DECEMBER 2009
BOBCAT BITS
HEMINGFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Christmas Concert
Please plan to attend the Hemingford Elementary and High
School Christmas concert on December 15, 2009 in the High
School gym, with K-6th concert beginning at 6:00 p.m. and the
7th-12th Concert beginning at 7:30 p.m.. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th
graders will be performing a
special show (with some help
from the 5th and 6th graders).
This is a story about a winter
pajama party! Pre-School-6th Special points of interest:
will also sing a variety of Christmas Concert-Dec. 15th
Christmas songs. The 5th and Blood Drive-Dec. 2nd
6th grade band will also per-
Cheerleading Camp-Dec. 5th
form during the Elementary
World Stride-Soup Supper-
concert. After a short intermis- Dec. 12th
sion the High School Choir and
Christmas Break-Dec.23rd—
7th—12th grade band will per- Jan. 3rd
form for the public. What a Computers to Give Away
great way to spend an evening
Lunch Account Email
to get you in that Holiday
Holiday Greetings
Spirit!!
Holiday Homecoming-Chamber
of Commerce, Downtown Hem-
ingford-Dec. 2nd
Blood Drive
The Hemingford Fire Department will be holding a Blood Drive on
Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at the Hemingford Fire Hall. Hours
will be from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Please call Lisa Haas at 487-
5512 or 760-6082 if no answer, please leave a message. Western
Nebraska Blood Center does the blood draw. All blood drawn is
used at Regional West and other panhandle hospitals.
all thankful for. It is at school that we push forward,
learning all sorts of academic knowledge, and
experiencing all sorts of ways to cope and get the
most out of the rest of our years. Teachers are
touched by the efforts and the success of their
students, while students eventually understand most
of what their teachers were trying to get across to
them.
How can any of us not be thankful for the
opportunity to attend church, to travel across the
country, to choose the jobs we have, to experience
the variety of sights and sounds that we as
Americans do? America offers variety! There is a
veritable plethora of people that live here together in
our country, with countless shades of color and
countless cultures blended together, all because we
are free.
Our special thanks need to continue to be extended
to all of those men and women who have given their
time - and their lives in many cases - trying to help
others and working to keep our great country free. It
is Veteran’s Day just once a year, but there are 364
The Holidays Approach other days to mail a veteran a note of thanks or to
By Mr. Ningen, Superintendent, Dec. 2009 tell a Veteran in person how much you appreciate
their sacrifices.
As November draws to an end and December
approaches, it is important to take a moment and All of the objects of our thanks mentioned in this
dwell on much that we are thankful for. In each of short article have a common thread; they involve
our lives, even if life has dealt us a cruel turn, much each of us, and they involve someone else. All of us
of what we all experience is something to treasure can be thankful for much, and we owe that thanks to
and hold close. someone else.
All of us can be thankful for our parents, our first So whether you are in your church, at a meal, or
teachers, the folks that kept us fed and clothed, and kneeling at your bedside, try to mention specifically
the ones who watch over us, caring for us and a few more things that you might be thankful for.
fretting over us all the days of our lives. For myself, it is a blessing to work with such a great
staff here in Hemingford, and a blessing to have
Those of us that have been blessed with children can such caring parents.
easily remember plenty of colorful episodes in our
time on earth that involve our sons and daughters.
Most of all, it is a blessing to be a small part of the
Even with some difficult, challenging ones, every
lives of our children, for whom I am most thankful
day we have with our kids are very special. Good or
for.
bad, our short time together is what matters. Make
the best of it.
School is something that students (and staff)
sometimes wonder about, but generally speaking are
Bobcat Bits Page 2
Fostering Education
HEADING TOWARDS DECEMBER
We are over half way into the second quarter of school
already. Progress reports have come home again for a
second time; I hope you are pleased with them. Please
don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher with any
concerns. Please ask your child about their day at
school when you see them. I know that they will be
excited to share with you. We hope your child is as
excited about learning as we are about teaching them. I
believe that we are making wonderful progress each day, but can always strive for more.
Our goal is to help each student reach and pass their potential.
6th GRADE DIME CARNIVAL
The 6th grade students will be holding a dime carnival on December 4th to
raise money for their spring field trip. Please ask a 6th grade student for
more details about this exciting upcoming event.
COATS
Please make sure your child has the appropriate clothing for the
weather. We miss them when they are absent from school. Even
though we try to make up their work, they have missed that
interaction with their peers and teachers. Please label their jackets,
hats, and gloves with their name. We don’t want anyone to lose
their winter clothing items.
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Please remember to save the box tops that are found on many different food
items. They allow us to earn money for our school. This is another great way to
help our school.
UPCOMING DATES OF INTEREST
**December 15th -- K - 12 Christmas program starting at 6:00 p.m. **
PLEASE NOTICE: The program will start at 6:00 p.m. with the
elementary, have a short break, and conclude with the high
school program.
December 4th ----- 6th Grade Dime Carnival
December 22nd ---- 1:00 p.m. Dismissal
December 23th – Jan. 3rd --- (Christmas Break)
Jan. 4th ---- School Resumes
COMMUNICATION
Together we can make a difference Call us with any questions at 487-3330.
Bobcat Bits Page 3
Thayer’s Thoughts
We all know how difficult the past weeks have been for students, staff, and families. We still be in the
process of grieving for some time; but what we have been trained is that the school tries to get back
into the normal routine. There will be happy and sad days for your son/daughter. I am so very proud of
the way they have supported each other during this tragedy. The staff will continue to be watchful and
Mrs. Hucke and staff as always will be available for students.
Please take time during the break to visit with your children about what is happening in their lives
whether it be friends, work, grades, aspirations, or stressors. They do have a lot to deal with on a daily
basis.
Academic Information
Americanism Essay
December 3rd at 1:30pm, students will hear a short presentation by Jeff Harris that
ties into topic of the American essay. This is an opportunity for students to show-
case their talents and earn extra credit in English.
Progress Reports
Progress Reports are an indication of what changes may need to be made for your student for the re-
maining of the quarter. Some are meeting the academics standards while some students may need to
push to maintain a passing grade. Teachers are available during SST but also they are still available
in the morning if that works better for the student. Also feel free to contact the teacher via phone or
email.
Semester Testing
December 18th and 19th will be reserved for final testing. Periods 1, 2, and 3 will be tested on Decem-
ber 18th and Periods 4, 5, 6 and 7 will be tested on December 19th. Students will be taking semester
test during their regularly scheduled periods. School will be dismissed for Christmas break at 1:00 pm
on Tuesday, December 22. Lunch will be served that day.
Schedule Changes
All 7-12 schedule changes must be completed prior to leaving for Christmas break. If a student is
thinking about re-arranging their schedule, they will need to stop in the guidance office and pick up the
add or drop form to be signed by a parent.
Report Cards
Report Cards for the 2nd quarter/1st semester will be mailed out sometime during Christmas break.
Bobcat Bits Page 4
Thayer’s Thoughts Cont.
School Activities
One-Act Competition——The Capricious Pearls
District Competition--December 1 (North Platte)
Prior to leaving for District competition which is in North Platte on Tues-
day, December 1 will be a public performance of the One-Act Play (date--
time yet to be determined). The play is under the direction of Tabi Bryner
and Kelly Thompson.
Music—Christmas Concert
Since the feedback was positive and patrons seemed to enjoy having the Christ-
mas Concert as an one evening joint venture; Hemingford is again planning to
combine the events to be held on Tuesday, December 15th. There will be a short
break to reset needed areas.
Elementary Christmas Concert –at 6:00 pm
High School Christmas Concert—estimated: 7:30 pm
Winter Activities
December starts the 9th, JV and Varsity schedules for speech, wrestling, and basketball. Please check
the school calendar found on the website for dates, location and times. Some have changed since the
Booster Calendar was printed.
No Activities
NSAA has placed a 5-day moratorium on students in school activities starting Wednesday, December
23rd running through Sunday, December 27th. No practicing or coaching is allowed in the facility during
this time.
Cell Phones
As the school tries to control the use of cell phones during the school day by al-
lowing student use before school, lunch and after school; please be aware that
when you text your child, it is natural for them pull their phone out and read to
see who it is from. If you need to get a message to your child, please call the
school and we will gladly pass it on. Even with the best intentions of texting your
child during lunch, the service may not come in until they are back in class.
Bobcat Bits Page 5
IORGI’S GYM
2009 STACK UP!
On your marks. Get set. STACK UP! From coast to coast,
continent to continent, hundreds of thousands of kids and
adults came together on November 12th in the name of -
sport stacking! The 4th annual event took place in nearly
1,500 schools and is sanctioned by the Guinness Book of
World Records. Last year, 222,560 stackers representing
1,343 schools/organizations from 13 countries and all 50 US
states stacked together to set a new world record.
Hemingford Schools was part of the record making process for the last 3 years and joined in
again this year during elementary physical education classes.
SKIP’N CAT START
Level 1 Skip’n Cats starts Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at 7:45 am in the Elementary Gym.
The Skip’n Cats Rope Skipping Team is open to any 2nd – 12th grade student. Handbooks and
medical release forms can be picked up from Mrs. Giorgi after Christmas break and must be
signed and returned on the first day of practice.
CHRISTMAS FITNESS
The Average American gains 7 - 12 pounds between Halloween and New Year’s.
How to Keep Yourself From Starting The New Year As Round As Santa
1. Don't try to "diet" during the holidays. Instead set a goal of trying to maintain your present
weight.
2. Pay attention to how quickly you eat and exactly what you eat and drink. Chew your food
slowly and focus on your companions and the social aspects of each event .
3. Make the effort to continue a regular exercise program
4. Never go to a party or event on an empty stomach.
5. Keep an eye on your portion sizes.
6. Don't let a hectic holiday schedule force you to eat fast food.
7. Avoid Tasting While Cooking.
MERRY FITNESS!
Bobcat Bits Page 6
December Science Corner Provided by the English Department
THE CHAMBERED NAUTILUS
by: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
HIS is the ship of pearl, which, poets feign, Oliver Wendell Holmes was an American
Sails the unshadowed main, --
The venturous bark that flings poet who had a love for science. Use a
On the sweet summer wind its purpled wings dictionary or the internet to see if you can
In gulfs enchanted, where the Siren sings, answer the following questions.
And coral reefs lie bare,
Where the cold sea-maids rise to sun their streaming 1. What is a chambered nautilus?
hair.
Its webs of living gauze no more unfurl;
Wrecked is the ship of pearl! 2. What is a logarithmic spiral?
And every chambered cell,
Where its dim dreaming life was wont to dwell,
As the frail tenant shaped his growing shell,
Before thee lies revealed, -- 3. Where could one find a chambered
Its irised ceiling rent, its sunless crypt unsealed! nautilus?
Year after year beheld the silent toil
That spread his lustrous coil;
Still, as the spiral grew,
He left the past year's dwelling for the new,
Stole with soft step its shining archway through,
Built up its idle door,
Stretched in his last-found home, and knew the old no
more.
Thanks for the heavenly message brought by thee,
Child of the wandering sea,
Cast from her lap, forlorn!
From thy dead lips a clearer note is born
Than ever Triton blew from wreathèd horn!
While on mine ear it rings,
Through the deep caves of thought I hear a voice that
sings: --
Images.Google.com
Build thee more stately mansions, O my soul,
As the swift seasons roll!
Leave thy low-vaulted past!
Let each new temple, nobler than the last,
Shut thee from heaven with a dome more vast,
Till thou at length art free,
Leaving thine outgrown shell by life's unresting sea!
"The Chambered Nautilus" is reprinted from The
Complete Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell
Holmes. Oliver Wendell Holmes. Boston:
Houghton, Mifflin, 1895.
Bobcat Bits Page 7
Science Corner-Mr. Olson
G r e a t T r u t h s a n d M i sc o n c e p t io n s o f S c ie n c e
A n s w er s fr o m l as t m o n t h
1 . T h e y o u n g r a tt l es n ak e c an b e j u st a s p o is o n o u s , b u t o n l y b ec a u s e h e h a sn ’ t
l ea rn e d t o st o p t h e f l o w o f p o i s o n o n ce h e h as b i tt en d o w n o n h i s p r ey .
2 . N o s ci en t if i c jo u r n al s d o cu m en t a sp ec i m en c al l ed t h e c h i ck en h aw k
3 . M a n a n d t h e m a m m o th w er e d e fi n it e ly i n c o e x i s t en ce . T h e p o w e r fu l b u t
s lo w b ea s t w as n o m at ch f o r a p re h i s to r ic h u n ti n g p ar t y e q u i p p ed w i t h a t la t ls
4 . N o c o n n e ct i o n h a s ev er b ee n m ad e b e tw ee n t h e t h ic k n e ss o f an im a l f u r an d
t h e p re d i c ti o n o f w i n t er w e a th er
Q u es t io n s f o r t h is m o n t h
1 . W h at i s a h o g s h e ad ?
2 . T h e W ri g h t b ro th e rs d i d n ’ t f ly t h e f ir s t ai rp l an e. W h o d i d ?
3 . A r e st r aw b e rr i es r ea l ly b e r ri e s?
T h e ab o v e st at e m e n t s m i g h t b e tr u e o r co m m o n m is c o n ce p t i o n s. F o r a c h a n g e o f
p ac e s i t d o w n w i th y o u r y o u n g p e rs o n a n d s o r t o u t th e tr u t h f ro m t h e f i ct io n .
A n s w er s w i ll b e re v ea le d in t h e n ex t n e w s le t te r .
Marla Wade—WorldStrides 2009
Thanks to Nancy and Kim Yardley in the cafeteria, WorldStrides will be hosting a soup
supper on Saturday, December 12, in conjunction with the Mitchell basketball games.
Serving time will be from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Chili, chicken noodle and po-
tato soup will be served with those famous homemade cinna-
mon rolls (compliments of Dorothy Rowe). Cost is $6 for
adults and $4 for children under 12.
Bobcat Bits Page 8
Nurse Judy
Health Professions Club travels to Rapid City
On Thursday November 12, 2009 eleven HHS students traveled to a Health Professions
Career Day at the Civic Center in Rapid City. There were numerous exhibits that the
students could visit and many of them had hands on experiences. The surgical exhibit
had the students gown, glove and mask for surgery and then they tried their hand at
suturing a teaching model.
Our future health professionals!!
IS IT A COLD OR THE FLU?
SYMPTOM COLD FLU
Sore Throat
Cough
Stuffy or Runny nose
Headache
Muscle Aches
Fever over 100 degrees/ chills
Sudden Onset
Please help us to stay healthy by keeping your student at home if they have a fever
over 100 degrees until they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever
reducing medications like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Bobcat Bits Page 9
2009-Speech Team
Hemingford High School Speech Team is GROWING!!
We are off to a terrific start of the speech season with 15 students getting
ready for competition. Please come and watch our talented students!
2009-2010 HHS Speech Schedule
November 21 Novice speech @ Gordon-Rushville
January 16 Scottsbluff Invitational
January 23 Gering Invitational
January 30 Alliance Invitational/ Panhandle Conf
February 6 Chadron Invitational
February 10 Western Trails Conference @Bridgeport
March 8 District Speech @ Perkins County HS
March 18-19 State Speech @ Kearney
COMPUTERS
The technology department has recently replaced some of the student
computers in the elementary. These computers are 9-12 years old; and all
the school programs have been deleted. We want to give away the com-
puters that are still working. They will all need to be reformatted for your
personal use.
Hemingford Schools personnel will not be responsible to help with the reformatting, repair-
ing or installing new programs. If interested please email gbenda@panesu.org or
bstark@panesu.org.
Bobcat Bits Page 10
CHEERLEADING CAMP!!
December 5th for 2nd-6th grade from 1-5 pm with
a performance during the half-time of the girls
basketball game (around 6 pm)! For more infor-
mation, contact Suzanne Neefe at
sneefe@panesu.org or call the High School or
call Shelly McConville at 487-3883.
Graduation Robes
Graduation Robes Needed!
We have a record number of preschoolers this year! We do a graduation
program every spring and the children enjoy using real graduation robes as
part of the program. As the class size has grown, I’ve had a hard time find-
ing enough gowns. If you have any old graduation gowns you would like to
donate, I am in need of several. Size and color do not matter! Please bring
any robes you have to Brianne Moudry at the preschool so we can continue
this fun preschool graduation. Thanks!
Bobcat Bits Page 11
FCCLA NEWS
STAR: Check for Due dates on STAR calendar. Need to
be working on STAR projects. Only 27 more school days
until STAR competition on January 18th!!!
Secret Santa: Secret Santa will be Decem-
ber 7-11. If you are interested in being a
secret santa for a staff member, sign up!
Secret Santa breakfast with the staff: Decem-
ber 11 at 7:30.
Holiday Christmas Party at 6 pm: (potluck)
Bobcat Bits Page 12
COUNSELOR‘S
O they want to attend the college representativesannouncements and sign up on my door if
Juniors and Seniors need to listen to
coming to school.
R Seniors – Education Quest is conducting statewide financial aid programs that explain
N the types ofhow colleges award to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
(FAFSA),
financial aid, how
financial aid, and the student loan process. The programs
E on Wednesday January 13 at 5:30 p.m. More information will be forthcoming.
are free and open to the public. The financial aid program for Hemingford will be held
th
R Juniors – I will be conducting 15 minute individual academic conferences with all the
juniors concerning next year. These conferences will be held during the month of
December. We will be discussing many different topics. These topics include
transcripts, drop/add, academic requirements, plans for life after graduation, and many
other topics as well. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call me at (308)487-
3328.
The next registration date for the ACT is January 5. The test date is February 6.
The third through fifth grade will again be working on social and academic
responsibility. The sixth grade is continuing with leaning social responsibility.
The mind is a bit like a garden. If it isn’t fed and cultivated, weeds will take it
over. Erwin G. Hall
Bobcat Bits Page 13
December 2009 Page 1
COMMUNICATION SOURCES
HEMINGFORD PUBLIC
SCHOOLS
In an effort to maintain all possible communication links, Hemingford
Public Schools will offer numerous ways for parents, students, commu-
nity members and all other interested citizens to stay abreast of hap-
EMPOWERING individuals to become
penings at the schools. Some ways to communicate are: Hemingford
RESOURCEFUL, RESPECTFUL ,
AND RESPOSIBLE… partners in
Public Schools Website
education http://www.heminqfordschools.org
Hemingford Ledger - Important information is posted in the Briefs.
Casper Ningen, Superintendent
Mrs. Peggy Thayer, High School
Sports info and other needed school info can be found here as well.
Principal
Mr. Ron Foster, Elementary Principal Monthly newsletter - Mailed to every patron in the district each month.
Mrs. Mandy Plog, Special Education Also can be found on the webpage.
Director Notices sent home with students
PO Box 217
Information sent home with reports
911 Niobrara Avenue cards.
Hemingford NE 69348
Phone calls to students’ homes
Phone: 308-487-3328 High School when necessary.
Phone: 308-487-3330 Elementary
Phone: 308-487-Distance Learning
Fax: 308-487-5215 PowerSchool for attendance, grades
and other notes to students and par-
ents found on the Hemingford
Schools webpage.
Check ou
t our INCLEMENT WEATHER
Web site:
.hemin
http://www
ools.org The Superintendent of schools is authorized by
gfordsch
the Board of Education to close public schools in
case of severe weather. The Superintendent’s
will notify local news media when inclement
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY weather warrants such action. The information
is broadcast regularly by radio stations, (KCOW AM
1400, KQ 106 & 97.5 FM, KMOR 92.9 FM), our web site
(www.hemingfordschools.org), and Mobius web site
Hemingford Public School District #10 will
(www.bbc.net ).
not discriminate on the basis of race,
color, national origin, religion, sex, disabil- SCHOOL MESSENGER
ity, or marital status in admission or ac-
cess to, or treatment or employment in its If you have not been contacted by “School
programs and activities Messenger” our web based calling system to alert
parents of school cancellations, late starts or any
other events, please contact the school. You
may have changed phone numbers, or
disconnected numbers the school is unaware of.
Also, if you don’t want to be contacted please
notify us so we can take you off of the calling list.
Please call the school of any changes at 487-
3330.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Casper Ningen Lisa Janssen
Peggy Thayer Phyllis Jesse
Ron Foster Gordon Karney
Mandy Plog Joyce Klemke
Cindy Ahrens Cindy Lanik
Reyna Ansley Tim Lanik
Gina Benda Karla Mapes
Sue Benzel Kerri Morrison
Kendra Bixby Brianne Moudry
Kassy Broadway Suzanee Neefe
Tabi Bryner Barb Nikont
Tobie Buchheit Christy Ningen
Deb Campbell Brad Olson
Amanda Chancellor Michael Olson
Jeanette Chasek Michelle Osmotherly
David Chatelain Shawn Phillips
Ann Chesley Robyn Prochazka
Joseph Collins Brenda Robb
Joei Cullan Patrick Robinson
Brenda Davies Dorothy Rowe
Sally Engelhaupt Sue Shaver
Cathy Fingar Marv Spath
Linda Folkerts Brandy Stark
Jennifer Gasseling Judy Stewart
Nancy Giorgi Tre Surbeck
Kim Haas Kelly Thompson
Lisa Haas Pat Vogel
Sandy Haas Marla Wade
Dee Hannaford Rozie Wax
Angie Harvey Chris Weber
Randy Hiemstra Lynn Weldon
Matt Honstein Kim Wills
Kay Horstman Kim Yardley
Jeannette Hucke Nancy Yardley
Ramona Hucke Dennis Zajic
Pamela Huddle Nancy Zajic
HEMINGFORD PUBLIC SCHOOLS