Eagle Newsletter - February 10, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day!

More pics from the 2nd grade Basketball team!

Eagle Elementary School Skate!!

Please join the fun at Skate Zone (48th Street across from Target).  Eagle Elementary will be hosting a skate party on Thursday, February 18, 2010 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm.  $5.00 per child.  This skate is a fund raiser fro the school so No POGO cards or passes will be accepted.  Mom and Dad's skate free!

 Eagle Elementary School Parking Situation

I am out of ideas (at least ones that are leagle). The parking situation is horrible.  It's not teaching our children anything about rules and is a dangerous situation to have our children in day after day.

As far as I can tell, it's a problem of not only following rules but plain old courtesy. I was in line three cars back just Tuesday waiting to drop off my child in the morning and as we are all pulling forward a little white car with Dealer plates pulls in front of everyone so we all had to wait for her to drop off her child in front of everyone that had been waiting in line. This happens every morning. It doesn't NEED to! Please, talk to your friends, family and neighbors! In the morning WAIT your turn!! You are not in any bigger hurry than anyone else. If you are going to be taking longer than just a quick drop off, pull into a space as not to make everyone wait! It's just common sense. Let's start setting a good example for our children.

After school is STILL a problem. I don't think that ANY cars should park along the curb. From what I am hearing from other parents they feel the same.  I guess you probably need to contact the school and let them know how you feel so that we can get this changed for the safety of our kids.  Even though it's more convenient to park on the curb, it's just NOT safe!  If you allow the three that fit, other cars just line up behind them waiting to take their space and blocking spaces and cars that are in parking spaces. THIS is NOT working. I could really use some other parents speaking up! Call the school or write to me! Let them know that something needs to be done before someone gets hurt. This is past ridiculous. DO SOMETHING!!

School District #145 Update

District Update #12 includes:

1. Board of Education Meeting Summary
2. High School Gym Floor Update
3. Nebraska Legislative Session
4. NeSA - State Testing

This is a summary of district events from the perspective of the superintendent. The February Board meeting was held on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The reason for the date change was several board members and myself attended a School Board Training in Kearney on Feb. 1-2. The Labor Relations conference is an annual event sponsored by the Nebraska Association of School Boards and provides an opportunity for Board members to learn about school law, contracts, health insurance, and other employment related issues that are specific to school districts.

Mrs. Hunt, Director of Special Education, reported to the Board regarding our Special Education programs. An auditory voice system was demonstrated. We are investigating the potential impact that a portable sound system in every classroom could have on students. Board members reported on their attendance at NASB workshops, and committees (Building/Grounds; Policy) gave updates from their meetings that were held prior to the Board meeting.

Action taken by the Board includes:

1. As required by Board Policy 3030, acceptance of donations ($2000 anonymous donation to Instrumental Music Program; Peace Lutheran Church Women's Missionary League donation to elementary students for supporting items students cannot afford to purchase).
2. Recognition of the Waverly Education Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for certified staff for 2010-11.
3. Approval of changes to 2009-10 school calendar (student last day on May 25; teachers May 28)
4. Offering of contracts or work agreements to district administrators for 2010-11 school year, salary/benefits to be determined in the future.

The investigation for the source of the water leak at the High School East Gym continues. The source of the leak has not been found. Water test results still confirm tap water as the source of the problem. Additional core samples will be drilled in the gym floor, as well as core sample in other areas of the HS to gather additional information. Costs of the investigation (currently over $12,000) are being paid for by ALICAP, district insurance provider. There are no signs of moisture or damage in the west gym. In the meantime, bids for floor replacement have been received. It will take approximately 4-6 weeks for new flooring materials to arrive, and another 4 weeks (minimum) to install a new floor. The installation cannot occur until we are certain that the cause of the leak has been identified and corrected - we are moving as quickly as possible in the process.

The Board of Education reviewed the school calendar for 2010-11. There will be a few changes due to feedback received from teachers. On February 8th teacher representatives will meet with me to discuss those changes before a calendar is given final approval at the March Board meeting.

Nebraska State Legislature is facing extremely difficult issues this year, particularly with budget shortfalls projected at the state level. Economic forecasting board will provide a report as to the state's outlook. The state's budget for the 2011-13 fiscal year is currently projecting a $500 million to $1 billion shortfall during that two-year period. If this forecast holds true, the state will have to either make additional budget cuts or find ways to gain additional revenue - or both. State aid to schools for 2010-11 is required (by law) to be certified by March 1, 2010. There is no shortage of legislation this session, and several proposals will impact education if passed. I encourage you to pay attention to the issues, stay informed, and participate in our representative government.

Through the month of January, District 145 is approximately 2.45% under budget in regards to expenditures (an improvement from last month). Thus far, we have borrowed approximately $3,745,000 of short-term credit to meet cash flow needs. This must be repaid prior by August 31, 2010. We didn't access the credit line until November 2009, which is about six weeks later than in 2008. We are working to reduce the need to utilize credit, thus saving the district money paid in interest each year.

The first statewide reading test will take place this spring. State tests are a measure of minimum competency (basic skills that all students are expected to achieve). If we spend our energy preparing for and concentrating on a single test to determine the success of students, we will lose sight of the tremendous amount of student learning that cannot be measured by a single test (or series of tests). State tests are similar to weighing each student on a scale once per year to determine health status...it provides interesting data but is not reflective of the total picture of student learning. We will use the data from state tests, combined with data from many other sources to determine how to adjust instruction. As the external accountability measures continue to unfold at the state and federal levels, we cannot lose sight of the bigger picture of student learning.
Consider this analogy in regards to testing versus learning. Every person who drives a vehicle is required to pass an exam. The person who can answer all questions correctly on the test doesn't automatically receive a license...that person must demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge on the road, in a real life situation, encountering many unpredictable variables. A successful driver must be able to do more than memorize the rule book and pass the written test. The same is true of our students. We expect students to perform well on tests, and we also expect that we have taught them how to transfer and apply what has been learned in the classroom to life outside of school. That is why the emphasis in education is teaching students how to learn, and using the content to guide the process. The process has evolved from students getting the correct answer, to teaching students a process for them to find the answer. The Science Fair at the Middle School is a great example. A student could have been told (by the teacher) which type of material best absorbs sound waves, but instead that student engaged in a process (guided by the teacher) to figure it out. District 145 is fortunate to have staff that recognize the importance of teaching students how to learn, rather than what to learn!

District 145 Curriculum Toolbox team chairs (teacher leaders) participated in a two-day training on January 28-29. Our Director of Curriculum Scott Blum, has been developing this process, which is designed to foster teacher leadership in the area of teaching and learning. Dr. Toby Boss and Lenny VerMaas from ESU#6 facilitated the two-day workshop, which is the start of a revised, and exciting effort to focus on student learning. Continuous improvement will occur when teachers are providing direction, and administrators are providing support and guidance.

The "Understanding and Engagement in a K - 5 Literacy Classroom" professional learning class started on Tuesday, January 26th. A total of 25 teachers and 3 administrators attended the first session. Of the 25 teachers, 14 are taking it for credit through Doane College. A few of the learning activities that the teachers will be engaged in each week are:  professional reading, team conversations in the class and in the buildings, applying literacy strategies within their classrooms, video taping and critiquing themselves teaching, and selecting and completing a project focused on further developing as a professional.  The group is to be commended for making this voluntary commitment to learning!  This is only one example of many in how District 145 continues to reflect on what we are doing, engage in training, followed by action to help us become better....which helps our bottom line....student learning!!


Bill Heimann, Ed. D.
Superintendent
District 145 - Waverly Public Schools
14511 Heywood Street, P.O. Box 426
Waverly, NE 68462
402-786-2321 x 105
Fax 402-786-2799

SOUP SUPPER

Chili, Chicken Noodle, Dessert, Beverage

February 27, 5-7 PM

Immanuel Lutheran Church

1009 G St, Eagle, Nebraska

Free Will Donation

Proceeds to support Eagle American Legion and

Eagle American Legion Auxiliary

Connecting Young Nebraskans

Do you know any young Nebraskans that would be interested in a social networking group that is similar to a Young Professionals Group? The group is called Connecting Young Nebraskans and just started in Oct of 2009. I will attach a description and a link to our facebook group. If you know anyone who would be interested, please send me their email address and name.
Kayla
___________________________
Connecting Young Nebraskans, (CYN) is a social network of young Nebraskans who have joined together to discuss and take action to promote change in Nebraska. In past years, it seems that the voice of young Nebraskans has been missing on many important issues. In an effort to address this, the University of Nebraska Rural Initiative would like to encourage and support the formation and ongoing operation of a 'Young Nebraskans' group. This group will belong to its members so it's up to you to help shape it into something you want to be a part of.

Our current vision is for this group to focus on socializing by exchanging ideas, supporting others interests, and learning new things; while also bringing a young viewpoint and voice to shape the future of communities, regions and the state.  Communication will be facilitated by online social networking, electronic conversations, meetings via polycom, or other technology in addition to a possible yearly face-to-face gathering. In addition to its practical uses, this group will provide a way to meet new young Nebraskans and find out about opportunities, educational resources and fun activities.

Connecting Young Nebraskans will be coordinated by the Nebraska Rural Initiative, but the leadership structure and direction will be determined by the network (you). We believe that each young Nebraskan has something to bring to the table, whether it is policy related, social, lifestyle, or socially based, CYN can help you find others who share the same interests and concerns.

Now is the time to join the CYN Network and start asking those critical questions that will affect your lifestyle in Nebraska! If you know someone who may be interested or who can benefit from CYN, please email Kayla at kchurchill4@unl.edu and ask to add them to the email list. Keep in mind that any successful group takes time to mature and grow, so be patient throughout this development process, and make suggestions about how the future of our state will look for you.

CYN was established because we want to help you enjoy
your community by broadening your horizon
of what's possible!

Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Lincoln-NE/Connecting-Young-Nebraskans-CYN/155944343449?ref=ts


Kayla (Churchill) Schnuelle
Marketing Communications
University of Nebraska Rural Initiative
kchurchill4@unl.edu
103 Miller Hall
PO Box 830710
Lincoln, NE 68583-0710
phone: 402-472-2935
fax: 402-472-2374
localfoods.nebraska.edu

 First Christian Church - Disciples of Christ

304 Main St. PO Box 473 Louisville, NE. 68037  

Phone: 402 - 234 - 2130  

Pastor Cathy Stander: 402 - 677 - 9606    

  Sunday Worship: 10AM with Communion and all are welcome at the table.   Everyone is welcome just as you are.   Adult and children's educational classes following worship.   Faith Lessons @ 10 AM on Tuesday 4PM on Sunday.   Newly Forming Women's Group: 1rst & 4th Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM     Recovery Group meets every Thursday @ 7 PM. This is not meant to replace CMA, NA, GA or AA, but is a supplement and the higher power is Christ who sets us free from being slaves to alcohol and drugs. Led by recovering addicts.   We are a small but growing church with a big heart for Jesus and you. We proclaim the Lord is about to do something great in Louisville.     Many opportunities for outreach in Jesus' Name.   Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is

light." Matthew 11: 28 - 30     Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.-Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)     Jesus invites you to join us and to come , find rest; find love.                    


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Producing Small Fruits for Home Profit

 Producing Small Fruits for Home Profit will be presented at 6:30 p.m. Feb.
18 at the UNL Kimmel Education and Research Center, 5985 G Road, Nebraska
City. Join Vaughn Hammond, extension technologist, to learn about growing
small fruits in your backyard. He will cover the production of
raspberries, blackberries, strawberries and other common and not so common
small fruits. For more information contact Hammond at 402-873-3166 or
vhammond2@unl.edu.

"Capital City Buddy Walk" on

October 2, 2010 at 8:00am.

Event: Capital City Buddy Walk
       "Who is YOUR buddy?"
What: Fundraiser
Start Time: Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 8:00am
End Time: Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 11:00am
Where: Antelope Park

The one-mile, Capital City Buddy Walk, hosted by the Down Syndrome Association for Families.

The Buddy Walk was developed by the National Down Syndrome Society in 1995 to bring together a wide range of concerned individuals to reach out to friends, family and co-workers to promote awareness and inclusion for people with Down syndrome and to raise funds for education, research and advocacy programs. The walk has grown from 17 walks in 1995 to more than 280 nationwide (one in every state) with over 230,000 participants.

Many of you probably already know Natasha and James Dobbins.  They have two beautiful children Lily and Jimmy "Buddy".  Buddy was born with Down Syndrome as well as other complications.  He had open heart surgery on August 3, 2009. He had complications from a nicked lymph node...which caused what they called a chylothorax with plural infusion. Which means they nicked the lymph node and that caused the lining of his right lung to fill with fluid and lipils, which collapsed his right lung. We have dealt with apnea monitors, oximeters, oxygen, prescription formula, feeding tube and all kinds of stuff. RIGHT NOW... he's fine. He is almost 9 months and 13 lbs. He is still on lasix, prilosec, and sildenafil. But that should be short lived. All thats left is to deal with the down syndrome. Which I can deal with. ;)

The Dobbins family is inviting everyone to join them in the "Buddy" walk on October 2nd at Antelope Park.  They would love to see a big team from their town there to support them!

Facebook invite:

http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=285236209680&mid=1c9b413G43e09b20Gd0c49eG7

You can also email me at editor@eaglenebraska.com with more questions, I will forward them onto Natasha.