Wakefield School News Volume 25 Issue 4 December 2017/January

2018

FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT STUDENT PERFORMANCE

Wakefield assessments 2016-17 The mission of the Nebraska State Board -“to lead and support the preparation of all Nebraskans for learning, earning, and living” - is causing the Nebraska Department of Education to switch testing standards. Our current NeSA assessments are systematically being replaced by the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS). The goal is to create a new set of baselines in Nebraska that “raises the bar” and increases learning expectations for student success. As a result, new examinations reflect “increased rigor.” The new NeSA- English Language Arts (ELA) tests for grades 3 – 8 ushers in new skill levels for students. Juniors last year took the national ACT exam as the new level of “College & Career Readiness.”

The new ELA test performance scores are now referenced as level 3, level 2 and level 1 for the testing in grades 3 – 8. A level 3 score demonstrates that students have not yet demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at their grade level, as specified in the assessed Nebraska College and Career Ready standards. Students receiving a level 2 performance demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at their grade level. This performance level provides evidence that the student will likely be ready for academic success at the next grade level. Level 1 learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at their grade level.

Levels in mathematics and science have not changed this year and are scored as “Below Standards” (scale score below 085), “Meets Standards” (scale scores between 085 – 134), and “Exceeds Standards” (scale scores of 135 – 200).

Juniors this last spring switched testing to the ACT, which measures their chances of success after high school taking freshman level courses in Nebraska’s postsecondary institutions. ACT-English Language Arts are “Developing” (scores of 17 or below), which means students at this level will likely need development courses in college; “On-Track” (scores of 18-19), which indicates first year students are likely to be successful in their first year related content courses at some Nebraska postsecondary institutions; and “Benchmark”(scores ranging between 20-36), indicating students are equipped to enroll and succeed at any Nebraska postsecondary institution and have at least a 50% chance of getting a B or higher or a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in a first year related (continued on

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course. The ACT Mathematics “Benchmark” score is 22-36, and the ACT Science scores are “Developing (18 and below), “On-Track” (19-22), and “Benchmark” (23-36).

Overall, examining Wakefield’s English Language Arts exams in grades 3 – 8 reflect a lower proficiency on the new test, which is expected. Examining grade level scores between our students verses the state score, third grade is performing below the state. Grades 4 – 6 reflect our students in levels 2 and 1 – above the state level of performance. Wakefield fifth graders scored at the 85th percentile in science while the state average was at the 71st percentile. Seventh grade students performed at the 82% while the state average was 47%. Eighth grade test results reveal that 84% of students performed at levels 1 and 2, compared to the state performance at 51%. Combined performances of students in mathematics scoring “meets or exceeds” was 59% compared to the state score of 69%. One hundred percent of students that have been in Wakefield for one or more years met or exceeded state standards. Eighth grade science scores reflect that 74% of all students were “meets or exceeds,” compared to the state performance at 68%. Fifty-six percent of our juniors who took the ACT exam as a measure for college readiness were “On-Track or at Benchmark” in English Language Arts. Junior mathematics performance reveals that 56% of students were “On-Track or at Benchmark,” compared to the state performing at 51%. The Science ACT assessment reveals that 50% of Wakefield students scored “On-Track or at Benchmark” compared to the state performing at 55%. We need to work on helping students master more science outcomes prior to taking the exam during their junior year. Most of our students have not completed their third year of science or in the recommended ACT course sequence.

Overall Wakefield Community School students continue to perform above the state in all tested areas. We can and

will continue to improve our performance in all areas through

curriculum alignment and improved learning of new standards.

Christmas break is upon us and I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Take time

to relax and enjoy quality family time.

I will see everyone back on January 4, 2018.

Mark Bejot, Superintendent

Principal’s Notes

Jason Heitz, 7-12 Principal

Students receive recognition At what has become an annual assembly before Thanksgiving break, students were recognized for showing improvement in MAP tests. Each class was recognized for a specific academic achievement (some examples: 100% of 8th graders improved the math scores; 86% of juniors are at/above grade level in math; 85% of freshmen are at/above grade level in reading). Also at this assembly, students were recognized for involvement in various activities. In addition to sports teams, organizations such as NHS, Student Council, FBLA, FCCLA, FFA, Speech, Art Club, and One-Act were recognized. The following students were recognized for having at least six A’s on their 1st quarter report card: Lindsey Al-Khafaji Alyana Beltran Tello Misty Beltran Tello Brandon Benningfield Alison Bird Dillon Borg Jessica Borg Rachel Borg Blake Brown Kassidy Brudigam Mynor Castaneda Benjamin Chase Breanna Chase Caleb Chase Jeremiah Chase Ella Conley Zoe Conley Mindy Demke Jamie Dolph Roxy Ekberg Mitchell Fischer Julieta Fregoso Abby Heimann Jackson Heitz Samuel Heitz

Zacheriah Hoagland

Cataleena Lortz Sahrai Luna Anna Lundahl MaKenna Mackling Vianney Marquez Kaleigh Mattes

Joyce McGuire Maddie Mogus Gabriel Peitz Solomon Peitz Emmalee Pommer Katelyn Pommer Blake Rapper Emma Rapper Payton Rusk Aileen Sanchez Antonio Sarmiento Olivia Scott Dazjah Tinsley Aishah Valenzuela Katie VanderVeen Cheyenne Waldman Jocelyn Weaver

Students challenged to go hours/days without cell phone During the week following Thanksgiving, 7-12 students were challenged to turn in their cell phones, and try to spend 24 or 48 hours (or more) without asking for their phone to be returned. Prizes were (or will be) awarded after students go at least 24 hours,

and a “larger” prize for 48 hours or more. Students were asked to answer a brief questionnaire before receiving their prize. I encourage you to try this at home. See what happens when the family “goes without” digital devices for a while. The results may be surprising!

Below is an article taken from “Tech Talk Tuesdays” on screenagersmovie.com Do you have a long car ride ahead for the holiday season or just looking for activities to do with your kids off screens? How about a podcast? I love podcasts and listen to them with my kids often because, as I’ve written about before, we have a rule in our family about not using cellphones in the car. Every time we hear a new one we learn something, and it sparks conversation and debate. Furthermore, as Stephanie Hayes writes in the Atlantic:

“The absence of images in podcasts seems to be a source of their creative potential. Without visuals, listeners are required to fill the gaps—and when these listeners are children, the results can be powerful. Numerous studies have found that children between the ages of seven and 13 respond more creatively to radio stories than to stories shown on television. Audio stories prompt kids to draw more novel pictures, think up more unique questions, and solve problems in a more imaginative way than TV tales.”

Here are my top 3 favorite podcasts to listen to with my family–along with a few titles of recent shows:

Freakonomics How Can I Do the Most Social Good With $100? Thinking Is Expensive. Who’s Supposed to Pay for It? Ted Radio Sam Kass: Can Free Breakfast Improve Learning? Wendy Troxel: Does High School Start Too Early?

Planet Money Episode 804: Your Cell Phone's A Snitch Episode 369: If Teens Ran the Fed Some other great ones are This American Life, Radiolab, and StoryCorps. A couple that I’ve heard are good for younger kids are Tumble and Brains On. For this week’s Tech Talk Tuesday let’s talk about podcasts. Here are some conversation starters:

• Do you ever listen to podcasts at school? If so, are there any you like? • What do you think of listening to something other than music in the car?

• If you were to do a podcast, what would it be about? For more discussion ideas, you can peruse past Tech Talk Tuesdays. If you are interested in seeing Screenagers, you can find event listings on our site and find out how to host a screening. Stay in touch with the Screenagers community on Facebook, Twitter and at www.screenagersmovie.com.

Miscellaneous Parent

Reminders

Ø Lunches: Students are not allowed to order food to be delivered to the school for lunch. Schools are not allowed to have “competition” with the school lunch program. Students ARE allowed to have food delivered BY A PARENT OR FAMILY MEMBER. Students may also bring their own food for lunch.

Ø Student Absences: Any time a student is absent for any reason (sick at home, doctor/dentist appointment, chiropractor, etc.) the school must hear from the parents. Parents can contact the school via phone call, email, or written (and signed) note. We do not want students simply coming to the office and telling us they have a doctor appointment. We have to receive “permission” from parents for them to be absent, even if it is only for part of a day.

Ø Lunch Accounts: If a family’s lunch account is low, students in grades 7-12 are not given notes to take home. Dawn Lubberstedt (high school secretary and lunch account manager) or Mr. Heitz give students verbal reminders (usually at lunch) if their account is below $5.00. Students are given/allowed a few days (with reminders each day) to bring lunch money. If an account gets too low, and the student/family has had several warnings, students may be served a “modified lunch” (peanut butter and jelly sandwich, fruit, milk). In addition, families should be receiving calls/texts, warning them of a low lunch balance. Please contact the school if you feel you are not receiving this notification.

Ø Free and Reduced Lunch Accounts: Families that qualify for free/reduced lunches are still required to pay for seconds at lunch (seconds cost 50 cents). Students are not allowed to charge for seconds…in other words, seconds are not allowed to go under $0.

Ø PowerSchool Family: Parents are reminded to click on “PowerSchool Family” located on the front page of the school website, to check your child’s grades. If you do not know how to access your account, please contact Sarah Rusk (sarahrusk@wakefieldschools.org) or Lori Harding (lharding@wakefieldschools.org) and you will receive guidance on how to check your account.

Ø Facebook: The school Facebook account is perhaps the best/easiest way to check for schedule changes and school calendar events. It is also a good place to check for “goings-on” at the school, via photos of student events. The school Facebook is titled “Wakefield Community School District.”

Ø Contact Info: Parents are encouraged to inform the school if phone numbers or any other contact information changes. You should be receiving calls, or texts, or emails with frequent reminders. If you are not receiving these calls, it may be due to the school having incorrect phone numbers.

The school and both gyms will be closed Dec. 23-27 The first day of the second semester is Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018

ONLINE PAYMENTS COMING SOON Wakefield Community Schools is pleased to have partnered with e~Funds for Schools! This program offers various options for parents/guardians to make payments online to the school for lunch, iPads, PE Uniforms and much more! Not only will you have the ability to have payments electronically withdrawn from your checking account or charged to your credit card, you also have the flexibility to make a payment at any time through the school's website.

You are in full control of your account and can make payments at any time that is convenient for you. No payments will be accepted without your knowledge and authorization. By providing your home or work e-mail address, an email notification informing you of the student's name, purpose of the payment and the amount of the item, will be sent to you each time that a payment is to be processed. The e~Funds for Schools site is secure and uses industry standard data encryption. The district does not request or keep records of family checking or credit card account information.

Note:Youwillnotneedtoperformregistrationinthefuture.Pleaserememberyourusernameandpassword.

Note: You will not need to perform registration in the future. Please remember your username and password.

CREATING A NEW ACCOUNT Before starting, be sure you have your Student's ID Number from school. 1. Visitthewww.wakefieldschools.org2. ClickonRegisterHere.3. Providerequestedinformation.4. ClickSignUp!5. UsetheStudentIDNumber,alongwithyourstudent'slastname.

Addmultiplestudentsatthistimeifyouhavemorethanonechild.ClickAdd.

6. Onceallstudentshavebeenadded,clickContinuetoAccountOverview.Youarenowreadytomakeapayment.

VIEW PAYMENT HISTORY 1. UnderPaymentOptions,click

ViewPaymentHistory.2. Yourpast30-dayhistorywillbe

displayed.3. Clickthedrop-downmenuonthe

righttoviewpaymentforyourcurrentorpreviousschoolyear.

PAYMENT METHOD SET UP

1. UnderPaymentOptions,clickMakeaPayment.

2. EnteryourCheckingAccountORCredit/DebitCardinformation.

3. ClickSave.4. ReturntoPayment.

SCHEDULE A ONE-TIME PAYMENT 1. UnderPaymentOptions,clickMakeaPayment.2. Selectthestudentyouwishtomakeapaymentfor.3. Enterthedollaramountyouwouldliketodeposit.4. Selectthedateinwhichyouwouldliketomakeyourpayment.5. ClickContinue.6. Verifyyourpaymentinformationiscorrectandacceptconvenience

fee(s).7. ClickSubmit.8. Printreceiptforyourrecords.

SCHEDULE RECURRING PAYMENTS 1. UnderPaymentOptions,clickScheduleaPre-AuthorizedPayment.2. Selectthestudentyouwishtomakeapaymentfor.3. Enterthedollaramountyouwouldliketodepositforeachstudent.4. Selectthedateinwhichyouwouldliketomakeyourpaymentand

repeatfrequency.5. ClickContinue.6. Verifyyourpaymentinformationiscorrectandacceptconvenience

fee(s).7. ClickSubmit.8. Printreceiptforyourrecords.

Parent Benefits • Makepaymentformultiple

studentsandactivitiesinoneeasytransaction.

• Eliminatetheneedforyourchildtocarrycashorcheckstoschool.

• Receiveemailnotificationsonallpaymentsmake.

• Onlineaccesstoadetailedpaymenthistoryofallyourtransactions.

• Establishrecurringtransactionsfortheultimateconvenience.

For more information or questions, please contact: Dawn or Becky at

402-287-2012 or at dlubberstedt@wakefieldschools.org or

bgothier@wakefieldschools.org.

FromthePrincipal’sPenJeradWulf,PK-6Principal

Setting goals There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. And

there’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them. The middle of the school year is a great time for families to check in with students on goals. Setting academic and personal goals help motivate, energize and focus students. Goal setting can be tedious, even intimidating, for some students. Parents can support students in this process by following these steps: pick it, map it, do it, own it and celebrate it. Pick it: Encourage your child to consider his or her dreams and passion and pick a goal that is meaningful to them. Map it: After your child picks a goal, help map the path from where he or she is now to where the child wants to be. Do it: Once you and your child have mapped a path to their goal, encourage him or her to take action, focus on the first step and give their best effort.

Own it: As your child makes progress towards their goal, help him or her to take responsibility for making it happen. Be sure to help your child keep a positive attitude and own mistakes as well as successes. Celebrate it: Acknowledgement and celebration are huge parts of achieving goals. Acknowledge every effort and celebrate your child’s mini-successes along the way to achieving their goal. Success is assured when students believe in themselves and their ability to achieve. Parents are key to helping them believe and succeed. Bobbi DePorter of Quantum Learning Network wrote this report to parents.

Family groups created During the 2017-2018 school year, teachers have been participating in a new initiative. All students in grades K-6 meet in multi-aged groups a few times a month to work on various skills including practicing pro-social behaviors. Students will have the same Family Group until they leave elementary school. At this point, Family Groups have created common expectations, created a handshake and have begun to practice various skills. The first skill that was introduced had to do with kindness and acceptance.

One book, one school The One Book, One School committee has decided on a book to read later this school year. All families will receive a copy of Pippi Longstockings. We will complete various activities during this book. The primary purpose is to get families reading at home.

By Lori Harding (lharding@wakefieldschools.org) 7-12 Guidance Counselor

Seniors busy as first semester draws to a close With the first semester coming to a close, students are keeping very busy with class work and winter activities. Seniors are busy visiting college campuses and working on scholarship applications. There are several things seniors should be doing to prepare for completing scholarships. Always keep in mind scholarship deadlines, update personal activity resumes, contact quality references, tailor essays to the requirements of each scholarship, and pay close attention to grammar, spelling, and neatness. Proofread, proofread, and proofread once again!!!

Seniors and their parents also need to be completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you do not think you will qualify for grants (money you do not have to pay back), all will qualify for low-interest government funded loans. The FAFSA form can be completed at any time now and I would suggest to have it completed before we come back from Christmas break. There are several seniors who have the process completed already! For help completing the FAFSA, contact EducationQuest at 888-357-6300. You can also contact the financial aid office of the college your senior plans on attending as most assist students and parents in completing the application. Once the FAFSA has been completed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR acknowledges that your FAFSA was received and gives your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) based on the application. College(s) who receive your FAFSA results typically won’t send you a financial aid package until you’ve applied and been accepted to the school. Always watch for verification requests. The college(s) you listed on your FAFSA might request verification of your FAFSA information. If so, send the required documents to the colleges’ financial aid office. Once the college has received all the documents requested, by late spring they will send you a financial aid award notification detailing the types and amounts of aid they are offering based on your financial need.

Looking ahead, all juniors will be taking the ACT test in April. More information regarding this will follow in the months ahead. Sophomores will be taking the Pre-Act test the last part of February. This will give them a

snap shot of what’s ahead for them and help them better prepare for the ACT. Our school has made John Baylor ACT test prep materials and tools available for all high school students. If students do not remember their log in

information, they should stop in my office throughout the school day and pick it up.

Please contact me anytime if you have any questions. Contact me by email (lharding@wakefieldschools.org) or phone (402-287-2012). IMPORTANT DATES TO MARK ON YOUR CALENDARS:

January 12 Last day to register for the February 10 ACT test February 1 Deadline to submit the Susan T. Buffet Scholarship application

Wishes for a blessed holiday season and happy New Year from the counselor’s office!