2024 BlueJay Newsletter
March/April 2024
Bluejay Way
Planning is underway for the Bluejay Way Service Day to be held on Sunday, April 14th from 1-3 PM. Students, mark your calendars! Each graduate at Seward High is required to complete 30 hours of community service as a qualification for graduation. This is a day of volunteer time that is sponsored and coordinated twice a year– and as a result, if a student completes these two days twice a year for the duration of their high school career, half of their community service requirement is fulfilled. Previous events have had around 55-60 students and staff working in the community. Let’s try to beat that number this year and make a difference!
This biannual event is an opportunity for SHS students to serve alongside community clubs and organizations in various locations across Seward County. Previous projects have included cleaning up the grounds area and buildings at the Goehner Museum, setting up Christmas decorations at the National Guard Museum, cleaning up the fairgrounds, completing yard work at the Olde Glory Theater, cleaning up area churches, and assisting Kiwanis members in replacing the flags at the Parade of Flags.
The SHS Key Club will be organizing the event this year. If a Seward County non-profit group has a project for student volunteers that day, please contact Key Club sponsors Ashlee Rickert or Ross Briggs or call the high school office and they will direct you to right person. We look forward to partnering with the community for this meaningful event!
Driver's Education
Materials needed:
- Learner’s or School Permit (needed prior to the completion of the course)
- AAA “How to Drive” Beginning Driver’s Manual (green cover)
- Limited number of books available for loan through the school office for $20 and you will be given $20 back on the return of the book.
- Books are also available to be purchased through AAA or Amazon.
Any questions, please call the high school office @ 402-643-2988 or email Mr. Holliday at kurt.holliday@sewardschools.org.
Safe 2 Help Nebraska
Seward Public Schools currently uses a district-wide helpline that can be accessed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for our students. The reporting system is called Safe2Help. Safe2Help Nebraska is an anonymous and secure hotline and cell phone app to share safety-related information or concerns to the appropriate school, crisis counselor, or law enforcement agency. They are here to help keep you, your school, and your community safe.
The hotline number is 1-833-980-7233. Students can also access the website at https://www.safe2helpne.org/ or download the mobile app for free called Safe2HelpNE.
Band News from Ms. Kenney
There are many exciting things happening in the instrumental music department! All instrumental groups have performances throughout the rest of the school year. The jazz band was invited back to perform for the Sesostris Shrine on Saturday, April 13. All bands will perform at District Music Contest at Norris HS on Friday, April 19. Several soloists and small groups will also perform. The final band concert for the year is scheduled for Thursday, May 2, at 7pm at SHS. In addition to sharing music, end of the year awards and senior scholarships will be presented. Please join us for these performances and support our hard working musicians!
SHS had 15 musicians selected for the 82 member Conference Honor Band. This is a great representation of our school at this event! They were selected after completing an audition, and will go to Grand Island Northwest on Monday, March 18, to work with a clinician and perform a concert that evening. Congratulations to Kayla Albright, Ethan Boggs, Mia Cobian, Landen Ford, Xander Foulk, Ella Gabriel, Jonathan Jurchen, Rebekah Jurchen, Nicole Kenney, Sam Kenney, Izayah Lavicky, Emma Matulka, Ava Policky, Sage Prochaska, and Brooklyn Stanek!
It's also time to start planning for next year's marching band season. Color guard, which provides visual interpretation of performance music through dance and use of flags and other equipment, is open to all students currently in grades 8-11. Auditions for next year's group will be held April 3-5 after school. Percussionists will receive information for placement auditions soon, and drumline work days will be held April 9 and 11 from 6-7pm. Drum Major auditions will be held April 8-12 after school, and section leader interviews will be by appointment April 22-May 3. If you have any questions regarding these or other band events, please contact Mrs. Kenney.
2024 FCCLA District Results
The FCCLA chapter had a lot of success at District STAR!
State STAR will be held April 7th-9th in Lincoln.
Makayla Miumaugh & Ashley Martin
Category: Sustainability Challenge
Placing- Gold (State Qualifier)
Emma Frihauf & Finley Lewis
Category: Profession Presentation
Placing-Silver (State Qualifier)
Maya Hubach
Category: Professional Presentation
Placing-Gold (State Qualifier)
Audrey Broadwell
Category: National Programs in Action
Placing-Gold (State Qualifier)
Natalie Wintz & Tessa Griesen
Category: Interior Design
Placing-Silver (State Qualifier)
Julya Metscke
Category: National Programs in Action
Placing-Gold (State Qualifier)
Ayda Metscke
Category: National Programs in Action
Placing-Silver
National Honor Society Induction
Sunday, Mar 24, 2024, 02:00 PM
Seward High School, Northern Heights Drive, Seward, NE, USA
Parent/Teacher Conferences
The final round of parent/teacher conferences is scheduled for Wednesday, April 10 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Parent/Teacher conferences provide an excellent opportunity for you to meet your son and/or daughter’s teachers, get updates on their academic progress, and obtain other information that will help you to support your student in the journey through high school.
Parent/Teacher Conference Parent Sessions -( 5:45 pm current freshmen): A special program will be held for the parents of freshman students. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend. The presentations will be in the new theater and will last approximately 35-40 minutes each. School staff will share information regarding a wide array of topics related to the high school experience and post-secondary planning. Don’t miss this valuable opportunity!
Jay Martin- Social Media Presentation for all SPS Parents
Wednesday, Apr 10, 2024, 07:00 PM
High School Theatre
Lunch Study Hall
Students who are failing a class at the beginning of the week are assigned to Lunch Study Hall. During Lunch Study Hall students will eat their lunch in the front lobby and have time to ask questions and work on any missing assignments or complete a short quiz in order to help them raise their grade in that particular class.
After School Study Group
Students have access to tutoring on Monday-Thursday, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. in the Seward High School library. Students have access to Seward High School staff members as well as Concordia University students studying to become future teachers. Tutors are able to assist students in a wide-array of course areas. Students needing computer access are also welcome to attend.
Bluejay Leadership Team
Spring 2024 AP Exam Information and Registration
It’s exam time for students enrolled in Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses at Seward High School. We strongly recommend that students enrolled in these courses complete the A.P. experience by taking the corresponding exam. The exam cost is $97. Successful performance on an A.P. exam can lead to affordable college credit. To identify specifically what score a student would need to receive in order to obtain college credit at a specific post-secondary institution go to apstudents.org/creditpolicy. Research has found that participation in Advanced Placement courses, and even taking the A.P. exam as a component of these courses, is highly correlated with success at the college-level. Students can sign up with Ms. Baker in the counseling office. The $97 exam fee is due to Mary Russell in the Seward High School main office. Make checks to Seward High School. The tests will be ordered in March. Students must have the test paid for before March 10.
Course
Exam Date
Exam Time
Environmental Science
May 9
8:00 a.m.
Comp Science A
May 8
12:00 p.m.
Human Geography
May 7
8:00 a.m.
Statistics
May 7
12:00 p.m.
European History
May 10
8:00 a.m.
U.S. History
May 10
8:00 a.m.
Calculus AB
May 13
8:00 a.m.
Biology
May 16
12:00 p.m.
Yearbooks
Students interested in purchasing a 2023-2024 yearbook need to go to Follow the instructions on the website and you will be able to login and make a purchase.
After Prom Committee
Prom
The junior/senior Prom is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, in the high school gym. Students must be academically eligible to attend. Any student requesting to have a non-SHS student attend with them needs to complete a required form in advance. The form will be available in the main office two weeks prior to Prom. All community service hours for seniors need to be completed by April 24.
We encourage you to take the time to talk to your student about making good choices before, during, and after the dance. We want our students to make good decisions, be safe, and have a positive experience. This is a great teachable moment.
Student Fees and Fines/Negative Lunch Balances
Please make sure your student pays all of his or her class fees and fines as soon as possible.This will help expedite the end-of-the-year checkout process. It is also appreciated if you could help your student(s) to maintain a positive lunch account balance. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Counselor News from Ms. Baker and Mr. Fields
Juniors: It’s time to start thinking about college campus visits!
Juniors: It’s time to start thinking about college campus visits! +
Students are encouraged to start looking at colleges during their junior year so they can narrow choices by the time they are seniors. Below are some tips to consider as you begin this process. Please contact Mr. Fields, Ms. Baker, Mr. Eber, or Mr. Axt if you have questions or need support as you begin this process.
Explore your career interests: Before you determine which colleges you want to visit, think about your career interests and then research colleges that fit your interests.
Check out college websites: You’ll find admission requirements, academic and social information, and campus photos or a virtual tour.
Schedule your visits at least two weeks in advance: Ask for appointments with an admissions representative, financial aid counselor, and a faculty member in your area of interest. Planning these visits early will increase the likelihood that you will be able to meet the individuals you need to see while on campus.
Be mindful of your high school responsibilities while planning visits: Please attempt to schedule college visits on days when school is not in session whenever possible. These include April 15 and 18 this term.
Ideally visit your top college choices while those schools are in session: Sometimes a summer visit is a necessity just to time in to a busy schedule.
Additional Helpful Resources Can Be Found at EducationQuest.org.
Basic Post-Secondary Planning Vocabulary
Basic Post-Secondary Planning Vocabulary:
Grade Point Average (GPA): A system to evaluate students’ academic performance based on their grades throughout high school.
PSAT/NMSQT: A standardized test that will prepare you for the SAT college entrance exam. If you take it during your junior year, it may also qualify you for a National Merit Scholarship.
ACT and/or SAT: College entrance exams required for college admission to most schools. You should take the exam(s) in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year.
Accuplacer: A testing assessment of the required skills for students entering college. While the ACT/SAT are most commonly associated with four-year post-secondary institutions, the Accuplacer test typically relates to institutions like community colleges and trade schools.
ASVAB: Multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.
FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Completing a FAFSA application is often the first step in applying for student financial aid that is available every year, including scholarships, grants, low-interest loans, and work study programs.
Tuition: The amount of money a college charges for courses you will take.
Fees: The amount the college charges for services like computer labs, the fitness center, and career services.
Room and Board: If you live on campus, the college will charge you to live in a residence hall and for the meals you eat in the college cafeteria.
Suicide: Risk Factors and Implications
No school district is immune to the rise in suicidal behaviors seen across the country. The information below is intended to help you understand the risks and what we all can do to help our students to stay safe. The Center for Disease Control reports the following statistics:
For youth between the ages of 10 and 24, suicide is the third leading cause of death.
Approximately 4,600 lives are lost each year.
The top three methods used in suicides of young people include firearm (45%), suffocation (40%), and poisoning (8%).
More young people survive suicide attempts than actually die.
Each year, approximately 157,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries at Emergency Departments across the U.S.
Boys are more likely than girls to die from suicide.
Of the reported suicides in the 10-24 age group, 81% of the deaths were males and 19% were females.
Girls, however, are more likely to report attempting suicide than boys.
Some of the risk factors for exhibiting suicidal behavior:
Loss of a significant other
Problems at school
Substance abuse
Previous suicide of a peer or family member
Access to weapons or other means of harming self
Students who are having suicidal thoughts may exhibit a variety of symptoms including, but not limited to:
Significant changes in behavior such as a change in appearance, changes in grades, withdrawing from friends, changes in sleeping/eating habits.
Depression and other mental health issues
Family and personal stress
Questions regarding sexual orientation
Appears sad or hopeless
Self-inflicted injuries
Saying goodbye to friends and family
Making suicidal threats: either direct, “I want to die” or indirect, “Things would be better if I wasn’t here.”
It is important to remember the signs and risk factors listed above are generalities. Not all students who contemplate or die by suicide will exhibit these kinds of symptoms AND not all students who exhibit these behaviors are suicidal.
What can I do to keep my child safe?
Ask. Talking about suicide does not make a student suicidal. Asking if someone is having suicidal thoughts gives him/her permission to talk about it. Asking sends the message that you are concerned and want to help.
Take signs seriously. Studies have found that more than 75% of people who die by suicide showed some of the warning signs in the weeks or months prior to their death.
Get help. If you have concerns that your child is suicidal, seek immediate help from a mental health practitioner. Suicidal students need to be evaluated by an expert in assessing risk and developing treatment plans. Parents can contact Seward High School counselors for a listing of resources or suggestions. Parents may also want to consult with their insurance company to obtain a list of mental health providers covered by their policy. When you call to make an appointment, tell the person on the phone that your child is suicidal and needs to be seen as soon as possible.
Limit access to weapons, prescription drugs, medications and other means.
Reassure your child that life can get better. Many suicidal people have lost all hope that life can improve. They may have difficulty problem solving even simple issues. Remind your child that no matter how bad things are, the problem can be worked out. Offer your help.
Listen. Avoid making statements such as “I know what it’s like” or “I understand.” Instead, make statements such as “help me understand what life is like for you right now.”
Report. If bullying or cyberbullying is playing a role in your student’s feelings of hopelessness, a report need to be made to a Seward High School administrator or counselor so that the school can intervene.
Know and be ready to use emergency resources:
Safe to Help: https://www.safe2helpne.org/
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988
Local Police: 402-643-3002 (Dispatch) or 911
For more information about depression and suicide:
American Foundation of Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org
National Mental Health Association: www.nmha.org
Class of 2024 Commencement Ceremony
The 139th annual Seward High School commencement ceremony will be held Sunday, May 12, at 2:00 p.m. in the south gym at Seward High School. Students are to report to the north gym by 1:15 p.m. with cap, gown, and attire appropriate (business casual) for the event. While in the north gym, graduates will receive final instructions regarding graduation procedures. Parents/guardians/friends of the family will be able to take pictures of the Class of 2024 one last time before the ceremony begins. The entire ceremony will last approximately 45 minutes from start to finish. Students who do not plan to participate in the commencement ceremony should report to Mr. Axt as soon as possible, but no later than Friday, April 26. This information is being provided as early as possible for family planning purposes. Additional information regarding the ceremony will be provided in subsequent newsletters.
Other Important Dates and Information for the Class of 2024
Other Important Dates and Information for the Class of 2024:
Senior Community Service Hours: Seniors must have their community service hours turned into the office and approved by April 24.
Prom: Saturday, April 27
Honors Night: Monday May 6, 7:00pm - all seniors attend
(Business Casual Dress – Please no jeans or shorts)Last Day for Seniors: Tuesday, May 7
Graduation Rehearsal: Wednesday, May 9 9:00AM (Mandatory for all seniors who are planning on participating in graduation ceremonies)
Senior Skip Day: To eliminate any potential misunderstanding, the school does not approve of any senior skip day while school is in session. Seniors who have participated in a skip day will not be excused and will be assigned a consequence. If parents of seniors call the attendance office, they will be told that the school does not sanction a skip day.
Fines: Students who owe any fines will not receive their diploma until the fine has been cleared.
Diplomas: This is a reminder that diplomas are awarded after a senior student has completed all activities associated with the high school. Students who have completed all activities following the graduation ceremony will receive their diploma shortly thereafter. Students still involved in activities such as state track, school trips, etc. will receive their formal diploma after their final school activity following graduation.
Bluejay Activity News
From the Athletic Director, Mr. John Moody
It’s hard to believe we are talking about the spring sports season already. Due to the unpredictable weather, spring activity schedules change often. Please monitor Rschool and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with all schedule changes. Below is a section from the Bluejay Student/Parent Activity Handbook regarding our procedures to promote productive and positive relationships between you as parents and our coaches at Seward High School. This is a critical partnership as we seek to create positive experiences for our students involved in activities and athletics. We look forward to seeing you at Bluejay events throughout the spring!
Relationships Between Parents and Coaches/Sponsors
Both parenting and coaching are very difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding between coaches and parents, both are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide a more positive experience for everyone.
Parents have the right to know the expectations placed on them and their children. Coaches and sponsors have the right to know that if parents have a concern, they will discuss it with the coach at the appropriate time and place.
Communicating with your children
Make sure that your children know that win or lose, you love them, appreciate their efforts and are not disappointed in them. This will allow them to do their best without fear of failure. Be the person in their life they can look to for constant positive reinforcement.
Try your best to be completely honest about your child’s athletic ability, competitive attitude, sportsmanship and actual skill level.
Be helpful but don’t coach them. It’s tough not to, but it is a lot tougher for the child to be flooded with advice and critical instruction.
Teach them to enjoy the thrill of competition, to be “out there trying,” to be working to improve their skills and attitudes. Help them develop the feeling for competing, for trying hard, for having fun.
Try not to relive your athletic life through your child in a way that creates pressure. If they are comfortable with you win or lose, then they are on their way to maximum enjoyment.
Don’t compete with the coach. If your child is receiving mixed messages from two different authority figures, he or she will likely become disenchanted.
Don’t compare the skill, courage, or attitude of your child with other members of the team.
Get to know the coach(es). Then you can be assured that his or her philosophy, attitudes, ethics, and knowledge are such that you are happy to have your child under his or her leadership.
Always remember that children can exaggerate, both when praised and when criticized. Temper your reaction and investigate before overreacting.
Communicating with the coach
Communication you should expect from your child’s coach includes:
Philosophy of the coach
Expectations the coach has for your child
Locations and times of all practices and contests
Team requirements
Procedure should your child be injured
Discipline that results in the denial of your child’s participation
Communication coaches expect from parents
Concerns expressed directly to the coach
Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance
Specific concerns in regard to a coach’s philosophy and/or expectations
Appropriate concerns to discuss with coaches:
The treatment of your child, mentally, and physically
Ways to help your child improve
Concerns about your child’s behavior
Injuries or health concerns. Report injuries to the coach immediately!! Tell the coach about any health concerns that may make it necessary to limit your child’s participation or require assistance of trainers. Students are sometimes unwilling to tell coaches when they are injured, so please make sure the coach is told.
Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:
Playing time
Team strategy
Play calling
Other student-athletes
Appropriate procedures for discussing concerns with the coaches:
Call to set up an appointment with the coach
Do not confront a coach before or after a contest or practice (these can be emotional times for all parties involved and do not promote resolution)
What should a parent do if the meeting with the coach did not provide satisfactory resolution?
Call the athletic director to set up a meeting with the athletic director, coach, and parent present.
At this meeting, an appropriate next step can be determined, if necessary.
Spring Sport Parent Meeting
Booster Club Button pictures are March 11th.
Seward Track and Field-Coach Hass
Track and Field QR codes for Remind and Handbook
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QcYv1e-UPWwpwP5yYAn0BGNxwb9hRYvitWDEv970x2k/preview
2023 Seward Track Apparel
Middle Creek: Nike, CVC, Guildan - March 3
https://stores.middlecreekprinting.com/sewardschools/track
BSN: Lululemon - March 4
Seward High School Powerlifting Club-Coach Hinrichs
Powerlifting for the 23-24 season has ended at SHS and there were many veterans and new faces that gave it a shot. This year, we had four girls and eight boys give it a go. Three seniors competed this year and enjoyed the powerlifting atmosphere. The Seward High School powerlifting club is designed to allow students to develop their physical abilities and compete against other schools in the area. The Powerlifting Club allows students to put all of their hard work in the weight room to the test, and it also gives students the guidance to set goals in the weight room for their bench, squat, and deadlift. The program is open to students of all skill levels, and participants are encouraged to set personal goals and work towards achieving them to improve weight totals and potentially place them at a meet in their weight class.
This season, the Seward High School powerlifting team competed in three different events, including the State Championship at Creighton Prep. At each event, the team showed significant improvement in their technique and strength, with many athletes achieving personal best in their lifts. Many SHS athletes learned a great deal about the sport and progressed to their personal bests. Competing in Powerlifting is more than just weight lifting for a strength class or recreational lifting. It combines weightlifting with discipline, technique, and focus that goes beyond the basics.
Two standout performers this year were Conner Watson (Senior) and Riley Pierson (Junior). These two demonstrated growth in their strength and understanding of the sport throughout the season. Conner finished by placing 2nd in the Verdigre Powerlifting meet, just missing the best lifter of the meet. Riley finished his season by placing first in a sanctioned meet in Sioux City, IA. Both boys began the season in the 165-lb weight class and finished in the 181-lb weight class, making great progress in their personal best lifts.
Throughout the season, the athletes have worked tirelessly to achieve their goals, and their commitment to the sport has been truly inspiring. The lifters had great success while learning a lot about the sport, teamwork in the gym, life lessons, and learning more about themselves as competitors. With continued support and dedication, the program will surely achieve even greater future success.
Seward High School
Activity Calendar: www.centralconference.org
Email: firstname.lastname@sewardschools.org
Website: www.sewardpublicschools.org
Location: 532 Northern Heights Drive, Seward, NE, USA
Phone: (402) 643-2988
Facebook: facebook.com/sewardpublicschools
Twitter: @SewardBlueJays