Happy Fall!
It's that time of year again! Get out your sweatshirts and sweaters, put on the chili and cinnamon rolls and turn on the football! The weather has been getting cooler and with all the rain this summer I am wondering what the winter will bring us this year. If you have any great fall pictures, send them my way! Everyone loves to see what is happening in and around our community.
PTE Meeting
Thursday, September 23, 2010
7:00 pm
Eagle Elementary Library
Free babysitting will be provided.
Safe Routes To School
Heather Brown, member of the Eagle PTE attending the Eagle Village Board meeting Monday night to present the route she is asking they apply to the Safe Routes Nebraska for funding. The board unanimously approved their support. John Surman will be the Village representive working with Heather and her committee.
Eagle Elementary
I am finding out that a lot of people have opinions when you talk to them but when asked to step up and talk or write it doesn't happen. I believe that is why it comes down to just a few people who seem to always speak up or out. It doesn't mean that it's only a few people with issues but that's all you hear or see. If you want to see change however it will take more than just the few to continuously speak out. We have some great avenues for you to use. Contact your child's teacher with questions or concerns about the class room, contact the principal about questions or concerns about anything regarding the school. If you don't feel this gets you anywhere you will need to contact the Superintendant. If you still don't feel like you are getting anywhere, contact your school board member representative. My point is you have to speak up. There will be a survey going out soon asking your opinion of our school, the district, communication, curriculum, administration, school board members, teachers, an overall picture of how district members feel things are going at the elementary school.
I wrote last week about my concerns with the lack of leveled math this year. My daughter expressed that is was hard to learn with so much going on. I want to make sure that I am clear when I say; I was in no way commenting on her teacher or her teacher's abilities to do her job. I sincerely apologize if that is how I came across. I was concerned more with how this program was affecting not only students who need extra help but those who can work ahead and those in between. I was able to go to the school Monday and learn more about the way math is going as well as other subjects. I am looking forward to learning and understanding more at my next visit. I am happy to be able to write that the kids who need extra help have someone who comes into the classroom and works with them. The district is trying to help kids work at their level while staying in the classroom. Having the kids stay with the same teacher allows that teacher to know what was taught in each subject and use that in a different subject. It helps reinforce through repetition what is being taught. Because this is relatively new the teachers are still working out different things and seeing what works and what doesn't. I still have some concerns about the kids who are able to work ahead at a faster pace and how we can encourage and expand this and how this will affect kids as they move onto middle school. I look forward to seeing how these issues are addressed and worked out. I was told that as the year goes on the teachers can expect help where needed. I look forward to hearing more about this and other programs being implemented at the school. Contact your child’s teacher with questions about the leveled math, CAFE or any other questions you have about what or how they are learning.
I still have lots of concerns and questions. I will continue to try and get some answers and work to open communication for resolution. The lack of a discipline program in place is still one of my big concerns.
Last but as always, NOT least! Communication. It is still my OPINION that it is the lack of communication that has us where we are. I am hopeful that through better communication we can get back to where we were. When I say "where we were", I am meaning teachers, administration, kids and parents working together to create and maintain an environment that challenges our children to learn and excel without limitations. I don't think defensive or hostile reactions work in this environment. I do think if we try and have open minds and better communication we will be on the right track again.
Parking at Eagle Elementary
While the school is trying different things to help with the parking situation, there are a few areas that need to be addressed. PARENTS are part of the problem. It never fails to amaze me that some parents pull up to the lot and if the line is long to drop of kids in the curve they bypass the line and double park or pull ahead of it to drop off their child. What are we teaching our kids? You have to wait in line unless you are in a hurry? REALLY?? There are also parents who pull up to the curve and get out and walk their children up to the school. This really causes the line to back up. If you are going to walk your child up or if your child isn't ready to get out, please pull into a space so that the line can keep moving. We also have parents that now are pulling up next to the buses to let their kids out and the kids are walking in between buses to get to the sidewalk to walk up to the school. This is NOT safe! Please just follow the rules and let your child out in the curve so they have a clear and safe walk up to the school. Use common sense and common courtesy. I saw our principal standing near the curve last week. This is a great start! Having her walking around and talking to the cars that are causing problems, drivers will be more responsive to her than to anyone else as she is the authority figure at the school. I am sure this will take more than one or two days but hopefully after a few people will start following the rules.
The next part really concerns me. If you have ever gotten to the school before the buses leave you see the large group of high school kids waiting to board the buses or change buses. This group has gotten more and more rowdy. There is no one specifically watching these kids. It becomes the problem of the staff member who is monitoring the playground when things start getting out of control. Then their attention is on trying to handle the high school kids instead of on the playground or the kids walking up to the school. These older kids are verbally abusing not only the elementary students who have to walk through them but adults in the area as well. If you witness or have a problem in or around this area, please contact the school. More adults need to get involved in this area so that it is safe for everyone. You can also let the bus driver know or ask them the name of the student causing the problem to be reported to the school. The school can't do anything about it if they don't know who is causing the problems.
And as always, I welcome YOUR input! Please send me your Letters to the Editor, comments, questions, or concerns. Let me know about your celebrations! Send me your anniversaries, birthdays and other special occasions! If you don't like what you see, let me know that too! Keep talking Eagle!!
Letter to the Editor
Thank you so much for your swift reply! I appreciate the explanation and hope that you will discover the problem with receiving these emails. Unfortunately I didn’t save the original email that I composed. I replied to the email address that sends the newsletter (Webmaster@EagleNebraska.com).
You may even want to address this concern in the next newsletter and the best email address to send letters, concerns, etc. Maybe this has happened to others and they just haven’t taken the time to address it (as we know can happen). Maybe your email address is stated in the newsletter already and I just missed it. Sorry if that is the case.
We are new to the Eagle area and our first child will not be entering Eagle Elementary until next year. However, we have enjoyed starting to become acclimated to the area by having our children participate in Blast Ball and joining the Eagle pool this Summer and participating in Eagle Days. We have truly enjoyed becoming acquainted with the community and look forward to years of involvement with the community and the school.
Over the Summer we have read about ALL of the concerns with the school, PTE, etc. via the Eagle Newsletter. I must say that we are thoroughly impressed by the Eagle PTE. Absolutely amazing involvement by the parents and certainly their efforts need to be commended.
The letter that I had originally composed addressed the safety concerns with the school’s pick-up/drop-off area. I spoke out as being a new member of the Eagle community and did note that we do not currently have children in the school yet, but as a concerned citizen/parent I voiced my concerns regarding this situation.
I made a recommendation that the school may want to implement a ‘Parent Patrol Program’. As in larger communities where there are school crossing guards, before and after school to address safety concerns with crossing streets, etc. This type of system would require volunteers (parents, grandparents, community leaders, etc.) and could certainly help to alleviate the problems that are being encountered. Even though we do not currently have children at Eagle Elementary I would be glad to volunteer on my day off for such a program if implemented.
It seems that there are strides being made to address this issue already, as well as the other concerns voiced regarding leveled math, before school activities, discipline program and others. We are thrilled to be involved with such a community that is so responsive to parent concerns and willing to ‘go to bat’ for what is best for the safety and educational needs of our children. Thank you Eagle for being such a dynamic Nebraska community!
Respectfully,
Jacki Kment
Batter Up!
The adult softball league continues to show your never too old to play! Come on over to Memorial Field (East of Kabredlos at 1st and Hwy 34) Games start at 12:00 noon and the last game is played at 3:00pm. They could use your support!
Village of Eagle - Position Available
Village of Eagle is accepting applicants for a full time Village Utility/Maintenance Worker. This position has a variety of duties in the operation and maintenance of the wastewater treatment plant, water system, streets, snow removal and mowing. Certification of a Class II Wastewater Operator and a Class IV Water Operator within one year. Computer experience preferred. Two years experience in the municipal or maintenance background desired. Much have a valid Nebraska driver's license. Ideal candidate must have a strong work ethic, be self motivated and possess excellent communication skills. Salary is negotiable and depends on qualifications; benefits package includes health, dental, disability and life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave. Applications will be taken until position is filled. Resume review begins immediatetly. Applications can be obtained at the Village of Eagle, 540 C Street, Eagle, NE or www.villageofeagle.com. Send letter of application and resume, including salary history to the Village Clark at PO Box 130, Eagle, NE 68347-0130.
Step Up for Down Syndrome!
Many of you probably already know Natasha and James Dobbins. They have two beautiful children Lily and Jimmy "Buddy". Buddy was born with Down Syndrome as well as other complications. He had open heart surgery on August 3, 2009. He had complications from a nicked lymph node...which caused what they called a chylothorax with plural infusion. Which means they nicked the lymph node and that caused the lining of his right lung to fill with fluid and lipils, which collapsed his right lung. They have dealt with apnea monitors, oximeters, oxygen, prescription formula, feeding tube and all kinds of stuff.
Natasha Dobbins is setting up a team for the Step Up for Down Syndrome. Team Bubba! Let's get Eagle together for this little boy!
This year's one-mile, 9th annual Step Up for Down syndrome Walk, hosted by the Down Syndrome Association for Families, will take place - rain or shine - Saturday, October 2, 2010.
WHERE: Across from the Barrier-Free Playground
Antelope Park (near 30th & A) in Lincoln, NE
WHEN: Registration and Festivities begin at 8:00 a.m.
Walk started at 9:30 a.m.
WHO: This is a family event, so strollers and wagons are welcome.
No pets, bikes, or roller blades are allowed.
The link to make $ pledges to TEAM BUBBA. https://www.dsafnebraska.org/pledge.php?team_id=162 for every $150 that is donated under his team name (up to 3) there will be a sign put up along the walk with a fact about Down Syndrome and his little picture on it. So every little bit helps. Donation jars have been placed around town in order to collect.
Inspire Nail Studio NEW HOURS!
Stop in and see Julie!
500 S. 4th St.(lower level, rear entrance)
phone:402-560-0417
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am-3pm
(After hours by appointment only)
Prices:
Spa Manicure-$15 Spa Pedicure-$18
Pariffin Dip-$5
Nail Art-$2-$5 per nail
Gift Certificates available!
Call and make an appointment today!
This is an invitational Contest Open to All the Surrounding Communities
Teams, Businesses, Organizations, Politicians? (no religious or political statements)
Editors, please spread the word and indicate if yours is an Eagle, Elmwood, Springfield or Cedar Creek or Unadilla Scarecrow
This event gets bigger and bigger each year and attracts regional even some international attention!www.BestScarecrow.com
This is an amazing amount of fun, and it really draws out the most creative creations - and gets your business or organization special attention!
Lets this special autumn rivalry off to a great start!
May the Best Scarecrow Win!
Auditions at Lofte for World Premiere Production
Manley, NE [September 20, 2010]-The Lofte Community Theatre announces that it will be holding auditions for its upcoming holiday production of “Christmas at Leon’s” on Sunday, September 26 and Monday, September 27 at 7pm. Director Kevin Colbert is looking for 8 men and 8 women ages 18-60. All roles except for one male character require singing. Audition will consist of cold readings from the script and a musical audition. Actors are asked to bring a prepared song, no more than one minute in length. Accompanist provided.
“Christmas at Leon’s” is an original script written by Lofte Artistic Director Kevin Colbert and longtime Lofte favorite, Mick Kovar. The Lofte production will be the production’s world premiere. The story revolves around Leon, the proprietor of Leon’s Diner & Inn, the three singing waitresses in his employ, and a bus filled with passengers stranded at Leon’s on Christmas Eve.
Production dates for “Christmas at Leon’s: are Dec 3-5, 10-12, and 16-19. The theater is located near Manley, Nebraska near the intersection of Hwy 50 and Hwy 1.
Questions in regards to the audition may be addressed to Kevin Colbert by calling the theater at (402) 234-2553, or emailing him at LofteDirector@Lofte.com.
Community Sustaining Sponsors 2010
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor
2010 Community Sustaining Sponsor