Dear Parents and Guardians:

April is here and hopefully some spring showers can arrive with it! We are quickly winding down the year and want to share updates and reminders going into April. 

Tuesday, April 5th at 6:30pm will be the One R Introduction to Kindergarten night. We are looking for 2022-23 Kindergarteners. If you have a child who is 5 years old on or before July 31, 2017, they are eligible to attend kindergarten. Please call the office (308-385-6352) and let Mrs. Bachle know. We will add them to our list and begin sharing important information with those families. Thanks for spreading the word. Official kindergarten registration will not be until May.

Reminder on Thursday, April 7th will be the 1R Spring vocal concert at the Northwest Auditorium beginning at 7pm. We ask that your child not arrive until 6:30pm to their assigned rooms. The program will not last much over an hour. The kids have worked hard all spring so we ask, if at all possible, that you stay for the entire program and show them your support. It will be a great night to kick off the spring season.  

The 2022-2023 registration process for current NWPS students will begin  April 11, 2022. Just as in the past, this will be an online registration. Detailed information will be sent to you in the next week.

Academically our students continue to work hard as we close out the school year. 3rd-8th grade students will be taking the new state NSCAS assessment over this next month.  Our 3rd through 8th grade will be assessed in English Language Arts and Math. 5th and 8th graders will also take the Science assessment. This new assessment will take the place of our previous NWEA MAP testing. This new assessment will still be normed referenced but will also include Nebraska grade level standards. Data will not be completely comparable to what you were accustomed to seeing over the past few years. As we receive the new results and data we will share how to interpret the new assessment data and your child’s growth. K-2 will also get to show their growth later this month when they complete their end of the year DIBELS and Math MAP assessments. We will be goal setting with our students and challenging them to do their best.  We are excited to see their growth! Remember that a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast prior to the test really do make a difference. In addition, daily attendance and positive support from you will only enhance your child’s success. We have a window of time to complete this assessment so please let us know if your child will be absent so we can make arrangements. 

 Grace Abbott Library news. They have added to their Public Library Policy that students, and teachers in Hall County Schools, including Northwest High School are eligible for student cards. They can visit the library and bring their school ID, driver’s license to apply for a free card.This card can save you money! Why buy Books, E Books, Audiobooks, Graphic Novels, Magazines, DVD’s, even Video Games when you can check them out for free with your library card. Sunday 1-5pm, Monday 9-8pm,Tuesday-Friday 9-6pm, and CLOSED Saturday.

Mrs. Callihan’s Tech Tip for the month- At some point in their digital lives, most kids will encounter mean and/or crude behavior.  For parents and teachers, the key is to stay involved.  With guidance from teachers, parents and other trusted adults, kids can learn how to safely navigate drama, report incidents and stand up for others.  The linked document here from Common Sense Education shares six tips for families.  It helps clarify some of the language involved in safe communication.  It is important to share an understanding of “unwanted” and “hurtful.  Whether related to language or images, both are equally important.

Our middle school spring seasons will be kicking off soon. Soccer will open with games this Thursday, April 7th versus Walnut. Girls will play at Walnut and boys will play at Veterans Park. Our NW Middle School Trap team has had a couple of competitions already.  Track will be kicking off in another week. Please check the 1R google calendar and website for when these athletes will be competing. We wish all of our teams good luck in their spring seasons!

Fourth grade made the eventful trek to Lincoln this past month. They had a great day. While not everything is open yet, they still made many memories.  4th graders also attended Ag Day at the state fairgrounds. They get to spend the morning at a variety of stations learning about the importance of agriculture to our area and state. Fifth grade students attended Rowe Sanctuary near Gibbon. They got to learn about the cranes as part of their Science class. Many of our other grade levels will have some fun field trips coming up this month to Stuhr.   

PTO had a busy month. They had a great turnout for the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Buddies. Many great conversations and green donuts were shared. They also held a Family Fun Night at  Westside Bowling. We might be seeing some professional bowlers in the near future. Runza Dining Night out was also a great success. The board is also excited to announce they approved a plan to construct an Outdoor Classroom in conjunction with the Northwest District. There will be a concrete area with a pergola behind the library.  Teachers will be able to take  classes out there, have lunch or just enjoy some fresh air while reading a book. We are excited to be moving forward with this project with weather and supplies hopefully cooperating. Information will also be coming soon for the Spring flower fundraiser. This is a great Mother’s Day gift!  Flyers will be sent home with information. This Monday will be our monthly PTO meeting beginning at 6pm. The board is looking for the 2022-23 board members if you are interested please reach out to Lisa Allan, Leah Borer, Kenzie Jarvie or Kristen Rogers.

Northwest Youth Summer Activities and Camp Information and Registration links are posted on 1R website and Facebook.  

NO School Good Friday, April 15th.

NO School on Monday, April 18th

NO School Monday, April 25th for students 

On behalf of the staff and myself, we thank you for your continued support. Please follow our 1R Google calendar for the most current events and check out our 1R Facebook page. If you have questions regarding your child’s education, please do not hesitate to contact the office at 385-6352.

Sincerely,

Mr. Retzlaff, Principal