Welcome back, everyone! It's almost that time of year again – a fresh start, new beginnings, and so many opportunities awaiting us. Whether you are returning to familiar SHS hallways or stepping into them for the first time, know that this year holds immense potential for growth, discovery, and success.

As we embark on this journey together, let's remember to approach each day with Preparation, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, and Effort. Let's embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow stronger, and let's support one another every step of the way.

We want and encourage our parents to stay in the know about their child’s studies, assignments, assessments, and school activities, as well as other events and happenings. We highly encourage all parents to sign up to track student grades and attendance via PowerSchool. For more information -Click here! We also encourage all students and parents to review the handbook before school starts.

Here’s to an AWESOME new school year!

Mr. Scott Axt, Principal

Mr. Rich Eber, Assistant Principal

Mr. Scott Curry, Activities Director

Building/District Website: www.sewardschools.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sewardpublicschools

X: https://x.com @SewardBlueJays #sewardjays

Activity Calendar: www.centralconference.org

Staff Email: firstname.lastname@sewardschools.org

Seward High School will be hosting a freshman and new student orientation on Monday, August 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the new theater. (Doors will open at 6:30 if students want to arrive early to start getting their T-shirts, schedules, fill out paperwork etc. to beat the rush, and learn more about student activities (tables will be setup in the main gym for more information) Parents/guardians and students will have an opportunity to visit classrooms, meet teachers, find lockers, and get acclimated with the building. Information will also be provided regarding schedules, school policies, college planning, activity tickets, the automated lunch program, school organizations, and other relevant school information. We encourage parents/guardians to come prepared to put money in your son and/or daughter’s lunch account and to pay for activity tickets before school starts in order to avoid the rush on the first few days of school. This should be an exciting night to continue the journey of transitioning to high school.

Chromebook distribution this year will take place on the dates indicated below. Students in grades 9-12 may pick up their Chromebooks in the high school library. Students will need to come with a signed parent/student handbook receipt as well as a Chromebook User Agreement. Both have been included in this newsletter for your convenience.

9th/12th Grade Chromebook Checkout times:

Thursday, August 8th, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Friday, August 9th, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Monday, August 12th, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

It is important to notify the high school office at 402-643-2988 of any demographic information changes such as your mailing address, home, work, and cell phone numbers, email, emergency contacts, and other relevant information as soon as possible. Ensuring that your information is accurate will enable us at Seward High School to communicate with you regularly.

Seward High School, we believe each student should aspire toward personal excellence and responsible citizenship with community and family support. We believe that together families, schools, and community can prepare students to develop life skills and achieve academic success. Students should utilize the MobileServe app to record and track their hours, which will be verified and approved by administration.

Students will be encouraged to complete at least 5 hours of community service each calendar year (August 1 - July 31) and required (per Board Policy 6006) to complete 30 hours of community service as a graduation requirement (August 1 of freshman year - Wednesday prior to prom of senior year). Starting with the Class of 2027, 5 out of the 30 hours must be served in school service activities such as concessions, class projects, decorating for homecoming and prom, etc. As always, the majority of hours must be served in Seward County communities; hours to be served outside of Seward County must be pre-approved by the administration. This system to enhance student learning will connect the community and school to support the development of servant leaders. Students need to log on and be active starting the 9th grade year. Hours completed prior to students' 9th grade year are not accepted.

National Honor Society Induction

Sunday March 23rd at 2:00 P.M. in the High School Theater

The purpose of the dress code is to give students a safe, orderly, and distraction-free environment. Managing the dress code in a positive way requires cooperation between students, parents, and the school. Therefore, the information below is intended to be a proactive reminder before you begin any back-to-school shopping. The items below have all been deemed inappropriate. The list is not all-inclusive and focuses mostly on the items that tend to require the greatest need for a reminder when returning to school from the summer months.

• Clothing or jewelry that is gang-related;
• Clothing that is excessively tight-fitting or revealing
• It is inappropriate for students to wear any top that does not cover the back, chest, abdomen or shoulders. Upper body articles should cover the body from the shoulders to the waist. Some examples of prohibited dress include: Bare backs, bare shoulders, midriffs, tube tops, halter tops. Clothing must have straps that are at least 2” wide and are over the shoulders.
• No see-through or soiled clothing is allowed.
• Visible undergarments are prohibited.
• Both girls and boys will be allowed to wear shorts as long as they are an appropriate length.
• Undergarments and private parts (front side and back side) should not be visible when wearing any top or bottom garment.
• Shorts with pockets exposed below the hem are not appropriate school attire.
• Clothing or jewelry that advertises, promotes or makes reference to beer, alcohol, tobacco, electronic nicotine delivery systems or products, or illegal drugs;
• Clothing or jewelry that could be used as a weapon or that would encourage “horseplay” or not needed in the school building (such as but not limited to: chains, trucker wallets, rings, spiked apparel, pliers/tools);
• The wearing of hats, caps, hoods, sunglasses, and bandanas etc. during the school hours is prohibited. (Students are to remove headwear when entering the building and hats should be placed in school lockers for the duration of the school day and worn after the student leaves the building.)
• Clothing or jewelry that could be used as a weapon or that would encourage “horseplay” or not needed in the school building (such as but not limited to: chains, trucker wallets, rings, spiked apparel, pliers/tools);
• The wearing of hats, caps, hoods, sunglasses, and bandanas etc. during the school hours is prohibited. (Students are to remove headwear when entering the building and hats should be placed in school lockers for the duration of the school day and worn after the student leaves the building.)
• Clothing, tattoos or jewelry that displays indecent writing, pictures, slogans, nudity, makes sexual references or carries double meanings and/or creates a distraction at school
• Excessive makeup that causes an unnecessary distraction;
• Health laws require that shoes be worn at all times while at school;
• No blankets in the classrooms.
• No backpacks or bags in the classroom. All bags need to be placed in an assigned locker. This includes the 5th period.
• Prom and Homecoming – Dress code will allow for strapless dresses and minimal exposed abdomens. Prom is a formal dance and Homecoming is business casual.

• Digital devices have proven to be a distraction for students in classes throughout the world. Our goal at Seward High School is to ensure the best educational experience for our students, and we believe that limiting cell phone use fits with the research of creating a positive learning environment for all Seward High School students. The goal is to teach students they can be away from their phones for periods of time, which is why the district is allowing students to check their phones during passing periods and their lunch. All Phones must be kept in student lockers with the exceptions of these two occasions. Parents, If you need to contact your child please reach out to the office and they will deliver your message.

• *Cell phones, earbuds, headphones, and other electronic communication devices may be used before school, after school, and only during school hours during passing periods and at lunch. (Due to safety, all students are required to have one ear open and free of earbuds/headphones during these approved time periods to be able to hear alarms and instructions) Students cannot be tardy to class due to checking their devices. Cell phones/headphones and other electronic communication devices may not be used or worn during any class period. The use of these devices during class periods will be subject to the following consequences:

• 1st Offense -The student turns the digital device over to the teacher, goes into the phone caddy, and is turned off.

• 2nd Offense -The teacher takes a digital device from the student and brings it to the office. The student can get their device at the end of the school day. The parents will be notified of the offense.

• 3rd Offense -The teacher will collect the device and send it to the office. A parent will be notified, and the parent will have to come to the office and collect the device. The student will serve a 30-minute detention.

• 4th Offense-The teacher collects the device and sends it to the office. A Parent will have to pick up the phone, and the student will serve one day in ISS without any devices.

*Medical exemptions will be allowed. Eg., glucose monitoring system. However, notifications to all non-medical apps must be turned off.

Students returning to Seward High School next year received a copy of their 2024-2025 schedule in May before summer dismissal. The goal of providing this information early is to help make the transition into the new school year as smooth as possible. Please note that non-essential schedule changes such as trading one elective course for another, switching teachers, etc. will be limited and rare. Note: We do not allow schedule changes in Marching Band due to the creation of the show which is built and designed for a certain number of students. The show is designed shortly after school is out and students were to make any schedule changes in this area before school was out. The master schedule was built with the goal of accommodating the greatest percentage of our student schedule requests possible. We also provided an opportunity for students to request course changes for next year, prior to the end of the 2023-24 school year via individual meetings. In short, extreme efforts have been taken on the front end of the scheduling process so we can have a smooth start to the 2024-2025 school year. Please note that incoming 9th graders and new students will receive an official copy of their schedule at the Orientation on August 12, while all other students will see their updated schedule on PowerSchool.

Students and parents are encouraged to access the Seward High School counseling website via the Counselors link on the Seward High School website to obtain information regarding post-secondary planning, scholarships, course registration, and to obtain other valuable student/parent resources. This is an excellent resource that is updated on a regular basis.

Class of 2025 - What can you do this summer to prepare for post-secondary education/training?

• Start narrowing your college choices to three or four schools. Visit some college campuses this summer and check out college websites. Take advantage of the new virtual campus visit options! Request information and make direct contact with Admissions staff.
• Update your PLP (Personal Learning Plan) on your Google Drive. Update your graduation requirements. Include extracurricular activities, honors, awards and part-time jobs. Complete your community service hours to include on your resume and turn in the form.
• Preparing for the ACT / SAT is a great plan so you don’t suffer from summer brain drain. We offer the test in October and December.
• Look for scholarships. Check out ScholarshipQuest, which has over 2,000 local and statewide scholarships. Log-on and create/open your account (you made one if you have taken Personal Finance). Also, pay attention to scholarships current seniors have received. Visit the EducationQuest blog for more suggestions: http://www.educationquest.org/blog/calling-juniors-start-looking-scholarships/#!mostrecent
• Familiarize yourself with the Seward High Counseling website so you know where to find information and applications your senior year.
• Create a family calendar to include senior deadlines. Include ACT test dates, senior parent/guardian meeting, yearbook senior picture deadline, yearbook baby picture ad deadline, scholarship deadlines, Honors Night, graduation practice , graduation, etc.
• Commit to a summer job shadow. This is a great opportunity to solidify or modify your fifth year plan and you don’t miss school. Need help with making contact? Email your school counselor.
• Find a summer job to help pay for college expenses. Ask prospective employers if they offer education assistance programs. A summer job shows responsibility and the ability to work well with others.

The first official day of practice for football, softball, girl’s golf, cross country and volleyball is Monday, August 12. However, many sports have voluntary workouts and conditioning prior to the first practice. You are encouraged to contact the coach if you have not received information about summer opportunities. For a complete list of all forms needed to participate in athletics please go to “SHS 2024-2025 Parent Student Handbook”. The “Seward High School Student And Parent Consent Form For Interscholastic Participation” and Nebraska School Activities Association ("NSAA") Student and Parent Consent Form must be turned in prior to the first competition. The “Preparticipation Physical Evaluation” forms will be filled out by your physician at the time of the athlete’s physical. The Clearance Form must be returned to the High School office before the first practice. The parent code of conduct agreement form is optional for parents to sign and turn in to the athletic office (feel free to keep a copy for yourself).

Participation fees:

All participants are required to purchase an activity ticket for $25 and pay a participation fee of $25. The participation fee covers all of the student activities for the year. The total combined cost is $45.

Softball:

For more information contact Shawn Carr at shawn.carr@sewardschools.org

Football:

For more information contact Jamie Opfer at (402) 643-4676 or jamie.opfer@sewardschools.org

Volleyball:

For more information contact Tom Pallas at tom.pallas@sewardschools.org

Cross Country:

For more information contact Kurt Holliday at kurt.holliday@sewardschools.org

Girls Golf:

For more information contact Jim Placke at jim.placke@sewardschools.org

Senior banners will once again brighten the main lobby of Seward High. The banners may be purchased from Sports Express through an online store. The web address and details will be published at a later date, stay tuned.

The only door for event entrance will be door #1 which is the main entrance on the South side of the building which leads into the main foyer. All other doors will be locked and will not be event entrances.

With the start of the 2024-2025 school year we also have the beginning of the fall sports and activity season. We should all take great pride in the fact that we have a top-notch activity program at Seward High School. Our student-athletes and coaches compete with a great deal of pride, integrity, fairness, and respect. All of these are bedrock principles of good sportsmanship.

Competition, especially at the high school level, must be healthy and productive. We must encourage our students to pursue their fullest potential through hard work, by being perseverant, and by learning how to win or lose with dignity and class. As a fan of Seward High School it is also important that you demonstrate these same qualities associated with good sportsmanship. You can do so by cheering positively for our team(s), by understanding that not all calls by those officiating the competition will go as we see them from the stands, and by remembering that high school athletics isn’t just about winning and losing. Our actions on and off the field will leave a lasting impression with our student-athletes; with the communities/schools we compete against, and amongst the younger fans cheering right alongside us in the stands. Let’s hold each other accountable to represent our school, community, and student-athletes the right way.

With the fall activities season on the horizon, a list of reminders has been provided below in an effort to be proactive regarding the policies of Seward High School. Please contact the school if you have questions or a unique situation you would like to discuss.

• Students must be passing all of their classes to participate in an athletic contest or school activity event. Students who are not eligible may not ride the team/organization bus to away events.
• Students that are not eligible due to grades will be required to attend After School Study Program from 3:45-4:45. Students will then report to the remaining portion of practice. Students are to report to the After School Program until all of their grades are passing and verified by the HS Office.
• Students must be in school all day in order to participate in an activity that afternoon or evening. Staying home in the morning to rest because they are not feeling well and returning to school late morning or early afternoon does not allow a student to play that day.
• Students who are slated to be absent for a school activity are encouraged to alert their teachers ahead of time and get work before they leave whenever possible.
• An effort should be made to make all non-essential appointments outside of the school day whenever possible (i.e. haircut, etc.). Students attending regular appointments for medical reasons, therapy, and other important/required reasons are encouraged to vary the time of these appointments whenever possible in order to reduce the academic impact a student experiences with any one class within their schedule.
• Please ask for a note from your provider when attending medical appointments during the school day and please bring this note to Mrs. Carmen Johnson in the high school office. Medically Documented or Court Documented absences DO NOT count toward the five day attendance limit.

Marching band members continue to work hard over the summer! In June, the color guard and percussion sections were hard at work in sectionals, beginning to learn what will be needed for the 2024 show. The band met as a whole group for the first time on June 27 to begin preparing for the annual 4th of July parade, where our new members will have their first taste of performing with the Pride of Seward High. With help from our Band Boosters, the drum majors will attend camp at UNL in July. Full band camp will be held the week of July 29, culminating in our exhibition performance on Friday, August 2, at 6:30 pm at the SHS practice field. All are invited to see what we learn in a week, and the first official performance of our 2024 show, In the Heights.

If you have questions regarding any band events, please contact the director Amanda Kenney (amanda.kenney@sewardschools.org), visit the band website, or follow us on X (@SewardBand). We're looking forward to these upcoming performances and kicking off another great season!