Exciting Times at CPS

I say it often, but it is an exciting time to be a Cardinal.  Earlier this week, we announced that Crete Intermediate School has been named a National School of Distinction by the Federal Elementary and Secondary Education Network.  A school must be nominated by its state department of education for this prestigious award.  We have incredible teachers, staff, and leaders in CPS.  The team at Crete Intermediate has raised academic achievement and significantly reduced chronic absenteeism.  Crete Intermediate is just the tenth school in Nebraska to earn this award and the first in the state to earn the Category 3 award for serving special populations.  If you see an Intermediate staff member, please tell them congratulations.  Becoming a National School of Distinction is a well-deserved award.  Crete Intermediate will be formally recognized in Indianapolis in February.  Way to go, Cardinals!

On Monday, December 12, Doane University announced a new partnership with Crete Public Schools and ESUs 5 and 6.  We wrote a grant focused on the educator shortage and were awarded funds to create The Educator Pipeline Collaborative (EPiC).  EPiC was created to provide a way for Crete High School students to explore a teaching career while still in high school.  Students who complete the five courses in the pathway will also be able to reduce the cost and time investment required for their degree in Early or Secondary Education at Doane or in other teacher education degree programs.  Courses in the pathway include an introduction to education, child development, instructional technology, special education, and a practicum.  When this program launches next year, students will be able to take the EPiC classes through Doane University for free!  

Winter weather has arrived.  When we have a school closure due to weather or other circumstances, here is how we will inform you:

  • We will post the official announcement on the District website.

  • We will announce it on the CPS Facebook and Twitter accounts.

  • Parents will receive a notification via SchoolMessenger (phone/email/text).

We will not announce that we are having school.  Always assume we are having school until otherwise notified by the district through the above channels.  We will make every effort to determine closing school as timely as possible; understanding the safety of our staff and students is our greatest concern.

Finally, winter break will begin for all students on Wednesday, December 21, and end on Wednesday, January 4.  All students will return to school on Thursday, January 5.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable holiday break.  If you have a question, comment, or concern, please reach out via Let's Talk.