Elkhorn South High School
November 2022
From the High School Principal- Mark Kalvoda
From the High School Principal
As we start the second quarter and move close to the Thanksgiving holiday, I have reflected upon how much we have to be thankful for in the Elkhorn Public School District. My reflections lead down many paths, but all centered on the pride I have in this school district, this high school and our students. I am continually impressed by the character and determination of our students as well as their involvement in many activities, managing a challenging curriculum, and the many hours spent working or volunteering outside of school. Yet our students maintain positivity, optimism, and persistence. My most sincere hope is that Elkhorn South has provided many great lessons for future success in college and beyond. I also understand that many challenges lie ahead; semester finals, winter activity season, demanding coursework, winter weather, and the like. I am inspired by their resiliency and believe that we all can learn from their perseverance.
I am reminded frequently that there is much to be celebrated here at ESHS. This quick list of accomplishments from the first quarter shows the commitment of our students and staff to excellence:
- 5 National Merit Semi-Finalists and 7 National Merit Commended
- State Tournament Softball (#3 Ranking)
- ESHS Marching Band placed 9th in the state at NSBA
- Record Number of All-State Choir (21) and All-State Band Members (18)
- Two ESHS Band Students selected to All-National Honor Ensembles
- Both Cross Country Teams in the top 10 (Girls 5th, Boys 9th)
- Volleyball District Runner-up
- Outstanding Fall Play Production this past weekend
- State Girls Golf 10th place at State
- Metro Champions in Boys Tennis (6th at State)
- Quarterfinals of State Playoff Football this week
- ESHS Yearbook earns Cornhusker Award
- Numerous Successful Unified Sporting Events this fall (football, softball, bowling) with more to come!
- EPS Carl L. White Teacher of the Year- Mrs. Melissa Simons (ESHS English Teacher)
We have much to be grateful for. These successes did not happen by accident. They were achieved through collective vision, effort and commitment of staff, students and parents. Clearly, we all have the same goals in mind- Excellence in everything we do. I appreciate your support of everything at Elkhorn South. I challenge students and staff to stave off the fatigue, and encourage others to do the same. Focus on what we can control and look for opportunities to serve others. Right now, we have much to be thankful for and while we all have different experiences and different perspectives, and may not agree on everything, we have more in common than different. It is my sincere hope that we can all agree on our pride in Elkhorn South High School and the excellent opportunities that our students have here. Stay unified and Roll Storm!
The topic of rigor and college preparedness has been frequently discussed this quarter. Periodically, I hear the conversation framed in a manner of “what students will need for college”. When engaged in this conversation with students, parents or colleagues, I often respond with some questions, “Can the student honestly state that he/she has done everything possible to be prepared for college? Have they taken advantage of rigorous levels of curriculum in order to prepare for college?” Clearly, I want our students to be successful in college and in life and have a vested interest in their future. Thus, I would contend it is far better for students to be challenged to their utmost potential in high school, where they have built-in support systems of caring parents and educators at their side. I believe that as educators, we are morally obligated to ensure that our students are prepared for life after high school. I fear that if students leave here without being challenged and find their first real academic challenges in college, they will struggle in isolation, away from caring adults, and become overwhelmed. Our guidance department, teachers and administrators will continue to encourage our students to take the rigorous coursework in preparation for college. We look forward to continued conversations with our parents and students regarding college preparedness. I would encourage all of our parents to thoughtfully encourage their students to take the most rigorous courses possible during all four years of their high school career.
Again, thank you for all your support so far this year at ESHS. I look forward to future conversations about your students’ experiences and education here at Elkhorn South High School.
Please feel free to call my office at 289-0616 or email me at mkalvoda@epsne.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Mark Kalvoda
Student absences and appointments
Parents do not come into the building to get your child, the student will sign themselves out on our office computer. If it is for a Drs. appointment, please have the student bring a note from the Dr. upon their return.
Thank you so much for your cooperation with this.
Upcoming Information
Nov. 23-27-Thanksgiving Break-No School
Dec. 22-Jan. 3-Winter Break-No School
Jan. 16-Teacher In-service-No School
Feb. 14 & 15-Parent Teacher Conferences One hour early dismissal
Feb. 16-Teacher In-servie-No School
Feb. 17-No School
Mar. 17-26-Spring Break-No School
Apr. 7-Teacher In-service-No school
Apr 22-Prom
May 21-Graduation 12:00 p.m.
Update of Email, home address and phone number
Please contact Penny Rohl in the Counseling Center at 402-289-0616 #3 or prohl@epsne.org to make changes to email, phone, or home mailing address.
New Anonymous online reporting system
- (531) 299-SAFE (7233)
- www.Safe2HelpNE.org
- Download the “Safe2Help” app from your app store
- Found on individual building homepages
News from your Athletic Director - Roger Ortmeier
Instrumental Music News
Vocal Music News
National Honor Society Blood Drive
The Elkhorn South National Honor Society is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red
Cross on Friday, November 18th in the ESHS aux gym.
Students age 16 and up and any adults in the community may donate; appointments are available from
7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adults and students 17 years old or older can schedule themselves by clicking on https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ESHSstorm, but still need to fill out a consent form found in room F110 and E138. If you are 16 you still need a consent form, but need to sign up with Mr. Fauss.
Graduation Date and Time
Elkhorn Public Schools Stadium
Sunday, May 21, 2023, 12:00 PM
1401 Veterans Drive, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Class of 2023 Graduation Times:
Elkhorn Public Schools will hold all three graduation ceremonies on Sunday, May 21st at the Elkhorn Public Schools Stadium (1401 Veterans Drive):
Elkhorn South High School will begin at 12:00pm. Followed by Elkhorn High School at 3:00pm and Elkhorn North High School at 6:00pm.
*Times may vary if weather related delays occur the day of graduation. We aim to hold all three ceremonies on Sunday, but if needed, make up dates will be scheduled in the days following.
GRADUATION ORDERING
To order a cap, gown and tassel, please follow these instructions:
If a student can't order online, they may also order from School Traditions store in Bel Air Plaza on Saturday mornings from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 12100 W Center Rd Suite 901, Omaha, NE 68144 (Phone: 402-733-0300)
If your family has a cap and gown from a sibling, neighbor, etc students can use those for graduation. They may want to order a 2023 tassel. Please email Mrs. Rohe at crohe@epsne.org if this is your plan.
Post Prom
Sodexo job openings
Elkhorn Kids Campus
Student Meal Information
Make a difference with the Elkhorn Public Schools!
Metro Conference Website
rSchool Today App
NSAA Website
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Elkhorn Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected status in its programs.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination
policies:
Students: Anne Doerr, Executive Director of Student Services, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([adoerr@epsne.org]).
Employees and Others: Don Pechous, Executive Director of Personnel, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([dpechous@epsne.org]).
Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the OCR at One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, (816) 268-0550 (voice), Fax (816) 268-0599, (800) 877-8339 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.