HOT LUNCH WEEK October 15th through the 19th is National Hot Lunch Week. Meridian Public School would like to publicly thank our fabulous Hot Lunch Workers: Head Cook – Elaine Bartels, Cook – Tami Dittmer, Dishwasher – Shari Bachle, Secretaries – Kathy Houser, Judy Grummert , Bookkeeper and Secretary Trish Endorf. Please take the time to thank them for their efforts and great work in serving our students.

NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK October 22nd through the 26th is National School Bus Safety Week. Meridian would like to thank our great bus drivers: Elizabeth Noel, Janelle Heiserman, Charles Houser, Tonya Griffin, Allen Lintz, and Wendy McKenzie (new route driver). These individuals safely transport our students to and from school during daily routes, field trips and school activities. Safety is their number one priority. Please thank them when you have an opportunity. Please encourage your child/children to obey these School Bus Safety Rules: 1. Be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes

early. 2. Always use bus handrails when

entering or exiting the bus. 3. Take your seat promptly. 4. Keep aisles clear at all times. 5. Stay seated until the bus stops or as

directed by the driver. 6. Be quiet to avoid accidents – there

must be absolute QUIET at a railroad crossing stop.

7. Keep your head and arms inside the bus at all times.

8. Cross street/roads only when it is safe.

9. Obey the bus driver.

Since harvest has begun, we ask that everyone take a little extra time in their travels to and from school and other activities. Especially when behind a combine, tractor, or truck, please be careful before passing. This time of year the sun begins to play a large factor in your visibility. BE SAFE!

Looking at our enrollment, we have grown close to 10% since last year. I feel this a great sign of the hard work and continued dedication of our entire staff.

The Meridian Board of Education met on September 16, 2018, and approved the 2018-2019 annual budget as presented. The Budget Hearing was held at 11:00 A.M. and the 2018-2019 Tax Request Hearing convened at 11:15 A.M.

The District Assessed Valuation decreased 1.6% to a total of $4,651,183,919. Based upon this evaluation the Board of Education approved tax requests and levy requests of: $2,323,232 ($0.514919 per $100 assessed valuation) for the General Fund; $95,959 ($0.021268 per $100 assessed valuation) for Special Building Fund; $0 ($ .0 per $100 assessed valuation) Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund; $0 ($ .0 per $100 assessed valuation) for the Technology Bond Fund. Each of the amounts includes the County Treasurer’s one percent commission. The total tax request for the 2018-2019 budget is $2,419,191 ($ .53618 per $100 assessed valuation).

ADDED JV FOOTBALL GAME There will be a JV Football game on Monday, October 8th. The start time will be 5:30.

EARLY OUT There is an early out on October 5th. The students will be dismissed at 1:30.

Board of Education Meridian Public Schools

District – 48-0303 Daykin, Nebraska, 68338

Sunday, September 16, 2018

SPECIAL BUDGET HEARING 11:00 A.M.

Meridian Public School Board of Education met on September 16, 2018, as per notice Fairbury Journal-News.

President VanWesten called the hearing to order at 11:00 a.m. The open meeting law was presented. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Kort, Principal Scott, Lorrie Hofstetter, Halle Pribyl, and Josiee Sobotka.

Superintendent Kort provided information concerning the proposed 2018-2019 Budget. The total asking amount is down $29,000. The budgeted amount includes increasing a music position by 3/8 FTE and adding the 1.0 FTE FFA/Ag Ed position.

Miller moved and Scheer seconded to close the Special Budget Hearing at 11:08 a.m. Vote taken: Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion passed 6-0.

SPECIAL TAX REQUEST HEARING - 11:15 A.M.

Meridian Public School Board of Education met on September 16, 2018, as per notice Fairbury Journal-News.

President VanWesten called the hearing to order at 11:15 a.m. The open meeting law was presented. All members were present. Also present were

Newsletter www.meridianmustangs.org October, 2018

Newsletter-October, 2018 Superintendent

Randy Kort

Mission Statement: Meridian Public Schools will educate all students in a safe, nurturing environment while challenging them to develop their integrity, knowledge, and unique talents to become responsible, productive citizens.

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MERIDIAN TAX LEVY

Page 2 Meridian Public School, District 48-0303 October, 2018

Hail to the varsity… Cheer them along the way…

d. Foundation Tailgate at September 21st, FB Game

e. Homecoming Dance Saturday, September 22nd

3. Parent Teacher Conferences: Wednesday, September 26th, from 4-8 P.M. and Thursday, September 27th, from 2-6 P.M.

4. Early Dismissal on Thursday, September 27th, Due to Parent Teacher Conferences

5. No School on Friday, September 28th

6. Meridian Hosts the Jefferson County Spelling Bee on Thursday, October 4th

7. 1:30 P.M. Early Dismissal on October 5th, Teacher In-Service to Prepare for our NDE 5-Year Accreditation Visit

8. Social Media Followers: Twitter 198 and Facebook 814.

Superintendent Kort reported: 1. Meridian Board Negotiations

Committee Meeting Dates 2. NASB State Convention on

November 14 -16th in Omaha 3. Attend NASB meeting in York on

September 19th 4. REAP Money $22,750 5. Discuss Student Classes 6. Discuss Bus Replacement - More

Information at Next Meeting

Next Regular Meeting set for Sunday, October 14, 2018 – 11:00 a.m.

Vorderstrasse moved and Miller seconded to adjourn at 12:27 p.m. Vote taken: Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion carried 6-0.

Jason Bartels, Secretary Meridian District #48-0303

Fund. Levy asking is .536187. Vote taken: Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion carried 6-0.

Scheer moved and Sobotka seconded to approve changing Friday, October 5th, 2018, to a 1:30 p.m. early dismissal as requested by the School Improvement Committee. Vote taken: Scheer-aye, Bartels-aye, Sobotka-aye, Miller-aye, Vorderstrasse-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion passed 6-0.

Negotiations with MEA (Meridian Education Association) will begin next month for the 2019-2020 school year.

Sobotka moved and Miller seconded to use North Star Negotiation Software for the 2019-2020 teacher negotiations. Vote taken: Scheer-aye, Bartels-aye, Sobotka-aye, Miller-aye, Vorderstrasse-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion passed 6-0.

Discussion was held on Non-Certified negotiations concerning the possibility of offering insurance to non-certified staff. Lori Pohlmann spoke to the Board on behalf of the non-certified staff requesting that a new group be added to the health insurance. Superintendent Kort will provide more information to the Negotiating Committee as they prepare for negotiations for 2019-2020 school year.

Discussion was held on Substitute Pay. This item was tabled and will be added to the agenda for action at October Regular Meeting.

The Board discussed options for updating the Fire Alarm System.

The board discussed the Superintendent evaluation tool that will be used for the 2018-2019 school year.

Principal Scott reported: 1. Student numbers: 128 in Pre-K-6th,

and 114 in 7-12 - Total 242 Students

2. Homecoming Week Activities for September 17-22:

a. Community Pep Rally September 19th

b. VB Hosts BDS on September 20th, - VB Parents Night.

c. FB Will Host FCSH on September 21st

Superintendent Kort, Principal Scott, Lorrie Hofstetter, Halle Pribyl, and Josiee Sobotka.

Superintendent Kort provided information concerning the proposed 2018-2019 Tax Request. The District is requesting a levy of .536187.

Scheer moved and Vorderstrasse seconded to close the Special Tax Hearing at 11:22 a.m. Vote taken: Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion passed 6-0.

Regular September 16, 2018 Meeting 11:22 A.M.

Meridian Public School Board of Education met on September 16, 2018, as per notice in the Fairbury Journal-News.

President VanWesten called the meeting to order at 11:22 a.m. The open meeting law information was presented. All members were present. Also present were Superintendent Kort, Principal Scott, Lorrie Hofstetter, Halle Pribyl, Josiee Sobotka, Lori Pohlmann, Elaine Bartels, and Miranda Baxa.

Nothing was added to the agenda.

No comments were made by the public.

Sobotka moved and Miller seconded to approve the consent agenda as presented. 1. Minutes of the Monday, August 20,

2018 Regular Meeting 2. District Financial Report 3. Activity Fund Report 4. Hot Lunch Fund Report 5. Bills

Vote was taken. Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion passed 6-0.

Josiee Sobotka and Halle Pribyl stated the yearly Student Council report will be presented at the October regular meeting.

Sobotka moved and Miller seconded to approve the 2018-2019 Budget. Vote taken: Vorderstrasse-aye, Miller-aye, Sobotka-aye, Bartels-aye, Scheer-aye, and VanWesten-aye. Motion carried 6-0.

Vorderstrasse moved and Miller seconded to approve the 2018-2019 Tax Request Resolution of $2,419,191 General Fund, $95,959 Special Building, $0 Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund, and $0 Technology

Upcoming Dates: October 1:

Sophomores/Juniors to SCC College Fair October 8:

Sophomores take PreACT October 10:

Juniors can take the PSAT (let Ms. Hermsmeier know ASAP if you want

to take – cost is $16) October 11:

EducationQuest Financial Meeting @ 2:00 p.m. for Seniors

Testing:

The On To College Prep (formerly John Baylor ACT Prep) is an investment provided by our school to assist your student in preparing for the ACT. All students have access to this test prep. All seniors are encouraged to take it this semester, and all juniors will take in next semester before the required state ACT test. For more information, talk to Ms. Hermsmeier.

Juniors interested in taking the PSAT will do so on Wednesday, October 10th. They must pay $16.00 and let Ms. Hermsmeier know by October 3rd, if they are interested in taking it. The PSAT is the qualifying test that includes students in the annual academic competition among high school students for recognition and college scholarships. It shows first-hand the kind of reading, math, and writing skills that students need to succeed in college. Information materials and sample tests are available from Ms. Hermsmeier.

Group College Visits: On November 13th, the sophomore class will travel to Hastings. They will visit Central Community College in the morning and Hastings College in the afternoon. At both campuses, they will have the opportunity to experience admissions presentations and campus tours. They will eat lunch at Central Community College (at no cost to the student).

The freshman toured Peru State College on September 16th! They were able to see a lot of the renovations at the oldest school in the state. In

Student count for 2018-2019 (As of 9-12-18)

PreK 11 7th 11 Kindergarten 23 8th 19 1st 17 9th 21 +1 2nd 12 10th 18 +1 3rd 18 11th 19 4th 13 12th 26 5th 18 6th 16 128 114 +2

Grand Total: Sep 242 +2 (+15) Aug 240 +1 (+13) July 239 +4 (+12)

June 235 +8 May 227

Homecoming was the week of September 17-22.

A community pep rally was scheduled for Wednesday, September 19.

Volleyball hosted BDS on Thursday, September 20. This was volleyball parents’ night.

Football played FCSH on Friday, September 21.

The Foundation held a tailgate that Friday night.

Homecoming dance was held on Saturday night, September 22.

Parent-teacher conferences was held Wednesday, September 26, from 4-8pm and Thursday, September 27, from 2-6pm.

There was a 1:30 dismissal on Thursday, September 27, due to PT Conferences.

There was no school on Friday, September 28.

Meridian will host the Jefferson County Spelling Bee on Thursday, October 4.

We will have a 1:30 dismissal on Friday, October 5. This is for a teacher in-service in preparation of our NDE 5-year visitation for accreditation.

addition, they were provided information about the majors the school offers and organizations/sports teams available, and they had the opportunity to eat lunch in the Peru State College cafeteria.

The juniors traveled to the University of Nebraska – Lincoln and Nebraska Wesleyan on September 26th! They participated in admissions presentations, toured both campuses, and had the opportunity to ask questions. The students also experienced the college cafeteria at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.

The purpose of these trips is to increase the student’s awareness of post-secondary education possibilities!

Seniors: It is time to start the admission process! College may still seem far off, but admission deadlines will hit as early as December. Follow these steps to stay on track: Contact your top colleges NOW and ask:

About application deadlines for admission, college-based scholarships, and financial aid.

If you need a separate application for scholarships.

If you should apply online or submit a hardcopy application.

About application fees. Much of this information can be found by visiting their website and visiting the college rep when they come to Meridian.

Follow these tips to increase your chances of earning scholarships:

Don’t pay for scholarship services! Free resources include ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org, your school counselor’s office, and EducationQuest offices in Omaha, Lincoln, and Kearney.

Focus on college-based and local scholarships. You’re more likely to earn them over large national awards.

Keep an updated list of activities, honors, and volunteer or paid jobs

Earn the best possible ACT/SAT scores by taking the exams in the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year. Use the On To College Prep to help study.

Use quality references such as a teacher, coach or counselor. Give them advance notice (at least 2 weeks), a

Onward to victory… May they win again today…

Page 3 Meridian Public School, District 48-0303 September, 2018

COUNSELOR’S CONNECTION by

Lisa Hermsmeier

Mustang MEMO Mr. Harold Scott

Principal

specific deadline, and a copy of your Activities Resume.

Ask at least two people to proofread your college or scholarship application.

Senior “To Do” List: ___ Create an FSA ID for you and one

for a parent. You’ll need them for FAFSA. You can also do this at the EducationQuest Financial Meeting on October 11.

___ Complete the FAFSA on or after October 1.

___ Complete college applications. ___ Register by September 28 (late

registration is accepted through October 14) for the October 27 ACT.

EducationQuest Website a Useful Tool EducationQuest provides a FREE service to students, parents, and schools in Nebraska for:

Nebraska-based scholarship search

Nebraska college search and links to Nebraska college websites

College Funding Estimator (estimates students’ eligibility for financial aid)

Countdown to College – students may sign up for monthly college planning tips by email (grades 9-12)

College preparation and financial aid information

Student loan calculations

The website for EducationQuest is: www.educadtionquest.org or you can contact them for free personal help and make an appointment: Omaha – 888.357.6300, Lincoln – 800.303.3745, Kearney – 800.666.3721.

Resources for Students with Disabilities If you have a disability that may require accommodations in college, ask Ms. Hermsmeier for a copy of College Planning for Students with Disabilities. In addition, visit Educational Opportunities Beyond High School at: http://www.unl.edu/ssd/content/accommodations.

THANK YOU A big “thank you” to Mr. and Mrs. George Lahners for the donation of all the watermelons for the lunch program at Meridian. Everyone enjoyed them and appreciated your generosity.

We’ll give a cheer for the varsity… Long may they reign supreme …

Page 4 Meridian Public School, District 48-0303 October, 2018

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY Due to scheduling conflicts, Grandparents’ Day will not be held at Meridian on Friday, October 12, 2018. We are planning to honor our students’ grandparents at a later date. The administration and staff will keep our families informed as the program develops. Thank you.

POPCORN BAGS Meridian would like to thank Jason Bartels and Farm Bureau Insurance for donating the popcorn bags used in the concession stand this year. We truly would not be successful without the continued support of our patrons. Again, thank you for your thoughtfulness.

FLU SHOTS Just a reminder: Flu shots offered by Public Health Solutions will be at Meridian Public Schools on Wednesday, October 17th, 2018. Paperwork will be sent home with your students with more detailed information closer to the date. A copy of the paperwork from the District Health Department will be available on Meridian’s website (www.meridianmustangs.org).

Husker Harvest Days

On Wednesday, September 12, 2018, Meridians FFA officers took a trip to Husker Harvest Days. When the FFA officers arrived, they participated in a UNL scavenger hunt. In this scavenger hunt, each team had to find at least seven businesses that related to the career pathways in agriculture. The FFA officers spent the rest of the day exploring different agricultural technology and how it is used in our everyday lives.

STUCO NEWS “Busy” and “fun-filled” are two ways to sum up this past month. The Student Council has been focused preparing for Homecoming. Stu-Co has put a lot of effort in for this year’s Homecoming. Committees were formed to better organize everything. This year’s theme is “Light Up the Night.” We are very excited to have neon colors all around the dance floor. We also are excited to have a free face painting station at the Homecoming Game.

Although Homecoming has been the main focus this month, the Student Council has been sure to be active in other ways. One thing Stu-Co does to promote safe driving among the students is a Seat Belt Check. A few members offered to get to school in time to stand at the gates. If the driver is wearing their seatbelt, then they get a piece of candy. We also worked concessions for the HTRS football game and BDS volleyball game.

The Student Council enjoys interacting with the parents of students. One way we do that is by sponsoring Parents’ Night. We handed out red ribbons to the volleyball players’ parents during the BDS and recognize them in between games.

The Student Council would like to congratulate this year’s Homecoming Court. The Court this year is Brianna Barton, Jacqueline Dimas, Sara Most, Garrett Klipp, Frederick Kujath, and Micah Noel. We also would like to congratulate Adelia Paul and Zander Hellbusch on being crown bearers.

As you can see, this month has been full of festivities. The Student Council has been very busy with organizing Homecoming and making a connection with the student body. Congratulations to our 2018 King and Queen: Micah Noel and Brianna Barton.

Wishing you a happy fall, Public Relations, Brynn Holtmeier

DAYKIN LEGION

HONORS VETERANS

On September 18th, Governor Pete Ricketts signed a proclamation declaring this the “Year of the American Legion”. This declaration kicks off a year-long celebration leading up to the organization’s 100th anniversary on September 16th, 2019. For this occasion,

Front Row (L-R): Sara Most, Erika Schwisow Middle Row (L-R): Hector Nuñez, Garrett Klipp, Peyton VanWesten, Fred Kujath, Top: Brianna Barton

Governor Ricketts was joined by Nebraska American Legion Department Commander Lyle Bartels of Tobias, Nebraska Department of Veterans’ Affairs Director John Hilgert, and nearly 100 American Legion members.

The American Legion Centennial Celebration is not only about honoring the past 100 years of the Legion’s history, but also continuing their legacy of service. Legion posts all around the world will showcase the American Legion "Still Serving America."

Daykin Legion Post #198 (which will be celebrating 75 years in 2020) is showcasing anyone who served in ANY branch of the United States military. A Daykin Veterans’ Memorial

Shout ‘til the echoes ring… For the glory of our team!

Page 5 Meridian Public School, District 48-0303 October, 2018

will be erected on the south side of Main Street, south of the gazebo. This memorial is in honor of all veterans, living and deceased, and current service members from Daykin and the surrounding area. A list of each name along with the branch and years of service from the Civil War to the present will be posted on the

memorial. If you had or have any connection with the community of Daykin and would like to be added, please contact Kathy Houser with your name, branch of service, and years enlisted. Monetary donations can be sent to the Jefferson County Bank (an account has been set up there) or to Kathy Houser. A design is currently on display at the Jefferson County Bank along with a list of

names for corrections and additions. We do not want to miss anyone who would like their name on the memorial, so please contact Kathy Houser or go to the bank to make sure your name is listed correctly. The 5”x3” steel plates will cost around $30 each.

We are very fortunate to have Garrett Klipp, a senior at Meridian High School, helping as part of his American Government community service project. His time and effort are truly appreciated.

We thank all veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America. Their service helped to preserve the democracy and freedom we enjoy today.

2018 Homecoming Court

Back Row (L to R): Fred Kujath, Garrett Klipp, and Micah Noel Front Row (L to R): Jackie Dimas, Sara Most, and Brianna Barton

Page 6 Meridian Public School, District 48-0303 October, 2018

Go Mustangs!