GATOR TALES
Grace Abbott Elementary
May 13, 2022
Principal: Dr. Erik Chaussee, epchaussee@mpsomaha.org
Secretary: Cindy Wrenn, clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
About Us
Email: clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
Website: abbott.mpsomaha.org
Location: 1313 N 156th St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-2900
Facebook: facebook.com/GraceAbbottElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPS_Abbott
NEWS FROM DR. CHAUSSEE
Hey Ref!
One fact that few know about me is my career as a soccer referee including youth, high school, and college. I did it for about 25 years, stopping when I began working at Abbott. Fortunately, about 95% of the games I officidated went well with few conflicts and good sportsmanship. However, 5% of the games were very difficult, including two games when parents followed me to my car. I was in my 30’s and 40’s when doing this and rarely intimidated. But, if I was 17, I probably couldn’t have done it. And, my observations now is that refereeing has become more difficult. A recent New York Times article from April 24th states that 50,000 high school referees have quit between 2018 and 2020-roughly 20%. A soccer official was quoted as saying, “It’s driving a lot of people out of the business. We are in a dire situation in terms of retention.” A poll of officials found that 60% said verbal abuse is their number one reason for quitting. The survey found that 39% said that parents caused the most problems.
The Nebraska Referee Development program ran a public campaign this year with the tagline, “Who are you yelling at?” Sixty percent of the officials are 17 or younger.
As many know teachers are leaving with a story in this week’s World Herald that nearly 700 teachers are leaving the Omaha school district. Millard is also losing teachers.
With all this being said I have enjoyed tremendous parental support during my 20 years at Abbott. It is appreciated which makes leaving that much more difficult. So, am I talking about both sides of my mouth? Maybe, just time to reflect as parents whether on sidelines of a game or a school.
LIBRARY RETURN
FIELD DAY
3rd - 5th grade 9:00 - 11:00
K - 2nd grade. 1:00 - 3:00
Please make sure to send water with your child that day. Also, please try to avoid taking them out during these times as it is hard to locate them!!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- 5th Grade Farewell, May 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
- FIELD DAY, MAY 20, 3 - 5 is 9:00 - 11:00, K-2 is 1:00 - 3:00
- Last day of school, May 26, 12:00 p.m. NO LUNCH SERVED
PLEASE HELP!!
Date: May 19th (Thurs)
Time: 4-9pm
Location: Kiewit Middle School
Contact person: Wendi Sanny wendisanny@gmail.com
GOING, GOING, GONE!
PARENTS OF 5TH GRADERS
SPARK ( Formerly Kids Network)
Don’t Miss Out On This Epic Summer!
Are you looking for full day fun for your student this summer? Spark (formerly Kids Network) is a program provided by the Millard Public Schools Foundation and this summer we have great adventures planned for your child. Weekly registration is available, themed activities and weekly field trips!
New this year – Spark UP is our new summer program designed exclusively for incoming 5th and 6th graders.
Join us for a summer to remember! Don’t delay – we have limited spots available. Register Today! www.mpsfoundation.org
The Millard Public Schools Foundation supports the school district by providing funds to all 35 schools to support strategic initiatives.
MILLARD SCHOOL BOARD 2020
President - Linda Poole
Vice President - Dave Anderson
Secretary - Stacy Jolley
Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
Board Member - Mike Kennedy
Board Member - Mike Pate