Raymond Central Public Schools
February 2021
From the Desk of the Superintendent...
It’s hard to believe that the school year is more than half over, but with all that, we have going on in our schools, time flies… Thank you for your continued efforts in following our mitigation measures that are in place to help in slowing the speed of COVID-19. Without the support of our staff, students, families, and community members we would not be able to have our students learn face-to-face in our school sites. Please continue to avoid crowded places, wear your mask, socially distance when appropriate, wash and sanitize your hands often, and stay home when you are not feeling well. We will get through this together!
At the January Board of Education meeting, there was a long discussion around the need to find additional bus drivers to support our students and families. As a result, by the February Board of Education Meeting, we were excited to announce the ability to run six routes again across the district. Thank you for your patience as we knew pickup points for our bus routes were a temporary fix during a global pandemic and losing a route driver. We will be phasing in the routes this month!
In working with the local health departments, it looks like the Raymond Central staff will get their first round of the COVID vaccination this month. Educators were selected to be part of the 1B group. Within the 1B group, there are several tiers including the population that is 65 years or older in front of educators. Raymond Central has a plan developed to disburse the vaccinations to any staff who volunteers to take them when the call comes from the local health department. Even though the vaccination of staff will be another step to combat the spread of COVID-19, we will continue to wear masks for the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year.
It is always a pleasure to recognize six volunteers, who work hard for our students, staff, families, and community - our elected school board members: Dr. Harriet Gould, Lori Springer, Matt Blanchard, Brad Breitkreutz, Cathy Burklund, and Bill Lange. The Board meets regularly to support and enable our educational mission, vision, strategic plan, and they advocate for continuous improvement to our district. Members participate in endless board, committee, negotiation, and other meetings, make appearances at school functions and spend hours reviewing reports, agendas, proposals, and other information they receive weekly. When you see one of our six board members, be sure to thank them for their commitment to making Raymond Central a great place to learn as we celebrate their leadership from January 31 to February 6, 2021!
I would like to welcome Bill Lange to the Board of Education. Bill has four daughters all of who either have attended or currently are attending Raymond Central. He was sworn in at the January Board of Education meeting and has replaced Scott Black representing Ward 1. Also at the January Board of Education meeting was the annual election of officers. The Raymond Central Board of Education Officers for 2021 are:
Dr. Harriet Gould - President
Brad Breitkreutz - Vice President
Lori Springer - Secretary
Matt Blanchard - Treasurer
As part of the Vision 2025 work of the district, the Board of Education created a goal to maintain and improve current facilities. A performance indicator under this goal is to hire a consultant to assist in future facility planning including the construction of a performing arts center. Raymond Central hired two consultants from First National Capital Markets to create a feasibility study for Raymond Central Public Schools. The purpose of the study was to provide a comprehensive source of data to be used in determining the most efficient operational structure for Raymond Central. The feasibility study is designed to provide information to help the Board of Education and the administration make long-term plans regarding the following areas:
Census data on District demographics (including housing)
Enrollment trends and projections
Staffing information
Current facilities
Financial trends and cost analysis
The Board of Education is in the process of analyzing the results and will be sharing an executive summary with the public in the near future.
Thanks to Patty Hudson (Director of Nutritional Services) and her team for their efforts in serving over 2,880 meals over Winter Break through the Summer Lunch Program and grant money. To make this possible, students from FFA and FBLA volunteered their time to help pre-package the food. I appreciate everyone for their time and dedication to ensure the families of Raymond Central were provided seven days’ worth of food each week over the holiday season. I look forward to continuing our Summer Lunch Program beginning in May 2021!
The security camera transition to the new Avigilon System has been completed. In addition to the new system and software, the Jr/Sr High School added three 3-way cameras and two single cameras to the current configuration. The cameras that were replaced have been repurposed in the building to add extra coverage. Raymond Central remains committed to the safety of our students and staff and will continue to update cameras across the district over the next few years.
Do not forget to say THANK YOU to our amazing Board of Education Members as we celebrate their commitment to public education from January 31 - February 6, 2021!
Stay safe and stay healthy.
Go Mustangs!
Dr. Joel
UNL Department of Educational Psychology Grant
The UNL Department of Educational Psychology has received a grant from the Swanson Foundation which allows them to offer mental health services to rural schools.
From Dr. Michael Scheel, Chair of the UNL Department of Educational Psychology:
The UNL Department of Educational Psychology would like to offer counseling and psychological services, as well as consultation services to the schools and communities of Southeast Nebraska. We run a mental health counseling and therapy clinic and we are offering counseling and consultation services to teachers, administrators, students, and community members of Southeast Nebraska. Services will be provided through remote and confidential means (i.e., Zoom conferencing). We are hoping that schools, families, and individuals contact us to schedule an appointment for a telehealth counseling or consultation session.
We have recently learned that a donor will support our work with individuals living in rural Southeast NE by paying all fees for services. Thus, whoever seeks out our services will simply have to indicate they live in Southeast Nebraska, and any services we provide will be paid for through the UNL Foundation. Individual, couple, and family counseling will be provided without financial expense. Additionally, we can provide teachers, school administrators, school counselors, and school social workers consultation services for students of their schools without charge.
We are very excited to enter a partnership with schools and communities of SE Nebraska to promote mental health and well-being. We are aware of the mental health counseling disparities that exist in Nebraska rural areas, and our department, our College of Education and Human Sciences, and UNL are highly interested in offering our expertise and resources with the goal of enhancing the well-being of SE Nebraska individuals, schools, and communities. We are a group comprised of licensed psychologists and psychology graduate students who regularly provide services through our clinic to the Lincoln community. We are seeking to reach beyond Lincoln to connect more with surrounding rural areas. We also are acutely aware of the importance of addressing mental health concerns right now as we all are experiencing the stress of going through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Counseling and School Psychology Clinic is a training clinic in which graduate students in counseling and school psychology work with clients under the supervision of licensed psychologists. Services are available to all on a sliding scale. For clients from SE Nebraska communities, services will be paid for through UNL Foundation funds supplied by a donor who cares deeply about the welfare of schools and communities in SE Nebraska. Counseling services are offered to improve well-being, improve academic and behavioral issues, stabilize mood, manage stress, and improve life-adjustment issues.
For more information, please visit our clinic website:
First Semester Honor Roll Recipients
Seniors: Brynn Behring, Alexis Dubas, Halle Heiss, Nathan Herroon, Kelsey Hudson, Ryan Isaac, Hunter Kohl, Jenna Krenke, Megan Lange, Calleigh Osmera, Scott Tvrdy, Faith Welton, Laurel Wheeler
Juniors: Eleanah Enevoldsen, Makenna Gehle, Quentin Hayes, Hannah Kile, Joshua Masek, Rachel Potter, Micah Roubal, Nelle Serrano, Sierra Springer, Zoie Stachura, Emily Welton
Sophomores: Madysen Ayres, Rachel Bos, Aleyna Cuttlers, Isaak Fredrickson, Jaden Kohl, Asher Lahm, Josie Lahm, Wyatt Svoboda
Freshmen: Katie Fisher, Grant Henderson, Madison Leise, Olivia Masek, Travis Silverstrand, Rosalie Tvrdy
8th Grade: Sarah Lange, James Liu, Taylor Lockman, Elizabeth Richter, Carlee Wolfe
7th Grade: Evelyn Dickey, Emma Dukesherer, Ta'lyn Houchin, Taylor Kopecky, Savannah Masek, Jori McNeil, Izabella Thornburg, Drew Tice
6th Grade: Marissa Tvrdy
Honor Roll:
Seniors: Mitchell Albrecht, Lucas Buresh, Emmett Gyhra, Mallory Hughes, Ellie Hula, Nathan McGrath, Grace Mueller, Connor Nichols, Logan Parde, Rylee Polivka, Michael Potter, Lauren Prososki
Juniors: Jaci Bryce, Emaree Harris, Leyla Hilsabeck, Coleman Hofpar, Abigail Hudson, Conner Kreikemeier, Ellianna LaMay, Elijah Nacke, Madelynn Peterson, Skyler Sears, Eli White
Sophomores: Rhet Cotter, Beau Gyhra, Addison Kottas, Morgan Lahm, Heather Lange, Madison Parham, Ayla Rech
Freshmen: Leslie Bos, Braelyn Christensen, Alannah Crabtree, Adelyn Heiss, Kaitlin Hughes, Philip Karpov, Benjamen Kliment, Jaelynn Kliment, Madelyn Lubischer, Olivia Nelson, Cassie Osmera, Kaden Parde, Kyle Peterson, Jacob Schultz, Bailey Skeahan, Cali Springer, Dain Wilson
8th Grade: Gavin Becker, Ariana Ceja, Quincy Cotter, Elijah Ehlers, Alyssa Groff, Savannah Hitz, Jacey Hofpar, Kynzee McFadden, Brooke Munford, Brandt Nacke, Reid Otto, Olivia Svoboda, Liam Tvrdy, Ellerie White
7th Grade: Ella Buresh, Wyatt Jelinek, Tucker Matulka, Gracyn Rech, Reese Semmen, Elizabeth Sklenar, Jasmine Wells
6th Grade: Isabella Alexander, Michael Basel, Makenna Hellerich, Traeson Houchin, Marissa Jensen, Jolee Kliment, Josie Kohl, Johanna Liebel, Izabella Lubischer, Lindsey Morris, Teijen Novak, Amirah Potter, Tess Roubal, Kendra TenEyck, Chloe Thomas, Tierney Twohig, Willa Van Boening, Owen Virgil
Honorable Mention:
Seniors: Nolan Benes, Chandler Buch, Krystal Hall, Madison Isabell, Cody Jordan, Faith Nauertc, Isaac Penate, Jaron Polivka, Logan Sears
Juniors: Logan Bryce, Nathan Dubas, Autumn Haislet, Zachary Mumm, Meredith Nelson, Travis Nelson
Sophomores: Colby DenHartog, Mason Kreikemeier, Wyatt Ramsey, Rylan Stover, Barrett Walahoski
Freshmen: Chase Blanchard, Emma Hunt, Brooklyn Maxson, Hannah McMann, Ethan Norlen, Tate Roubal, Burke Settles, Carson Tice, Joseph Weaver
8th Grade: Korynn Ball, Erika Donahue, Josephine Hain, Alliana Miller, Dawson Potter, Shyanne Sears
7th Grade: Brielle Burcham, Khloe Cuttlers, Elienne Houchin, Miley McCoy, Ellie Potter, Kinsley Seuferer, Julianne Tvrdy, Melody Uhrmacher, Jianna White
6th Grade: Tyson Burcham, Millie Burton, Brilynn Geidner, Kane Haar, Adam Jamison, Peyton Niemeyer, Macy Serrano, Wyatt Suchy
For Students Currently in 8-11 Grades
Next Years Team Will:
- Pick Next Year’s Music!
- Participate in State Competition!
- Help Design Next Year’s Uniform Top!
Mandatory Meeting for All Current and Prospective Dancers
Tuesday, February 16th at 7:30am in Mrs. Polak’s Room - 404
If you are unable to make it to the meeting, please see Mrs. Polak
Mandatory New Parent Informational Meeting:
Thursday, February 18th at 5:00pm in the Commons
All Current and Prospective team member parents are expected to
attend.
Practices
Week of 3/1 - Monday - Thursday
7:00-7:45 AM in the Main Gym
Tryouts
Friday, March 5th at 4:30 pm in the Main Gym
SCIP Team Trainings Available--Click on the buttons below for more information!
Region V Systems is excited to offer four 1 hour webinars on various topics concerning youth. All webinars will begin at 6:30pm. Join one, or join all!
All are welcome! Webinars are FREE! Please register to attend.
January 21, 2021; 6:30pm
February 18, 2021; 6:30pm
March 18, 2021; 6:30pm
April 15, 2021; 6:30pm
Youth and Family Services Available--Click on the buttons below for more information
24/7/365 team that handles crisis in real time, for
youth, families, and adults.
evidence-based cognitive behavioral treatment focused on problem solving and acceptance-based strategies.
Interested in Boys/Girls State? Click below for more Information!
Student Council Blood Drive
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK!
Yearbook Order Forms are available in the office for the 2020-2021 yearbook or you may use the order form on this newsletter. Just click on the big blue button below.
OR...you can click on "Online Pay" on the school website (where you would go to pay online for school lunches) and access the new link to YEARBOOK to purchase your yearbook ONLINE!! Or click on the blue button below.
Yearbook prices are:
$60 per yearbook from January 1, 2021 to May 20, 2021
NO EXTRA YEARBOOKS WILL BE ORDERED THIS YEAR!! IF YOU DO NOT ORDER A YEARBOOK, YOU WILL NOT GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET ONE!! ORDER ONE NOW!!
Raymond Central Before and After School Program
The Raymond Central Before and After School Program is hosting a number of clubs this semester for not only students enrolled in the program but also those that are not in the program. Below are registration links with additional information for LEGO Club, K’nex Club and a Valentine card making day. Keep an eye out throughout the semester for information concerning upcoming clubs.
LEGO Club February 4, 11, 18, 25 and March 4, 11
K’nex Club February 2, 9, 16, 23 and March 2, 9
Valentine Card Craft February 12
Summer Program Survey: The Raymond Central Before and After School Program through Civic Nebraska is developing a summer program and needs your input to decide what the program will look like! We cannot operate without the support of community members like you.
Details such as program site, schedule and cost are being evaluated and will depend upon interest and participation. Please send additional feedback or questions to Kara Nelson at kara.nelson@civicnebraska.org.
New Payment Structure: Civic Nebraska has created a new payment structure for Before and After School programs to better fit family needs.
Billing will be based on the number of days within the calendar month that your child attends a Civic Nebraska CLC program. It will still be billed as weeks, with a 2 week minimum each month. We encourage you to bring your child every day so that they get the most from our programs.
At the beginning of each month you will receive an invoice for the prior month. You will get billed for 2, 3, or 4 weeks depending on how many days your child attends during that month. Payment is due upon receipt. The base pay is $75 per week per child (see scholarship information below).
Less than 10 days = 2 weeks
11-16 days = 3 weeks
17-22 days = 4 weeks
Scholarships: Civic Nebraska also has scholarships available for the Before and After School program. Please contact Kara Nelson for additional information concerning the payment structure and scholarships.
Raymond Central Before and After School Program
Raymond Central's 2021 Plant Sale
Raymond Central’s 2021 plant sale will take place Saturday, May 1 at the Valparaiso site. Paper order forms will be sent home on Friday, March 5 with elementary students. If buyers choose to complete a paper order form, PLEASE print your email address clearly. Orders can be placed online March 1-April 5 at the following link:
https://www.janetsjungle.com/raymond-central-schools.html
We have made the decision to pre-package all orders this year to allow for better planning. We will be creating and sending out a sign-up genius in April to limit the number of families that can pick-up at one time. If you ordered last year, things will run in a similar manner. The drive thru pick up will be on the north side of the building from 9am-3pm and the open sale will be located in the front of the building. We will know more after all the orders are in and then we will send out communication via Bright Arrow and direct email.
Thank you for supporting Raymond Central! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us,
Kendra Carlson kencarls@rcentral.org
Kristine M. White krwhite@rcentral.org