Horizon Middle School

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KPS is looking for Junior Achievement Volunteers! Check out their new page and volunteer today!

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Join us for the KPS Board of Education Meetings
The second Monday of every month.
5:30 pm.

In Person
KPS Administration Building
320 West 24th Street Kearney, Nebraska

By Zoom Online
https://www.kearneypublicschools.org/boardzoom/

View a video a few days after the meeting
https://www.kearneypublicschools.org/boardminutes

The KPS Foundation invites you to
THANK A TEACHER
https://kps.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/kps/donation.jsp?campaign=334

PARENTS, JOIN US FOR ONE -- OR ALL -- OF OUR MENTAL HEALTH SERIES.
Click the QR Codes to register.

SPONSORED BY MCKENNA'S RAE OF HOPE https://mckennasraeofhope.org/

FREE TO THE COMMUNITY

NO SCHOOL
SEPTEMBER 2
CELEBRATING LABOR DAY!

Kearney High School to Host Powerful Student Presentation by National Speaker on Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention

Kearney, NE – September 4, 2024 – Kearney High School students will have a unique opportunity to hear from Stephen Hill, a nationally recognized speaker on mental health promotion and substance use prevention, as part of a special presentation sponsored by Buffalo County Community Partners and Region 3 Behavioral Health Services. Stephen, known for his inspiring comeback story and impactful message, will speak directly to students who chose to attend during the school day, providing them with valuable insights and practical tools to navigate the challenges of mental health and substance use.

“For Buffalo County Community Partners, it’s crucial to provide our youth with resources and role models who can positively influence their lives. Stephen Hill's story is a powerful testament to the resilience and strength needed to overcome life’s challenges. We are proud to sponsor this event and bring his impactful message to the students during schools and to Kearney area families in the evening. It is a powerful presentation and we encourage families to attend,” stated Wanda Fedorchik, Buffalo County Community Partners Prevention Coordinator.

Stephen Hill is the founder of Speak Sobriety, a young person in recovery, bestselling author, recovery coach, and defense attorney. He has shared his powerful story with thousands of individuals across the country, presenting at over 750 schools and coalitions. His presentations focus on the importance of building a life worth defending and offer a cautionary tale of addiction, recovery, and the journey beyond.

FREE PRESENTATION FOR THE PUBLIC
The presentation at Kearney High School is part of a broader community event that will also be open to parents, guardians, and community members at 6:00 pm in the KHS Concert Hall and Theater.

Stephen's message emphasizes the ripple effect of our actions, highlighting how individual choices can impact the well-being of others. His talk will provide attendees with practical coping skills and strategies to foster mental wellness and prevent substance use.

“This event is a significant opportunity for parents and guardians to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about these critical issues,” said Shyanne Adams, Prevention System Specialist at Region 3 Behavioral Health Services. “By hearing Stephen's story firsthand, students and families alike will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of mental health and substance use prevention. We are excited to bring him to our community for everyone to hear this impactful story!”

The evening event is free and open to the public. The Kearney community is encouraged to attend and take part in this important conversation. Partners from local Mental Health and Substance Abuse community agencies will be present to share resources, and attendees will also have the opportunity to honor those that have struggled with the loss of a loved one to addiction through a luminary dedication.

Event Details:
• Date: September 4, 2024
• Time: 6:00 pm
• Location: Kearney High School Concert Hall and Theater

This project is funded 100% from the Nebraska State Opioid Response grant (5H79TI085774-02) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, contracted through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health.

DEADLINE IS WEDNESDAY TO REGISTER FOR FREE COATS
FREE/REDUCED LUNCH FAMILIES ONLY

There will be FIREWORKS at our first BEARCAT FOOTBALL Game this Friday.
Hide the pups because we are going to MAKE SOME NOISE!
GO BEARCATS!

TO REGISTER:
https://www.unk.edu/academics/hperls/PAWL/loper-performance/index.php

🕺 Reminder: Horizon Middle School's Back-to-School Dance is Tomorrow! 💃

Important Information:

Student IDs: Students must bring their school IDs to enter the dance. If a student forgets their ID, they will need to wait at the end of the line to check in by the roster.

Concessions: Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase during the dance.

Dress Code: The school dress code will be enforced.

Drop-Off & Pick-Up:

6th Grade Students: Drop off at Door 14 on the east side of the building, next to the parking lot.

7th & 8th Grade Students: Drop off at the gym doors on the east side of the building, near the parking lot.

Pick-Up Time: Please ensure that you pick up your student promptly at 8:30 PM.

Parking Lot Flow: Our parking lot operates as a one-way system. Enter through the parking lot north entrance and exit through the southeast exit. Please pull up past Door 14 to allow more cars to drop off their students. This helps with the flow of traffic and keeps students safe.

We can't wait to see your student at the dance! 🎉

Business View Magazine Features Kearney Public Schools in their Blueprint for Excellence:

Kearney Public Schools - Kearney, Nebraska | Business View Magazine Business View Magazine sat down with Superintendent Jason Mundorf to discuss Kearney Public Schools' strategic pillars, innovative programs, and community partnerships that shape one of Nebraska’s leading school districts.

Hotworx in Kearney is hosting a Back to School Drive for toddler and preschool kids at Bright Futures. Snack items, pull-ups, wipes, etc are needed. You can drop items off at 6003 Second Avenue. Thank you.

FOR FREE & REDUCED FAMILIES

The deadline to register is August 28.
Coat pick-up will be on October 1 at the Presbyterian Church at 4511 6th Avenue
Only children who receive free and reduced lunch are eligible.

We highly recommend measuring children and sizing up. Last year, many of the children needed to exchange their coat sizes, and some did not get one because we actually ran out of the size they needed. Some of the Kearney schools have coats on hand for the children to try on before registering.

United Way of the Kearney Area
4009 6th Ave., Ste. 19, Kearney, NE 68845
office: 308-237-6840

Just another reminder for Wednesday evening. Please wait until the first day of school to bring your students' supplies.

On Thursday, 6th-grade students will meet their Homeroom teachers out front. 7th & 8th-grade students will go straight to their homerooms (which they received during our Info Days earlier this month).

We can't wait to get the year started!

Horizon students get ready for some good times! There will also be concessions available for you to purchase drinks & snacks!

Kearney Public Schools is 1 of 3 Nebraska School Districts to Earn Diamond Recognition for School Safety

Kearney, NE – Kearney Public Schools is proud to announce that it has been recognized for its exceptional commitment to school safety by earning the prestigious Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) Diamond Badge Certification. This badge system acknowledges Nebraska public and non-public school districts that go above and beyond in providing a safe environment for students, staff, and visitors.

The NDE Badge Certification program awards schools with Diamond, Gold, or Silver badges based on their adherence to the highest standards of safety and security. These badges signify a district’s dedication to ensuring that effective learning can take place in a safe and secure environment. Kearney Public Schools is honored to have achieved this certification, reaffirming our commitment to the four pillars of safety: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Superintendent Jason Mundorf emphasized the importance of this achievement: "At Kearney Public Schools, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. Earning this badge from the Nebraska Department of Education is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire district in creating a safe and supportive learning environment. We are proud to be recognized for our efforts and will continue to place school safety at the forefront of everything we do. I would like to extend a special thank you to our former Director of Student Services and Safety, Dr. Dan Endorf, for his work in this arena over the past two years. I am equally as excited for the efforts Mr. Schwartz put forward in earning this designation and the ideas he will bring to the table going forward for continued improvements in our safety and support of the learning environment."

Jeff Schwartz, Director of Student Services and Safety at Kearney Public Schools, added, "This certification reflects our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our school community. Our teams have worked diligently to develop and implement comprehensive safety policies, conduct essential drills, and provide critical training for both students and staff. We will continue to strive for excellence in school safety to ensure that our schools provide a safe and secure learning environment."

The Badge Certification was announced at the Administration Days Conference in July, and Kearney Public Schools is among the first districts to be recognized for meeting these rigorous safety standards. The district will proudly display its badge on building entryways, the district website, and social media platforms to demonstrate our unwavering commitment to "Place School Safety First."

REGISTER FOR TRI-CITY YOUTH HOCKEY
GOLF EVENT

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL K-12 - THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
AUGUST 15 & 16: KINDERGARTEN DISMISSAL 11:45

KHS Student Council needs your help!

On August 6th Kearney High School will partner with Red Cross for a blood drive at the Red Cross Chapter in Kearney! Donate to help save the lives of patients in need!

To sign up text 308-293-9942 or 308-627-1585. All who donate will receive a $20 e-gift card to Amazon as well as a free t-shirt! You must be 17 years old or 16 years old with parental consent to donate.

NCDA Announces Outstanding Young Choral Director of the Year Award

The Nebraska Choral Directors Association (NCDA) is pleased to announce that Tori Glandon, vocal music teacher at Horizon Middle School, has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Young Choral Director of the Year award. This prestigious award recognizes Glandon’s exceptional work in the classroom and on the concert stage, reflecting her dedication and talent in the field of choral music.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award,” said Glandon. “NCDA has provided me with many experiences and colleagues that have helped my achievement in teaching thus far.”

The award was presented at NCDA's 2024 Summer Conference, held from July 7-10 at Peru State. The conference featured renowned choral composer Elaine Hagenberg and included a variety of workshops, performances, and networking opportunities for choral directors from across the state.

The highlight of the conference was the annual banquet on July 9, where Glandon received her award. The banquet also included the presentations of the Outstanding Choral Director of the Year and the Cornell Runestad Award, and the achievements and contributions of outstanding choral directors.

"We are incredibly proud that Mrs. Glandon won this award," said Amber Lewis, Horizon Principal. "Her peers nominated her for this recognition, and her selection is a testament to her impact and excellence in music education. We look forward to celebrating her achievements."

Attention Band Families! Please drop your students off at the front of the building & have them enter through the front doors for camp!