Mar 10

Written by: ngreditor
3/10/2009 5:23 PM 

Watershed study presented to school board

Kenneth Purscell

“The proof of how well we are doing is in the pudding,” said Mark Seier, science teacher at Newman Grove High School. “Are our kids being successful in what they choose to do when they leave here?”

Seier had given the School Board at their March 9 meeting a glimpse of how the pudding is made. Several students gave the board a shortened version of the 2008 Shell Creek Watershed Study presentation.

In 2002 only seven students were part of this summer science project. Twenty-two students participated in the 2008 study.

The students collect data from six locations along Shell Creek. There are designated sites on both the North and South Branch upstream of Newman Grove. The site furthest downstream is near Platte Center.

The students then use the data to determine water quality in the watershed. The project has the active support of partners such as the Lower Platte NRD, the US Geological Survey, Nebraska Game and Parks, Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and the Shell Creek Watershed Improvement Group.

“The school pays for the sponsors and the travel involved,” said Seier. “Our partners have supported us with equipment.”

According to the data, water quality in the creek has declined over the years. Dissolved oxygen is low; nitrate levels, though sporadic, are high.

The students, though, do not interpret the data. “Our job is to present the data,” said Seier. “We try to stay out of political landmines. We’re doing a science project.”

The project has had an impact though. The state now has seven remote monitors along Shell Creek to watch for quality on a daily basis.

The students have received recognition from the NRD, the Omaha World-Herald and UNL. They recently received a letter from Sen. Ben Nelson, commending them for their work.

“The emphasis on testing students bothers me,” said Seier. “Seven of our former students have been accepted into medical school.

“Our kids are successful in what they choose to do.”

The board also heard a report on the Physical Education program.

In other business, the board discussed the special March 2 meeting with Humphrey Public School about co-operation. “It was not a real in-depth meeting,” reflected board chair Brian Wallin, “but we did get everyone up to speed.”

Conversations with Humphrey will continue, as will the co-operation with Lindsay Holy Family for junior high sports. The schedule for next year’s sports is being developed.

The board also heard a report that the theatrical lighting project for the auditorium would require an additional $3,400 beyond the cost of the equipment. This would provide adequate electrical service.

However, Superintendent Herb Pokorny suggested waiting to see what might be available from the federal stimulus package. Part of the package is aimed at school development projects. “We may want to re-evaluate, maybe even ask for more, depending on what’s in the package.”

Superintendent Pokorny also reported that the refinancing of the school bonds worked to the district’s benefit. “We have saved $232,466 by refinancing.”

The school has received a $9 thousand grant for pre-school playground equipment. This equipment should be arriving soon

Copyright ©2009 Newman Grove Reporter