Todd McQuistan

The Board of Education adopted a student fees policy in accordance with the Public Elementary and Secondary Student Fee Authorization Act. The policy addresses guidelines for non-specialized attire, personal or consumable items, extracurricular activities, postsecondary education costs, copies of student files, before-and-after-school programs, summer school, breakfast and lunch programs, and a waiver policy. It also establishes a Student Fee Fund for money collected from students for specific purposes.

The Holdrege Public Schools English Language Development Program aims to equip students to be literate members of their community, state, and nation. It focuses on developing communication skills, improving grammar, increasing vocabulary, and fostering proficient reading and writing abilities in English. The program seeks to ensure that EL students can succeed in mainstream classrooms, apply reading skills in practical life, and maintain a positive cultural identity while achieving their maximum potential.

The Holdrege Elementary School Title I Schoolwide Plan focuses on improving reading and math skills for all students, particularly those at risk of failing to meet state academic standards. The plan utilizes data from various assessments (NSCAS, MAP, DIBELS) to identify student needs and inform instructional decisions. Interventions include small group instruction, targeted programs (Reading Mastery, Corrective Reading, Sound Partners), and the use of online resources like Zearn and eSpark. Professional development for staff focuses on strategies like LETRS (science of reading) and Marzano strategies. Parent and family engagement is emphasized through a school-parent compact, parent surveys, and family events. The plan also addresses student transitions between grade levels and includes strategies to increase learning time.

The mission of the Holdrege Public Schools English Language Arts (ELA) Program is to prepare all students to be literate members of their community, state, and nation. The program focuses on developing life-long learning through literature, fostering an understanding of the diverse world through reading and writing, and ensuring students can communicate effectively in written and spoken formats. Key outcomes include students gaining a basic understanding of syntax, grammar, literary strategies, text structure, phonemic awareness, semantics, research skills, fluency, comprehension, and the writing process. The program aims to develop proficient readers and practitioners of the English language, equipping them with skills applicable to practical life situations and promoting the importance of literacy.

The Holdrege Public Schools strategic plan outlines key goals and objectives across various areas. These include strengthening board-staff relationships, improving technology and curriculum, enhancing student discipline and support, improving student achievement and graduation rates, maintaining fiscal responsibility, addressing facilities needs, maintaining accreditation, exploring new educational opportunities, providing staff development, and fostering community engagement. The plan emphasizes continuous improvement, collaboration, and resource optimization to achieve high-quality education for all students.