Educational Service Unit # 13
SERVING THE PANHANDLE OF NEBRASKA
March, 2019 Newsletter
Scottsbluff Site
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone: (308) 635-3696
FAX: (308) 635-0680
Chadron Site
Crites Hall
Chadron State College
Chadron, NE 69337
Phone: (308) 432-6495
Sidney Site
1114 Toledo Street
Sidney, NE 69162
Phone: (308) 254-4677
FAX: (308) 254-5371
Mission Statement
Educational Service Unit #13...
Achieving educational excellence for all learners through strong partnerships, service and leadership
By . . .
- Collaborating with schools, families, and communities
- Serving with equity, efficiency, and integrity
- Communicating effectively
- Leading with innovation
Nebraska Strong
ADMINISTRATION
With Appreciation and Profound Gratitude
This will be my last monthly article at ESU 13 as my final day of April 19th quickly approaches. We often hear people say how time flies, especially as we get older. I certainly feel that way when reflecting back on the last 11 years at ESU 13. When my wife Laura and I moved back home so I could become the next Administrator at ESU 13, we had no idea how much we would enjoy and benefit from this time back home with family and friends and how fast 11 years would fly by.
I also had no idea how rewarding the job at ESU 13 would be to my personal and professional growth and development. I have often told people; “this is the best job I have ever had.” Much of that sentiment comes from the relationships I have been fortunate to develop over my time here. It is to those people that I want to share my appreciation and gratitude in this final article.
I want to thank the ESU 13 Board of Education for their support and guidance. They allowed me to take leadership positions in our state association (ESUCC) and national association (AESA). Those leadership experiences have helped me to grow in ways that I never could have imagined at the time. What I appreciate the most about the Board is their dedication to the children and educators of the Panhandle. The ESU 13 Board is engaged in issues facing ESUs through attendance at regional, state and national conferences. Board members have always wanted ESU 13 leadership to be looking at what is just over the horizon. Always encouraging us to push the envelope when it comes to innovation and collaboration not only with our schools but also with other agencies serving children in the Panhandle.
To the 21 superintendents, past and present, in the 11 counties of the ESU 13 service area I want to thank you for your support of ESU 13 and your leadership to the children and families of Western Nebraska. I will always be appreciative of your willingness to explore ways to collaborate and look for efficiencies during these difficult financial times facing many of our schools with decreasing enrollment and reduced state funding.
Anyone fortunate enough to be placed in a leadership position quickly learns they cannot and should not try and do it alone. I also believe leaders should surround themselves with experts that see and think differently. That diversity helps the group to make better decisions on behalf of the organization. I have been blessed during my time at ESU 13 to be surrounded by an outstanding leadership team of directors that through that diversity of thought and perspective, have elevated my thinking and level of performance when it comes to living our mission of achieving educational excellence for all learners through strong partnerships, service and leadership. Dr. Andrew Dick will do an excellent job as the next Administrator of ESU 13. With his skills and abilities, he will most certainly take ESU 13 to the next level of service, partnerships, and leadership.
Last but certainly not least, I am grateful to the caring, loving and dedicated staff of ESU 13. You are the best! I can count on one hand the number of times I have heard from a parent, school district staff member or community partner questioning the actions of an ESU employee the past 11 years. I think that certainly speaks to the high level of professionalism and expertise of our staff and how they conduct themselves on a daily basis. That very high level of performance hasn’t gone unnoticed or unappreciated by me and each time we get together for our all-staff in-service days, I try to share my appreciation to them for their dedication and professionalism. And most importantly to simply say, Thank You!”
As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” It is certainly with mixed emotions that my wife Laura and I begin the next chapter in our journey as we move to southern Pennsylvania. Leaving brings a level of sadness that is difficult to express, yet at the same time it brings a level of excitement. It reminds me of a quote from Ernie Harwell that states, “ It’s time to say goodbye, but I think goodbyes are sad and I’d much rather say hello. Hello to a new adventure.”
To the people of Panhandle who I have had the privilege to work with, I want to thank you for your support and wish you all the best. With family here, we will certainly be returning home on a regular basis and it is in that light that I close with this, “Goodbyes are not forever, Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again.”
Educationally yours,
Dr. Jeffrey D. West
Administrator, ESU #13
SOAR (Sharing Opportunities and Achieving Results)
Regional Science Fair hits Scottsbluff again!
March 04, 2019
The Regional Science NJAS/AHEC Science Fair was held March 5. This event is sponsored by the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences, The Panhandle Area Health Education Cooperative and ESU13 SOAR Staff Development Department.
The fair gives students the ability to meet students and observe projects from area schools. Award winners from the regional fairs have the option to move on to the state level opportunities. Students also enjoyed an escape room activity and worked disaster planning.
The science fair is open any middle or senior high school student.
Technology Department
Declutter your Device! Spring Cleaning Tips for your Tech
We spend a lot of time on our tech devices and over time our phones and tablets can become slow or cluttered. So, when it comes to spring cleaning, don’t forget to tidy up your tech.
Other than the obvious, like deleting old messages and photos, where should you begin? We hear these questions from our customers all the time, so our team of tech experts compiled a quick list of tips to get control of your digital clutter:
Sweep out the junk
- Delete unnecessary data by removing texts, call history, voicemail and unused apps.
- Clear the system cache and remove old or duplicate contacts.
- Disable “bloatware” applications—the ones that come pre-loaded on your device but you may not use (like the stock market app on iOS).
- For the hard-core spring cleaners, Factory Reset your device once a year. This allows you to start from scratch and only re-install the things you actually use, so you don’t build up clutter year after year. Just be sure you’ve saved the content you want to keep beforehand!
Get organized
- Set up monthly reminders on storage updates, moving your photos automatically to your computer to avoid reaching maximum storage space on your phone.
- Tidy up your email account by setting up multiple filters or inbox categories to auto-sort your incoming mail.
- Use unroll.me to unsubscribe from emails you no longer want to get.
- Upload pictures and videos to Google Photos (unlimited backup space for free!) This not only saves space on your device but helps keep your memories organized and easily searchable.
Protect against bugs
- Connected devices can be easily hacked – keep yours safe by resetting things like wireless routers to their factory settings and reset the default password. This will wipe out any existing malware.
Special Services Department
We continue to spotlight our programs:
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapists evaluate and treat students, birth- 21 years of age, who have been identified with disabilities and consult with school districts and families to help with interventions. Therapists also serve on the BIRSST and Autism Regional Teams.
Special Education Administration
We provide training and consultation to school districts to assist them in developing the legally required procedures and practices to educate students with disabilities. The director meets with district Special Education Directors to facilitate discussion on current special education issues. Our staff assists school districts in the development & completion of reports, grants, and other state special education mandates as requested. The director supervises all ESU #13 special education programs including: Deaf Education; Speech Services, Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy Services; Meridian School; LifeLink Nebraska; Autism Services; Transition Services; Early Childhood/EDN Services and Vision Services.
Head Start/Early Head Start
Psychology Department
Fishing is Good for Your Health
Now that spring is here, my thoughts are turning toward FISHING. If you know me, you also know that is not true. My thoughts are often, usually, or nearly always of fishing; or, when can I go fishing, where can I fish, or, what do I need in order to go fishing (something my wife especially dreads!) However, in my defense, I’m trying to maintain a relatively healthy lifestyle and fishing is shown to offer many benefits. Googling “Fishing is good for your health” provides several interesting and seemingly research based articles touting the benefits of fishing. For instance, you could read the Top 10 Health Benefits of Fishing, 5 Reasons Why Fishing is Good for Your Health, 7 Reasons Why fishing is Good for You, or, 11 Reasons Why Fishing is Good for You. Regardless of the number of benefits, fishing is good for you!
Besides just being fun, fishing can provide an excellent source of nutrition rich in omega-3 fatty acids which may decrease blood pressure and lower the risk of stroke and heart failure
Additionally, enjoying nature can help you heal more quickly. One article reports that in the 1980s, a researcher noticed that post-operative patients in a hospital that had a window view of a natural area with trees recovered more quickly than did patients who could only see other buildings.
Fishing can be a great way to spend time with you family and friends. Put down the screen, turn off the electronics and go fishing. Nothing is more meaningful than spending time with loved ones and fishing is a great way to do it.
Did you know that the intellectual side of fishing can help keep your brain sharp as you age? (Whew!) One of the best ways to keep your brain healthy and operating at light-speed is by challenging it with mentally stimulating activities. Harvard Health Publications provide an overview that aligns nearly perfectly with fishing: keep learning, use all your senses, and have confidence in yourself.
Most of us largely spend our working time inside. But, sunshine provides a number of important health benefits. Sunshine triggers your brain to release serotonin, an important hormone that is thought to help improve your mood and happy thoughts. Feeling down? Go for a walk outside, or better yet, go fishing! Just remember to cover up with lightweight fabrics when it’s really hot, wear your sunglasses, and use plenty of sunscreen.
Fishing has even been shown to be an effective treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD. One study found that after a three day fishing trip, participants reported a 32% reduction in guilt, a 43% decrease in feelings of hostility, feelings of fear were reduced by 30% and feelings of sadness dropped by 36%. And, a portion of these positive effects remained even a full month after the fishing retreat.
Furthermore, fishing can boost your immune system, promote relaxation, improve cardiovascular health, teach self-reliance, bestow patience, reduce blood pressure, improve concentration, and improve balance. Couldn’t we all use a little of that?
See you on the water. Tight lines!
Behavioral and Mental Health
Exercise and Mental Health
*****Jogging for 15 minutes a day, or walking or gardening for somewhat longer, could help protect people against developing depression*****
Running is one of the most popular and practiced sports and forms of fitness worldwide. In the United States alone, almost 60 million people participated in running, jogging and trail running in 2017. Walking for fitness drew more than 110 million participants in the U.S. in 2017, and at the end of 2015, the road-running industry was valued at $1.4 billion, with more than 1,100 marathons held annually in the U.S.
While improving fitness is one of the main motivations for individuals to start running or jogging. (In 2017, about 24 percent of Americans stated that exercise was the initial reason they started running). The benefits of running and exercise don’t stop there: Not only does running strengthen your bones and improve knee health, but just 30 minutes of picking up the pace can also dramatically improve your mood.
A recent study from the Massachusetts General Hospital determined a clear connection between exercise and decreased chances of depression. While similar studies have also revealed a significantly large overall antidepressant effect of aerobic exercise compared with antidepressant medication and/or psychological therapies. Indicating that aerobic exercise, even in small amounts can significantly support major depression treatment in mental health services.
How can you start to benefit from exercise?
The key is to be active every day.
· Fifteen minutes of jogging, an hour of gardening-Get outside and do something.
· A rule of thumb? Get your heart rate up 50 percent higher from where it started for that 15 minutes of activity. For instance If your heart rate starts at 60, work during your exercise to get it to 90.
· That means you don't even need to be sweating or out of breath, just move!
Start a new fitness challenge (Check out these links)
· With Track and Field in full swing, the Boston Marathon approaching (April 15th) it’s hard to not be inspired: https://youtu.be/sj29fw25vvA to start on your own Journey of fitness and running.
And the the list of local road races is growing Western Wind Running Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/282895985874/)
· Why not start to train for your own race? There are plenty of plans for race completion regardless of your fitness level or race length. You can find a great Couch to 5k plan here (https://www.c25k.com/).
So lace up your shoes, pin on that race bib or just get out an move Your health…and mental health will thank you!
Alternative Education
Migrant Education
Summer schools and summer camps are around the corner. We are busy getting ready for those.
Migrant Ed wishes you a great month!