News to You, May 2007
May 01, 2007
News to You
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The mission of the Norfolk Public Schools is to equip all students to success in a complex changing world.
Volume XXXIX-9
May 2007
FROM THE DESK OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. . .
Norfolk Public Schools -- A Very Special Place
As I approach the final months of my fifteen year tenure as the superintendent of the Norfolk Public Schools, I am constantly being reminded that my career here in Norfolk is about to come to an end. The May edition of “News To You” will be the last article I write prior to leaving the district so the reality is really beginning to set in.
What does a person say when leaving a district that has been my life for the last fifteen years? I realize that mere words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have for those who have impacted me in a very positive and powerful way. However, I owe so much to the teachers, administrators, support staff, the board of education, parents, and business people. All of these groups have played such a key role in molding and richly blessing my life while in Norfolk. You see, it is all about the relationships that one develops that truly makes the difference and brings lasting value to one’s life.
I hope that I have also been able to demonstrate to those I have worked with that I value the personal and professional relationships developed over the years. My idea of being successful has always been to provide opportunities for others to succeed. It is not about “me” but about “us.” More importantly, it is about the students.
As I conclude this article, I want to leave you with a short story that shares a philosophy that I hope each of you will embrace. A philosophy that I have tried to live by and one that I am convinced will serve the Norfolk Public Schools well into the future.
Sometime ago, at the Seattle Olympics, nine athletes, all mentally or physically challenged, were standing on the start line for the 100 meter run. The gun fired and the race began. Not everyone was running, but everyone wanted to participate and win. As they were running one of the boys tripped and fell, did a few somersaults and started crying. The other eight runners heard him cry. They slowed down and looked back behind them. They stopped and came back. All of them. A girl with Down’s syndrome sat down next to him, hugged him and asked, “Feeling better now?” Then, all nine walked shoulder to shoulder to the finish line. The whole crowd stood up and applauded, and the applause lasted a long time.
Why does this impact us? Because down deep inside us, we all know that the most important thing in life is much more than winning for ourselves. The most important thing in life is to help others to win, even if that means slowing down and changing our race.
The Norfolk Public Schools will continue to be a district where winners are born. The staff, the students and the relationships are the main reasons it will always be a very special place.
Randy Nelson, Superintendent
FOUNDATION FACTS
NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
Foundation Grants
Applications
Friday, April 13, was a busy day at the Foundation Office. By 5:00 p.m., thirty-five requests for funding had been submitted. The total dollar value of the requests exceeded $60,000.00. Applications will be reviewed for consistency with the district curriculum and technology standards. Funding selections will be made by a committee of the NPS Foundation Board of Directors. Announcement of recipients will be made via district email before the end of this school year.
Snip Snap Slide Show! Kids Capturing Creativity
Sharie Thelan and Dani Mather teach second and fifth grades, respectively at Grant School. They were awarded funds to purchase six digital cameras for student use.
This year Mrs. Mather’s second graders have used the cameras to capture memorable moments during field trips and classroom activities. They have also had the opportunity to take the cameras home. The photographs were downloaded onto the school’s computers. Students helped in the selection of the ones to include in their class PowerPoint presentation. Their goal is to present the slide show to other classes and parents. Other pictures were displayed on the student created “Photo Fanatics” bulletin board in their classroom.
Several of the fifth graders used the cameras to document their experiments for the Grant Science Fair that was held in late March. Many of the posters included photos that had been taken with the new cameras. One student team created a PowerPoint presentation to accompany their poster display. A class PowerPoint presentation was also on view. Each student contributed pictures and text about their respective families.
Elementary Fitness Club
Lincoln Physical Education Specialist, Susie Bowers, sponsors an “After School Fitness Club” that meets twice weekly. With funds provided by an NPS Foundation Grant, she bought rolls of rubber material that can be cut for individual student exercise bands. She also purchased several 5 lb. weight balls, as well as numerous 3 lb. and 5 lb. dumbbells. A set of 12 resistance tubes was also added to her inventory. Approximately 30-35 youngsters participate in each of these sessions. Students are learning how to maintain a healthy/fit lifestyle with equipment that is affordable and portable.
What’s Inside the Box?
Senior High School students in Mickie Mueller’s Introduction to Information Technology class are building a computer. The intent of the project is to show students how easy it is with some basic knowledge of computer components to build their own computer from scratch. Objectives for students are to:
• Learn about the various components that make up a computer system
• Compare prices and products and select components to build the system
• Assemble the components
• Test the system and troubleshoot any problems
The students will be divided into groups and each group develops specs for their system. They will then present and defend their system to the class. After the class determines which system to use, components will be purchased. Assembly of the computer and loading of the software will follow. Students will develop a manual to go with the system. A public raffle is planned upon completion with the proceeds going to purchase new components so that the project can continue for the next school year.
Wells Fargo Award of Excellence
The $5,000 donation Wells Fargo made to Lincoln Elementary School in Norfolk was a result of the company Regional President’s Award of Excellence Program. The program honors a Nebraska market for its top performance and customer service excellence. In 2006, the Norfolk team won the award along with an additional $30,000 for its donations budget.
The Norfolk team decided to divide the money among six nonprofit organizations in the area, including Lincoln Elementary School. The team chose the school as one of the recipients of the money because of the relationship that team members have developed with the school. About 20 team members volunteer at the school once a week to serve as mentors and to help tutor children in reading and math.
“This relationship has been so rewarding for our team members,” said Cynthia Horn, the Wells Fargo store manager who launched the mentorship program. “Our team is making a difference in the lives of children. You can see it in their faces.”
Principal Cory Worrell reports that they have purchased a number of “novel studies” that support the new K-3 reading program. Materials include multiple copies of novels such as Charlotte’s Web, teacher’s guides and supplemental material for students.
Wellness
Decide to Be Healthy, Not Thin
By the American Institute for Cancer Research
If you add up the number of people unhappy with their bodies, the percentage on a diet, or the billions of dollars spent on diet programs, books, foods and supplements, the figures all show that our society has become obsessed with weight. But if so many Americans are concerned with their weight, how can more people than ever be overweight?
A Desire to Be Slim Can Backfire
Nearly two-thirds of adult Americans are now overweight, increasing their risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. Nearly one-third is obese.
To solve the obesity epidemic that threatens our health, some health experts argue that we should pay much more attention to our weight. Yet research shows that an obsession with becoming thin, contrary to what you might expect, creates more of a health problem.
Trying to control our eating with external rules, like a fad diet, increases our obsession and preoccupation with food. In America, where food is so widely available around the clock, a fixation with food is a foolproof recipe for overeating.
Better Health Should Be Your Goal
Rather than making weight loss your be-all and end-all goal, focus on choices that improve your health. Hoping for weight loss is okay, but making weight loss the goal almost always guarantees that you will give up healthier eating and more exercising, if those good habits don’t bring the desired weight loss.
It’s easy to make health your goal. For example, decide that you will lead a less sedentary life – no matter what you look like. Try to walk at least an hour a day. For cancer prevention, the American Institute for Cancer Research also recommends that you get an hour a week of vigorous exercise, like tennis.
Some people may need to do more to resist society’s pressures than create goals for themselves. The stress and isolation in today’s culture cause many to feel “out of balance.” Instead of knowing how to nurture themselves and set personal limits, people may choose unhealthy habits like eating, smoking, or excessive shopping to cope.
If you’re overwhelmed with stress, try changing how you respond. For example, when you feel under pressure, instead of ordering a pizza and splurging, call a good friend, read a new book, or take a walk.
The Facts About Weight Management brochure has more tips on living a healthier life. Call AICR at 1-800-843-8114, ext. 111, and ask for your free copy.
