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Show -NEWS- Coveting what matters most Spanish Fork District policy Canyon ARE YOU MY PRINCIPAL? Canyon Elementary students enjoyed an assembly on the first day of school. As a fun way to introduce Canyon's new principal, several teachers dressed up as different characters while "Suzzie," played by Mrs. Angie Perkins, asked each character if they were her principal. In the end, Mrs. Jeanne Baadsgaard, the real principal, was found and introduced to the studentbody. Courtesy photo Nebo welcomes students back to school I. \ Lana Hiskey NEBO DISTRICT Nebo School District welcomes an estimated 27,000 students on Aug. 20, the first day of the 2008-09 school yean As the opening of school approaches, Nebo School District highlights key factors in the success of the school system in the coming year. Superintendent Chris Sorensen said, "Our district is dedicated to ensuring that our schools provide the highest quality public education for our students. We begin the new school year in a strong position with many accomplishments to celebrate." Nebo District's staff has been busy getting ready for the students' return. Approximately 950 teachers took advantage of over 50 courses including technology, literacy, math, first aid and fine arts courses provided for our teachers: Nebo District is known throughout the state for its cutting-edge technology and professional development for teachers. Nebo District's maintenance crew has been extremely busy painting, cleaning and replacing any worn or defective items in each of our 37 schools. The new Salem Hills High School opened for students and the new Maple Mountain High School is on schedule for next year. Some of the important ways Nebo's public schools serve students include: Improving student achievement. Nebo schools are working hard to close the achievement gap and help more students meet high * academic standards. Nebo consistently scores above state and national norms on end-of-level tests. The district is dedicated to helping students with special needs, in particular special education students, English language learners Courtesy photo SCHOOL YEAR: Nebo students returned to a new school year on Wednesday, Aug. 20. and low-income students meet high expectations and succeed as contributing members of society. Serving a crucial role in the community. Nebo schools are preparing students to contribute to the future economic and intellectual growth of the United States, and to compete in a rapidly changing world economy. Our schools are forging collaborative partnerships with local organizations — including civic groups, areas businesses, local colleges and government agencies — to provide community service, career development and other opportunities to benefit students and the community. Building great citizens. Public education is the great equalizer of the American democracy. Nebo School District's public schools not only offer children a free education, but also important life skills, including problem-solving and critical thinking skills, communication and interpersonal skills, teamwork and the ability to learn and live together with others in a de- Scholarships: From FOUNDATION • B4 gone through a grant application process," said Susan Frischknecht, foundation treasurer. People can specify a school or classroom they wish their donation to go to. The extra help, through additional funding for non-consumable items, give Nebo students the advantage of enhanced learning. The foundation has funded such worthwhile projects as musical instruments and music, books, math and science equipment, computer software and hardware, exercise equipment and GPS systems. 'That's what the foundation is all about — to give our students the best educational opportunities possible whether it's through classroom grants or college scholarships," said Lynda Hales, foundation president. For more information about the Nebo Education Foundation or to make a donation, please contact J^ana Hiskey at 354-7400.- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2008 • B5 mocracy. Last year, Nebo district's schools participated in over 88 service projects totaling $65,848 for service projects including food drives, shoes for the needy, planting trees, soldiers in Iraq and cancer patients. Helping children stay healthy. Nebo School District is keeping a closer eye on what students are eating in the lunch room, cutting back the amount of sugary snacks in school vending machines and broadening athletic programs. Nebo School District is committed to promoting healthy environments by supporting good nutrition and regular physical activity as part of the total educational experience. The district supports a healthy atmosphere where children learn and participate in positive dietary and lifestyle practices enhanced through basic nutrition edu- cation and other school activities designed to promote student wellness. Nebo District's goal is to help all students meet high expectations and reach their full potential. Superintendent Sorensen said, "Our biggest challenge is preparing students for the future. No one knows what the world will look like when today's students enter the workforce but by offering a challenging and broad curriculum and extracurricular learning opportunities we are preparing students with skills that will aid them throughout their lives." About the Nebo School District's Public Schools: Nebo's mission is to provide each student with quality instruction, learning opportunities, and educational environments which inspire classroom success, personal excellence and responsible citizenship. Nebo School District is urging all parents and students to carefully review the new district-wide attendance policy that will be in effect for the 2008- l 09 school year. New Utah laws have resulted in many changes to the Elementary and Secondary Attendance policies. Nebo School District wants to work closely with students whp struggle with attendance and with their parents to avoid court referrals and keep students in classes. Attendance is vital for success. The following information provides highlights of both policies found in the "Parent Information Guide" mailed to each family. The attendance policies are available, in their entirety, on Nebo's Web si te at ww w.nebo .edu. Choose the "Student Services" link and then click on the policy you would like to review. Elementary Policy Parents must call their student's school within two (2) days of an absence to excuse the absence stating the reason for their student missing school. Parents should contact teachers to arrange for missing work. A student who is more than sixty (60) minutes late to school may be considered absent. Parents will receive a Concern Letter if their student missed five (5) days as unexcused. Parents will receive a Notice of Compulsory Education Violation letter, and are required to meet: with school administration if their students miss ten (10) days as unexcused. If a student missed five (5) more days as unexcused after that meeting, a Compulsory Education Violation is issued and the parents will be referred to the Utah County Attorney's office. Secondary Policy Parents must call their student's school within two (2) days of an absence to excuse the absence stating the reason for their student missing school. Parent/students should contact teachers to arrange for missing work. The parents of a student having five (5) unexcused absences in a particular class period or a total of twenty (20) unexcused absences in all class periods during the school year will receive a Concern Letter. The parents of a student having ten (10) unexcused absences in a particular class period or a total of forty (40) unexcused absences in all class periods during the school year will receive a Noticeof Truancy. This requires the student and a parent to meet with the school administration. The student will be assessed a $30.00 fine, and the student and parent(s) will be referred to a Truancy Prevention Class. The parents of a student having five (5) additional unexcused absences in a particular class period or a total of twenty (20) additional unexcused absences in all class periods will receive a Habitual Truant Citation. At that time, the student and parent(s) will- either participate in the Nebo Attendance Court or will be referred to the Fourth District Juvenile Court. Nebo School District looks forward to working with students and parents in the coming school year. The success of each student is important to us. If you have any questions regarding the new laws or policies, please contact your school's administration. Security Insurance TOP DON HONORING EXCELLENCE AT SFHS Tamara Hansen Senior Tamara Hansen has a 4.0 GPA and is editor of the yearbook. She enjoys learning ASL, plays the cello and is on the volleyball team this year. Tamara is also a member of the Seminary Council. On a road trip, she would, go to Chicago or Boston and would listen to '80s music and the Beatles. EDUCATOR ; Stephanie Killpack Sponsored by: 290 muni suamsi fort nie Killpack taught English and /haa been a counselor lor the past 10 . years totaling over 13 years in Nebo School District. She has made a huge Impact on many middle school and junior high students over the years. Allied Insurance '£ZZ?~*-f Mrs. Killpack helps more than 350 students each year with their individual needs including scheduling, academic career choices, and listening lo personal Issues. She is a true advocate lor studenis. Mrs. Killpack oven donates monthly from her personal funds to the Nebo Education Foundation to support the education , of students. 798-3500 A > G • E « N ' C 'Y •'vi Your source for bcnools News s. Killpack continues to create I positive atmosphere for excited •nagere at Diamond Fork Junior The Spanish Fork News SPONSORED BY. SECURITY HOME MORTGAGE 798-1581 . MAIN, SPANIS ?.* "Covering what matters most" |