Neoga Students Pay Respect to Fallen Solider

Kendra Schooley

9/30/11

Recently the Neoga Jr-Sr High and the Neoga Middle School paid their respect to a fallen solider. Sgt. Timothy Sayne was killed by an improvised explosive device while on duty in Kandahar, Afghanistan. On Monday, September 19^th, the students of the middle, junior, and senior high schools, lined the east side of Route 45.

The Neoga Middle School principal, Seth James, issued the following statement: "I didn't question for a second having our kids view Sgt. Sayne's processional. Once we realized it was coming through Neoga, we just had to work out the logistics of getting everyone up town, on time. I felt like we could send an important message to Sgt. Sayne's family. We wanted them to know that we were paying attention. We wanted to honor him, and let them know we were grieving with them. For our students, I believe they now have a real connection with what the flag flying at half-staff means; that a life was lost defending our country. I think the passing of Sgt. Sayne's processional will be something that all of us will always remember."

Infant Death Awareness Month

by Kendra Schooley

8/30/11

September was “Infant Death Awareness Month”, in which SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), stillbirths, and other SIUD (sudden infant unknown deaths) are recognized. SIDS is the sudden death of an infant under one year old. Since 1983, SIDS is at an all time low. However, it’s still the cause of 2500 deaths every year. SIDS normally occurs within the second to fourth months of life. Stillbirths occur when the infant dies in the uterus. Stillbirths are found in one in every hundred pregnancies. The majority of stillbirths happen before labor, however there are occurrences during labor and delivery. Neoga’s Family and Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Sheri Schafer, covers this issue in her classes. When asked about the importance of this issue, she responded, “Education about infant care has reduced the number of SIDS deaths. For example, it is now recommended to lay the infant on their back, not the belly. Also, no extra bedding should be left in the crib.”

PBIS & You

By Alex Harvey

9/29/2011

This year at NHS students and teachers alike have seen many changes to school rules and regulations, not the least of them being PBIS, or Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports. In short, PBIS means improving the academic and social outcomes for students. Its focus areas are Respect, Responsibility, and Success; more specifically, homework and promptness are promoted. These are values most of us already uphold every day, PBIS simply reinforces these concepts. PBIS supports the success of ALL students, and this program is designed to help students reach their potential, as well as creating good habits for adulthood.

Another aspect of PBIS is the reward card system. Every student should have his or her own card for teachers to sign. Students can earn these signatures from their teachers by being ‘caught’ doing good deeds for selfless reasons. Teachers will approach students if they see the student doing something sincere. However, if the student does not have their card with them, they will miss out on the signature. After collecting 10 signatures, students may turn in their cards to the high school library for either smaller prizes, or an entry for the quarterly drawing. Students are responsible for their cards, and teachers will not resign cards if lost. Reward options are free replacement lunch cards, homework passes, various coupons and certificates and more.

Quarterly rewards are also a part of the PBIS program. Quarterly rewards will be extended to students who have no major offenses, no office detentions, no unexcused absences, no ISS or OSS, and no more than two 0’s per class. Possible options for these rewards include Cookouts, a Pizza Party, and Subway for all eligible students. PBIS also includes the new policy, Leave No Trace. Leave No Trace simply promotes picking up after yourself, respecting property and keeping a clean learning environment for everyone. While PBIS is a new policy, the old ideas are the same, with the encouragement of overall student success in school, and outside of it.

Neoga FFA Horse Judging

9/23/11

by Becca Warfel

Neoga’s chapter of the FFA recently travelled to Rockin’ A Ranch in Charleston to participate in horse judging. On September 13^th competitors judged six classes of horses including four riding classes and two conformation classes. The students placed the entries from 1^st to 4^th and were awarded points according their proximity to the official judging. In addition to the judging, the team was asked to complete a written test of horse related questions. When the scores were revealed, Neoga placed 4^th out of 11 teams and competitor Becca Warfel placed 5^th overall. The team was then awarded a plaque for their efforts.

“It was very successful and a good way to start the school year. I hope to continue to have this much success throughout the year,” said Ms. Walker. This was the first competition for her in her career as Neoga’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor.

NHS Commemorates Patriot's Day

by Kendra Schooley

9/22/2011

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America.” This patriotic phrase is one of the most common things known in America. On September 11, 2001, our country suffered one of the most infamous terrorist attacks in history.

The Neoga High School observed Patriot’s Day on Friday September 9. In honor of those affected on 9/11, the Neoga band played “The National Anthem” and “America the Beautiful.” Mr. Schultz who was backed up by Kyle Ludwig played “Echo Taps.” Neoga’s Rescue workers were honored, as were some veterans that are members of the Sigel American Legion.

During the ceremony, the Boy and Girl Scouts commenced a flag raising ceremony. Mr. Michael Williams, who is currently a faculty member at the Elementary School, spoke about patriotism. The Sigel American Legion veterans engaged in a 21 gun salute. When Mrs. Vicky Ludwig was asked about the assembly, and how it turned out, she quoted, “everything turned out as it should have.” It was a very eye-opening ceremony for both the faculty and students.