WILLIAMS STREET JOURNAL Respect
Responsibility
Results January 2018
Loup County Public Schools
From the Principal’s Desk Ken Sheets, PK-12th Principal
It is my wish that everyone has a wonderful start to the New Year. The second semester will bring about some minor changes to some of the students’ schedules. The changes will be in place for the first day back in session (1/4/2018) Band students will need to get on the bus to go to Sargent for Band class at 7:30 am. The Choir students will load the bus at 8:00 am. The band students will return about 8:15 to 8:20 and the choir students will return at 9:05. It will be the responsibility of the parents/guardians to get their band students to school by 7:30 to get on the bus to go to Sargent. The route busses will not be adjusting their times. While this places a burden on some of the families I feel that we are seeing the benefits of the music classes meeting every day. This will be a big adjustment for everyone and will take a few days for it to become routine. The Loup County Kindergarten class will have a new teacher starting on January 4, 2018. Her name is Mrs. Jamie Kozeal. Mrs. Kozeal has previously been an elementary teacher in the Kearney school system. Please stop in the classroom and meet her at your earliest convenience. Miss Henderson will now be working with students throughout the school. We will be using her talents to work with students in small groups or in one on one situations. I encourage you to visit with Mrs. Kozeal throughout the rest of the year to discuss your student’s progress.
Special Points of Interest:
1/3 Teacher Work Day
1/4 School Resumes
1/8 Board Meeting
1/10 FFA LSE’s
1/17 Teacher In-service 1/20 Speech-Broken Bow
1/25 EHA Health Screening
1/27 Speech @ Ord
1/30 Callaway Quiz Bowl
Remember that if you have questions about what happens in class and/or homework the first place to start is with the classroom teacher. Loup County Schools has been and always will be committed to educating the students of this district. Instilling the concept that being respectful of others (and themselves) and taking ownership in their responsibilities will lead to student success (Results). Respect-Responsibility-Results
In This Issue 2-3: Counselor’s Corner, FBLA, Inst. Coach, Wrestling 4-5: What’s New, Speech, History Room, Basketball 6-7: NCPA, Safe Driving, Wind Turbine, FFA, Math Night 8-9:Activities Calendar, Breakfast/Lunch Menus
FBLA Hannah Meeks, FBLA Advisor
Thank you to everyone who supported our soup supper this year! Also, a big thank you to all the hands that prepared the soup and desserts!
Counselor’s Corner
Shirley Armbruster, Guidance Counselor & Art Teacher
Be Cool Like Braden! Attend Cornhusker Boys State Or Nebraska Girls State, which take place around the 1st of June in Lincoln. Interviews are toward the end of February. Interested in Law enforcement? Apply to attend the Junior Law Cadet Open to Both Males and Females and is held toward the middle of June at Grand Island . You can apply at the same time Girl and Boy Interviews are held.
Reminder: Pizza sales will end January 17th!
Have a HAPPY NEW YEAR from the Loup County FBLA Chapter!
7th & 8th grade learning to use acrylic paints. Artist Hailey L.
Art 1 learning face proportions. Artist Abby A.
Instructional Coach’s Corner Kim Beran, Instructional Coach
Dear LCPS Staff, Parent and Guardians, & Community Members: This Spring, we will be administering the MAP and AIMSWeb Benchmarking assessments to look for growth in Math and Reading for our K-11 students. The data also helps inform teachers on instruction and how they can best meet all students needs, as well as guide interventionists on how they can assist struggling students. Please make sure to speak with your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns about how your child is doing in school. We are here to help! Below is a letter from NWEA, which explains the MAP process in greater detail. Parent’s Guide to MAP Growth Children learn better—and faster—when teachers have a clear picture of what each student knows and is ready to learn next. That’s why a group of educators and researchers founded NWEA®, a not-for-profit organization that has created some of the most trusted and reliable assessment solutions available. More than 9 million students in the US and in 140 countries worldwide use MAP® Growth™. How it Works: MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test. If your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level. MAP Growth begins with a question at each student’s grade level and adjusts the level of difficulty based on individual performance. What it Measures: MAP Growth uses a RIT scale to accurately measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child’s progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Once your child completes a MAP Growth test, they receive a RIT score. The RIT scale precisely measures student performance, regardless of whether they’re performing on, above, or below grade level.
The Results: Your Child’s RIT Score RIT scores have the same meaning across grade levels. If a fourth-grade student and an eighth-grade student have the same RIT score in reading, then they are testing at the same level in that subject. You can use your child’s RIT score to help them meet their goals. For example, students can enter their RIT scores into our college explorer tool to see which colleges and universities they’re on track to enter. You can also check out online resources that use RIT scores to provide students with book recommendations and web-based exercises, such as yourreadingpath.com and khanacademy.org Common Questions: How do schools and teachers use MAP Growth scores? Teachers can use the score to inform instruction, personalize learning, and monitor the growth of individual students. Principals and administrators can use the scores to see the performance and progress of a grade level, school, or the entire district. Can MAP Growth tell me if my child is working at grade level? Yes, but please note that MAP Growth scores are just one data point that teachers use to determine how a student is performing. Please discuss any questions that you have about your child’s performance with your child’s teacher. How often will my child take MAP Growth tests? Most schools give MAP Growth tests to students at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year (in the fall, winter, and spring). Some schools choose to administer tests only twice a year. What are norms? NWEA provides schools with norms every three years. This is anonymous data from more than 10 million students around the country. Knowing the top, middle, and bottom scores of all these students combined allows teachers to compare where your child is to other students and help them grow. Is MAP Growth a standardized test? Unlike a standardized test, MAP Growth is administered periodically during the school year. Instead of asking all students the same questions, it adjusts to each child’s performance— giving a more accurate measure of what they know. Teachers also receive results right away, which enables them to react more quickly. What types of questions are on MAP Growth tests? The MAP Growth tests include multiple choice, drag-and-drop, and other types of questions. For sample tests, visit warmup.nwea.org. For tips on getting ready for MAP Growth testing, check out our blog: nwea.org/blog/ category/parents Find more parent resources at nwea.org/parent-toolkit NWEA® is a not-for-profit organization that supports students and educators worldwide by providing assessment solutions, insightful reports, professional learning offerings, and research services. Visit NWEA.org to find out how NWEA can partner with you to help all kids learn. © NWEA 2017. MAP and NWEA are registered trademarks, and MAP Skills, MAP Growth, and Measuring What Matters are trademarks, of NWEA in the US and in other countries. Illustrations © Adam Simpson and Heart 2017. The names of other companies and their products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners. JULY 2017 | KAP1029 Sincerely, Mrs. Beran-Instructional Coach
Twin Loup Wrestling The 2017-18 wrestling season is well under way. Loup County has 3 wrestlers, Dean Schroder #106, JD Meeks #113, and Jaden VanDiest #126. Dean is still recovering from a broken foot and is anticipating the day he can start practice! Results from the last 4 meets: Ravenna Invite, JD 4th, Twin Loup Invite, JD 3rd, Anselmo/Merna Invite, JD 3rd, Elgin Invite JD 1st. The team also went 1-2 at the Ansley/Litchfield Duals. JD is 16-6 on the season and Jaden is 13-9. GO WOLVES!!
Speech Maxine Leick, Speech Coach
What’s New?! Preschool
Ashley Klanecky
Coach Mrs. Leick and the speech students are preparing for the 2018 speech season and are planning to attend a number of meets in the area where students will have the opportunity to compete in various individual and group events. We always appreciate the support of those who come to watch us, and the public is welcome to attend any of the meets where we are participating. Please join us. We look forward to seeing you there.
Speech Meets January 20-Broken Bow January 27-Ord February 10-Burwell February 17-Loup City Conference MNAC: February 26th-Ansley Public Performance Night: March TBA District D2-5: March 12th-Broken Bow
It’s a Girl!
Lucy Louise Born December 16th at 1:48 PM 7 lbs 12 ounces 21 inches long
Congratulations Ashley & Family! 5th & 6th Grade Marie Gumb
Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas is right around the corner with the 5th & 6th graders working on Christmas gifts and cards along with all their other subjects. We have been studying the cause and effects of the Revolutionary War in Social Studies. Models of the 3 stages of matter were completed in science after several experiments determining the behavior of particles in solid, liquids and gas. In math we are gearing up for the next Unit test and the completion of half the book and the first semester. Everyone is looking forward to Christmas break and hoping for a white Christmas, but not too much white! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the 5th & 6th Grade classroom at LCPS!
From the History Room Ken Wright
7th Grade Geography – Students are now starting to apply their geography skills to the study of Latin America. So far, they have looked at the physical features, climates, history, and governments found in the region. Also, each student is creating an atlas that includes maps and information about countries found in the region of the world we are studying. 8th Grade U.S. History – We wrapped up our study of the Revolutionary War, and then watched The Patriot. Now we are looking at the plans of government that were created during and after the war: the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. We explored the strengths and weaknesses of the Articles, and then discussed the reasons why leaders chose to create a new constitution instead of revising the old one. Finally, we looked at the steps that were involved in ratifying the new plan known as THE Constitution. Civics (the study of government and citizenship) – Since the last newsletter, the students have been looking at Article I of the Constitution in more detail. Article I is responsible for setting up the legislative branch. In our study, we have looked at the bicameral system that is made up of the House of Representatives and the Senate, requirements to become a Representative or Senator, how Congress is organized, and the powers of Congress. We will wrap up our study by looking at how a bill becomes a law. Modern Problems – We are still focusing on current events happening at three levels: local/state, national, and international. The biggest stories discussed recently in class involved the missing submarine from Argentina, the volcano in Bali, Indonesia, and the events around President Trump’s announcement to recognize Jerusalem as the official capital of Israel. This last story brought up the question as to why there is so much tension in the region. So, we did some research on the history of the fighting between the Palestinians and Israelis. World History – The students are wrapping up their study of the historical period known as the Middle Ages. After looking at Western Europe, we focused our attention to the Middle Age societies of Africa. Included in our study were the stateless societies of central Africa, the Muslim states of northern Africa, the wealthy empires of western Africa, and the trading city-states of southern and eastern Africa. U.S. History II – We wrapped up our study of the growth of cities (known as urbanization) and the Gilded Age. However, we are still focusing on the late 1800s. Recently, we have been studying the political scene at the national level and the numerous close elections between the Republicans and Democrats during this time. We have also looked at the Populist movement and the rise of segregation. Psychology – The students wrapped up their study of sensation and perception, and are now looking at the processes of learning. So far, we have explored two forms of learning: classical conditioning and operant conditioning. A lot of people may not be familiar with classical conditioning; however, they are probably familiar with Pavlov’s dog. Ivan Pavlov is the famous researcher who laid the foundation for the study of classical conditioning.
Twin Loup Basketball Girls Varsity South Loup 57-32 L Sandhills/Thedford
54-42
L
Stuart 27-23 L Brady 40-34 L Ansley/Litchfield 42-25 L Stapleton 61-29 W
Boys Varsity South Loup 52-39 L Sandhills/Thedford
50-44
W
Stuart 44-28 W Brady 53-30 W Ansley/Litchfield 46-38 W
NCPA
Academic All-state Award
Congratulations to Madison and Hunter on receiving the NCPA ACADEMIC ALL-STATE AWARD. Nominated student must be a varsity player or organizational leader who has played a significant role on the team or in the organizational activity during the seasons for which nominations are accepted. A nominated student must have a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average, in all curricular subjects, of 93% or 3.7 on a 4.0-point scale or the equivalent.
Safe Driving By: Hunter, Safety Committee
From the safety driving committee, we want you all to have a safe Christmas vacation by following these easy safe driving tips. First off, always remember to wear your seat belt no matter how far you go, it only takes a few second to save a life. Next, with this snowy season the roads are going to start to get icy and one thing to remember is to never set your cruise while the road is icy for the risk of your vehicle hitting an ice patch and losing control. Finally, one of the most important things to remember while driving is to never use your hand held electronic devices while driving, it is dangerous to you and everyone else around you. Remember this rule: One Text or Call Could WRECK it All! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Wind Turbine Project By: Grace, Environmental Science
I started this project in October, I looked up “wind turbine” projects for environmental science. It came up with many different ways of how to make a wind turbine. I selected one that looked fairly fun and looked exactly like an actual wind turbine. After I clicked on it I noticed it gave me measurements and the model for a 3D printer. I asked Ms. Koinzen if I could use the 3D printer, and she had Gray help me run the printer. It took a while to figure out how to keep the blade from tipping over, it would get half way done and the blade would either rock back and forth or it would move with the printer. So we decided to try to make the base on the blade bigger but it would change the thickness of the blade. Then we did some research and it said to use hairspray. Before it would start to print we would spray the tray with hair spray so it would stick better, it finally worked! It took a lot of patience and taught me not to give up as soon as it failed. I’m impressed with it and glad I got to build a working wind turbine. I used a printer motor for the generator, I used a post for the stand, and just a piece of scrap wood for the base. We glued the head of the turbine to the motor that way when we test it out with a fan the blades won’t fly off. This was a fun project and I’m glad I could do it.
FFA
Macy Brown, Reporter
The Loup County FFA wrapped up our fruit sales this December. We sold a total of $13,000 of meats, cheeses, candy, and fruit. Our chapter will receive around 30-40% of the sales to use for our various FFA activities. The top salesman was once again Jack, selling a total of $1,930, which is about $100 more than he sold last year. The rest of the top ten salesmen were Abigail in 2nd, Abby in 3rd, Jordan in 4th, Weston in 5th, Cora in 6th, Grace in 7th, Shelby in 8th, Brady in 9th, and JD in 10th. When Mr. Dunbar was asked to share his thoughts and feeling about fruit sales this year, he responded with, “This was the best year of fruit sales in my three years of teaching at Loup County. We set higher individual goals for the students, and each of them met or exceeded those goals. I’m really proud of the students this year.” Our President, Brady Brown, was also asked to share about fruit sales. He said, “It was a great year. I would like to thank everyone who bought fruit for their continued support throughout the years, all purchases and donations are greatly appreciated.”
Family Math night Patty Schmuecker, Title I
Thanks to everyone who helped to make our 2017 Family Reading and Math Night a huge success. Every student in attendance received a new book of their choice and enjoyed an evening of games, snacks, and a chance to win a prize. Prizes were won by Yael Estrada, Alexis Starr, Gary Gruber, and Mark Sortum. Students will be able to take some of the math games home to practice their skills over the holiday break. Thanks again to everyone who helped with this evening of fun and learning!
January Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1
7
Wednesday
Friday
3
4
Teacher Work Day
School Resumes 8:00am
9
10
11
Board Meeting Jr. High G/B BBall 7:00pm @Thedford 1/2:15
LSE-West Holt
8
2
Thursday
15
16 G/B BBall @Arcadia/LC 6/7:30pm
5
6
Wrestling G/B Basketball @Burwell @Sargent vs. 11:30am Pleasanton 6/7:30
12
13
G/B BBall @Taylor vs. North Central 6/7:30pm
Wrestling @Dunning 10am
18
19
20
2pm Dismissal- Jr. High G/B BBall Teacher In-service @Merna 1/2:15pm
G/B BBall @Mullen 6:30pm MT
Speech @Broken Bow
G/B BBall @Sargent vs. SEM 6/7:30pm
14
Saturday
17
Wrestling @Callaway 12:30pm
21
22
23
24
MNAC TOUNREY-TBA 28
29
30
Jr. High BBall @Taylor vs. Central Valley 1/2:00
Callaway High School Quiz Bowl
31
25
26
27
EHA Health Screening-LCPS Staff
Wrestling @Ord 3:30pm
Speech @Ord Wrestling @Ainsworth 10am MNAC Finals @Broken Bow
January Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
*USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer
1
7
8
9
Pancakes Fruit/Juice/Milk Sweet & Sour Chicken Veg/Fruit/Milk
15
14
21
28
2
3
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
4
5
Scrambled Eggs Fruit/Juice/Milk Chili** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Donuts Fruit/Juice/Milk Hamburger Pizza** Veg/Fruit/Milk
10
11
12
French Toast Fruit/Juice/Milk Hamburgers** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Early Risers Fruit/Juice/Milk Tomato Soup & Grilled Chees Veg/Fruit/Milk
PB&J’s Fruit/Juice/Milk Beef & Noodles** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Scones Fruit/Juice/Milk Hotdogs Veg/Fruit/Milk
16
17
18
19
Breakfast Burritos Breakfast Cookies Fruit/Juice/Milk Fruit/Juice/Milk Chicken Patties Salisbury Steak** Veg/Fruit/Milk Veg/Fruit/Milk
Cheese Omelet Fruit/Juice/Milk Pulled Pork Veg/Fruit/Milk
French Toast Fruit/Juice/Milk Tater-tot Casserole** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Bites Fruit/Juice/Milk Beef & Bean Burritos Veg/Fruit/Milk
22
23
24
25
26
French Toast Fruit/Juice/Milk Pork Patties Veg/Fruit/Milk
Scrambled Eggs Fruit/Juice/Milk Sloppy Joes** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Burritos Fruit/Juice/Milk Fajitas Veg/Fruit/Milk
Cereal Fruit/Juice/Milk Mac & Cheese Veg/Fruit/Milk
Biscuits & Gravy Fruit/Juice/Milk Roast Beef Sandwich** Veg/Fruit/Milk
29
30
31
Donuts Fruit/Juice/Milk Spaghetti ** Veg/Fruit/Milk
Breakfast Bites Fruit/Juice/Milk Chicken Tenders Veg/Fruit/Milk
Days with ** are the beef used from the Meal Booster Scrambled Eggs Meal Program Fruit/Juice/Milk Taco Salad** (MBMP) Veg/Fruit/Milk
6
13
20
27
