Superior schools eliminate early out Fridays to make up for late start

Members of the Superior Board of Education abolished early outs on Friday for the 2023-24 school year Monday evening as part of the regular monthly meeting. Because of construction delays, school is starting Monday, Aug. 21, a week later than originally scheduled. State law mandates the number of instructional hours and Superior needs to add roughly seven days into this year’s school schedule to make up for the late start. Supt. John Whetzal reported he had surveyed students and parents. Elementary parents overwhelming requested school days  be made up by adding an hour to the Friday schedule. It is thought their desire is driven by child care needs, even with the availability of the after school program. 

Matt Sullivan, president of the board, said, “The question we get over and over is why does school have to start so early. If the full day on Friday is liked, it would replace six school days and we could either start school later or get out earlier every year.”

The issue will be revisited when the board sets next school year’s calendar in the spring.

After the flag salute and roll call, Sara Fuller, a secondary instructor, reviewed a new education career pathway which will be offered this year on-line. It is part of a grow our own teachers pilot program called “EDRising” put together by ESU 6 and 9. Over the summer, Fuller,  trained to be the lead teacher for the “EdRising Program of Study.”

ESU professional learning specialists are in the process creating course content for three dual credit classes: teaching as a profession, best practices in education and education and training practicum. College credit will be offered through Wayne State.

Since it is a pilot program, a grant from the Nebraska Department of Education will pay  related expenses. The first class will be offered this fall and will cover learning in general about education as a career, the role of administrators and counselors, the philosophy of teaching, look at different modalities of learning, assessments, the focus of standards and how to get a teaching license. Three Superior students are currently enrolled. 

Fuller said, “The class will be much like the first introductory class most teachers have taken and will help students determine if education is a career pathway they would like to pursue.”

July claims from the general fund in the amount of $553,374.23 were approved. Construction invoices in the amount of $310,481.52 were also accepted. 

Adult breakfast price was set at $2.50 and adult lunch price was set at $4.50.

In addition several 2023-24  handbooks were approved: activities, secondary and bridge.

Stephanie Corman, activities director, talked briefly about summer time participation as set by the Nebraska State Athletic Association. She expects Superior will need to make some changes related to 75 minute conditioning sessions. An additional sheet  has been added to the activities handbook which may be signed by parents authorizing school personnel to determine the need for medical treatment in event parents cannot be reached. 

There were few changes made to the 100 page parent handbook. Changes addressed before the board include the following: 

- absences to be reported within 48 hours by a parent or guardian fore consideration to be excused. Previously, the handbook did not state a time limit.

- Ear buds and smart watches will not be allowed during school hours. Cell phones and other electronic devices will once again be secure in a Yondr bag upon entering the school building each day. 

- Using artificial intelligence or programs like ChatGPT will not be allowed to complete assignments. 

- Concerning fighting: “Everyone involved in a fight at school, on school grounds, or at any extracurricular activity (home or away) will be considered guilty of the zero tolerance fighting policy. First offense: automatic two day out-of-school suspension for all students involved. Second offense: automatic four day out-of- school suspension for all students involved. Parents and students will be required to meet with the administration before the student is allowed back into classes.

The Bridge program was started last school year and is an alternative to the regular classroom. It is an option for secondary students only.  This year Bridge students will be required to attend their work experience with the same expectation and guidelines of Superior Public Schools. Work attendance will be taken, if a student is in violation of the attendance policy, the work component of the program may be revoked. Student’s work experience must be with an employer other than immediate family member.

A seven percent increase in budget asking was approved. Supt. Whetzal does not expect to need it this year. The school’s district’s valuation increased .88 percent this year. 

Jody Fierstein, elementary principal, reported the projected elementary for prekindergarten through fifth grade is 204 students, which is the same as last year at the same time. There are 35 prekindergarten students, 27 first grade students, 32 second grade, and 28 in third grade, fourth grade and fifth grade.

Jennifer Cady, secondary  principal, reported a total enrollment of 199: 28 students in sixth grad, 29 in seventh, 32 in eighth grade 25 freshmen, 34 sophomores,  28 juniors and 23 seniors. 

Total students participating in fall sports are as follows: 18 in football, 23 volleyball, 11 cross country and 3 in girls golf. 

Cady announce that the  Superior High School volleyball team, led by Jessica Diehl, was selected to be the recipient of the 2023 USMC-AVCA team academic award. In addition, the team earned the honor roll distinction, representing the top 20 percent of them grade point average in their division.

Cady also reported standards referenced grading would move into the middle school math classes this year. 

Supt. Whetzal reported family passes will cover only children from kindergarten through 12th grade. He has observed community members and students in the buildings after hours. A plan has been developed to only allow appropriate people into the weight room. Currently, the weight room allows access to the whole building. Additional locks have been added, so those using the weight room do not have access to the remaining buildings.