Longhorn Notes

August 23, 2020

As I sit in my office on a Sunday planning for the week ahead, I can't help but reflect on the past weeks and months that have led up to our return to school. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate our return to school than to share how our community has come together to get to this point.

As the middle of March rolled around, our school went to remote learning. Administrators, teachers, staff members, students, parents and community members were faced with a situation they had never faced before. While things weren't perfect, everyone gave it their all to finish the year continuing to provide instruction to our students. Teachers learned how to teach by video, parents supported their kids with extra help, in many cases after putting in a full day's work themselves, the kitchen staff provided free meals to children in the community and the town rallied around its own.

As graduation day rolled around, it was determined that a traditional graduation was not possible. Teachers, parents and community members rallied once again to organize a graduation parade. The community came out to support our graduates and gave them the recognition they deserved. A virtual ceremony was created and shared for all to see. It may not have been what they expected, but our town made sure it was special.

As the summer began, we once again traveled into the unknown. Would we be able to return to school in person? What would have to be done to ensure quality education could continue while still following the safety guidelines of the Panhandle Public Health District? Kimball Public Schools' board, administration and staff rolled up their sleeves and got to work. Surveys were sent out to the community to seek input. Where other districts eliminated bussing, the KPS school board sought a way to continue our program, insisting the children in our community who needed it were provided transportation to school. Facilities and custodial staff began planning for changes that needed to be made within the buildings and teachers began planning for how to deliver instruction in the new reality. As plans were made, the district hosted public informational sessions to share progress and seek input. Guidance continually changed and plans were adapted.

As the start of school loomed closer, there was so much opportunity for parents, teachers and the community to complain about steps and procedures that had to be put in place. Instead, however, the community rallied once again. The new protocol was accepted and embraced - everyone was willing to do whatever it took to make this a positive experience for our children. If we needed to socially distance, take temperatures, move band and choir outside (on nice days), rearrange classrooms, learn new systems to make online learning more effective, wear masks when social distance couldn't be maintained, we would do whatever it took to bring some semblance of normalcy back to our community.

Now as I reflect on the activities of the past week, I have to give several shout-outs. To all KPS staff - no matter your role, you tirelessly prepared to make the first two days back wonderful for the students. To Kimball H.E.L.P.S. - thank you for welcoming our staff back in style with the delicious treats. Your support of our schools helped start our first day back on a high note! To the Booster Club - thanks for working to support our student athletes even when there is so much uncertainty! To The Sage Brush - thanks for your efforts and generosity in giving our students their Prom and for so graciously offering to host their upcoming Homecoming Dance! To Vince's Corner - thanks for your continuous support and the beverages for our staff on opening day! To Main Street Market - thanks for providing an Educator's Discount! To Nebraska Coffee - thanks for offering discounted coffee to help re-fuel our staff! To the Rotary Club - thanks for sponsoring a Homecoming 'parade' so our students can safely celebrate during Homecoming Week. To all other businesses - thanks for your show of encouragement through your marquees and your continued willingness to sponsor the many activities throughout the year.

A big shout out to Judy Anderson. Judy has been working this summer on providing masks for our students and staff. She delivered over 800 masks at no cost to the district. What a gift!! If you happen to see her around town, please thank her for her generosity! These aren't just any masks either. They are reversible with wire at the nose to make them adjustable to each face. Take a look at the picture below - what a talent we have in our community! In addition, the day after her delivery, we approached her about making bell covers for our students' band instruments to help protect students during practice. When a normal person may have begged for rest, she happily volunteered for the project!

Parents and Community Members - thanks for your continued support and positivity during this time. Thanks for your understanding that we don't have all of the answers, and that we are doing our best to serve your students. This understanding has led to a great start to the school year! While we don't know what may come, we know that we have the support of our community as we rally together for our children. I LOVE THIS TOWN!!

• School will release at 1:00 pm on Monday, August 24th and Tuesday August 25th due to heat.
• Tuesday, August 25th, 9 AM - Girls Golf at Sidney
• Wednesday, August 26th - 1:30 PM release (this will be every Wednesday of the year)
• Thursday, August 27th, 4:45 PM - Cross Country at Scottsbluff
• Thursday August 27th, 9 AM - Girls Golf at Bayard
• Thursday, August 27th, 4 PM - Varsity Volleyball @ Hemingford (triangular with Gordon)
• August 31st - September 4th - Homecoming Week!!

Email: Dreader@kpslonghorns.org
Website: Kpslonghorns.org
Location: 901 S. Nadine St.
Phone: (308) 235-4861