Each year, students in Nebraska are required to take a standardized test commonly known as the NSCAS. This test is given to students in grades 3-8 and consists of Mathematics and English Language Arts, as well as Science in grades 5 and 8. Ashland-Greenwood Middle School students will be testing on April 8-9 and April 15-16. The date for the Science test for 8th-graders is April 23.

It is important for all students to do their best on the NSCAS so that it provides an accurate snapshot of where they are academically. The snapshot provided by the test results helps schools prepare students for future success, evaluate curriculums, and identify areas for improvement. It also gives students and parents/guardians a holistic view of students’ achievements.

In class, students prepare for the NSCAS all year through content lessons, test-taking strategies, and goal-setting. Outside of the classroom, students can prepare to do their best by getting a good night’s sleep and eating a healthy breakfast. It may also be helpful for students and families to talk about what goals the students have set for themselves and review strategies they have found to be successful. Let’s finish 2024-25 strong!

Ag Literacy and Careers is a quarter-long exploratory class where 8th graders learn more about agriculture and the careers that are available in the agriculture field, showing them that agriculture isn’t just about farming. Students get the chance to grow their own vegetables in our hydroponics grow tower, make ice cream, and conduct many labs that introduce them to the different pathways that are available to take in High School. These students also have the opportunity to join our FFA Chapter, compete in our district Leadership Development Events held in December, and participate in any chapter activity that the High School hosts. Pictured below are middle schoolers who competed at districts this year. Grant Miller and Jack Lambert will compete at the state level here in April.

On Wednesday, April 23rd Ashland-Greenwood will host our 29th Annual Academic Awards Night that includes our inducation ceremony for the National Honor Society. The event will be held in the Ashland-Greenwood Community Performing Arts Center at the Middle School at 5:00 pm on April 23.

Ashland-Greenwood has had a chapter of NHS since 1950. Qualifed students were invited to apply for membership, and, will be invited directly if they will be inducted on the 23rd. The sponsor for NHS at Ashland-Greenwood is Ms. Celeste Heinz-Greer.

Following the NHS induction, we will honor students for their academic achievement throughout the school year. Students that are in the 'top 5%' of any course will be honored as a recipient of an academic award for that course. Students that will be awarded (and their parents) WILL receive an email invitation prior to the April 23 event. The AGHS teaching staff are excited to share this night of awarding academic excellence!

Help celebrate school nutrition staff with a “thank you”!

Nebraska SNAC and NDE are collecting thank you messages for local school nutrition teams that work hard to feed kids around Nebraska! From March 17 - April 9, share your words of appreciation through their easy online form. Comments will be shared directly with Heroes, on an online Heroes Gallery, and on NDE social media leading up to National School Lunch Hero Day on May 2nd! All are welcome to comment! Don’t forget: behind great students, there are also great Nutrition Heroes.

Students from AGMS and AGHS will have the opportunity to host the Rose Theater production of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet on the morning of April 9th in the Middle School Performing Arts Center. The production is followed by a brief question and answer session with the professional actors.

More information provided by the Rose Theater can be found on the document linked here.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EclQP86tnghukIG9dK307Yv7xJ92dF_e/view?usp=sharing

Quentin won first place amongst 8th grade students entered in the annual Elks Americanism Essay Contest. Stein will be honored at a ceremony at the Elk's Lodge in Omaha in May.

What Patriotism Means to Me

A question I often ask myself is, what lengths would I go to for my country? I have recently discerned that being a patriot is not just a piece of your personality, but a piece of your soul. It determines if you want to make a valuable contribution to help the United States of America thrive.

In my eyes, patriotism is a prized possession that makes up your character. I think people who bear the trait of patriotism are strong-willed, gritty, and courageous. It takes a lot of strength to have an inclination to serve your country. I strongly believe that patriotism can be shown in many different walks of life. From serving in the United States Military to running a small business, they are all brave acts of patriotism.

I read a story about an amazing man by the name of Desmond Doss. On October 12, 1945, Doss won the Congressional Medal of Honor. Doss was a Seventh Day Adventist, and would often refuse to bear arms, especially on Saturdays. His associates made many attempts and even his commanding officers to have Doss kicked out of the Military because they believed he was a coward. In 1944, Doss was shipped out. Doss fought in Guam first and then in Okinawa, which he became most known for.

The men who had threatened Doss in boot camp were soon to realize Doss was a valuable member of the platoon. Doss would then become known for his bravery in treating wounded men while under fire. This story pulls the strings of my heart. It inspires me to know that you do not have to be violent to make a difference. Doss put his life on the line to save others. To me, patriotism is the devotion to your home country.

The Ashland-Greenwood Schools Foundation is accepting nominations for outstanding alumni. Each year the Foundation honors alumni for outstanding contributions they have made to society. They recognize both an alumnus and a young alumnus. To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form that is located on the district’s website located under the tab “Foundation.”

RAIKES HONORED TEACHER AWARD

Each year the Alice Raikes family honors one teaching staff member with the Alice Raikes Distinguished Teaching Award. The award is announced at our annual Foundation spring dinner. The winner of the award receives a $1,250 cash prize and $1,250 to spend on their department or grade level. The Raikes family decides on who to honor based on nomination forms submitted by school staff, parents, community members and students.

To nominate someone, please complete the nomination form that is located on the district’s website under the foundation tab on the front page. When you complete the nomination form, please return it to the district office: 1842 Furnas St., Ashland, NE 68003, or email it to: jason.libal@agps.org. You may copy the nomination form if you desire to nominate multiple individuals.

Ashland-Greenwood Class of 2025 is nearing GRADUATION TIME! Below are some important dates for senior families. All students and families received an email on March 31 with this information and many additional details!

April 23: Senior Tribute Rally at the AGCPAC in the Middle School, 2:30 pm

May 2: Senior last day

May 5-6: Make up work day(s).

May 6: GRADES final. Only students that are complete with all requirements will take part in rehearsal and the ceremony.

May 7: Athletic Boosters End of Year Banquet 6:30 pm (AGCPAC)

May 7: Optional Baccaluaureate for Seniors and families put on by the Ashland Ministerial Association (7:30 pm)

May 8: Rehearsal in the high school gym, 8:45 am.

May 11: Commencement Ceremony in the high school gym, 2:30 pm

With the days getting longer and warmer (fingers crossed), being outside looks more attractive every day. Aside from escaping the classroom, spending time in nature has many health benefits for our bodies and minds.

According to the American Psychological Association, green spaces have been associated with improved attention, lower stress and better moods. Being outside also increases our vitamin D, which is important for bones and muscles. Intentionally disconnecting from technology while consciously focusing on the sights and sounds of nature allows our brains to relax and reset.

Encourage your children to spend time outside whenever possible. Better yet, enjoy time outside together. Summer is just around the corner!

https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature

https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/3-ways-getting-outside-into-nature-helps-improve-your-health/2023/05

The Job Fair had several representatives of businesses in and around Ashland that attended. There will be an email sent out to all classes at AGHS providing contact information. Those businesses that were represented at the Job Fair include:

Nebraska Crossing (there is one application and hiring process for all businesses at the outlet mall), Mahoney State Park, 3-M (Valley), Kids Ark, Junior Jays Kids Care, Luch Schuster’s Daycare, and Pine Grove RC & Campground, Greenwood, NE.

If you would like any information, please contact jon.richards@agps.org

25-26 Registrations are in full swing, April 7 we will begin enrolling students for dual credit courses with Southeast Community College. If you have any questions concerning registrations for 25-26, please contact me and we will set up an appointment to review your student’s choices.

Seniors, I have sent you a google doc to fill out concerning your future intentions after graduation. Need to finish strong, just a few weeks left of your high school journey!!! It’s has gone quickly!!! Also with this google doc, I am asking that you share with me the scholarships that you have earned to the school you are attending, this information will be placed in the Graduation Program.

Would like to congratulate the following seniors on earning a Regents Scholarship to UN-Lincoln (those that I know about, if I have left anyone out, please let me know): Grady Holtz, Carver Konzem, and Ellie Stein, Congratulations, well deserved!

Jenoveva Valentin has earned a full scholarship to Metro Community College!

Thursday, April 3: 6th Grade Wax Museum 2:30 PM

Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9: NSCAS State Testing: English-Language Arts

Wednesday, April 9: Rose Theater: Romeo and Juliet @ AGMS

Monday, April 14: Middle School Track Quad @ AGMS 4:00 PM

Tuesday April 15 and Wednesday, April 16: NSCAS State Testing: Math

Friday, April 18: No School

Monday, April 21: No School

Wednesday, April 23: NSCAS State Testing: Science (8th Grade Only)

https://www.trailblazerconference.org/public/genie/1316/school/203/ LINK TO R School Activity Calendar

DID YOU KNOW....you can sign up for ALERTS for any schedule changes on the R School calendar?

TRADITIONAL SENIOR TRIBUTE AT Ashland-Greenwood Community Performing Arts Center (AGCPAC) on April 23, 2:30 pm. Senior parents and families welcome!

HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMIC AWARDS and NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY INDUCTION: Wednesday, April 23 at 5pm in the AGPAC. Students included will receive invite emails.

GRADUATION: Sunday, May 11, 2025 at 2:30 pm at the High School Gym.

Ashland Public Library Tax Preparation:

The Ashland Library will host free in-person tax preparation services provided by VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) this year. This valuable service is available to families and individuals who may need assistance with their taxes, and we appreciate your help in spreading the word to those who could benefit.

See the document linked HERE for more information.

Our School, with family and community cooperation, promotes life-long learning

to awaken, develop and enhance the individual potential.

Middle School Principal: Matt Flynn

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: matt.flynn@agps.org

High School Principal: Brad Jacobsen

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: brad.jacobsen@agps.org

Assistant Principal/Athletic Director: Dustin Deterding

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: dustin.deterding@agps.org

Middle School Counselor: Vicki Washburn

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: vicki.washburn@agps.org

High School Counselor: Jon Richards

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: jon.richards@agps.org

Administrative Assistants: Jody vonRentzell (MS) Amber Westling (HS)

Office Phone: 402.944.2114

Email: jody.vonrentzell@agps.org amber.westling@agps.org