November 14, 2018 at 6:30 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Discussion:       President Gould called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and the Pledge of Allegiance was said. 

Discussion:       All members were present.

Discussion:       President Gould reminded the audience that the Open Meeting Laws are displayed in the back of the room for their review.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Urbom to approve the consent agenda as presented including the regular meeting minutes of October 10, 2018, November Financial Statement and November monthly bills.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:  Submitted by Kolin Haecker, 6-12 Principal/Curriculum Director
     The high school choir and junior high music students performed in a music concert held at the high school on October 22. The students’ performance was very entertaining and it was well attended by parents and grandparents. Great job Mr. Luke, Mr. Strouf and students. The high school choir participated in the Conference Choral Clinic on November 5 at Syracuse High School. They sounded great. Grades 6-12 will be performing in a Vocal and Band Winter Concert on December 11 at 6:30pm.
     The Set Me Free Project was presented to grades 6-12 on October 29 and 30 on internet safety and human trafficking. Thanks to them and the great information they gave to our students and adults.
     October 31 we had professional development for K-12 staff developing SMART goals in their Professional Learning Community.
     The Red Cross bloodmobile was here on November 2 for our students and staff to donate. The school receives money for scholarships with every successful donation given.
     Steve Rose, Jim Marsh, Allie Bastian, Brian Dunker, and Courtney Polak attended the Tech Ed Conference in Kearney from the high school on November 2. A very good conference with a great speaker and many sessions on using technology. Thanks for allowing us to go.
     We had an assembly on November 6 for grades 6-12 presented by Eric Samuel Timm talking to the students about having HOPE and choosing words of life. He did an outstanding job and did it in an artistic way. We will be hanging his art in the building as a reminder of his message. Thanks to Eric for doing this at no cost to the school.
     The juniors took the ASVAB test November 7.
     The FBLA organization provided a breakfast for the business community in Ceresco on November 8 and Valparaiso on November 9. Thanks to the FBLA chapter for this continued gesture.
     Mr. Luke will be coordinating the Veteran’s Day Assembly on November 12. The program will be enjoyed by staff, students, and guests. The band students will perform patriotic music during the program. We thank those who have served our country. I would also like to thank members of the National Honor Society for greeting our guests and helping serve the refreshments.
     November 12 is the start of the Winter sports-basketball & wrestling. Speech has already started with a novice meet at Millard North on November 2. The team finished 4th. Great job. The varsity Speech team will compete in Papillion on November 10. JH boys basketball started practice the end of October, and will be hosting their first tournament at Raymond Central on November 17. Their first game is November 5.
     Seniors continue to work on graduation requirements. Some seniors will be going to County Government Day on November 14. Juniors are completing their job shadow also on November 14.
     Ms. Osten will be the ACT test coordinator for this year. I am unable to be a coordinator because I have a daughter taking the test. We will be scheduling the 9th and 10th graders for their college visit. The seniors will go on their one day senior trip on April 2, while the juniors will be taking the ACT Test at RC.
     A thank you to the Raymond Central Foundation for purchasing cooking supplies for our special education students and their life skills class. Kayla and a few students will go shopping very soon. Thanks for the support.
     Students attending the FFA National Convention were Cece Sterns, Skylar Sterns, Blake Stanley, Jack Nelson, Helen Andelt, and Mary Andelt.  Ms. Sydney Paige accompanied them on their trip.  Raymond Central was recognized as a national star chapter.
     I want to wish all of you a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
Submitted by Greg Wilmes, Activities Director/Assistant Principal
     Cross country districts were moved from Wildwood to Doane College on October 11 due to wet conditions at Wildwood. Thanks to Doane University for their help in running the meet. Rylee Haecker finished 18th and Nelle Serrano 41st for the girls. Boys finishers included Austin Anderson 45th, Eli White 48th, Aiden Urbom 51st, Trevor Oldfield 55th, John Karpov 61st and Logan Parde 62nd. Thanks coaches and athletes for your efforts this season!
     Volleyball lost to Platteview and defeated Arlington in NCC tourney play. Thanks to all those who were involved with hosting both nights.
     Congrats to the following softball players for being recognized for NCC honors: 1st team-Alex Hanson (co-captain) and Morgan Potter, 2nd team-Rachel Potter, HM-Peyton Taylor and Amanda Gyhra. Lincoln Journal star softball honors: 1st team-Alex Hanson, 2nd team-Morgan Potter, HM-Peyton Taylor, Rachel Potter and Amanda Gyhra.
     All winter sports practices will start on November 12.
     JH boys basketball has 21 boys out and had a B and A team victory over Arlington on Tuesday November 8 at home.
     We hosted a district C1 volleyball final between Ashland-Greenwood and Lincoln Lutheran and it was well attended. Thanks to the Haeckers, Kalli Brannagan, Barb Schiefen, Matt Smith, Tasha Osten, Celia Newman and the track team for helping work the event.
     One act will have a public performance on November 15, conference on November 19 at Wahoo and districts November 30 at Milford.
     Speech had their first meet with a novice invite at Millard North on November 2 and will travel to Papio-La Vista on November 10.
     FBLA had entrepreneur breakfasts in Ceresco on November 8 and Valparaiso on November 9.
     Conference Choir was at Syracuse on November 5.
     The jamboree basketball game with East Butler will be on November 26 and the wrestling squad will be doing an intrasquad dual in the new gym the same night. The first contest for wrestling is a home triangular with East Butler and North Bend on November 29. JV/V basketball will play on November 30 at Aquinas.
     The fall sports banquet is November 16 at 6:30pm in the commons.
Submitted by Shelly Dostal, Elementary Principal at Valparaiso
     Parent Teacher Conferences were held on October 16 and 17. We appreciate parents showing their support of their children’s education. The on-line sign up worked well for most families.
     The AdvancED/School Improvement Committee has been working diligently to ensure documentation is organized for the upcoming AdvancED visit.
     Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment - Grade level meetings were held again on November 9 and 12. Eileen Barks and Caryn Ziettlow from ESU#2 have been helping to facilitate these curriculum meetings. District assessment data from the spring statewide testing has been shared electronically. Public release is scheduled for December. We will plan to share the data publicly as soon as it is not embargoed.
     Professional Learning Communities have been working to create SMART goals and action plans. Administrators used google docs to respond to SMART goals and PLC questions.
     Many thanks to the PTO for the meals provided for staff during parent-teacher conference nights. Family Game Night was well attended in Valparaiso on October 25. Dodgeball was very popular! The PTO hosted a wonderful night of learning and fun at Multicultural Night on November 9. Special thanks to Maureen Brase-Houchin for her leadership for the event. There were special performances by the Lincoln Irish Dancers, Dances of Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, and Kokyo Taiko, Japanese drumming. Exhibits from different cultures were on display including: Iraq, Romania, Sudan, France, Turkey, Latvia, China, and Philippines. The cookie dough sales will start November 12 with delivery scheduled for December 13 during the Holiday Shoppe. Proceeds will be used to support class field trips. The annual Holiday Shoppe will be held on December 13. PTO has partnered with local businesses to earn a percentage of their sales for patronizing on a given day/night.  A family day at Martin’s Apple Orchard was held on October 19, and Culver’s night will be November 13. Thank you to all who participate and to the businesses for their donations.
     At the first quarter assembly, MUSTANG awards went to: William Bartels, Wyatt Jelinek, Elly Leise, Ava Sears, Brexton Geidner, Connor Tice, Bailey Shanahan, Raymond Liu, Josie Kohl, Layna Eddie, Drew Tice, Cory Parker-Reiss, Gabriel Fritsch, William Jelinek, and Sean Shultz.
     In October, we also observed Down Syndrome Awareness month and shared a video about acceptance during the MUSTANG assembly. Special thanks to the Fritsch family for providing stickers for each student and to Mrs. Sara Fritsch for sharing a few words at the assembly.
     Health screenings took place on October 29 for students in grades 1-4 to meet state requirements.
     Red Ribbon Week was promoted during the last week of October. Each day students were encouraged to participate in a daily theme. For example, on "Sock it to drugs" day, students and staff were encouraged to wear crazy socks to show their commitment to being drug and bully free.
     Halloween Parties were held on October 31. Thanks to all the room parents for helping with the parties.
     We hosted a Veteran’s Day assembly on November 9 honoring all who have served or are currently serving our country. Thank you to the Legion members for helping us observe this important day.
     Grandparents/Special Person Day was November 9. We hosted about 200 visitors in classrooms. Thank you to teachers for leading special activities and the PTO for providing supplies and treats.
     Special thanks to Miss Kalyn Brannagan for planning the Annual Turkey Trot. Students in grades 4 and 5 will trot and perform station tasks on November 20. Parents are also invited to participate in this fitness walk/run.  Younger grades will have some trot time during their PEH classes.
     Mr. Luke is planning a 5th grade band party on November 30 from 3:30-5:30 pm.
     The K-2 Winter Concert is planned for December 4 at 6:30 pm. The 5th and 6th grade bands will also perform. Please join us if you can.
     Thank you to all who participated in the RC Food Bank BackPack Program Run/Walk (Hustle) and Pancake Feed. A huge thank you to the Valparaiso Rural Fire District for allowing us to use the facility and their assistance with set up and clean up. With the many generous sponsorships, donations, and support of our community, we are able to fund the program.
Submitted by Ann Egr, Elementary Principal at Ceresco/Special Education Director
     Parent-Teacher Conferences were held October 17 and 18. Ceresco Elementary had 100% of parents attend conferences and/or rescheduled a conference if they were unable to attend during the two days.
     Once again, the book fair was a HUGE success! Our fall book fair raised $2783.47, which was $510 in profit to go towards the purchase of new books, supplies or accessories for the library. The students pitched in during the coin drive and raised enough to purchase 510 books for kids in need! The 1st-grade class won the school-wide incentive. Finally, a big shout-out to Crystal Haecker for all of her hard work in making the book fair so successful.
     Thanks so much to the PTO for the fabulous meals provided during Parent-Teacher Conferences and for sponsoring our Para helpers, Cindy Kaiser and Matt Smith. The wonderful things you do for our schools are greatly appreciated!
     Student Council sponsored Red Ribbon Week October 23-30. The school participated in a door-decorating contest. There were so many awesome doors promoting a drug and bully free environment. Thank you Mrs. White for organizing the school wide event. The winning class at Ceresco was 5th grade!
     PTO Multicultural Night is set for November 9. Thank you to Maureen Brase-Houchin and the PTO for sponsoring this event. Raymond Central is lucky to host such an educational evening.
     The annual Turkey Trot will be held on November 19th and 20th. Ms. Brannagan is working to make this a success. Our fingers are crossed for a beautiful day!
     The Ceresco Elementary will host Veterans Day observance on November 12. We will have a coffee and roll reception before the assembly. Thank you to Lonnie Rech and the Ceresco American Legion Post #244 for donating their time for this event.
     Students invited special friends to join them on November 9 for Grandparents/Special Friends Day. Once again, thanks to the PTO for sponsoring this event. The theme this year will be "Sprinkle Kindness Like Confetti".
     October Mustang Assembly will be held November 16 due scheduling conflicts.
     I will attend the Tri-State Special Education Law Conference held in Omaha on November 8 and 9.

Discussion:       The state assessment data will be un-embargoed in December. We will have a student achievement presentation at our December BOE meeting. 

Discussion: 

     Appreciation was extended to the School Improvement Team for their preparation for the AdvancED Accreditation visit this week.  We had a meeting last night with the Engagement Review Team and they are ready to go.
     The open enrollment period has closed for staff taking the 3500 HSA Insurance Plan we are now entering the information into Blue Cross Blue Shield. We have partnered with First Northeast Bank for HSA accounts. 
     The Wellness Committee met last Wednesday night. The focus of the meeting was to determine the wellness fundraising language that will need BOE approval in the spring. We had a lengthy discussion around the purpose of the Wellness Committee and promoting a healthy lifestyle for our students. In the end, however, the Wellness Policy will not control what food items outside organizations such as PTO or Booster Club can sell. 
     The RC Education Foundation is moving forward with the purchase of a digital trophy case from a company in Lincoln, Nano Nation. There are several funding streams to pay for the $15,000 product that includes local business donations, foundation raised money, and money raised from past groups. Nano Nation will send off all of our old yearbooks and records to be digitized by a company in Oklahoma and load it into the software. The journalism class at the high school will be responsible for keeping the trophy case up-to-date with records, achievements, yearbooks, etc... We are excited to have the project taking shape.
     The 360 evaluation will go live November 15 and close November 25. We will review the data before our December BOE meeting. A few changes from last year. We are adding classified staff to the evaluation list and will add more parents and community members. It will be exciting to present our work at the NASB Conference tomorrow. 
     Dr. Gould and I hosted a Partners in Education meeting Friday morning. We had 11 people in attendance and had many more who could not make it do to schedule conflicts. Overall we had a great discussion around challenges for Raymond Central. We also spent time discussing the great things happening in our district. We will host another meeting late winter/early spring. We have a lot of people who are committed to the excellence of our school district.

Discussion:       The Facility Committee met last week and updated the prioritized list of projects to be completed over the next 5 years which include the north side windows in Val, replace five more heat pumps in Ceresco and resurface the Jr-Sr High School driveway.

Discussion:       Jim Marsh, Allie Bastian, Laci Pebley, Barb Schiefen, Brian Dunker, Courtney Polak and myself had the opportunity to attend the Fall NETA technology conference in Kearney on November 2.  The keynote was amazing and the individual sessions that we attended were full of useful tools and strategies that can enhance any classroom.  Some examples of the sessions attended were on coding, school social media integration, Google Suite Apps, student privacy, digital citizenship, as well as many other "tech" tools that can be used to enhance teaching and learning. There was a lot of discussion among attendees about the future of Raymond Central and some avenues and ideas that we hope to explore further as we continue this school year.  The opportunity to attend was greatly appreciated.

Discussion:       The Veteran’s Day program was on Monday, November 12th. National Honor Society welcomed Veterans and took them to their seats, as well as the Mustang Room for refreshments. The High School Band played during the program.
     Winter sports officially began on Monday.
     The Fall Sports banquet is on Friday, November 16th.
     The 6th graders have been posting environmentally friendly posters around the school in hopes to raise more awareness and help save resources here at Raymond Central.
     Speaker, Eric Samuel Timm, spoke to the 6th-12th grade students about Hope on November 6th.
     A few seniors had the opportunity to perform their civic duty to go out and vote at the Polls last week.
     The juniors took the ASVAB test last week as well.
     Student Council hosted a blood drive on November 2nd. 

Discussion:       We are in the process of lining up a speaker for staff on the first day back from Winter Break.  We will be scheduling a stakeholder meeting after the first of the year. 

Discussion:       Motion by Blanchard, second by Black to approve the updated Facilities Request Form as presented.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Board members received a copy of our audit completed in October.  Motion by Black, second by Springer to approve the audit as presented.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Raymond Central has been invited to join NRCSA (Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association) which is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs of rural schools and communities.  The Board requested Superintendent Joel to gather further information regarding benefits of joining the organization prior to investing $850.00 annually to become a member.

Discussion:       Motion by Gould, second by Springer to approve the participation of kindergarten and 1^st grade classrooms in the INSIGHTS social-emotional learning curriculum.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Black to approve the following student teachers under the supervision of Raymond Central staff members - Joe Kracht and Rebecca Blank from January 10-February 28, 2019 and Chris Berggren from January 7-May 3, 2019.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Springer, second by Urbom to approve Ashley Carlson, Lawrence Costelo, Patrick Rezac and Patrick Tvrdy as substitute teachers and Brenda Lubischer as a substitute paraeducator.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Approval of the Cash Rent Contract was tabled until the verbiage "for school purposes" could be explained in order to protect both landlord and tenant.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Urbom to approve the Soccer Cooperative Agreement as presented.  RCV 5-0, 1-Abstain.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Black to approve Snow Removal Agreements for the Ceresco and Valparaiso Attendance Centers.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Urbom, second by Blanchard to approve the next regular Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, December 12 at 6:30 PM.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.

Discussion:       Motion by Breitkreutz, second by Blanchard to adjourn the meeting at 8:01 PM.  RCV 6-0.  Motion carried.