The first and second graders recently went on a field trip to the Binger farm. The lambing was at its peak and we had a great time viewing and holding all the new lambs. There were lots of interesting questions, like “How do you tell how old they are?” (Look at their teeth) And, “How are the lambs born?” (Very fast) But the true excitement came as a protective ewe jumped a panel. We finished the farm tour with ice cream and drinks. What a blaaaaaaast!
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The second and third grade students worked for several weeks researching Christmas celebrations around the world. Each student took a different country and learned when the holiday is celebrated and about foods and decorations connected with the holiday. They spent one class period learning how to search Flickr for a picture to use with their report and how to give credit to the person who took the picture. Then each student made a three page slideshow. The finished slideshows were put together so everyone can enjoy them.
Students learned many skills in the process of creating their slideshow. They learned about researching on the internet, giving credit to others by citing their sources, taking notes, writing a report from their notes, how to insert text and pictures into the PowerPoint program, and how to adjust the size of pictures correctly.
Eli Badje and Jen Scherbarth have been selected to perform in the 5th annual Oregon Trail Honor Band. Eli & Jen will be performing with students from 15 other panhandle schools on Monday, January 9th at Gering High School. Rehearsal will be from 10am-4pm with a final concert, open to the public, at 5pm at the Gering High School auditorium. The band will be under the direction of Jay Gilbert, instrumental instructor from Doane College in Crete, NE. Eli plays the trombone and is the son of Jason & Kris Badje. Jen plays the clarinet and is the daughter of Bruce & Laura Scherbarth.
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The winners of the mirrors were Bev Lee and Barb Hankins both of Hay Springs. Also, Austin Reed and Kolten Marx won first and second place cash prizes respectively for the most tickets sold.
All school districts in the State of Nebraska anxiously awaited the results of the Nebraska State Assessment test, which were released by the Nebraska Department of Education on November 8. These tests determine which schools met AYP (adequate yearly progress) and which schools were on the PLAS list (Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools). For Hay Springs Public Schools it was another year of excellent news.
All schools at Hay Springs (elementary, middle level, and high school) met AYP. Not only did they meet AYP but we were one of the highest achieving schools in the area on this assessment test. We outscored neighboring districts at most grade levels in both Reading and Math.
The State of Nebraska also released the schools on the PLAS List (Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools). The PLAS list categorizes the lowest performing schools into three categories: Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. Again, Hay Springs Public Schools is not on the PLAS list.
Two years ago Hay Springs did not make AYP at the Middle Level and High School and was on the PLAS List at the Middle Level and High School. We took the low ranking very seriously and addressed our academic challenges head on. The staff addressed attendance, created mandatory remedial programs, scheduled summer school for students failing classes, focused on curricular needs, improved instruction, and encouraged students to be responsible for their own learning. We are pleased that our efforts have been successful.
Take time to celebrate our success, show your appreciation to a teacher, support personnel, and school board members. Acknowledge a student’s effort and hard work, and recognize we have many outstanding parents that support education, expecting their child to learn and be successful.
Cell Phones for Soldiers is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to providing deployed and returning troops with cost-free methods to communicate with family while serving in the United States Military. Since the program began in 2004 it has raised more than $7million and provided over 114 million minutes of free talk time. They mail roughly 12,000 calling cards every week. The organization has also recycled over 8.3 million cell phones.
Hay Springs High School is now a designated drop off sight for Cell Phones for Soldiers. There is a box for donations near the main office at the school. Please bring your old cell phones, chargers and iPods to donate. These items will be recycled and the money is use to purchase calling cards for the soldiers. If there are any questions you may visit www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com or contact Zoe Schneider.
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The HSTV Newscast is back! Video Production students are simultaneously working on other projects and special reports, so expect to see the Newscast about once a month for the remainder of the year. Also, we are now rendering low-resolution versions of most videos for people still on dial-up or slow DSL. Please spread the word so more people can enjoy. See the link below for the low-resolution version.
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