Governor Heineman Recognizes LCPS Test Score Improvement

 The Loup City Public Schools have been recognized by Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman in a news article entitled: A salute to schools with top test scores. In this article, the Governor recognizes our high school students for, improving our reading scores (on the NeSA) each of the past three years.

Governor Heineman explains that, “The State of Nebraska conducts statewide reading, math, science and writing assessments so that parents, citizens, school boards, superintendents, principals, teachers and elected officials can compare results from one district to another. This data can be very helpful in improving both student and school academic achievement performance.”

 The governor’s article goes on to state: “We now have three years of reading data and I want to note that among smaller (class D1 and D2)  schools,  Alma, Axtell, Creighton, Elm Creek, Emerson-Hubbard, Loup City, Palmer, Shelby, Southwest and Winside have all improved their reading scores every year.”

We are proud of the hard work of our students and staff as we continue to strive for excellence in all things LCPS.

The complete article can be found here.

 http://fremonttribune.com/news/opinion/columnists/a-salute-to-schools-with-top-test-results/article_cefc63e8-1de6-11e2-9b5b-001a4bcf887a.html#.UIoghAyV58k.email

LCPS Technology Rundown

LCPS is currently in the second year of our 24/7 Learning program. The program began with the addition of student laptops and computer carts in 2011.  The initiative to utilize technology in our curriculum has continued to grow and develop as we look for new and better ways to engage students. A lot has happened in those two-years including:

•     Adding another 30-laptop cart to keep up with the needs of our K-8 students
•      Demonstrating  new digital Social Studies curriculum to our Board  (by district social studies  teachers
•       Establishing student Google, email and Moodle accounts
•      Introducing computer skills as early as kindergarten (ipads are now being used at the pre-school)
•     Teaching classes in Keyboarding and computer skills at the 4^th, 5^th & 6^th grade level
•      Requiring computer applications classes for all 7^th & 8^th grade students
•     Establishing a Computer-based elementary assessment-prep class
•     Delivering assignments, assessment, & feedback  online via Moodle in many classes 
•     Adding clickers, ipads, & ipods to supplement our curriculum
•     Creating podcasts of many literature texts.
•      Providing online copies of math & social studies textbooks. We will continue this practice as we adopt new curricular materials.
•      Using podcasts, books-on-CD, instructional websites, and other online resources for student accommodations
•        Providing staff technology training: including (MAP assessment, Moodle, DIEBELS Next, Check4Learning, Atomic Learning, Lan School, web-based Lessons, elementary curricular resources, Storia,  etc.)
•      Conducting One-on-one and small-group technology training ,by our technology director, at teacher request
•       Creating  staff blogs  using Google docs & Word Press
•     Providing on-line Library access to students and patrons
•     Sponsoring training opportunities for students, staff and parents in digital citizenship.

Our curriculum is based on state standards, and our staff by far make the greatest contribution to the success of our students. Technology will never replace a good teacher, but it can be a valuable resource. Our staff uses many tools to provide opportunities for students. Technology is powerful tool that we use to engage students, drive instruction, and facilitate learning.

Please feel free to stay informed of all things LCPS by following our progress on the school web-site, the school Facebook page or by visiting our classrooms.

I would invite any interested patron to visit our schools and get a first-hand look at the great things happening in technology and other areas. You will be impressed.