Morley School

Morley
Meadowlarks
Morley School
6800 Monterey Drive • Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 436-1154 • FAX (402) 436-1948
http://morley.lps.org
cschwart@lps.org
Coni J. Schwartz, Principal

There's MORE to learning at MORLEY!

September 22, 2006

A Chirp of Knowledge…
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.” Ray Kroc

PRINCIPAL’S JOURNAL…
STUDENTS…Persist.
Webster defines this verb as “to continue firmly and despite obstacles, to endure.” Some students persist because of the challenges involved in learning, the excitement of “stretching thought”, if you will. Others persist because that’s their very nature of growing and developing. As I watched a group of kindergarten students, they were wrapping their minds around the concept of a noun and adding action words. Sticking to the task, thinking of other details, and rereading descriptive words for the purpose of adding more meaning and language to their composition, greatly pleased these young learners. Another group of fifth grade students was learning about the scientific method. These students were learning vocabulary, and asking questions about variables and hypotheses. With great persistence and intent to learn, they are engaged in the study and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena in an orderly way, preparing to use this knowledge throughout their lives. Persistence – so powerful in education.

PARENTS…Thank you to parents who continue to share so much support through volunteering at Morley. Ardene Bringman and Lisa Larson share their talent and time to organize and run the varied acitivities in the copy room. Sue Wurm, Dan Wurm, Mike Niemeyer, Mickie Nagel, Dorothy McManaman, Karen Wilson and so many other caring parents, along with Rusty Bergholz, former student at Morley and son of Mrs. Jean Bergholz, continue to beautify our campus. So many other parent volunteers, offer their time and talent in classroom activities, library media center assistance, etc. We are most pleased and appreciative of our family/school partnerships. Together we do make a difference!

VIPs and other VOLUNTEERS Morley School realizes the value and pleasure of forming partnerships with private businesses, former parents, and community friends. Lincoln Benefit Life, Colby Ridge, HyVee at 70th and Pioneer Blvd., Junior Achievement, Amigo’s at 70th and A, Burton-Tyrell Flowers, Team Mates, are all partners with Morley School. We plan activities that promote the education of our students and involvement of our families and businesses.

Other volunteers, Ladonna Schweiger and Miate Debourg, are known as our “Dynamic Duo,” as they volunteer in our Library Media Center on Tuesday mornings. It is such a joy to walk into the LMC and be met by these two very special long term volunteers. Ladonna is a neighbor and retired Library Media Specialist. Miate Debourg is a parent of two former Morley students. It just wouldn’t be the same without them!

Volunteers Ladonna and Miate will make you smile and help you find a great library book on Tuesday mornings!

VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED FOR THE PTO FAMILY FUN NIGHT ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29. If you can help for even an hour, please contact Lisa Larson or Anne Marie Healey, or just call the school office at 436-1154.

SPECIAL STAFF – SPECIAL TEAMS – Academic Support, including Literacy Support, is extraordinary at Morley. Miss Kay Monson, coordinates academic support, in one of her many roles and responsibilities at Morley.

“Greetings! I am Kay Monson and this is my ninth year at Morley. I serve as both the gifted facilitator and literacy support teacher. This year I am, also, helping to implement a new program known as Response To Intervention, which focuses on reading support for K-2 students. I consider myself fortunate to work with such a professional team of teachers, along with so many students and their families, at Morley.

I have held a variety of positions (K-12) in the LPS district, and enjoy helping all students evolve as learners. In my spare time, I enjoy walking, researching health and wellness topics, teaching children’s yoga, and spending time with friends and family.”

Morley’s specialists, also, are involved with academic support for students. Mrs. Lambert – computer education teacher, Miss Ricker – physical education teacher, and Mrs. Brandon – vocal music teacher, all spend a short portion of their day instructing children. in the area of literacy.

As you can see, specialists who make up the Morley Academic Team, are flexible and make a difference in so many ways for our students. They are always willing to learn new instructional strategies to promote the success of each and every student. We are so fortunate that our teachers have such expertise so many different areas.

MR. KEVIN NAUMANN - Most of you know Mr. Kevin Naumann, Morley’s coordinator. For those of you who are new, Mr. Naumann’s picture is below, along with a short paragraph about him.

Mr. Kevin Naumann, Coordinator

“I am Kevin Naumann, Morley's Coordinator. My duties include discipline, supervision, school improvement, testing/assessment coordinator and other duties as part of the administrative team at Morley where we work together to increase opportunities for student growth . This is my second year in that role. Previously, I was a 4th grade teacher for 16 years and enjoyed that tremendously. In my current position, I get to know all the students in my trips through classrooms, as well as at daily recess and cafeteria supervision. We have scholars and a supportive parent base that is second to none in Lincoln. I realize this more and more as I meet with other district leaders and visit other buildings.

My wife, Christine, and I have four children. Joe is 13, Simon is 9, Matthew is 4 and Max is one. We've been married for 15 years. I enjoy my family time as well as running, swimming and antique auctions. I have been a member of the Nebraska Air National Guard for 19 years, and am a Senior Master Sergeant in the Chaplain's Office. During the summer, I manage the Sedalia Country Club swimming pool in Sedalia, Missouri. (My first 12 years in teaching were spent there, though I am a Lincoln native.) I look forward to getting to know you and your children better and better in the months to come. Welcome especially to our new Morley families! If you ever have a question or concern, feel free to contact me at 436-1154 or come in to visit.”

NEW TO MORLEY STAFF MEMBER
“My name is Linda Taylor, and I am number 9 out of 10 children. I am originally from Northwest Nebraska (Rushville is my hometown) very near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. I have three daughters, ages 19, 16 and 6 (We called her our "bonus" baby!) The oldest is attending college here in Lincoln at the University, and we see her whenever she wants "real" food, or needs some laundry done. The other two are busy with school, golf and dance. I am new to Morley this year, and have really been enjoying Morley students! I have been a speech pathologist for 22 years now, and really never grow tired of the challenges, and excitement that come with this career. I have traveled many roads through Nebraska and South Dakota serving children. I have worked in Rushville, Hastings, Bellevue and their surrounding areas. Lincoln has been my home now for the past 5 years, and I love it!”

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

Friday, September 22
ALL DAY JUGGLER DAVE FINNIGAN
Mr. Finnigan will work with students all day long on good character, practice and homework,and juggling skills. His
message for students is to do your best in all that you do.
7:00-8:00 PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES! DON’T MISS IT!!

Third grade goes to the Corn Maze
Native American Day
Rosh Hashanah begins At sundown

Saturday, Sept. 23 Rosh Hashanah
Autumn begins

Sunday, Sept. 24 Ramadan Starts

Monday, Sept.25 Happy B-Day Mrs. Sell!

Tuesday, Sept.26
7:00 pm – PTO Fall Party Planning Meeting

Friday, Sept. 29 2:30 – QSP KICK 0FF ASSEMBLY FOR PTO’S biggest fundraiser
5:30-8:00 pm – PTO FAMILY FUN NIGHT “Blastin’ Off to Outer Space!!!”

Have a wonderful weekend. Enjoy your family and a good book!
Coni J. Schwartz, Principal