Wednesday Evenings
We try extremely hard to be respectful of Wednesday evenings and all of the outstanding offerings our amazing churches make available for the young people of our community. This year’s “Back to School Celebration and Community Pep Rally” was held on a Wednesday so it wouldn’t conflict with school activities we had every other night of the week. With school starting a little bit later this year, our school activities actually began on the second day of school and August 23rd was the only day that we could select without a school conflict. We began to publicize this in late June but didn’t do a good enough job of making sure all of the churches in town knew the date and rationale. That’s my fault and we will get it fixed.
We were told that church offerings on Wednesday night wouldn’t begin until after Labor Day but we now know that wasn’t entirely accurate for all churches in town. We apologize for the schedule conflict. If we want to be able to have school start a little later in the future, like it did this year, we might have to stick with a Wednesday night “Celebration and Pep Rally.” We will be sure to communicate with church leaders this spring so they can plan accordingly. Thanks again to all of the churches in this community that provide so many wonderful opportunities on Wednesday evenings.
Social Media
York Public Schools is fairly active on social media. We have accounts on Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, and Facebook. We also utilize podcasts and are always looking for ways to connect with others and share about our school system.
We have many specialized accounts on Facebook and Twitter that focus on just one program or one aspect of our school system. We also have @YorkDukePower on Twitter that will share almost anything and everything about YPS from pictures of school lunches to budget info to scores of ballgames, reminders about upcoming events, videos of our band, motivational quotes, and student achievement data highlights.
We’re not able to share every individual accomplishment of all 1,350 students on our social media outlets. Obviously, we are extremely proud of our students that do well in the classroom and on assessments but we aren’t able to share each individual accomplishment because we would just never be able to keep up. This doesn’t mean we’re more proud of the YHS Band at the Harvest of Harmony Parade or the YHS Volleyball Team at the Conference Tournament than an individual student who has a 4.0 GPA; it just means we try to post about activities that involve groups of students as opposed to individual accomplishments.
Academics and Activities
We feel extremely fortunate that YPS students have opportunities to excel in all areas of our school system. Academics will always be our top priority, although it sometimes gets less attention than “activities.” Academics don’t always make the front page of the paper or get bragged about at the coffee shop but that doesn’t mean they’re not important and not our primary focus every day. We have some outstanding students that do exemplary work in our classrooms. Academically, our student achievement scores are higher than they’ve ever been on statewide assessments.
• Over 87% of our students achieve at/above the proficiency level on state reading assessments.
• Over 85% of our students achieve at/above the proficiency level on state math assessments.
• During the 2016-17 school year, 950 college credits were earned by YHS juniors and seniors enrolled in dual credit courses
• We offer over 14 career academies and have recently added an online Criminal Justice academy
Our “Activities Department” is rolling as well. We have won multiple state championships in Fine Arts and Athletics over the past few years. We have numerous programs that are state ranked and perennial powers that battle for conference, district, and state titles on a yearly basis. We have strong extra-curricular offerings like FFA and FBLA that send kids to national contests annually. We have multiple choirs and band ensembles that produce amazing music. We have some unbelievably talented artists and student-athletes. We have many amazing individual accomplishments within all of our team programs.
It's a great time to be a York Duke.
Thanks for your support.
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
Special Olympics Nebraska
YORK, Nebraska is the PROUD home of the Special Olympics Nebraska State Flag Football Tournament on October 21st and 22nd. We are EXTREMELY excited for this opportunity! Special Olympics Nebraska is a tremendous service oriented organization that we're thrilled to support.
I've had the good fortune of helping out with Special Olympic events when I was in high school in Florida and when I worked in Franklin, Nebraska. Every second you spend around Special Olympians is worth it. I love to feed off their enthusiasm, energy, respect, and just pure joy of doing something they love. If you ever want, or need to re-focus and find "perspective," get involved with Special Olympics!
We anticipate 20+ teams and over 400 spectators and you better believe we will be rolling out red carpet for these folks. We'll be looking for around 50 volunteers to work 4-hour shifts. Volunteers will be needed to run the scoreboards, hold the down markers, help with the skills competition, and assist with awards. We will also need lots of "fans in the stands" to cheer these teams on. If you want to get involved, please let me know.
We are so grateful for Special Olympics Nebraska and all they do for folks with special needs. This is going to be a HUGE success for York, Nebraska.
I've had the good fortune of helping out with Special Olympic events when I was in high school in Florida and when I worked in Franklin, Nebraska. Every second you spend around Special Olympians is worth it. I love to feed off their enthusiasm, energy, respect, and just pure joy of doing something they love. If you ever want, or need to re-focus and find "perspective," get involved with Special Olympics!
We anticipate 20+ teams and over 400 spectators and you better believe we will be rolling out red carpet for these folks. We'll be looking for around 50 volunteers to work 4-hour shifts. Volunteers will be needed to run the scoreboards, hold the down markers, help with the skills competition, and assist with awards. We will also need lots of "fans in the stands" to cheer these teams on. If you want to get involved, please let me know.
We are so grateful for Special Olympics Nebraska and all they do for folks with special needs. This is going to be a HUGE success for York, Nebraska.
Tuesday, August 15, 2017
45 Years Old and Still Learning
I turned 45 years old on August 14th so I felt it was fitting for this week's blog to share some of the things I've learned in those 45 years. In education, we often talk about "lifelong learners" and that is what I hope I can be. Sometimes, I'm a slow learner. Sometimes, I'm a reluctant learner. I just hope I can keep on learning as I will always be a "work in progress."
* Things are typically never as bad as you think they are....things are typically never as good as you think they are...it's easier to not get too low or too high...the swing of emotions from one extreme to the other can wear you out! Stay the course and don't get too excited or too depressed about a current situation...it can, and will, change often in most instances...
* Listening to actually listen and comprehend another person's point-of-view is way better than listening just so you can respond and debate your point of view
* There are many great people in the world, and certainly in Nebraska. Too often, we focus on selfish and entitled energy vampires that are unable to be happy for others instead of the energetic, positive, and enthusiastic people we should surround ourselves with. Cutting out as much fake from your life as you can allows you to focus on people that really matter.
* Learn to enjoy the small victories along the way because there will always be bigger challenges and adversities on the horizon. If you can't celebrate when given the opportunity, it is going to be hard to maintain your enthusiasm and sanity. Try not to let "losses" in your life hurt more than the "victories" in life feel good....it's hard to do...
* Have high expectations for yourself and be your own harshest critic but also give yourself a break from time to time. None of us are perfect and we need to be able to forgive ourselves once in a while.
* Good things happen to people that work hard.
* Black jellybeans aren't as good as purple jellybeans and pink ones are the tastiest of them all.
* When you're having a bad day, visit a kindergarten classroom as it is sure to put a smile on your face.
* It's the "little fish that steal the bait." By this, I mean it is often the little issues that cause big problems. Provide plenty of "attention to detail." Double-check on things. Beat a dead horse. Make sure that i's are dotted and t's are crossed. Some people will make fun of you for doing so but they'll also be glad you do when they have to count on you.
* You're going to get criticized for anything/everything you do. Be true to yourself. Be strong in your convictions and do what you think is best.
* Facebook and social media isn't real life...everyone is NOT living a happier and more successful life than you are...
* Control what you can control and don't spend too much energy on things beyond your control
* Always be thankful for what you can do instead of focusing on what you can't do...we need more positive in the world
* We need to get rid of Democrats and Republicans and focus on Americans....
* Spend time with your grandparents whenever you have the opportunity....your older self will be glad you did
* People that make fun of others for how they look, how much they weigh, what color their skin is, or how they talk are despicable....be kind...we all get one shot at life....be supportive of others even if they look different than you or believe differently than you do...
These are just some of the things that I've learned in 45 years. I need to be a better husband and dad in the next 45 years. I need to exhibit more patience, better voice tone, and more understanding of stressful situations and how they impact those around me. Here's to another 45-years!
* Things are typically never as bad as you think they are....things are typically never as good as you think they are...it's easier to not get too low or too high...the swing of emotions from one extreme to the other can wear you out! Stay the course and don't get too excited or too depressed about a current situation...it can, and will, change often in most instances...
* Listening to actually listen and comprehend another person's point-of-view is way better than listening just so you can respond and debate your point of view
* There are many great people in the world, and certainly in Nebraska. Too often, we focus on selfish and entitled energy vampires that are unable to be happy for others instead of the energetic, positive, and enthusiastic people we should surround ourselves with. Cutting out as much fake from your life as you can allows you to focus on people that really matter.
* Learn to enjoy the small victories along the way because there will always be bigger challenges and adversities on the horizon. If you can't celebrate when given the opportunity, it is going to be hard to maintain your enthusiasm and sanity. Try not to let "losses" in your life hurt more than the "victories" in life feel good....it's hard to do...
* Have high expectations for yourself and be your own harshest critic but also give yourself a break from time to time. None of us are perfect and we need to be able to forgive ourselves once in a while.
* Good things happen to people that work hard.
* Black jellybeans aren't as good as purple jellybeans and pink ones are the tastiest of them all.
* When you're having a bad day, visit a kindergarten classroom as it is sure to put a smile on your face.
* It's the "little fish that steal the bait." By this, I mean it is often the little issues that cause big problems. Provide plenty of "attention to detail." Double-check on things. Beat a dead horse. Make sure that i's are dotted and t's are crossed. Some people will make fun of you for doing so but they'll also be glad you do when they have to count on you.
* You're going to get criticized for anything/everything you do. Be true to yourself. Be strong in your convictions and do what you think is best.
* Facebook and social media isn't real life...everyone is NOT living a happier and more successful life than you are...
* Control what you can control and don't spend too much energy on things beyond your control
* Always be thankful for what you can do instead of focusing on what you can't do...we need more positive in the world
* We need to get rid of Democrats and Republicans and focus on Americans....
* Spend time with your grandparents whenever you have the opportunity....your older self will be glad you did
* People that make fun of others for how they look, how much they weigh, what color their skin is, or how they talk are despicable....be kind...we all get one shot at life....be supportive of others even if they look different than you or believe differently than you do...
These are just some of the things that I've learned in 45 years. I need to be a better husband and dad in the next 45 years. I need to exhibit more patience, better voice tone, and more understanding of stressful situations and how they impact those around me. Here's to another 45-years!
Monday, August 7, 2017
YOU'RE INVITED -- YPS Budget and Tax Request Meetings
YOU’RE INVITED!
Our school board and administration remains committed to being very transparent about our budget, property tax request, planning for the future, controlling our spending, etc.
I am hosting two special meetings for anyone that wishes to attend to learn more about school finance and the main cogs of the YPS budget and tax request. FREE coffee and some light snacks will be available to all attendees. Bring a friend! The meetings will take place at our District Administration building at 1715 N. Delaware Avenue on the east side of the York High School campus. These meetings typically last 75-90 minutes.
• Wednesday, August 30th at 8:00 AM
• Friday, September 8th at 8:00 AM
We will show attendees what our 2017-18 budget will look like compared to 2015-16, 2016-17, and other prior years. Our 2016-17 fiscal year ends on August 31st and we will show less than a 0.002% spending increase since 2014-15. Revenue for 2016-17 will be around $700,000 less than 2015-16 despite an increase in our local property tax request of over $1 million.
You’ll also receive an informative update on a coalition that we helped form called “Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education” that has Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and other ag organizations working hand-in-hand with K-12 education organizations on property tax reform and education funding initiatives. Below is a quick snapshot of our guiding principles.
• Nebraska must reduce property taxes to ensure a fair and balanced tax system.
o Nebraska ranks 49th in the country in the percentage of K-12 funding that comes from the state.
o Nebraskans pays the 7th highest effective property tax rate in the nation.
• To fund the state budget, we need a tax system that is fair and balanced for all Nebraska taxpayers. Nebraska’s taxpayers need a significant reduction in property taxes.
o Nebraska K-12 schools receive 33% of their funding from state sources while the national average is 47%.
o Nebraska K-12 schools receive 49% of their funding from local property taxes while the national average is 29%.
If you’re unable to make it on August 30th or September 8th, feel free to come to our board of education meeting on September 11th at 7:00 PM or call me to set up a special time that works for you. We want to communicate at a high level and make sure the patrons of York Public Schools are well informed of what is going on in the world of education funding and an over-reliance on local property taxes.
Go Dukes,
Mike Lucas
402-366-6491 (cell)
mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org
Our school board and administration remains committed to being very transparent about our budget, property tax request, planning for the future, controlling our spending, etc.
I am hosting two special meetings for anyone that wishes to attend to learn more about school finance and the main cogs of the YPS budget and tax request. FREE coffee and some light snacks will be available to all attendees. Bring a friend! The meetings will take place at our District Administration building at 1715 N. Delaware Avenue on the east side of the York High School campus. These meetings typically last 75-90 minutes.
• Wednesday, August 30th at 8:00 AM
• Friday, September 8th at 8:00 AM
We will show attendees what our 2017-18 budget will look like compared to 2015-16, 2016-17, and other prior years. Our 2016-17 fiscal year ends on August 31st and we will show less than a 0.002% spending increase since 2014-15. Revenue for 2016-17 will be around $700,000 less than 2015-16 despite an increase in our local property tax request of over $1 million.
You’ll also receive an informative update on a coalition that we helped form called “Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education” that has Nebraska Farmers Union, Nebraska Farm Bureau, and other ag organizations working hand-in-hand with K-12 education organizations on property tax reform and education funding initiatives. Below is a quick snapshot of our guiding principles.
• Nebraska must reduce property taxes to ensure a fair and balanced tax system.
o Nebraska ranks 49th in the country in the percentage of K-12 funding that comes from the state.
o Nebraskans pays the 7th highest effective property tax rate in the nation.
• To fund the state budget, we need a tax system that is fair and balanced for all Nebraska taxpayers. Nebraska’s taxpayers need a significant reduction in property taxes.
o Nebraska K-12 schools receive 33% of their funding from state sources while the national average is 47%.
o Nebraska K-12 schools receive 49% of their funding from local property taxes while the national average is 29%.
If you’re unable to make it on August 30th or September 8th, feel free to come to our board of education meeting on September 11th at 7:00 PM or call me to set up a special time that works for you. We want to communicate at a high level and make sure the patrons of York Public Schools are well informed of what is going on in the world of education funding and an over-reliance on local property taxes.
Go Dukes,
Mike Lucas
402-366-6491 (cell)
mike.lucas@yorkdukes.org
Friday, August 4, 2017
Preparing to "Set Sail" for our 2017-18 "Voyage"
There's no "tired" like "August tired" for professional educators. No matter how much we get accomplished in June and July, August always hits us like a vicious Mike Tyson uppercut. We have to manage the chaos, stress, and pressure to ensure that our 2016-17 fiscal year wraps up just as our 2017-18 school year gets going. It's hectic but we wouldn't have it any other way!
The first 10-12 days of August are much like preparing for a long voyage. You have to prepare, double-check, over-plan, ensure proper procedures, communicate, provide tremendous attention to detail, and come up with alternative plans for when adversity strikes.
Now entering my 24th year in education, and 15th as a superintendent, I am more thankful than ever for our STUDENTS.
Working FOR kids is what makes education such a rewarding career. To be completely honest, I couldn't do this job if it was just for adults. Having a small hand in removing obstacles and creating opportunities for our young people is what motivates us to put up with all of the stress that comes with this profession. You navigate the brutal days by remembering "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing" and that is the needs of your students.
The stakes get higher every year. I can't remember the last time anything got dropped off our "to-do list" but things get added all the time. We're doing more than we've ever done; and we're doing it with less funding. Our students deserve our best each and every day and that's what they're going to get. We won't let them down.
As leaders of the school district, we'll need to bring more energy and excitement to work than we ever have before. We have to have "labrador enthusiasm" that is contagious and makes everyone around us excited about York Public Schools. We have to believe that 2017-18 is going to be our best voyage yet. It's about time to set sail!
The first 10-12 days of August are much like preparing for a long voyage. You have to prepare, double-check, over-plan, ensure proper procedures, communicate, provide tremendous attention to detail, and come up with alternative plans for when adversity strikes.
Now entering my 24th year in education, and 15th as a superintendent, I am more thankful than ever for our STUDENTS.
Working FOR kids is what makes education such a rewarding career. To be completely honest, I couldn't do this job if it was just for adults. Having a small hand in removing obstacles and creating opportunities for our young people is what motivates us to put up with all of the stress that comes with this profession. You navigate the brutal days by remembering "the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing" and that is the needs of your students.
The stakes get higher every year. I can't remember the last time anything got dropped off our "to-do list" but things get added all the time. We're doing more than we've ever done; and we're doing it with less funding. Our students deserve our best each and every day and that's what they're going to get. We won't let them down.
As leaders of the school district, we'll need to bring more energy and excitement to work than we ever have before. We have to have "labrador enthusiasm" that is contagious and makes everyone around us excited about York Public Schools. We have to believe that 2017-18 is going to be our best voyage yet. It's about time to set sail!
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