NEN Needs Free & Reduced Lunch Applications for Grants

The Northeast Nodaway school needs free & reduced lunch applications in order to access grant money. Many grants are unavailable to NEN due to the low number of free and reduced applications filled out. Patrons are encouraged to fill out the confidential application even if they don’t plan to participate.

Extra milk for lunch or breakfast will be deducted from the student’s lunch account. Money for extra milk should be paid to the school office so it can be entered into the student’s account.

All elementary snack milk money must be paid in advance for the year. Snack milk is voluntary, but is offered from Preschool through 2nd grades. If children do not drink snack milk, they can drink water. Snack milk for a whole year is $98.40, and can be paid during registration.

Meal prices are as follows:

Elementary student lunch — $3.30

Elementary student breakfast — $2.10

Extra breakfast entrée — $2.00

Extra cereal — $.75

Extra milk — $.60

7-12 grade lunch — $3.40

7-12 grade breakfast — $2.10

Extra lunch entrée — $2.00

Fruit/Veggie Bar only — $2.00

Extra 4 oz. juice — $.60

Breakfast and lunch should be purchased in advance by sending the money to the school office. Students will purchase meals from 7:45 am to 8 am or after school each day. Elementary and high school students will be allowed to charge up to $10 for lunch. After the maximum charge is reached, the student will be given a cheese sandwich and milk until payment is made.

The school will be offering the ala carte items during the breakfast and lunch hour for grades 7-12. Ala carte items will be deducted from the student’s lunch account. No money will be taken in the cafeteria for purchases.

 

NEN Announces Plans for Return to School

On Wednesday, NEN released tentative plans to have a traditional start to school on August 25th. Registration will be held on August 11th from 1 pm to 6 pm. At this time, the plan includes in-person classes five days a week. The school will be in contact with the Nodaway County Health Department. The plan includes the following:

–Students kept in their group, with as little close interaction with other classes as possible;

–Assigned seating in classrooms and on buses;

–Social distancing as much as possible;

–Turn off the water spout on water fountains; only use to fill up bottles;

–Develop alternative plans in the event of a school closure;

–Create an alternative to the self-serve salad bar;

–Use the old gym, in addition to the cafeteria, during lunch periods to maintain social distancing;

–Limit visitors to the building.

Students will not be required to wear masks for the school day. School will start at the same time from Monday through Friday from 8:06 to 3:10. After-school care will be available. 

North Nodaway, NEN to Remain Closed Until May 1st

The North Nodaway and NEN School Districts will remain closed until at least May 1st in response to to a new health ordinance passed by the Nodaway County Commission. Previously, the schools had closed until April 3rd. If information is gathered and county health conditions improve, this ordinance may be terminated or modified, allowing schools to reopen earlier.

Under the Nodaway County Health Ordinance, all persons are to avoid social gatherings of 10 or more people. Every person shall avoid eating or drinking within restaurants, bars, or food courts; however, they can utilize drive-thru, pickup, and food delivery services.

People may not visit nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or assisted living homes except to provide critical assistance.

This ordinance does not prohibit schools from providing childcare, food and nutrition services, and teachers and staff may enter school buildings as long as they otherwise comply with this ordinance.
The ordinance does not prohibit people from visiting grocery stores, merchants, gas stations, parks, banks, government officers, or their own place of employment so long as social distancing is practiced, including maintaining at least six feet of distance between all individuals who are not family members.

For offices and workplaces that remain open, individuals shall practice good hygiene and, where feasible, work from home.

The ordinance authorizes the Nodaway County Sheriff and his deputies to enforce this ordinance and to make arrests as appropriate. Persons in violation of this ordinance can be held for up to 24 hours, prosecuted, and fined up to $500 and imprisoned for up to three months.

This ordinance is in effect until May 1st.

NEN School Board Rehires Principals, Accepts Resignation

The Northeast Nodaway School Board, at its regular meeting Thursday, voted to rehire principals Jason McDowell and Luke Cox with two year contracts for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 school years. Both votes were unanimous.

The board also voted to accept the resignation of Tyler Schmidt, the Technology Director, who will be going to Savannah.

The board voted to allow the school to hold the prom this year at Tri-Meadows in Conception at a cost of $400.

Reports were heard about the school. District enrollment is at 215 and attendance is 96%.
The PTO hold their annual 5th & 6th Grade Basketball Tournament and raised $3,000. The PTO is selling trash bags as a fundraiser.

Heidi Beatty of the CTA presented a thank you card to the board, signed by CTA members. They are sponsoring the Missouri Read-In Week next month, in which junior high and high school students will read to elementary students during the week. The week before last, they provided treats to the teachers and staff each day.

DeAnn Redden of the Booster Club reported that the 3rd & 4th Grade Basketball Tournament raised $3,200. The soup supper for Homecoming raised another $832. Senior Night was held during the South Holt game. The Booster Club provided the seniors with a blanket that marked all of the activities they have participated in throughout their high school career. They also purchased the senior banners that are hanging in the high school gym and will give them to the seniors when they graduate.

New Officers Elected for NEN Booster Club for 2019-2020

The Northeast Nodaway School Board held its regular meeting last Thursday. At the meeting, Katrina McIntyre reported for the Booster Club. On August 5th, new officers were elected – Mary Boswell (President), DeAnn Redden (Vice-President), Jennifer Adwell (Treasurer), and Stephanie Wilmes (Secretary). Booster Club had a back to school supper on August 13th that had a great turnout. The club is providing snacks for athletes for MSHSAA sanctioned events. The next meeting will be October 15th at 6 pm.

Barb Bredlow of the CTA reported that they had set 2019-2020 goals. McTeacher Night will be October 8th; all proceeds will go towards activities. The Faculty/Staff Christmas Party will be December 14th this year.

Luke Cox reported for the NEN Student Council. Fall Spirit Week was held last week, with dressup days for Worth County’s Homecoming. A full school pep rally was held Friday, before the band and NEN football players that are playing for the football cooperative went to participate in the parade. Mr. Cox has been meeting with Student Council representatives about what students like about the school atmosphere, and what they would like to see improved.

Elementary Principal Jason McDowell reported that enrollment for the preschool is 15 and 96 for the Elementary. High School Principal Luke Cox reported that the current enrollment for the High School is 107.

Superintendent Brenda Dougan presented the second reading of the Board of Education Goals for the current school year. The board unanimously approved evaluations for the Health Services Program, Assessment Program, ELL Program, and Homeless Program.

At the conclusion of the regular meeting, the board went into closed session to discuss student matters.

NEN Enrollment Hits 216; Aliyah Lee New Basketball Assistant

Northeast Nodaway’s enrollment hit 216 students for the 2019-2020 school year. This includes 99 for the Elementary, 37 for the Junior High, and 70 for the High School. In addition, there are 16 enrolled in the Preschool. These were figures reported at their board meeting Thursday.

The board voted to hire Aliyah Lee for Girls Basketball Assistant. She will assist Sheldon Saxton with the Junior High Girls and Joyce Stiens with the Varsity Girls for the 2019-2020 school year. The vote was unanimous.

The board held its annual Tax Rate Hearing and left the levy unchanged at $5.6529.
Redemption of the 2010 bond was discussed. The board voted to authorize redemption of $75,000 for the 2010 General Obligation Bonds.

Superintendent Brenda Dougan was appointed by the board as District Representative.

Board goals were discussed for the new school year. The board added curtains, bleachers, and work on the stage to their goals along with work on the sidewalk and front entry security.

Dougan reported that she had begun the process of putting all board policies online. The board rescinded current policies and updated with customized MCE policies for the school.

Dougan also reported that the school had gotten a bid for the Planer and Jointer that the school had previously declared surplus. Pat Runde submitted a bid for $1,000 for them. The board voted to accept the bid 5-0-1, with board member Kenny Runde abstaining.

New board member training requirements were discussed. There will be three hours of additional training for new members and one hour refresher courses for current members. They will be available online. There will be training on child sexual predators.

Elementary Principal Jason McDowell reported that there were 10 new elementary students who had moved in.

High School Principal Luke Cox discussed logistical issues with the football cooperative with Worth County. They will provide transportation to and from Grant City for practices, and to and from fields on game days in conjunction with the Worth County School Districts. They will also bus students to and from fields on on junior high and JV game days in cooperation with Worth County. Lining up drivers for team meals on game days for students who don’t drive was discussed.

Cox also reported on professional development; professional goals were updated, sessions for professional development days were lined out, and assessment use of student data will be worked on. The goal will be to increase student achievement. Cox attended a booster club meeting.

Dougan reported that the school will purchase Amplify Curriculum for 6th grade and Junior High English classes. It was purchased last year for the PK to 5th grade. Dougan reported that all fire extinguishers were inspected and brought up to date at a cost of $1,900.

Denise Henggeler Named Regional Teacher of the Year

Northwest Regional Professional Development Center is pleased to announce the three Northwest Missouri Regional Teachers of the Year:

Denise Henggeler, Fourth Grade, Northeast Nodaway School District
Mark Korell, Eighth Grade Social Studies, St.Joseph School District 
Sandra Wood, 7-12 Spanish, Maryville R-II School District

The Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year award is part of the Missouri Teacher of the Year program, sponsored by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). This program recognizes the efforts of effective teachers in providing a quality education to their students. Preparing, developing and supporting effective educators is one of DESE’s primary goals.  These educators as well as others nominated for Northwest Regional Teacher of the Year will be honored at a Regional banquet in early September.

These three Regional Teacher of the Year recipients are now eligible to compete for the 2019-2020 Missouri Teacher of the Year. The selection committee, comprised of teachers, business leaders and education organization leaders, will choose the Missouri Teacher of the Year following interviews with each finalist this fall. The winner and the finalists will be honored at a banquet October 21st, 2019 in Jefferson City. The new Missouri Teacher of the Year will serve as the state’s nominee for the National Teacher of the Year competition.

The Missouri Teacher of the Year program is conducted with financial support by the Boeing Company and the Monsanto Fund.

Brenda Dougan to Assume Superintendent Position at NEN

On Monday, Brenda Dougan will assume a new role as NEN Superintendent. She said she wanted to keep doing what they were doing with good students and staff at the school.

She said she took the job to get closer to home. “This is a good, small school,” she said. She said her favorite teacher at Worth County was Paul Niece, one of her basketball coaches.

Dougan is a Worth County grad and the daughter of J.W. & Clara Harding of Allendale. She said she learned from them the lessons of work ethic, commitment, and how to get along in a large family.
Brenda went to Northwest, where she got a degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education.

She went to Jefferson, where she was a paraprofessional for three years. She went to Worth County for one year, and then went to NEN for ten years, where she was a second grade teacher at the old Parnell building and a Title teacher for one year. She went to North Nodaway for seven years, where she was the Elementary Principal at Pickering, and then went to Ridgeway for five years, where she was the Superintendent there.

She is married to Randy Dougan; they have three daughters, Taylor, Shayna, and Jaysie.

Sheldon Saxton Named Junior High Girls BB Coach

The Northeast Nodaway School Board, at their regular session Thursday, voted to hire Sheldon Saxton as the Junior High Girls Basketball Coach. The board also accepted the resignation of Sue Wilcox. Both votes were unanimous.

In other action, bus routes will remain the same as last year, with small changes being made after enrollment is completed.

Bids were received for products and services. Porter Trash received the trash bid for the upcoming school year. Consumer’s Oil Company received the bid for diesel fuel. Eckard’s was awarded the bid for the preschool and kindergarten classroom carpeting. The cost of the project was $4,739. A roofing bid was received for repairs for roof leaks over the library and cafeteria areas. The board awarded the job to Troyer Roofing for a cost of $30,839.

The board voted to transfer up to $162,326 from the general fund to the capital projects fund.

Enrollment was reported for the upcoming school year. There will be 107 students in the high school, and 99 for the elementary for a total of 216 students. There will be nine enrolled in the preschool.
The NEN Booster Club purchased a new scoreboard for the old gym along with safety netting. The PTO purchased a sensory path for the elementary hallway.

NEN School Board Accepts Resignation, Rehires Secretary

The Northeast Nodaway School Board accepted a resignation and rehired a secretary at their regular meeting last Thursday, May 16th. The board accepted the resignation of Linda Mattson. The board also voted to rehire Kristin Sybert for Principal Secretary. The board also voted to name Brenda Dougan the Special Education Director. The votes were 6-0, with Board Member Victor West absent from the meeting.

Principal and Interim Superintendent Jason McDowell presented the pricing recommendations from Lunchtime Solutions, which handles the school lunch program at Northeast. The board raised adult lunch prices by 60 cents, elementary lunch prices by 15 cents, and elementary breakfast prices by 10 cents.

Enrollment at the high school was at 108 and 100 at the elementary for a total of 208 students. Attendance was 96.21% for high school and 97.92% for elementary.

The CTA held an End of Year Celebration on May 22nd, and faculty and staff were recognized for retiring and for years of service. The CTA will have a Taco John’s fundraiser on June 6th from 5 pm to 7 pm. The PTO recognized the teachers for Teacher Recognition Week.

Interim Superintendent Jason McDowell reported that the roof was leaking and that he was in the process of obtaining quotes. The school is also in the process of obtaining quotes for carpet for the Kindergarten and first grade rooms.

Chet Spire is Valedictorian, Gerry Runde Salutatorian as NEN Graduates 15 Sunday

Chet Spire was named Valedictorian at NEN, while Gerry Runde was named Salutatorian as Northeast Nodaway graduated 15 Sunday. Graduating were MaKayla Adwell, Dylan Boulting, Maverick Price, Ilenia Ricci, Maggie Schmitz, Chet Spire, Spencer Weir, Colton Wilmes, Dakota Auffert, Brittany Burns, Tyler Randolph, Gerry Runde, Sonja Solidum, Dylan Vore, and Cheyenne Wilmes.

The Class Flower was the White Rose. The Class Motto was, “We didn’t know we were making memories, we just knew we were having fun.” The Class Color was the Black and Red flannel. Class officers were Gerry Runde (President), Maggie Schmitz (Vice-President), MaKayla Adwell (Secretary), and Dakota Auffert (Treasurer).

Makayla Adwell plans to attend North Central Missouri College to study Nursing. Dakota Auffert plans to work on the family farm. Dylan Boulting plans to attend Southeast Community College to be a John Deere Technician. Brittany Burns plans to attend Central Christian College of the Bible to study Children & Family Ministry. Maverick Price plans to work on the family farm and open an auto mechanic shop. Tyler Randolph plans to attend Missouri Welding Institute. Ilenia Ricci plans to return to Italy to finish her senior year of high school before going to college. Gerry Runde plans to attend Northwest Missouri State.

Maggie Schmitz plans to work on the family farm. Sonja Solidum plans to attend Northwest Missouri State to study Pre-Veterinary. Chet Spire plans to attend Northwest Missouri State. Dylan Vore plans to attend North Central Missouri College to become a Physical Therapy Assistant. Spencer Weir plans to attend college and pursue a career in baseball. Cheyenne Wilmes plans to attend the St. Joseph Beauty University and take the Cosmetology Program. Colton Wilmes plans to attend Missouri Valley College to play football on a full ride scholarship and major in Biology.

Brittany Burns sang the Star Spangled Banner. Teacher Stacey Calfee used road signs to teach the students one last lesson about navigating life. “Make sure you don’t forget where you come from,” she said.

Salutatorian Gerry Runde said her class had become like family to her and told tales on most of her friends, such as MaKayla waking her up late at night with something funny, Dakota Auffert always having tools handy anytime you needed something, Maverick Price being willing to drop everything to help a friend, Maggie Schmitz being “one crazy cat,” Dylan Vore always seeing the good in things, Spencer Weir coming up with all these random thoughts, and Cheyenne Wilmes having a love of animals.

Valedictorian Chet Spire said that Northeast Nodaway had shaped who they were and made them better. He said there were many good times despite all the people who cut in line at lunch. “I actually got playing time despite my short size,” he said. “Never forget all the memories and relationships.”

Luke Cox Named NEN Principal; Board Reorganizes

The Northeast Nodaway School board hired Luke Cox as its new principal following a closed session and subsequent votes. Cox will serve as a principal, along with Jason McDowell. Brenda Dougan will serve as superintendent for the school district. He comes from Clarinda Academy, where he was the Education Director there and had a variety of responsibilities. His wife, Rudy, was a special education teacher at Rock Port. They have two children, Brady and Elijah. The vote was unanimous.

The board offered a teaching contract to Melissa Potter for the 2019-2020 school year. The board hired Kristin Sybert as Parents as Teachers Director. These votes were unanimous.

The board voted to offer contracts to all extra duty coaches as presented. Board member Victor West abstained on the vote to rehire Linda Mattson. Board member Kenny Runde abstained on the vote to rehire Allie Runde. The vote to rehire Joyce Steins as Varsity Girls Basketball Coach was 6-1.

The board voted to rehire all non-certified staff. Board member Kenny Runde abstained on the vote to rehire Allie Runde and Terry Runde, while board member Jeff Redden voted to abstain on the vote to rehire DeAnn Redden. All other votes were unanimous. Rehired were Terry Runde, Casey Schmidt, Melody Adwell, Sue Wilcox, Kim Lager, Marta Giesken, DeAnn Redden, Allie Runde, Tiffany McGinness, Tabi Adwell, Sheila Johnson, and Tyler Schmidt.

Board members for the 2019-2020 term are Kenny Runde, Jeff Redden, Darrin Adwell, Sheldon Scadden, Kenna Florea, Katrina McIntyre, and Victor West. Newly elected was Karl Wilmes, who won a write-in vote during the 2019 election; Kenna Florea was reelected.

The board obtained a quote from Kaw Valley Engineering for $16,400 for design and $2,800 for construction administration for the new baseball field and track. It will be east of where the current field is; the school has already purchased the land. The current field will be used for softball. A special meeting will be held on April 29th at 6 pm for the Track Committee and the School Board to discuss the next step in the construction process.

New officers were named by the board. Kenny Runde was selected as Board President again. Jeff Redden was named Vice-President. Kenna Florea was named Board Secretary. All votes were unanimous.

The board appointed various representatives. Missouri School Board Association delegate is Sheldon Scadden, with Victor West serving as an alternate. Kenna Florea was named to represent the board at the CTA. Karl Wilmes was named to represent the board at the Park Board. Kenny Runde was named to represent the board at the City Council. DeAnn Redden was named Board Treasurer.

The school received two bids for gym floor maintenance. One was from Hillyard for a cost of $2,278.50. The board voted to accept the bid from Meyer Laboratory for a cost of $1,715.10. The board voted to renew MSBA membership. The board received two bids for lawn care. One was from Lyle Lawn Care for $90, while another was from Wiederholt Lawn Care for $115. The board voted to accept the bid from Wiederholt Lawn Care. All three votes were unanimous.

The board voted 5-2 to switch from an eight period day to a seven period day after presentations from Mr. McDowell and Mrs. Groomer.

Enrollment for the high school and junior high is 105, while the elementary is 99. Preschool enrollment is 9. Attendance is 95.71%.

Tiffany McGinness reported for the Northeast Nodaway CTA. Three Northeast Nodaway seniors have been approved for scholarships for $250. Winners will be announced later. A Taco John’s fundraiser was held on April 25th. McGinness also reported for the PTO. They will continue to purchase most of the school supplies for the PK through 6th grades for the 2019-2020 school year. There will be a few items that the PTO will ask parents to help out with.

The gym bleachers were inspected and one section was in need of repair. The work will be completed this summer.

Emily Redden, Brayden Welch Receive NEN Graduation Honors

Emily Redden was named Valedictorian at NEN, while Brayden Welch was named Salutatorian Sunday as 11 different NEN students bade farewell to Northeast Nodaway. Graduating Sunday were Gabriella Briney, Brea Coulter, James Lamb, Emily Redden, Cameron Staples, Brayden Welch, Taylor Coffelt, Salina Deardorff, Dylan Mildfeldt, Eli Scroggie, and Victoria Titus.

The Class Flower was the Carnation. The Class Motto was, “If the sky is the limit, why are there footprints on the moon?” The class color was white. Taylor Coffelt served as the Class President. Other officers included Brayden Welch (Vice-President), Emily Redden (Secretary), and Brea Coulter (Treasurer).

Gabriella Briney will be attending Central Christian College of the Bible and major in Christian Education. She will receive the In Focus Friday Scholarship worth $500. Taylor Coffelt will attend Northwest Missouri State and major in Elementary Education. She will receive the Alvin and Mary Luke Scholarship worth $500. Breanna Coulter will go to North Central Missouri College and receive an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Salina Deardorff will attend North Central Missouri College and earn an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development. James Lamb will be entering the workforce. Dylan Mildfeldt plans to work an apprenticeship as an electrician.

Emily Redden will be attending North Central Missouri College to obtain her degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. She will receive the Tri-C Auxiliary Scholarship ($500), the Ravenwood CBC Scholarship ($500), the Donald and Teresa Schmitz Memorial Scholarship ($500), the Northeast Nodaway CTA Scholarship ($250), the Northeast Nodaway Student Council Scholarship ($250), and the Northeast Nodaway John T. Belcher Scholarship ($200).

Eli Scroggie and Cameron Staples plan to enter the workforce. Victoria Titus plans to work as a CAN at Maryville Living Center.

Brayden Welch will attend Northwest Missouri State and major in Ag Business. He will receive the Northwest Missouri State University Academic Excellence Scholarship ($3,000), the MFA Foundation Scholarship ($2,000), the Dean Gingrich Memorial Scholarship ($1,000), the Nodaway County Cattlemen’s Association Scholarship ($500), the Alvin and Mary Luke Scholarship ($500), the Northeast Nodaway CTA Scholarship ($250), the Community Blood Center Scholarship ($250), the Northeast Nodaway Student Leadership Award ($125), and the John Barber Memorial Scholarship ($100).

Jared Freemyer, a teacher at Northeast Nodaway and a graduate of the Class of 1989, encouraged the students to be responsible. “God has given you abilities to do great things in your lives,” he said.

“You’ll find out you’re good at a lot of things.” He encouraged them to try out a lot of different things. “Don’t go through life and say, ‘I don’t know.’ Don’t say to yourself, ‘I don’t care,’” he said. “Don’t use your abilities for yourself, but for others. What we do for others is immortal.”

Salutatorian Brayden Welch said, “I hope to see each of  you giving back to your community. If you get down, don’t stay down, but get back up. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react.”

Valedictorian Emily Redden encouraged her classmates to enjoy time with friends and family and that without support from her family, she would not have been where she is today.

71 NEN Students Make Honor Rolls

71 Northeast Nodaway students, or around 70% of the student body, were named to the 3rd Quarter Honor Roll, the school announced on its website.

The following students made the High Honor Roll. Students who made it received a 3.67 to 4.00 GPA with no D’s or F’s:

Gabby Briney, Taylor Coffelt, Salina Deardorff, Emily Redden, Victoria Titus, Brayden Welch, Dakota Auffert, Brittany Burns, Dayane Costa, Gerry Runde, Chet Spire, Colton Wilmes, Cheyenne Wilmes, Ethan Adwell, Reed McIntyre, Brea Miller, Samantha Price, Nate Schieber, Kami Adwell, Madelynn Mattson, Victoria Moran, Anne Schieber, Corby Schmitz, Angela Standiford, Blair Stoll, Paige West, Ben Boswell, Trevor Henggeler, Nathan Meyer, Zach Pride, Colton Swalley, A.J. Adwell, Lily Burns, Kenna Coulter, Kenlyn Grove, Lauren McIntyre, Emily Moran, Kolby Sybert, Ruby Wilmes.

The following students at Northeast Nodaway made the Regular Honor Roll. They had a GPA of 3.00 to 3.66, with no D’s or F’s:

Breanna Coulter, Dylan Mildfeldt, Eli Scroggie, Cameron Staples, Makayla Adwell, Dylan Boulting, Maverick Price, Maggie Schmitz, Mitchell Sherry, Jana Walker, Chase Atkins, Craig Burns, Saige Kohlleppel, Sarah Linville, Delainey McIntyre, Tierney Privett, Cassy Redden, Landen Allen, Anne Briney, Lane Dack, Levi Germann, Justin Miller, Auston Pride, Carson Runde, Dylan Wilmes, Boston Adwell, Meredith Adwell, Jaden Atkins, Lyle Giesken, Jace Kohlleppel, Dylan McIntyre, Creed Wilcox.

NEN Contemplating Security Doors, Rehires All Teachers; Three Teachers Resign

Northeast Nodaway is considering putting in new security doors at the school. Currently, Worth County, North Nodaway, and North Harrison have security doors, but NEN has not put any in.

At Thursday’s regular Board of Education Meeting, the board voted to have a double door installed in the doorway that leads from the high school/elementary hallway to the cafeteria. The board awarded the bid to Maryville Glass & Lock by a 6-0-1 vote with board member Victor West abstaining. The total cost will be $3,485.

Superintendent Ken Grove discussed the possibility of locking all the doors into the school and using a security system to let visitors in and out of the building.

Three teachers will be leaving the school following the end of the current school year. The board voted to accept the resignations of Michael Trautz, Linda Primm, and Ashley Merrigan.

The board voted to offer a contract to Marcy Sobotka for the 2018-2019 school year. The board also voted to rehire principals Jason McDowell and Bryan Grow. The vote to rehire Grow was 6-0-1, with board member Kenny Runde abstaining.

The board voted to offer contracts for the 2018-2019 school year to Drew Bruner, Taylor Blevins, Dan Autry, Jennifer Boulting, Lori Stoll, Amanda Ojeda, Katlyn Meiners (not to be confused with the North Nodaway softball coach), Mandy Adwell, and Jennifer Ware. Board member Jeff Redden abstained on the vote on Boulting.

The board voted to tenure Abbie (Stiens) Groomer.

Tenured teachers who were offered contracts include Barbara Bredlow, Carrie Coulter, Denise Henggeler, Vance Proffitt, Philip Doty, Kila Henry, Katie Jenkins, Jared Freemyer, and Heidi Beatty.

Teachers at Northeast Nodaway will see higher pay for the next school year. The board voted to allow all new teachers to bring in all prior full-time experience from accredited K-12 school districts for salary schedule purposes and to adjust current teachers’ salaries who were hired with the old rule.

The board voted to increase the base salary of the salary schedule by $500, increased the Master’s step by an additional $500, and continue the Bluejay Dedicated Teacher Program.

The board awarded the lawn service bid for the 2018 season to Wiederholt Lawn Care.

Enrollment for the school is currently at 202. There are 102 students enrolled at the high school and 100 in the elementary. There are 16 students currently enrolled in the preschool.

Carrie Coulter of the Northeast Nodaway PTO reported that the annual rummage sale brought in around $1,350.

The school marked Missouri Read-In Day on March 6th, and junior high and high school students came and read to the elementary students.

Wicked Witch Kidnaps NEN Mascot in Unsuccessful Effort to Regain Slippers

The hunt for the Red Slippers took a scary turn at Northeast Nodaway, but it all ended well as around 125 people watched the drama unfold.

Everyone thought that the Wicked Witch of the West was killed when Dorothy doused her with the water bucket back in 1939 before returning to Kansas. But the red slippers, which held Oz’s magical powers, left the land when Dorothy went back home and were lost for many years.

For many years, the Wicked Witch (Brittany Moran) secretly reconstituted her powers and reassembled her notorious flying army (Kolby Sybert, A.J. Adwell, Brendon Deardorff, Casey Briney). Finally, after many devious means, she found out that the slippers were somewhere near Ravenwood (MO). So she kidnapped the Northeast Nodaway mascot, the Bluejay, brought it back to her castle, and demanded the return of the slippers as ransom, or her winged monkeys would pluck the Bluejay completely apart.

The head cheerleader, Sarah Linville, was teleported to Oz by the Good Witch (Victoria Moran) and tasked with the recovery of the Bluejay mascot and the red slippers. Without the slippers, the power of Oz would slip away and eventually, the Wicked Witch of the West would completely take over.
People are so afraid of the Wicked Witch that they can only speak in clues, because she has eyes everywhere. But like Dorothy, Sarah is sent off with some presents of goodwill by the Munchkins (Paige West, Dana Chandler, Salina Deardorff). She meets up with the Scarecrow (Colton Swalley), the Tin Woodman (Brittany Burns), and the Cowardly Lion (Corby Schmitz).

The Lion is especially angry, because the Witch is usurping what he regards as his forest. But when the Lion wavers, Sarah goes by herself to confront the Witch and demand the return of the Bluejay mascot. Things look to go south for Sarah, but then all of a sudden, out of the blue, the Lion finds his courage and together he, the Woodman, and the Scarecrow along with Sarah defeat the Witch and the Winged Monkeys and rescue the Bluejay mascot.

When Sarah and the Bluejay return home, it turns out that the Wizard of Oz had been hiding with the red slippers in the basement of the Northeast Nodaway school; the Wizard had found the slippers and did not want anything to happen to them with the Witch still alive. But with the Witch dead, he returns to Oz and the magic is restored.

The dinner theater and school play, which was held Saturday, raised money for both the cheerleaders and the band; it was all in good fun. Spaghetti, salad, lemonade, and desserts were served. There has been plenty of magic floating around the community of Northeast Nodaway; while a lot of hard work went into the production of the play, someone still found time to drop a flock of loud, annoying pink flamingos in someone’s yard on the north end of Ravenwood. Administrators Jason McDowell, Brian Grove, and Ken Grow played a role in the play; they agreed to let Oz stay in the NEN school basement despite their concerns about liability to the school.

NEN School Board Sees Competitive Race

The Northeast Nodaway School Board will see a competitive race this year for the April election. Sheldon Scadden, Charles Standiford, and Katrina McIntyre have all filed; there are two spots open this year.

There are two tax renewals on the ballot for April in Worth County. The County of Worth is seeking renewal of the 35 cent Road & Bridge Levy for the county. The City of Allendale is seeking renewal of its 20 cent tax levy. These measures are not tax increases, but a continuation of current levies.

The Municipal Election Day will be Tuesday, April 3rd this year. The last day to register to vote will be is March 7th.

Caleb Adwell Remembered at NEN Graduation; Vanessa Riley and Andrew Freemyer Take Top Honors

When they were freshmen, members of the Class of 2017 knew exactly when the final bell was about to ring because Caleb Adwell would always start counting down the time in the background; sure enough, he had a perfect internal timer in his head. That was a story Valedictorian Vanessa Riley told about him as nine Northeast Nodaway students graduated and walked the aisle for the last time. Caleb passed away prematurely, but, for the rest of his classmates, it changed them drastically between their freshman and senior years.

Former Principal Linda Mattson spoke to the class and recalled her first year with them in third grade, when they all slid down a sled during winter. Their fourth grade year was the year they did an amazing skit to the country song, “International Harvester.” They also put on another skit with Santa Claus and a bunch of penguins, with Andrew Freemyer as Santa Claus. They were the final class to have a 6th grade sendoff from Parnell and go all the way through.

“Success is not measured by degrees or salaries, but integrity,” said Linda Mattson. “Now, you get to choose.” When Linda was in high school at Northeast Nodaway, the late Claude Samson would always expect the students to police each other at games, since he was on the bench coaching the team; this was a lesson that Mattson carried with her throughout her years at Northeast. She recalled how she would always give students talks about attitudes. “What do you want me to say about you in a few years,” she would ask them.”

Now that they were no longer in high school, Mattson said there was no more reason for them not to try anymore. “The world will see who you really are,” she said. “School is practice for life.” She challenged them to “always keep Caleb in the back of your minds.”

Salutatorian Andrew Freemyer told his classmates not to follow the example of the man in “Glory Days,” who felt like there was nothing more to live for and was always going back to his glory days in high school.

Graduating from the Class of 2017 are Dalton Auffert, Andrew Freemyer, Vanessa Riley, Amanda Standiford, Tanner Wilcox, Kiley Deardorff, Wyatt Henggeler, Alicia Smith, and Rowdy West.
Dalton Auffert will become part of the family farm. Kiley Deardorff is planning to enter the workforce and start with some on the job training. Andrew Freemyer will be attending North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts Degree. He will then transfer to Northwest Missouri State and major in Biochemistry and minor in Genetics. Alicia Smith will be attending Northwest Missouri State and major in Business/Marketing Management and perform with the dance company. Amanda Standiford will be attending Sullivan University in Louisville (KY) and obtain her Associate of Arts in Event Management and Tourism. Rowdy West will attend North Central Missouri College and obtain his Associate of Arts of Teaching and play baseball. He then plans to transfer to a 4-year college to obtain his Bachelor’s Degree. Tanner Wilcox will enter the workforce.

“We weren’t the same class as we were when we were freshmen,” said Riley. “We came out of school much stronger and wiser.”

Did Someone from Jefferson Steal the Band Uniforms? Scooby Doo Solves the Mystery

Did someone from Jefferson, jealous of what was going on at NEN, turn themselves into a Bluejay and steal all the band uniforms and instruments Saturday evening to play off everyone against each other? Did a student with too much spare time on their hands do it to put off having to take a test Monday? Did a disgruntled ex-employee fed up with all the laughter and noise do it? It was all in good fun at the Scooby Doo Mystery Theater at Northeast Nodaway Saturday. It was the first school play in over 10 years there. Mr. Grove and Mr. McDowell, the principals, decided they needed some help after band uniforms turned up missing and strange noises were heard throughout the school. Scooby Doo, the reluctant hero, had to be plied with some Scooby Snacks, but once he ate them, he was always up for the task, sniffing for clues. Proceeds went to the Northeast Nodaway Marching Band as well as the cheerleaders, who are purchasing a mat so they can throw each other in the sky. A Mexican Fiesta was served during the play, and audience participation was essential to helping solve who really did it.

NEN to Hold Red Ribbon Dress-Up Days

Northeast Nodaway will be holding Red Ribbon Dress-Up Days next week starting Monday. On October 24th, the theme will be, “Put Drugs to Sleep.” Students will wear pajamas. On Tuesday, the theme will be, “It’s Crazy to Do Drugs!” Students will wear mismatched clothes, socks, shoes, or hair. On Wednesday, the theme will be, “Battle Out Drugs!” Students will dress as their favorite super-hero. On Thursday, the theme will be, “Don’t Let Drugs Ruin Your Future.” Students will dress up as their future self or career. On Friday, the theme will be, “Too Bright for Drugs!” Students will wear shades and bright colored clothes.