6000 Aylesworth, Lincoln, NE 68505
May 7, 2008
FROM THE PRINCIPAL............
Can you believe it? The school year is coming to a close. I would like to thank the parents, students and staff for a successful year and also for being patient with me as I learn and grow!
As we begin planning for next year, it looks like there will be a change in classrooms. The projection for the 2008-2009 school year is as follows: two sections of kindergarten, fourth and fifth grades; three sections of first, second and third grades; and one section of ExCite. Again, this is a projection and we will continue to monitor our enrollment as August approaches.
Have a safe and fun summer and again thank you for your support!
Chris Schefdore,Principal
CRITERION-REFERENCE TESTS
Monday, May 5th through Friday, May 23rd is the testing window for Lincoln Public Schools Criterion-Reference Tests (CRT) in the area of English Language Arts and Mathematics for all students in grades third through fifth.
These CRTs are district created assessments that are performance-based and multiple-choice tests to measure student mastery of knowledge and skills in the curriculum content. The results are used to determine if students are learning curriculum content and scores are reported at district and state level. The scores are also used in determining adequate yearly progress in conjunction with “No Child Left Behind.”
Remember, your connection with your child’s classroom teacher has been and continues to be the “key” in understanding your child’s progress thus far! Grade levels will be sending home their class testing schedule for your information. Your help in avoiding the scheduling of appointments and seeing to it that your child gets a good night’s sleep and breakfast is much appreciated!
If you have any questions, feel free to contact your child’s teacher or a building administrator. We’re here to help!
Gay Wahlstrom, Coordinator
HY-VEE DOLLARS FOR EDUCATION
Thanks for turning in your Hy-Vee receipts! We received $60, 287.16 worth of receipts – which means Hy-Vee will be donating $602 to Brownell. Your support is greatly appreciated!!
SPRING CONCERT
The Brownell Buffalo Chorus ‚Äì The BBC will present its spring program on Thursday, May 15th at 7:00 p.m. The program will be a celebration of music of America and will include the fourth grade recorder students. The chorus will honor the names of those family members of the Brownell community who are currently serving their country in the military. Families are invited to submit the name of their family member in this format: Major Mary Smith, United States Army, Iraq. Please send the names on paper to school to Mrs. Penington or your student’s homeroom teacher if you wish their name to be read during a special musical salute.
MOVING UP DAY
Moving up day will be Tuesday, May 27th. On this date, children will find out who their teacher for next year will be, teachers will get acquainted with their new students, and students will get to know their new classmates.
TIME WARNER CABLE AWARD
Allegra Penington is one of the 15 national winners from Time Warner Cable for her Civil War Voices. She has won $2,000 plus $3,000 for technology at Brownell! Allegra will also receive a trip to Washington DC to be recognized. Congratulations Mrs. Penington!
2008 EARTHKEEPER AWARD
The Wachiska Audubon Society has awarded Mary Roseberry-Brown the 2008 Earthkeeper Award. Mrs. Roseberry-Brown has shared her passion and love of nature in her efforts to preserve, protect, and extend Wilderness Park in southwest Lincoln. She also fought for the most ecologically sane alternative to the upper Southeast Salt Creek Watershed Master Plan, pushed for a revision of the City’s Wastewater Facility Master Plan, instigated candidate forums, and developed the plan for the Friends of Wilderness Park to sponsor an annual native plant sale. Congratulations Mrs. Roseberry-Brown!!
AGRICULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM
Jane Nyffeler, 4th grade teacher, has been selected as one of the 2008 Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom Teachers of the Year. Through classroom activities and the AITC Ag Pen Pals Program, her students have a much better understanding of cattle and ranches. Jane will be presented with an award recognizing her achievements and will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the 2008 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference, set for June 24-28 in Costa Mesa, California. Congratulations !
KFOR SUMMER FUN PUNCH TICKET
The Brownell PTA is selling the KFOR Summer Fun Passes. The activities on the pass are valued at over $50. Activities include: Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Laser Tag, Lincoln Children’s Museum, Sun Valley Lanes, Champions Fun Center, and Lost in Fun. Passes are $5 each, and payment must be received at Brownell by May 23rd. If you have any questions call Victoria at 466-5541.
SUMMER LIBRARY
Catch the reading bug in the Brownell Media Center! We will be crawling through books, searching for computer bugs, and slithering around while talking with friends! The Center will be open on Wednesday mornings, starting at 9:00 on June 4th. Stop in for a few minutes to check out books or stay to hear some buggy stories and complete some buggy crafts!
Students will be able to participate in the citywide summer reading program and earn rewards. All while completing fun projects and reading great books! The media center will be open on Wednesday mornings, 9:00-12:00, from June 5th to July 23rd. See you there! Ms. Grabowski
FRED ALEXANDER MEMORIAL FAMILY GOLF CLINIC
The 12th annual Fred Alexander Memorial Family Golf Clinic will be held Saturday, June 28, 2008 at the Quarry Oaks Golf Course, Ashland, NE. The free clinic is for kids (6-17) and their parents. You will receive free instruction by PGA golf professionals, free lunch, T-shirts, prizes, and much more.
For more information or signups call 775-772-6180 or visit the website at www.alexanderfoundation.com.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS - May
7 ExCite Registration–3:45-6:30 p.m.
8 Kindergarten Orientation – 4:00 p.m.
15 Chorus Program – 7:00 p.m.
16 Carnival – 5:30-8:00 p.m.
23 Field Day
26 NO SCHOOL
27 PLC – Early Release – 2:18 p.m.
27 5th Gr. PTA Celebration–7:00 p.m.
29 Homestead – 5th Grade
29 5th Grade Recognition–5:30-7:30 p.m.
30 Last Day of School
30 Report cards go home