Cardinal Community Newsletter

UPDATE - The school track will be closed for resurfacing and painting beginning Thursday, May 29th. Weather permitting, this will last approximately two weeks.

We appreciate your patience while making these necessary improvements. Stay tuned for updates on when the track will reopen!

1. Elementary
   
2. Preschool Happenings
3. Special Education Update
4. Secondary News
5. Activities Celebrations

Our elementary data shows exceptionally strong academic performance across our entire school, with results from two key assessments: Acadience Reading and Math (universal screener) and NWEA MAP Growth.

Acadience Reading and Math Results: Our students and staff have demonstrated outstanding performance with most grade levels achieving 75-95% of students at or above benchmark in both subjects. Particularly impressive is that over half of students in every grade level scored "well above" benchmark in both reading and math. Kindergarten achieved 100% at/above benchmark in reading, while 3rd grade reached 96% in math and 5th grade hit 97% in math.

NWEA MAP Growth Results: The growth data is equally strong, showing 354 students (some students met more than one time) met or exceeded expected growth rates across all tested subjects (ELA, Math, and Science). Notably, 87 students more than doubled their expected growth, and 38 students scored at or above the 90th percentile nationally.

Key Strengths:

• Consistently high benchmark achievement across all grade levels in both subjects
• Significant percentage of students performing "well above" grade level
• Strong growth rates with many students exceeding expectations
• Performance consistency across multiple assessment types (formative, state, and national)

D-T Elementary attributes this success to systematic, high-quality instruction and focused support, with results that transfer across different assessment levels. This data indicates our elementary school is performing well above typical state and national averages.

Over 135 students participated in the annual walk, bike or roll to school day at Doniphan-Trumbull. A special thanks to the D-T Wellness Team for sponsoring this event and our FFA, FCCLA, HOSA, FBLA and EdRising students for keeping the route safe for kids!

🚨The elementary school students and staff sent Mr. Engel off with ✋ high-fives and 👏 cheers with his favorite pep rally song 🎶!

🙏 Thank you for 11 years of service to D-T, and enjoy the last few days with Mr. Engel as your principal!

🎉 Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/L3fjEuKBmsc

Academic Progress

Our PELI Acadience Composite assessment data reveals significant progress in early literacy development across both age groups during the 2024-25 academic year. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our core instruction, intervention strategies and highlight areas for continued focus.

• 3-4 Year Olds: Dramatic improvement with 67% reaching Above Benchmark by year-end (up from 36%)
• 4-5 Year Olds: Steady growth with 50% Above Benchmark at year-end (up from 38%)
• Overall Trend: Significant reduction in students performing Well Below benchmark across both groups

• 67% Above Benchmark by year-end represents exceptional growth from the 36% baseline. The complete elimination of students in the "Well Below" category (from 18% to 0%) demonstrates successful early intervention strategies.

This group shows consistent improvement with 50% Above Benchmark at year-end. The reduction in "Well Below" performance from 34% to 23% is encouraging.

Thank you to Mrs. King for sharing about sewing machines, fabric, thread, irons, and washing machines as part of the preschool clothing unit.

• Our students have demonstrated academic growth across all grade levels this year. The ACT results show strong performance with an average composite score of 19.8, matching the national average. Particularly impressive is that 75% of our juniors scored 17 or above, indicating college readiness for the majority of our students.
• Spring NWEA assessments reveal consistent improvement as students progress through grade levels. Our seniors lead with outstanding performance: 94% scoring at the 41st percentile or above in math, 80% in reading, and strong science performance throughout all grades. The upward trend from 7th to 12th grade demonstrates the effectiveness of our academic programs.
• Middle school students show solid foundational skills with over half of 7th graders on track in core subjects, improving to 65-70% proficiency rates by 8th grade. A strong foundation from our elementary program is setting up students up for continued success in junior high and high school.

Please join us in celebrating Collin and Justyce as they officially sign on for Project SEARCH at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings for the 2025-26 school year!

Project SEARCH is a transformative program that challenges traditional expectations and empowers individuals to achieve competitive, meaningful employment.

Collin and Justyce are taking a bold step toward independence, personal growth, and career success — and we couldn’t be prouder! Let’s cheer them on as they begin this exciting new chapter!

A huge shoutout to our amazing students who created a stunning porch planter for the Easter Basket Extravaganza, a special fundraiser supporting Project Hunger!

Not only did their creativity and teamwork shine, but their planter also took home the title of “Best in Show”!

We’re beyond proud of their hard work, generosity, and artistic talent — all for a great cause. Way to go, team! #ProjectHunger #EasterBasketExtravaganza #BestInShow #StudentPride #GivingBack #GreenThumbsForGood #thecardinalway

Congratulations to Cardinal, Emma Hoppe, who created the Hall County portion of this collaborative art project being displayed at the Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney!

Additional Details: The Museum of Nebraska Art (MONA) announces the completion of the Nebraska Collaborative Map Project. The innovative initiative invited individuals and school districts from each of Nebraska's 93 counties to contribute original artworks representing their unique communities, culminating in a comprehensive, statewide map that celebrates Nebraska's rich cultural and geographical diversity. MONA's grand re-opening starts at 9:30AM on Saturday, May 3rd.

Health Science students attended a UNMC event at UNK, where they experienced hands-on activities for different medical professions.

• Anna Fitzgerald - 4th Place in Business Plan

• Ethan Ballard & Tice Yost - 6th in Financial Statement Analysis

• Jon Kovanda - 5th Place in Personal Finance

• Camryn Engel, Emma Hoppe & Kinley Kaczor - 3rd Place (National Qualifiers) in Visual Design

• Miley Berlie - 6th Place in Client Service

• Preston Sjuts - 8th Place in Securities and Investments

Congratulations to the DT Track and Field teams as the Boys finished Conference Runner Up and District Champions and the Girls finished 4th at the 9 team Conference Meet! Shout out to Kaser Johnson for breaking the 3200 School Record, Jack Poppe for breaking the Triple Jump School Record, Sevyn Russell for breaking the 400 School Record, and Andy Schultz for tying the Pole Vault School Record!

State journalism was on April 28th, and our journalism team was very successful!

Results:

• Alyssia Piersol: 6th in entertainment review writing, 7th in newspaper news writing
• Camryn Engel: 🥈 in yearbook layout, 6th in yearbook theme copyrighting, 8th in entertainment review writing
• Emma Hoppe: 5th in editorial cartooning
• Erin Saathoff: 🥈in broadcast news story, 🥈 in in-depth newspaper coverage, 🥉 in newspaper layout
• Gracelyn Jones: 6th in feature photography, 7th in broadcast sports story
• Katie Christensen: 🥈 in in-depth newspaper coverage, 4th in editorial writing, 6th in headline writing, 7th in broadcast feature story, 8th in newspaper layout
• Lily Elsbury: 7th in broadcast feature story
• Lynn Mesmar: 🥈 in in-depth newspaper coverage
• Taylon Bennett: 🥇 in headline writing, 🥈 in in-depth newspaper coverage, 5th in yearbook theme copyrighting, 7th in broadcast sports story
• Taylor Baxtor: 7th in sports news writing
• Taylor McDole: 🥇 in editorial cartooning, 🥈 in in-depth newspaper coverage, 5th in newspaper column writing, 7th in action photography

Overall, the team got 4th! Good job, Cards!

Congratulations to Taylon and Taylor who were the Class C individual state champions in Headline Writing and Editorial Cartooning! Well done! #CardinalPride #TheCardinalWay

STATE GOLF QUALIFIERS

• Jett Hollister

TRACK QUALIFIERS WITH STATE PLACE IN PARENTHESIS

• Jack Poppe - Long Jump, Triple Jump, 300M Low Hurdles, 4x100M Relay
• Taylon Bennett - Long Jump, 4x100 M Relay, Triple Jump
• Bri Dunning, Triple Jump
• Kaser Johnson - 3200M run, 1600M run, 4x800M relay
• Brayden Rader - 110 M High Hurdles
• Jaxon Hammond - 400 M Dash & 4x100 M Relay
• Luke Askey - 4x100M Relay & 4x800M Relay
• Tice Yost - 4x800M Relay & 800 M Run
• Lauryn VanDiest - 800 M Run
• Sevyn Russell - 400 M Dash
• Bladen Rainforth - 4x800M Relay

1. Committee on American Civics
2. Board of Education Recognition
3. D-T Education Foundation provides scholarships
4. D-T Education Foundation grant recipients

The Board of Education held one of their two annual meetings in May and December for the committee on American Civics. Each meeting provides an opportunity for public comment and the administration provide an overview of district curriculum and other required actions based on State Statute.

• The Board of Education recognized our boys wrestling team, Turney Happold, and HOSA last month for their successful endeavors. Congrats to these students, their coaches and sponsors, and families on an outstanding efforts.

The Doniphan-Trumbull Board of Education formally recognized the Cardinal Men's Basketball Team at the April board meeting, celebrating their remarkable achievements during the 2024-2025 season.

The team was honored for its fourth consecutive state tournament appearance, conference championship run, and impressive fourth-place finish in the state tournament, continuing its tradition of excellence on the court.

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Braden presented certificates of achievement to Head Coach Kelan Buhr and his coaching staff for their leadership and dedication in building one of the region's premier basketball programs.

Special mention to the team's all-conference players. Jack Poppe and Parker Volk were acknowledged for their First-Team All-Conference selections, showcasing their exceptional performance throughout the season. Tycen Bennett earned Second-Team All-Conference honors, while Tregan Barnes received Honorable Mention recognition for their valuable contributions to the team's success.

The basketball program's consistent success over four consecutive state tournament appearances represents one of the most successful periods in Doniphan-Trumbull’s athletic history. This year, the team's fourth-place state finish marks the second-highest placement during this remarkable run

The Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation (DTEF) proudly awarded a total of $13,500 in scholarships to deserving seniors at Doniphan-Trumbull High School for the 2024-2025 academic year. These scholarships represent the community's commitment to supporting local students as they pursue higher education and future careers.

Endowed Scholarship Recipients

Several community members have established endowed scholarship funds through the DTEF, creating lasting legacies that benefit D-T students year after year:

• Carley Johnson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000): Tice Yost

• Clayton L and Verna G Robb Memorial Scholarship ($1,500): Brody Eberle

• Deac and JoAnne Adams Scholarship ($1,000): Jett Hollister

• *Doniphan-Trumbull FFA Scholarship in honor of Steve Happold and Dennis Pfeil ($1,000): Avery Robb

• Dorothy Schulz Scholarship ($2,000): Miley Berlie

• Ernest M. and Ethel L. Lepin Scholarship ($1,000): Morgan Leth

• Joan Lau Scholarship Fund ($1,000): Addison Maciejewski

• *Steve Schuppan Scholarship ($1,000): Reba Watts

• *Wendy & Bev Toben Scholarship ($1,000): Lauren Pohlenz

*New Scholarship Funds during the 24-25 School Year

In addition to the endowed scholarships, the D-T Education Foundation / Kinman-Oldfield Foundation directly awarded several scholarships to outstanding seniors:

• Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation | Kinman-Oldfield Scholarship

• Erin Saathoff - $500

• Logan Rainforth - $500

• Nathan Collinson - $500

• Seth Schwarz - $500

• Juiliana Carson - $500

Community Support Makes a Difference

These scholarships are made possible through the generous support of community members, businesses, and alumni who contribute to the DTEF's "Launching Great Minds" event. The Foundation's endowed scholarship funds provide sustainable support for D-T students, while annual fundraising efforts, including participation in Go Big Give, help expand the Foundation's impact.

"We are incredibly grateful to our community for their continued support of our students' educational journeys," said D-T Education Foundation Representative, Dr. Jeremy Braden, Superintendent of Doniphan-Trumbull Public School. "These scholarships represent an investment in not only individual students but also our community's future."

About the Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation

The Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting educational excellence in the Doniphan-Trumbull Public School. Through scholarships, grants, and other initiatives, the Foundation enhances students' educational experience and helps prepare them for future success.

Community members interested in supporting the DTEF's scholarship funds or establishing new endowed scholarships can contact Dr. Jeremy Braden at 402-845-2282 or visit https://www.dtcardinals.org/page/dt-ed-foundation for more information.

The Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation (DTEF) has awarded eight educator mini-grants totaling $5,343 to support innovative educational projects across the district. These grants will fund diverse initiatives designed to enhance student learning experiences and provide educators with valuable resources.

"These mini-grants represent our commitment to supporting creative educational approaches that might otherwise go unfunded," said a D-T Education Foundation representative. "We're proud to invest in projects that directly impact student engagement and achievement."

Foundation board directors Steph Roach and Dr. Jeremy Braden personally presented the awards and took photographs with the grant recipients and their students during a special ceremony. These grant awards highlighted the foundation's ongoing commitment to recognizing educational excellence and innovation within Doniphan-Trumbull.

Grant Recipients and Projects

The following projects received funding in this grant cycle:

• Ms. Joy Utecht - Senior Omaha Trip - $620.00
• Mr. Jordan Conner - DT Spring Leadership Class - $479.43
• Ms. Cecilee Huelsnitz - Weighted Vests - $750.00
• Ms. Beth Hoffman & Ms. Rhiannon Dyer - 2nd Grade Novel Study Book Resources - $625.95
• Ms. Danielle Blake - PE Equipment Updates - $714.00
• Mr. Tanner Barth - Velocity Based Training - $750.00
• Ms. Steph Corwin - 1st Grade STEM Bins - $750.00
• Ms. Carrie Braden - 1st Grade Flexible Seating in the Classroom - $654.00

Impact on Education

Each funded project addresses educational needs while supporting the district's commitment to providing every student with a safe and positive learning environment.. The grants enable educators to implement creative approaches that might otherwise remain just ideas due to budget limitations.

The DTEF evaluates grant applications based on educational merit, number of students impacted, and alignment with curriculum goals. For more information about the Doniphan-Trumbull Education Foundation or future grant opportunities, educators should visit the foundation's website - https://www.dtcardinals.org/page/dt-ed-foundation.

The Board of Education approved the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar at their most recent board meeting. Dates of note are included below:

🚨Aug 14 - First Day of School

⛄Dec 22-Jan 5 - Winter Break

🎓May 9 - Senior Graduation

😎May 19 - Last Day of School

The full calendar is linked here: https://www.dtcardinals.org/page/calendar-year-at-a-glance

Summer Food Program Availability in the local area. While Doniphan-Trumbull Public School will not be serving as a summer meal site this year, there are several locations in neighboring districts that will be offering the SFSP. Enclosed with this notice is a list of the nearest summer meal sites, including addresses, meal times, and dates of operation. You can also visit the program finder website at https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder or call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE for locations near you