Pope John Students Win Championship at UNL Math Day

Pictured front row (l. to r): Wenting Yu, Calli Krebs, Paige Meis, Wenting Yu  back row: Logan Henn, Cole Preister

1,441 students from 99 Nebraska high schools participated in the 28th annual UNL Math Day on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2017, on the UNL campus. This event is designed to spark high school students’ interest in math, to encourage them to pursue a career in mathematics or the mathematical sciences, and to recognize outstanding mathematical ability.

Six Pope John seniors participated in this all-day event. They were Logan Henn, Paige Meis, Sydney Kerkman, Cole Preister, Calli Krebs and Wenting Yu. The day consisted of the PROBE I and PROBE II individual competitions and the fast-paced Math Bowl double-elimination team competition. The Pope John team won first place in the PROBE 1 written contest for Class VI schools. In the Math Bowl competition, they played eight rounds and fell in the final championship match to receive second place.  The students were accompanied by their math teacher, Sister Patricia Hoffman.

Treats for Troops Collected

Members​ of the student group, Isidore House, ​at​ ​Pope​ ​John XXIII Central Catholic in Elgin recently completed a service project that involved collecting treats and money to purchase candy for United States troops stationed in Afghanistan,​ ​Japan,​ ​Turkey,​ ​and​ ​Qatar.  The group was able to send a total of five boxes of candy.
 
Peggy Payne, House Advisor and English teacher at Pope John said. “With Halloween approaching, we thought the troops would appreciate the timing of these care packages filled with treats. We​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​thank​ ​all​ ​of​ ​the donors​ ​who​ ​participated​ ​in​ ​our​ ​“Treats​ ​for​ ​Troops”​ ​collection. ​We​ ​appreciate​ ​your​ ​support!”
 
Members of Pope John’s Isidore House: (l. to r.) Back row: Linus Borer, Ally Selting, Kaylee Ramold, Matthew Starman, Conor Ramold; Middle row: Sydney Kerkman, Jasmine Dozler, Emma Lea Ruterbories, Hayley Zegers, Paige Meis; Front row: Nickol Payne, Jamie Dozler, Carter Beckman, Taylynne Charf, Maddie Schrage

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Parents as Catholic School Marketers

As a parent, you know the importance of making an informed decision. It is not uncommon for you to talk with your neighbors, friends and family about the pros and cons of any choice. Why not talk about your Catholic school experience as well? Parents are a key part of a Catholic school’s marketing plan. Your firsthand experience provides a valuable perspective that can help build a strong, vital community. Here are some suggestions on how you can serve as a Catholic school marketer.

Make a connection with teachers: When you volunteer at school, attend sporting events or pick up your students from school, take a moment to ask what’s new. Faculty and staff are happy to share the school’s accomplishments: notable test scores, acceptances to competitive high schools or colleges, or outstanding service examples. Share these accomplishments with your friends and neighbors. Ask if there are targeted ways to help such as connecting with prospective families by writing notes and/or make follow-up phone calls or you can volunteer at the next open house.

Have a few good news stories that illustrate your school’s Catholic identity: “Marketing storytelling” is a great way to engage families not yet enrolled in Catholic schools. By sharing anecdotes about how your school’s focus on faith and discipleship has provided a positive impact on your child, you can help friends and neighbors see the return on investment. In addition to touting academic excellence, powerful testimonials can be shown through examples such as older students helping younger students prepare for the sacraments or how all the classes take turns making sandwiches for the homeless.

Know where to find information: Familiarize yourself with the school website and social media. Did you know that a parent is already 57 percent of the way toward choosing a school by the time they make personal contact with the school? That means much of their research is being done online. Let friends and neighbors know where they can find your school on social media and direct them to the school webpage. If you find yourself in a conversation with someone in a casual setting, send an email later that day with a direct link to the school page.

Groom successors: We know your child will not always be a student. Make connections with the parents of younger students to pick up where you might leave off. Keep the tradition alive by sharing your own stories and relaying the school’s mission. As a parent of a younger student, ask these “graduating parents” if there are ways you can help by serving as the next generation of storytellers and marketing champions ready to proclaim the good news of Catholic education. When it comes to marketing in a Catholic school, we are all stronger and more impactful when we work together!

Courtesy of 2017 © NCEA PARENT NEWS is published monthly by the National Catholic Educational Association, 1005 N. Glebe Road, Suite 525, Arlington, VA 22201. www.NCEA.org. 

Pope John Seniors Making School History

Marie Meis, Logan Henn, Sydney Kerkman

Although, September isn’t usually the month when most high school seniors are making college scholarship decisions, three Pope John XXIII Central Catholic seniors find themselves making school history with multiple full-tuition offers already.  Logan Henn, son of Denis and Jan Henn, Sydney Kerkman, daughter of Steve and Becky Kerkman and Marie Meis, daughter of Jim and Anne Meis, all of Elgin, have a total of seven University of Nebraska Regents Scholarship offers between them.  Logan and Sydney have been offered the scholarship at all three of the University’s campuses (Lincoln, Omaha and Kearney) and Marie has been offered the scholarship at Kearney.

The Regents Scholarship is awarded to superior incoming freshmen who are graduates of Nebraska high schools. The scholarship is valued at full tuition for the completion of a bachelor’s degree. Based on 2017-18 tuition rates, the Regents Scholarship has a value of $32,062 at UNL, $23,968 at UNK and $29,193 at UNO.  Altogether, the seven scholarships offered have a total value of $194,414. “Pope John has never had so many students receive this many Regents offers, especially so early in the school year.  It’s really a testament to the quality of students being formed here at Pope John and the individual work Logan, Sydney and Marie have put in.” said Pope John Principal, Betty Getzfred.

Henn, Kerkman and Meis have all excelled at the ACT test, which was beneficial when being considered for the Regents Scholarship.  The ACT is the nation’s most popular college entrance exam accepted by all universities and colleges in the United States. The ACT is based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning.  Pope John school data from the past six years (2012-2017), shows that students at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic have exceeded both the state and national averages on the ACT.  During this time frame, the average scores for all Pope John seniors has ranged between 21.8 and 24.5.  The 2017 state of Nebraska’s average is 21.4 and the national average is 21. “We have been pleased with the consistently high ACT scores our students have received, as it’s one way to make sure they are prepared for college-level work and can do well at the next level of their education.” Mrs. Getzfred explained.

Pope John School Counselor, Julie Schiltmeyer added, “Looking at early test scores from their junior year, we are anticipating that the class of 2018 may have one the highest ACT averages that we have seen yet. They have set a class goal to obtain one million dollars in college scholarship offers, which would be quite an accomplishment for a class of 16 students, but at this rate they may achieve that.”

 

 

Pope John Students and Faculty Member Mandated by Archbishop Lucas

PIctured back row (l to. r.) Julie Schiltmeyer, Kyle Schumacher, Taralyn Baum, Calli Krebs Front row (l. to r.) Nickol Payne, Maddie Schrage, Archbishop Lucas, Lauren Seier

Six Pope John XXIII high school students and one faculty member were mandated as lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) Wednesday night, September 6th at a special 7:00 pm Mass. Archbishop Lucas along with many area priests conducted the Mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Norfolk.The Archbishop thanked the candidates for their willingness to serve both their school and home parishes.

Mandated as a lector was Calli Krebs, daughter of Jeff and Lynette Krebs of Neligh and Nickol Payne, daughter of Ray and Peggy Payne of Elgin. EMHCs were Taralyn Baum, daughter of  Chris and Jeanine Baum of Elgin, Maddie Schrage, daughter of Jerry and Tami Schrage of Petersburg, Kyle Schumacher, son of Kevin and Lisa Schumacher of Petersburg, Lauren Seier, daughter of Craig and Gini Seier of Petersburg, and faculty member Julie Schiltmeyer of Elgin.  The group consists of students from the parishes of St. Boniface in Elgin, St. Francis of Assisi in Neligh and St. John the Baptist in Petersburg.

Announcements Wednesday, August 16, 2017

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Wednesday:  Stromboli   Scalloped Potatoes    Green Beans   Fruit   Milk   OR Chef Salad

Thursday:  Bar-b-qued Pork/Bun   Macaroni Salad    Baked Beans   Rice Krispy Bar  Fruit  Milk  OR Chef Salad

Friday:  Chicken Casserole   Peas   Blueberry Muffin   Fruit    Milk   OR Chef Salad

Lunch Order: 12, 11, 10,9,8,7

 

Welcome to the 2017-18 school year.  We would like to welcome the new students to our school community.

We will have an All School Prayer Service at 8:15 this morning in the front hall.  Classes will meet on shortened schedules with the Eucharist celebrated at 11:20 a.m. followed by lunch.  Dismissal is at 1:00 p.m.
Schedule: 
Period 1    8:40 a.m.       P. 2    9:00 a.m.        P. 3   9:20 a.m.                P. 4   9:40 a.m.        P. 5 10:00 a.m.
Period 6   10:20 a.m.      P. 7  10:40 a.m.        P. 8   11:00 a.m.     Mass 11:20 a.m.

No after school football practice for JH students until Tuesday, August 22nd.

FFA meeting/supper/fun – Thursday, Aug 17th in Ag room at 7pm. Officer be here by 6:45pm if possible!

Absent
Lane B.-ex.

Tardy

Early Dismissal

 

 

 

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Sixth Graders Graduate from St. Boniface

(l. to r.) (back row) Scott Becker, Kadance Dworak, Elyse Warnke, Linus Borer, Mattew Dilly, Skyler Meis, Father Kevin Vogel (middle row) Taylynne Charf, Emma Ruterbories, Paiton Hoefer, Nevaeh Jockens (front row) Jaime Dozler, Cale Kinney, Carter Beckman, Sharon Bartak

On Wednesday morning, St. Boniface Elementary School in Elgin said goodbye to its’ class of 13 sixth-graders. The event was celebrated during Mass at St. Boniface Church and was followed by a reception for the graduates.  St. Boniface Principal, Betty Getzfred and sixth-grade teacher Scott Becker presented the graduates with their certificates.  Two students were selected to receive the Delbert Salber Memorial Tuition Scholarship to Pope John XXIII Central Catholic to continue their Catholic education.  Scholarship winners were Linus Borer, son of David and Lindy Borer and Skyler Meis, daughter of Eric and Brenda Meis.

Graduates were: Sharon Bartak (daughter of Paul & Sonja Bartak), Carter Beckman (son of John & Tracy Beckman), Linus Borer (son of David & Lindy Borer), Taylynne Charf (daughter of Stacy & Danelle Charf), Matthew Dilly (son of Doug & Shawn Dilly), Jaime Dozler (daughter of Berton & Janet Dozler),  Kadance Dworak (daughter of Ben & Amanda Dworak) Paiton Hoefer (son of Autumn Hoefer and Jeremy Hoefer), Nevaeh Jockens (daughter of Christy Jockens), Cale Kinney (son of Josh & Maria Kinney),  Skyler Meis (daughter of Eric & Brenda Meis), Emma Ruterbories (daughter of Paul & Erin Ruterbories),  Elyse Warnke (daughter of Anthony & Sara Warnke)

Antelope County Farmer Directs America’s Farmers Grow Communities Donation to Pope John XXIII Central Catholic

Peggy Payne, Rachel Becker, Betty Getzfred

Farmers Make a Difference in Rural Communities by Directing Donations from Monsanto Fund’s America’s Farmers Grow Communities Program to Local Nonprofit Organizations

  • The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program will provide more than $3 million in financial support to nonprofits across the US in 2017
  • Since 2010, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program has given more than $26 million to more than 8,000 nonprofits across rural America.

ELGIN, NE (May 16, 2017) – An anonymous Antelope County farmer has won the opportunity to direct a $2,500 dollar donation from the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, to Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School.

Pope John will use the funds to improve their fine arts programs offered by the school.  The musical department, led by instructor Rachel Becker will be able to purchase a much needed drum set for the Pope John band, along with some audio equipment for the annual musical production.  The One-Act team, led by instructor Peggy Payne will be able to purchase a portable spotlight and performance boxes for students.

“The arts are such an important foundation to an education at Pope John, we are grateful to Monsanto and our anonymous donor.” said, Betty Getzfred, Administrator at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic.

The Grow Communities program’s purpose is to make a positive impact in farm communities by partnering with farmers to support the causes that are important to them in their communities. Each year, farmers enter for a chance to win a $2,500 donation that they direct to a local nonprofit.

Since the program began in 2010, farmers have directed more than $26 million in donations across a broad cross-section of organizations that reflect the makeup and character of rural America, including food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others.

“Farmers have directed funds to more than 8,000 community organizations across rural America since Grow Communities began,” said Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund president. “Farmers are truly committed to this program because they see the difference the donation makes in their community.”

For more information or to see a complete list of the 2017 America’s Farmers Grow Communities recipients, visit www.GrowCommunities.com.

 

Getzfred sees her ‘first’ third-generation family enter St. Boniface School

Pictured left to right: Gene Selting, Betty Getzfred, Carter Selting and Brian Selting.

The 2016-17 school year at St. Boniface Elementary in Elgin marks Principal Betty Getzfred’s 40th year of teaching and leadership at the school.  Mrs. Getzfred (as she’s known at school) began her service at St. Boniface in 1976 as a classroom teacher and in 1978 she assumed head teacher duties.  She was named St. Boniface Principal in 1996 and continued to teach fifth grade.  In 2008, in addition to her Principal responsibilities at St. Boniface, she also took on the role as Administrator at Pope John XXIII Central Catholic.
This year when Carter Selting,  son of Brian and Kelsey Selting, began pre-school, he marked her first third-generation family she has worked with at St. Boniface School. Carter’s father, Brian Selting and grandfather, Gene Selting attended St. Boniface and were students during Mrs. Getzfred’s tenure.
Betty Getzfred was recently recognized by the St. Boniface School community at their Spring Concert.  Father Kevin Vogel, President of St. Boniface expressed his appreciation, “Betty’s constant presence in the community and the school is a large part of the strength our Catholic Schools. With our deepest appreciation Mrs. Getzfred – thank you for the countless hours you invest in our children. You have made a lasting difference in many lives.”

Pope John’s 50th Class Prepares to Graduate

Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School will hold it’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 14th.

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