Wakefield Community School

Feel Good Friday Although this piece of artwork is not yet complete, we believe it is worth sharing for two reasons- it highlights the talents of our students and staff here at the school. Rosa Armenta Earnest is the artist behind this art piece. She has been working hard on this project since the beginning of the school year. Keep up the great work, Rosa! Wakefield High School's art teacher, Mr. Hassler, has been around since the school's inception (just kidding, but he has been here for a long time). One of Mr. Hassler's strengths lie in his ability to encourage budding artists and provide a platform for self-discovery. Whether students are experimenting with paint, charcoal, or any other medium, he offers a supportive environment that encourages risk-taking and creative exploration. The walls of his classroom proudly display the students' work – visually stunning pieces that reflect not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the power of art to convey emotion, tell stories, and provoke thought. As we recognize the hard work and talent of the art students, let us also celebrate the teacher who inspires, guides, and mentors the next generation of artists. Thanks for all you do, Hassler!

Kids Connect Club

JV Basketball @ Wisner - S A T U R D A Y

Congratulations!!

Elementary Winter Concert - T H U R S D A Y

Elementary Music - 5th and 6th grade learned how to play the dreidel game today.

Speech Meeting - M O N D A Y

November Super Trojan Awards Back Row: Aubree Hansen, Emily Prado-Lopez, Cinch Hampl, Evelyn Smith Front Row: Allie Jaeger, Axl Ramirez Tello, Yasmine Salas-Hoagland, Hallie Rose, Genesis Ruiz-Arana

We want to recognize our nominations for December’s Student of the Month. To be nominated, a student must go above and beyond the expectations of the school. ✨ Sam Chase, a 12th grader, has exemplified outstanding compassion, leadership, and a genuine commitment to fostering a supportive school environment. One particular instance stands out, showcasing Sam's remarkable dedication to the well-being of our fellow students. Not long ago, Sam noticed a peer who was facing challenges. Rather than standing by, Sam took it upon himself to extend a helping hand, demonstrating an unparalleled level of empathy and kindness. Sam took the time to listen and offer emotional support, creating a safe space for his fellow student to share their concerns. Furthermore, Sam played an instrumental role in connecting his peers with appropriate resources within the school community, ensuring that they received the necessary support. Through these actions, Sam positively impacted their overall well-being. In addition to Sam's exceptional commitment to helping others, he continues to display leadership qualities within our school community. Sam actively participates in various clubs and organizations, contributing positively to the school's culture and fostering a sense of unity among students. Sam has volunteered his time to be a mentor to an elementary student for two years. It is without a doubt that Sam embodies the qualities we seek to instill in all our students – empathy, leadership, and a commitment to the well-being of others. His actions have not only made a significant difference in the life of a fellow student but have also set a shining example for their peers. Wakefield Community Schools is proud to call you a Trojan, Sam!

We want to recognize our nominations for December’s Student of the Month. To be nominated, a student must go above and beyond the expectations of the school. ✨Lesly Fernandez, a 10th grader, has consistently displayed a remarkable ability to uplift and inspire those around her. Her genuine compliments to both students and staff create a positive and encouraging atmosphere within our school. One of Lesly's standout attributes is her unique insight. In class discussions and group activities, Lesly offers fresh and valuable perspectives that enrich the learning experience for everyone involved. Her ability to provide thoughtful and unique insights demonstrates an intellectual curiosity that is truly commendable. Lesly's willingness to put herself out there, try new things, and ask questions is inspiring. She approaches challenges with enthusiasm and determination, setting an example for her peers. Her curiosity and zest for life are contagious, creating an environment where learning is not just a task but a joyful and engaging experience. Wakefield Community Schools is proud to call you a Trojan, Lesly!

We want to recognize our nominations for December’s Student of the Month. To be nominated, a student must go above and beyond the expectations of the school. ✨ 7th and 8th Grade Selection for December’s Student of the Month: Molly Schlickbernd, an 8th grader, consistently demonstrates exceptional qualities such as kindness, inclusivity, and positivity. Molly stands out for her empathy. Her willingness to help others, coupled with her patience and understanding, creates a supportive atmosphere in the classroom. Teachers have seen her act as a positive influence on her classmates, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. What truly sets Molly apart is her unwavering positivity. Regardless of the challenges she may face, she approaches them with optimism and a can-do attitude. Her positive energy is infectious and has an uplifting effect on her peers. She is not only an asset to her class but also to the entire school community. Wakefield Community Schools is proud to call you a Trojan, Molly!

K-6 Elementary Winter Program Information

🎭 One Act Districts! Good Luck! 🎭

School Closure and Delay Procedures We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. As we approach winter, we want to remind everyone that weather conditions can impact our school schedule. We will notify you of any school cancellations, delays, or early dismissals in a timely manner through various channels. Please see the website for more detailed information.

🏀 Junior High Girls Basketball - Practice will start tomorrow (Tuesday, November 28th) at 6:00 am. 🏀

Hey Trojan Fans 👋🏻 New Season, New Changes. Please have patience with the team, refs and scoreboard as we all adjust to the new Nebraska basketball changes.

Reminder

One World Club enjoyed Jumanji: The Next Level at The Majestic in Wayne Tuesday night. Thanks, Jason Barelman and Hilda Pehrson, for your hospitality!

Wakefield Schools Shine in Latest Nebraska Assessment and Accountability Results On Wednesday, the Nebraska Department of Education released the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS) and Accountability for a Quality Education System (AQuESTT) classifications for the 2022-2023 school year, bringing encouraging news for Wakefield Public Schools. The results highlight a significant improvement in student performance over the past year, a testament to the district's commitment to pursuing improvement and academic excellence. Dissatisfied with the previous year's classification, the district administration, board members, and staff embarked on a concerted effort to enhance student outcomes. This collaborative approach, characterized by goal setting and strategic action planning, has yielded positive results. The district's accountability scores reveal a growing number of students achieving proficiency and excellence. This upward trajectory aligns with the district's core mission of empowering all students to reach their full potential. Wakefield schools are fostering a culture of academic success by providing students with the necessary resources and guidance. The district remains committed to continuous improvement, meticulously analyzing data to identify areas for growth. This data-driven approach ensures every student can access the quality education they deserve. It's important to note that NSCAS assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics are administered to students in grades three through eight. Fifth and eighth graders also undergo NSCAS science assessments, while Wakefield juniors take the ACT assessment as part of the state's evaluation process. The following are among the key findings from the 2022-20023 NSCAS and ACT assessment: 56% of Wakefield students across all grade levels were proficient in English Language Arts, a 14% increase from 21-22. 59% of Wakefield students across all grade levels were proficient in Math, a 23% increase from 21-22. As juniors, the Wakefield Class of 2024 were 53% proficient in ELA, 53% in Math, and 53% in Science on the ACT. Students designated as English Language Learners increased their proficiency in ELA by 11% and Math by 25%. Students who receive free or reduced meals increased their proficiency by 21% in ELA and 27% in Math. A clear focus was placed on increasing the performance of student groups particularly impacted by the pandemic. That focus paid dividends; achievement gaps that were present before disruptions in teaching and learning have narrowed in the last year. In addition to assessment results, Nebraska released accountability ratings. State and federal law require the NDE to annually classify and designate schools to provide signals for specific supports. Nebraska’s system, AQuESTT - helps ensure all students across all backgrounds and circumstances have access to opportunities and success. AQuESTT annually classifies schools and districts as Excellent, Great, Good, and Needs Support to Improve. The Wakefield District, High School, Middle School, and Elementary School all received a classification of Great for the 2022-2023 School year. The proficiency percentages on state assessments primarily determine AQuESTT classifications. Other factors considered are graduation rates, growth in assessment performance, absenteeism rates, and success of minority student groups. The following are key improvements made that impacted the classification rating. The district combined ELA and Math proficiency ratings increased by 15%, from 43.1% to 58.1%. The district chronic absenteeism rate declined by 6.97%, from 12.68% to 5.7%. The chronic absenteeism rate in the Elementary grades fell from 10.2% to 2%. The district ELL proficiency rate on the ELP21 assessment rose by 8.6%. The ELL proficiency rate on the ELP21 in Elementary grades rose by an incredible 22.1% For more information on Wakefield Community Schools AQuESTT classification, go to: https://nep.education.ne.gov//snapshot.html#90-0560-000/aquestt At Wakefield Community Schools, we are unwavering in our commitment to excellence. We are proud of our progress in the past year, but we recognize that the journey to continual improvement is never-ending. We are dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of our district, from our expectations for students to our support for teachers and leaders, is aligned with the goal of preparing all students for success. Accountability is a cornerstone of our system. We believe that accountability measures allow us to focus on what matters most, identify areas of strength, and pinpoint areas where we need to make adjustments to support all students in reaching their full potential. We have high expectations for our students, and we are unwavering in our commitment to achieving excellence for all in every element of our school system.

Congratulations Daveigh Munter-McAfee 🦅NECC Volleyball #gohawks