachers, and Mrs. Buck in elementary computers.

2013-14 School Calendar

The board approved the 2013-14 school calendar at the February Board meeting.

Neihardt Sunday at the Museum February 17

Biz Buzz this Friday at Mel's Small Engine

On the agenda- I will talk about what is happening at the school and the Neihardt Historic Site, Garry Clark will share news from the County economic development office, and village officials will provide information concerning Bancroft.

Conference Activity Rotation 2013-2024

The next activity Bancroft-Rosalie will host is the Conference Boys Basketball tournament and Play Production in 2014-15.

The Superintendent

School Board Meeting Summary

The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, February 11, 2013 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft. Superintendent Cerny presented the January transportation report, upcoming school board workshops and conferences, Nebraska Association of School Boards programs and services, nutrition services certification, and information on the affordable care act.

The idea of an Academic Wall of Fame was discussed and will be pursued. Results of the student Body Mass Indexing from the school nurse were shared. A letter from Cuming County Public Power to the Bancroft Village Board regarding football field lights was presented along with the plan for building security at the school entrances. Following input from preschool parents, the plan was altered to keep the elementary entrance open before school with monitors at both entrances.

 In new business, the board reviewed curriculum and personnel needs for 2013-14. The recommendation was keep the existing staffing level of 28.5 certified staff and 19 classified staff and to add two dual credit social studies classes to the curriculum.

Head custodian Matt Kai presented buildings and grounds needs, including the replacement of the school mower with a compact tractor, replacing the ceiling tile in the elementary, adding rock to the parking lots, repairing the Rosalie gym locker rooms, and completing the sidewalk east of the school.

The board discussed the Strategic Plan regarding Community Growth. Superintendent Cerny was directed to draft a letter to the Bancroft Village Board commending them on their efforts to address housing in Bancroft and to offer them the support of the school board as they move forward.

In other new business the board adopted the school calendar for 2013-14 with the first day of school set for August 15 and the last day will be May 22.

 The board went into executive session to discuss administrator evaluation and contracts. Following executive session, the board voted to offer contracts to the superintendent and principal.

Results of Title I Parent Survey at P-T Conferences

Surveys results are of parents of elementary students who attended Parent-Teacher Conferences. Now the school can plan for how to keep doing the things we are doing well and improve the areas that scored lower.

School Board Meeting Agenda Monday February 11

Bancroft-Rosalie Community School Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda Monday, February 11, 2013 --- 7:30 p.m. in Bancroft 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Read and approve the minutes of the January 14, 2013 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 curriculum. B. Annual review of personnel needs. C. Annual review of buildings and grounds. D. Strategic Planning- Community growth E. Adopt school calendar for 2013-14 F. Evaluation, hiring, and negotiations for School Administrators 10. Discussion Items: A. 11. Executive Session- Evaluation of administrators. 12. Future Planning- Next scheduled meeting- Monday, March 11, 2013 in Bancroft. 13. Adjournment.

CNC Router purchased for Industrial Technology

Industrial technology students have been learning new skills now that they have a CNC router in the classroom. The router was purchased with federal Carl Perkins funds. Students have been practicing by manufacturing small wood signs. The Bancroft Cemetery has requested new wooden crosses to display during Memorial Day weekend to honor servicemen killed in action.

Girls Sub-District Basketball pairings

The sub-district games will be played at Hartington.

New front door security system installed

The installation of the new Main entry security system was completed today. The system will allow entry to the school building to be controlled from the school office. School staff are putting together a schedule for hours that the main entry will be open and hours it will be locked. The plan will be distributed to parents at Parent-Teacher Conferences tomorrow night and given final approval by the school board at the Board meeting Monday February 11. The system is a buzzer/intercom system on the exterior wall of the building with an external camera focused on the front entryway (See pictures). The camera is connected to two monitors and the Digital Video Recorder in the office. The buzzer/intercom button is connected to two portable phones in the office. The front door has a magnetic lock mechanism that can open the door by pressing a button on the mobile phones. This may be an inconvenience to students, parents and patrons seeking entry into the building when the doors are locked, but it will improve building safety and security.

Monitor on secretary desk

Camera at front entry

Buzzer/Intercom system

Title I Parent Meeting 6:00 pm night of Parent-Teacher Conferences

Schools that receive Title I funds are required to have a Parent meeting each year. As an incentive for parents to attend, there will be a drawing $20 gift certificates to Ru-De's Mart in Bancroft at the end of the meeting. Hope to have a packed library at 6:00 pm this Thursday night.

MAP test results at Parent-Teacher Conferences

B-R students in grades 3-11 have taken the MAP test for reading this week and will take the MAP test for math next week. s will be given out at Parent-Teacher Conferences Thursday February 7th. MAP is used to measure a student's progress or growth in school.

If you have ever used a growth chart in your home to show how much your child has grown from one year to the next, this will help you understand the scale MAP uses to measure your child's academic progress. Called the RIT scale (Rasch unIT), it is an equal-interval scale much like feet and inches on a yardstick. It is used to chart your child's academic growth from year to year. RIT scores typically start at the 140 to 190 level in 3rd grade and progress to the 240 to 300 level by high school. 

At Bancroft-Rosalie, Math and Reading are tested three times a year (Fall, Winter, Spring). Language is tested once a year. When testing is completed, the school staff are looking for two key things, 1) academic performance level and 2) growth over time.

 Academic performance-
Each grade level has a national average score for each time of year tested. We want to see the majority of our students scoring above the national average for that test at that time. For example, the 7th grade reading mean score at the middle of the year (winter test period) is 218.2. Of the 20 7th grade students that took the test this week, 75% scored above 218- very positive results.
 The MAP test also has a "college-readiness" score. In reading, a score of 235-240 is considered college-ready. A 235 reading score places a student in the top 25% of all students taking the test across the nation. Twelve of the 17 B-R juniors have scored at or above 235 on the reading test- very positive results.

Growth over time-
Here is an example of MAP reading scores for a fictional student A who would be in the 11th grade in 2012-13.
Fall 2010- 221
Winter 2011- 226
Spring 2011- 230
Fall 2011- 232
Winter 2012- 232
Spring 2012- 230
Fall 2012- 232
Winter 2013- 243
 This student improved from a 221 to a 243 from the beginning of his freshman year to the middle of his junior year. This student went from an average score (221) his freshman year to a college ready score (243) his junior year. A tremendous amount of growth in reading performance.

Fictional Student B would be a 10th grade student in 2012-13.
Fall 2010- 217
Winter 2011- 209
Spring 2011- 221
Fall 2011- 213
Winter 2012- 219
Spring 2012- 219
Fall 2012- 225
Winter 2013- 205
 This student scored in the 40-50 percentile range compared to other students in his grade. This is below average performance, but it is difficult to determine his actual performance level because of the randomness of the scores. I would conclude that this student has not given his best effort each time. The fact that he/she has a score above average (225 in Fall 2012) would give me hope that they can perform at grade level when they are motivated to do so. Perhaps an ice cream bar if score improvement would get them to try their best.

If you have any questions about your child's scores, please ask at Parent-Teacher Conferences.