Sixth grade Math Day at Midland University

 Eight B-R students attended the Math Day at Midland. They were given several problems and our students were able to complete the tasks quickly.
Caden Hansen completed a question involving factorals and explained to the adults how he had learned it through IXL software as part of the school Blended Learning initiative.

Lauren Ahlers for Veterinary Medicine Summer Program

Lauren will be attending the Iowa State University Ag Discovery Program for Veterinary Medicine Camp this summer.  She was one of 16 students selected out of 83 students who applied and was accepted so this is quite an honor.

New Hazing State Law

It is about time that this issue was addressed in Nebraska. 

The current statute defines hazing as any activity by which a person intentionally or recklessly endangers the physical or mental health or safety of an individual for the purpose of initiation into, admission into, affiliation with or continued membership with any organization.

Hazing committed by postsecondary students currently is prohibited.

LB 710 extends the existing prohibition to include all primary and secondary school students.

The bill include in the definition of hazing:

(i) acts of sexual penetration,

(ii) exposure of genitals,

(iii) lewd fondling and caressing of another person, and

(iv) coercing another person to commit an act of public indecency.

A person found to have committed an act of hazing would be guilty of a Class II misdemeanor, which carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail, a $1,000 fine or both.

Bright Lights Winners announced

I had the opportunity to serve as Master of Ceremonies at the Cuming County Economic Development Banquet last night. Four teams of students participated in the Bright Lights competition, which involves writing a business plan for a potential business in Cuming County. This year's winners of the $800 prize were the Warriors- Kylee Cole, Justice Johnson, Chase Bonsall and Seth Pierce. "SplatterPark" would be a paintball course for paintballer's in the area.
 The Warriors photo

Second place went to MAKA, with their Year Round Farmer's Market. Team members were Anna Currier,

-->Karly Niewohner, Ashley Minnick and McKenzie WraggeHere is a photo of all of the Bright Lights students.

Photos from State Skills USA

 Wyatt Hennig and Jacob Zuhlke receive the B-R Skills USA Charter

Welding team- Did well but not in top 3

Wyatt's Electricity Project

Skills USA competition - Nolan Smith and Trenton Schmeckpeper win State Robotics Championship

Nolan and Trenton will compete at the National Championships this June in Louisville, Kentucky.

From Omaha WOWT
OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) -- Working with your hands, greasy and covered in sawdust, these are jobs in the trades that are in demand. Thursday, high school and college students from across the state converged on Omaha to put those skills to the test. Drive to succeed grew stronger for student on Thursday; inside the Century Link Center over 1,000 high school and college students were competing in 80 different competitions. The Skills USA Nebraska State Championships hosted events from precision cutting, carpentry, welding, metal work and even baking. Event organizers said for competitors it’s not just about the contest itself, it’s also about prepping for the future. Just ask Jason Laughlin who already works as a diesel mechanic. WOWT 6 News cameras caught up with him while he was inspecting a semi-truck. "I was inspecting the truck, essentially a DOT inspection trying to find anything wrong from cracks in the windshield to a missing fire extinguisher," Laughlin. Skills USA helps these students preparing for careers just like the ones they are competing in. There was also a Team Building event with four categories in one. It included electrical work, plumbing, masonry and carpentry. "They work together to build a project just like you would see in the real world,” said MCC Construction Tech Instructor Trevor Secora. The group gets a set of plans they put into action, just like a job site. Soon they could be getting paid to do the same thing. "The opportunities for employment for these guys right now, we have contractors looking to hire our students all the time," said Secora. Until then, they continue laying a firm foundation, one brick at a time. Some of the best from Thursday's Skills USA competition will move on to compete nationally. Some will earn prizes and scholarships.

LB 930 is signed into law

LB 930 may be implemented as early as next year. High school students will no longer have to take state assessments (NeSA). And grades 4 and 8 will not be taking a state writing assessment. The writing will now be incorporated into the Reading/English Language Arts Assessment.

BRLD

BRLD cheerleaders for next year are Tess Nottlemann, Kennedy Schuttler, Maddie Hansen, Amelia Schlichting, Kailey Irwin, Anna Currier, Teagan Steinmeyer, Cydnee Bonsall, and Kelsey Larsen.

ACT like test to replace NeSA for 11th grade students

The Nebraska legislature gave final approval to a bill authorizing a college readiness test, like the ACT or SAT test, to replace the current NeSA test for 11th grade students. If the governor signs the bill it will change the test preparation for high school juniors.

Currently our 11th grade students are preparing for both the ACT and the NeSA. ACT tests Reading, English, Math, Science and Writing and is given in one day. NeSA tests English Language Arts, Math, Science and Writing. The ACT is an important test for students pursuing post-secondary education at a two or four year college. The NeSA is intended to hold schools accountable for students performance on the state standards. Student motivation to do well on the NeSA is minimal.

This will be a good change. Now we can focus on preparing students for their future, not testing things in their past.

Bancroft-Rosalie School Job Openings

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Night Custodian/Bus Drivers

Bancroft-Rosalie School is seeking applications for a Night Custodian/Bus Driver. This position will be a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks a year. Benefits include single insurance, sick leave, and two weeks paid vacation.

Duties will include cleaning, after school bus routes and some activity driving. A CDL and a level I bus driver license are required.

Assistant Cook

Bancroft-Rosalie School is seeking applications for an Assistant Cook. This position will involve food preparation, serving and cleaning . Hours will be 7:00 am- 2:00 pm (7 hours) each day that school is in session.

Interested persons can apply at the Bancroft-Rosalie School office in Bancroft, NE.

403-648-3336

STATE ED BOARD ANNOUNCES GRANTS FOR COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS

Press release from Nebraska Department of Education

Afterschool and summer programs will soon be available at 11 new sites in the Nebraska communities of Bancroft-Rosalie, Omaha, Crete, Fremont and Nebraska City.

Federal grant funds were awarded to support community learning centers serving students attending schools with high needs. During non-school hours, these programs offer hands-on learning and activities to meet student needs.

The State Board of Education recently approved grants for the following new programs:
·         Bancroft-Rosalie Public Schools received an $80,438 federal grant for a program at Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary School and at Bancroft-Rosalie Jr/Sr High School.
·         Collective for Youth in Omaha received a $90,750 federal grant for a program at Wakonda Elementary School.
·         Crete Public Schools received a $152,575 federal grant for a program at Crete Primary School.
·         Fremont Public Schools received a $512,250 federal grant for programs at Bell Field Elementary School, Clarmar Elementary School, Grant Elementary School, Howard Elementary School, Johnson Crossing Academic Center (grades 5-6) and Fremont Middle School.
·         Nebraska City Public Schools received a $120,000 federal grant for a program at Northside Elementary School.

April 11 School Board Meeting Summary

The Bancroft-Rosalie Board of Education met Monday, April 11, 2016 at 7:30 pm in Bancroft.

Superintendent Cerny reported on transportation, the dual credit program, the school Title I 
review, and the football field conversion.

In new business the board approved the summer school program in July and August and 
reviewed the Special Education and Title I programs. The senior sneak trip to Kansas City was given approval and up to $500 was approved for the annual recognition luncheon and awards.

In other new business, Dr. Cerny presented wages and benefits for classified staff for 2016-17, and Mr. Sjuts presented coaches and sponsors assignments in 2016-17. The Board accepted 
the resignation of Jessica McPhillips, approved the teaching contract for Micah Buller, and approved the cooperative agreement with Lyons-Decatur for cross-country and the cooperative agreement with Wisner-Pilger for softball.  

Following discussion with representatives of the Bancroft Library and Village Boards, the school board approved a memorandum of Understanding between the two boards for services to students in the Bancroft-Rosalie School District. The board also voted to amend policy 411.6 Homeless to be in accordance with federal Title I rules.

The board went into executive session to discuss personnel.

Preventing Credit Card Blues at 22 - for Senior class this Wednesday

Cuming County Extension Office will be putting on the informational program. Here is some information for parents.

"This is an exciting time of life for high school seniors and their parents.  As  you and the young adult in your family prepare for graduation and the adventures ahead, University of Nebraska Lincoln-Extension encourages you to work out a plan for day-to-day expenses.  To assist you with this discussion we encourage you to visit our website: http://www.cuming.unl.edu/4hlocal  and scroll to the bottom of the page to  College Bound.  Those families who do not have access to the internet may contact the University of Nebraska Lincoln-Extension in Cuming County at 402-372-6006 or stop in the office located in the Cuming County Courthouse.  The materials will provide frame-work for developing a plan for daily expenses plus help you discuss potential risk for your young adult –gambling and identity theft.  Student Monitor, a New Jersey based research company, found that in 2014-2015 college students spend an annual average of $1989 on personal expenses such as clothing, laundry, toiletries, haircuts, entertainment, etc. and an additional $1073 on transportation including vehicle fees, parking , gas maintenance and travel costs.  It is important to figure out as a family how these expenses will be covered in the coming year."

Feet on the Farm looking for Business Sponsors

Participant registration coming soon. Put the event on your calendar. The facebook event link is-
 https://www.facebook.com/events/448659418678738

School Board Meeting Agenda

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Bancroft-Rosalie Community School

Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda

Monday, April 11, 2016 --- 7:30 pm in Bancroft

1.   Call to Order

2.   Open Meetings Act

3.   Roll Call

4.   Read and approve the minutes of the March 14, 2016 Regular Board meeting.

5.   Treasurer’s Report

            A.  Approve the Bills

            B.  Financial Review

6.   Review Agenda

7.   Public Hearing

8.  Administrator’s Reports:

            A. Superintendent’s Report

            B. Principal’s Report

            C. Board Committee Reports

                        1. Negotiations- sign agreement             

                        2. Citizenship/Instruction/ Americanism

                        3. Personnel                                                 
                        4. Buildings and Grounds.

                        5. Transportation.                                     
                        6. Insurance.

                        7. Reorganization

9.            Old Business:

            A.           

10.            New Business:

            A. Approve Summer School program for 2016

            B. Annual review of Title I and Special Education           

            C. Approve up to $500 for annual recognition luncheon and awards

            D. Approve Senior sneak trip itinerary.

            E. Administrative recommendations for classified staff

            F.  Administrative recommendations for coaches and sponsors

            G. Accept resignation of Jessica McPhillips

            H. Approve cooperative agreement with Lyons-Decatur for Cross-country.

            I. Approve Interlocal Agreement with the Bancroft Library Board.

            J. Approve teaching contract for Micah Buller

            K. Approve cooperative agreement with Wisner-Pilger for softball 2016-17

                 and 2017-18.                     

11. Executive Session-

12. Future Planning- Next scheduled meeting- Monday, May 9, 2016 in Bancroft.           

13.            Adjournment.

Neihardt Spring Conference April 30

Thanks to the Neihardt Foundation Board of Directors for honoring me with the Neihardt Board of Directors Wall of Fame Award, which will be presented at the Neihardt Spring Conference April 30. It has been a pleasure to serve on the Board of Directors, and as your President.

Transgender Participation on agenda at NSAA meeting

I will be at the Nebraska School Activities Association Representative Assembly meeting today at 9:00 am in Lincoln. On the agenda is a policy to require all NSAA activity participants to participate as the gender that is on the certificate at birth. This would place Nebraska as the only state with this policy. Several other states require participation as the gender on your birth certificate. The difference results from state laws that allow people to legally change the gender on their birth certificate.
After many calls and e-mails the past two weeks asking me to vote for certificate at birth, I still choose to listen to the NSAA staff and the NSAA attorney when casting my vote.

Dual Credit offerings for next school year

96% of B-R seniors will be taking a college credit course next year. The courses below have at least one B-R student enrolled.

Bancroft-Rosalie Dual Credit Courses 2016-17

Dual credit course name/Credits              What institution    College or H.S. Teacher

Statistics (3)                                                Northeast CC                        HS Teacher

College Algebra (3)                                    Northeast CC                        Distance Learning

Trigonometry     (3)                                    Northeast CC                        HS Teacher

Computer Assisted Drafting (2)                 Northeast CC                        Mr. Hilsinger

ARCH 1240

CAD Lab (2)                                               Northeast CC                        Mr. Hilsinger

ARCH 1250

Certified Nurses Assistant (3)                    Northeast CC                        Mrs. Munderloh

Medication Aide (3)                                   Northeast CC                        Mrs. Munderloh

English Composition I (3)                          Northeast CC                        Mrs. Ras

British Literature (3)                                   Northeast CC                        Mrs. Ras

Medical Terminology (3)                            Northeast CC                        HS Teacher

American History (4)                                  Neb Wesleyan/NECC           Mr. Hulstein

World History (4)                                        Neb Wesleyan/NECC           Mr. Hulstein

Physical Geography (4)                               Neb Wesleyan/NECC           Mr. Hulstein

Total offered            13 classes/40 credits

Fridays at Northeast

Suspensions, Brakes, Theory (2.5)            Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

AUTT 1010

Suspensions, Brakes Lab (4.5)            Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

AUTT 1020

Glass, Trim Theory (2.5)                        Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

AUTB 1015

Glass, Trim Lab  (4.5)                        Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

AUTB 1035

Arc Welding Theory (1.5)                        Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

WELD 1030

Arc Welding Lab (3.0)                        Northeast CC                        NECC Staff

Weld 1035

6 classes/ 18.5 credits                       

Aaron Ras to be an NSAA advisor

Aaron Ras was selected by the Nebraska School Activities Association to serve on the NSAA Student Advisory Committee. Twelve students from across the state will make up the committee.
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The NSAA has approved the formulation of a Student Advisory Committee for the 2016-17 school year. This Student Advisory Committee is a diverse group of students who participate in interscholastic athletics/activities and are focused on providing education and leadership through open and honest communication with all member schools and their students, administrators and coaches. This committee will serve as a liaison between students, administrators, the NSAA Staff and Board of Directors. The Student Advisory Committee will help promote the mission of the NSAA, including leadership, sportsmanship and integrity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The committee will discuss current student and Association issues, assist with various Association functions, and help to maintain an avenue of communication between the Association and the student participants themselves. Avenues to accomplish this goal will be:

- Committee members will give student perspective on proposed by-law changes

- Students will provide input, help develop and attend the sportsmanship and leadership summits in conjunction with the NCA.

-Students will record public service announcements (PSAs), through a media partner chosen by the NSAA. 
Congratulations Aaron.

Virtual Field Trip from Morrill Hall

The staff at Morrill Hall at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln presented a virtual field trip to the 7th grade Earth Science class. The field trip was called "Evolution Examined." The virtual field trip included engaging activities and interaction with studies on finches, flies, and viruses. Arachnids at night and Yellowstone diatoms by day will be highlighted by several University of Nebraska–Lincoln graduate students who will share, both live and via video, how they are studying evolution in their work today.

Nebraska School Activities Association Gender Participation Policy

The Nebraska School Activities Association Representative Assembly will be meeting next Friday to vote on new proposals. One of the proposals addresses participation of transgender students in NSAA sponsored school activities.

The new policy would require students to compete based on their gender at birth. The existing policy, adopted by the NSAA Board of Directors in consultation with legal counsel has a procedure to follow for transgender students.

Obviously this has caused a lot of discussion and some concern from many residents of the state. Because there are questions being asked about the existing NSAA policy and what it does and does not do, I am posting a link to the existing policy for anyone who would like to read it.

I am a member of the representative assembly and I will vote based on the advice of the NSAA legal counsel and what is in the best interests of the NSAA and our member schools. We need a fair and equitable field for all students, and we need to make sure we are in compliance with existing state statutes, which allows for changes to birth certificate gender.  

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzAgKW5YembwdXNKOENjMEdnejQ/view?usp=sharing