Bids going out soon for new kitchen at Central Elementary

McCOOK, Nebraska -- Progress on the new kitchen area at McCook Elementary are moving forward, with bid specifications anticipated to be released soon.

David Wilson of W Designs said bids will be advertised sometime late winter/early spring, so work can begin as soon as school is done in May.

Central Elementary was built and designed in 1984 by the firm Lloyd Benjamin and Associates. That company has now become W Designs and Wilson again will be working on the project.

At the regular McCook School Board meeting Monday night, McCook Schools Business Manager Rick Haney said other projects are moving forward as well within the school district, such as those at the armory. He commended Superintendent Grant Norgaard for his leadership in this process.

Norgaard was recognized for his leadership earlier in the meeting with a three-minute video produced by teachers in the school district. Kate Repass, Central Elementary principal, said at Monday's meeting that the video was submitted for a grant that would go toward the Professional Learning Communities, or PLC, in the district. These are the collaborative teams of teachers that meet Wednesday afternoons.

Reports given at Monday's meeting include:

PTO: the December Holiday workshop was a success and plans are now in the works for the Carnival Nite Feb. 15. The box top competition is also in progress

Student Council: Isaac Langan and Alex Graff of the McCook High School Student Council gave an update of student council activities, including the state convention student council attended. Color Day will be Jan. 26, with the theme "Redneck."

"Positive Comments" by school board members and administration included:

* Board member Diane Lyons: commended Mid Plains Community College for all the activities it sponsors for children, including Inter High Day, the Paint-In, and more recently, the Leadership Convention for area fifth graders.

* Board vice president Sandy Krysl thanked the maintenance staff for clearing off the school parking lots in a timely manner and in such cold weather.

* Board secretary Teresa Thomas likes the way elementary teachers keep parents informed with personal phone calls

* Board members Shane Messersmith noted the fundraising done at home basketball games for Senior Celebration at the end of the year.

* Board member Larry Shields thanked the estate of Stanley Cohen for the donation to the district.

* Board president Tom Bredvick talked about his son who attended the Leadership convention at MPCC and how activities like it help students succeed. "It's never too early to expect more from our kids," he said.

* BStuCo representative Kelsey Siebrandt thanked Kim Korgan at the high school for the work she does sending out student transcripts; also thanked the secretarial staff at the high school for their work and the school district for allowing Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association for using the school auditorium.

* BSuperintendent Norgaard: thanked the community supporting the district with donations. He also lauded the dedication of those teachers who came in to work during the holiday break.