FROM SUPERINTENDENT RAWSON

SCHOOL BEGINS AUGUST 14TH

Dear Parents, Students and Patrons,

Welcome back to the Mead Public Schools for the 2009-10 school year. I feel very fortu-

nate to have been selected to serve the students of the district as your superintendent this

year and am appreciative to many of you that have already made me feel welcome and at

home in Mead. Special thanks are offered to Mr. Robertson for his invaluable assistance in

helping me with the transition to this position.

The first day back for teachers will be Wednesday August 12. Following meetings on the

12th and 13th, students will begin classes on Friday August 14. For this first student day,

classes will be dismissed at 11:30 AM and there will be no lunch served. Beginning on

Monday 17, classes will resume on the full day schedule with dismissal at the elementary

school at 3:15 pm and at 3:27 pm at the Jr-Sr High.

Several new staff members will be joining the returning staff for 2009-10.

Kenneth Furstenau will teach business courses at the Jr-Sr High. Mr. Furstenau has

11 years of teaching and counseling experience and was most recently employed by

Bishop Neumann in Wahoo.

John Niemoth will teach science courses at the Jr-Sr High. Mr. Niemoth has 25

years of teaching experience and most recently taught at Archbishop Bergan Catho-

lic School.

Kim Thrasher will provide Title I services at the Elementary School. Mrs.

Thrasher has 9 years of teaching experience in the public schools as well as addi-

tional experience substituting and providing tutorial services for children.

Larry and Carol Frost will serve as head and assistant football coaches at the Jr-Sr

High this year. Mr. and Mrs. Frost have been involved with teaching, coaching and

school administration for many years having served school districts in Lincoln,

Wood River and Walthill as well as in communities in other states.

Dr. Dale Rawson will serve as superintendent. Dr. Rawson has teaching and ad-

ministrative experience in Nebraska, Iowa and has most recently spent 23 years in

Kansas as a school superintendent.

I hope that you’ll welcome these new staff members to our school and community. I look

forward to working with them as well as the returning staff, students, parents and commu-

nity members to continue the fine educational opportunities available in the Mead Public

Schools.

Dr. Dale Rawson, Superintendent

(Continued on page 2)

Important dates:

10 - Board Meeting

14 - 1st day of school

11:30 dismissal

20 - Hamburger Fry

24 - FFA Family BBQ

28 - Volleyball Scrimmage &

Parents mtg.

28 - Football Scrimmage &

Parents mtg.

Inside this issue:

Supply List 5

Messenger 8

Calendar 11

Hot Lunch 4

Position Openings 2

Admission

Requirements

5

MEAD PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Monthly Newsletter

August 2009

Volume 14, Issue 1

Page 2

POSITION OPENINGS

The Mead Public Schools are taking applications for the following positions:

1. Kindergarten aide – This position will assist with all children in the 2009-10 kindergarten class. The work day is

from 8:15 am to 3:15 pm on days school is in session and the salary will be based on applicant’s background and

experience.

2. Classroom teacher aide – this position will assist with both regular education and special educations students at the

elementary school. The work day is from 8:15 am to 3:15 pm on days school is in session and the salary will be

based on applicant’s background and experience.

If you are interested in either position, please contact the Superintendent’s office for an application.

(Continued from page 1)

That's right, August 14th will be here before we know it. The buildings are being cleaned and polished, the books, sup-

plies, and athletic equipment have been ordered, and schedules are set! Everyone here is working hard to make the 2009-

2010 the best year ever at Mead Public Schools.

Will your student be ready? Remember, the Nebraska School Activities Association requires that all athletes grades 7-

12 have a pre-participation physical on file with school before they may be allowed to participate in any athletic activity

including practices. Forms are available in the high school office, the weight room or on line at meadpublicschools.org

Additionally, if your student is entering kindergarten, 7th grade or transferring to the Mead district from another district

in or out of state, the State of Nebraska has a few requirements for student admission. These requirements include: a

birth certificate, a physical examination, a visual evaluation and immunizations. A complete list of requirements and

immunizations can be found on pages 3 and 7 of this newsletter. You will also find a complete list of elementary sup-

plies requested on page 5. Have a Fun and Safe Summer, see you soon!

1st Day Just Around the Corner

FACILITY RENTAL FEES & PRICES 2009 – 2010

ELEMENTARY GYM $50.00/day

ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY CLASSROOM $30.00/day

HIGH SCHOOL COMMONS $120.00/day

HIGH SCHOOL GYM

1 to 5 hours $150.00/day

Over 5 hours $300.00/day

FOOTBALL FIELD $300.00/day

HIGH SCHOOL KITCHEN

1 to 5 hours $150.00/day

Over 5 hours $300.00/day

SOUND EQUIPMENT

PORTABLE SYSTEM $50.00/day

PERMANENT SYSTEM $20.00/mic needed

A rental agreement must be completed before a key will be issued for the rental of any school facilities. These costs do not include the use of school sound equipment. Sound equipment rental will be charged based on the number of micro-phones needed and whether the portable system or permanent system is being used.

Pag

Page 3 Newsletter Title

Page 4

BUS SERVICE Bus drivers will be calling you before August 12th to let you know an approximate

pick up time. It will take us a few days to adjust each route so please be ready early so

the bus does not have to wait for you. If you did not have bus service last year but

would like to start service this year please contact the elementary office as soon as

possible. If your driver has not contacted you by Thursday, August 6th, please call the

elementary office at 624-6465.

ATHLETIC PASSES

STUDENT activity passes may be purchased through the High School office at a cost of $20.00. This pass

will allow students to attend any athletic activity at the junior-senior high school. Individual ticket prices

for students are $3.00 for varsity events and $2.00 for all junior high events.

ADULT activity passes may also be purchased through the High School office. If you have a membership in the Athletic

Booster Club you may purchase an adult activity pass for $30.00. Individual ticket prices for adults are $4.00 for varsity

events; this pass allows the holder to attend 10 varsity activities at a $10.00 savings.

Hot lunch prices for the year will be: K-2 @ $1.60; 3-6 @ $2.00; 7-12 @ $2.35; Adult @ $3.00; Milk @ .30, all

prices subject to change.

Please remember to send lunch money with your student on or before the days he/she desires to eat hot lunch. The

federal lunch program does not allow charging of lunches. Additional money may be deposited into your students

account for a la carte items such as additional sandwiches or ice cream, please keep in mind however it is not the

Mead Public Schools responsibility to monitor the purchase of such items.

Breakfast and lunch are available for Free or at Reduced prices for qualified families. We encourage anyone that

may qualify for this benefit to apply as several of our Federal Title Grant programs are based on the number of Free

and Reduced meals served. The higher the number of Free and Reduced meals reported, the higher dollars we see

that do not come from local tax dollars for use in our programs. Forms will be sent home with students on the first

day of school with qualification information. Please watch for this form and apply if you think you may qualify.

2009-2010 HOT LUNCH PRICES

Page 5

FEDERAL HANDICAPPED CHILDREN’S ACT

The Mead Public Schools requests your help in locating handicapped children. The school implements the Federal Handicapped Children's Act (PL-94-142) which

guarantees a free appropriate educational program for all children between the ages of 0 and 21 years of age. If you have a student or know of any young person

with special needs between 0-21 years of age who is not enrolled in an appropriate education program, please call 402-624-2745 or write to: Del Lindgren, Special Education Dept., Mead Public Schools, Box 158, Mead, NE 68041-0158.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT

Nebraska School Law (79-444.01-.08) requires all students entering the school for the first time, seventh grade, or transferring from an out-of-state school to

have a physical examination by a qualified physician within six (6) months prior to the entrance of school.

Also, in accordance with NSAA guidelines every student participating in athletics must pass a health screening each year. This health screening must be

completed and on file before the student athlete may participate in any athletic practice or contest.

Page 6

ANNUAL ASBESTOS NOTIFICATION

NON-DISCRIMINATION NOTIFICATION

The Mead Public School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, marital status, disability, or age in activities. The follow-

ing person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding complaints, grievance procedures or the application of these policies of nondiscrimination:

George Robertson, Superintendent, Mead Public Schools; P.O. Box 158; Mead, NE 68041-0158. Telephone 402-624-2745

The Mead Public Schools has removed most of the asbestos from the school buildings as a part of our energy conservation projects. The remaining asbestos is in

the form of floor covering such as the tile and linoleum in the high school and elementary schools. The high school also contains some asbestos core doors. There

are several assumed locations for asbestos. For details about the location of these areas, please contact George Robertson, Superintendent at 624-2745

All asbestos and assumed asbestos are monitored on a regular basis and a periodic surveillance completed every six months, just as we have been doing since July

9, 1989. The Institute for Environmental Assessment has recently completed a three year re-inspection and appropriate action has been taken on their recommenda-tions.

Please rest assured that the district’s ongoing efforts related to the management and control of asbestos-containing materials are geared toward providing a safe and healthy environment for students, employees and other occupants.

If you have any questions, or would like to review the management plans and update materials, please feel free to contact the District’s Asbestos Program Manager, George Robertson.

DISCLOSURE OF STUDENT RECRUITING INFORMATION

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 requires Mead Public Schools to provide military recruiters and institutions of higher education access to secondary school

students’ names, addresses, and telephone listings. Parents and secondary students have the right to request that Mead Public Schools not provide this information, (i.e., not provide the student’s name, address, and telephone listing) to military recruiters or institutions of higher education, without their prior written parental

consent. Mead Public Schools will comply with any such request.

NOTICE CONCERNING STAFF QUALIFICATIONS:

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 give parents the right to get information about the professional qualifications of their child’s classroom teachers. Upon request, Mead Public School will give parents the following information about their child’s classroom teacher:

1. Whether the teacher has met State qualifications and licensing criteria for the grade levels and subject areas in which the teacher provides instruction.

2. Whether the teacher is teaching under an emergency or provisional teaching certificate. 3. The baccalaureate degree major of the teacher. You may also get information about other graduate certification or degrees held by the teacher, and the field of

discipline of the certification or degree.

We will also, upon request, tell parents whether their child is being provided services by a para-professional and, if so, the qualifications of the para-professional.

The request for information should be made to the administrator in your child’s school building. The information will be provided to you in a timely manner. Fi-nally, Mead Public Schools will give timely notice to you if your child has been assigned, or has been taught for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who

does not meet the requirements of the Act.

NOTIFICATION OF RIGHTS UNDER FERPA FOR ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students over 18 years of age ("eligible students") certain privacy rights with respect

to the student's education records and information. The Mead Public Schools will not release student records without written permission except for the release of student data in the form of roster information, honor roll and other academic and activity related honors or for the student’s participation in activities, and required

student information to college recruiters and the armed services unless the parent or student over 18 notify the school that they do not wish to have this type of

ANNUAL NOTICES

Page 7

Page 8

A regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was held July 14 at 6:00 p.m.

Present were Chairman Howell, Trustees Feldhaus, Halbmaier, Raver and

Swanson. Also present were Clerk Moline and Police Chief Carlson.

Guests were Mike Coyle, John Trouba and Karen La Croix.

The board entered executive session at 6:12 p.m. to discuss a personnel

issue. The board returned to regular session at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Trouba reported on the Community Surveys for SENDD. La Croix

addressed LB307, inquiring why golf carts may be allowed and not all mo-

torized vehicles which include ATV’s.

Action was taken to approve transfer of General and Water Funds to CD’s,

shelter license to temporarily house dogs found running at large, heard

second reading of Ord. 590 Off-Road Vehicles, rescind motion made last

month to purchase $100,000.00 10-year term life insurance policy for Wall-

ing, and approved purchase of $50,000.00 10-year term life insurance pol-

icy for Walling. A Mead School Championship Team sign was approved

for $400.00 with Mead Schools to contribute $150.00 toward the $400.00.

Waiving of three readings and adopting of Ord. 590 C & L Water / Sewer

Rates took place. Crystal Hass was hired as custodian at $8.50 per hour.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

Village of Mead Board of Trustees

MEAD MESSENGER

FOUND -

*Set of Acura keys

*Cell Phone

Both items were

found this summer at

the Mead Park.

Please claim at the

Village Office.

NEW HIRE -

Crystal Hass has been

hired as the village

custodian with a

planned start date of

August 17.

Welcome!

Volume 5, Issue 8 AUGUST 2009

COMMUNITY SURVEYS ARE DUE . . . Thank you to all who have taken the time to complete their Community Survey. It is imperative that all residents complete their survey in a timely fashion as the village is seeking grant funding for various projects if we should qualify. All income questions should be completed honestly as this is the measure by how we would qualify for grant funding. This is your town and any funding available should be applied for to improve our town. If you have not completed your survey, please contact June at the Village Office, 312 S. Vine St. or (402) 624-2495, and you will be provided a new survey. When your survey is completed you may either mail (Box 42, Mead, NE 68041), deposit in the drop box located outside the village office door, or drop off at the village office.

WATER HYDRANTS WILL BE FLUSHED WEDNESDAY, AUGUST

12 FROM 9:00 AM - 12:00 NOON. PLEASE PLAN ACCORDINGLY.

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Walk for Paws

Community Food Bank

Rental Policy

Church Services

Mead Community Group

Overhanging Tree Limbs

Special Thanks

Planning Commission Reorganizes

Page 9

Update Equipment Rental Policy

The Rental Agreement for village equipment has been amended. Prior to ap-

proval of a rental you must provide a $50.00 payment (per day rate), signed

Rental Agreement and your certificate of liability insurance coverage. The equipment will be rented to residents within the jurisdiction of the village and

will not be released until all requirements are met.

Please remember that all water / sewer payments are due on the 15th. The latest that payment may

be made without a $10.00 late charge is 9:00 a.m.

on the 16th. You may deliver the payment to the office, place in drop box by the office front door,

deliver to Bank of Mead or mail to Box 46, Mead, NE 68041. If you have an account at the Bank of

Mead, sign up at the Village office for automatic withdrawal of your payment on the 15th.

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Village Board: Tuesday, Aug. 11, 6:00 p.m. Planning Commission: Monday, Aug. 24, 7:30 p.m. Library Board: Saturday, Aug. 1, 9:00 a.m. Fire & Rescue: Monday, Aug. 10, 8:00 p.m. The Village Board and Planning Commission meet at the Village Office, Library Board at the Library and the

Fire Department at the Fire Hall.

3RD ANNUAL WALK FOR PAWS AND A CAUSE

1 MILE WALK, 2 MILE WALK OR 5 MILE FUN-RUN Smith Park, 125 East 5th St, Wahoo

Sunday, September 20, 2009 Check in starts at 12:00 pm, Race starts at 1:00 pm

Come join us for fun, and to walk or run … and bring your

pooch!

Sponsored by Saunders County Lost Pets—Pet Rescue

(402) 443-4044 For more information or to register online go to:

www.sclprescue.org

The Rescue is always in need of towels, supplies & bedding.

COMMUNITY FOOD BANK -

The Mead Community Food Pantry is in need of boxed items

such as Mac ‘n Cheese, Hamburger Helper, canned meat and

fruit, toilet paper, dish soap, laundry detergent, tooth brushes,

peanut butter and jelly. Donations may be made at Alma Lu-

theran Church.

If you are in need of paper or food products please contact Pas-

tor Alena at Alma, 624-3015 or Jill Dahl, 624-5010. The Food

Pantry is a community-wide project to assist those in need.

CHURCH SERVICES

ALMA LUTHERAN 219 W. Fifth 9:00 am Summer Worship followed by cookies

on the lawn

MEAD COVENANT 1540 Co Rd 10 9:00 am Worship

10:15 am Life Groups

ST. JAMES CATHOLIC 213 E. Eighth 5:30 pm Saturday Mass

9:30 am Sunday Mass

(Daily mass, generally 7:00 am)

A note from the Ball Association ….

We would like to thank all the coaches, um-

pires, concession stand workers, field mainte-nance and volunteers who helped with the

softball and baseball teams this summer. It is nice to be able to support so many teams in

Mead. Without you, this would not be possi-ble. If you still have your uniform or any ball

association equipment, please make sure it is

returned to your coach.

Page 10

VILLAGE OF MEAD

312 S. Vine St., P.O. Box 46

- -

- -

Brad Howell, Chairperson

Bobbie Feldhaus, Trustee Jim Halbmaier, Trustee

Ailene Raver, Trustee Dick Swanson, Trustee

June Moline, Clerk/Treas. 624-2495 Keith Walling, Ut/Mnt. Supt. 227-5150

Jerry Carlson, Police Chief 624-2056 Vera Kuhr, Librarian 624-6605

Mike Coyle, Fire Chief 443-7164

Thank you to Moriah Nygren for volunteering to weed the island at the north entrance into Mead this summer. Thank you Stephanie Harriman for serving as a volunteer

maintenance assistant this summer through a state sum-mer work program. We couldn’t have done it without you!

PLANNING COMMISSION REORGANIZES The Mead Planning Commission reorganized at their June 22 Regular Meeting. Elected Chairperson was Steve Mayfield; Vice Chair, Jody Wieble; and Recorder, Melissa Konecky. Additional members on the commission are Dennis Berry, Lowell Divoll, Connie Schliffke, Bill Thorson, and Alter-nate, Richard Wielage.

Mead Community Group Healthy Family Tip of the Month

Have a teen new to driving in your household? Check out the following guidelines to keep them and

others on the road as safe as possible:

Encourage them to follow the rules. (obey the posted speed limits, wear a safety belt, etc. - car

crashes are the leading cause of death among 15 - 20 year olds)

Be a good role model. (as with everything, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree)

Practice helps. (as difficult as it may be, provide supervised driving sessions with your teens to en-

hance learning and reinforce proper driving skills)

Be aware of the dangers of passengers at night. (chances of teen crashes increase with each addi-

tional passenger and most night-time accidents occur between 9:00 pm and midnight)

Teens still need plenty of sleep. (shortage of shut-eye affects eye-hand coordination, vision, reac-

tion time and judgment)

Put the cell phones away. (talking and texting doesn’t go with driving, it’s actually against the law

in Nebraska)

Data taken from AAA Washington DC 10/15/07

COME FIND US AT THE HAMBURGER FRY ON AUGUST 20TH. HELP

IMPLEMENT THE $6,666 RECEIVED IN FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT

FUNDING FOR THE NEXT FISCAL YEAR.

Are your trees drooping?

Please be aware that the homeowner is responsible for maintaining

overhanging tree branches. There must be a clearance of 8’ from the

branch to the surface of the sidewalk/street. Village Code 8-107.

Page 11

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ANNUAL HAMBURGER FRY

Please join the Mead Public Schools Faculty, Staff and

Board of Education for the annual

Community Hamburger Fry

Thursday, August 20th

6:00 - 8:00 pm

High School Commons

BOXHOLDER

Non Profit Organization

Standard Mail

Carrier Pre-Sort U.S. Postage Paid

Mead NE 68041

Mead Public Schools

PO Box 158

Mead, NE 68041

meadpublicschools.org

Mission Statement

The Mead Public Schools, families, and

community shall provide educational

opportunities which nurture, challenge, and

encourage students to reach their full potential.