On Saturday, September 14th, members of the high school band had the privilege of performing patriotic music during the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation event at the McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport. The event was coordinated by Brookdale Senior Living, who brought in the Ageless Aviation group. Ageless Aviation is a non-profit organization who gives back to senior military veterans living in care homes. They take the residents on a "Dream Flight" in a World War II trainer plane, where they get to ride in the cockpit while the Ageless Aviation pilot drives the plane. Our band played for the residents and their families after lunch and while one resident was being taken up in the aircraft. It was a very emotional and wonderful day for the residents, their families, and everyone who attended. 

We’re off and running! The school year has started off very well, and students are back into the swing of things. Once again, it is vitally important to remember that attendance is a huge key to success in school, as well as what students choose to do later on in life. Missing class time gets a student out of sync, behind in work, and sometimes they forget to “catch up,” therefore jeopardizing their grades.

Thanks to all of our parents that attended our Title I meeting night at the elementary school. We received some great questions about reading in general as well as our new reading program. One thing we do know for sure, our students are embracing reading and are making it a priority, right along with our staff. Parental support will be vital in the success of our students. This will be a continuous process for our students and staff, including 17, yes 17, trainings for our staff this year alone. Our goal is to make significant progress in our reading proficiency levels.

As fall activities begin, I would like to urge parents to keep in mind that what kids like to hear most is “I sure enjoy watching you play.” That goes for music, art, drama, and so on. Support your kids in a positive manner and they will have a positive memory later on. These activities teach our kids so much about life itself. There’s a good way to win or lose, and building good character is the best result of all. That is something that will carry on throughout their lives.

R. Todd Porter

Superintendent