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This story was printed from Nemaha Valley, USD 442.
Site URL: http://www.usd442.org.

District Information

August 27, 2005

Nemaha Valley Schools

U.S.D. No. 442 Seneca,Kansas

"Pride in Educational Excellence"

The District

The Nemaha Valley School District makes up 115 square miles in Nemaha County. While all school buildings are located in Seneca, Kansas, the communities of Kelly and Oneida are also a vital part of the district. Around 40% of the slightly over 480 students in the district are transported by bus.

Seneca, with almost 2,500 people, is located in northeast Kansas on highway 36, a little over one hour north of Topeka by car. Seneca has a healthy business, professional, and financial community along with the county courthouse, a new community hospital, a newly renovated public library, and several state and federal governmental offices. A new 18 hole golf course is being constructed. Numerous farming operations and dairies are found in the area as well as light manufacturing and construction trades.

Seneca Grade School / Nemaha Valley Junior High School is home to a K-5 facility and a 6-8 addition, housing over 270 students New wings were built in 1983, 1993, and 2005 to make the building educationally modern.

Nemaha Valley High School

Nemaha Valley High School was built in the early 1970's and houses over 200 students, making it a 3A classification high school for grades 9-12. Both buildings are well maintained and are fully air conditioned.

Athletically, the junior high belongs to the Oregon Trail League and the high school is a member of the Big Seven League.

The People

One distinguishing characteristic of the Nemaha Valley School District is the enthusiastic support for young people and education. It is a common site to see the schools filled to capacity with patrons for an evening activity.

A dedicated staff of over 110 persons, 85% located in Seneca, strives daily to meet the needs of the students. This staff number includes special education teachers and paraprofessionals located in three other districts as U.S.D. 442 is the sponsor for the Marshall Nemaha Special Services Cooperative. A teacher to student ratio of one to fourteen means students receive the individualized attention necessary for effective learning.

This community and staff support of children is evidenced by low absenteeism and dropout rates. Acts of violence are rare between students and almost unheard of in connection with staff. Persons come and go from early morning to late evening in the school buildings without the worry of personal safety. Suspension remains an infrequent exception as discipline problems do not disrupt the learning of the students.

The graduation rate is well above the state average and some years is 100% of the senior class. Over the years, somewhere between 75% to 85% of the graduates have gone on to further education or training. The majority of the students furthering their educations have done have done so at four-year colleges with the remainder pursuing more skilled, technical training at community and technical schools.

This desire to achieve educationally is reflected at all grade levels as Nemaha Valley students annually score above the state and national averages on standardized tests.

The Programs

The following programs demonstrate that the Nemaha Valley Schools believe in the theme, "Pride in Educational Excellence."

Reading Recovery
Title I reading and math
Full time special education services, including early childhood
Summer school
After school tutoring
Full time elementary and secondary counselors
School nursing services
Approved vocational programs, including the only auto mechanics program in the area
Access to Internet
Both buildings have computerized networks
Distance learning labs
Both buildings have computer labs with computers in almost every classroom
Active school improvement and curriculum development plan
Strong activities and athletic programs with numerous state qualifying teams and champions

The Mission

The mission of Nemaha Valley Schools, U.S.D. #442, is to ensure a united effort among the students, teachers, staff, parents, Board of Education, and community to provide a positive learning environment.

Together we will strive to maximize the opportunity for all students to become responsive, life-long learners and productive citizens in our changing world.

The Student Exit Outcomes

STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE FROM U.S.D. #442 WILL:

Develop essential skills in academics and the creative arts.
Develop the skills necessary to communicate effectively.
Develop skills in problem solving and critical thinking.
Use technology to gather, organize and apply information.
Work cooperatively, as well as independently, with concern and respect for others.
Encourage physical, and personal well-being.
Access, process, utilize, and evaluate information to make responsible choices.
Understand their civic duties and environmental responsibilities.

For additional information contact:

Brian Harris, Superintendent of Schools
bharris@nvschools.org

Colette Hermesch, Clerk of the Board
chermesch@nvschools.org

Nemaha Valley Schools
318 Main
Seneca, Kansas 66538-1924
785/336-6101 (business telephone)
785/336-2268 (business fax)

Seneca Grade School/Nemaha Valley Junior High School
709 Nemaha
Seneca, Kansas 66538-1736
785/336-2173 (business phone)
785/336-2174 (business fax)

Nemaha Valley High School
214 North 11th
Seneca, Kansas 66538-1798
785/336-3557 (business phone)
785/336-3672 (business fax)

Marshall-Nemaha County Special Education Cooperative
316 Main
Seneca, Kansas 66538-1924
785/336-2181 (business phone)
785/336-2181 (business fax)

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