Raymond Central Newsletter
January 2018
Happy New Year!
Attention!
From the Desk of Dr. Joel...
Welcome to 2018! I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. The beginning of the year is always a great time for reflection on where my family and I are in life and confirm we are on the right course. Since my first days, weeks, and months at Raymond Central, we have been welcomed with open arms. We continue to discuss how welcoming parents, students, and staff have been for both my family and I. This type of acceptance and welcome is not always the case and I wanted to share how happy we are at Raymond Central. Our son, Jackson (5), has had so much fun attending Raymond Central’s new preschool on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It has been exciting to see him have fun meeting new friends and embrace the learning process.
Over the last two years I have followed the teaching of Jon Gordon, author and motivator, to pick one word that I keep in front of me at all times. Through the high points or low points of the school year, my one word reminds me of my purpose and keeps me centered. The Raymond Central school staff developed their one word at the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. It is a fun practice (personal or as a family) and according to Jon Gordon, “more effective than a New Year’s resolution”. Actually, research shows 9 out of 10 people will fail their resolutions. Picking just one word that represents the essence of who you want to be can be powerful and reflective. My word for the school year is LISTEN. What will your word for 2018 be?
We had a fantastic 1st semester and it is remarkable how fast it passed. When students come back from break, we will pick up where we left off. Have a great month of January and lets hope the snow and ice continue to stay away!
Dr. Joel
RC Youth Trap Club
Please stop by the Raymond Central High School office and sign up to become a Member of the 2018 RCYTC. Club Members, take a friend along with you to sign up!
INFORMATIONAL MEETING:
Wednesday, January 17 at 6:00pm
Location: Commons Area at Raymond Central High School – please invite others who are interested in learning more.
PRACTICE:
Monday and Wednesday, starting Wednesday, February 28th
Location: Lincoln Trap and Skeet. 4855 N 48th Street, Lincoln NE 68504
$5/round. Members will need $10/2 rounds for each practice. Punch Cards are available for $50/10 rounds.
Please remember to bring the following items with you to all practices and events:
Gun
Shells
Eye Protection
Ear Protection
Vest *
Shell Pouch *
*Optional items that you may want to purchase after seeing what others have and what will work best for you.
Please reply by email to Dan, call if you are interested in the following items:
· 5 flats of Winchester Super Target 12ga shells. Each flat is $50.
· A shooting coat, adult large, for sale. It’s black and in good condition. $25
· Through the new youth ammo program from Fiocchi, we can receive a discount for a combined order from the Club. See the attached document for details. There is a minimum of 50 cases.
If you have any questions about sign up, practice, equipment or items for sale, please call RCYTC Coach, Dan McElwain at 402-457-9137, or email Dan.C.McElwain@zoetis.com.
Helping the Homeless
Important Counselor Dates Spring 2018
January 4th First day back to school
January 12th Deadline to register for February National ACT
January 24th ASVAB Interpretation for juniors
February 7th Mini College Fair: JATC Electrical, CUNE, UNK
February 7th Raising Canes Dual/College Credit night
for 10th and 11th grade student and parents
February 8th Parent Teacher Conferences 7-12th grade 4-8pm
February 8th 8th going to 9th grade parent meeting
February 10th National ACT
February 24th Seniors Scholarship Saturday worktime breakfast provided
February Start scheduling for next year
March 6th Mini College Fair- JATC Electrical, CUNE
March 9th Deadline to register for April National ACT
March 10th Seniors Scholarship Saturday worktime breakfast provided
March 15th Local Scholarships Due
March 21st Transition Fair- more details to come from Mrs. Benes and Ms. Osten
April 2nd NO SCHOOL Easter break
April 3rd State ACT for juniors at RC (DO NOT MISS SCHOOL)
April 3rd Freshman College Visit
April 3rd Sophomore College Visit
April 3rd Junior High Health Fair
April 3rd Senior Field Trip
April 19th Mini College Fair- JATC Electrical, CUNE, SCC
May 12th Graduation
Upcoming Activity Dates
Speech Home invite - Saturday Jan 13th
Wrestling senior night - Thursday Jan 18th
Conference wrestling @ RC - Saturday Jan 20th
Reserve basketball tournament @ Milford (hosted by RC) - Saturday Jan 20th
Conference basketball - Mon Jan 22th through Sat Jan 27th
Wrestling home invite - Saturday Jan 27th
Spanish Club Fills Backpacks
Spanish Club at Multicultural Fair
Multicultural Fair
TRENDS IN TEEN SUBSTANCE USE PART TWO OF THREE
Marijuana Extracts (dabbing)
Another national trend that has made its way into our schools is marijuana extracts, most commonly referred to as dabbing. The amount of THC (the chemical in marijuana that results in feeling high) in marijuana has been increasing steadily over the past few decades, and with increased potency comes increased health risks and harmful reactions.
On average, regular marijuana has a THC content of 15-18%; the typical dab has a THC content of more than 50% and some extracts are as high as 80%.
Marijuana Extracts can come in various forms:
· Hash Oil or Honey Oil– a gooey liquid
· Wax or Budder– a soft solid with a texture like lip balm
· Shatter– a hard, amber colored solid
E-Cigarettes/Vaporizers are being used to smoke marijuana wax and Hash/Honey Oil. Smoking these extracts can deliver extremely large amounts of THC and have sent some users to the Emergency Room. Since dabbing is a relatively new trend, there have not been many studies done on it. We do know the higher potency leads to stronger effects, such as poor judgment, poor coordination, increased heart rate, hallucinations, intense anxiety or panic attacks, sleepiness, and difficulty keeping track of time.
DID YOU KNOW?
Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug by teens.
When marijuana use begins in the teen years, it can have a significant impact on brain development. THC alters the ability of the hippocampus (a brain area related to learning and memory), to communicate effectively with other brain regions. This can lead to :
· Reduced ability to concentrate
· Impaired or reduced short & long –term memory
Resources for Parents:
SCIP (School Community Intervention and Prevention :
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA and NIDA Teen):
Lancaster County Prevention Coalition:
Prescription Drug Safety:
TEAMMATES
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 currently has 11 active TeamMate mentors that we would like to thank for their positive impact on our students! Kristie Bohac, Alice Pecka, Dave Burklund, Esther Ryan, Jennifer Frasier-Davison, Ron Bottorff, Barb Ohnoutka, Tammie Holley, Kendra Detweiler, Schirley Eichmeier, and Brad Breitkreutz. A warm welcome to our newest mentors Deb Brooks, Darrell Walla, Mike Unverferth and Carrie Donahue who will soon be matched with students!
“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 close to 8,000 youth in more than 150 communities across Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas and Iowa. Mentors meet with their mentees one-on-one in school, once a week, during the academic year.
Mentees can be nominated one of three ways. They can be nominated by a parent, a school staff member, or self-nomination. Mentors are not tutors, counselors, nor are they there to “fix” anything— they’re there to be friends. Mentors are matched with mentees based on interests and life experiences.
Raymond Central has a waiting list of students who would like a Teammate mentor, please consider applying today. To schedule an interview about the TeamMates Mentoring Program, please contact Kristine White at krwhite@rcentral.org.
Congratulations Connor Nichols!
Because of the exceptionally high score you received on your Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Word 2013 exam, you have been named Nebraska’s Champion and selected to compete in Certiport’s 2018 Microsoft Office Specialist U.S. National Championship at the Marriott Marquis in Atlanta, Georgia, June 13-15, 2018. Connor will have the opportunity to win a $3,000 scholarship at Nationals. Best of luck Connor!
Why get Microsoft Office certified? Certifications give you a professional edge by providing globally recognized industry endorsed evidence of skills mastery, demonstrating your abilities and willingness to embrace new technologies. Verify your skills, unlock your opportunities.
On average, Microsoft certified technologists earn 15% more than their uncertified peers. What’s more, certified employees are often entrusted with supervising their peers—putting you on the fast track for a promotion.
When you pass a Microsoft Office Specialist Certification exam, you’ll have access to your Microsoft Badge; share your certification online with your professional network, and unlock your salary potential.
Benefits of becoming certified include:
- College Transfer Credit
- Expanded Knowledge & Skills in Microsoft Office Suite
- Better Career Prospects
- Higher Wage/Salary Earning Potential
- Your Resume will Stand Out
- Receive a Microsoft Certificate and Badge
If you are interested in more information or taking an Information Technology course next semester/year please feel free to email Ms. Bastian at abastian@rcentral.org or Ms. Osten at tosten@rcentral.org.
For more information please visit the following websites:
https://certiport.pearsonvue.com/About/The-value-of-certification
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/learning/certification-benefits.aspx
http://www.thewindowsclub.com/microsoft-certification-benefits
https://www.simplilearn.com/microsoft-certification-benefits-article
Raymond Central Staff's Ugly Sweater Contest
On Friday, December 15, the Raymond Central F.U.N. Committee held an ugly Christmas sweater contest. Each faculty member was to wear any ugly sweater on that day, and then voted for a winner.
The F.U.N. Committee has held different contests throughout the school year. Last year they gathered staff baby pictures and faculty had to guess whose picture it was. Also last year for Easter, they hid an easter egg in each classroom and that teacher had to find it. In each egg there was a surprise. The Committee tries to bring a fun atmosphere throughout the school year to give back to the teachers for all they do. During finals week, they are providing all staff members hot chocolate, coffee, and apple cider all day. Along with that Friday, December 22nd, the office staff is providing lunch for the staff. In January, they are having a chili cook off within the staff. More things are planned throughout the school year.
About Us
Email: rcentraljournalism@gmail.com
Website: www.rcentral.org
Phone: 4027852685
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaymondCentralHS/
Twitter: @RC_Mustangs