Raymond Central Public Schools
January 2020
From the Desk of the Superintendent...
Happy New Year! I hope this newsletter finds each of our students and families ready for a FANTASTIC second semester. We have learned a lot from the first semester in regard to attending school during a global pandemic. Raymond Central remains committed to the health and safety of our staff and students. The protocols and procedures we had in place last semester will remain in place for the second semester including, but not limited to, wearing masks, social distancing when appropriate, washing and sanitizing hands often, and avoiding crowded places. The most significant change for the second semester is the remote learning agreement that must be completed and approved by the building administration. An email was sent on Monday, December 21, 2020, with a digital copy of the agreement. For students who were learning remotely first semester, a hard copy was mailed home. If you have questions about the agreement, please contact your building principal. The expectations for remote learners are:
Assignments will be completed on time. Remote learners cannot have any failing grades or they may be required to return to in-person instruction.
Students will “check-in” to record their attendance when prompted by their teacher. Excessive absenteeism of students will result in being required to return to in-person instruction. Excessive absenteeism will be determined by the building administrator.
Students will keep their video “on” when prompted by a teacher and will be engaged during instructional time. Students will not disrupt instruction or participate in activities that would typically not be allowed during in-person instruction.
Students will not access inappropriate websites during instructional time, including those websites that students would not be permitted to access if they were in school.
For District-owned devices or property, students will adhere to the acceptable use guidelines and will promptly report any damage to any devices or property.
No lewd, profane or vulgar language will be used.
Students must be honest at all times and avoid academic dishonesty, such as cheating or copying the work of others.
Remote learners will be held to the same expectations as if they were learning in-person. As a general rule, if a student’s conduct would violate a school rule at school, then that same conduct is prohibited by a remote learner.
The exciting news is that educators are in group 1B through the statewide vaccination program. The timeline is not set, however, we could see the vaccine by the end of this month or early February. A lot has to go right with the supply chain and distribution in order for this to happen.
We have been fortunate this winter to avoid major weather patterns, I hope this trend continues. Remember, if a school-related decision has to be made, a phone call, email, and text message will be sent to PowerSchool contacts. The school will also contact local media to post. While every situation is different, the school will work hard to make a timely decision.
Raymond Central continues its journey to provide all students with the opportunity to be creative, collaborate with peers, engage in critical thinking, and improve their communication skills. This work is happening through our five-year Education Innovation and Research Grant that was awarded last year. Sixteen teachers are currently engaged in a three-year digital leadership corp that provides a 1 on 1 technology coach. Our students also have access to math and science techbooks from DiscoveryEd that are interactive and engaging. Overall, we want our students to make real-world connections with the content and skills required to graduate from Raymond Central. It has been exciting to watch the transformation of our classrooms as we prepare students for life outside the classroom and for jobs that are yet to be created. The world has changed and it is our job as educators to create a response for our students to create authentic opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Raymond Central Public Schools, as part of our Vision 2025, has been drafting a districtwide grading and assessment philosophy. There is still a lot of learning and planning that needs to happen, however, our implementation timeline is to begin in August 2021. It is important the District outline a set of fair and consistent practices for Raymond Central Public Schools that strive to communicate clearly about student achievement of essential learning outcomes.
The goal of Raymond Central’s staff is to report grades that are accurate, consistent, meaningful, and connected to a Nebraska State Educational Curriculum Standard. This philosophy eliminates “point chasing” as it requires students to demonstrate their knowledge and mastery of grade-level essential learning outcomes (based on the standards) developed through teacher collaboration. As our students progress through their Raymond Central journey, we want students, parents/guardians, and teachers to understand what students know and are able to do. As a result, teachers can individualize instruction and provide timely and targeted interventions. By implementing fair and consistent grading practices, the goal of RC is to:
Improve student achievement of standards and essential learning outcomes in all content areas and grade levels
Create a plan to assess the mastery of defined essential learning outcomes instead of the accumulation of points
Report student achievement toward meeting essential learning outcomes at a given time by reflecting on mounting evidence based on various forms of assessments
Provide teachers with training that allows them to adjust learning practices to meet the needs of students
Encourage student reflection and responsibility while promoting teacher/student collaboration
New 7 and 10 Day Day Quarantine Guidance
It is crucial that parents and guardians communicate with schools to prevent a school outbreak of any communicable disease; this is especially true with COVID-19. Communication is key for social responsibility so the schools can act quickly to make appropriate changes to keep students and staff safe. All information from students and families regarding COVID-19 is strictly confidential. These are truly unprecedented times and we appreciate your cooperation to help keep schools and communities safe.
If a student has tested positive for COVID-19:
You must call and alert the building Principal as soon as you are aware.
You must remain at home and not attend school or activities.
A 14-day quarantine will be required.
If siblings/household members attend Raymond Central Schools (PK-12), they must quarantine for 14 days.
All members of the household/family will not be allowed at school or activities.
If any other member of the household/family becomes symptomatic, they may need to be tested also or begin a 14-day quarantine (call School Nurse/Principal for guidance).
For those with a close contact exposure to someone with COVID-19 or anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, quarantine is recommended to limit opportunities for virus transmission to others. Prior to this announcement, close contact with someone COVID-19 positive is fourteen days.
The first option to discontinue quarantine can end after seven (7) days since a COVID-19 close contact only if all of the following conditions have been met:
The person seeks a COVID-19 test on day five (5) following their exposure to another person testing positive and their test is negative.
The person is not experiencing symptoms.
The person continues to self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms and wears a mask through day 14.
The second option to discontinue quarantine for those who’ve had a close contact exposure to COVID-19 but don’t take a test can end when all of the following conditions have been met:
At least 10 days have passed since close contact exposure.
No COVID-19 symptoms have developed.
The person continues to self-monitor for symptoms and wears a facial covering through day 14.
Anyone testing positive for COVID-19 must isolate for at least 10 days from the date of their test. Isolation can end when the following conditions have been met:
The person is fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours.
Any COVID-19 symptoms are improving, though some symptoms may linger.
If a student or student’s family members have been in close contact with a person who has tested positive for COVID-19:
Contact the Health Department for guidance on contacts.
Do not attend school until given instructions by the Health Department AND after you have informed the building Principal or School Nurse.
Lancaster Co. Health Department: 402- 441-8006
Three Rivers Health Department: 402-727-5396
If you have or plan on traveling out of state, you are required to inform the Principal. Be advised that there may be some restrictions/requirements upon returning.
Go Mustangs!
Dr. Joel
We Need Bus Drivers!
Raymond Central Public Schools is seeking a full-time bus driver for the 2nd semester. The position will begin on Thursday, January 7, 2021.
Full-time drivers are guaranteed 4 hours per day (2 hours in the AM, 2 hours in the PM. The starting hourly rate is $21.25 per hour. Bus drivers also have the option to drive activity routes which are paid by the length of the trip.
If you do not have a current CDL or have not taken the Level I bus certification courses, do not worry! Raymond Central Public Schools will cover the costs of both and pay for the hours of time to complete the certification courses.
Please contact Dr. Derrick Joel, Superintendent, with any questions or to express interest.
Visit the school website and apply using the online software - or click to APPLY HERESurplus Items For Sale
Raymond Central Public Schools is selling one 1,000 gallon propane tank (side fill). The tank is from 1950 and was used to feed propane to the bus barn. The district has valued the tank at $500. First come, first serve on this surplus item!
FBLA CRAFT FAIR
Raymond Central FBLA is organizing a Craft Fair Fundraiser for FBLA on April 17, 2021, at Raymond Central High School (1800 Agnew Rd, Raymond, NE 68428). The price per booth (10’ x 10’) is $25.00. Due to the changing Covid situation, this event may be outdoors or indoors, vendors will be notified by March 1 of what restrictions will be in place. Tables and Chairs will not be provided. We are also asking each vendor to donate one item for a Silent Auction. Proceeds from this event will go towards FBLA Scholarships, State Leadership Conference, National Leadership Conference, and FBLA Chapter events. To fill out the form online go to https://bit.ly/RCCraftFair2021. Application forms and payment are due on or before March 1, 2021. Saturday, April 17 -
Setup 7:00 am - 10:00 am
Craft Fair - 10:00am - 5:00 pm
After School Strength and Agility Information
Masks will be required at all times, and district COVID-19 guidelines will be in place and followed.
Contact Coach Brannagan kbrannag@rcentral.org, Coach Osten tosten@rcentral.org or Coach Rockemann arockem@rcentral.org with any questions.
Welcome our 2nd Semester Student Teachers!
Miss Hennings
Miss Ballard
Mr. Polachek
Mr. Brey
Jeremy Brey will be student teaching at the junior high level with Mr. Henderson this semester. He is originally from Watertown, South Dakota and graduated from high school in 2017. Mr. Brey attends Concordia College in Seward, Nebraska.
JHBB Season is Complete! Well done, gentlemen!
Raymond Central junior high boys basketball completed their season December 19th at the Malcolm tournament.
21 boys participated on the team this year that included a 3 week no practice Covid Moratorium. The A team finished the season 5-4 the B team finished 3-4 and the C team finished 5-1. The A team won the Palmyra tournament.
Photo credits: Mike Henderson
Photo: Taken at the Palmyra game
Adult Education Opportunity from SCC
Contact Lynn Saffer for more information: 800-642-4075, ext 2719 or lsaffer@southeast.edu.
ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK NOW!
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!!
If you are still in need of a yearbook (even from past years), you are in luck! Here is what we have in stock and the prices. They are first come, first served. You may email Mrs. E at cenevold@rcentral.org to reserve yours today:
$5 each for what we have in stock:
1998--5 copies
2000--2 copies
2005--25 copies
2006--12 copies
2009--14 copies
2010--3 copies
2012--7 copies
2013--9 copies
2014--3 copies
2015--5 copies
2016--6 copies
2018--11 copies
2019--3 copies
Please help us find loving homes for these yearbooks!
Raymond Central Before and After School Program
It is nearly Winter Break and the first semester of the Raymond Central Before and After School program is coming to a close. It was a great semester filled with STEM activities, crafts, games and learning. Thank you to Civic Nebraska, the Raymond Central Foundation, Raymond Central School Board, administration and staff for helping us get this new program going! The program will start again with the first day of second semester, January 7, 2021.
New Payment Structure: Civic Nebraska has created a new payment structure for Before and After School programs.
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.
kara.nelson@civicnebraska.org or go to https://www.civicnebraska.org/raymond/Teammates Info
Raymond Central TeamMates board members are saying thank you to mentors for simply being there for students.
January 1 marks the start of National Mentoring Month. Nationwide, programs are honoring mentors for their service and the impact they’re making on youth. Raymond Central mentors dedicating their time and positively impacting mentees are: Kathy Fredrickson, Brad Kobza, Shirley Eichmeier, Mike Unverferth, Ian White, Dallas Fletcher, Linda Ward, Kara Nelson, Alice Pecka, Deb Brooks, Jen Polak, Ron Bottroff, Karri Donahue, Esther Ryan, Tammie Holley, Darrell Walla, Barb Ohnoutka, Kathryn Hayward and Brad Breikreutz.
“We are grateful for every TeamMates mentor,” TeamMates Executive Director Sarah Waldman explained. “Every TeamMates mentor I speak with talks about how mentoring has been an incredibly positive experience for them. I hope more caring adults will join us so they too can experience the positive impact of mentoring.”
The mission of the TeamMates Mentoring Program is to impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential. TeamMates serves more than 10,000 youth in 170+ communities across Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, South Dakota, and Iowa. Mentors meet with their mentees one-on-one in school, once a week, during the academic year.
TeamMates is always looking for adult volunteers (mentors) who want to build a positive relationship with a student in order to help them reach their full potential. You can start mentoring at any time during the school year. By volunteering just one time a week mentors build a friendship with the student, and provide support, encouragement and guidance. Mentors must be 18 or over and have a high school degree or GED equivalent.
How to sign up: 1. Apply by completing an application - visit www.teammates.org 2. Train 3. Meet your mentee. If you have any questions about how to become a mentor please contact TeamMates at 1-877-531-8326. If you have questions about Raymond Central’s local program contact Kristine White at krwhite@rcentral.org