February Newsletter - High Plains Community Schools

Issue 6 Volume 16
February 2016
From the Desk of Superintendent Brian Tonniges
Greetings from the Storm!!
Many great things are happening at HPC. Our winter
activities are experiencing tremendous success and are heading into
the final part of their seasons and preparing for district and state
competitions. The HPC speech team has begun their
competition season and is sending every chance they get to
practice. The school board is working hard at identifying facility
projects for this summer, and our students and staff are gearing up
for state testing.
Each year districts are required to report data, such as
test scores, teacher experience, and finances, to its stakeholders.
Early in January, a group of students and myself distributed these
posters to various community businesses as a way of sharing this
data with our communities. The ‘Annual Report’ is also included
in this newsletter. Please take time to look it over. If you have any
questions, please feel free to contact me.
Several pieces of data provide a snapshot into HPC. Our
high school and middle school students continue to score well
above the state average in the Statewide Reading and Math tests.
Last year’s juniors scored a 100% on the statewide math. HPC
students, who take the ACT, score one full point above the state
average. HPC’s student-teacher ratio provides small group instruction and pays closer attention to individual students and their progress.
The relationships formed between staff and students create a unique
setting that leads to the ultimate academic experience.
HPC teachers bring a wealth of experience to the classroom
and are well above the state average in teaching experience. Although
below the state average, more and more HPC teachers are
furthering their education and obtaining a master’s degree.
Dual credit classes are offered to our HPC juniors and
seniors, and if a specific path is followed, they can enter college
with one semester of college credits received.
(continued on page 2)
In This Issue
Notes from Mr. Tonniges. . . . 1
Birthdays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Notes from Mr. Hudson . . . . . 3
Notes from Mrs. LeSuer . . . . 4
School Board Minutes . . . . . 5
Scoreboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Senior Sketches . . . . . . . . .9-12
Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . .15-16
Tri-Community Foundation . 18
HPC Annual Report . . . . .22-23
Lunch Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
February Calendar . . . . . . . . 25
HPC Mission Statement
The mission of the
High Plains Community
Schools is to provide an
educational environment
which develops citizens who
are lifelong learners and can
contribute to a global society.
1:30 Dismissal
February 11
Parent-Teacher
Conferences 2 - 8 PM
Visit the High Plains Community
School’s home page at:
www.hpcstorm.org
for the latest school information.
February 2016
Page 2
Monthly Forecast
(continued from page 1)
At HPC we continue to look at areas of improvement and challenge ourselves to be the best
small school in the state.
Please continue to follow HPC on Twitter at @HPCSTORM and ‘Like’ High Plains
Community Storm on Facebook.
Feel free to contact me anytime at btonniges@hpcstorm.org or call 402-765-2271
Sincerely, Brian Tonniges – Superintendent
HPC Hall of Fame
HPC installed the first ever Hall of Fame class on the evening
of Decemeber 22, 2015. The ceremony took place between
varsity basketball games. A meet and greet reception was held
in the elementary gym following the boys basketball game.
Honored Team - 1966 Clarks Football
Matt Shonsey - Clarks - Class of 1967
Mitch Manstedt - Clarks - Class of 2000
Bill Anderson - Hordville - Class of 1978
Gary Shoup - Hordville - Class of 1982
Steve Hendricks - Polk-Hordville - Class of 1990
Waldon "Wally" McNaught - Polk - Class of 1951
Mitch Manstedt
accepts his Hall of
Fame ring from
Principal Cameron
Hudson.
2015 Hall of Fame Inductees
JoAnn McNaught, Gary Shoup,
Steve Hendricks, Matt Shonsey,
and Bill Anderson
Members of the 1966 Clarks
Football team
Monthly Forecast
FEBRUARY
BIRTHDAYS
Happy Birthday to:
2
3
4
5
9
14
15
16
17
18
20
21
24
26
27
28
Steve Meyer - Staff
Aliyah Dietz - 6th
Michelle Gomez - 1st
Valentina Gomez - 1st
Britney Lautenschlager - 7th
Samantha Musil - Staff
Carter Urkoski - 2nd
Samuel Johnson - 12th
Kaden Rieken - 3rd
Garrett Sharman - 9th
Raul Ramirez - 3rd
Bozton Pederson - 2nd
Al L’Heureux - Staff
Alex Roberts - 4th
Donna Parsons - Staff
Petra Gravlin - Staff
Cameron Bohaboj - 4th
Doreli Marino - 10th
Jarrett Parsons - 8th
Rachel Maly - Staff
Alexis Kalkwarf - 6th
Jeff Kyes - Staff
This newsletter is
printed at:
Educational Service
Unit # 7
in Columbus
February 2016
Page 3
Notes from Mr. Hudson
The spring semester is off to a great start with students and
teachers working hard in their respective classes. I am pleased to say
that our students continue to work hard and seem to take it all in stride.
During the past two months we have had our speech team hard at
work preparing for their season, basketball teams playing non-stop,
and wrestling action that started with another successful Storm Invite.
It is a very busy time right now for our students, and they should be
commended for the time and effort they put into their academics and
extra-curricular activities. It is with great pride that our students and
faculty represent what Storm Nation is all about.
As we get closer to spring and the schedule gets even busier,
I would like to remind everyone that its important for our students
to stay ahead of the game when it comes to their academics. The
teachers at High Plains are willing to help their students, but proper
communication is important. If a student has missed class, it is
important that they communicate with their teachers and work hard
to remain caught up with daily assignments. Also, we encourage each
student to communicate with their teachers BEFORE they are going
to be gone to find out what work will need to be completed, and to
get that homework completed in a timely manner. We have too many
students who talk to a teacher the day before they are leaving. I know
from experience that this puts the teacher in a bind and does not make
a good impression. Encourage your students to take responsibility and
communicate with their teachers.
We have implemented the Alert Solutions messaging system
over the past 3 months with success. As we look towards the 2nd half
of the school year, please let us know if you are not getting messages
or need a number changed. With a new system there have been a
few bugs – but we want to make sure that everyone gets the messages
that we do send out – especially regarding winter weather and school
closing information.
At the start of the 2nd semester, we again registered HPC
students for online or distance learning courses for college credit.
This is a great way for our juniors and seniors to get a head start
on taking their elective courses prior to setting foot on the college
campus of their choice. This semester our students have registered
for the following courses: Sociology, Public Speaking, Pre-Calculus,
Creative Writing, and Expository Writing. These courses are offered
through our Distance Learning program from the following colleges:
Peru State College, Central Community College – Columbus, UNL,
Mid-Plains Community College, and NCTA-Curtis. We will have at
least 5 students graduate HPC this year with at least 12 credits.
Hopefully as we get closer to spring, the weather continues to
cooperate with us and we can enjoy the last 4 months of school even
more. As always, do not hesitate to call the school with any questions
you might have. I look forward to the opportunity to visit with you.
February 2016
Page 4
Monthly Forecast
Notes from Mrs. LeSuer
Research has shown that parental involvement is the most important factor in a
student’s success in school, especially during elementary and middle school years. As a partner in
education I would like to remind parents of the upcoming parent-teacher conferences scheduled
for February 11. MS and HS conferences will be held from 2:00-8:00 and K-5 as scheduled;
elementary parents - please watch for scheduling information that will be coming home.
Although parents have 24/7 access to their child’s grades through Power School,
every time you attend a parent-teacher conference, you learn more about your child and
strengthen the link with your child’s school. Attending an individual conference will be an excellent
opportunity for you to visit with your child’s teachers and learn what students have been studying,
as well as concerns and successes observed in the classroom. We look forward to sharing great
things on the 11th….see you then!!!
To get the most out of parent-teacher conferences, be prepared to listen as well as to talk.
During the conference, the teacher should offer specific details about your child’s work and progress. It may be helpful to write down questions ahead of time and visit with your child to see if he
or she has any special concerns or questions he/she would like you to discuss or clarify with the
teacher. Samples of questions you may want to consider are:
•
•
•
•
Is my child working up to his/her potential?
Does my child participate in class or group discussions?
How does my child interact with peers?
Does my child turn in his or her homework on time?
If you are unable to attend parent-teacher conferences,
the teachers and I welcome parent involvement YEAR-ROUND!
Feel free to call and schedule a phone or in-person conference
any time you think there is a need. As always, if you have any
questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give me a call!
GO STORM!!!
CRIME DOES NOT PAY
CRIME STOPPERS DOES
POLK COUNTY CRIME STOPPERS and the Polk County Sheriff’s Deptartment work together
to help prevent and solve crime in our communities and schools throughout the county.
CASH REWARDS (up to $1,000) could be given to persons providing information leading to the
arrest of criminals. When calling to report your tips, the phone does not have caller ID and conversations are not recorded, therefore, you remain anonymous.
CALL 1-402-747-2244
Monthly Forecast
February 2016
Page 5
School Board Minutes
M-Motion by, S-Seconded by, F-For, A-Against, AB-Absent,
As-Abstain, Mc-Motion Carried.
It is noted that the Nebraska Open Meeting Act was on display
High Plains Community
Schools Board of Education
Meeting
January 11, 2015
The regular meeting of the
High Plains Community Schools
Board of Education was held on
January 11, 2015, at the school
library in Polk. The meeting
was called to order at 5:00 p.m.
by President Kathy Klingsporn.
Present were Brian Samuelson,
Paul VanHousen, Karen Stevens,
Wendy
Hudson
and
Kathy
Klingsporn. Also present were
Superintendent Tonniges, Principal
Hudson, and Principal LeSuer.
A.D. Vrbka was absent. There were
5 visitors. Kevin Urkoski arrived at
5:02 p.m.
M-Samuelson, S-Stevens
to approve the amended agenda as
presented. Mc 5-0. (Ab-Urkoski)
M-Hudson, S-VanHousen
to approve the minutes of the
regular meeting held on December
14, 2015. Mc 5-0. (Ab-Urkoski)
Items
on
the
Supt.
Tonniges’ report: Important dates;
Facilities update; Personnel update;
Transportation update; Hall of
Fame; Legislative update.
Items on Principal Hudson’s
report:
Educational
updates;
Academic All-State; Graduation
requirements.
Items on Principal LeSuer’s
report: Professional development;
Important dates; Preschool.
A.D.
Vrbka’s
report
given by Supt. Tonniges: Speech
team; Holiday game; Wrestling
duals; NSAA District II meeting;
Cheerleading.
Karen Stevens nominated
Kathy Klingsporn for board
president. M-Hudson S-Samuelson
to cease nominations. Mc 6-0.
Kathy Klingsporn was declared
board president by acclamation.
Brian Samuelson
nominated Kevin Urkoski for vice
president. M-Hudson S-Stevens
to cease nominations. Mc 6-0.
Kevin Urkoski was declared vice
president by acclamation.
Kevin Urkoski nominated
Wendy Hudson for board secretary.
M-Samuelson, S-Klingsporn to
cease nominations. Mc 6-0. Wendy
Hudson was declared secretary by
acclamation.
Wendy Hudson nominated
Karen Stevens for board treasurer.
M-Samuelson, S-Klingsporn to
cease nominations. Mc 6-0. Karen
Stevens was declared treasurer by
acclamation.
M-Samuelson, S-Urkoski
to have the following board
committees for 2016. Mc 6-0.
Board Committees are as follows:
AMERICANISMKathy Klingsporn, Kevin Urkoski,
Karen Stevens
MULTICULTURALBrian Samuelson, Wendy Hudson,
Kathy Klingsporn
WEATHER &
TRANSPORTATIONKevin Urkoski, Wendy Hudson,
Brian Samuelson
NEGOTIATIONSKaren Stevens, Paul VanHousen,
Brian Samuelson
BUILDINGPaul VanHousen,
Brian Samuelson, Kevin Urkoski
WELLNESSKathy Klingsporn, Karen Stevens,
Wendy Hudson
MARKETINGKathy Klingsporn,
Wendy Hudson, Karen Stevens
M-Stevens,
S-Hudson
to go into closed session at 6:02
p.m. for the prevention of needless
injury to an individual to discuss
principal contracts. Mc 6-0.
M-Stevens, S-Samuelson
to reconvene into the regular board
meeting at 6:16 p.m. and close
executive session. No action was
taken. Mc 6-0.
M-VanHousen, S-Samuelson
to extend a contract for the 2016/17
school year to Principal Hudson and
Principal LeSuer. Mc 6-0.
M-Samuelson,
S-Urkoski
to approve the addition of 10 days
to equal a total of 15 days to the
extended day contract of HPC’s FFA
instructor. Mc 6-0.
The board reviewed flooring
bids and 2016-17 school calendar.
Information discussed and
requiring no action: Superintendent
Evaluation, Superintendent goals,
Friend Public School’s application
to CRC.
The board reviewed the
Lunch and Activities accounts.
M-Samuelson,
S-Urkoski
to pay the general fund bills as
presented. Mc 5-0. (As-VanHousen)
M-Samuelson,
S-Stevens
to go into closed session at 6:51
p.m. for the prevention of needless
injury to an individual to discuss
negotiations. Mc 6-0.
M-Hudson, S-VanHousen
to reconvene into the regular board
meeting at 7:22 p.m. and close
executive session. No action was
taken. Mc 6-0.
M-VanHousen, S-Stevens to
adjourn at 7:5 p.m. Mc 6-0.
Next school board meeting
is scheduled for Monday, February
8, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Wendy Hudson, Secretary
Page 6
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
FFA Greenhouse Construction Nears Conclusion
The FFA greenhouse has been a three-month long process. It has required 32 panels of
insulated glass and 32 yards of concrete. The greenhouse is almost done and has stayed under the
budget of $45,000. The only thing left is the wiring, which Jamie Hans of Clarks will do. The FFA
kids, Tom Hoffman, and Patrick Siemek have all put a lot of hard work into this and have gone from
a seventy square foot greenhouse to an 864 square foot green house, with 360 square feet for just
table space.
Teacher Tom Hoffman has not only put
in 300 hours of his time during the day to work
on the greenhouse, but he has worked around
100 hours of his own personal time after school.
Along with that, fellow teacher Patrick Siemek
has also put in 250 hours of his time during the
day and hours of his own time. And we cannot
forget the amount of time the students and any
others who helped put into this project that is
nearing its end. Thank you for your help in
providing another learning environment for the
students of HPC.
Wilshusen Places at National Convention
Bryce Wilshusen has represented the High Plains
FFA chapter at multiple venues this school year. At the
Nebraska State Fair this last year, Bryce received a blue ribbon and was
selected to compete at the National FFA Dairy Handlers Contest at the FFA National
Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, in October. He was the first representative from
HPC to be chosen to show livestock at the national convention. At the National Dairy
Handling Contest, Bryce placed second overall out of 29 competitors from 39 states. For this
accomplishment, Lt. Governor Mike Foley and Education Commissioner Matt Blomstedt
recognized Bryce at a ceremony at the State Capitol Rotunda late last year. Congratulations
Bryce on this impressive accomplishment!
Monthly Forecast
February 2016
Page 7
SCOREBOARD
BASKETBALL
1-5
High Plains
St. Edward
30
22
12-18 High Plains
0
Exeter-Milligan 35
1-7
High Plains
Hampton
33
60
12-22 High Plains
Shelby-RC
4
13
12-18 High Plains
68
Exeter Milligan 38
1-12
High Plains
Palmer
48
44
1-7
High Plains
Hampton
8
25
12-22 High Plains
Shelby-RC
65
49
1-15
High Plains
Dorchester
25
53
1-12
High Plains
Palmer
18
9
12-29 High Plains
Palmyra
65
50
1-19
High Plains
Heartland
15
57
1-15
High Plains
Dorchester
10
26
1-5
High Plains
St. Edward
65
26
High Plains
Hampton
71
51
Junior Varsity
BOYS
12-15 High Plains
NE Christian
High Plains
Palmer
54
30
High Plains
Dorchester
64
26
Varsity
BOYS
12-15 High Plains
NE Christian
1-7
1-12
1-15
45
49
WRESTLING
13
26
12-18 High Plains
30
Exeter Milligan 15
12-22 High Plains
Shelby-RC
14
49
1-7
High Plains
Hampton
1-12
High Plains
Palmer
30
22
12-15 High Plains 16
NE Christian 47
1-15
High Plains
Dorchester
9
12
12-18 High Plains
32
Exeter-Milligan 60
1-19
High Plains
Heartland
GIRLS
12-11 High Plains
McCool Junction
12-22 High Plains
Shelby-Rising City
12-29 High Plains
Palmyra
32
18
34
30
31
52
6
22
12
52
GIRLS
12-11 High Plains
McCool Junction
12-15 High Plains 12
NE Christian 23
12-18 Platteview Invite
106- Logan Russell- 2nd
132- Tyson Fate- 2nd
170- Kyle Stevens- 1st
182- Payton Stevens- 1st
12-29 Pierce Invite
138- Hunter Sharman- 3rd
170- Timothy Markvicka- 5th
182- Payton Stevens- 3rd
195- Kyle Stevens- 4th
1-8/1-9 High Plains Invite
106- Logan Russell- 5th
113- Clay Church- 5th
170- Kyle Stevens- 3rd
1-16 Cross County Invite
106- Logan Russell- 3rd
113- Clay Church- 2nd
132- Tyson Fate 4th
138- Hunter Sharman- 4th
7
152- Bryce Wilshusen- 4th
26
170- Kyle Stevens- 1st
(continued on pg 8)
Page 8
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
Middle School and K-3 Students Lead by Giving
The Middle School Enrichment class took on a big challenge for the season
of giving in December by leading a food drive to collect items for the Merrick and
Polk County food pantries. They didn’t just keep the joy of giving in class though.
They asked ALL K-3 and 6-8 students to take part in their challenge! The first part
of the challenge was to collect the most food items to be donated. There was also a
second part to the challenge because Enrichment is based on Science, Technology,
Engineering, Arts and Math. For this part of the competition, every student in K-3 and
6-8 was on a mixed-age team. Each team was challenged to create the most unique
and identifiable structure out of the food they collected. Teams built anything from a
Christmas tree and presents to a grain elevator- wherever the team’s creativity and
food supplies took them! The amazing generosity of our communities and students
shone through as 660 items weighing
591.5 pounds were brought to school
to be donated. Thank you to
everyone for supporting our students’
efforts to give!
This Christmas tree and
presents won the food drive
competition for most items donated
and was also voted as best design.
Pictured are a few of the team
members (left to right):
Aliyah Dietz, Brendan Wruble,
Javier Marino, Gordona Howell
and Hunter Gress.
(continued from pg 7)
BASKETBALL
Junior High
GIRLS
12-17 HPC-Osc
13
Cross County 36
1-7
HPC-Osc
Shelby-RC
12
27
1-14
HPC-Osc
Hampton
34
9
1-18
HPC-Osc
13
NE Christian 10
BOYS
12-17 HPC-Osc
45
Cross County 33
1-7
HPC-Osc
Shelby-RC
32
34
HPC-Osc B
Shelby-RC
14
10
1-14
HPC-Osc
Hampton
57
4
1-18
HPC-Osc
34
NE Christian 27
WRESTLING
Junior High
12-5 Schuyler Invite
Hunter Gress- 1st
Jakob Hogan- 2nd
Jarrett Parsons- 2nd
Dylan Soule- 1st
12-7
Central City Invite
Hunter Gress- 3rd
Jakob Hogan- 2nd
Jarrett Parsons- 3rd
Dylan Soule- 2nd
12-19 Seward Invite
Jarrett Parsons- 4th
Dylan Soule- 3rd
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
MEET A SENIOR
Name: Alexis Ralyn Blackburn
Birth date: April 14, 1997
Eye color: Blue
Hair color: Red
Height: 5 2’’
Nickname: Alex
Parent(s) names: Melissa and Richard Blackburn
Activities:
FCCLA- 4 years
Choir- 4 years
Favorites:
Color: Red
Food: Spaghetti
Restaurant: Valentinos
Singer: Jamie Grace
Song: “Hello” - Adelle
Movie: Jurassic World
TV Show: CSI Cyber
Page 9
February 2016
Page 10
Name: Jenna Jo Blase
Birth date: December 3, 1997
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Black
Height: 5’3’’
Monthly Forecast
MEET A SENIOR
Nickname: JJ (Exclusively by Maddie Young)
Parent(s) names: Randy and Jan Blase
Person(s) most admired: Emma Watson and my mother
Future Plans: Attend college, get a job, and make money.
Do you have a part-time job? Yes, at the Clarks Pool
Activities:
Volleyball- 3 years
Basketball- 3 years
Softball- 1 year
Track- 4 years
Cheer- 1 year
Dance Team- 1year
FCA- 3 years
FCCLA- 2 years
Speech- 1 year
HPC-TV- 1 ½ years
One-Act- 3 years
Your advice to the underclassmen: Take your education seriously.
What’s the best memory you have from your high school years?
Pulling pranks with Destiny Williams my sophomore year.
What is your pet peeve? When pedestrians don’t use the sidewalk.
What is your favorite saying?
Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn the light.
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be and why?
I would be a witch/wizard from Harry Potter because I could do a spell for almost anything.
Favorites:
Color: Royal Blue
Food: Sushi
Restaurant: Red Lobster
Vocal Group: Florida Georgia Line
Singer: Sam Hunt
Song: “Real Life” by Jake Owen
Actor &/or Actress: Emma Watson
Movie: The Lego Movie
TV Show: House, M.D.
Brand of clothing: Nike
Store: Target
Vacation Spot: Disney World
Past time &/or Hobby: Reading
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
Page 11
MEET A SENIOR
Name: Hunter Sharman
Birth date: June 10, 1998
Eye color: Brown
Hair color: Brown
Height: 6’ 0”
Nickname: Sharman ultra, terhun
Parent(s) names: Paula and Tracy Sharman
Person(s) most admired: Stephen Colbert
Future Plans: Go to college and get a good job
Activities:
Football - 2 years
FFA - 2 years
Stu. Co. - 4 years
NHS - 3 years
Quiz Bowl - 3 years
Track & Field - 4 years
Band - 2 years
Wrestling - 4 years
FBLA - 1 year
FCCLA - 4 years
Your advice to the underclassmen: Enjoy it while it lasts because it goes by fast.
What’s the best memory you have from your high school years?
Qualifying for state wrestling my sophomore year.
What is your pet peeve? People who are too loud.
What is your favorite saying? No.
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be and why?
A Lego movie character so everything would be awesome.
Favorites:
Color: Red
Food: Pizza
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
Vocal Group: Maroon 5
Singer: Billy Currington
Song: “Dirt” by Florida Georgia Line
Actor &/or Actress: Kevin Hart
Movie: Stepbrothers
TV Show: How I Met Your Mother
Brand of clothing: Nike
Store: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Vacation Spot: Calamus Reservoir
Past time &/or Hobby: YouTube and Skittles
February 2016
Page 12
Monthly Forecast
MEET A SENIOR
Name: Omar Jesus Ramirez
Birth date: August 7, 1998
Eye color: Light Brown
Hair color: Black
Height: 5’10”
Nickname: Ram Ram
Parent(s) names: Maria and Miguel Rivas
Person(s) most admired: My parents
Future Plans: Go to college, have a good job and a family
Activities:
Basketball - 4 Years
Football - 3 Years
FCCLA - 2 Years
FFA - 4 Years
HPCTV - 3 Years
FBLA - 1 Year
Yearbook - 1 Year
Band - 2 Years
Track and Field - 4 Years
Your advice to the underclassmen: Don’t talk back to Mr. Pekarek
What’s the best memory you have from your high school years? Winning state basketball last year
What is your pet peeve? When people talk while I’m talking
What is your favorite saying? Same time, same place
If you could be anything in the world, what would you be and why?
One of my parents, because they have worked hard for what they have
Favorites:
Color: Red
Food: Pizza
Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
Song: “Hall of Fame”
Actor &/or Actress: Will Ferrell and Adam Sandler
Movie: Waterboy
TV Show: Arrow
Brand of clothing: Nike and Adidas
Store: Nike and Adidas outlets
Vacation Spot: Mexico
Past time &/or Hobby: Play PS4 and hang out with friends
Monthly Forecast
February 2016
Page 13
Meet - A - 2nd - Grader
Mrs. Lindburg would like you to meet her class.
For the next two months, we will be introducing you to second grade students.
Name: Carter Urkoski
Age: 7
Favorite Food: Tuna
Noodle
Worst Food: Onions
Person I Admire:
My grandpa
Always: Do your best
Never: Run in school
When I grow up I want to be: A farmer
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done:
Rolled down a dirt hill
Who would you like to be for a day:
My brother
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Picked me up from school
What makes you laugh? My grandpa
What’s your favorite treasure?
My tractor
Name: Gahvi Lesiak
Age: 7
Favorite Food: Spaghetti
Worst Food:
Green Peppers
Person I Admire:
My great-grandma
Always: Listen to mom
and dad
Never: Lie
When I grow up I want to be: A doctor
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done:
Went to Island Oasis
Who would you like to be for a day? My mom
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Helped me when I fell off my
scooter
What makes you laugh?
When Korinne tickles me
What’s your favorite treasure?
My jewelry box
Name: Bozton Pedersen
Age: 7
Favorite Food: Beef and
Noodles
Worst Food: Broccoli
Person I Admire:
My nephew
Always: Clean your room
Never: Lie
When I grow up I want to be: In the army
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done:
Went to the ocean
Who would you like to be for a day: My dad
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Helped me with my homework
What makes you laugh?
Watching videos with my brother
What’s your favorite treasure? Video games
Name: K’cin Confer
Age: 7
Favorite Food:
Quaker Steak
Worst Food: Broccoli
Person I Admire:
My sister
Always: Do your chores
Never: Lie
When I grow up I want to be: A teacher
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done:
Went to Skate Island
Who would you like to be for a day?
My sister
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Did my chores for me
What makes you laugh? My baby sister
What’s your favorite treasure? Money
Page 14
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
Meet - A - 2nd - Grader
Mrs. Lindburg would like you to meet her class.
For next two months, we will be introducing you to second grade students.
Name:Audesie Clark
Age: 8
Favorite Food: Pizza
Worst Food: Guacamole
Person I Admire: My mom
Always: Clean
Never: Be mean
When I grow up I want to be: A nurse
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done: Get candy
Who would you like to be for a day: A nurse
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Cleaned for me
What makes you laugh? Grayden
What’s your favorite treasure?
A treasure chest
Name: Brodey Spurling
Age: 8
Favorite Food: Hu-Hut
Worst Food: Tomatoes
Person I Admire:
Michael Jordan
Always: Help people
Never: Be mean to a person.
When I grow up I want to be: NFL player
Most exciting thing I’ve ever done:
Went to Breckenridge, Colorado
Who would you like to be for a day? Michael
Jordan when he played basketball.
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Gave me my XBox.
What makes you laugh? My friend Ethan.
What’s your favorite treasure? My football
helmet from my grandpa.
Name: Mario Cruz
Age: 7
Favorite Food: Pizza
Worst Food: Pickles
Person I Admire: My mom
Always: Be nice
Never: Fight
When I grow up I want to be:
A police officer
Who would you like to be for a day: Brodey
What is the nicest thing someone has done for
you? Bought me my PlayStation
What makes you laugh? Tickles
What’s your favorite treasure? My legos
Follow the HPC
Yearbook on Twitter
@hpc_yearbook
for more great photos
like these!
Monthly Forecast
February 2016
Page 15
HIGH PLAINS COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
HONOR ROLL 2nd Qtr/1st Sem 2015-2016
SENIORS - HIGH HONORS
Josh DeMers **
Chloe Engel **
Tyson Fate (qtr)
Sam Johnson **
Matthew Pekarek **
Omar Ramirez **
Anni Rikkonen **
Hunter Sharman **
Dawn Spencer (qtr)
Kyler VanHousen **
HONOR ROLL
Garrett Lesiak **
Courtney Russell (sem)
JUNIORS - HIGH HONORS
Tana Engel **
Cheyanne Means **
Michaela Reimers **
Andrew Schuller **
Thomas Young **
HONOR ROLL
Kyle Stevens (sem)
Payton Stevens **
Rachel Sundberg **
SOPHOMORES- HIGH HONORS
Sierra Boroviak **
Alyse Carlson **
Cara DeMers **
Emily McNaught **
Tanner Parsons **
Adele Silvent-Guers (qtr)
Kaylee VanHousen **
Madison Young **
HONOR ROLL
FRESHMEN - HIGH HONORS
Ian Anderson **
Delaney Carlstrom **
Riley Carlstrom (qtr)
Logan Russell (sem)
Garrett Sharman **
Hannah Tonniges **
HONOR ROLL
Riley Carlstrom (sem)
Clay Church (sem)
** denotes that the requirement was met for the Quarter & Semester
Page 16
February 2016
Monthly Forecast
High Plains Community Middle School
Roll of Honor, 2nd Quarter
High Honor Roll
th
6 Grade
Shaylin Kucera
Lane Urkoski
7th Grade
Brooke Bannister
Britney Lautenschlager
Sydney Lindburg
Brianna Wilshusen
Tanner Wood
Delsey Yrkoski
8th Grade
Jordan Gress
Hannah Hiett
Lindsi Hughes
Jarrett Parsons
Dylan Soule
Keaton VanHousen
Brendan Wruble
Honor Roll
th
th
6 Grade
7 Grade
Jakob Hogan
Shelby Warnick
8th Grade
For a student to be placed on the honor roll, the student must maintain a 90% average or above.
Students maintaining a 94% average will be placed on the “High Honors” list. No student will be placed on
either list if that student receives a “C” or less in any graded classes, regardless of their total grade point average.
High Plains Community Middle School
Roll of Honor, 1st Semester
High Honor Roll
th
6 Grade
Gordona Howell
Shaylin Kucera
Lane Urkoski
7th Grade
Brooke Bannister
Sydney Lindburg
Brianna Wilshusen
Tanner Wood
Delsey Yrkoski
6th Grade
7th Grade
Britney Lautenschlager
Shelby Warnick
8th Grade
Jordan Gress
Hannah Hiett
Lindsi Hughes
Jarrett Parsons
Dylan Soule
Bailey Urkoski
Keaton VanHousen
Brendan Wruble
Honor Roll
8th Grade
For a student to be placed on the honor roll, the student must maintain a 90% average or above.
Students maintaining a 94% average will be placed on the “High Honors” list. No student will be placed on
either list if that student receives a “C” or less in any graded classes, regardless of their total grade point average.
Monthly Forecast
February 2016
Page 17
“It’s Not About Me” Class Gives Back
In a new class introduced this year, middle school
students are learning that there is more to life than
thinking only of themselves. In Karen Benner’s class
entited “It’s Not About Me,” first semester students have
participated in a variety of activities to better the Clarks
community. The class brainstormed community service
ideas and then voted on which to perform. Activities in the
first semester for the 6th grade class included: raking leaves
for a Clarks resident, helping at the public library by raking
leaves and scraping paint, washing windows at the Clarks
Villa, sending cards to wounded soldiers, and caroling.
The 8th grade participated during their
quarter of this class by making a presentation to the Clarks
Town Board about their desire to beautify Clarks. The
board made suggestions, and they began working. These
suggestions included decorating straw bales to decorate
the outside of the school and cleaning the curbside of the
streets. They stayed busy and made a HUGE difference in
the appearance of the streets of the town.
In completing these projects, these students gain the
satifaction of helping others and can see how their small
contributions help to make our community a better place.
New Wood Shop Equipment
The High Plains Community Schools
wood shop has recently acquired a new piece
of equipment that allows you to carve designs
and objects out of wood and other semi-hard
material. This equipment is called a CNC
Shark Router Table, which is valued at
approximately $4,300. This was partially
paid with a Perkins Grant Fun of $2,500.
The CNC Shark Router Table uses software
provided to sketch up what you are going to
carve and automatically calculates the lines
of code for you. A student project that was
recently made was approximately a 6x6 design
and consisted of around 22,000 lines of code.
It mounts a normal router, so almost any router
bit can be used to make your desired design. The
machine has a size limit, which is approximately
32x26½.
“EVENING WITH THE STORM”
1st ANNUAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
With MASTER of CEREMONIES: Jim Rose, Former Husker Play-by-Play Announcer
HORDVILLE EVENT CENTER
MARCH 19th, 2016
FUND RAISING GOAL: $20,000
5:00 p.m. Social Hour, Appetizers and Silent Auction Tables Open
5:30 p.m. -7:30 p.m. Silent Auction Bids Accepted
6:00 p.m. Prime Rib Dinner
7:30 p.m. Silent Auction Winners Announced
Live Auction After Dinner - Kenny Rieken, Auctioneer
TICKETS are $30 - Table of 8 is $200
Make Checks to TRI-COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Cameron Hudson
Paul and Tammy Van Housen
John Kucera
Tickets NOW ON SALE from:
Kent and Breanne Helgoth
Tom Hofmann
Pat Siemek
Shane Van Pelt
Pat and Tammy McNaught
Nate and Niki Spurling
Sheri Wruble
You can also contact the High School Office at 402-765-3331
ALL PROCEEDS DONATED TO THE FOLLOWING BENEFICIARIES:
Communities Of Polk, Hordville, And Clarks
HPC Hall Of Fame
Storm Youth Sports
HPC Foundation Scholarships (2)
Community Summer Recreation Programs
HPC School Outdoor Beautification Projects
AUCTION ITEMS NOW BEING ACCEPTED BY:
Cameron Hudson
Paul Van Housen
Kent and Breanne Helgoth
John Kucera
Tom Hofmann
Pat Siemek
Ticket orders also be placed on the foundation website….
tri-communityfoundation.weebly.com
“EVENING WITH THE STORM”
1st ANNUAL FOUNDATION FUNDRAISER
With MASTER of CEREMONIES: Jim Rose, Former Husker Play-by-Play Announcer
HORDVILLE EVENT CENTER
MARCH 19th, 2016
WANTED AUCTION ITEMS
(Suggested Auction Items)
Service related items (cleaning, babysitting, cooking)
Tickets for entertainment activities
Vacation getaways
Sports memorabilia
Holiday crafts or gift items
Tools
Custom work
This is a great way for everyone to be involved in this unique fund-raising opportunity. Your help is
needed in donating items and in purchasing items. All proceeds are donated to the following
organizations:
Communities Of Polk, Hordville, And Clarks
HPC Hall Of Fame
Storm Youth Sports
HPC Foundation Scholarships
Community Summer Recreation Programs
HPC School Outdoor Beautification Projects
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NAME:___________________________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER:_________________________ EMAIL:_________________________________________
AUCTION ITEMS:_____________________________________________________VALUE:_____________
Paul Van Housen
Cameron Hudson
Please return Auction Sheet by March 1st to:
John Kucera
Pat McNaught
Sheri Wruble
Kent Helgoth
Auction items also be donated on the foundation website….
tri-communityfoundation.weebly.com
7
19
14
19
15
18
19
14
13
22
21
24
18
232
(as of September 2015)
K-12 ENROLLMENT for 2015-2016
Kindergarten
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
7th Grade
8th Grade
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Total K-12
RECENT K-12 ENROLLMENT TOTALS
2014-15
223
2013-14
231
2012-13
230
2011-12
228
2010-11
232
HPC
95.20%
95.20%
95.30%
95.55%
95.18%
State Avg.
POLK ★ HORDVILLE ★ CLARKS
"Annual Report"
December 2015
SCHOOL FINANCE RECEIPTS DATA
Local/Prop Taxes
10.80%
State
8.25%
Federal
% of School District Revenue from Various Sources
80.95%
Tax Levy
$751,686,702
$611,792,539
$498,613,554
$442,415,946
$393,610,155
District Valuation
MILL LEVY AND VALUATION DATA
0.601858
0.714716
0.838954
0.901393
0.978999
School Year
$9,643.95
$43,408.44
$17,755.68
$17,520.88
$37,006.09
State Aid
$4,524,087
$4,403,171
$4,194,752
$4,033,333
$3,870,293
Property Tax Request
$4,263,756
$4,091,883
$3,862,619
$3,784,901
$3,604,867
Tax Revenue
HPC
15.70%
44.90%
State Avg.
S
59%
HPC
62%
State Avg.
TOTAL GENERAL FUND DISBURSEMENTS
2014-15
$4,550,431
2013-14
$4,409,337
2012-13
$4,262,309
2011-12
$4,099,903
2010-11
$4,108,191
% of budget spent on "direct instruction"
SCHOOL FINANCE DISBURSEMENTS DATA
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
STATE AID, PROPERTY TAX REQUEST, & TOTAL REVENUE DATA
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
School Year
High Plains
FALL 2015
92%
80%
61%
SPRING 2015
School year
100%
MS
86%
HS
School year
18.9
19.1
18.4
18.6
HPC
14.6
15.0
15.2
15.2
State Ave.
School year
38%
32%
29%
21.9%
21.9%
HPC
53%
52%
49%
48%
46%
State Ave.
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
School year
$47,573
$47,742
$46,454
HPC
$49,669
$48,995
$48,154
STATE
AVERAGE TEACHER'S SALARY DATA
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
Teachers with Masters Degrees/Higher
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
Average years Teaching Experience
2014-15
% of Students involved in at least one sponsored activity
STUDENT PARTICIPATION DATA
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Karen Stevens
Paul Van Housen
Wendy Hudson
Kevin Urkoski
Kathy Klingsporn
Brian Samuelson
HPC ELEM
HPC MS
HPC HS
PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCE DATA
High Plains Community Schools
School year
95.80%
96.41%
96.36%
96.30%
95.81%
K-12 DAILY ATTENDANCE DATA
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
18.80%
46.32%
STUDENT POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS from 2014-2015
Enrolled in Special Education
Free/Reduced Meals
CLASS of 2015 DATA
Total Number of 2015 HPC Graduates
Number of Graduates that received at least one scholarship
Total number of scholorships earned by Class of 2015
School year
100.00%
90.48%
N/A
89.47%
96.67%
HPC
88.89%
89.66%
88.49%
88.00%
90.00%
State Avg.
GRADUATION RATE DATA
2014-15
2013-14
2012-13
2011-12
2010-11
NWEA/MAPS NATIONALLY-NORMED ASSESSMENTS
2nd Grade Reading
3rd Grade Reading
4th Grade Reading
5th Grade Reading
6th Grade Reading
7th Grade Reading
8th Grade Reading
9th Grade Reading
10th Grade Reading
11th Grade Reading
176.1
188.3
200.5
210.5
210.0
220.5
227.8
231.8
235.8
235.5
169.4
183.3
194.1
201.1
202.4
214.4
216.8
220.6
217.4
216.1
HPC Avg.
176.9
190.4
201.9
211.4
217.6
222.6
226.3
230.3
230.1
233.3
174.7
188.3
198.2
205.7
211.0
214.4
217.2
220.2
220.4
222.6
National Avg.
Average Student Scores Report from Fall 2015
2nd Grade Math
3rd Grade Math
4th Grade Math
5th Grade Math
6th Grade Math
7th Grade Math
8th Grade Math
9th Grade Math
10th Grade Math
11th Grade Math
21
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108
T
O
R
M
P
R
I
D
E
#hpcstorm on Twitter
www.hpcstorm.org
TEACHER to STUDENT RATIO
K-5
1 to 18
6-8
1 to 5
9-12
1 to 6
STATEWIDE READING Assessment Data from 2014-2015 (NESA-R)
71%
90%
80%
HPC
82%
81%
71%
State Avg.
Percentage of Students Performing at Proficient Level
3rd-5th Graders
6th-8th Graders
11th Grade
STATEWIDE MATH Assessment Data from 2014-2015 (NESA-M)
74%
79%
100%
HPC
77%
72%
63%
State Avg.
Percentage of Students Performing at Proficient Level
3rd-5th Graders
6th-8th Graders
11th Grade
22.1
21.5
23.2
22.3
22.5
HPC
21.1
21.0
21.9
21.6
21.5
State Avg.
ACT AVERAGE SCORE DATA from 2014-2015
English
Math
Reading
Science
Composite
★Out of 242 schools in the state of Nebraska, High Plains
Community High Schools ranks 30th according to
schooldigger.com based on overall average test scores.
★High Plains Community Schools received a bronze ranking
from U.S News & World Report as a Top 100 school in
Nebraska.
7
14
21
28
Sunday
February 2016
BISCUITS N GRAVY
BR. BEEF PATTY
2
10
EGG STORM
LASAGNA
3
FRENCH TOAST
SALISBURY STEAK
11
FRITTATA
CHEESEBURGER
POCKETS
4
19
NO SCHOOL
12
CINN ROLL
CORN DOGS
5
Friday
1
9
OMELET
TOMATO SOUP
GRILL CHEESE
18
NO SCHOOL
Thursday
WAFFLE DIPPERS
CHICKEN FAJITA
BISCUIT EGG
SAUSAGE
TATERTOT CASSEROLE
17
BISCUITS N GRAVY
HAM N CHEESE SAND.
26
Wednesday
8
16
PANCAKES
MASH POTATO BOWL
25
COFFEECAKE
MAC N CHEESE
Tuesday
BF BAR
SPAGHETTI
SCR. EGGS
HOMEMADE PIZZA
24
BF BAR
BR. PORK PATTY
Monday
15
23
BISCUIT EGG
SAUSAGE
COWBOY CAVATINI
SHR.
22
PANCAKE SAUSAGE
BITES
SOUP
BF PIZZA
PORK SAND.
OMELET
CHICKEN NUGGETS
29
FRITTATA
CHICKEN SANDWICH
Notes:
MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Served Daily:
BREAKFAST - cereal, toast, fruit, yogurt, and milk
LUNCH - fruit, vegetable, bread, peanut butter and jelly, and milk
6
13
20
27
Saturday
14
7
31
National FFA Week
Boys BB Subdistricts
Girls BB Subdistricts
Washington’s Birthday
5:30 PM Board Meeting Polk
29
22
15
8
1
1:00 PM Middle School Vocal Clinic
Monday
February 2016
Sunday
Valentine’s Day
21
28
Tuesday
Groundhog Day
4:00 PM JV/V G/B BB @
Osceola
6:00 PM JV/V G BB @
Meridian
2
9
16
Polk County…test - Osceola
23
1
Wednesday
T W
7
T
January 2016
S M
6
T
F
S
February 2016
T W
S M
6
S
F
5
2
4
1
3
2
1
7
9 10 11 12 13
9
8
8
8
1
9 10 11 12
2
T W
3
T
4
F
5
S
March 2016
7
S M
6
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
5
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
4
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
27 28 29 30 31
3
10 11 12 13 14 15 16
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
13
6
28 29
State Wrestling Duals
Speech @ Sutton
5
27
20
9:00 AM Speech Workshop
4:00 PM JV/V G/B BB v
Cross County
Speech @ Aurora
MS Science Bowl
Saturday
17 18 19 20 21 22 23
5
24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
Friday
3
4
4:00 AM JV/V G/B BB v East
Butler
5:00 PM CRC Wrestling @
TBA
Thursday
10
12
District Wrestling @ Freeman
Lincoln’s Birthday
No School
1:30 PM 1:30 Dismissal
11
Parent-Teac…nces (2-8 PM)
19
No School
4:00 PM JV/V G/B BB @ BDS
18
17
26
State Wrestling @ Omaha
25
4
6:00 PM JV/V B BB @
Meridian
24
3
HS CRC Quiz Bowl @ Shickley
CRC Speech @ Meridian
1:00 PM 1 PM Dismissal Teacher Inservice
2
Page 1/1
High Plains Community Schools
345 South Pine
P.O. Box 29
Polk, NE 68654
U.S. Postage Paid STC Rate
Non-Profit Organization
Polk, NE 68654
Permit No. 1
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
POSTAL PATRON
Page 20
February 2016
Monthly Forecast