Announcing 2012 Calamus Court Challenge

  The 20th Annual Calamus Court Challenge Youth Basketball Tournament has been scheduled for March 17-18, 2012 in Burwell, Nebraska.  The challenge features ten divisions including boys and girls divisions for 4th through 8th grades.  The entry fee is $50 for 4th grade teams and $60 for 5th through 8th grade teams.   Each team will play a minimum of two games.  Some games may be scheduled for Friday.  Approval will be obtained from team coaches prior to scheduling Friday games.   All . . . read more

Changes in Kindergarten Entrance Starting this Fall

Starting in 2012-2013(the upcoming kindergarten class), a child must reach the age of five on or before July 31 of the calendar year in which the school year begins to enroll in kindergarten.  The kindergarten entrance requirements prior to 2012-2013 stated that a student who turned five prior to October 15^th was eligible for kindergarten.  In 2010, the unicameral passed LB 1006, which requires all Nebraska schools  adopt a new policy by January 1, 2012.   Exceptions:

1. The child attended kindergarten in another jurisdiction in the current school year.
2. The family anticipates relocation to another jurisdiction that would allow admission with the current school year.
3. The child’s performance on the Development Indicators for the Assessment of Learning (DIAL-4) demonstrates that he/she is capable of carrying the work of kindergarten.

The intent of the law is for students who turn five after July 31 to wait to attend kindergarten.  However, there are the exceptions outlined in the law and local policy if a child turns five after July 31 and before October 15.  If your child turns five after July 31 and before October 15 and you want to request early entrance  you will be required to fill out an application and your child will be required to complete an assessment to determine if he/she is capable and ready for kindergarten.  The deadline for requesting Early Kindergarten Entrance is the July board meeting date of the respective school year.  If you have questions please contact Mr. Gordy Goodman, elementary principal. 

IF YOUR CHILD TURNS FIVE AFTER JULY 31, APPLYING FOR THE CALAMUS KIDS PRESCHOOL IS ANOTHER OPTION.