K-6 Guidance Times
During the third quarter of school, K-6 students learned about Growth Mindset and Goal Setting. We discussed ways that we can use mistakes as a way to grow and improve. We also discussed how to set goals. Goals should be specific, challenging, motivating, and doable.
Our main focus during the fourth quarter has been learning more about different careers. In kindergarten-second grade, we covered the different businesses in Osmond and the types of jobs people do in our area. In the third-sixth grade, we discussed occupations, the Nebraska career model and used a website called EducationQuest to investigate careers.
April also brings "spring testing" time. The juniors completed the State ACT on March 27. The teachers helped prepare students by utilizing the John Baylor test prep. All juniors are required to take the ACT, as Nebraska uses this as a standardized test. We are so proud of the grit and effort students put into completing the ACT.
All third-eighth grade students must complete state testing as well. This is referred to as NSCAS (Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System). Students take an ELA (English Language Arts) test and a Math test. Fifth and eighth grade students also take a science test. The adaptive tests produce harder or easier questions depending on how the students answer. Last year, our students did very well on these tests. Our junior class had an average composite score of 24 on the ACT! This put our school as one of the top performing in the state. Last year (2023) NSCAS scores for third-eighth graders were all well above the state average as well. The commitment of the students, teachers, and all staff at Osmond Community Schools continues to be outstanding. Parents and community members, please know how appreciative our school is to have your continued support in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. With all of us working together, we will continue to make Osmond a great place to live, learn, and work!
Make sure children are protected against diseases
LINCOLN Last week began National Infant Immunization Week, a reminder to parents to check if their children are up-to-date on receiving routine vaccines protecting them against preventable diseases such as chickenpox, measles, mumps, and whooping cough. These diseases still threaten the health of children and the community.
Because an infant's immune system is not fully developed, they face a greater risk of becoming infected and getting seriously ill. Vaccines are an important, safe, and effective tool to prevent and reduce the spread of infectious diseases.
The primary focus of this year's campaign is to remind parents and caregivers to take their children for an annual check-up to ensure they are up-to-date on immunizations. Parents and providers can download the 2024 birth to 15 months immunization schedule.
"Protecting our children is a top priority of DHHS," said Chief Medical Officer Tim Tesmer. "Ensuring infants are up to date on their routine vaccinations is a simple and effective way to ensure our youth remain healthy and thrive." DHHS takes part in the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, a federallyfunded and state-operated vaccine supply program. The VFC program offers vaccines for eligible children for free or at reduced costs. Nebraskans can also call 800-798-1696 or email [email protected].
WSC celebrates career scholars graduates
WAYNE – Wayne State College celebrated the graduating seniors in its inaugural Growing Together Career Scholars cohort on April 19 at the Midtown Event Center in Norfolk. The event marked the culmination of a four-year journey through the college’s unique cooperative education program.
The evening’s festivities included 28 seniors and their families along with remarks from Executive Director of Cooperative Education Dr. Michael Keibler, Wayne State President Dr. Marysz Rames, and a keynote address from Nebraska State College System Chancellor Dr. Paul Turman.
“The Growing Together Career Scholars senior graduation dinner is a testament to the workforce partnerships between employers, students, community and Wayne State College,” said Dr. Keibler. “We are grateful for the support of the inaugural cohort of students by the Aksarben Foundation and the impact their generosity has had on the program. Looking back on the last four years, it has been an honor being a part of the students’ journey, watching them grow professionally and personally, and seeing the profound impact they’ve had as they leave footprints for hundreds of other students to follow.”
The Career Scholars program was created in 2020 to address workforce needs. The scholarship program, worth $33,000 to each student, offers an accelerated, hands-on learning experience for students in business, computer science, computer information systems, criminal justice, electronic media, journalism, or industrial technology. Students in the program spend their first three years at WSC, then complete their senior year living and working full time with a partner employer in Norfolk or Grand Island.
Seniors honored at the event included Carissa Wacker of Osmond. She received the John Dewey Award, which recognizes a student who served as a role model for peers and others to embrace experiential learning as a pathway to success in their careers.
