Basics, 'soft skills' focus in college, career readiness

McCOOK, Neb. — Principals at McCook Schools told the McCook School Board Monday night how they are implementing career and college readiness to their students.

At McCook Elementary, Greg Borland said they “aren’t doing any great, elaborate things” but simply teaching the basics to give students a good foundation to build upon. Without that, students will struggle for the rest of their lives, he said, giving credit for that statement to kindergarten teacher, Cassa Haney.

Joel Bednar at Central Elementary told the board a lot of “soft skills” are being taught, such as how to set goals, how to plan, making decisions, working in teams and learning “real world” math problems. Chad Lyons at MHS said a lot of materials from EducationQuest are used at each grade, such as looking at college, a college saving survey, a personal learning plan where students plan, monitor and manage their learning, a math and science conference for eighth grade girls at Mid Plains Community College and a career day for eighth grade boys, agricultural tours in the community about different careers in ag and other activities. Jeff Gross at MHS said career and college readiness is ongoing, including college fairs, a career pathways self assessment, and bringing community members in to the school to discuss their careers. Gross said they want to expand the healthcare pathways to include other area, such as those in business/finance and industrial/tech classes, including classes in construction, plumbing, electrical and welding.

Also at Monday night’s meeting, board member Loretta Hauxwell asked about juniors missing out on taking the ACT last year and Jeff Gross said he is waiting to hear from the state on students who took the test on their own prior to January and if there will be a reimbursement to those students. The Nebraska Department of Education requires juniors to take the test instead of state assessments, with the state paying for the ACT tests. Gross said he’s heard of some colleges ditching the ACT and going strictly on grade point average.

McCook Public Schools business manager John Brazell told the board the last day the district served meals was June 30, with an average of 540 meals served each day to the community. Because of the expenses/revenue of federal dollars that subsidized the program, the lunch fund in the district budget needs to be amended to reflect that. The hot water heater at the junior high is being repaired and new kitchen cabinets, flooring and other renovations have been completed in the “Life Skills” classroom. Brazell also said that he’s waiting to see what the Nebraska Legislature will do when it convenes, about the amount of state aid that will be certified to McCook Public Schools.

Positive comments included:

Dennis Berry: kudos to administrators for all their work in getting schools ready to open with pandemic stipulations in effect. “Their jobs are much bigger than saying school is going to open,” he said.

Mike Langan: it’s uncharted waters in opening schools up during this time and similar to hitting a moving target. Thanked administration for balancing safety and social issues.

Loretta Hauxwell: “Everyone has an opinion” about what to do about opening schools up during COVID-19 and she appreciates the respectful way administration is handling it.

Teresa Thomas: appreciates the jokes Principal Greg Borland tells on McCook Elementary’s Facebook page, as it adds a little light-heartedness to the seriousness of the pandemic.

Brad Hays: recognized MHS StuCo board representative TJ Renner, whom he got to know through this past year as they were seated next to each other at school board meetings.

Tom Bredvick: noted MHS students volunteering in the community and that his third child is graduating this year after receiving education at McCook Public Schools.

Norgaard: cited Tyra Barger, school nurse and Kim Korgan at the high school for being “part of the solution” and their input regarding guidelines for opening/operating school this year with the COVID-19 restrictions.