Raymond Central Public Schools
March 2024
From the Desk of the Superintendent...
In the educational world, spring is the time of plans and projects. The past month has been busy with evaluating staffing needs, curriculum needs and planning for the future. As we move forward, our focus is on bringing the 6th - 8th grade together in more of a middle school approach. In the past, the 6th grade has worked fairly independently of the 7th/8th grade (which we’ve referred to as the junior high). The philosophy is to have a very intentional focus on this segment of our population because their needs are different from the needs of the high school population. In a general sense, we will have teachers at the middle school level that may have duties in the 6-8 grade range. At the February school board meeting, the Board ratified the hiring of Trace Baasch as high school PE/Health teacher, Megan Hanson as 6th grade and MS Math teacher and Adison Kenning’s assignment will be adjusted to involve more MS Math. We have reassigned Breanne Poston, who has been our MTSS/MS Coordinator, to be a 6-12 assistant principal with her duties being primarily focused on the middle school and she will also serve as the preschool director. Some of these assignments reinforce the intentional focus of forming a cohesive middle school program. We have also reevaluated the organizational needs at the two elementary buildings. The board did approve a recommendation from the superintendent to return to having a principal at each elementary building rather than having the principals travel between both buildings. Mr. Rose and Ms. Kruse will work together to ensure that the two buildings maintain consistency with the curriculum, professional development, programming, expectations, celebrations, etc. Deb Kruse will serve as the building principal at Ceresco for the 2024-25 school year and Steve Rose will serve as the principal at Valparaiso for the 2024-25 school year. Deb Kruse will continue to serve as the District Instruction and Curriculum Director and Steve Rose will serve as the District Data Manager and PowerSchool Director.
The spring months are packed with culminating activities inclusive of the state assessments (NSCAS) for grades 3-8 and 11. This test is designed to provide us, and the Nebraska Department of Education, with a dipstick measure of how well our students are achieving relative to state standards. The results of these assessments provide us with useful information regarding our educational system. We look for trends in individual student data and trends in cohort (same group of students over time) data. In addition, we look at trend data for subgroups of our students. Assessments results enable us to make adjustments in our instructional decisions and that is an important element of our continuous improvement. We want our students and our parents/guardians to understand and to support the importance of these assessments to our educational efforts. It is certainly not the ‘only’ data point that we use to make educational decisions. The message that we should all be sending to the students, at all times, is to just do your best. The role of the adults is to make sure we give them the tools that enable them to do their best.
The Nebraska Department of Education requires that all schools be accredited through an accrediting process with a verified agency. Raymond Central Public Schools has chosen to be Cognia accredited. Cognia has trained professionals that will be in our buildings on April 10-11, 2024 to review our practices and protocols, interview stakeholders, and provide us with valuable information on how to leverage our strengths for improvement of learning. The team will interview parents, board members, and staff members using Zoom prior to their visitation. During their visitation, they will interview students. We will be reaching out to parents and to students to see if they would assist us in our improvement efforts by participating in these interviews.
Thank you for sharing your children with us and allowing us the opportunity to educate them. I hope that you all have a chance to enjoy the spring weather that is just around the corner.
Go Mustangs!
DISTRICT INFORMATION
Special Thank You to the following business for sponsoring Post Prom
-48 Bowl Inc.
-Ceresco Bank & Insurance
-Williams Cleaners
-Super C
-Raymond Contracting, Inc.
-Tvrdy Services
-L & L Towing
-Farmers Coop
-Husker Rehabilitation and -Wellness Center, PC
-State Farm- Di Pfeiffer
-Cattle National Bank
-Hajek Financial Services
-Wahoo State Bank
-Mill Road Auto
-Knights of Columbus
-Schoettger Orthodontics
-Village of Davey
-Benes Heating & Air
-MW Maxson Welding
-Lincoln Industries
-Cornhusker Bank
-Tvrdy's One Stop
-Raymond GFCW Women's Club
-Potter's Custom Welding
-Rivers Metal Products
-Village of Ceresco
-Fallbrook Family Dentistry
-Valparaiso Fire Dept
-Platte Valley Equipment Co.
-American Legion Post #371(Auxilary)
-Raymond Community Church
-American Legion Post #244
-Oak Valley Lumber
-Nebraska Lake Management
-Jones Bank
-American Legion Post #371
-Falcon Heating
-BSE Remodel LLC
-St. Mary's Church
-Dave Burkland
-Eagle raceway
-Village of Raymond
-Juice Stop
-Whitehead Oil Co.
-Shawn's Place Hair Studio
-Gerdes Farms
-Norris Public Power
-Hohl Orthodontics
-Cuts and More
-Superior Chiropractic
-Bromm Lindahl Freeman-Caddy & Lausterer
-St. Mary & Joseph PCCW
TeamMate Mentor from RC gets Recognition!
Gov. Pillen Recognizes Top Public Servant Mentors for 2023
"The public servants of Nebraska we are recognizing today are great examples of what it means to be a mentor," said Gov. Pillen. "It's a commitment that pays off in ways that can't be fully calculated. When those kids look back, they will remember that someone cared enough to be there for them. Every kid may not need a mentor, but every child certainly deserves one."
In all, 48 state public servants enrolled in the program and had their hours tracked. The first iteration of an employee mentoring program kicked off in late 2019. It was suspended due to COVID. Gov. Pillen relaunched the Employee Youth Mentoring Program at the start of his administration and reached out to mentor organizations to serve as partners.
The 11 public servants who earned challenge coins, mentored at least 10 hours each. They contributed over 52% of all mentoring hours donated through the program.
TeamMates Mentor is one of the partner organizations. CEO DeMoine Adams pointed out that it takes a team to help young people succeed, and practically anyone take have a role.
"Mentoring provides hope, which is the greatest indicator of academic success for students. Hope it what gets students excited about their future, keeps them engaged in school, and increases their sense of wellbeing which all leads to an improved quality of life," said Adams. "Every student needs that additional caring adult in their life to remind them of their strengths, what's right about them, and what makes them uniquely gifted and talented. I believe in the impact of mentoring not only as a mentor and the CEO of TeamMates Mentoring, but as a product of so many mentors in my life."
Melissa Mayo, executive director of MENTOR Nebraska, said her organization has a waiting list of 2,500 kids who need mentors. She encouraged everyone to join the state's "mentoring movement" -- from Omaha to Scottsbluff.
"As the unifying champion of youth mentoring in our state, MENTOR Nebraska understands the importance of building cross sector partnerships to address the mentoring gap in our state -- the one in three young people growing up without a mentor outside of their family," Mayo said. "The state's Employee Your Mentoring Program is a shining example of how state employees are stepping forward and leveraging one hour of paid time each week to mentor a young person. This seemingly small investment of time will undoubtedly help us build a stronger, more supportive Nebraska, one relationship at a time."
DAS Director Jason Jackson added, "Our public servants in state government all have servants' hearts, and through the Governor's mentorship program, they have another way to serve. It's great to recognize the leaders that are going above and beyond to serve the youth in their communities."
"I'm encouraging all our Nebraska public servants to consider participation in the Employee Youth Mentoring Program. The more we can positively influence the lives of our kids, the brighter our futures, and their futures will be here in Nebraska. I look forward to recognizing even more people next year as awareness continues to grow about this opportunity," said Gov. Pillen.
The 11 public servants recognized with challenge coins, and their respective agencies:
Danielle Bailey, Department of Health and Human Services
Karen Barrett, Department of Revenue
Rachel Baum, Department of Health and Human Services
Tammie Holley, Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy
Karla Koehler, Department of Revenue
Joy Loschen, Department of Health and Human Services
Seth McDougall, Office of the Chief Information Officer
Sally Mertens, Department of Health and Human Services
Jerry Newth, Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy
Ann Marie Park, Education Department
Heidi Peirce, Department of Health and Human Services
ELEMENTARY NEWS/UPDATES
The Book Fair is Coming! The Book Fair is Coming!
Book Fair will be open at the Ceresco and Valparaiso school libraries during Parent Teacher Conferences from 11:30-7:00 on March 7th. Come check out the excellent selection and take home a few books or gifts for your family. We can't wait to see you!
JH/HS NEWS/UPDATES
Principal's Corner
Dear Families,
As we head into March, it's hard to believe we only have a few more months left of the school year. It has been a pleasure watching our students grow both academically and personally this year.
State testing season is right around the corner. I want to remind students not to stress too much about these exams. They are just one measure of your learning and are not the only thing to define who you are as a student. I encourage you all to simply do your best. Getting plenty of rest, eating healthy foods, and exercising can help keep you focused during this busy time. Teachers and staff are here to support you every step of the way.
March is also the perfect time to start thinking about course selection for next year. Counselors will begin meeting with students soon to discuss options and make sure everyone is on track to graduate. Please don't hesitate to reach out to the counseling office if you need any assistance in mapping out your future goals.
Key March dates for high school students and families:
March 7: Parent-Teacher Conferences/End of 3rd Quarter
March 26: ACT for Juniors
March 29 - April 1: Spring Break
Dear Students,
We are now entering the home stretch of the school year. I know this time of year can be stressful as we ramp up for exams, projects, college decisions, and more. It's easy to feel overwhelmed.
I want you to remember that you have come so far already this year. Look back at all of the challenges you have already overcome. You made it through midterms, submitted dozens of assignments, played in the big game, participated in musical performances, and so much more.
Now is the time to dig deep and finish strong. I encourage you to think about what motivates you. Is it thinking about how proud your family will be at graduation? Making memories with friends before the school year ends? Earning the grades to get into your dream college? Pursuing your passion on the field, court, stage, or classroom?
Whatever drives you, hold onto that feeling. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift you up. Get excited about what lies ahead, while continuing to be present for each day.
You have what it takes to have an amazing end to your school year. I believe in each and every one of you. Let's make these final months count!
All the Best,
Mark Smith
ACT Day - March 26th, 2024
12th Grade: No School
11th grade ACT and ACT accommodations
Dismissed when ACT is done
10th grade Visiting Kawasaki and Concordia- Lunch provided by Concordia University - Load bus at 8:30am
Duncan Aviation tour at 9am will take between 1-1.5 hours depending on weather - Duncan canceled we are making other arrangements.
Concordia University - start at arrival, have lunch, dismiss at 2:25pm.
Students will report to main gym when they return to school
9th grade Visiting Metro in Fremont, Lincoln Premier Poultry and Midland University -
Metropolitan Community College in Fremont 9:15
Lincoln Premier Poultry - visit start at 10:30
Midland University - lunch leave by 2:30pm
8th grade UNL East Campus Visit - Sack lunches brought by school or students bring them from home - Load bus at 8:30-return by 3:00pm
Students will visit the UNL Dairy store. They need to bring their own money.
6th and 7th grade; Regular timed school day
Morning Sessions: 6 sessions in the morning
Lunch - 11:15-11:55 students in the cafeteria
Afternoon Sessions: 6 sessions in the afternoon
Scholastic Art Winners
Gold Keys(the highest award)
Mae Masek - Portfolio
Mae Masek- Painting | Complete III
Mae Masek- Mixed Media | Art is the Artist
Silver Key
Ash Hunt- Portfolio
Emma Pytlik-Illustration | Winnter Child
Mae Masek- Drawing & Illustration | Barbie's Dream House
Mae Masek- Sculpture | Faulty
Mae Masek- Mixed Media | The Next Generation
Mae Masek- Drawing & Illustration | Daydreamer's Reality VIII
Mae Masek- Digital Art | Daydreamer's Reality XV
Kinsley Seuferer- Ceramic | Underwater Rainforest
Honorable Mention
Jacey Hofpar- Drawing & Illustration | Words Of An Angel
Ash Hunt- Printmaking | Silly Soup
Mae Masek- Digital Art | Daydreamer's Reality I
Kinsley Seufer- Ceramic | Lines of Confusion
Ellie White- Drawing & Illustration | Forever My Best Friend
Luke Tvrdy- Drawing & Illustration | Time's of Change
We are hosting this year's NCC art show in April which will host the creative talents among 9 different high schools in our district.
Greek Olympics During Social Studies!
Kyson Effle and Gage Thomas were the winners of our Greek Olympics in our Ancient Greek Unit for Social Studies.
Kyson won 2 events and Gage won 1 event.
Band Updates!
Congratulations to our Band! (And some updates...)
The HS Band and Choir had an amazing Pops Concert on February 22nd. It was a lot of fun with the different decades' pop tunes, and the students did very well!
We have a lot of events coming up as well. 9 HS Students will represent Raymond Central at Nebraska Capital Conference Honor Band on March 4th, and 3 students were selected into Class B All State Band on March 23rd. Congrats to these HS Band Students! The HS will compete at District Music Contest on April 18-19 and the final HS spring music concert will be Tuesday, April 30th.
The 6th Grade and JH Band will perform at the Malcolm Music Contest on March 15th, along with 2 soloists and a duet. Wish them luck! Their final 6-8 music concert is Thursday, April 25th.
Don't miss the 3-5 choir and band concert on Tuesday, May 7th as well!
All of these students have been working very hard and I'm proud of the progress they've made coming together and growing as musicians. Come support them at their concerts and wish them luck!
8th Grade STEM & HS Physics Collaborate
The 8th grade STEM class and the high school physics class completed a collaborative project in February. The high school class created a series of mini projects that they dubbed the Physics Olympics. This included a paper air plane, a rubber band car, and a catapult. The high school students acted as guides as the 8th graders built and created their machines. They then tested all of the machines, with the group having the largest combined distance winning cookies!
ACTIVITIES/SPORTS/CLUBS INFO
Junior High Student Council is sponsoring a Dance!
FFA Labor Auction
Scholastic Art Winners!
Gold Keys(the highest award)
Mae Masek - Portfolio
Mae Masek- Painting | Complete III
Mae Masek- Mixed Media | Art is the Artist
Silver Key
Ash Hunt- Portfolio
Emma Pytlik-Illustration | Winnter Child
Mae Masek- Drawing & Illustration | Barbie's Dream House
Mae Masek- Sculpture | Faulty
Mae Masek- Mixed Media | The Next Generation
Mae Masek- Drawing & Illustration | Daydreamer's Reality VIII
Mae Masek- Digital Art | Daydreamer's Reality XV
Kinsley Seuferer- Ceramic | Underwater Rainforest
Honorable Mention
Jacey Hofpar- Drawing & Illustration | Words Of An Angel
Ash Hunt- Printmaking | Silly Soup
Mae Masek- Digital Art | Daydreamer's Reality I
Kinsley Seufer- Ceramic | Lines of Confusion
Ellie White- Drawing & Illustration | Forever My Best Friend
Luke Tvrdy- Drawing & Illustration | Time's of Change
YEARBOOK! Get your Yearbook!
Raymond Central District!!
The yearbook showcases EVERY student from Preschool to graduating seniors. This is our third year adding the whole district into our book and we are perfecting it every year.
Ordering is still available! Forms are available below!
Prices have now increased to the second semester prices. Yearbooks are $70 each. No discounts are available during second semester.
Order yours today!!
STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
Diesel Technician Camp
Experience the Day in the Life of a Platte Valley Equipment Service Technician at our TK One Day Camp!
This is for all sophomores, juniors, and seniors interested in a future as a Diesel Technician!
The camp will consist of 20-minute theory classroom sessions followed by hands-on work in the shop. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided by LATC. Platte Valley Equipment will be providing transportation for students, this arrangement aims to make travel easier and allow for more one-on-one time with the student (parents/guardians are also welcome to attend with their student.)
Spots are very limited!! Apply HERE and we will be in contact with you as soon as possible. Registration deadline is April 1st. If you would like additional information, please let me know and I can send material your way!