Our annual Give & Gather Challenge is going on at Gothenburg Public Schools. Dudley Elementary currently has 3,715 points with a goal of earning 10,000 points by Friday. With an attitude of giving and supporting others, we can meet this goal! We appreciate your contributions!
NDE Science Standards Review Survey: The Nebraska Department of Education is conducting a review of the 2017 Nebraska College and Career Ready Standards for Science. As a part of the review process, NDE requests public input to provide feedback on the current standards. The survey will be available through Friday, December 22, 2023. Click on the link to access to survey: https://nde.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_55vZar0x13rLKt0
The Annual Report of Gothenburg Public School's NSCAS & ACT data was shared at Monday night's School Board Meeting. Click on the link below to listen to a screen recording of the presentation. Please contact Angie Richeson, Director of Teaching and Learning with questions: https://youtu.be/-f9XMR2AFvc
Guess what today is? It is time for DIBELS with our K-6 students! Excited to see the growth our students have made in reading from Fall to Winter! Schedule was shared with parents in an email! Good Luck to our Swedes!
The Nebraska Department of Education released the Nebraska Education Profile (NEP) information today. The NEP data is designed to rate schools across the state. On the surface, all schools and districts will receive one of four classification ratings: Needs Improvement, Good, Great, or Excellent. Below the surface, these ratings are complex and make up a multitude of data points to create a comprehensive profile report. Snapshots of every school across the state are available to the public and can be found at: http://nep.education.ne.gov
Dudley Elementary and Gothenburg High School received a rating of “Good” and Gothenburg Junior High (Middle School) received a rating of “Great”. When combining all of the complex data points together including but not limited to Transitions (graduation rates), Opportunities and Access (absenteeism and English Learner proficiency), and Achievement & Growth (state assessment proficiency) Gothenburg Public Schools received a rating of “Great” which is an improvement from last year’s district rating of “Good”.
With the release of the NEP, Gothenburg Public Schools state testing data is now public (and no longer embargoed). This includes both NSCAS and ACT district data from last school year (spring, 2023).
The NSCAS Summative Assessment is given to all 3rd - 8th graders. Gothenburg Public Schools saw great improvement in all three areas from the previous year (2022). English Language Arts increased 13 percentage points, Math increased 16 percentage points, and Science increased 9 percentage points. Gothenburg Public School’s ELA and Science scores are above the state average.
The ACT is given to all Juniors. It is important to note that Gothenburg’s “College Going Rate” (as stated on the NEP) is 66%. This is the number of students who enroll at a postsecondary education institution before October 15 of the year following their high school graduation, divided by the number of students that graduated with a diploma. Even though the ACT is a required assessment for all juniors in the state of Nebraska, it is an assessment designed to measure skills that are most important for success in postsecondary education. Sixty-six percent of Gothenburg’s students enroll in a post-secondary institution.
On the ACT, Gothenburg’s proficiency levels in all three areas (ELA, Math, and Science) were right at or close to the state comparisons. Gothenburg’s ELA proficiency was 41% (state proficiency was 46%), Math was 41% (state proficiency was 42%) and Science was 49% (state proficiency was also 49%).
Nationally, ACT test scores have seen a drop to their lowest level in 30 years, and this is the sixth consecutive year of declines in average scores. The national average scores in three of the four subjects featured on the test - mathematics, reading, and science - were below the ACT College Readiness Benchmarks. The benchmarks are the minimum ACT test scores required for students taking the test to have a high probability of success in college.
It is important to note that the graduating class of 2023 began their high school careers when the COVID-19 pandemic took place. Nationally, the number of graduating seniors who met none of the ACT College Readiness benchmarks climbed to a historic high in 2023, with only 21% of students (nationally) meeting all four benchmarks.
Although the Nebraska Educational Profile (NEP) is helpful to a school district, we recognize that the actual assessments utilized in the overall calculations were taken by students seven months ago. It is difficult to make instructional decisions that directly impact those particular students, in that particular grade level (as those students are now in the next grade level). However, the data does provide our district with a 10,000 foot view and also provides us with important indicators of how we can make adjustments moving forward to improve overall outcomes for students.
If you have additional questions about Gothenburg Public School’s NEP data, please contact Angie Richeson - Director of Teaching and Learning, Gothenburg Public Schools.
Gothenburg eighth graders participated in the Health Science Explorer Camp on Nov. 15 at UNK. Students learned about health sciences and careers in health care through hands-on activities, simulations and cast studies and interactive sessions.
Information for Parents and Guardians about Safe Schools
Gothenburg Public Schools has adopted the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol (SRP) for Safe Schools. The Standard Response Protocols are action-based and demand a specific vocabulary… but also allow for great flexibility depending on the incident. By standardizing the vocabulary and speaking ONE language, all stakeholders (students, staff, parents, visitors in the building, first responders, etc.) can quickly and effectively understand the protocol. SRP’s also allow for progression as a series of events unfold. There are 5 SRP’s: HOLD, SECURE, LOCKDOWN, EVACUATE, SHELTER.
This poster can be seen throughout our district in classrooms, hallways, common areas, etc., and provides clear instructions that can be read quickly and easily. You will also see this poster in most school districts across the state. We encourage you to ask your child what they know about these protocols and to acquaint yourself with them in case you are ever in the building and hear one of these announced. If you have questions about Safe Schools, please contact Mrs. Angie Richeson - Director of Teaching and Learning.
Join Our Team at Gothenburg Public Schools! Are you an energetic and passionate educator ready to make a difference? Gothenburg Public Schools invites you to join our dedicated team as we seek dynamic individuals for two Upper Elementary Teacher positions.
Why Gothenburg Public Schools?
Proud, Passionate, Progressive: Be part of a community that takes pride in its educational values, is passionate about student success, and embraces a progressive approach to teaching and learning.
Positive and Innovative Environment: Thrive in a positive and innovative environment where creativity is encouraged, and new ideas are welcomed. Our commitment to innovation ensures that students and staff alike experience a dynamic and engaging educational atmosphere.
Inspiring Growth: Be a part of a team that believes in inspiring individuals to own and maximize their potential. At Gothenburg Public Schools, we are dedicated to the growth of every student and staff member.
Explore Our Picturesque Community:
Tree-Lined Streets: Walk through charming, tree-lined streets that define the beauty of our community.
Character-Filled Homes: Experience the warmth of homes full of character that reflect the unique charm of Gothenburg.
Manicured Lawns: Enjoy the serenity of manicured lawns that contribute to the overall appeal of our community.
Green Space and Exercise Trails: Revel in the natural beauty of green space and an exercise trail circling a lake, providing a perfect setting for recreation and relaxation.
Award-Winning Community:
Gothenburg was honored as the 2019 All-America City and named the 2022 Community of the Year by the Nebraska Diplomats. Our progressive community offers a quality of life desired by many but achieved by few.
Apply Now for the 2024-2025 School Year:
If you are seeking an opportunity to become an integral part of a true school community and a collaborative team, we invite you to apply for our upper elementary teaching positions. Help us shape the future of education in Gothenburg!
Applications will be accepted until filled.
On Friday, November 10th we celebrated our area Veterans and families with a beautiful program filled with music from the Elementary Honor Choir, HS Band, and HS Choir. Additionally, we heard a special message from our very own "Pinch of Kinch" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtbWI5ADmhk). Our elementary students created some special gifts to share with our Veterans which always warms the heart. We are grateful for their service and sacrifices they have made to keep us free! WE THANK YOU!
☕ Join Us for (Coffee) Shop Talk on Tuesday November 13th! ☕
What is (Coffee) Shop Talk? An opportunity to discuss important matters in an informal and friendly setting.
November Topic: Building & Sustaining a Positive Culture @ Dudley Elementary
At (Coffee) Shop Talk, you'll have the opportunity to:
✅ Share Your Thoughts: It's a platform to voice your ideas, concerns, and suggestions directly with our Superintendent. Your input matters, and we want to hear from you!
✅ Build Connections: Connect with fellow community members, parents, and neighbors who share your passion for our schools and community.
✅ Enjoy Great Coffee: We'll be meeting at Stories Gathering Place, where you can savor your favorite brew while engaging in meaningful conversations.
We believe that strong schools are the heart of a thriving community, and your insights are invaluable in shaping our educational initiatives. So, grab a cup of coffee, bring your questions, and let's chat about the topics that matter most to you.
See you there, and let's make (Coffee) Shop Talk an enriching and enjoyable experience for all! ☕🗣️📢 #CommunityConnection #CoffeeShopTalk
Honored Guests: Mrs. Josie Floyd, Elementary Principal; Mrs. Wyatt, Kindergarten Teacher; and Mrs. Anderjaska, 4th Grade Teacher
Homework for Veterans Day:
1. Find a Veteran & ask them to tell you their story.
2. Thank them for sacrificing so much. Hug optional.
3. Watch the GPS Veterans Day Episode of Pinch of Kinch:
https://youtu.be/BtbWI5ADmhk?feature=shared
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR VETERANS.
It's the last day of the Book Fair in the elementary library! Please see the video below to take a look at what we have! We are open after school today until 5:00pm.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iw3zrYQKlyg
We have exciting news! Any student who deposits at the Swede Branch Bank Wednesday, November 15th will also get a coupon for a FREE ice cream cone from Runza. Thanks to Runza for offering this incentive for our Swede savers! #SwedesLead
In a testament to the unwavering commitment and teamwork of the educators at Gothenburg Public Schools, two experienced and dedicated teachers have stepped up to fill important roles for the remainder of the school year, ensuring our students continue to receive the best possible education.
Mrs. Lori Long, a veteran educator with more than a decade of experience in teaching English, has graciously agreed to extend her support to our school community. Mrs. Long will take the reins of the freshman and sophomore classes, teaching Strength/Survival and Young Adult Literature, as well as Career English 11. Her passion for teaching and wealth of experience will undoubtedly benefit our students as they continue on their educational journey.
Additionally, Mrs. Shauna Baker, another remarkable member of our teaching staff, has agreed to take on the role of teaching Analytical English 12. Her dedication to academic excellence and the growth of our students makes her the perfect fit for this essential role.
Our administrative team would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Lori Long and Mrs. Shauna Baker for their selfless commitment to our students and their readiness to take on these crucial responsibilities. It is through their dedication and the remarkable spirit of our educators that our students continue to be in good hands.
Additionally, we would like to thank Mrs. Mary Clark and Mrs. Julie Rickertsen who have jumped in to ensure a smooth transition over the past several weeks as well as Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Beavers who have spent countless hours ensuring a smooth transition for students in those classes.
The willingness of Mrs. Long and Mrs. Baker to step up is a testament to the strength of our school community and the care we have for our students' academic success.
Over the next few weeks we will work to fill the media center position to ensure a smooth transition there as well.
Thank you to each of our staff members who have prioritized student learning and well-being during a difficult period of time. We are truly better together!
Way to go, Madi!
Spending time on a Monday morning, sharing positive messages that staff members have written about students IS THE BEST! This is a positive WIN for staff, parents, & most importantly our students! #kidsdeserveit @NEadvantage @GBurgSwedes #TheSwedeWay #pajamaday
Our Swede Branch Flatwater Bank will be closed on 11/1/23 due to our Swede Volleyball Team qualifying for the State Volleyball Tournament. We will reopen for business on 11/8/23 @ 7:40. Employees who are on TEAM B will need to report to work on 11/8/23! Go Swedes!
ANOTHER Swede State Send-Off??? YOU BET!!!!
Help cheer on the Swede Volleyball Team as they head to Lincoln on Tuesday. The team will leave the parking lot of the high school at 3:00, travel around to Dudley Elementary, and then through downtown Gothenburg as they head to the interstate and on to PBA!! Good luck to the coaches and players!
If you are interested in a Swede State Volleyball t-shirt or hoodie, you can purchase them from Valley Promo at this link:
http://Swedevb.valleypromodsco.com
The order deadline is Monday (Oct. 30th) at 12:00 noon. Pick-up Tuesday (Oct. 31st) in the afternoon. Go Swedes!
Congratulations to our Swede Volleyball team... DISTRICT CHAMPIONS! They defeated Chadron in three sets to earn a trip to STATE!
