Fresh Pages in the Book
With a new year comes many fresh faces. Much like an author adding new pages to a book, our school adds new teachers to its staff. Every year, a new face is added to our team. A warm welcome is always offered, and this year is no exception. Let’s give them their welcome!
First off, let us welcome Tracie Drake, the new Kindergarten para at Silver Lake Elementary School. Before joining Silver Lake, she worked at Headstart as a Preschool para, meaning she is really familiar with young children. She, as stated in her own words, has had a very enjoyable experience working for Silver Lake and is gleeful to be working in a new building. When it comes to her favorite part of the school day, she simply enjoys working around and spending time with the children. Her favorite hobbies, if any, are chasing around her two young children and herding cattle with her family. Her three favorite colors are purple, pink, and orange.
Secondly, say hello to Becky Speilman. Another new staff member joining our Elementary team, she was previously a Special Ed Para for Hastings Public Schools. She also worked for Mid Nebraska Services as an assistant to the clients for six years. All her life, she has enjoyed helping people to reach their goals. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for 37 years and has four fully grown children, as well as four grandchildren. Finally, her favorite food is a medium-rare ribeye steak.
Third, welcome Caitlin Kalvelage. She is the new Choir and Band teacher at Silver Lake. Before joining our team, she worked at Southern Public High School in Wymore, Nebraska. As of now, she is loving Silver Lake! According to her, the children and staff have been very welcoming, a valued quality at Silver Lake. Her favorite part of teaching music is both hearing and seeing the improvement of her students’ skills over time. When the students feel connected to their music, Caitlin feels she has accomplished her teaching goal. She also happily owns two dogs. Her favorite song of all time is “Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac.
Fourth Silver Lake welcomes Amber Gibson. She is the new technology coordinator for both the Silver Lake elementary school and high school. Before joining Silver Lake, she worked for Franklin Public Schools as the Tech coordinator. So far, her experience at Silver Lake has been both very exciting and very busy! Her favorite animals of all time are dogs. She is also quite a reader, her favorite book being Angels and Demons by Dan Brown.
Fifth and finally, we have Lisa Thayer. She is the new Campbell route bus driver for the Silver Lake. Before joining us, she worked at the KO Bar located in Bladen. So far, she has enjoyed driving the bus for Silver Lake. Her only bad day was the first day of school when we were hit with a harsh downpour. Apart from that, it has gone very well. Also, her favorite holiday is Halloween.
There you have it! A fresh bundle of new pages to add to the great novel that is our Silver Lake staff! Without these new teachers, our school would lose its luster. Be sure to take some time to read these pages and learn something new about those around you.
Out With The Old, In With The New
Starting on April 28th, 2019, the process of building a new elementary school in Bladen had begun. Construction crews started the process by demolishing the old three-story building. When asked about the process, Kim Bonifas said “It was sad to see the old building emptied and torn down, and I was sentimental during that time. As soon as the concrete was poured for the new building, that sadness was replaced with excitement and anticipation for the new building.” For several months, there was no school building for the students to attend. The elementary students have been temporarily moved to the Webster County fairgrounds for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year along with the fourth, fifth, and sixth-grade students ending their year at the high school. Construction crews worked hard all summer to try and get the new building ready for the 2019-2020 school year. On September 3rd, the students and staff were able to move into one half of the new establishment. The students will occupy half of the building, while construction crews work hard to finish the other half hopefully by December. “The elementary students and staff have much need space and better safety and security. This should help the learning environment and allow teachers to do more engaging activities. It will also benefit our high school activities by providing a climate-controlled gymnasium, new locker rooms, and concession stand. There are many ways it will benefit our community. People will be able to gather in the commons at games, concerts, and other school events.” commented Superintendent Mr. Cumpston. The Silver Lake community is excited to finish the long-awaited project!
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USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individual who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877- 8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust_html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
- Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
- Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
- Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Silver Lake Handbook
Silver Lake Handbook read more
Public Notice of Participation
TITLE 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
Pursuant to the Requirements of Title 1 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) of 1965, as amended by the Improving America’s Schools Act (IASA) of 1994, the public is hereby notified that the Silver Lake Public Schools, . . . read more
W-9 for Silver Lake Public Schools
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The following link will take you to the W-9 for Silver Lake Public Schools. W-9 Form read more
