LCPS Receives Fontanelle Grant

The Loup City Public Schools have been awarded a $2,500 grant from the Fontanelle Corporation for use in our driver's education program.  Driver's Ed. teacher, Jim Reeves applied for the grant, which will be used to purchase equipment to supplement the schools driver's education program.

Summertime and the Eating is Easy- and Free

This summer the Loup City Public Schools, in conjunction with the Federal School Lunch Program, will be providing free daily breakfast and lunch to children and young adults ages 1-18 at the school cafeteria. There is no charge for this program, and patrons do not need to fill out any paperwork- simply let us know that you are coming, show up and eat a good, nutritious, school meal.  Participation in the program is pending Board approval and details of the program will be released soon.

I order to help us plan, please complete a one-question survey at the link below.

Summer Lunch Survey

If you have any questions or comments, please contact Superintendent Tom Hinrichs at the school office (308-745-0120). 

Budget Forum Notes

The notes and handouts that will be used during the Budget Forum on March 29th are available now on the LCPS website main page http://blog.loupcity.k12.ne.us/

or at this link
http://blog.loupcity.k12.ne.us/files/2010/03/Budget-Forum-Notes.pdf

We will be using these documents as we work through our budget discussion at the forum.

Show me the Money

On Tuesday March 29th at 7:30 pm, the Board and Administration of the Loup City Public Schools will hold a public budget forum in the Junior-Senior High School Commons. A variety of factors including the potential of reduced state aide, the expiration of ARRA (stimulus) funding, and other rising costs will have a major effect on 2011-12 budget.

 The Loup City Board of Education will be looking to patrons for input on potential budget cuts, cost savings measures, and other budget-related issues during the forum. A list of potential budget cuts is posted on the LCPS Website at http://blog.loupcity.k12.ne.us/thinrichs/files/2010/08/2012-Budget-Cuts-111.pdf

Please join us on March 29th as we come together as a school family and look for ways to address our budget challenges.

1000 and Counting

Today, I completed my 1000 walk through observation of the 2011-11 school year. I  utilize the Instructional Practices Index (IPI) system to record and quantify instructional behaviors. At our Building Leadership Team (BLT) meetings, the LCPS elementary faculty and I review the walkthrough data and try to determine if we are making progress toward becoming the type of learning community that aspire to.

The best part of my daily visits to classrooms are the hugs, high-fives, fist bumps, and "look-at-this" moments spent with students. Each day I come back from walkthroughs refreshed, re-invigorated and refocused on what is important- students.

I really believe that our system of walkthrough observations has made me a better informed principal, and a more student- centered leader. It has been truly impressive to see how hard out teachers work to bring out the best in every student.

If you are around the LCPS elementary buildings, stop in. You will see some great teaching, some authentic learning, and may even snag a little candy bar.

The flu season is once again in full force. We have had several absences from school due to the flu- but not enough to rise to the level that we have consider closing school. The highest percentage of student absences due to flu at one time this year has been six percent of the student population. Below are the guidelines of the Loup Basin Public Health Department that help schools respond to flu outbreaks:

Less than 10% of students effected:

• Begin heightened surveillance reporting
• Work with local media to announce that school will remain open but that parents need to prepare

10% or more of students effected ( but less than 30%)

• Begin intensive surveillance reporting
• Send parent letter indicating an expanded outbreak (including prevention tips etc)

Greater than 30% of students effected

• Consider closing schools
• Consider cancelling school events

Following the outbreak

• Re-open schools 
• Send parent letter summarizing events of the outbreak
• Return to heightened surveillance reporting

We hope that these steps will not be necessary- but it is best to be prepared. Parents can help minimize the spread of flu by following these steps:

• Keep children home when they are sick
• Wait until 24 hours after a fever has ended to allow your child to return to school
• Students will be sent home from school if they have a temperature of 100' F or above, they are vomiting,  have diarrhea, or if there is a concern of contagious disease.

Please call the school office, or your student's teacher(s) if you have any questions, or concerns as we work out way through flu season.