Ralston Public SchoolsDistrict Update - May 14, 2020

Para ver el boletín en Español, haga clic AQUÍ.

Included in the District Message for May 14, 2020

Update: District 1:1 TechnologyInitiative

At the May 11th Board of Education Meeting, the RalstonSchool Board unanimously approved the 1:1 DistrictTechnology Initiative Plan and required resources. Thiso�cially approved the purchase of technology devices forevery Ralston High School student to start the 2020-2021school year.

After further discussion, review of District �nances, and the national CARES funding, RPSAdministration and the Board of Education have decided to also purchase technology devicesfor every Ralston Middle School student for the 2020-2021 school year.

Further expansion could potentially provide additional technology resources to Ralstonelementary schools in future years.

This 1:1 Technology Initiative brings about many bene�ts and learning opportunities forstudents through a blended learning approach. District O�cials still have to �nalize severalaspects of this initiative. Look for more information in the future.

• Update: District 1:1 Technology Initiative• Kindergarten and Seventh Grade Physicals & Immunizations• School Material Return for All Grades• Remote Learning & Technology Survey Coming Soon• RHS Graduation Update• RHS Yearbook Pickup• RHS Junior & Senior Parents - University of Nebraska Tuition Information• Ralston Public Library Information

Kindergarten and Seventh-GradePhysicals & Immunizations

To all families that have incoming kindergarten, seventh grade,and out-of-state transfer students, please make sure yourstudent has completed the following before the start of the2020-2021 school year.

• Obtained all the needed immunizations• Documentation of a physical examination by a quali�ed Health-Care Provider. This has to bedated no more than six months before the �rst day of school. For kindergarten students,please make sure an eye exam is included in your physical examination.

If you have questions on immunizations or examinations, please contact Cindy Kirkpatrick,Ralston Public Schools’ Health Services Supervisor, by email atcindy_kirkpatrick@ralstonschools.org. Due to COVID-19, there may be changes to the currentpractices as we move closer to the upcoming school year. The District will communicateupdates to parents and families.

School Material Return for All Grades

RPS elementary, middle, and high school students and parents,please return any outstanding textbooks and library books youmay have at home. A book return box has been placed insidethe front vestibule at Ralston High School. It is available todrop off your books Monday through Friday, from 8 am - 3 pm.Please plan on returning your books as soon as possible. Weappreciate your assistance in this process. If you are still using your textbook to completeschoolwork, hold on to them for now but please plan on returning to RHS once your course iscomplete.

Remote Learning and TechnologySurvey Coming Soon

The District wants your feedback on the remote learningprovided to students over the last several weeks, your familiestechnology access, and connectivity access at home. Thisinformation is important to help the District with future planning for our students and staff.More information on this will be shared soon.

RHS Graduation Update

Back on April 3rd, we let you know Ralston Public Schools had reserved two dates in thesummer in hopes of hosting an in-person graduation at the Ralston Arena. Due to the current

health status of our community, directed health measures inplace and communication with o�cials at the Ralston Arena,unfortunately we have to cancel the reserved June 14th in-person RHS Graduation.

A Virtual Graduation is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th at2:00 pm on Cox YURView Channel 13 and will be streamed liveon the internet. Each senior will also receive a DVD copy ofthe virtual graduation. The Ralston Arena is still also reserved for a potential in-persongraduation Monday, July 20, 2020.

RHS Yearbook Distribution

This year's RHS Yearbook will soon be available. Pick-upnights are Monday, May 18th through Friday, May 22nd in theRHS small cafeteria from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. Those pickingup yearbooks, enter through the back parking lot (off of 90thSt) and proceed to the set of doors near the cafeteria.Individuals must present proof of identi�cation, either a driver'slicense or a school ID.

Those picking up yearbooks will be asked to exercise proper social distancing. We are askingparents and/or RHS students to come alone. Do not come to RHS in large groups. Schoolowned books or items can also be returned at this time.

Final Yearbook SalesThere are only a few non-reserved yearbooks left for sale! Yearbooks are $70 and will be forsale during the yearbook distribution nights. You must have exact cash, credit, or debit card topurchase. All books for sale on a �rst come �rst serve.

Senior Yearbook ScholarshipsSeniors who can demonstrate the need are being asked to email Mrs. Lange(kelley.lange@ralstonschools.org) to be considered for a Senior Yearbook Scholarship.Scholarship opportunities are still available. Special thanks to the Frank and Velma JohnsonRalston Archives Museum for providing the scholarships.

Exciting News from the University ofNebraska

Ralston High School Seniors, the University of Nebraskasystem (UNK, UNL, UNMC, UNO and its two-year technicalcollege NCTA) has launched a new program called theNebraska Promise, which guarantees free undergraduate tuition to Nebraska students with afamily income of $60,000 or less.

Students will need to �ll out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid by June 1st toqualify. Please visit www.nebraska.edu/nebraska-promise for complete details.

Also, tuition rates will be frozen across the entire University of Nebraska system for the2021-22 and 2022-23 school years. This should help families know exactly what they will payfor the next several years.

Resources

Ralston Public Library Information

Library CardThe Ralston's Baright Public Library has a great opportunity forfamilies living outside the city of Ralston but still in DouglasCounty. The library is allowing people who live in DouglasCounty to apply for a temporary library card through their website. This card will be valid for 6months or until the library reopens, whichever comes �rst. Click HERE to start the applicationprocess.

Curbside PickupOn Monday, May 18th from 10 am to 7 pm, the library staff will pre-packaged and check-out upto �ve (5) items per library card for patrons to pick up at curbside. Please contact the library at402-331-7636 or click on this LINK for more information.

Ram Family, Stay Safe and Healthy!