Elkhorn South High School
December 2023/January 2024
From the High School Principal- Mark Kalvoda
From the High School Principal- Mark Kalvoda
As we move into the winter months, the students and staff of Elkhorn South eagerly anticipate the start of the second semester and the excitement that comes with it. The first semester has been full of opportunities, successes, and learning experiences. Our students have faced adversity and challenges, but have persevered. The second semester offers new challenges and new experiences but also affords students a fresh start if needed.
At the conclusion of the 1st Quarter, ESHS proudly honored 955 students for achieving 3.25 and above grade point averages. for the quarter. In addition to celebrating the Honor Roll students, ESHS teachers also nominated students for Elkhorn Excellence awards. 102 students were awarded Elkhorn Excellence Awards for showing extreme effort, exemplifying strong integrity, having first-class character, or going out of their way to assist others…essentially Elkhorn Excellence awards are designed to honor those students who make ESHS a better place to be. As principal at ESHS, I am very proud of our students’ efforts so far this year and enjoy taking a moment from the typical day to give them an Elkhorn South Excellence T-Shirt and to personally thank them for their contributions to the culture of high expectations here at Elkhorn South. Special Thanks to ESHS Computer Graphics students for designing this year’s Excellence Shirts.
In the winter months, it is common to see more student absences due to illnesses, family trips, and the like. We speak frequently with our students about the importance of instructional time and generally see a dip in achievement from students who miss class time. Instructional time is paramount to student success and nearly impossible to replicate outside of the classroom. Please be thoughtful in planning family vacations and other extended absences from school. In the best interest of students’ educational achievement, please plan vacations and family trips around the school calendar whenever possible and encourage your students to strive for perfect attendance.
In the event that your child misses school for a professional appointment, such as an orthodontist, physician, or the like, please provide the school with documentation of this appointment when your student returns to school. This proactive piece of record-keeping will be invaluable if your student exceeds eight absences per semester. Thank you for your cooperation.
Finals:
Elkhorn South will have finals week to conclude the first semester. Cumulative final exams are an integral part of assessing student learning and simulating the college finals experience. In order to protect the integrity of the exams which are aligned across departments in all three high schools, no finals will be proctored before the assigned times. Please make every attempt to ensure that your student is present for finals week to fully prepare and achieve at the highest levels. Please contact the administration in the extreme case that your student will not be in school for finals and we will make arrangements for late finals over break.
-Semester 1 Finals will take place on Tuesday 12/19 and Wednesday 12/20.
-Students will take semester finals for periods 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Dec. 19th & periods 5, 6, and 7 on Dec. 20th.
DAY 1 - Tuesday, December 19th, 2023
1st FINAL - 8:10-9:33
2nd FINAL - 9:37-11:00
4th Lunch/Study - 11:04-12:30
3rd FINAL - 12:34-1:55
4th FINAL - 1:59-3:20
DAY 2 - Wednesday, December 20th, 2023
5th Study - 8:10-9:33
5th FINAL - 9:37-11:00
4th Lunch/Study - 11:04-12:30
6th FINAL - 12:34-1:55
7th FINAL - 1:59-3:20
** Students may not be called out during finals periods, even if they are finished with their exam. Students are expected to be at school all seven periods on both finals days. Please encourage your students to utilize study periods on finals days and help us curb students signing out during these periods. Thank you for your cooperation.
ESHS annually hosts a teacher appreciation luncheon at the conclusion of the first semester. This year, we will serve our teachers and staff a holiday meal on Thursday, Dec. 14th. Please consider donating to show your appreciation for our teachers. Donations can be brought to the main office (checks made out to ESHS Social Fund or bring cash to Tina Rohe) or you can CLICK HERE TO DONATE ONLINE. Thank you for your support of our teachers, teacher assistants, secretaries, and custodial staff!
Upcoming Dates to Know:
-Friday 12/1: All EPS Foundation Scholarships Open for Seniors
-Tuesday 12/19 & Wednesday 12/20: Semester 1 Finals
-Tuesday 1/2: Teacher In-Service - No School
-Wednesday 1/3: Semester 2 Begins for Students
-Monday 1/15: MLK Day, Teacher In-Service - No School
-Tuesday 4/9: Statewide PreACT/ACT for 9th-11th Grade; no school for Seniors this day
Happy Holidays,
Mark
Mark Kalvoda
Principal
Elkhorn South High School
402-289-0616
Student absences and appointments
Please make sure you are CALLING the office for any absences and appointments for your students, we will not accept emails. If your child is leaving for an appointment, the sooner you can communicate that to the office, the easier it is to get a pass to the student as opposed to interrupting valuable learning time when we have to call the classroom. If leaving between passing periods, they will not receive a pass, they just need to go to the office to sign out.
Parents do not come into the building to get your child, the student will sign themselves out on our office computer. If it is for a Drs. appointment, please have the student bring a note from the Dr. upon their return.
Thank you so much for your cooperation with this.
Important dates
Dec 19 & 20-Semester finals STUDENTS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE End of second quarter
Dec 21-Jan 2-Winter Break
Jan 15-Teacher In-Service NO SCHOOL
Feb 13 & 14-Conferences ONE HOUR EARLY DISMISSAL
Conferences will be from 4:30-8:00
Feb 15-Teacher In-Service NO SCHOOL
Feb 16-NO SCHOOL
Mar 14-End of third quarter
Mar 15-22-Spring Break NO SCHOOL
Apr 9-Statewide PreACT/ACT for 9th-11th Grade; no school for Seniors this day
Apr 13-Prom
Apr 19-Teacher In-Service NO SCHOOL
May 15-SENIORS last day-graduation rehearsal in the afternoon
May 19-Graduation/3:00 p.m. Elkhorn Public Schools Stadium
May 23 & 24-Semester finals STUDENTS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE
May 24-Last day of school. *The Last Student Day is based on an assumption of 4 or more days for inclement weather. 3 inclement weather days = one day earlier release. 0-2 inclement weather days = 2 days earlier release.
Help make our Teachers and Staff Holidays Festive!
This year we are starting a new tradition of showing our Teachers and Staff how much we appreciate all they do for our kiddos!
We are having a Special Holiday Treat Week the week of December 11, 2023 that will include a breakfast, catered luncheon, and baked goods treat day.
Below is a link to the Sign Up Genius. Further details are explained there. If the link does not work, please copy and paste in your browser.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A9AC2FA7FC1-46511037-eshs
Thank you in advance for your help in making this a success!
Please reach out witih any further questions to:
Michelle Hunsinger at michelle.hunsinger2@gmail.com
or
Sarah Ulbrich at supdx05@gmail.com
Update of Email, home address and phone number
Please contact Penny Rohl in the Counseling Center at 402-289-0616 #3 or prohl@epsne.org to make changes to email, phone, or home mailing address.
Anonymous online reporting system
- (531) 299-SAFE (7233)
- www.Safe2HelpNE.org
- Download the “Safe2Help” app from your app store
- Found on individual building homepages
Athletics
Unified Bowling
Unified bowling went 5-1 for the season. The district team of Sydeny Buzzell, Caleb Dorius, Brayden Hawks, Dax Nielsen, and Okhai Oarhe broke the school record with a score of 704.
Yearbook Information
Elkhorn South Post Prom
Graduation Class of 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2023 3:00 p.m.
Elkhorn Public Schools Stadium
1401 Veterans Drive
Elkhorn, NE
Josten's Cap and Gown ordering
Link to order, cap, gown and tassel unit. A 2024 tassel is included in this link. There is an option to upgrade the tassel but is not required.
Reusing a Cap and Gown
You may reuse a cap and gown from previous years. Please email Tina Rohe at crohe@epsne.org to be taken off of the need to order list.
District News
Elkhorn South Cheer Fundraiser
- Elkhorn South Cheer Fundraiser: Candy Cane My Yard
Elkhorn North Winter Junior Cheer Clinic
Elkhorn High School Band Boosters Fundraiser
- Elkhorn High School Band Boosters Fundraiser: Silent Disco Details and registration information can be found here.
EPS Text Messaging
If you have not yet opted-in to receive EPS text messages, please text "Yes" to 67587 to ensure you receive timely notice of important information.
Elkhorn Public Schools Career Fair
We are excited to announce that business registrations for the inaugural Elkhorn Public Schools Career Fair, scheduled for March 27, 2024, from 5:00 - 8:00 PM, are now open. This event will be an excellent opportunity for students to explore business industries and make meaningful career connections, while also showcasing the commitment of local organizations to community involvement. If your business is interested in participating, please click here to register by Friday, December 15, 2023.
Community Resources
Community organizations exist that serve Elkhorn families in need of additional support and assistance. Review this linked flyer for additional information or contact your child’s school counselor for assistance.
Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation News
Make a difference with Elkhorn Public Schools
We are hiring
EPS is currently seeking to fill open teacher assistant positions, specifically in the following areas:
Secondary TA:
Starting Wage: $16.70/hour
English Learner TA:
Starting Wage: $17.25/hour
Young Adult Program TA:
Starting Wage: $17.20/hour
To learn more about open teacher assistant positions or complete an online application, please visit https://bit.ly/epsjobs.
Student Meal Information
Does your child need health coverage?
Call toll free 1-855-632-7633 or visit http://www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov
Metro Conference Website
rSchool Today App
NSAA Website
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Elkhorn Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected status in its programs.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination
policies:
Students: Anne Doerr, Executive Director of Student Services, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([adoerr@epsne.org]).
Employees and Others: Don Pechous, Executive Director of Personnel, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([dpechous@epsne.org]).
Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the OCR at One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, (816) 268-0550 (voice), Fax (816) 268-0599, (800) 877-8339 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.