January 14, 2025

A huge thank you to our community sponsors who make the Employee of the Month something truly special. We appreciate the support of Sodexo Food Service & Facilities, the Millard Public Schools Foundation, and Millard's DJ's Dugout!

The Board of Education Student Showcase recognizes students with outstanding achievement in school-sponsored academics, athletics, and activities.

The Board of Education began the new year by swearing in three Board members who recently ran for office. From left to right are: Justin Curtis, beginning his first term: Linda Poole, beginning her 8th term; and Amanda McGill Johnson beginning her 3rd term. Board President Stacy Jolley officiated the oath of office.

The Board also elected officers for the 2025 year. They will be as follows:

• President - Linda Poole
• Vice President - Mike Kennedy
• Secretary - Lisa Schoenberger
• Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
• Board Member - Justin Curtis
• Board Member - Stacy Jolley

Millard is welcoming the new year with a new phrase - Where Opportunity Ignites Excellence. When we surveyed the community last spring, two words describing Millard were mentioned more than any others - Opportunity and Excellence. What these words mean is as unique as the 23,000 students who call Millard home. In the months ahead, we’re excited to highlight some of their incredible stories and celebrate the many ways opportunity and excellence come to life in our schools.

After an extensive application and site visit, Disney Elementary has joined Cather in being a Core Knowledge School of Distinction. Schools of Distinction are recognized by the Core Knowledge Foundation as offering a superior educational experience for students. These exemplary schools have demonstrated effective and thorough implementation of the Core Knowledge approach. They’re shining examples of what’s possible through knowledge-based learning. Millard is proud to have two Core Knowledge Schools of Distinction.

Ballots for the proposed 2025 Millard bond will be mailed next week to all registered voters who live in the district. To be counted, they must be returned by February 11th. Ballots may be returned by mail, in person at the election office, or at any open official ballot box.

The bond would address safety, security, renovations, and maintenance at all 35 schools. It would not increase the tax rate. To learn more about the bond and district finances, click here.

Congratulations to our staff doing amazing things!

• Millard North Middle School Art Teachers Angela Schramm and Amber Castillo and their students have been nominated for an Omaha Arts and Entertainment Award in the category of Outstanding Group Show. The nomination is from last May's show entitled Arts for ME!
• School Band and Orchestra Plus Magazine has named Millard North Band Director Ryan Placek as one of this year's national 50+ Directors of Music Who Make a Difference.
• Millard South Activities and Athletics Director Steve Throne was named the Metro Conference Honoree during the Metro Conference Championship games.

We welcome the following teacher to Millard in this school year:

• Kortni K. Stracke - English Language Arts Teacher - Millard South High School

We welcome the following teachers to Millard for the coming school year:

• Melissa A. Sedlak - Counselor at Andersen Middle School

• Marybeth L. Ferree - Counselor at Millard North Middle School

• Esmeralda Arellano - English Language Teacher for Millard Public Schools

• Katherine M. Pickering – English Language Arts Teacher - Andersen Middle School

President - Linda Poole | Vice President - Mike Kennedy | Secretary - Lisa Schoenberger | Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson | Board Member - Justin Curtis | Board Member - Stacy Jolley

✉️ Email: MPSCommunicates@mpsomaha.org
📞Phone: 402.715-8200

Facebook: facebook.com/millardpublicschools
Twitter: @MillardPS

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