Raymond Central Public Schools
October 2021
From the Desk of the Superintendent...
Good afternoon parents/guardians. October 8th marks the end of quarter one. As always, the time seems to fly and we will have to be intentional to achieve all of the goals and aspirations that we have in place for this school year. With intensity and commitment on the part of staff, students and parents, I am confident that we can reach our targets. Because this is the time of the year where we are assessing students' abilities and skills using a variety of tools such as MAPS and FastBridge, it is timely to emphasize to parents/guardians that it is important that you have on-going discussions with your students about the importance of these results to their education. These assessments are used to help guide our campus plans and to guide individual teachers in the development of instruction. During our late start yesterday, teachers were involved in reviewing and reflecting on various data points and making plans on how best to address student needs based on assessment information. Of course, there are a multitude of other factors that impact students and their learning that are considered as well but academic achievement is a foundational element. Having data points that are reflective of student skills is an important piece of our work so we continue to encourage our parents and students to treat assessments as opportunities for growth.
DHM Extended
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD) announced yesterday that the Directed Health Measure (DHM) that was to expire on September 30, 2021 has been extended through Thursday, October 28. There are no changes to the DHM that took effect August 26. The DHM continues to require that all individuals ages two and older - regardless of vaccination status - wear a mask indoors. The DHM requires business owners to ensure that patrons two and older wear masks any time they cannot maintain six feet of separation with non-household members. Raymond Central Public Schools will continue with the masking requirements that we currently have in place as a result of this extended DHM. Our board of education took into consideration input from patrons and input from our legal counsel when making the decision to follow issued DHM’s. So for now, our protocol is for persons in indoor settings to wear a face covering.
We recognize that students get tired of being asked to pull up their masks as I am sure you can appreciate how tired and frustrated our staff is of having to continually make that request and being subjected to arguments. We continue to ask for grace and support from our students, parents, and guardians in trying to minimize the challenges by being respectful of the expectations in place and the persons who are charged with implementing those expectations.
PK-3 Program
The PK-3 program that was added this year is off to a great start. Mrs. Deana Prieffert is the teacher of 18 of our youngest students and they are a fun group who come to school excited to grow and learn. We are fortunate to have paraeducator Cindra Jensen in the program to assist but we could use another pair of hands. If you know of anyone who might be interested in volunteering on Tuesday and/or Thursday, please contact me at the District office (402) 785-2615.
Seeking Van Driver and Custodian
While we are certainly more fortunate than our peers across the country, we are still experiencing the strains of having a work staff shortage. We are currently looking to fill two positions. Applicants can apply under the DISTRICT tab on our website or call the District office for more information.
JH/HS full time custodian - Rate of pay is $16.61/hr with full health benefits and hours of 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Part time Van Driver - Rate of pay is $16.61/hr with a route that is currently from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Substitute Bus Drivers
Substitute Paraeducators
Substitute Teachers
Health Tech
With the growing medical concerns and routine health needs of our student population, we have added a health tech to our staff. We are fortunate to have Brynn Christensen fill this position. Nurse Amanda Ehlers will work closely with Ms. Christensen to coordinate the services provided to our students across the district. The additional staffing will allow us to expand the educational services that a school nurse can provide as well as to assist in meeting the emotional/mental health needs of our students. Ms. Christensen will focus on providing support services at Ceresco and Valparaiso.
Parent Teacher Conferences
We will be holding in person parent teacher conferences this fall. The elementary schools will schedule a conference time for parents/guardians while the JH/HS will have all teachers at tables in the new gym and commons area. The conference times for the elementary school are Tuesday, October 19 and Thursday, October 21 from 4:15 - 8:00 p.m. and for the JH/HS the dates are Wednesday, October 20, 2021 and Thursday, October 21, 2021 from 4:15 - 8:00 p.m. If you have any questions regarding PTC you should contact the building principal.
Mark Your Calendars
NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22!
Mobile Vaccine Clinic
Three Rivers Public Health is sponsoring a free mobile vaccine clinic at the Ceresco Community Building on
Saturday, October 2, 2021 from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Vaccines are free to anyone eligible (12 and older) and no appointment is required. More information can be found on this flyer.
Raymond Central Before and After School Program
We are fortunate to have a stellar before/after school program that is sponsored by Civic Nebraska and facilitated by director Kara Nelson. Most recently our program was featured in a promotional video sponsored by Civic Nebraska. The video can be found at this link. The program was formulated based upon expressed need that was identified through a survey given to our families. For this program to stay vibrant and viable, we hope to realize increased enrollment and support. Donations made to Civic Nebraska are most welcome. Parties that are interested in supporting these efforts can do so through this donation link.
School Breakfast and Lunch
Raymond Central Public School District will offer free school breakfast and lunch to all K-12 students during the 2021-22 school year through the USDA’s SSO program. We urge all parents/guardians to complete the free and reduced application. Linked here is the application for this program which can also be accessed on our website under the PARENT tab.
The Impact of Marijuana Use on Our Youth
Recent perception data suggests that the number of young people who believe marijuana use is risky is decreasing. On October 21, 2021 Officer Andre O’Conner, a licensed Drug Recognition Expert with the Lincoln Police Department will facilitate a session titled “But It’s Just Marijuana Isn’t It?” for parents to learn more about how this gateway drug is impacting our youth. The session will be held at the Schoo Middle School Media Center, 700 Penrose Drive from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Contact Abbe Edgecombe, SCIP Coordinator for Lincoln-Lancaster County for additional information (402) 327-6841 or aedgecombe@lmep.com.
Respectfully,
Lynn Johnson
7th-12th Grade Band/Choir Concert on October 25th @ 6:30 pm in the Main Gym at the High School!
The Raymond Central Before and After Program is back in session!
Raymond Central Before and After School Program by Civic Nebraska is an expanded learning opportunity that delivers new experiences, academic support and civic leadership to students in a safe and fun environment. We collaborate with teachers, administrators and school staff to bridge the school day to the before and after school environment. Students receive academic support, engage in enrichment activities, and have opportunities to grow as civic leaders in their communities.
Civic Nebraska YCL Video featuring Raymond Central
Payment Structure
Civic Nebraska’s Community Learning Center (CLC) billing is based on the number of days per month that your child attends. A minimum billing of two weeks per month will be charged per registered student regardless of actual attendance. We encourage your children to attend every day so that they receive the most from our programs. The cost is $75/week. We also have scholarships available.
Ten or fewer days attended = 2 weeks ($150)
11 to 16 days attended = 3 weeks ($225)
17 to 22 days attended = 4 weeks ($300)
If you have any questions contact Kara Nelson at kara.nelson@civicnebraska.org
Homecoming Information!
Homecoming fb game Friday Oct 8th against Malcolm - Royalty Crowing before the game at 6:15.
Homecoming dance Saturday Oct 9th from 8:00-11:00
Dance tickets can be purchased in the office for $8.00 ($10.00 at the door)
Outside date permission forms can be picked up and returned to the office. No outside dates allowed without prior permission forms returned to the office.
2021 THEME:
50's Diner
SPIRIT DAYS: (October 4-8)
Monday - Pajama Day
Tuesday - Construction Day
Wednesday - Movie Character Day
Thursday - Country VS Country Club
Friday - Jersey/Spirit Day
What's NEW with Yearbook??
This year the Journalism Team is taking on a challenge like we've never done before. This year will be the Inaugural year of having a yearbook that includes EVERYONE in the district! What does that mean?? Well, we decided to include both elementary schools, the preschool, the junior high, and the highschool in ONE book! If you have students in more than one building, you can buy one book and have everyone's photo included! (Elementary yearbooks will still be available for families with only elementary students!)
Soooo...Don't delay!! Order your Yearbook TODAY!!!
Yearbook Order Forms for the 2021-2022 Yearbook are available in the office or in Mrs. E's room. There will be NO extra books ordered, so please make sure you get yours ordered now!
Pricing is as follows:
$50 per yearbook until December 31, 2021
$60 per yearbook from January 1, 2022 to May 20, 2022
If you have multiple children in grades Preschool-12 and would like more than one yearbook:
$95 for two yearbooks until December 31, 2021--no discounts after January 1, 2022
$140 for three yearbooks until December 31, 2021--no discounts after January 1, 2022
Senior/Business Ad space is also available! Please email:
rcentraljournalism@gmail.com for more information or with any questions!
RCPS Hustle--BackPack Program Fundraiser
Raymond Central Public Schools, along with community partners, have teamed up to present the Hustle, a fundraiser for the RCPS BackPack Program to ease hunger in our community.
Funds raised from the event directly support our local BackPack Program, providing our students and families with weekly access to nutritious food options. It costs about $250 for one student to receive weekly backpacks for an entire school year.
This year’s event will be held virtually the week of October 24-30. Participants can register for a one mile walk, 5K or 10K using the link or QR code. Participants must be registered by midnight Friday, October 1 to receive a T-Shirt. We hope you join us!
https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=78325131
Sixth Graders Investigate the Components of Energy
Mrs. Jackson’s sixth grade students have been learning about different types and forms of energy. Students have been exploring how energy changes between objects and how it transfers from one object to another. The students have discussed many examples in daily life where the energy that comes into the object changes once the object is working. Sixth graders have been using Blooket as a tool to review and challenge their learning in a competitive manner. Currently, students are investigating states of matter. In class, students explored the impact temperature has on the states of matter through a virtual lab. Students will build the connection between the use of thermal energy and the changes between states of matter.
Scholastic Book Fair Information
Dear Parents and Families:
I'm excited to announce that the Scholastic Book Fair is back! After months without beloved school traditions, our upcoming Valparaiso Book Fair will be a familiar and welcome celebration. Here's what you need to know about our upcoming fair:
Every dollar you spend will benefit our school directly
You can sign up for Book Fair eWallet, a convenient digital payment account, so your child can shop the Fair cash-free. Grandparents, friends, and others can contribute to the eWallet to help build your home library.
We’re taking precautions to host a safe Fair at our school, focusing on preventive measures.
Save these dates and view our school’s Fair site for more information!
VALPARAISO--Fair Dates: Oct 19 - Oct 22 (Valparaiso School Library or shop online)
Book Fair Homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/valparaiso
CERESCO--Fair Dates: Oct 11 - Oct 24 (Online only)
Our Ceresco Fall Book Fair is ONLINE ONLY. To shop in person visit Valparaiso where the Book Fair will be on display in the library.
Book Fair Homepage: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/ceresco
We can’t wait to see your child at the Fair!
Janet Dannelly
Book Fair Chair
402-784-3301(Valparaiso)
402-665-3651 (Ceresco)
Interested in One Act?
Interested in Destination Imagination?
Junior High Student Council is Hard at Work!
Junior High Student Council members are eager to be creative, involved, and show Mustang pride! Members of the Junior High Student Council are preparing for homecoming by brainstorming ideas for hallway decor and creating banners! After homecoming, members will be preparing and organizing festivities for Red Ribbon Week, which is set for October 25-29.