Elkhorn South High School
November 2024
From the High School Principal- Mark Kalvoda
From the High School Principal
As we start the second quarter and move close to the Thanksgiving holiday, I have reflected upon how much we have to be thankful for in the Elkhorn Public School District. My reflections lead down many paths, but all centered on the pride I have in this school district, this high school and our students. I am continually impressed by the character and determination of our students as well as their involvement in many activities, managing a challenging curriculum, and the many hours spent working or volunteering outside of school. Yet our students maintain positivity, optimism, and persistence. My most sincere hope is that Elkhorn South has provided many great lessons for future success in college and beyond. I also understand that many challenges lie ahead; semester
finals, winter activity season, demanding coursework, winter weather, and the like. I am inspired by their resiliency and believe that we all can learn from their perseverance.
I am frequently reminded that there is much to be celebrated here at ESHS. This quick list of accomplishments from the first quarter shows the commitment of our students and staff to excellence:
- 8 National Merit Semi-Finalists and 4 National Merit Commended
- Strong Numbers of All-State Choir (17) and All-State Band Members (17)
- Volleyball District Champion and State Qualifier
- Softball District Champion and State Qualifier
- Girls Cross Country 6th place at State
- Outstanding Fall Play Production this October
- State Girls Golf 6th place at State
- Boys Tennis finish 8th at State
- First Round of State Playoff Football this week
- Numerous Successful Unified Sporting Events this fall (football, softball, bowling) with more to come!
We have much to be grateful for. These successes did not happen by accident. They were achieved through collective vision, effort, and commitment of staff, students, and parents. Clearly, we all have the same goals in mind- Excellence in everything we do. I appreciate your support of everything at Elkhorn South. I challenge students and staff to stave off the fatigue and encourage others to do the same. Focus on what we can control and look for opportunities to serve others. Right now, we have much to be thankful for and while we all have different experiences and different perspectives, and may not agree on everything, we have more in common than different. It is my sincere hope that we can all agree on our pride in Elkhorn South High School and the excellent opportunities that our students have here. Stay unified and Roll Storm!
The topic of rigor and college preparedness has been frequently discussed this quarter. Periodically, I hear the conversation framed in a manner of “what students will need for college”. When engaged in this conversation with students, parents, or colleagues, I often respond with some questions, “Can the student honestly state that he/she has done everything possible to be prepared for college? Have they taken advantage of rigorous levels of curriculum in order to prepare for college?” Clearly, I want our students to be successful in college and in life and have a vested interest in their future. Thus, I would contend it is far better for students to be challenged to their utmost potential in high school, where they have built-in support systems of caring parents and educators at their
side. I believe that as educators, we are morally obligated to ensure that our students are prepared for life after high school. I fear that if students leave here without being challenged and find their first real academic challenges in college, they will struggle in isolation, away from caring adults, and become overwhelmed. Our guidance department, teachers, and administrators will continue to encourage our students to take the rigorous coursework in preparation for college. We look forward to continued conversations with our parents and students regarding college preparedness. I would encourage all of our parents to thoughtfully encourage their students to take the most rigorous courses possible during all four years of their high school careers.
Again, thank you for all your support so far this year at ESHS. I look forward to future conversations about your
students’ experiences and education here at Elkhorn South High School.
Please feel free to call my office at 289-0616 or email me at mkalvoda@epsne.org if you have any questions or concerns.
Mark Kalvoda
Principal
Personal electronic devices will be turned in to a designated location in each classroom during instructional periods, and students may use their devices before/after school, during lunch and passing periods, and during “Senior Pass Privilege”. Students who need electronic devices to monitor health conditions will continue to follow their individualized plans.
Handbook Verbiage (found on page 7 of High School Student Handbook)
All students need to be responsible users of technology. The school firmly believes in protecting instructional time in classrooms; therefore, cellular devices should not be used during instructional periods, including study halls. All high school teachers will expect all students to turn in cell phones to a designated location in their classroom. Students may have a need to use their phones throughout the day, thus students are permitted to use phones before and after school, during their scheduled lunch, during passing periods, and during Senior Pass Privilege.
To maintain the expected learning environment in the classroom, students who violate the cell phone policy will be subject to disciplinary action. The administration supports teachers’ discretion as to when the problem has reached a level warranting intervention. The below consequences can be utilized to solve the problem:
Parent contact
Checking cell phone or cellular device into school office
Confiscation of cell phone until Parent/Guardian pick up required
Detention
After Hours
As part of being a responsible user of technology, students should not use their phones to bully, intimidate, or harass. Violators will be subject to disciplinary actions according to policies on bullying and harassment.
Respect for privacy rights:
Students shall not photograph or videotape other individuals at school or at school-sponsored activities without their knowledge and consent, except for activities considered to be in the public arena such as sporting events or public performances.
Students shall not email, post to the internet or otherwise electronically transmit images of other individuals taken at school without their expressed written consent.
Use of cellular phones or other personal electronic devices is strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms.
Students found violating privacy rights through the use of cell phone cameras or recording devices will be subject to disciplinary sanctions, including, but not limited to referral to law enforcement.
Student absences and appointments
Please make sure you are CALLING the office for any absences and appointments for your students, we will not accept emails. If your child is leaving for an appointment, the sooner you can communicate that to the office, the easier it is to get a pass to the student as opposed to interrupting valuable learning time when we have to call the classroom. If leaving between passing periods, they will not receive a pass, they just need to go to the office to sign out.
Parents do not come into the building to get your child, the student will sign themselves out on our office computer. If it is for a Drs. appointment, please have the student bring a note from the Dr. upon their return.
Thank you so much for your cooperation with this.
Important dates
Nov. 1-Senior yearbook photos DUE
Nov. 26- Practice ACT for 11th graders, regular school day for 9th, 10th, 12th graders
Nov. 27-29-Thanksgiving Vacation
Dec. 19 & 20- Semester finals STUDENTS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE. End of 2nd Quarter
Dec. 23-Jan 3-Winter Break
Jan. 20-Teacher In-service-NO School
Feb. 11 & 12-Parent/Teacher Conferences 4:30-8:00 One hour early dismissal
Mar. 13- End of 3rd Quarter
Mar. 14-Teacher In-service-NO School
Mar. 17-21-Spring Break
Mar. 29-Junior/Senior Prom
Apr. 9- ACT for 11th graders, Pre ACT for 9th and 10th graders
Apr. 18-Teacher In-service-NO School
May. 14-SENIORS last day-graduation rehearsal in the afternoon at ESHS
May 18-ESHS Graduation 6:00 p.m. Elkhorn Public Schools Stadium
May 22 & 23-Semester finals STUDENTS MUST BE IN ATTENDANCE
May 23-Last day of school
*The Last Student Day is based on an assumption of 4 or more days for inclement weather.
3 inclement weather days = 1 day earlier release
0-2 inclement weather days = 2 days earlier release
Update of Email, home address and phone number
Please contact Penny Rohl in the Counseling Center at 402-289-0616 #3 or prohl@epsne.org to make changes to email, phone, or home mailing address.
Anonymous online reporting system
- (531) 299-SAFE (7233)
- www.Safe2HelpNE.org
- Download the “Safe2Help” app from your app store
- Found on individual building homepages
Athletics
Vocal Music News
Yearbook Ordering
Cap and Gown Ordering
Green Team
NHS Blood Drive
The Elkhorn South National Honor Society is sponsoring a blood drive with the American Red
Cross on Friday, November 22th in the ESHS aux gym.
Students age 16 and up and any adults in the community may donate; appointments are available from
7:00 am to 1:00 pm. Adults and students 17 years old or older can schedule themselves by clicking on https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=ESHSstorm, but still need to fill out a consent form found in room F110 and E138. If you are 16 you still need a consent form, but need to sign up with Mr. Fauss.
HALE news
District News
EPS Career Exploration Fair: Now Accepting Business Vendors
EPS Career Exploration Fair: Now Accepting Business Vendors
Business registrations are now being accepted for the annual Elkhorn Public Schools Career Exploration Fair, scheduled for March 26, 2025, from 5:30 - 7:30 PM. This event will be an excellent opportunity for students to explore business industries and make meaningful career connections, while also showcasing the commitment of local organizations to community involvement. If your business is interested in participating, please click here to register.
Upcoming District Events
ENHS Fall Craft Fair -- Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 9:00 - 3:00 at Elkhorn North High School. Click here to view additional details.
ENHS Jr. Cheer Clinic: Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 9:00 - 11:30 AM at Elkhorn North High School. Click here to view additional details.
EPS Senior Citizen Activity Passes
Per EPS Board Policy 1006.07, District residents aged 65+ are eligible for a free activity pass which admits the holder to District-sponsored events and activities. Passes can be picked up at the EPS Central Office at 20650 Glenn St. during normal business hours. Individuals must provide a valid driver's license showing a current address of residence with EPS boundaries to receive a pass.
Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation News
Make a difference with Elkhorn Public Schools
Starting Pay: Regular Teacher Assistant = $17.35/hour
Health Teacher Assistant = $17.85/hour
Hours: 6.5 hours/day
General Summary, Education, and Qualifications:
Under direct supervision, Teacher Assistants will support student learning by facilitating educational activities directly with students in the classroom or on an individual basis, supervising student behavior both in and out of the classroom, and providing administrative support to the teacher
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred
- Clear a state criminal record check and a child abuse check
- Be a minimum of 18 years old
Summary of Job Duties (Full job description available upon request)
- Support academic student learning by being physically present in the classroom on a consistent (daily) basis, helping students complete tasks, answering student questions, providing individualized attention when required, and supporting the classroom teacher’s educational directives
- Provide student supervision inside the classroom in conjunction with the classroom teacher, and outside of the classroom, which may include recess breaks, study halls, lunch breaks, testing periods and other special activities
- Support students with mild to severe learning, emotional, health, or mental disabilities by providing an inclusive learning environment with specialized attention and positive reinforcement
- Health Teacher Assistant
- May need to provide student assistance with daily living activities, such as cooking, cleaning, eating, dressing, hand washing, toileting, etc.
- Attend to special medical needs or health care needs of the student, including dispensing medications, giving injections, checking vital signs, tube feedings, changing diapers, etc.
- Health Teacher Assistant
- Provides administrative support to classroom teachers as requested, to include answering phones, making copies, distributing or collecting student assignments, preparing learning materials, recording grades and attendance, and other tasks as assigned by the Building Principal or classroom teacher
- Regular, dependable in-person attendance on the job in order to maintain a student’s regular routines, foster student learning and build student relationships; the ability to perform the identified tasks and possess the identified knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the identified work activities; the ability to perform the identified physical requirements
Benefits:
Sick Leave: One (1) week worth of regularly scheduled hours
Personal Leave: Three (3) days of regularly scheduled hours
State Retirement: The District matches your contribution of 9.78 percent by 101 percent.
This position is not eligible for health insurance.
Student Meal Information
Does your child need health coverage?
Call toll free 1-855-632-7633 or visit http://www.ACCESSNebraska.ne.gov
Metro Conference Website
rSchool Today App
NSAA Website
NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION – EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Notice of Nondiscrimination
The Elkhorn Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, disability, race (including skin color, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, veteran status, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected status in its programs.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination
policies:
Students: Anne Doerr, Executive Director of Student Services, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([adoerr@epsne.org]).
Employees and Others: Don Pechous, Executive Director of Personnel, 20650 Glenn Street (402) 289-2579, ([dpechous@epsne.org]).
Complaints or concerns involving discrimination or needs for accommodation or access should be addressed to the appropriate Coordinator. For further information about anti-discrimination laws and regulations, or to file a complaint of discrimination with the OCR at One Petticoat Lane, 1010 Walnut Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 320, Kansas City, Missouri 64106, (816) 268-0550 (voice), Fax (816) 268-0599, (800) 877-8339 (telecommunications device for the deaf), or ocr.kansascity@ed.gov.