The Rocket Review
Monthly Newsletter Update - February 2023
Hello Rocket Nation!
I hope you are all well and have recovered from the arctic weather we experienced. It is supposed to be in the low 60's today. As you may be aware, the Board of Education has placed a no tax increase bond on the ballot for the April election. Please see the frequently asked and answered questions below. Also, last month I informed you that we only had two incumbents file for reelection and that we would not need to have an election. However, because we have the bond issue on the ballot the names of those who filed must also appear on the ballot. As the time approaches we will publish more information in regard to the bond. If you have any questions please stop by the school or see a Board member.
What is a Bond Issue?
A bond issue is a traditional way for schools to borrow money to pay for new construction or major school maintenance and repair projects, such as adding security measures or upgrading deteriorating areas.
Will the Bond Issue raise my taxes?
No. This is a NO TAX INCREASE Bond Issue, meaning voter approval will not increase the District's current debt service tax levy, which is dedicated to the repayment of bonds.
Where does the money come from to pay for the bonds? The District sells the bonds and then pays back the debt with money generated by the debt service tax levy. This process is similar to a home mortgage or loan.
How can we do this without increasing taxes?
Each year the District retires or pays off old debt from previous bond issues. As this debt is paid off, the existing levy can continue and the funds can be used to pay for bonds that are sold for new improvement projects.
Why aren't these expenses included in our operating budget?
Operating funds are used to support salaries and benefits, transportation costs, utilities, textbooks and other supplies. Operating funds are used for maintenance and upkeep; however, there is very little left for facility upgrades.
What are the benefits of passing the tax levy?
Facilities that are able to provide learning environments that meet the needs of today and tomorrow's students with proper space, technology, safety, security, and comfort. Sound investment of our capital dollars in facilities that will serve the community for years.
Can the funds be used in any other way?
No. The money from bond issues can only be used for capital expenditures, such as building additions, repair, renovation and certain technology costs.
If the bond issue passes, when would the work be done?
The work will be completed during the 2024/25 school year, with every effort to not disrupt regularly scheduled classes.
Hello again Rockets!
That was a cold and not so eventful January. I sure am ready to move on to February. We even get an extra day this year.
February is a busy month for the elementary school. The 5th grade breakfast is scheduled for the 6th; we have rescheduled 3rd grade breakfast for the 13th; and 6th grade breakfast is February 20th. Unfortunately, the 4th grade breakfast was postponed and we will get that day rescheduled - 4th grade students and parents stay tuned.
February 14th is Valentine’s Day and teachers will send out individual information for classroom parties.
February 15th is our Literacy Night in the elementary gym. Please come join us for Pizza, Bingo, and an all-around good time! We have planned our annual book fair from February 13th-18th to go along with Literacy Night and the Elementary Basketball tournament. Please stop and see what the book fair has to offer.
February 17th is the PTO elementary basketball tournament. The elementary student council will be planning festivities this week including dress up days and a pep rally leading up to the tournament.
Monday, February 26th - School will be in session as our first make up day from inclement weather.
February 28th 6:00-7:00 p.m. will be the PreK parent meeting and PreK night.
We will begin our biggest push to prepare for our MAP testing over the next couple months. Academically, this is a very important few months as we do our best to prepare students for the standards that will be assessed by the MAP test. Please reach out to us if you have questions or concerns regarding your student’s academics. We will be more than happy to help!
Happy National Heart Month! February is a time when we are all encouraged to focus on our cardiovascular health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Now more than ever is a great time to commit to a healthy lifestyle and make small changes that can lead to a lifetime of heart health.
We are still seeing some Influenza and strep throat but our overall numbers have improved. I hear there are several cases in our community so please remind all to use extra precautions to keep us healthy here at school. Spring is near!
We have already started working on immunizations for our next school year. The Spring immunization clinic is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th at 1:00 pm. This clinic is where the county health nurse comes to West Nodaway to give immunizations to our current 6th graders, 7th graders and 11th graders. I will be mailing home letters that are individualized for each student letting you know what is needed along with permission slips to send back. Our goal is to get all students immunized this spring, ready for our next school year. All students must be fully immunized prior to the start of our school year per Missouri state law. Pre-K and Kindergarten students will also need updated immunizations. We have mailed letters home for these as well. It’s a good idea to get these started now! Thank you to those that have already completed these!
February is beginning and I’m not sure if January was really long or very short?? Either way, as we bounce back and forth between AMI, in person learning, and snow days, it’s important to try to maintain consistent schedules as if students were in school each day during the week. Dual credit students have deadlines for coursework as established at the beginning of the semester, scholarship applications are due on a specific date even if snowing, etc. It is easy to put items on the back burner but in short time days have passed.
This month the Elementary will be focusing on the character word “honesty” during their Character
Strong lessons. We will also take some time to learn about famous African-Americans such as Ruby Bridges and Claudette Colvin who were both school-aged children during the 1950s and 60s. Upper elementary students will work with a partner to conduct research each week during counseling classes and in March they will present their findings during lunch.
I meet with 8th Grade students on Tuesday mornings during 3rd Quarter with a focus on study skills and career exploration. With the January weather, the information is being condensed to highlight some key components of goal setting and making post-secondary plans. By the end of the quarter, each student will have their 4-year plans in shape and have an idea of what classes and activities they want to take in high school in order to be prepared for their future.
College and Career Mondays had a hiccup with the ice on January 22. This trip to North Central has been postponed to a later date. The next trip is February 12 to St Joseph Beauty College as well as area businesses to learn about cosmetology, massage therapy, and other related careers. I am in the planning stages of creating another trip focused on linemen and visiting Metropolitan Community College in Kansas City along with area businesses. Please encourage your child to attend these trips and come speak with me if there is a specific career they would like to explore.
Over 200 scholarship options have been given to seniors so far this year. This list encompasses a variety of career fields and post-secondary opportunities such as 2-year, 4-year, and tech programs so not every student will qualify for each one. However, very few scholarships have actually been completed. There are some that only one student from each school can be the candidate and I have received zero inquiries. I am hear to help students search for scholarship opportunities, proofread essays, collect necessary documentation, etc. so don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.
Students involved in the A+ program have been helping in the elementary with tutoring hours and being teacher assistants. It is exciting to see more interest this year in the program and having high school students being positive role models for the elementary. As a reminder, A+ students need to turn in their completed hourly logs each quarter.
Please let me know if there are any concerns or questions you may have.
Mrs. Clayton
District Information
Email: mbarnes@wnrockets.com
Website: wnrockets.com
Location: 17665 US Hwy 136, Burlington Junction, MO 64428, USA
Phone: 660-725-4613
Facebook: facebook.com/WestNodaway
Twitter: @WNrockets