Lyons-Decatur Northeast School

December 2015/January 2016 Newsletter

Best wishes to all for a joyous Christmas season and a wonderful New Year!

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

DECEMBER 18TH LAST DAY FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY STUDENTS WHO DO NOT HAVE TO TAKE SEMESTER TESTS.

DECEMBER 21ST AND 22ND SEMESTER TESTS DAYS FOR SECONDARY, WILL DISMISS AT 2:20 PM BOTH DAYS. CLASSES WILL RESUME ON JANUARY 5TH, 2016.

Inside this newsletter:

· Parent Reminders

· Principal’s Pen

· Music Department

· Food Drive & Nurse Notes

· Mock Trial & Guidance

· FFA

NDE reVISION Process – What is that?

By, Fred Hansen, Superintendent

Lyons-Decatur Northeast has joined with the following school districts to participate in a strategic planning process called reVISION: Bancroft/Rosalie, Logan View, Lyons/Decatur Northeast, North Bend Central, Pender, Oakland/Craig, Scribner/Snyder, Tekamah/Herman, West Point/Beemer and Wisner/Pilger. These schools along with Educational Service Unit #2 in Fremont have joined forces to form a consortium and recently received a grant from the Nebraska Department of Education.

The purpose of reVISION is to align our Career Education programs with Nebraska’s economic and workforce development priorities. That is where our area businesses come in to the picture. The consortium mailed out 800 letters to area businesses to invite them to a meal and explanation of this process.

Did your business receive a letter? If so, can you attend one of the 4 area meetings? If your business did not receive a letter you are still invited. These meetings are set for the following locations with a meal starting at 6:30 PM:

Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the Nielsen Center in West Point

Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at the High School in Wisner

Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at the High School in North Bend

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at the Elementary School in Oakland

You can see the entire letter inside this newsletter. Please consider it your invitation. You may ask, “Why are you having these meetings?” The consortium is planning a series of community engagement meetings to address the region’s workforce needs and we need your input.

If you have any questions about the meetings feel free to call Fred Hansen, Superintendent, at Lyons-Decatur Northeast Public Schools. I would be happy to provide you with more information.

A Cougar Basketball Pep Rally will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd, at 2:45 pm. The public is invited to join students and staff in the gymnasium.

From Mr. Lahm’s “Pen,”

By Derek Lahm, Principal

I am not sure about you, but every day it seems like the world is a darker and darker place. Social media and news media outlets share biased and often negative outlooks of a variety of topics. Globally, we see and hear news stories detailing a wide array of opinions on Syria, ISIS, and the global economy. Nationally, we hear of race riots, as well as social and moral issues that stretch as far as the imagination can go. Even locally, we discuss some of the issues that face our rural communities. It seems as if the world gets darker and even sometimes even hopeless.

And yet, Iife goes on. The world keeps rotating and spinning. Day becomes night. What we are left with every moment of every day are choices:

-Will I make positive or negative of the situation?

-Will I complain or try to find solutions to issues and problems?

-Will I choose to allow others and outside influences to drag me down?

-Will I live every moment of my life giving and sacrificing myself for the betterment of others?

-Am I creating a more positive environment for my children at this moment?

-Are my children learning to be respectful and hard working people with values?

-Are the things I post on social media positively promoting myself, my community, and my values?-Am I making this world a better place to live?

We can only control ourselves. If every one of us committed to living more positively every moment of our lives, we could change the world. It takes a little light to shine through the darkness. It only takes us choosing positive over negative in our view of situations. It only takes us seeking solutions rather than complaining. This world is not a perfect place, and we are not perfect people. However, we each have a choice every minute of every day to make our little spot in the world brighter and more positive.

May much light find you as we each do our part to make this world a brighter place!

AYP, NeSA, ESEA, NCLB, and LDNE Growth and Progress,

Educational acronyms are my favorite (not really). Actually, as with our Marzano Instructional Model that we are working diligently to implement in our school to create a common language of instruction, we do want to include you in on some of the common language that we are expected to know and understand in the educational realm.

First of all, AYP stands for Adequate Yearly Progress, and this is a term used by the federal (national) government to determine if students are able to do math and reading at their grade level. Our NeSA tests which stands for Nebraska State Assessments that we give in late January and April are supposed to test if our students in grades 3-8 and 11 can work at grade level. Currently, the expectation is that 100% of ALL students are able to be proficient and working at grade level in math and reading.

In 1965, the ESEA or Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed as part of the War on Poverty as well as to establish some expectations for education. It was reauthorized in 2001 as NCLB of 2001 or No Child Left Behind, and legislators are working to reauthorize ESEA so as to create more realistic expectations than 100% proficiency of ALL students and schools nationwide.

In this newsletter packet are two documents. The first document is the letter that we are required by NCLB to send to patrons of the district as we did not meet all 100% of our students being proficient in math and reading. The second letter is from our Nebraska State Commissioner Dr. Matthew Blomstedt. These documents will give more information regarding some of the acronyms and topics discussed above as well as the proactive steps we are taking as a school district to work on some of the educational areas needing some improvement.

We want to assure you that we are working diligently to offer your student(s) the best education possible. Our mission at Lyons-Decatur is to “empower all students to achieve.” We take this mission seriously at school, and we are constantly working to utilize data as well as to reflect upon what we are doing to offer EVERY student the best opportunity to achieve. Currently, we are implementing the Marzano instructional model that focuses on research-based practices proven to increase student learning. We are using MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test data to help improve our instruction in our classrooms. We have a new Interactive Science curriculum that is engaging students grades K-8. Our Saxon math program has proven to increase our students understanding of math. Our reading program is working to instill confidence as well as the strategies necessary to read at grade level.

Everything you just read about above is made possible because of the tremendous educators you have representing the Lyons and Decatur communities. Our teachers and paraprofessionals go above and beyond to ensure that all students are empowered to achieve. These people spend hours working with your children as well as thinking about how to continue to grow in their abilities to reach the needs of your children. Our TEAM at Lyons-Decatur involves you, and this final acronym (if you will) means “Together Everyone Achieves More.” Thank you for partnering with us as we work to “empower all students to achieve.”

Lyons-Decatur Northeast

Superintendent PO Box 526 Principal

Mr. Fred Hansen Lyons, NE 68038 Mr. Derek Lahm

Phone: (402) 687-2363

Fax: (402) 687-2472

http://www.lyonsdecaturschools.org

November 1, 2015

Dear Parents, Guardians & Patrons of Lyons-Decatur Northeast:

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires that all states create high academic standards for the core areas of reading, writing and math. The goal of NCLB is that 100% of all students meet or exceed these standards by the school year 2014. The measure of annual progress toward these standards is called Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP is based primarily on the results of the Nebraska state assessments given to students in grades 3-8 and grade 11. Schools must meet the state’s academic proficiency benchmarks, as well as other indicators such as test participation and attendance/dropout rate, to make AYP.

In addition to measuring each school, NCLB also requires the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to annually review the progress of each school district. Based on Nebraska state test results, Lyons-Decatur Northeast was identified as a school in need of improvement for the 2014-15 school year because we did not meet the 100% proficiency benchmark set by the federal government. A district is identified for improvement if it meets this criterion:

A school does not make AYP in all grade spans within the district: elementary (grades 3-5), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school—for two consecutive years in either content area of math or reading, considering all eligible student groups.

To be removed from the district improvement status, the district must meet the grade span achievement standards for two consecutive years.

Lyons-Decatur Northeast is in year 1 of Title I School Improvement Status; 687 other schools in the state of Nebraska are also in Needs Improvement. The following table illustrates our school’s overall performance over the past two years.

NeSA State Testing

Reading Proficiency or Above

Math Proficiency or Above

2013-2014

2014-2015

2013-2014

2014-2015

LDNE

Goal

LDNE

Goal

LDNE

Goal

LDNE

Goal

Elementary School 3rd-5th

80%

100%

81%

100%

85%

100%

66%

100%

Middle Grades 6th-8th

89%

100%

92%

100%

84%

100%

92%

100%

High School Grade 11

55%

100%

83%

100%

64%

100%

79%

100%

Beginning in 2014 the benchmark was 100% proficient in reading and math. As you can see, we fell short of those numbers. However, keep in mind that we are a small school, so even one student can make a big difference in our scores.

Lyons-Decatur Northeast is dedicated to providing all students with a quality education that prepares them to be career and college ready.

One requirement of a school identified is to establish an Accountability Compact Team consisting of the principal, teachers, ESU staff, NDE staff and parents to develop and submit a two-year plan to NDE to meet the goal. As a Title I district identified as in need of improvement, Lyons-Decatur Northeast is required to communicate the district improvement plan and strategies specifically addressing the teaching and learning needs of low-achieving students. The plan will include strategies to promote parent involvement as well as incorporate instructional strategies based on scientifically based research. Some of the things that will be included in Lyons-Decatur Northeast’s plan are: Marzano instructional strategies, Reading Mastery in grades K-1, Title I Teacher providing research-based interventions, reading coach providing feedback and supporting teachers and paraprofessionals, changing our math classes at the high school level to focus in on the standards, Saxon math at elementary level, adopting and implementing new Nebraska math standards, and students setting their own goals in Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing. The goals and strategies identified in our plan will intentionally focus on optimizing instruction for all learners using research-based practices with on-going professional learning for staff.

Furthermore, NCLB requires each school identified for Title I School Improvement to offer Public School Choice to all students who attend the identified school. Our students do not have another school within our district, and as a result, our students do not qualify for Public School Choice.

You are encouraged to contact the district office for further information on any of these requirements and to find out how you can become involved in school improvement efforts. An important part of this effort involves parental involvement and support. Parents/guardians and students can monitor progress (grades 1-12) by registering for and using PowerSchool. Participating in parent/teacher conferences and providing “at home” strategies to support reading and math learning are also key to supporting the home/school partnership.

We will continue to communicate with you throughout the year regarding the school improvement efforts underway and hope you will join us in supporting our students and teachers as we work toward reaching our goals for next year.

I have also enclosed a letter from the Nebraska Commissioner of Education with more information regarding AYP. Please call if you have additional questions.

Sincerely,

Mr. Fred Hansen, Superintendent

Northeast Music

By Jess Watson, Band/Choir

Happy holidays from the Northeast Music Department! It has been a busy semester and there is much to look forward to.

EHC Honor Choir

Congratulations to the following students for participating in the 2015 East Husker Conference Choir Festival, that was hosted here at LDNE on Monday, November 9th: Amelia Schlichting, Lupita Prieto, Jessie Mutum, Cameron Barry, and Bow Whitley.

The honor choir was an overall success, and the students learned a lot that day. Jeff Kitson from Central Community College in Columbus, NE served as the clinician for both the festival and honor choirs. Something brand new to the East Husker Conference, the honor choir consisted of 32 students who were required to audition for a spot. The festival choir consisted of 222 students that conference directors nominated. Both groups came very prepared for the day, and the clinician was able to do some really great things with the choir. Denene Owens accompanied the choirs on the piano. Thank you to everyone who helped out with this event including LDNE teachers, school cooks, custodial staff, conference choir directors, music booster parents who helped serve dinner, Schmitt Music store, the clinician, and the accompanist. I greatly appreciate everyone’s assistance with this endeavor. Lyons won’t have to host the conference honor choir for another 16 years, so that should give everyone time to breathe!

NMEA All-State Orchestra

Congratulations to Martin Long for being selected to perform in the 2015 NMEA All-state Orchestra on French horn. Approximately 3000 of the best high school musicians in the state from Class A, B, C & D Schools audition for Nebraska All-state music ensembles. There are 8 French Horn spots in the orchestra. Getting into this ensemble is a huge honor, and I appreciate all of Martin’s hard work and drive to better his musicianship. Martin continues to go beyond what is expected of him, and I couldn’t ask for a harder-working or more talented student.

Rehearsals begin on Thursday, November 19th and there will be a concert in the Lied Center in Lincoln at 7:00 PM on Saturday, November 21st.

UPCOMING MUSIC SCHEDULE

Elementary Holiday Concert 7:00 PM December 3rdSecondary Holiday Concert 7:00 PM December 7th.

HONOR BAND AUDITION DEADLINES

11/18 UNL Winter Winds

11/23 BOCH

11/25 Wayne State

12/4 Class D All-state

12/4 Nebraska Weselyan

“Here we come a-caroling...”

by Megan Engel, Elementary Music Teacher

Bet you sang that in your head!  Traditional Sacred and Secular carols are the theme for this year’s Elementary Christmas Program. This year’s program is scheduled for Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm. It will include grades Kindergarten through 6th grade singing, as well as the 5th & 6th grade bands. There will be an interesting twist to this year’s program...There won’t be any accompaniment, other than some percussion for a song or two. That means that almost all of the songs will be sung acappella.

Remember, Thursday, December 3rd at 7:00 pm! See you then!

Annual Food Drive

LDNE students and staff will once again be participating in our annual Food Drive for the Community Hearts and Hands, Inc. On December 1st through December 18th we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items that will later be distributed throughout our local communities. FBLA, FFA, and Student Council each year help to sponsor this important activity and have set this year's goal at 2500 cans. Throughout the 2 1/2 weeks before Christmas vacation we will have many activities to help us reach our goal. We encourage anyone to drop off food items at the school to help us help others.

Pink eye – or conjunctivitis –Pink eye is common and spreads easily. It sometimes needs medical treatment, depending on the cause. Know the symptoms, when to seek treatment, and how to help prevent it.

Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is one of the most common and treatable eye conditions in children and adults. It is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin, clear tissue that lines the inside of the eyelid and the white part of the eyeball. This inflammation makes blood vessels more visible and gives the eye a pink or reddish color.

What Causes Pink Eye? There are four main causes of pink eye:

· Viruses

· Bacteria

· Allergens (like pet dander or dust mites)

· Irritants (like smog or swimming pool chlorine) that infect or irritate the eye and eyelid lining

It can be difficult to determine the exact cause of pink eye because some signs and symptoms may be the same no matter the cause.

Signs and Symptoms of Pink Eye can vary but typically include redness or swelling of the white of the eye. The symptoms of pink eye may vary depending on the cause but usually include:

· Redness or swelling of the white of the eye or inside the eyelids

· Increased amount of tears

· White, yellow or green eye discharge

· Itchy, irritated, and/or burning eyes

· Increased sensitivity to light

· Gritty feeling in the eye

· Crusting of the eyelids or lashes

When to See a Healthcare Provider?

Most cases of pink eye are mild and get better on their own, even without treatment. However, there are times when it is important to see a healthcare provider for specific treatment and/or close follow-up. You should see a healthcare provider if you have pink eye along with any of the following:

· Moderate to severe pain in your eye(s)

· Sensitivity to light or blurred vision

· Intense redness in the eye(s)

· A weakened immune system, for example from HIV or cancer treatment

· Symptoms that get worse or don't improve, including bacterial pink eye that does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use

· Pre-existing eye conditions that may put you at risk for complications or severe infection

How Do I Stop Pink Eye from Spreading?

Pink eye caused by a virus or bacteria is very contagious and spreads easily and quickly from person to person. Pink eye that is caused by allergens or irritants is not contagious, but it is possible to develop a secondary infection caused by a virus or bacteria that is contagious. You can reduce the risk of getting or spreading pink eye by following some simple self-care steps:

· Wash your hands.

· Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes.

· Avoid sharing eye and face makeup, makeup brushes, contact lenses and containers, and eyeglasses.

Students in Mock Trial Learn the Legal System


By John Bellar, Guidance Counselor

The Mock Trial Case for this year was a negligent case involving an incident of a drone causing damages to personal property of an individual. The students prepared to be either the Prosecution or Defendant, preparing questions and answers. The 2015 Mock Trial Team was composed of Lawyers: Brent Miller, Martin Long, and Brock Vetick. The Witnesses were Alec Anderson, Brianne Haskell, Amelia Schlichting, Layne Miller, and Reid Preston. The Production Assistant was Dustin Burgett, and the Attorney-Coach/Advisor was Mr. Dan Smith.

On Wednesday, November 11, 2015, the Team traveled to the Dodge County Courthouse in Fremont for competition. The Team won their first close match against one of the four South Sioux City teams, won in the second round against the other South Sioux City team, and qualified for the next round on Friday the 13th in Madison. On Friday we lost to Wayne in a close match, thus ending our season. The students should be congratulated on their hard work and dedication!

Pictured below are the Mock Trial members: Front Row; Reid Preston, Dustin Burgett, Alec Anderson, Brianne Haskell, Amelia Schlichting, Layne Miller.Back Row; Martin Long, Brent Miller and Brock Vetick.

From the Guidance Office
By John Bellar, Guidance Counselor
ACT: The next ACT test of the year is scheduled for February 6, 2016. Juniors traditionally take the test in April. This year, the April test is April 9th, with an application postmark deadline of March 4, 2016. Also, remember that Lyons-Decatur is an ACT test site for all except the June test.

Senior Information: Each Senior has a mailbox, located in the Guidance Office. Information pertaining to scholarships, career interests, and college planning is being placed in the individual boxes on a regular basis for the students. Seniors are encouraged to check their mailbox on a weekly basis.

College Visits: Seniors and Juniors planning to continue their education beyond high school should be thinking about arranging a college campus visit. Campus visits are an important part of selecting a college, and parents are encouraged to accompany their son or daughter whenever possible. Campus visits are arranged through the Guidance Office.

Scholarship Information: As scholarship information arrives, it is posted on the Guidance Office bulletin board. Seniors need to be proactive in searching for financial aid.

The Junior Class wants to remind the community that even though magazine sales have ended and we missed your order, you can still renew through our internet code at www.gaschoolstore. The website has magazines, gift items, photo books and customized photo greeting cards, candy, snacks, etc.

Thank you for your support.

FFA

The Lyons-Decatur Northeast FFA Chapter has had a successful first semester of school and looking forward to even more success in the future. Highlights from the first semester include:

National Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Team: Team Silver, 20th Place, Brock Vetick Gold, Brent Miller Silver, Brianne Haskell Silver, Martin Long Bronze.

· Brent Miller, 8th Place in the National Agriscience Fair PST II,

· Martin Long, Silver in National Agriscience Research Plant Systems Proficiency Award,

· Brock Vetick, Silver in National Home and/or Community Development Proficiency Award,

· Brent Miller, Silver in National Turf Grass Management Proficiency Award,

· Cassidy Farrens placed 5th at District Dairy Evaluation,

· Amelia Schlichting was the top chapter placer in both District Dairy Evaluation and Land Evaluation.

These and too many more honors to list have made the semester fly by. Students are preparing for District Leadership Skills Events held on November 24, 2015. The chapter is also participating in the “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign again this year. Many of you may have already received information about this opportunity to support our chapter and the state wide organization. If you need more information on our Agricultural Education Program or the FFA Chapter, please visit the school website, or contact Kevin Anderson at keanders@esu2.org.

Follow the Agricultural Education Program on twitter: @ldneaged

“Thank you to everyone who gave donations during our community service projects as well as the walk-a-thon.”

From the Librarian

By, Melissa Smith

Don’t forget about the online research databases and tools available for students to use from home. Visit the school website and click on “Parent and Student Resources” and select “Online Media Resources” to access them. Here you can access the LDNE library catalog, the LDNE e-library, AR book information, and get help with citations. There are also other databases helpful for doing research like an online encyclopedia, dictionary, thesaurus, atlas, e-books, videos, and more. Some of these resources require passwords for at-home use, so please contact Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Henneman to obtain the passwords.

NE DEPARTMENT OF ED RULE 51 Nebraska Department of Education Rule 51, Regulations and Standards for Education Programs, May 15, 2010 requires that school districts destroy all personally identifiable Special Education data maintained on students five years after the completion of the activities for which special education funds were used. NDE Rule 51 also requires the school to notify parents prior to the destruction of these records so that parents may request this personally identifiable data contained in the Special Education Records. Any Special Education record that has been maintained by the school for more than five years after it was no longer needed is now scheduled to be destroyed by shredding. If you would like copies of data pertinent to your child please inform Joni Hegge, Head of Resource for the Lyons-Decatur Northeast School, on or before December 31, 2015.

Parent Reminder

Barricades are placed on the northeast side and east side in the driveway near the playground. These were put in place to keep children safe on the playground before, during, and after school. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE AROUND the barricades to pick up your child by the locker room doors. The driveway should be used only for school personnel and deliveries.

All visitors must sign in at the Superintendent’s Office, when entering the school building.

All parents need to come to the front office to report in. Parents are not allowed to go to classrooms unless a meeting has been previously set up, or you are directed by office staff to go to classroom. If you need to drop something off for your child, leave it in the office for pickup by your child.

High School students arriving prior to 8:00 a.m. and do not have a morning activity, must remain in the lobby. You may only go to classrooms if it is pre- approved by the teacher. You may not go to the gym to sit as practices may be occurring.

Elementary and high school students may not be in the building for any reason after school unless you are in a sponsored activity.

Parents who are picking up a student(s) for illness, appointment or any reason can pick them up at the front office. We ask that a note be sent ahead of time or a phone call to the principal’s office early enough to get the student(s) ready.

Notification of School Schedule Changes:

The sources we will use to notify people of any changes in our school time schedule will be...

· 1. Select Link – early notification system


· 2. 107.9 FM – AM 84 Radio West Point

· 3. WOW T– Channel 6 Omaha


· 4. KETV – Channel 7 Omaha


· 5. KMTV – Channel 3 Omaha


· 6. KTIV – Channel 4 Sioux City (www.ktiv.com)

We will use the Select Link early notification system this winter, along with the other methods of communication listed above. Your caller I.D. will show a school number or 281-207-4890. Please notify us if you need to change the number or method you have previously chosen, or want to add a number.

Dress Warm:
As the weather turns cold, elementary students are encouraged to bring hats, gloves and boots to school as we will be going outside for recess whenever possible.

LDNE Foundation News

Have you ever flipped through the alumni pictures on the carousal in the school lobby searching for past graduates? Or maybe you found a long lost relative who graduated from Lyons but the photo on the carousal was too small to show much detail. Or maybe your long lost relative graduated from Decatur and wasn’t even on the alumni carousal. Well the alumni carousal is gone (Don’t worry, the class composite photos have been preserved!) and in its place is a brand new 55 inch touchscreen display! The LDNE Foundation teamed up with the school and SectorNow, a company that specializes in video display communications, to digitize the class composites and display them on the big screen. And thanks to the Decatur Alumni Association, all the Decatur class composites dating back to 1907 are included! The display makes it easy to search by year and includes the Decatur and Lyons pre-consolidation composites, and all the LDNE class composites. But that’s just the beginning. The display also includes the names of individuals and businesses that have donated to the Foundation by year, Foundation projects, Foundation scholarship recipient photos, and even the yearbooks for the past two years. Current students have had fun digitally “swiping” through the yearbooks on the display. With plans for even more expansion of the digital content, the display will grow along with the school.

The touchscreen display is only one of the many projects that the LDNE Foundation has been working on. A grant was recently given to Mrs. Mace to renovate her classroom and we will be reviewing scholarship requests for the class of 2016. We would like to provide even more teacher and student opportunities in the future, but we can’t do any of it without your help. Use the form on the back of this page to send your tax-deductible contribution today of one of our new donation levels. And remember, donations of at least $50 will now be posted on the new display!

Thank you for your generosity!

Kassandra and Cassidy look for friends in the new 2014 digital yearbook.

Enclosed is my contribution to the Lyons-Decatur Northeast Foundation

Lyons-Decatur Northeast Foundation

PO Box 526

Lyons, NE 68038

Name_____________________________________________________________

Mailing Address_____________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

CityStateZip CodePhone #

E-mail_____________________________________________________________

My donation is:

Cougar Level $50______ Scholar Level $100_____ Believer Level $250_____

Achiever Level $500_____ Empower Level $1000_____ Other $___________

Please do not include my name on the display_____

___ I would like to donate $200 to have the yearbook for the class of __________ digitized

and added to the touchscreen display.

Comments for the Foundation:

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________