Newsletter - McCook Public Schools

Volume 6, Issue 6
FEBRUARY 2014
Senior High Administration
Mr. Jerry Smith -Principal
308-344-4400 ext. 1
Mr. Jeff Gross - Assistant Principal
Newsletter
McCook Senior High
Mr. Darin Nichols –Activities Director/Assistant Principal
High School’s Most Used
Phone Numbers:
Main Office
308-344-4400 ext. 1
Fax: 308-345-5477
Activities Director
308-344-4400 ext. 7
Superintendent’s Office
308-344-4400 ext. 5
www.mccookbison.org
600 West 7th Street
McCook, NE 69001
MHS National Honor
Society invites
the Community to a
Sweetheart DANCE
Friday, Feb. 27th
7:00 - 9:00pm
Admission–
Free will Donation
(proceeds benefit NHS)
Come in your BOOGIE
wear and show off the
dance moves that you
learned!
CONGRATULATIONS to the
Freshmen Band Students!
Mrs. Priebe would like to recognize
Seth Griger-Alto Sax
Abby Johnson-Clarinet
Ethan Wilcox-Tuba
for being selected to Kearney’s Honor
Bands. They participated January 19th
with the Kearney Freshman/Sophomore
Honor Bands and were part of the 45
schools that were represented. Students
gathered at the high school and the
Merryman Center where they rehearsed
all day with directors from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and put on
a concert at 6 pm that night. We are
proud of you, Seth, Abby, and Ethan!
Inside this issue:
MHS Activities
2
Organizations and Yearbook
3
Guidance Counselor Dept.
4
ACT Schedule / MEF Scholarships
5
Attn Parents / Letter from SRO
6
Mini Dance Camp
7
Flu Information
8
School Board Meeting:
Mon., February 9th
At 6:30pm
In the Jr. High Conference Room.
Everyone is welcome to attend!
President’s Day
- February 16th
MHS Activities
FEBRUARY Activities/Sports Schedule
4th -
2:00pm Dismissal (Teacher in Service)
FFA -District State Degree Review
* Times/Dates are subject to change.
5th - 9/10 G/B Basketball @ Chase County, 4:00/5:15pm MT
6th -
Dive/Swim vs. Hastings/ North Platte, 4:00pm
JV/V Girls Basketball @ Ogallala, 4:00/6:00pm MT
JV/V Boys Basketball @ Ogallala, 4:00/7:45pm MT
7th - Dive/Swim Invite @ UNK, 10:00am
Wrestling - GNAC @ Columbus, 10:00am
JV Wrestling @ Southwest Invite, 10:00am
Speech Meet @ Gothenburg
9th - JV Wrestling @ GI Northwest Invite, 4:00pm
SO G/B Basketball @ North Platte, 5:30/7:00pm
10th - FR G/B Basketball vs. Hershey, 4:00/5:30pm
11th - 2:00pm Dismissal (Teacher in Service)
FFA -CDE @ Curtis
12th - E/W Shoot Out:
JV/V Girls Basketball @ Gering, 5:30/7:00pm MT
JV/V Boys Basketball vs. Gering, 5:30/7:00pm
13th - NO SCHOOL -Winter Break
Wrestling - Districts @ Chadron, TBA
Diving -GNAC @ Columbus, 4:00pm
E/W Shoot Out:
JV/V Girls Basketball @ Alliance, 5:30/7:00pm MT
JV/V Boys Basketball vs. Alliance, 5:30/7:00pm
14th - Wrestling - Districts @ Chadron, TBA
Swimming –GNAC @ Columbus, 11:00am
Speech Meet @ North Platte
E/W Shoot Out:
JV/V Girls Basketball @ Scottsbluff, 11:00a/12:30p MT
JV/V Boys Basketball vs. Scottsbluff, 11:00a/12:30p
18th - 2:00pm Dismissal (Teacher in Service)
20th - JV/V Girls Basketball @ GI Northwest, 4:15/6:00pm
JV/V Boys Basketball @ GI Northwest, 4:15/7:30pm
21st - Speech Meet @ Ogallala
JV/V Boys Basketball vs. Cozad, 6:00/7:30pm
District/State Tournaments
Swimming
State -Feb. 26-27 @ Lincoln
Wrestling
Districts -Feb. 13-14 @ Chadron
State - Feb. 19-21 @ Omaha
State Duals - Mar. 1 @ Kearney
Girls Basketball
Districts - Feb. 24, 26, 27
@ MCC Event Center, McCook
State -Mar. 5-7 @ Lincoln
Boys Basketball
Districts -Feb. 28, Mar. 2-3
@ MCC Event Center, McCook
State -March 12-14 @ Lincoln
24th - Girls Basketball - Districts @ MCC Event Center
25th - 2:00pm Dismissal (Teacher in Service)
26th - GIRLS Basketball - Districts @ MCC Event Center
27th - GIRLS Basketball - Districts @ MCC Event Center
FFA -MFE/ALD Conference in Kearney
28th - BOYS Basketball - Districts @ MCC Event Center
FFA -MFE/ALD Conference in Kearney
M C C O O K S E N I O R H I G H NE W S L E T T E R
Organizations -News & Announcements
Art Club Sponsor– Mr. Clapp
Meets the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month during the lunch hour.
Class Sponsors - 2015 - Mr. May & Mr. Gleason
2016 - Mrs. Desautels & Mrs. Janes
2017 - Mrs. Applegarth & Mr. Umscheid
2018 - Mr. Vetrovsky & Mrs. Carpenter
Computer Club - Sponsor: Mr. Smock
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- Sponsors: Mr. Ramsay & Mrs. Janes
The Family Resource Center
is having a
CLOTHING GIVEAWAY
Of sizes Newborn
to young adult
Future Farmers of America (FFA) - Sponsor: Mr. Cooper
February 2nd & 3rd
4th - District State Degree Review in LIFT gym
11th - CDE Day #2 @ NCTA, Curtis
17th - Meeting in Ag Room, 7:00am
21-27th - FFA Week
27-28th - MFE/ALD Conference @ Kearney
1010 East 6th St.
Math Club
-Sponsors: Mrs. Jones & Mrs. Applegarth
National Honor Society - Miss. Henrichs & Mrs. Wolford
9:00am - 4:00pm
Their clothing racks are
overflowing, so please come
help yourself!
Some exclusions apply!
NORE Science Club –Sponsor: Mrs. Jones
Robotics Club - Sponsor: Mr. Sughroue
Student Council - Mrs. Blume
Yearbook Department
Senior portraits - Please get them in ASAP by dropping it off at front office, by mail, or you can
have your photographer email them to Mrs. Harris at [email protected]. We still are
missing some! If we don’t receive your senior picture by March 31st, we will be using your
school picture taken this past August.
Senior Parents -If you would like to purchase a Senior Tribute Ad in the 2014-15 yearbook, we
still have room. The new deadline for these is March 1st. Act fast, as the pages are filling up
quickly! Senior Ads are a great way to give your special senior personalized recognition that will
be cherished in their senior yearbook for years to come.
Pricing is as follows: Full page = $150, Half page = $100, 1/4 page = $60, and 1/8 page = $35.
Contact the journalism department for more information.
ALL STUDENTS: If you have pictures of school events, or even of you and your friends, that
you’d like to possibly see in the yearbook, share them with us on RePLayIt. Go to replayit.com
*Find our school *Register with Facebook or create a ReplayIt account *Password: mhsbison
You can also message a yearbook staff member on Facebook, text, etc. and share pictures with
us that way too! Our yearbook staff is busy taking tons of pictures, but we can't be everywhere
all the time, so if you have some photos, we would love to see them!
Don't forget to order your 2014 –15 MHS Yearbook!
Page 3
M C C O O K S E N I O R H I G H NE W S L E T T E R
Guidance Counselor Department
1. Get Your PIN Now!
Most FAFSA’s are completed online. In order to “sign” your online application, the student AND
one parent will need a PIN (Personal Identification Number). Apply for your PIN today at:
www.pin.ed.gov. Keep this number is a safe place as you can use it every year.
2. FAFSA Completion Days!
Need help completing the FAFSA for next year? MHS will once again be sponsoring an expert in
FAFSA’s from Education Quest to come to our campus and help parents fill out their FAFSA. Please
call Education Quest as soon as possible at 1-800-666 3721 and set up your appointment. You will
need to bring your tax information and your PIN numbers along to the appointment. Next month
we will have a list of what information specifically you will need to bring. We have scheduled
two days for this event, Tuesday February 17 and Wednesday February 18.
3. Items Needed for Your FAFSA!
Complete your 2014 taxes early as the FAFSA requires current tax information.
Gather these student and parent items:
-1 (Form 1065)
-2 forms
retirement accounts
on and operate.)
-citizens
4. Health Careers Days!
Community Hospital of McCook will again be sponsoring their Health Careers Days on Monday
February 23 and Tuesday February 24. Students who are interested in a possible career in the Health
industry should plan on attending one of these days. The day is comprised of hands-on demonstration
from each of the areas contained in the hospital. The student gets to choose their 3 areas of interest.
Applications will be available in the office at MHS
February Calendar!
Sunday February 1
Saturday February 7
Friday February 13
Tuesday February 17
Weds. February 18
Weds. February 18
Monday February 23
Tuesday February 24
Susan Buffett scholarship deadline
ACT test
No classes – Winter Break
FAFSA Completion Day at MHS, 9:30 to 5:00
FAFSA Completion Day at MHS, 8:00 to 5:00
Inter-High Scholastic Contest at NPCC
Health Career Days at Community Hospital
Health Career Days at Community Hospital
Guidance Counselor Department
ACT Test Schedule!
ACT information (including the school code 281455) is available in the Guidance Office. Actual registration must be done online at online at www.actstudent.org.
Test Date
Registration Deadline
Late Registration *
April 18, 2015
March 13, 2015
March 27, 2015
June 13, 2015
May 8, 2015
May 22, 2015
regular fee = $38.00
* requires an extra fee of $24
$54.50 with the Writing Test
The McCook Educational Foundation Inc. sponsors the following scholarships:
♦McCook Educational Foundation Scholarship ($250) To any school of higher education.
♦Phillip M. Johnston Scholarship in memory of the former teacher and principal. ($250) To any school of
higher education.
♦Myrtle Ashton Scholarship in memory of a former English teacher. ($100) For an English related student to any school of higher education.
♦Albert Cuellar Scholarship to McCook Community College. ($350+) Established by the Class of 1956.
♦The Strunk Scholarship ($1,000) to any college or university.
♦The Douglass Scholarship for an architectural student to UNL in memory of Harry and Irma Douglass.
($500)
♦Leo and William Kelly Scholarship for a music student in memory of former McCook band instructors.
($250) Chosen by Band Instructor, to any school of higher education.
♦Joyce Biedeck Scholarship in memory of a former teacher. ($500) For a Business or Education student
to any school of higher education.
♦The Cuellar Scholarship for Hispanic students in memory of Macedonio (Mike) and Tranquilina
(Mary) Luevano Cuellar. ($300+) to any school of higher education.
♦The Dan Wallen Scholarship in memory of Dan Wallen, an area farmer. ($500) For an agricultural or
agri-business student.
♦The Craig Allerheigen Scholarship
♦Class of 2010 Scholarship ($500)
♦The Jack, Sharon and Dawn Lytle Scholarship (2 for $2,500 each) Call for restrictions.
For application forms, see your school counselor or call Al Cuellar 345-2393 or [email protected].
All applications are due April 15th.
It is the mission of McCook Public Schools’ community to equip all students to succeed in a complex global society.
This mission is based on the following beliefs about how students learn and what they must know to be responsible and
contributing citizens in a global society. Students, school, home and community share the responsibility for education.
All students can learn. Learning is a lifelong process. High expectations promote success and challenge all students.
Everyone is entitled to a safe and caring school environment. Learning opportunities exist beyond the classroom environment. Learning is promoted by the respect of self and others.
VOLUME 6, ISSUE 6
Attention Parents!
Are you a Nebraska parent of a child with special needs? Does your child have an IFSP or an IEP?
Then we have a conference for you!!
The Nebraska Department of Education will be hosting a “Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP)” conference on
March 19th -21st at the Younes Conference Center of Kearney, NE. There is NO Registration fee. Lodging
and most meals will be provided.
The purpose of PEP is to bring parents of children with disabilities together in an accepting and confidential
environment, giving them the opportunity to share ideas, feelings and common concerns, and to obtain information on parenting and educating a child with a disability. A major objective of the weekend is to help
parents realize that each is doing the best he/she can do at this time. By the end of the conference, parents
will go home with a renewed energy, spirit, hope and desire to work closely with professionals who serve
their child so that every child can experience the fullest in life.
This conference is open to all Nebraska parents who are raising a child with a verified disability. The child
with the disability must have either an active IFSP or IEP. Enrollment is limited to 110 participants and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
To register, go to this link for the registration brochure:
http://www.education.ne.gov/sped/index/2015_PEP_brochure.pdf
Or call Gina Roth at the Nebraska Department of Education, Special Education Office
402-471-2471 (Voice/TDD).
A Friendly Message from the School Resource Officer
I just want to send out a reminder to the students on a few items that have been brought to my attention throughout this
school year. First, if you are driving on a school permit, that permit is to be used ONLY driving to and from school or
school functions. It is not to be used to drive at lunch time around town. Although we have an open campus, if you have
a school permit, you are not allowed to drive during this time. Also, with this school permit, you are only allowed to
have your siblings with you and take the shortest, DIRECT route to and from your house and or school event. If caught
driving on a school permit, it could jeopardize your chances of getting your driver’s license! No one wants to chance
this, right?!
Also, I have mentioned this before but it is worth mentioning again. The last four stalls at the North end of West 7th
St. between the High School and the Junior High are not parking stalls. Please understand that when you park your
vehicles there it makes it extremely dangerous for the person leaving the street between the Jr./Sr. High Schools to see
oncoming traffic and kids crossing the streets. For the first semester, I was giving out warnings; having Mrs. Einspahr
and Mrs. Brodersen tell the students that would park there they needed to move the vehicles and to let them know if they
parked there again, they would be issued a citation. Some complied, some didn’t, and those who chose not to comply
were issued parking citations.
Please understand that I have tried to work with each one of you to keep you safe while at school. Each day when there
are vehicles parked in these stalls, it is a time consuming task that takes up a number of people’s time. Not only does the
process utilize my time, but it takes up the time of the dispatch office that has to run the license plate to see who the registered owner of the vehicle belongs to. The office staff that has to contact the student to move the vehicle, their time is
also taken up, having to see what class the student is in to contact them. And last, the time of the student, who would
then have to move the vehicle. If we could please refrain from parking there in the first place, all this unnecessary
wasted time could be avoided for all parties involved.
Starting now, any vehicle that is seen parked in these last four spaces, will be issued a parking citation. I believe by the
second semester of school, you should all know where you need to be parking. There are plenty of parking spots around
the school, so please take advantage of these spots.
Last thing, remember to be safe. Remember the speed limit around the school is 20 miles per hour and to always buckle
up.
I have enjoyed being your Resource Officer this year so far and look forward to the rest of the year! Stay Safe!
Officer Ashley Donovan, #15 McCook Police Department
McCook Mini Dance Camp
The McCook High School Dance Team
invites all interested girls in
grades Kindergarten - 5th grade.
When: Day 1 - Tues., Feb. 17th, 4:00pm to 5:30pm
Day 2 - Thurs., Feb. 19th, 4:00pm to 5:30 pm
Day 3 - Fri., Feb. 20th, 4:00pm to 5:30 pm
Day 4 - Sat., Feb. 21st, 7:15pm to end of halftime
The girls will perform their dance at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game,
which is scheduled to start at 7:30pm.
*Please eat supper before you come on Saturday!
*Parents will have to pay to get into the game.
Where: Thursday & Friday at MJH School Cafeteria
(Please enter through the south doors under the overhang.)
Saturday at the High School Auditorium
Cost:
$15 per camper (T-shirt and camp included)
Please make checks payable to McCook High School
* Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes to practice.
* T-shirts will be handed out Friday at camp. Girls can wear black leggings, skirts, or shorts
for the performance.
You can find a form at the McCook Elementary, Central Elementary, St. Patrick’s or McCook High School
offices and have them turned in with money
by Monday, February 16th!
If you have any questions regarding the camp, please
feel free to contact:
Donita Priebe at 308-345-5422
(McCook Senior High).
conditions, chronic lung disease, heart disease, blood
disorders, endocrine disorders (such as diabetes), kidney,
liver, and metabolic disorders, and weakened immune
systems due to disease or medication. Children with these
conditions and children who are receiving long-term
aspirin therapy can have more severe illness from the flu.
How does the flu spread?
Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by
droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze
or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of
people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get the
flu by touching something that has flu virus on it and then
touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.
The
Flu:
A Guide For Parents
FLU INFORMATION
What is the flu?
Influenza (the flu) is an infection of the nose, throat,
and lungs caused by influenza viruses. There are
many different influenza viruses that are constantly
changing. They cause illness, hospital stays and
deaths in the United States each year.
The flu can be very dangerous for children. Each year
about 20,000 children younger than 5 years old are
hospitalized from flu complications, like pneumonia.
How serious is the flu?
Flu illness can vary from mild to severe. While the flu
can be serious even in people who are otherwise healthy,
it can be especially dangerous for young children and
children of any age who have certain long term health
conditions, including asthma (even mild or controlled),
neurological and neurodevelopmental
What are the symptoms of the flu?
Symptoms of the flu can include fever, cough, sore throat,
runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue
and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. Some people with
the flu will not have a fever.
How long can a sick person spread
the flu to others?
People with the flu may be able to infect others
by shedding virus from 1 day before getting sick to 5 to 7
days after. However, children and people with weakened
immune systems can shed virus for longer, and might be
still contagious past 5 to 7 days of being sick,
especially if they still have symptoms.
PROTECT YOUR CHILD
How can I protect
my child against the flu?
To protect against the flu, the first and most important
thing you can do is to get a flu vaccine for yourself and
your child.

Vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months
and older.

It’s especially important that young children and
children with long term health conditions get vaccinated.
(See list of conditions under “How Serious is the Flu?”)

Caregivers of children with health conditions or of
children younger than 6 months old should get
vaccinated. (Babies younger than 6 months are too
young to be vaccinated themselves.)

Another way to protect babies is to vaccinate pregnant
women because research shows that this gives some
protection to the baby both while the woman is
pregnant and for a few months after the baby is born.
A new flu vaccine is made each year to protect against
the flu viruses that research indicates are most likely to
cause illness during the next flu season. Flu vaccines are
made using strict safety and production measures. Over
the years, millions of flu vaccines have been given in the
United States with a very good safety record.
Is there a medicine to treat the flu?
Antiviral drugs can treat flu illness. They can make people
feel better and get better sooner and may prevent serious
flu complications, like pneumonia, for example, that can
lead to hospitalization and even death. These drugs are
different from antibiotics, but they also need to be prescribed by a doctor. They work best when started during
the first 2 days of illness. It’s very important that antiviral
drugs be used early to treat the flu in people who are very
sick (for example people who are in the hospital) or people who are at greater risk of having serious flu complications. Other people with flu illness may also benefit from
taking antiviral drugs. These drugs can be given to children
and pregnant women.
What are some of the other ways
I can protect my child against the flu?
In addition to getting vaccinated, take – and encourage
your child to take – everyday steps that can help prevent
the spread of germs.
This includes:

Stay away from people who are sick.

If your child is sick with flu-like illness, try to keep him or
her in a separate room from others in the household,
if possible.

CDC recommends that your sick child stay home for at
least 24 hours after his or her fever is gone except to get
medical care or for other necessities. The fever should
be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. Throw the
tissue in the trash after it has been used.

Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and
water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs
spread this way.

Keep surfaces like bedside tables, surfaces in the
bathroom, kitchen counters and toys for children clean
by wiping them down with a household disinfectant
according to directions on the product label.
These everyday steps are
a good way to reduce
your chances
of getting all sorts of
illnesses, but a yearly
flu vaccine is always the
best way to specifically
prevent the flu.
IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK
What can I do if my child gets sick?
Talk to your doctor early if you are worried about
your child’s illness.
If your child is 5 years and older and does not have other
health problems and gets flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, consult your doctor as needed and make
sure your child gets plenty of rest and drinks enough fluids.
If your child is younger than 5 years (and especially younger
than 2 years) or of any age with a long term health condition (like asthma, a neurological condition, or diabetes, for
example) and develops flu-like symptoms, they are at risk
for serious complications from the flu. Ask a doctor if your
child should be examined.
What if my child seems very sick?
Even children who have always been healthy
before or had the flu before can get very sick
from the flu.
Call for emergency care or take your child to a doctor
right away if your child of any age has any of the
warning or emergency signs below:

Fast breathing or trouble breathing

Bluish or gray skin color

Not drinking enough fluids
(not going to the bathroom or not making
as much urine as they normally do)

Severe or persistent vomiting

Not waking up or not interacting

Being so irritable that the child
does not want to be held

Flu-like symptoms improve but then
return with fever and worse cough

Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease,
diabetes,or asthma) and develops flu symptoms,
including a fever and/or cough.
Can my child go to school, day care or camp
if he or she is sick?
No. Your child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving
the flu to other children or caregivers.
When can my child go back to school
after having the flu?
Keep your child home from school, day care or camp for
at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. (Fever should
be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
A fever is defined as 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
For more information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu or www.flu.gov or call 800-CDC-INFO
MAY 2013 | CS239139-A

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