Elkhorn Middle School Newsletter
May 2024
Message from the Principal
I sat down to write this message several times over the last week. It has been such an emotional and challenging week as we recover from last Friday’s storm.
There are so many things that have been on my mind. In the end, what I come back to over and over is how truly grateful I am that we are all safe and we are all working together to support one another. Thank you for your kind words and gestures; for sending your positive thoughts and donations of both time, talent, and treasure in support of our families.
I’m thankful for the staff of caring professionals we have at EMS. They continue to plan for and support our students in these last few weeks of school. They are optimistic and focused! We are all looking forward to a strong finish to the school year and the reset that summer break allows.
I hope this newsletter finds you well. I am so grateful to be part of this community. This is certainly a time to be Antler Proud!
The newsletter contains lots of information about special events and deadlines as we wrap up the school year. I encourage you to take a close look! Let us know if you have questions.
Jennifer
Important Dates:
May 8 - EHS Activity Fair (current 8th graders entering EHS in the fall)
May 9 - 6-8th vocal music concert
May 10 - 6th grade track and field day
May 13 - 8th grade celebration (optional) 3:30 - 5:30 @ UBT
May 14 - 6-8 Instrumental Music concert (Band concert)
May 23 - Last student day!
Yearbooks will be handed out (fees/fines must be paid)
Grade level Awards as follows:
8th grade - 8:33 - 9:18
7th grade - 9:21 - 10:06
6th grade - 10:09 - 10:55
Mr/Ms Mile at 11:00
Students dismissed at 11:30; Summer break begins!
Last Day of School Information
The last student day of the 2023-2024 school year will be Thursday, May 23, 2024. Students will be dismissed at 11:30. Breakfast will be served in the morning, but lunch will NOT be served. Buses will run accordingly.
Booster Club
We are aware that the tornadoes have strongly impacted families. We understand that this has been a challenging time for our community, and we want you to know that you're not alone. Please know that the entire EMS community stands with you, ready to offer support, assistance, and comfort in any way we can. Together, we will overcome this adversity and emerge stronger than ever before. Please reach out to the Booster/PTO or school staff if you require any assistance. We are here for you, and we will get through this together.
Elkhorn Middle School Booster/PTO is excited to announce new officers for the next school year. Jessica Hacker and Theresa Kimmell are leaving their roles as President and Vice President as their children move up to high school. Thank you Theresa for your service these last seven years. Your help has been invaluable. I also want to thank Ally Morrill and April Nerz for their service as secretary and treasurer. We could not do what we do without your contributions. Officers for the new year are as follows:
President: Ally Morrill
Vice President: Shawna Michener
Secretary: Angie Ballard
Treasurer: April Nerz
Please make sure you are signed up to be on our mailing list so you can get the most up-to-date information about how parents can support students and staff at EMS. Email emsboosterclubelkhorn@gmail.com and request to be added. You can also follow us on Facebook by searching Elkhorn Middle School Booster Club.
In light of the recent challenges, it is still nice to be able to celebrate something good. We support and thank the teachers and staff at EMS. Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6-10. If you are looking for ways to contribute please see this link. We have some great things planned for the week and are truly thankful for your support. Please see the flyer for information about what we have organized for each day. A big thank you to the families who have donated and helped organize these events.
8th Grade Celebration
Hello parents and guardians,
A team of parents has been planning a fun afternoon celebration of our 8th graders before they head off to high school.
Date: Monday, May 13th
Time: 3:30-5:30pm
Place: UBT North Basketball Courts 21015 Cumberland Dr.
We must have one parent or guardian to fill out the RSVP form for their student no later Monday, May 6th (this is an extended deadline)! Please see the form below!
We hope to have all parents and guardians to sign up to help in some way to make the celebration a success. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Questions? Please ask Ms. Allgood or Shelly Rodgers at shellyrodgers123@gmail.com.
Thank you!
The 8th Grade Celebration Planning Team
Alison Weel
Mike Cushing
Paul & Katrina Braughton
Shelly Rodgers
6th Grade Track & Field Day
May 10th, 2024
This year our Track and Field Day for our 6th grade students will take place on Friday, May 10th starting at 12pm.
What should each student wear?
If it is a nice day students can wear comfortable clothing to run, jump and throw in. Shorts, t-shirts, sweats and anything else that is allowed in PE class is allowed. Comfortable running shoes are also advised. If it is a cooler day, dressing in layers is advised.
What should each student bring to the track meet?
A water bottle is a MUST!!! Students will have a chance to fill water bottles before we go outside.
It is highly advised that each student wear sunscreen and bring it with them. Students will be sitting in the metal stands when not competing!!
**Hats are allowed, as long as appropriate for school. You may want to bring them to protect your head.
**The bleachers could get hot as well. Blankets are allowed.
Are we allowing spectators such as parents or other family members?
Spectators are welcome to attend.
Field Events: Shot Put, Long Jump, High Jump
Running Events: 1200m, 50m Hurdles, 100m, 800m, 400m, 200m
Relay: 4 x 100 (Optional) Relay teams will be assigned; however you have an option to pick one of your teammates
**If the event finishes before 3:20 dismissal time and parents want to take their child home early, students must check themselves out in the office.
Progress Reports
We are half way through the 4th quarter. Please take a moment to log into your PowerSchool account and check your child's grades. If you have any questions, please reach out, we are here to help your students finish the year strong!
Weather Update
As the weather gets nicer, students will return to waiting outside if they arrive before 8:00am when doors open.
6th grade students will wait on the North loop and 7th and 8th grade will be directed to the bleachers area on the track.
Breakfast will still be served in the cafeteria staring at 7:40am.
EHS 8th Grade Activities Fair
EHS would like to formally invite all rising 9th graders for the 2024-25 school year to our 3rd Annual 8th Grade Activity Fair. Students will learn about sport and activity offerings and get valuable information regarding summer camps. The Kona Ice truck will be there! 5-7pm on May 8th in the EHS Commons.
We hope to see you there!
Library Corner
All Books Due by Thursday, May 16th: All library books are due by May 16th. Also, students will not be able to check out books after this date.
OPL Summer Reading Program: Do you like reading? Do you like prizes? Then you should sign up for the Omaha Public Library Summer Reading Program! There are programs for kids and adults :) Check out this link or the links posted to Google Classroom.
Technology Over the Summer: Please be sure to store your chromebook in a safe place, indoors over the summer. It is advised that you turn it on a few times and charge it up the week before we return in August. Also, if you no longer have your BumpArmor case please consider purchasing one to help protect your device. There are lots of great options online (just search the type of Chromebook on the back of the laptop, i.e. G8).
Athletics Information
Reminder about updated Physicals:
All middle school and high school athletes must have an updated physical in order to participate in sports during the 24-25 school year. Physicals must be dated after May 1, 2024 and must indicate clearance for sports.
High School Football Information for Incoming Freshman Class
Attention Class of 2028 Parents!
Are you the proud parent of an incoming freshman who’s considering joining the Antler football team next year? Look no further! Our Antler Football Booster Club is here to support all things Antler football.
What We Do:
- We serve as a vital communication channel, keeping you informed about all things related to the Antler football program.
- We organize events, fundraisers, and activities to enhance the football experience for players, families, and fans.
- We foster a sense of community and camaraderie among Antler football enthusiasts.
Join Our Communications List:
To stay in the loop and receive updates, sign up for our communications list via this Google form: Click Here
Go Antlers!
Summer Athletics and Camps
Annually, EPS coaches and sponsors host summer opportunities for athletic and activity skills development by hosting camps and clinics. The list of 2023 opportunities is currently available online at https://www.elkhornweb.org/blog/summer-athletics-and-activities-camps-3/.
*Please note this list is only inclusive of camps and clinics hosted by EPS coaches and sponsors as related to their duties within the school district and does not include opportunities offered by outside organizations.
Band News
6th-8th Grade Band Concert May 14th 6:30 p.m.
FREE Summer Band
June 3-18, 2024
7th & 8th Grade
Concert Band, Jazz Band, All State Masterclass
Elkhorn Grandview Middle School
17801 Grand Ave. Omaha, NE, 68116
8:00-8:45 am - 8th Grade All-State Lessons
9:00-10:00 am - 8th Grade Concert Band
10:15-11:00 am - 8th Grade Jazz Band
12:15-2:00 pm - 7th Grade Band (includes Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Masterclass opportunities)
There will be two final concerts:
Tuesday, June 18th at 10:00am for 8th grade - Tuesday, June 18th at 12:30pm for 7th grade
Use this QR code to register:
A note from the Nurse
Spring often brings with it an increase in symptoms of allergies and asthma. Please monitor your child and let us know if you have any additional concerns we need to be aware of or adjustments to his/her allergy/asthma action plan.
Encourage your student to apply sunscreen and grab a water bottle before heading outside for PE and/or afterschool sports activities.
✶✷ It’s time to start scheduling your child’s school and sports physicals!
Students entering the 7th grade in the fall will need to submit a physical exam dated after February 13, 2024 and an updated immunization record including a Tdap booster.
Students wanting to participate in a sport at the middle school or high school level must have a sports physical completed sometime after May 1, 2024 and upload it to rschool.
**7th graders still need to submit a physical exam to the front office as well, as these are different systems.
Forms can also be uploaded to PowerSchool during the registration process in August but please click “Actual Size” or use the scan feature when uploading with a smartphone.
Thank you and Have a Fantastic Summer!
Andrea Daniels, RN, BSN
End of the year medication pick up
It is the end of the school year and time to be making plans for picking up your child’s remaining medication.
This will need to be done by the last day of school, Thursday, May 23rd. If this is not possible, please contact the school office so other arrangements can be made.
If medications are not picked up, they will be properly disposed of, as we are not able to store medication in the buildings over the summer. Students will not be allowed to bring their medication home at the end of the year. We are asking that parents come by school and pick up the medicine personally.
Our goal, by sending this letter out early, is to allow you to make the necessary arrangements for picking up your child’s medication. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter. If you have any questions feel free to contact the school nurse. We wish you a fun and relaxing summer and look forward to seeing you next year.
Outsanding Student Balances
We will be emailing a balance statement to the parents of any student with an outstanding balance.
If you receive this email please pay the balance using Schoolpay (this is the same website used to add money to lunch accounts) or send payment to the office at your earliest convenience.
Thank you!
2024-2025 Online Registration Reminder
For the upcoming school year, EPS will again utilize an online registration system that will allow parents of K-12 students to log in and update information and complete all Back-to-School documents. As a reminder, to use this feature, parents/guardians will need to have a parent-access account in PowerSchool.
If you do not have a parent-access account, please follow this link for directions on how to create an account. However, this is a preparation step, and you will not be able to complete the online registration process until July. An email will be sent to the primary PowerSchool account email address when online registration is available.
If you have an account created but need to add additional students, please follow this link for directions:
If you have any questions or need assistance setting up your account, please call the main school office.
News from the EPS Foundation
SODEXO End of the school News
We are hiring!
EPS is currently seeking to fill open teacher assistant positions, specifically in the following areas:
Secondary TAs: assist with general and special education students in grades 6-12 in the areas of small and large group academic work, academic interventions, student supervision, and basic clerical duties.
Starting Wage: $16.70/hour
Apply online at https://bit.ly/secondaryTA
Technology and Social Media Resources
ScreenSanity - Resources and guidebooks for raising children in an increasingly digital world.
SmartGen Society - Resources and workshop presentations about digital wellness, safety, and privacy in the digital age
Honor Roll
Students will qualify for Honor Roll by receiving all 1’s and 2’s in all subject areas.
The Honor Roll will be posted on the bulletin board at school and on the EMS website.
Chromebooks
Please help your child develop a routine for charging Chromebooks each night. Too often students are coming to school without a a full charge on their device.
We suggest that students and their families identify a safe place at home to plug in the Chromebooks overnight, every night. Thank you for working with us on this issue.
Handbook Review
Cell phones are considered a distraction to the learning environment and are to be turned off and kept in student lockers during the school day. (Page 8 of the student handbook.)
Students are welcome to use the phone in the office to contact home. Parents are encouraged to contact the office if they have messages for their child(children).
Did you know?
You can access Elkhorn Middle School daily bulletin board. Just head to our website and click on the red pin to see all the fun things happening at EMS daily.
Attendance Policy
Students that arrive to school after 8:10am bell will be counted as tardy. All students must be excused verbally by a parent or guardian.
**Please remember to email the office at ems@epsne.org or call the office at 402-289-2428 when reporting a student tardy or absent (not the teachers).
Students that are absent for professional appointments must either provide documentation from the appointment or call the school office to inform the school why the student will be (or is) tardy in order to have the tardy excused.
Excessive tardies may result in disciplinary action and contact from the administration.
Look for your student to charge their Chromebooks overnight every night. Please help establish a routine location for your student’s Chromebook and charger.
Keep an eye out for your student’s gym clothes! Students should bring them home regularly to be washed and then returned to school for gym class.
Students are expected to turn off their phones and keep phones in their lockers during the school day. If you need to contact your student during the day, the office is happy to help! We can easily get a message to your student. Students are welcome to use the phone in the office if they need to contact a family member.
- There is an admission fee at all athletic events at EMS and all of our opponent sites. All sites are cash only. Admission for middle school events held at EPS sites are: Adults $3, Students $2. EPS Athletic Passes are accepted at EPS sites only.
Drop off/Pick Up & Parking
We have several community members who regularly utilize the handicapped parking spaces in the North loop as well as the main, South parking lot. Please leave handicap spaces open for those community members with handicap placards.
EPS Text Messaging
If you have not yet opted-in to receive EPS text messages, please text "Yes" to 67587 to ensure you receive timely notice of important information.
Safe2Help
Contact Information Updates
Send changes to contact information to ems@epsne.org
2023-2024 Academic Calendar
The approved 2022-2023 academic calendar can be viewed here.
3200 North 207th Plaza, Elkhorn, NE 68022
Phone:402-289-2428
Fax: 402-289-1639