End of Year Five

Wow!!  Our fifth graduating class since Susan and I have been here.  Time sure has flown.  This group of seniors is the greatest in numbers and also have shown the most accomplishments.  I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.  It has been a true pleasure watching them grow and mature through the five years.  From the classroom to the fields of athletics to the great memories during the basketball season culminating in the trip to Lincoln for state, it has been truly a great ride.  All I can say is a quote from one of the old timers in my era--"Thanks for the Memories".

Coming soon...School Facebook page

Currently, Diana is working on creating a school Facebook page as it appears that using that form of social media would reach many more people.  Through the use of Facebook we are also looking to get more views to the website for addition school information as well.  It does appear to me that the blog here would have more participation as well but I could also make additional posts to the Facebook account.  Not sure what the target date will be, but it should be up before Christmas and invites will be sent out to join for all students, staff, parents and even community members.

Wind..Enough already!!

When I left Montana I thought I had left the wind that blows there.  But lo and behold it shoots off the Wyoming Rockies and whistle's across the prairie here too in Nebraska.  It is enough to drive a person crazy.  Similar to all the snow and blizzard's that used to keep us indoors in Montana on occasion.  They would say that anyone in Montana that was snowed in would soon end up with "cabin fever".  I still  enjoy the winter weather in Nebraska much better.  It sure never stays cold for long.  I once remember a winter in Montana with the temp never above zero for a whole month.  It broke many water lines and put me out of a part-time job in college at a bar for a whole week.  Okay--blow wind, blow...I can handle it!!!

Cold Weather Information

As we continue on in this not so mild winter, I wanted to let you know about school closings and where you can get that information if need be and the process I use making my decisions.  First, all administrators have an eye on the weather for temperatures and impending warnings and watches.  Our students health and safety are the utmost importance along with our staff.  Because most of our staff travel from surrounding communities in the Valley, the roads and their conditions become a factor as well.  We also need to consider the option bus route we run to Scottsbluff and how that is affected.  Second, if a decision is made to close school or start late because of the weather we begin with notifying the staff through a designated calling tree. 

We also contact the radio stations, KNEB and they put the notice out on their sister stations.  We also notify KOZY and they get the same message out on their stations.  Lastly, we notify the KOTA Now television station network to run the same information.  I also make sure and post the information on our school website--www.edline.net/pages/Minatare_Public_Schools as well as a post to the Infinite Campus portal.

The other important things about the weather include temperature guides for elementary school playground and recess.  If the wind chill temperature is below 20 degrees, the staff will keep their students in.  For the high school and junior high students, bussing to lunch is provided for a temperature below ten degrees.

Thank you for your patience, support and understanding.  Should you have any questions, feel free to contact me at the school in the Superintendent's office.

New Buses are here!!

Well we have upgraded the transportation fleet.  We have gone from two 1979 buses with both the Charter and the Yellow Option Route buses that were previously used by the District.  We now have a 1995 MCI Charter bus that the football, volleyball and cheerleaders were able to take on its maiden voyage for Minatare Schools.

I am glad we were able to secure the two buses with many thanks to the Board of Education for approving their purchase, thanks to Platte Valley Banks for the great deal on the loan and to Mid-States Bus for the price we paid.  Hopefully our students will be able to enjoy them for many years to come.

1st Day as Elementary Principal

First Thursday as I assume a new part of the journey being the co-principal at Minatare Elementary.  Scheduled to be here on every Thursday and Friday.  We will see how that goes and will take it day by day.  First task is to try and learn all the students names and faces.  In the past have been pretty good at it.  We will see if age is creeping up on me.  So far school is going smooth with a few hiccups. The little people are a whole new breed as I was previously 4-6 grade principal.  Later.

Mr. Cody

Welcome Back to School

Teachers, Staff, Parents and Students:

Welcome back to a new school year (2013-2014).  There are many exciting things on the horizon and I hope that this will be for you one of the best school years ever.  I hope the summer was filled with joy, rest, relaxation and a chance to re-energize for the new year (although it always seems too short for many).  I will try and be faithful in reading and responding to those of you who take the time to follow my blog and I promise to answer any questions or queries you might have.  This is a good way to keep the lines of communication open with the public and to exchange thoughts, ideas, and just general conversation without the need for face-to-face or much time to commit.  I am getting myself comfortable with more technology myself as I go along and have opened the world of Google, Facebook, I-Pads and other items in this ever-changing world of technology in which we live.  I hope that you can come along in my journey and will perhaps teach me many things that I need to learn.  Later my friends in education.

Mr. Cody
Superintendent of Schools