Jr. Sr. High School – Page 10 – Fairbury Public Schools

News From Our New Music Educator!

Hello! My name is Mr. Dusso and I will be taking over as the new 7-12 Music Teacher for FPS!!

Music Announcements!!

Band Camp for 9th-12th grade will be August 3rd-7th from 10:30 am-Noon.

SENIORS! Please arrive on Monday August 3rd at 10 am. We will be fitting for marching uniforms as well as getting ready for our first home pep band performance!

Please bring your own water bottles as we will be outside while practicing social distance procedures.

Crimson Elite Auditions will be after dismissal on Friday August 21st.

Please email Mr. Dusso for audition material.

rdusso@fairburyjeffs.org

I am very excited to meet you, and cannot wait to get started!

Important School Information!

Please listen to this Important Back to School information! School is almost here, and Fairbury Public Schools has been working hard to be ready to welcome students to the 2020-21 school year.

Important Message to Student Athletes

This waiver needs to be signed by student/athlete AND Parent BEFORE the student/athlete is allowed to take part in activities.

Activity Waiver Release

Reopening Fairbury Athletic Facilities During Covid-19 Pandemic

Background – On May 11th Governor Ricketts announced that beginning on June 1st, 2020, NSAA member schools are permitted to open weight rooms for voluntary strength and conditioning sessions.

In Response Executive Director of the NSAA, Jay Bellar, gave the following update:

Prioritizing the health and safety of all students and staff must remain the focus of each NSAA member school.

These requirements must be followed when conducting voluntary strength and conditioning sessions:

Maintain social distance by being 6 feet apart
Follow gathering guidelines of groups of 10 or less students
Groups of 10 or less must be pre-determined
Once groups determined, students may not switch from one group to another
Interaction between groups shall be avoided
Sessions can only include weightlifting, running, and exercises designed to promote physical fitness.
Sport-specific drills are not permitted, and sport-specific equipment may not be used.
Implement diligent and effective cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched objects and surfaces following the guidance of the CDC

It is the responsibility of each NSAA member school to comply with the above requirements.

Additionally, NSAA member school sponsored camps, clinics and open gyms are prohibited in any sport at this time.

Should the conditions warrant, these requirements will be adjusted.

Any further official updates will be posted on the NSAA website and the NSAA social media platforms.

Key points for Fairbury Public Schools:

1. All Activities

No access to school facilities outside of the allotted time for conditioning and weights.
Students can practice on their own, but not as a school-sponsored team.
No school coaching, uniforms, or financial help will be provided.
High school summer camps, summer leagues, clinics and open gyms are prohibited by the NSAA at this time

2. Workouts cannot be required- all optional/voluntary

Attendance can not help/hurt students standing within your individual program.

3. Disinfect and Sanitize

Clean all areas/equipment used. (Between sessions and after every use)
Spray, let set, then wipe down.

3. Social Distance

Maintain proper social distancing (6 – 10 ft.) between coaches/students at all times.
No more than 10 students and 1 coach at a time in a room. (weight room, gym, outdoor conditioning.)

4. Restroom

Access will be limited. Please use the restroom prior to coming to the school.

5.Drinking Fountains/Locker Rooms

Access will be limited to emergency only. Students are not to be wandering around the facility under any circumstances.
Students must bring their own water bottle, already filled. It must be removed every day as well.

6.Doors

Outside doors are to remain locked to limit the number of hands touching the handles. A coach assigned to that group must let student in and out of the building
Interior doors to remain propped open to limit the number of hands touching the handles.

7.Weight Room

Restricted hours of operation
Students will be required to clean equipment after each use. Disinfectant and paper towels will be provided to each student upon entry and leave upon exit. The entire facility will be disinfected by staff every day.
Optional/Voluntary – If students or parents do not feel comfortable coming to school, workouts will still be provided through email.
Groups and times will be predetermined. There is no switching times or groups during the session or at any time.
Outside doors remain locked. There will be a coach at the outside door to allow entrance to the group of 10.
Leave all extra personal items in the car. (phone, lanyards, etc.)
NO PUBLIC ACCESS
Fairbury Public Schools Staff have access during non student hours.

8.Other Health Measures

If the student is feeling sick or running a temperature, they must remain home.
Students and their families should follow self-quarantine guidelines if there is a suspicion of COVID 19 exposure.
Reporting of illness or possible COVID 19 exposure is critical. It is expected that any athlete with potential exposure will notify their coach as soon as possible.
Evidence of any outbreak of disease among staff, students, or any student’s relatives with whom they are living, or visit frequently, will prompt the Fairbury Public Schools administration to promptly close the facilities.
Each site shall identify a room for separation of the student that appears to be ill or may have developed flu-like symptoms while in our care. Students will have someone with them at all times and parents will be contacted immediately if concerns arise about the health of any children.

9.Communicate!!!

If a student cannot make their training session, they need to contact their specific programs Head Coach or their Group Coach.
Each student should know their Head Coach and Group Coach phone number and or email address.

ddavis@fairburyjeffs.org 402-616-2337

Weight Room Schedule Starting on Monday, June 1st, 2020. (9-12 grades to start)

Boys Sessions –> Mon -Thursday 6 am and 7 am
Girls Sessions -> Mon-Wed-Thurs Time TBD based on sessions needed.
At home sessions -> For those people that are uncomfortable or at risk we are developing a set of workout to do from home.
Boys will need to contact Coach Garfield or Coach Steinhoff.
Girls will need to contact Coach Evans or Coach Engle-Evans.

OFF LIMITS ON WEEKENDS AND TO ALL OUTSIDE PARTIES INCLUDING ALUMNI

Milestones!

Hard to believe the end of the year has arrived! We have a number of staff who have reached milestones with the district!
This year our CHANCE program and Trina Pettit designed and made our images for a special Milestone gift!! Thank You!!
We also have 3 retirements: Kristi Peterson, Brenda Beachler & Donna Shultz we wish them the very best for their future endeavors!
Please take a couple of moments and view this slideshow that Jill Davis put together! Enjoy your summer!!

Emily Winter Receives Jeffs’ Best Award!

The Jeffs’ Best Award was created by the Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education to highlight and celebrate the great work of our staff.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Dr. Emily Winter, Jr.High science teacher, as the May recipient of the Jeffs’ Best Award!

Some of the comments made were: “Emily is such a creative teacher and does an outstanding job of connecting with the kids. She sends them notes in the mail (everyone likes to get that kind of mail), and does so many fun activities in the classroom with them.”

“Emily has helped other teachers and myself with our distance learning. She takes time out of her day to help some of us older, not as technology oriented teachers. I have appreciated her guidance and I know others have as well. She does not just send a link for an idea, but she follows up with step by step instructions and questions. She is a true educator who goes the extra distance to see that others succeed. She finds pleasure in helping others be their best!”

“When we were in school, Emily took her job of ASI supervision seriously. She would sit with kids and encourage/guide them to do their assignments. I could always count on getting assignments from students who were assigned ASI due to Emily’s presence in there.”

“I have often thought that it would be fun to just spend a day in her classroom and watch her interact with, teach, and love the students. I encourage any board member to do that once we are back in school. You will be amazed!”

“Emily is our spark at FHS! She is constantly thinking of ways to help students. I appreciate all of her efforts for the Holiday Shop – that was her idea. It was fun to see the students be able to get gifts for their families – they loved it. Emily recently received her doctorate degree – this shows her drive for education. She is looking for creative ways to deliver instruction to her classes and will often share websites/ideas with other teachers if she thinks it might help their instruction. I appreciate her positivity, energy and creativity!”

“Emily is always pushing for students to have the best education through hands on opportunities. Emily has gone above and beyond to support students at the High School, Jefferson AND Central. Emily is constantly supplying teachers with fun materials to do with their students – which is super helpful for planning! Emily is always SUPER supportive of the after school program as well! She is a great teacher and supporter!”

Emily will receive a $25 gift certificate and will be eligible for a drawing for a $100 prize later in May! As always, we want to thank everyone for their nominations!

Kristi Peterson Receives Jeffs’ Best Award!

The Jeffs’ Best Award was created by the Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education to highlight and celebrate the great work of our staff.

On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Mrs. Kristi Peterson, Jr.High math teacher, as the April recipient of the Jeffs’ Best Award!

Some of the comments made were: “In addition to Kristi’s years of service to the district, I can specifically speak the caliber of Kristi’s influence as a teacher in the year I’ve
been here. Kristi and I have had several conversations about student expectations, and she’s given me some great ideas on how to help meeting the specific needs to students in this district. It’s clear she knows the students well and is invested in helping them achieve their potential. Kristi works tirelessly with students before school, after school, and during Hammer Time to ensure students are held accountable and given every opportunity to learn. This is a tedious and tiresome task and she does it with incredible resolve.
In previous schools, I have worked closely with teachers on the verge of retirement so I’m familiar with how some choose to spend their last few years in a district. If you have a conversation with Kristi, witness her interactions with students, or step foot in her
classroom, you would never know Kristi is retiring this year. She is just a dedicated, innovative, and passion filled as teachers in the early years of their careers. I know I don’t have years of experience in this district, but I feel that provides with me a unique perspective. Fairbury Public Schools is blessed beyond measure to have a teacher like Kristi Peterson and her absence will be felt among students and staff alike. I think it would be fantastic if we could recognize her service.”

“Kristi really does represent what a Jeff truly is. She is compassionate, hard working, and always willing to put students first. Kristi is one of the BEST coaches I have ever been around as her organization, relationships with athletes, and passion for success are truly
second to none. As a teacher, she is always quick to help any student out even if that means giving up some of her own time. Kristi has given countless years coaching, teaching, mentoring others, supporting, and helping our district be the best that it could possible be. I am truly thankful to know Kristi and take every chance I get to absorb all the knowledge I can from her. She is one of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know and one of the best Jeffs around!!!”

Kristi will receive a $25 gift certificate and will be eligible for a drawing for a $100 prize in May! As always, we want to thank everyone for their nominations! The BOE will make a new selection prior to the May meeting.

Anyone in Jeffland is invited to nominate any Fairbury Public Schools Employee by filling out the form below:

http://bit.ly/2DPRwG1

School Closure

Message From Stephen Grizzle, Superintendent of Fairbury Public Schools –

Last night, around 9:00 pm, Gov. Ricketts made the declaration that schools must remain closed to regular operations and continue their alternate learning methods until the end of this school year. Officially, our region is not under the Direct Health Measures declaration that 56 Nebraska counties are under.

This is a precautionary public health measure; local health and school officials are monitoring the COVID-19 situation in Southeast Nebraska closely. We will continue our district’s plan for learning for this school year. Tomorrow morning, Friday, I, along with our High School counselor, Mrs. Biehl and our HS Principal, Mr. Anderson are meeting with the senior class. We will be covering several topics important to their Graduating Class of 2020. I am confident, together, we will be able to develop creative strategies to give them the sendoff and celebration they so richly deserve!

Thank you for your partnership and commitment to keeping our students and our community as safe as possible. I appreciate your patience and understanding. I have the utmost concern for your child and our community at heart. Thank you and have a great day!

Stephen L. Grizzle, Superintendent
Fairbury Public Schools
“It’s a GREAT day to be a Jeff!”

EDUCATORS ANNOUNCE NEBRASKA STRONG LEARNING LAB

March 18, 2020 – The Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA) today announced it will offer educational programming for elementary and secondary students that will be available free to all Nebraska children beginning Monday, March 23. NSEA is partnering with News Channel Nebraska and Lincoln Public Schools on the project, with financial support from the National Education Association.

NSEA President Jenni Benson said four hours of daily live programming will be available through nearly every video and cable TV service, as well as online or via mobile app from Flood Communications News Channel Nebraska.

“Our 28,000 members care deeply about their students and want them to continue their learning during these school closures,” said Benson. “We are pleased to partner with News Channel Nebraska and Lincoln Public Schools to make this educational programming available statewide.”

Many Nebraska schools are closed due to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. More school districts are expected to close in the coming weeks.

“During this time of unprecedented challenge to maintain educational continuity for the students of our city and state, I am most appreciative of the leadership of NSEA to organize a delivery system that will reach many of our students,” said Dr. Steve Joel, Lincoln Public Schools superintendent.

“We are working with our members to coordinate this educational programming,” said Maddie Fennell, NSEA executive director. “From read alouds to learning games to instructional lessons with teachers, we will work to support our students and their families as we navigate this pandemic together.”

Benson said that educational programming for elementary students will air from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and for secondary students from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“And, because we know every family’s schedule is different, all the live content our members create and provide will be captured and available for on-demand playback at any time,” said Benson.

“The NSEA represents the teachers who change lives everyday throughout Nebraska. During this difficult time, thanks to the NSEA, children can continue learning and their parents will see firsthand some of the magic that happens in our classrooms every day,” said Andy Ruback, CEO Flood Communications/News Channel Nebraska.

There are multiple ways to watch this new educational programming. Families can live stream NCN at www.newschannelnebraska.com, download the NCN app on any mobile device, or access the programming through their local cable provider, NCN on Amazon Fire, Apple TV, and Roku apps. Those living in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Beatrice, Norfolk, Columbus and South Sioux City can also use an over-the-air antenna to access the live presentations. NCN will share the programming with its 300,000 social followers.

The programs will also be available on-demand through NSEA’s website at nsea.org and NSEA will provide an online forum for questions and supplemental educational resources.