Happy Holidays! Thank you for a great first semester of school. I would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the great things that have happened at our schools this semester.
Students at the ECC have been learning letters, sight words, numbers, and simple math equations. I had the opportunity to visit classrooms at the ECC and join students as they engage in creative activities in a variety of centers. Additionally, families have enjoyed picnics on the playground this year, and the holiday lunch with the families was a great event!
The students at the elementary school have been busy reading books to participate in reading challenges such as Fall BINGO and the Winter Reading Challenge. Students have raised money for PE equipment by playing dodgeball, and have been recognized for their citizenship during monthly assemblies. The 5th graders performed a patriotic Veterans Day Assembly while the 2nd graders got us in the holiday spirit with their Elfandia musical. All of the students did a fantastic job!
The middle school has been working to increase ELA and math achievement scores this semester. On Dec. 1, they had 98% participation for their benchmark. Mr. Hampton reported, “students showed significant growth on this mid-year benchmark”. Way to go students and parents. I know it is not easy to get students to school on benchmark days. The middle school has also been busy with athletic events. Basketball and wrestling are in full swing. Check out the website for the complete schedule.
At the high school, we had 119 students enrolled in concurrent college courses, 58 students enrolled at the Mid America Technology Center and 115 students enrolled in the internship program. Our students have also excelled in clubs and organizations. Our HS Academic Team finished runner-up in our conference and were runner-up at Regionals. They advanced to the area competition in January. In addition, we had students run for FCCLA and BPA offices and participate in competitions. Our FFA students also had a successful semester showing their livestock and had an awesome pork dinner fundraiser.
Our sports teams at all levels have done very well this semester. A few highlights include a Softball State Championship, advancing to the State Quarterfinals in football, volleyball won the conference championship, and XC advanced to the State meet. We had three softball players make All-State, six football players make All-District, and three band students make All-State.
Also, congratulations to our volleyball coach, Hannah Davis, for being named OCA Large School Regional Coach of the Year and to Mike Crossley for being named OCA Regional Coach of the Year and the Daily Oklahoman Coach of the Year.
We have also recognized outstanding educators as Teachers of the Year across the district: ECC: Shannon Chlouber Upper ES: Ali Gilmore Lower ES: Megan Bailes MS: Rebecca Grider HS: Abigail Schmitz TCLA: Taylor Westmoreland Congratulations to all of these teachers who are doing great things for kids!
As we move into the new year, construction will begin at the middle school to add six new classrooms, and renovate and expand three restrooms. Safety is a top priority as we will continue to have classes during the construction process. We have added two new portable buildings so the teachers with rooms next to the construction will have a new place for class. A portable restroom building has been leased since the restrooms will be closed during the renovations. Special hard hats will be worn by the construction workers with both the Newcastle and Nabholtz logo in addition to a number to identify the worker. Safety fencing will be installed around the construction site. More information will be sent home to middle school parents concerning any additional changes in procedures. This project is part of the bond the residents of Newcastle passed in 2022. Thank you for investing in our students!
I would also like to give an update on the bond finances. During the bond campaign, it was promised that the millage rate would not exceed 40 mills. Currently, the millage rate is at 37.55 mills. As we continue to move forward with bond projects, I will work with our bond advisor to keep the millage rate at 40 or below.
Thank you for a great semester! Wishing you and your families a Happy Holiday Season!
It’s a great day to be a RACER!!
— Dr. Walker
