Roughrider District News

Mr. Billeter

As we approach the end of 2024, it’s hard to believe this is our final newsletter of the year. This semester has been filled with academic and athletic successes that our students and staff can be proud of. Please note that the last day of the first semester is Friday, December 20th, with a 1:00 PM dismissal.

For students in grades 9-12 who wish to switch classes for the second semester, please meet with Mr. Schake, as the deadline for class changes is Friday, January 10th. Senior parents are encouraged to visit Mr. Schake’s webpage on the school website, where you will find a comprehensive list of scholarships, links to applications, due dates, and requirements for applying. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email Mr. Schake; he is always willing to assist.

Additionally, please note that the NSAA moratorium begins on December 22nd and concludes on

December 27th. During this time, all school and gym facilities will be closed, and no practices will be allowed. Athletes and coaches are encouraged to take this time to relax and recharge.

As we enter this holiday season, I hope everyone enjoys a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. This break is a perfect opportunity to unwind before we return for the second semester, ready to tackle new challenges. A huge thankyou goes out to all staff members who contributed to making this semester a great educational experience; we are fortunate to have such dedicated individuals guiding our students'; learning journeys.

Lastly, please remember to check Infinite Campus for updates on student lunch balances, grades, and attendance. This is a valuable resource for parents and students to track academic progress.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season! #Rollriders

Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a safe and relaxing winter vacation. I am excited about all the possibilities 2025 will bring! Report cards were completed and sent home at the end of December, marking the close of a productive first semester. Our teachers and students have accomplished so much, and I know they will continue working hard as we move into the second semester.

December was a bustling month filled with highlights, including our Christmas program, a Block Party, DIBELS testing, writing projects, class celebrations, the first Good Friends get-together, a movie field trip to Arapahoe, a hot cocoa bar, and much more!

As teachers return to school in early January for professional development and staff planning, we will focus on school improvement efforts and review student data gathered during the first semester. This analysis allows teachers to adjust their instruction to meet the diverse learning needs of every student. Our commitment to improvement is ongoing. During professional development days and PLC late-start sessions, our faculty will continue refining strategies to enhance learning outcomes and help each child reach their fullest potential.

As we step into 2025, our focus remains on fostering not only academic success but also the holistic development of every child. We aim to inspire confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning. Your support at home plays a vital role in your child’s educational journey. By maintaining open communication and collaboration between parents and teachers, we can create a strong, unified learning environment.

Thank you for being such an essential part of our educational community. Your unwavering support fuels our passion for teaching and ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive. If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Wishing you a fantastic start to the new semester!

Warm regards,
Tara Fries
Principal, Southwest Elementary

The first semester has past and student grades are recorded. You should have received your Childs report card by the time you are reading this. If you have not, please call the school. (Or maybe ask your child if they have seen it!)

Junior and Senior Parents! Scholarships are starting to filter into the office and Mr. Schake has worked hard getting info to the kids. They are sent emails with scholarship deadlines as well as using sports U as an alternate way to communicate. If you have questions, please call the school and visit with Mr. Schake about your college questions. Reminder that it is important for you to call the school if your child is ill or not going to be in school that day. We will always follow up if a child is reported absent from first hour. Our first concern is the student’s well-being in case they were in a wreck or had trouble. So please help us out by calling first thing if they will be absent.

UPDATE!!! People using Viaero wireless. For some odd reason we have had many
calls from Viaero customers that will not go through. It seems work with all other cell
providers. So, if you get a message that the numbers are out of service or not available it
is a phone issue. Please try texting or use a land line.

High school credits are important if a child plans on graduating with their class. Failing a
class will cause a student to miss out on multiple opportunities as they proceed through
high school. If your child fails a class, he/she will need to attend summer school for 5
weeks starting the first week of June or until they complete the courses they have failed.
Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 each week. The credit
recovery program we use can be completed in 4 weeks if the student works hard. Please
call the school if your child fails a class so we can begin the process of getting them
started on credit recovery.

Matt Springer

JR/SR High Principal

Congratulations to our hard-working students for their recent achievement! Out of all the Nebraska schools that participated in the Fall 2024 Vocabulary Bowl, Southwest Jr./Sr. High School ranked number 1. The combined efforts of our students put our total number of words mastered at 10,800. We should all be very proud of this accomplishment!

Scholarships

Seniors can access scholarship applications at www.swpschools.org

• Hover over the Jr. Sr. High School tab at the top
• Go to the bottom of the selection and choose “Senior Scholarships”
• Click the google link.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1tUvMVTpzKq3umttYJmzwmBM64aNEs60AOFPMJARU_jQ/edit?gid=0#gid=0

*The spreadsheet is organized by monthly due dates so be sure to look at the months in advance, so you have time to fill the applications out before the due date. This is updated as I receive scholarships throughout the year.

*The scholarships highlighted in red are not updated and the scholarships highlighted in green are always open and have differing due dates so be sure to look back on these frequently.

Seniors wanting to improve their ACT scores can take it through February to use on their college and scholarship applications.

Taking a campus visit this fall to the college of their choice is a great way to make final decisions and get all the information needed so seniors don’t miss deadlines at the college they plan to attend next fall.

Juniors

You will be taking the ACT at the school on March 26 th starting in the morning. It would be a good idea to take some practice tests on your own to see how the test is going to feel before we get to test time. If you need any help let me know.

FAFSA

I am working on dates to have a professional come in and help families fill it out. I have sheets in my office that has all the information that you will need to fill out the forms. If you are NOT wanting to fill out the FAFSA please let me know, there is a form that you will have to fill out which states you are not using Student Aid money in order to graduate this year.

ACT

Register for the ACT at: actstudent.org

Southwest School Code: 280151

MCC Test Site Code: 024600

Six students were selected for the K-State Concert Band Clinic in January. We will travel to Kansas State on Friday, January 24, where they will have a quick audition, and will be placed in one of six concert bands. They will practice all weekend and perform in a concert on Sunday, January 26. It is such a great experience for them, as there will be conductors from all over the country, over 600 high students involved, and they will attend master classes with the instrumental professors. Those participating will be: Nena Escobar Salas, Clara Hurst, Amelia Minary, Olivia Minary, Julee Thomas, and Jadyn Walz.

Four students were accepted into the UNK Honor Band and Honor Choir on Monday, January 27. Alyssa Koch will be in the Festival Band; Elina Decker will be in the Treble Choir; and Nena Escobar Salas and Joshua Hitt will be in the Festival Choir. It will be a full day of rehearsals, with a concert at the end to showcase their music.

Preschool applications are available for the 2025-2026 school year.

Enrollment Guidelines

All enrollment is subject to the capacity limits and priorities outlined in board policy 6040. Enrollment in the previous year at Southwest Public Schools does not guarantee acceptance for the following year. Please see the enclosed Preschool criteria.

Five-Year-Old Participation
Five-year-old students who will not turn six before January 1 of the enrollment year may participate in the program only if they have not met the GOLD assessment benchmarks or have been recommended by a teacher.

Capacity Limitation
The program has a maximum capacity of 40 children. If the number of registered children exceeds this limit, enrollment will be prioritized as follows:

1. Four-year-old children (in-district)
2. “At-risk” children, as defined by Rule 11
3. Qualified five-year-old students
4. Three-year-old "at-risk" as defined by Rule 11
5. Three-year-old children
6. Four-year-old children (out-of-district)

Applications

Applications have been sent home with this years preschool students and mailed to those who were on a waiting list last year. If you would like an application here are a few options:

• Pick an application up at 719 E St- Southwest Elementary in Indianola
• Visit our school website at swpschools.org and download a copy
• Print from the attachment on this newsletter

Board of Education Meeting

Southwest Public Schools

District 179

December 16, 2024

President Jason Neseth called the regular meeting of the Southwest Public Schools Board of Education toorder at 5:32 p.m. on December 16, 2024 at the Southwest Junior-Senior High School in Bartley.

Present: John O’Dea, Jennifer McConville, Jason Kloepping, Jason Neseth, Superintendent Drew Billeter, Matt Springer, Tara Fries, and Patricia Smith.

Absent: Brooke Brooks and Duane Teter.

Visitors: Derek and Darin Meyers, Stacy and Ella Wilson, Connie Lovin, Kim Barnett, Hillery Kennedy, Ron Neseth, Jody Hyke, and Brian Foster.

President Neseth observed Open Meeting Law requirements.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by Kloepping, to excuse absent board members, Brooke Brooks and Duane Teter. Ayes: Kloepping, Neseth, McConville, and O’Dea. Nays: None. Absent: Brooks and Teter. Motion carried. Moved by O’Dea, seconded by McConville, to approve the board meeting agenda as presented. Ayes: Kloepping, McConville, Neseth, and O’Dea. Nays: None. Absent: Brooks and Teter. Motion carried.

Notices of the meeting were posted at the Adams Bank and Trust in Indianola, the Stockmens Bank

Bartley Branch, Post Offices in Bartley and Indianola, Southwest Elementary School in Indianola,

Southwest Junior-Senior High School in Bartley, and published in the Valley Voice newspaper and on the school website. Notice of the meeting was given in advance to all members prior to the meeting date.

During the agenda item Public Comment and Recognition of Visitors, representatives of the Southwest Teachers’ Association presented Jason Kloepping with a card and thanked him for his service on the School Board. Superintendent Billeter also presented him with a plaque, made by students, recognizing his service as a board member.

Agenda Item A of VI Old Business, Approval of Prior Minutes, was tabled until another board member arrives at the meeting.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by McConville, to approve the claims as presented. Ayes: McConville,

Kloepping, O’Dea, and Neseth. Nays: None. Absent: Brooks and Teter. Motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was presented to the Board.

Superintendent Billeter presented the annual financial literacy report to the board per LB452.

Brooke Brooks arrived at the meeting at 5:48 p.m.

John O’Dea led a discussion for Board member to voice opinions concerning the elementary after-school daycare program. A financial report of the revenue and expenditures associated with the daycare program will be emailed to the Board members and further discussion was tabled until the January 13 Board Meeting.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by Kloepping, to approve the 2025-2026 Negotiated Agreement between the Board and the Southwest Teachers’ Association. The base salary will increase by $800 and changes in the number of personal and sick leave days were discussed. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Neseth, Brooks, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by McConville, seconded by O’Dea, to approve revising Policy 4056 Resignation of Certified Staff. If a contract is signed by a certificated employee by March 15, the employee will not be approved to resign from the district at a later date before the beginning of the next school year. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Neseth, Brooks, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by McConville, to approve the bid by Brico Pest Control as the district’s pest control provider. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent:

Teter. Motion carried.

Superintendent Billeter discussed the quote from Verkada Cameras to add additional security cameras at the Elementary and Junior-Senior High School as there are several rooms and hallways with blindspots in both buildings. The quote would add a total of six additional cameras and includes the five-year $4,000 licensing fee, for a total of $14,730.99 and will be paid from the Special Building Fund.

Moved by McConville, seconded by Kloepping, to approve the quote from 12 Points Technologies. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Superintendent Billeter, Principal Springer, and Tech Coordinator Jody Hyke discussed the original Watt- Stopper lighting equipment installed in the junior-senior high school at the time of construction. The control module has ceased to function, and there have been several problems with room lighting being discontinued and gym lights shutting off during a basketball game. A source for a digital copy of the building specs has been found, but no installer has been located. A motion was made by O’Dea and seconded by Brooks, to table a decision on the quote obtained from Mercer-Zimmerman for the equipment only until an installer could be located and a quote secured for the cost of the equipment installation. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by Kloepping, seconded by Brooks, to approve the minutes of the November 11, 2024 Board

Meeting minutes. Ayes: Kloepping, Brooks, McConville, and Neseth. Nays: None. Abstained: O’Dea.

Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Superintendent Billeter reported on receiving an award of a School Nutrition Grant in the amount of

$19,172.00 for replacing a serving table and warming stations at the elementary kitchen. Claims for

the grant must be submitted prior to September 15. Installation quotes must be obtained. Southwest Schools was also awarded a grant from the Nebraska Recycling Council for purchase of Slim Jim 4- Stream Recycling Stations for $3,080.00 for each building. The trip to Spring City in Grand Island for 99 junior-senior high students was taken on December 3. The trip was an incentive to students meeting the benchmark goals or achieving growth on the recent MAPS test scores. One hundred thirty-six of 150 students reached the goal. Mr. Billeter also informed the Board that Letters of Intent will be distributed to certified employees in January.

Principal Fries reported on the December 12 elementary Family Engagement Block Party Night put on by the Red Willow County Extension Office. A Family Literacy Night is being planned for the second semester.

Principal Springer reported on the Jump City Reward Trip and the retirement of two maintenance/custodial employees, who also serve as substitute bus drivers, at the end of July 2025. Replacements will be sought in a few months.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by Kloepping, to go into closed session at 6:35 p.m. for Item #8, Certified Teacher’s Request for Additional Leave Time, #9 Principals’ Contracts, and #10 Superintendent Contract for the 2025-2026 school year to discuss pay increases for the protection of the public interest and personnel issues for the needless injury to the reputation of an individual. President Neseth repeated the motion, and the board voted as follows: Ayes: Neseth, O’Dea, McConville, Brooks, and Kloepping. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

President Neseth closed executive session at 6:47 p.m.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by Kloepping, to approve the certified teacher’s request for additional leave time. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by McConville, seconded by Kloepping, to approve contracts for the Elementary and High School Principal for the 2025- 2026 school year at a 4% increase. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by Kloepping, seconded by O’Dea, to approve the 2025-2026 Superintendent’s contract also at a 4% increase. Ayes: O’Dea, Kloepping, Brooks, Neseth, and McConville. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Moved by O’Dea, seconded by Kloepping, to adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m. Ayes: O’Dea, McConville, Kloepping, Neseth, and Brooks. Nays: None. Absent: Teter. Motion carried.

Agenda for meetings will be kept continually current and available for public inspection in the office of the Superintendent.

The next regular board meeting will be held on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. at the Southwest Junior-Senior High School in Bartley.