HHS NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2020 Holdrege High School PO Box 2002 Holdrege, NE 68949 www.thedusters.org

January 4, 2020 Dear Students and Parents,

This is a reprint of a message I have printed the last couple years:

How do you define success? The motto we put on our letterhead reads “Empowering All Students for Success” and no one would argue that there is a problem with that idea, yet it’s hard to describe exactly what it looks like. We have over 300 students in the building at HHS each year, and each individual has his or her own unique challenges to overcome. Some struggle with particular academic subjects. Some struggle with over-scheduled days. Some have significant health problems. Some come from unstable homes. Some have given up on themselves and on their future. Regardless of what each individual student faces, we want to help them find “success” while at HHS.

We face challenges from forces outside school to define success as a number, but at Holdrege High School, we will fight the idea that a test or a number or a percentage can convey the complete idea of success. I know that flies in the face of how our world operates now. We are bombarded with the idea that everything is black or white / right or wrong / success or failure. There may be times that applies, be it is not appropriate for the process of helping young people grow into responsible, caring adults who will someday make the decisions about how our society functions. When we try to manipulate complex ideas into simple, easy to digest numbers, we lose something. We lose the ability to truly understand the “why” of current issues and therefore lose the ability to impact them in any meaningful way. How can it be reasonable for us to say that “success” for a student is a particular score on a test, when that particular student may be overcoming any number of staggering obstacles simply to stay in school?

Our measure for success is defined each and every day by individual students. The obstacles they overcome to achieve academic, psychological, emotional and social growth are where we should focus. With each student, the paths are different, so success has to be defined on an independent level. I am not arguing that measurement is irrelevant or that we should not use tests and data to help guide our decisions. What I do take issue with is that fact that people who don’t know our kids and our situations think they have the power to define success for individual lives. We are all different and we all have our own goals. That concept needs to be at the forefront of any discussion about education in America today.

Sincerely, Robert Drews, Principal Holdrege High School IMPORTANT DATES AND TIMES: January 1-6 - NO SCHOOL January 6 - NO SCHOOL – Teacher Inservice January 7 - School Resumes for 2 nd Semester

HHS Students Earn One Act Outstanding Acting Awards

for 2019 Season

Congratulations to the following actors who received awards this season.

Holdrege One Act Festival (11/19/19): Braden Anderson, Tehya Cuypers, Eli Dutcher

Conference One Act Competition in Crete (12/2/19): Braden Anderson, Reagan Boyken, Eli Dutcher, Carly Janssen, Camryn Potter, Ella Roach

Districts in Minden (12/6/19): Braden Anderson, Tehya Cuypers, Maggie deFreee, Eli Dutcher, McCartney Elliott, Delaney Ham, Wyatt Hornaman, Karley Hudson, Carly Janssen, Ryan Melroy, Carter Newth, Camryn Potter, Natalie Reed, Ella Roach, Lauren Titus, Ethan Twohig, Angela Villegas

(1st Row -C.Janssen, A.Villegas, M.Elliott, C.Potter, M.deFreese, K.Hudson / 2nd Row - L.Titus, N.Reed, E.Roach, R.Boyken, D.Ham, R.Melroy / 3rd Row - E.Dutcher, C.Newth, W.Hornaman, B.Anderson, E.Twohig, T.Cuypers)

HOLDEGE FFA ALUMNI to HOST BEEF BARBECUE JAN 10

The Holdrege FFA Support Group will be sponsoring a Beef Barbeque on Thursday, January 10th during the Broken Bow vs. Holdrege Basketball games in the High School Cafeteria. The group will be serving Beef Barbecue meals from 5:00 pm until after the start of the boy’s varsity basketball game. The meal will include a generous BBQ beef sandwich, beans, chips and a drink for $6. Supported by Bergman Pioneer Seed, Wells Flying Service and other local sponsors, proceeds from the event will go towards the Holdrege FFA Alumni Support Group, who provide support for the members of the Holdrege FFA Chapter and the Agricultural Education Program. Anyone interested in joining the Holdrege FFA Support Group can contact Jeff Moore, Agricultural Education Instructor at Holdrege High School. For further information contact Holdrege FFA Advisor, Jeff Moore at Holdrege High School, ph. 308-995-6558 ext. 229 or jeff.moore@dusters.org .

GRADING INFORMATION: H oldrege High School awards credit for classes based on semester grades. Quarter grades are only an indicator of current achievement in the course. Consequently, 1 st Quarter progress reports are only an indicator of the current grade for the student. No credit is awarded based on the 1 st Quarter grade. At the end of the 1 st Semester, December 20, students will be given a semester grade only. Credit will be awarded based on the semester grade and attendance. Students will not be given a 2 nd Quarter grade as the semester grade is the grade the students have earned for the semester. Honor roll will be determined using semester grades only.

HHS JRS EXPLORE CAREERS WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES

On December 4, 2019, HHS again held its annual Junior Career Day in which members of the 11th grade class are provided with tours and information from three local businesses to examine the career possibilities available in the Holdrege area.

Briggs & Stratton-Allmand Brothers, Becton-Dickinson and Phelps Memorial Health Center have partnered with the school for a number of years to offer access to their facilities and personnel for information about the wide variety of career choices that students may not be aware of right here in Holdrege. Students hear explanations of what types of vocations are

employed by the businesses, then given tours of the facilities.

Although many of our students think they know "who" works at these businesses, they always come away with new knowledge about the varied backgrounds, education and experiences that the employees have. Each business also encourages students to begin job shadows in areas they have an interest, even if they are not sure about their future careers.

The day concludes with a pizza meal for the students in the

multi-purpose building prior to a session in which they review their ASVAB results with experts. The ASVAB shows them their academic strengths and weaknesses, as well as begins to explain how their skills and preferences may fit in to various types of careers.

The goal of the day is to prod our students into a more active process when thinking about their futures and to show them how they may be able to find opportunities to stay in Holdrege or other more rural settings, regardless of their vocation choice.

FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE :

FOR ALL STUDENTS ● All students must have second semester class schedule changes made

by Thursday, January 9.

● Peer tutors will continue to be available to students as needed. Come see me in the guidance office if you would like matched with a peer tutor.

SENIORS

● These next two months are going to be very busy for the seniors! I will be having some “Senior Sessions” during 7th and 8th periods twice a week during the month of January for seniors to have some dedicated time to work on all things related to college and scholarship applications. Details will be shared with them via Google Classroom and the daily announcements.

● If families have not yet completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), it is imperative to do it right away , using the 2018 tax information. Many scholarships are unavailable to students if they do not have the Student Aid Report (SAR) from the FAFSA. In addition, grants and federally subsidized loans are not available to the student without this information.You no longer have to wait for the most recent tax returns to complete the forms. If you need help, check out the free services offered by Education Quest. The nearest office is in Kearney (800-666-3721). Appointments are necessary.

● A Google Classroom has been set up for the class of 2020. Here is where we will keep information updated regarding scholarship and job opportunities as information comes into our office. Students who have accepted their invitation to join the class are receiving an email each time new material is added. Scholarships are organized by monthly due dates.

● We continue to maintain a current list of available scholarships on the guidance page at www.dusters.org . This page is updated as new information becomes available.

● Update your activities resume so it will be ready for scholarship applications. ● The Phelps County Community Foundation Scholarship application is now available from now until

February 15 at 5:00 p.m. Students wanting more information about completing that application should attend one of the two remaining sessions they are offering at the PCCF office. The two available dates are Sunday, December29 and Sunday, January 12. The sessions begin at 2:00. Students may also come to the Guidance Office for instructions about setting up their account and beginning the application process.

● Many colleges scholarship programs have deadlines in February. Be sure to be on top of your application process!

● Students with an Expected Family Contribution below $10,000 (from the FAFSA) and at least a 2.5 GPA are encouraged to apply for the Susan Thompson Buffett Scholarship.This is a wonderful scholarship that can be renewed yearly.

● The On To College with John Baylor website ( www.ontocollege.com ) has a great deal of information for parents and students regarding colleges of all kinds, scholarships, ACT preparation, and much more. He delivers several weekly podcasts and those can be accessed there as well. I recommend that parents and students take advantage of the wealth of information offered.

JUNIORS ● It’s time to begin thinking about making some college visits in the spring of the year. I can help arrange

those visits if you would like. ● It’s recommended that you plan to take 3-4 ACT tests between your junior and senior years. There are

test dates in February, April, June, September, October, and December. Holdrege High School is a site for the February, October and December dates. In addition, all juniors in the state of Nebraska will be taking the ACT on March 24. It will be given in Holdrege at no cost to the students. These scores can be used for college admission.

● Juniors will be able to utilize the John Baylor On To College ACT prep at no cost as part of preparation for the statewide ACT testing. They will be working on that during their English and Math classes between now and the testing date.

● Students who took the PSAT/NMSQT received their scores in December. Students or parents with questions about the results are encouraged to stop in the Guidance Office.

● There will be a variety of college and military representatives visiting HHS during second semester. Students should use this opportunity to ask questions and find information that may help them begin narrowing down their options for life after high school.

● A Google Classroom has been set up for the Class of 2021. All juniors are encouraged to join this classroom. This will be a way to share important information with all students about special events at various colleges and universities and will provide valuable scholarship information for them in the future. If students have not yet signed up to be a part of the class, or have deleted the email with the class code, they should stop in the Guidance Office to get the needed information.

Contact us: HHS Guidance Office 995-8988 Email: julie.freburg@dusters.org Follow the Guidance Office on Twitter @HoldregeGO

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PROM AT HOLDREGE HIGH SCHOOL: While prom is scheduled for March 28, 2020, we know many of the girls are starting to shop for prom dresses. Remember that Holdrege High School does have a dress code for prom. The dress code applies to all students and their guests attending this event. Holdrege High School students and administration developed this dress code. If you have questions about the dress code, please feel free to contact the high school office.

HHS Meals January 2020 - To fund the most accurate and current menus each day for Holdrege HS, go to our website (dusters.org) and find “Lunch Menu” option as you hover over “Links” on the right hand side of the top banner, or use the links provided below:

HHS Breakfast Menu - January 2020 http://cdn.myschoolmenus.com/instance/2054371/district/21.html?school _id=25&menu_id=14116 HHS Lunch Menu - January 2020 http://cdn.myschoolmenus.com/instance/2054371/district/21.html?school _id=25&menu_id=13814

The Holdrege Public School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, or age in admission

or access to, or treatment of employment, in its programs and activities. The following person(s) has/have been designated to handle inquiries regarding complaints, grievance procedures or the application of these policies of nondiscrimination:

Title: Mr. Todd Hilyard, Superintendent of Schools

Address: 505 14th Avenue, Holdrege, Nebraska 68949 Phone #: 308.995.8663

If parents, employees and students do not feel that their complaints regarding Title IX, Title VI, Section 504 have met with resolution at the local

level, they can appeal their grievances to the regional Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights. All appeals should be directed to the following address:

Office for Civil Rights 8930 Ward Parkway, Suite 2037

Kansas City, MO 64114 816-268-0550

FAX: 816-823-1404; TDD: 800-437-0833

1/4/2020 Calendar Report

https://srv2-advancedview.rschooltoday.com/public/conference/calendarreportmonth?module=public&controller=conference&action=calendarreportmo… 1/1

Holdrege

January, 2020Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 34:30pm BB-G/JV GrandIsland CentralCatholic 4:30pm BB-B/JV GrandIsland CentralCatholic 6:00pm BB-G/VarsityGrand Island CentralCatholic 7:45pm BB-B/VarsityGrand Island CentralCatholic

42:00pm BB-B/JVSidney 2:00pm BB-G/JVSidney 3:30pm BB-G/VarsitySidney 5:15pm BB-B/VarsitySidney

5 6Teacher Work/InserviceDay- 4:30pm BB-G/ReserveBroken Bow 6:00pm BB-B/ReserveBroken Bow

7School/Classes ResumePK-12- 6:00pm WR-VarsityHershey

88:00am We The People-@ Lincoln, NE

9FCCLA District 6Conference- 3:00pm WR-JVGothenburg 5:00pm BB-G/ReserveAdams Central Junior-Senior 6:30pm BB-B/ReserveAdams Central Junior-Senior 7:15pm FFA Meeting-

101:25/1:30/1:37pmDismissal FACT 1:45-2:30- 4:30pm BB-G/JVBroken Bow 4:30pm BB-B/JVBroken Bow 5:00pm-8:00pm FFAAlumni Pork/Beef BBQ-@ High School Cafeteria 6:00pm BB-G/VarsityBroken Bow 7:15pm BB-B/VarsityBroken Bow

118:00am Speech &Debate-VarsityLexington 10:00am BB-G/ReserveSandy Creek Junior /Senior vs. MultipleSchools 10:00am WR-VarsityCentral City 11:00am BB-B/ReserveSandy Creek Junior /Senior vs. MultipleSchools

12 134:00pm Quiz Bowl- @Amherst High School 5:00pm BB-G/Reserve Alma 6:30pm BB-B/ReserveAlma

147:00pm FFA LeadershipNight- @ HoldregeElementary School

151:00pm NSAA District VMeeting- @ TasselPerfoming Arts

16Quiz Bowl- @ BertrandHigh School 6:00pm WR-VarsitySouthern Valley

171:25/1:30/1:37pmDismissal FACT 1:45-2:30- 2:30pm WR-JV ElmCreek 4:30pm BB-B/JVSouthern Valley 4:30pm BB-G/JVSouthern Valley 6:00pm BB-G/VarsitySouthern Valley 7:45pm BB-B/VarsitySouthern Valley

188:00am Speech &Debate-Varsity GrandIsland Senior 10:00am WR-VarsityGothenburg 1:00pm BB-B/JVHershey 1:00pm BB-G/JVHershey 3:00pm BB-G/VarsityHershey 5:00pm BB-B/VarsityHershey

19 206:00pm BB-G/ReserveAxtell Public 7:45pm BB-B/ReserveAxtell Public

214:30pm BB-B/8thGothenburg 4:30pm BB-B/7thGothenburg 5:00pm BB-G/JVAurora 6:00pm BB-B/ReserveCozad 6:30pm BB-G/VarsityAurora

22Quiz Bowl- @ SheltonHigh School FFA Leadership SkillsEvent- @ Aurora HighSchool 9:00am Quiz Bowl- @ESU 11,

234:30pm BB-B/7thHastings Middle BB-Reserve (Cancelled) 6:00pm WR-VarsityLexington 6:00pm WR-JVLexington

241:25/1:30/1:37pmDismissal FACT 1:45-2:30- 4:30pm BB-G/JVMinden Public Schools4:30pm BB-B/JVMinden Public Schools6:00pm BB-G/VarsityMinden Public Schools7:45pm BB-B/VarsityMinden Public Schools

258:30am WR-JVLexington 9:00am WR-VarsityLexington 9:00am Speech &Debate-Varsity BrokenBow 2:30pm BB-B/JVCozad 2:30pm BB-G/JVCozad 4:00pm BB-G/VarsityCozad 6:00pm BB-B/VarsityCozad

26 276:30pm BB-B/ReserveLexington

28TBD BB-B/Varsity TBA TBD BB-G/Varsity TBA 4:15pm BB-B/8thHastings Middle

29 30TBD BB-B/VarsityNorthwest 4:30pm BB-B/8thMcCook 5:30pm WR-VarsitySeward vs. MultipleSchools

311:25/1:30/1:37pmDismissal FACT 1:45-2:30- TBD BB-G/VarsityNorthwest