Purpose

Dear Students and Parents:

On behalf of the faculty, administration, and board of education, we welcome you to another school year. We are looking forward to helping your children reach their learning potential and achieve their educational goals in the upcoming year.

Please read this handbook carefully. Students and their parents are responsible for knowing the rules, regulations, and procedures covered in this handbook. The student handbook is an extension of school policies and has the force and effect of board policy when approved by the board of education.

There are several forms at the end of this handbook that you must read, sign, and return no later than 8/30/23.

This handbook contains information of value to every student and parent. It contains explanations of school regulations and procedures necessary for our school to run smoothly and efficiently. If you are ever in doubt about what is the right thing to do, ask a classroom teacher, speak with the building principal, or contact my office.

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd Rhodes

Dr. Todd Rhodes Superintendent North Platte Public Schools

All children with disabilities residing in North Platte Public Schools, including children with disabilities who are homeless children or wards of the state and children with disabilities attending nonpublic schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services, are to be identified, located, and evaluated and a practical method is to be developed and implemented to determine which children with disabilities are currently receiving needed special education and related services. For infants and toddlers, North Platte Public Schools shall demonstrate targeted efforts to meet the needs of children from historically under served populations, particularly minority, low-income, innercity and rural populations, and children with disabilities who are wards of the state.

The Childfind requirements apply to highly mobile children with disabilities (such as migrant and homeless children) and to children under the age of three who are involved in a substantiated case of child abuse or neglect or who are identified as affected by illegal substance abuse, or withdrawal symptoms resulting from prenatal drug exposure. The Childfind efforts will be made for children who are suspected of being a child with a disability and in need of special education, even though they are advancing from grade to grade.

For Birth to age 3 concerns call the Early Development Network at 308-696-3370.

For concerns ages 3-21 call Erica Johnson, Special Ed Director at 308-535-7100.

Board of Education

The North Platte Public School Board of Education (BOE) is an elected Board and enjoys an excellent reputation for unselfish service to the community. School Board members tackle the enormous job of governing the school district while preserving the core of our democratic values.

The Board is responsible for establishing policies under which the school system operates while acting within the framework of Nebraska and federal laws while still being responsible for the unique needs of the community. As citizen leaders, individual school board members face complex and demanding challenges as they contribute hundreds of hours each year leading our district.

Board of Education Biographies

Angela Blaesi

Board of Education President, Ward 2

Angela Blaesi joined the North Platte board of education in January of 2021. She was born and raised in North Platte. She graduated North Platte High School in 1996. She is the proud single mother of 3. She has been an involved and active parent throughout her children’s years in the North Platte Public School System.

Angela owns and operates a state-licensed in-home childcare. She currently has the only Step Up to Quality rated childcare in North Platte. She has just received her Child Development Associate Credential and is continuing her education through Mid Plains Community College.

Angela is a member of the Miss Nebraska Board of Directors and runs the Little Sister Program. She is a member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church. She has been a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School Teacher, and soccer coach throughout the years. She is involved with North Platte’s Communities for Kids, Rooted in Relationships, and hopes to help the children of North Platte continue to receive a quality education.

Matthew Pederson

Board of Education Vice President, Ward 3

Matthew Pederson joined the North Platte Board of Education in January 2017. He is a proud alum of North Platte Public Schools, having attended K-12 at NPPSD and graduating from NPHS in 2006. After graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and graduated in 2010 with a B.S. in Secondary Education with endorsements in History and Political Science. Matt continued his education at the University of Nebraska College of Law where he graduated with a J.D. in 2013. During law school, he served as a substitute teacher for Lincoln Public Schools and coached soccer at Lincoln High School. In 2013, Matt returned to North Platte and joined the law firm of Pederson and Troshynski where he practices in a wide variety of legal areas. Since returning to North Platte, he has been involved with Mid Plains United Way, Sunrise Rotary, North Platte Community Playhouse, NPHS Mock Trial, and Community Connections Mentoring. Matt is married to Lindsey, who practices dentistry in North Platte.