The new school year is off to a good start. The rains of August were welcome. Teachers and staff members are working well with the new schedules and spaces. Students are adjusting to their schedules and activities very quickly. Time is moving at a steady pace as the first week in October is already the 7th week into the first quarter.

I need to talk with you about the upcoming Levy Override Election that will be held on October 11th at two polling places in the district. We are beginning the fifth year of the override approved in June of 2001. The purpose of this special election is to obtain voter approval to set the maximum local tax levy at $1.30, or 25 cents above the current minimum $1.05 for five more years. It is very important for voters to understand that asking for a $.25 override does not mean that the property tax levy will increase automatically to the maximum. The history of CHB, Hebron and now Thayer Central district overrides has been that the maximum has never been assessed. And as you have seen in our 2005-2006 budget publications, the new school year's levy on local property is $1.1328, with the tax request reduced $137,585 from last year.

The Thayer Central students need your support in this election. In the next five years we will continue to have uncertainty in funding of our local school system: trends of enrollment are declining, legislative change in school funding is predicted, facilities need maintenance and upgrading, accreditation must be maintained, technology and classroom materials must be updated, funding lawsuits are in court, inflation is still with us, and more is being expected of schools every year. Most recently, schools are required to test, chart and report student performance at all levels of core subjects. Program standards and course offerings are being increased through accreditation standards. Next year, student health, nutrition, and exercise directives from the federal level are to be implemented locally. Many of these mandates are unfunded and cause local costs to increase.

A vote against the override will have consequences beginning in 2006-2007. Facilities, accreditation, technology availability, classroom and media materials, and student-teacher ratios are a few of the issues that will surely suffer. Students are the ones who ultimately pay the price and, hopefully, we would rather not go there.

Your Board of Education and administration ask for your support to renew a levy override because we do not want to be hamstrung and go limping along financially, lacking the ability to provide outstanding educational opportunity for our youth. A special meeting is planned for October 5th at 7:30 P.M. in the Intermediate Building gym to present override related information and to answer questions from patrons of the district. Plan to come. Then talk with your friends and neighbors and ask them to throw their support with yours and go vote on October 11th for the future good of all our students.

High School Principal Notes:

Tom Kiburz I'm writing this article for the October Titan Tablet the day before parent-teacher conferences are going to occur. My hope is that we have a good turnout as always. If you did not get a chance to attend conferences, please feel free to call the school and make arrangements to visit with your child's teacher.

I'm very pleased that roughly 75 to 80% of our students are involved in an extracurricular activity here at school this fall. I appreciate the extra time they have to put in to get things done. I also appreciate the support and encouragement they get from you as parents. Studies show that the more kids are involved at school, the better they do. Some people think the time burden placed on kids in activities has a detrimental effect on their academic performance. In fact the opposite is true. Please encourage your child to get more involved if you have not done so already.

Some of you have asked me about the ACT Test Prep Class that we had the last two years over the distance learning system. Unfortunately, that program is not going to be offered this year. The instructor has over 90 kids registered to take the class in person and he can't get them all into a room with distance learning equipment. The ESU is working on having the class taught locally. Mrs. Brzon or I will let students know as soon as we are given additional information.

I've noticed that we have had a slight increase in the number of students who have decided to get a tattoo. I wanted to remind students and parents that school policy states that these must be covered. If the tattoo is on the ankle, a sock usually takes care of things, if it is on a hand or in the middle of the forehead (nobody's done that yet), it may be more difficult. I have other things I'd rather be doing than "tattoo patrol". Please give some parental advice if your child is thinking about getting a tattoo.

Finally, I wanted to remind you that you can check your student's academic progress at any time by logging on to the Power School web site. This link can be found on the Thayer Central web site. The passwords you received last year should still work. If you encounter problems or need assistance, please feel free to contact us.

The Counselor's Page

In the Elementary/Middle School

The year is off to a busy but great start. I am working with students in the classroom at the elementary. I will be meeting with the grades K-6 about once a month to do activities related to character education. The 7th and 8th grade students have guidance activities during Titan Time. I am teaching an 8th grade class called Learning for Life in which we deal with decision-making, what it takes to be successful and careers.

In the High School

We are well into the first quarter and looking forward to a busy October. If you have a senior this year, be sure to keep an eye on this section of the newsletter. Please remind your senior to check their mailbox at school at least once a week. I will be putting important information into their boxes about scholarships, college information and things that would be of interest to seniors. If your student is not a senior, there still may be things of interest to you in this section of the newsletter.

PLAN Test for Sophomores

The PLAN test for sophomores is scheduled for the morning of October 5th. This is a great test for students! It is one of the first we use to really make a difference to them. The results we get back show the students' possible career paths and help them see where they stand in taking the ACT test. If they do well, they can rest a little easier when it comes time to take the ACT. If they aren't satisfied with their scores, they have time to study in the areas in which they need to improve.

PSAT Test for Juniors and Sophomores

October 12th is the date for the PSAT Test at Thayer Central. The test is for juniors and sophomores who want to take it. Most students choose not to take the PSAT. If a student normally tests pretty well, it is a good idea to give it a try. The PSAT is the only way juniors can qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Contest (NMSC). Sophomores can also take the test, but are not eligible for the NMSC. The student will need to pay a fee before taking this test.

ASVAB Test for Juniors

The ASVAB Test for Juniors is November 2rd. If you are making appointments or plans for your junior, try to avoid this date. This test can't be made up at another time.

The ASVAB test is probably the most fun of all the tests. The ASVAB is an aptitude test, given by the military, free of charge to the school and student. There also is NO OBLIGATION by anyone to even listen to a military recruiter, let alone join the armed forces.

The ASVAB comes with a career exploration workbook that helps students understand the process of deciding on a career.

ACT College Entrance Exam

Of course, there is the ACT Test. This will be given on October 22nd, and December 10th. Seniors planning to attend a 4 years college and wanting to be considered for scholarships need to take the ACT on one of the above dates if they haven't taken the ACT yet. Deadlines for registering are September 30th (late registration) and November 4th.

Career Days and Campus Open House

Many colleges have career days and campus open house scheduled. These are posted for students who are interested. Encourage your student to check the bulletin board by the office and in the senior hallway.

College Reps

Representative from various colleges and career schools make appointments to meet with students during school time. If the student is able to make arrangements to miss class, he/she is allowed to meet with reps. Watch the TC web site and the weekly bulletin for dates and times.

Colleges, Scholarships and Career Exploration Web site

This is a great web site to look at. You can check out over 450 occupations, take an interest inventory, learn about colleges and universities, discover where to get an apprenticeship or degree and find scholarships and financial aid. Go to:

http://necis.intocareers.org

Your user name is: thyrhs05

Your password is: co8r2n

Got Milk?

If you've happened to walk through the high school's cafeteria you may have noticed the school's new vending machine. Thanks in part to grants and donations from the Nebraska Dairy Council, Norris Public Power Goodwill Program and the Thayer Central Junior High student council, the school has purchased a milk vending machine. The machine offers students a healthy drink option when they purchase each pint of milk for 85 cents.

Not surprisingly, chocolate milk has been the biggest hit with the students. In the first month of school they have consumed 352 bottles. Strawberry milk, with sales of 200 bottles, came in second. The machine also offers 2% and skim white milk. On average the machine has been selling almost 35 bottles per day!

Next time you happen to walk through the cafeteria at school, stop and make a healthy choice for yourself.

MUSIC BOOSTERS TO PURCHASE CHOIR ROBES

Music Boosters have resumed meeting on the first Monday of each month at 6:30. We will be meeting in the new band room. If you have a music student, enjoy music, or just want to support music at Thayer Central, please feel free to join us on October 3rd. You are welcome to participate.

Having completed the purchase of band uniforms, we have now elected to direct our attention to the purchase of choir robes. Mrs. Peithmann has selected robes which will cost about $150 each. If you've seen the high school choir lately, you know we will need to purchase many!

You can donate to the cause on Thursday, October 20, when Music Boosters host a tailgate feed before the high school football game. Serving will begin at 5:30. Join us for a hamburger or hot dog meal deal. Your dollars will help robe the choir.

We are pleased to announce that we have again secured the services of The Waffleman. Mark January 6 on your calendar and plan to enjoy an evening of Belgium waffles, sausage, and high school basketball!

Music Boosters will be hosting a number of fundraising activities this year, with all profits going toward the purchase of the choir robes. Look for opportunities to help purchase a robe for your favorite choir student. If tailgate suppers, Belgium waffles, and the Christmas Fair aren't your thing, please feel free to make a contribution to Music Boosters at the Thayer County Bank. Tell them you'd like to help purchase a choir robe or two. They would be glad to accept your donation. Donations may also be left at the high school office, or sent to Kathy Peithmann or Jan Hatfield, treasurer.

We hope to see you on October 3!

Thayer Central Elementary

Kurk Wiedel, Principal

TC Elementary Mission Statement

" Thayer Central Elementary, with the support of the community, nurtures the academic, social, physical, and emotional development of children."

I would like to thank all of the students, parents, teachers, and staff; you have all made for a great beginning to the 2005-2006 school year. Many of you have jumped right in and helped out with the events around the school, many times without even being asked. You prove yourself to be a kind, caring, helpful community each and everyday. It has been a very busy start to the year with Open House, the food fundraising kickoff, Parent Teacher Conferences and Homecoming all in the first five weeks of school. The success of these programs could not have happened without your efforts.

I want to take this time to encourage your participation in our Parent Involvement Group (P.I.G.). One goal the group has is to increase our attendance at the regular meetings. Our next meeting will be Monday, October 10th at 6:30 in the Intermediate School Media Center. Everyone is welcome to come listen, share ideas and/or get involved. We are fortunate to have a great group of volunteers who are looking out for the young students of this district. Your participation will only increase the effectiveness of the group.

Our next Family Fun Night is Friday, Oct. 28th. We will be hosting the first annual Fall Festival. Booths will be set up much like the carnival allowing children of all ages a chance to have some fun and win some prizes. Everyone is welcome to attend. A special thank you to P.I.G. member, Tisha Templin who came up with the idea and is in charge of our October fun night.

Continue to keep up the good work on the Box Tops for Education collection. Our elementary school collected over $800.00 during last year's efforts. It is a simple thing to cut out. We encourage the entire community to help with this project. By taking the time to save and then send the box tops to the elementary school, you help out with many different programs for the students. There are more and more items that have box tops each time you go to the store, so keep your eyes open for these 10 cent wonders.

Thanks to the efforts of the primary aged parents and other volunteers, the new play structure at the Primary School is up and being used in full force. The old equipment had be to taken down for safety reasons. Several fundraisers will be held throughout the school year to help defray the cost of the playground.

Our elementary students participated in a food fundraiser by Club Choice Foods during the month of September. Our sales last year were off the charts, and we even did better this time around making over $7,000. I commend the students and parents for their efforts and look forward to your continued support of our fundraising efforts.

Finally, I encourage the parents and patrons to come visit the school during school hours. We are very proud of our buildings and the education that happens each and every day. Take time to visit the classrooms, eat lunch with the students, or just come see the buildings. I know you will be proud of what Thayer Central has to offer.

Unofficial Board of Education Minutes & Minutes of Hearings

September 12, 2005

The regular meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Tipton on Monday, September 12, 2005, at 8:07 p.m. at the Thayer Central High School Media Center pursuant to law and notice posted at the school, Hebron & Chester post offices, Thayer County Bank and the State Bank of Chester. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the public. Present on roll call: Mumm, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton and Mumford. Late: Kenning. Also present: Supt. Dan Jantzen, Principals Wiedel and Kiburz; and Nancy Elting. Visitors: Steve Delay, Deputy Meertz, Betty Meyer, Jean Kraus, Matt Freitag, Sandy Hoins, Deb Bulin, Alan Kenning, Kyle Kopitke, Alex Tipton, Aaron Hinz, Jeff Friesen, Marge Cafferty

Motion by Easton, seconded by Mumm, to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2005, meeting as corrected. On roll call: Yeas: Mumm, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton. Nays: Mumford. Absent: Kenning. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumford, to approve the treasurer's report. On roll call: Yeas: Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm. Nays: None. Absent: Kenning. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumm, to approve the monthly claims and payroll (including Betty Meyer's extra summer hours). On roll call: Yeas: Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Prellwitz. Nays: None. Absent: Kenning. Motion carried.

Mr. Jantzen informed the Board that there are three additions to the agenda: Chester School Building; High School Air Conditioning; and Drug Dog.

Motion by Easton, seconded by Mumm, to approve the agenda with the additions. On roll call: Yeas: Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Prellwitz and Easton. Nays: None. Absent: Kenning. Motion carried.

Steve Delay addressed the Board inviting the school to participate in the dedication of the new Belvidere museum building on Sunday, October 2, 2005.

Mr. Wiedel and Mr. Kiburz reported to the Board on activities taking place at school.

Alex Tipton and Aaron Hinz, representing the Civics class, advised the Board that the Civics class would like to sponsor fund raisers to raise money for air conditioning for the high school. Their first fund-raiser would be to allow TC staff to pay $2.00 to wear jeans each Friday.

Mr. Kyle Kopitke presented a proposal for the Chester school building and property to be used for a military museum. No action was taken.

Jeff Friesen reported to the Board on the Parental Involvement Group's activities.

Deputy Chad Meertz , representing the Thayer County Law Enforcement Center, discussed with the Board the possibility of bringing a drug dog into the school.

Mr. Wiedel discussed the Teammates Program and After-School grant with the Board. The Thayer Central Board of Education agrees to support the use of the Teammates program for the Thayer Central Mentoring program.

Jean Krouse addressed the Board requesting that they consider the possibility of offering to sell or give the Chester school building to Hurricane response agencies to house a displaced business.

Mr. Jantzen advised the Board of the fall membership meetings for the area.

Mr. Jantzen updated the Board on the roof project.

Mr. Jantzen discussed the 2005-06 Budget Hearing, the hearing to increase the district's expenditure limit and the Tax Request Hearing.

Mr. Jantzen discussed with the Board the plan for the override election in October. The school's attorney recommended that the wording of the resolution state the levy override in terms of $.25 over the established limit of $1.05. The election will be on October 11, 2005.

Mr. Jantzen informed the Board that the activity prices have increased at most of the conference schools and we need to make ours the same which would be $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for school age.

Mr. Jantzen informed the Board that AWANA (church sponsored youth activity during the school year) would like to use the primary gym and front hallway for a meeting place on Sunday nights.

Mr. Jantzen advised the Board that continuing support for and affiliation with NCEEA will need a renewal fee of $750.00.

Curt Mumm reported to the Board concerning Diode Communications and technical issues relating to the school's participation in local channel activity, the need for a digital camera and the possibility of starting a student operated business.

Mr. Jantzen advised the Board that the annual district audit is scheduled for October 17th.

Mr. Jantzen advised the Board that the school will honor past tenured employees at the October 11th vocal music concert.

The Board discussed the 3-county school district plan briefly.

Motion by Easton, seconded by Prellwitz, to approve the additional 1% 2005-06 Budget Expenditure Limit. On roll call: Yeas: Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, and Easton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Easton, seconded by Mumm, to approve the 2005-06 budget. On roll call: Yeas: Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton and Tipton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Easton, seconded by Prellwitz, to approve the 2005-06 total district Allowable Growth Rate of 3.5%; the 2005-06 General Fund Budget of $4,680,838, Cash Reserve of $455,000, for a total of $5,135,838; the 2005-06 Special Building Fund Budget of $236,979.76; the 2005-06 Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Budget of $19,139.42; and the Tax Request Resolution for Thayer County Community Schools for the 2005-06 fiscal year. On roll call: Yeas: Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton and Mumford. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumford, to re-approve the Student Fees Policy for 2005-06. On roll call: Yeas: Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford and Mumm. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumford, to rent the primary gym on Sunday evenings to AWANA (a church sponsored youth group) for $350.00 for the school year. On roll call: Yeas: Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm and Kenning. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Easton, to approve the special services contract with ESU #5 in the amount of $ 569,492.00 for 2005-06 school year. On roll call: Yeas: Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Kenning and Prellwitz. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Kenning, seconded by Prellwitz, to set the activity gate admission price at $4.00 for adults and $3.00 for students. On roll call: Yeas: Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, and Easton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

The Board agreed to table a decision concerning continued support for and affiliation with NCEEA until the October meeting.

Motion by Mumm, seconded by Tipton, to approve the purchase of a digital camera. On roll call: Yeas: Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton and Tipton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumm, to approve contracts for part-time cooks' assistants. On roll call: Yeas: Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton and Mumford. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Mumford, to approve contract for home game custodial help. On roll call: Yeas: Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford and Mumm. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Kenning, to register the Chester school building in the National Emergency Resource Registry so it could be considered for Hurricane Katrina response agencies to house a displaced business. On roll call: Yeas: Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm and Kenning. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Prellwitz, seconded by Tipton, to approve the 2005-06 Depreciation, Employee Benefit, Activities, School Lunch and Student Fees Funds' budgets as presented. On roll call: Yeas: Easton, Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Kenning and Prellwitz. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Easton, seconded by Mumm, to waive the Staff dress code policy for Fridays so staff can participate in the "pay to wear jeans on Fridays" fund raiser. On roll call: Yeas: Tipton, Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz and Easton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Mumford, seconded by Prellwitz, to go into executive session at 11:04 p.m. to discuss personnel. On roll call: Yeas: Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton and Tipton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Mumford, seconded by Mumm, to come out of executive session at 11:24 p.m. On roll call: Yeas: Mumford, Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton and Tipton. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Motion by Mumm, seconded by Kenning, to increase the administrative raise to 3% on the total package. On roll call: Yeas: Mumm, Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton and Tipton. Nays: Mumford. Motion carried.

Motion by Kenning, seconded by Mumm, to adjourn meeting at 11:25 p.m. On roll call: Yeas: Kenning, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford and Mumm. Nays: None. Motion carried.

Board of Education

Thayer Central Community School

September 12, 2005

The Annual Student Fees Policy Hearing of the Board of Education for the purpose of hearing comment, criticism, and suggestions concerning the TCCS Student Fees Policy proposed for the 2005-06 school term was called to order by President Tipton on Monday, September 12, 2005, at 7:07 p.m. at the Thayer Central High School Media Center pursuant to law and notice posted at the school, Hebron & Chester post offices, Thayer County Bank and the State Bank of Chester. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the public. Present on roll call: Mumm, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford. Absent: Kenning. Also present: Supt. Dan Jantzen, Principals Wiedel and Kiburz; and Nancy Elting.

Supt. Jantzen advised the Board that there were no changes to the Student Fees Policy.

Meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.

Board of Education

Thayer Central Community School

September 12, 2005

The hearing to present the proposed To Exceed the Allowable Growth rate Request for the General Fund for 2005-06 was called to order by President Tipton on Monday, September 12, 2005, at 7:10 p.m. at the Thayer Central High School Media Center pursuant to law and notice posted at the school, Hebron & Chester post offices, Thayer County Bank and the State Bank of Chester. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the public. Present on roll call: Mumm, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton and Mumford. Absent: Kenning. Also present: Supt. Dan Jantzen, Principals Wiedel and Kiburz; and Nancy Elting. Visitors: Betty Meyer.

The purpose of the hearing is to present the proposed To Exceed the Allowable growth rate Request; to hear support, opposition, criticism, suggestions, or observations of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget and to consider amendments relative thereto.

Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.

Board of Education

Thayer Central Community Schools

September 12, 2005

The Thayer Central Community School Board of Education Budget Hearing for General and other funds for 2005-06 was called to order by President Tipton on Monday, September 12, 2005, at 7:33 p.m. at the Thayer Central High School Media Center pursuant to law and notice posted at the school, Chester & Hebron post offices, Thayer County Bank and State Bank of Chester. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the public. Present on roll call: Mumm, Prellwitz, Tipton, Mumford and Easton. Absent: Kenning. Also present: Supt. Dan Jantzen, Principals Wiedel and Kiburz; and Nancy Elting. Visitors: Betty Meyer.

The purpose of the budget hearing is to present the proposed General Fund Budget, the Special Building Fund Budget and the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Budget for 2005-06; to hear support, opposition, criticism, suggestions or observations of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget and to consider amendments relative thereto.

Meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.

Board of Education

Thayer Central Community School

September 12, 2005

The Thayer Central Community School 2005-06 Property Tax Request Hearing for General and other funds for 2005-06 was called to order by President Tipton on Monday, September 12, 2005, at 7:45 p.m. at the Thayer Central High School media center pursuant to law and notice posted at the school, Hebron & Chester post offices, Thayer County Bank and the State Bank of Chester. All proceedings hereafter shown were taken while convened meeting was open to the public. Present on roll call: Mumm, Prellwitz, Easton, Tipton, Mumford. Absent: Kenning. Also present: Supt. Dan Jantzen, Principals Kiburz and Wiedel. Visitors: Betty Meyer.

The purpose of the Property Tax Request Hearing is to present the proposed General Fund Tax Request, the Special Building Fund Tax Request and the Qualified Capital Purpose Undertaking Fund Tax Request; to hear support, opposition, criticism, suggestions, or observations of taxpayers relating to the proposed budget and to consider amendments relative thereto.

Meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.