Hayward teacher Erin Mogul told a packed house at the school’s monthly purple jam awards gathering that students had raised over $4,620 for Haiti earthquake relief.

The fund drive began with her fourth grade homeroom class and spread to the entire elementary school as a competition between classes. Finally, it grew into a competition between school buildings, as well.

  Nebraska City Middle School students have collected over $2,300 for the relief efforts in Haiti.  The sixth grade class raised the most money, a total of $1,035.20, the seventh grade raised $836.52 and eighth graders contributed $448.24.  The money was raised in just four days.

  (ALBANY, Ore.) “Be the change you want to see in the world” is one of the most well-known leadership quotes in history. Considering children will lead the world in another two decades, Gandhi’s words carry significant weight for parents and educators responsible for fostering the desired change. Debra Slover, founder of Leadership Garden Enterprises, LLC, takes this responsibility seriously and is spearheading a leadership pilot program for students.

Holocaust survivor Elane Geller told her story to local high school students Wednesday during a visit sponsored by Peru State College officials.  Geller was one of many Polish Jews imprisoned by the Nazis in 1939.  She was four years old at the time and was liberated by the British in 1945.

Incumbents in two of the four seats on the Nebraska City Board of Education up for election in 2010 said Tuesday they do not plan to seek re-election.

Cyndi Fox and John James, who combine for 30 years of experience on the board, said they enjoyed their service on the board, but feel it’s time to do something different.

The latest Incumbent filings for election include Rick Freshmen, second district Otoe County board; and David Partsch, Otoe County attorney.
 

School Superintendent Jeff Edwards commended Nebraska City Public Schools staff for its careful spending practices while the state Legislature deals with a sagging economy.

The Legislature convened its 60-day session Jan. 6 on the heels of special session called by Gov. Dave Heineman in November to slash the state’s two-year budget due to revenues falling $334 million below expectations.

The Nebraska City School Board added three days of classroom instruction to the remaining school calendar Monday to make up for snow days.

The move means students will report for classes on Friday, Jan. 15, rather than having a teacher in-service. Teacher-only days on Feb. 15 and May 28 were also changed to student days.

    Classes are set to begin this week at the new Northside Elementary.  The 7,200 square foot building will house grades K through 2 and is roughly twice the size of the old building.
   Principal Haeven Pedersen said he’s been looking forward to the move.  
    “It feels wonderful to finally be in the building,” he said.
   “It will be exciting tonight and tomorrow when the parents and students see what we have for them.”

   Nebraska City Public Schools personnel and volunteers are using the Christmas break to move into the new Northside Elementary.
   Superintendent Jeff Edwards said the move will be complete in time for classes to resume at the building Wednesday, Jan. 6.  Kindergarten through second graders will not have classes Monday and Tuesday of next week in order to complete the move.

Nebraska City High School FCCLA students have been devoting their time and resources to a variety of charitable causes.  Members  "adopted" seven children from the SENCA Giving Tree at Pamida.  Pictured shopping are from left: Alyssa Claussen, Mimi Shirley and Ashley Stelling. Advisor Mary Johnson said the project is truly enjoyed by the students.

Skylar Osovski, a 2007 graduate of Lourdes Central Catholic, is working over her Christmas break as a sports intern at the Nebraska City News-Press.

Osovski, the daughter of Ron and JoAnn Osovski, is a mass communications and journalism major at Wayne State College.

The new Northside Elementary may be completed next week, while construction at the high school is lagging behind, said Chuck Stoner, building project supervisor for Nebraska City Public Schools.  Stoner gave an update at the school board’s regular meeting Monday night.

Video>>> Kindergarten singers perform Up on the Housetop during a concert at Hayward Elementary School Monday night.

   Clubhouse Learning Center, a new preschool, has opened at 1720 Second Corso.
The preschool is run by Holly Booe of Nebraska City and is located in the basement below Joni Flewelling’s daycare.

   Colonel Bryan W. Bequette (retired) spoke to Lourdes Central Catholic Middle School students Wednesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day.
   Col. Bequette is married to the former Kelly Tynon of Peru, Neb. and has three children, sons Blake and Michael and daughter Taylor, all whom attend Lourdes Central Catholic School.