More than the '3Rs'

McCOOK, Neb. — Recent activities and more planned in the future at McCook Public Schools are proving that school can be more than reading, writing and arithmetic.

Several McCook Board of Education members Monday night at the regular board meeting cited McCook Elementary’s Science Night, where kids and parents delved into various science labs to do “experiments.”

Greg Borland, McCook Elementary principal, said the event was very well attended with about 100 families participating.

Board president Tom Bredvick commended the elementary school for its various activities, including a recent “movie night” where an anonymous donor gave $100 for popcorn and other items, for “creating an environment so kids want to be in school.”

“Kids should see school as an enjoyable and fun place to be,” he said, acknowledging that it’s easier to do that in the upper grades, in junior high and high school, where there are sports activities and other clubs, than in the lower grades.

Another anticipated event is “Bison Days” for McCook Senior High students scheduled on Feb. 11 and 12. This entails two days of mini-courses ranging from the fun, like culinary classes and pie making, to the serious, like how to purchase a used car or financial planning.

Details are still being hammered out, said Jeff Gross, MHS principal, with classes taking place at the school, Red Willow County Fairgrounds and at businesses across town.

Individuals and businesses have really stepped up for this, Gross said, with 40 to 50 courses being offered. The support from the community has been tremendous, he said.

Other comments made at Monday’s night meeting included:

Student Council representative Delany Jumps: officers were elected, with Drew Daum, president, TJ Renner, vice president and Maddie Hinze, secretary. Feb. 2 is Color Day and a student survey is being taken on the preference of student activities. Delaney said her “positive comment” for the night was that for her and fellow seniors, this is the final semester of high school.

Board member Bray Hays: thanked MPS students and teachers for the outstanding assessment scores, especially the ACT scores, as for some juniors, it was their first time taking the test. ‘It speaks volumes of students and teachers,” he said.

Board member Dennis Berry: thanked former board members, Brian Esch and Bob Elder, for their service on the board. Also cited the TeamMates Mentoring Program, with 45 kids still on the waiting list for mentors. “That’s too many kids waiting.”

Board secretary Loretta Hauxwell: thanked the teachers involved with Science Night at the elementary school for making learning fun.

Board member Mike Langan: Academics and athletics are second to none at McCook Schools, he said, have two kids graduating from McCook Schools with one more a sophomore. He also commended the passion of the coaches at MPS. “We have a real good deal here.”

Board Vice President Teresa Thomas: also commended Science Night, noting that she saw kids and parents waiting to get into the school. Also saw many high school students out in the community during the Christmas season, ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.

Business manager John Brazell: as an ex-music teacher, he found the Christmas concerts very impressive, he said. Brazell also thanked families for being understanding last month when the bad weather made roads nearly impassable for the school bus drivers.

Board president Tom Bredvick: likes how the schools are incorporating the community with activities.

Superintendent Grant Norgaard: complimented Abby McNutt, MHS choir teacher, Craig Dickes, MHS assistant principal and school nurse, Tyra Barger, for handling a student medical emergency last week at the high school. “Everything was squared away, with the student in great care.” During administration comments, Norgaard outlined his “Smart goals” based off the board’s superintendent evaluation, that included better communication with parents and patrons through a specific process and focusing more on developing skills sets in administrative staff.

Special education director, John Hansen: recognized the success of the bowling party for kids in December at TJs Family Fun Center.

MHS vice principal Craig Dickes: he recently helped judged local History Day projects in the eighth grade and noticed how well students were developing research skills.

MHS principal Jeff Gross: gave a shout out to all the volunteers at recent events, such as the GNAC wrestling meet and swimming meets, by taking tickets, working concessions or manning the scoreboard. “Education is not an 8:30 to 3:30 job.”

McCook Elementary principal Greg Borland: kudos to the district’s technology director, Tina Williams and Nate Priebe, for installing recent upgrades at the school. “For only two people, there’s a lot of technology in our district.”