The Diller-Odell preschool class went on a field trip to Engelman Dairy, north of Diller.   The preschool students learned all about the dairy.  They learned where our milk comes from, and the tools used for milking cows. The students also learned all about what the dairy cattle eat and even got to see a couple of baby calves.  

Mrs. Kostal

    The Diller-Odell JH and HS Quiz Bowl teams had a very successful season.  The JH season started with the ESU5 and the Thayer Central Invite.  Both teams did a good job and went against some very tough competition.  The last two meets were Pioneer Conference where the A team won 3rd place in the silver bracket and then earned 3rd place at MUDECAS. 

    The high school teams were very successful as well.  The A team earned 5th place at the ESU5.  Pioneer Conference we held at Friend and both the A and B teams were very successful.  After both making the silver bracket, they were matched up against each other and the A team came out on top, and in the end, the A team earned 2nd place and the B team earned 4th place.  The last meet for the high school was MUDECAS and the A team earned a 3rd place in the silver division. All of the quiz bowl members should be very proud of their accomplishments.

Mr. Larsen 

Kindergarten took advantage of the month of February and Presidents Day to learn some facts about 2 very important leaders of our country and also to learn the names of the coins we use, their value, and the presidents and symbols that make them unique.  Understanding how many presidents we have had and how parts of our world have changed over the years and how parts have stayed the same has helped stretch our thinking beyond ourselves and our classroom.  Now when we pledge allegiance to the flag we listen for words with a little more understanding.  Words like: United States of America; liberty;  and justice for all.

We hope you enjoy the song and classroom pledge we include with our Pledge of Allegiance every morning!

Video

The 2nd Grade Class visited Morrill Hall and Homestead National Historical Park. The students enjoyed looking at all the exhibits at Morrill Hall and watching a show in the planetarium. At the Homestead, the students participated in a ranger-led prairie walk, a pioneer chore relay race, and a presentation on different skins and skulls found in our area. It was a fun and educational day!

Mrs. Hynek

Board of Education Regular Meeting

Monday, April 8, 2024 7:00 PM

Elementary Media Center in Diller
315 Smith St
Diller, NE 68342

1. Open Meeting

1.1. Roll Call
The absences of Kolin Kotas and Angie Clifford were excused.

The School District mourns the loss of Kolin Kotas.  The Diller-Odell School Board and Administration acknowledges Kolin's selfless service and offers condolences to Kolin's family.  Kolin Kotas was a well-respected School Board member that will be missed.  Although his contributions to the Diller-Odell school community are irreplaceable, the Board will appoint someone to fill the vacancy and fulfill the term in the near future.
1.2. Recognize the Open Meetings Act information

1.3. Approve minutes of last meeting
Motion to approve minutes of last meeting Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

2. Instruction and Related Items

2.1. Student Report
Preston Engelman gave a student report on recent activities including Speech, FFA, Quiz Bowl, Track, Music contests and Prom.  The Board appreciates the efforts of students and staff during a very busy time of the year.  The Board also congratulates all students participating and receiving recognition at the State level in FFA and Speech.

2.2. Diller Foundation Youth Survey results by Tammy Weers
Tammy Weers presented survey results from a survey by the Diller Foundation.  The results were very positive for the most part, revealing that many students feel positive about the Diller-Odell area.  Many would like to live and work in the area after completing their education.  There are always indicators for growth and improvement, which are good to know.

2.3. Principal Report
Principal Mezger reported on spring enrollment numbers, recent activities, a required multicultural report, and a textbook replacement schedule.

2.4. Approve baseball coop with Beatrice HS for 2025
Motion to approve baseball coop with Beatrice High School Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Kasey Murphy.
Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0
The Board looks forward to the opportunity with BPS, and thanks Southern Public Schools for their willingness to let Diller-Odell students participate in boys golf the past several years.  Upcoming students have more of an interest in baseball, thus the change.  Superintendent Meyerle and Dr. Prososki of Southern HS will both submit a letter to the NSAA Board to simply dissolve the golf cooperative at the end of this school year.

Diller-Odell students will join the Beatrice Orangeman baseball team.  No new team name, mascot or uniforms.  No transportation will be provided by Diller-Odell Schools to get participants to practice or games.  Transportation will be the responsibility of parents.

The cost of the involvement in baseball will be determined by the number of participants Diller-Odell provides.  More players from Diller-Odell will equal more of a share in costs.

3. Personnel Items

3.1. Re-elect Certificated Staff for 2024-2025 except for those given notice on non-renewal or resigning
Motion to re-elect certified staff Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy and a second by Dusty Duis.
Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

4. Support Service

4.1. Technology Update

4.2. Facility Update
Principal Mezger reported on new sports records boards that will be installed in the link to the new gym this summer.

Superintendent Meyerle had gotten information and estimates on adding additional trophy cases at the high school.  The project has been put on hold because estimates were higher than he had hoped.

5. Superintendent Items

5.1. Superintendent Report
Superintendent Meyerle gave an update to the Board on filling the seat on the Board vacated with the death of Kolin Kotas.  He has been in contact with KSB School Law on the matter, and will follow the advice of legal counsel on filling the vacant seat for the remainder of the term.

6. Financial Items

6.1. Pay bills as presented
Motion to approve bills as presented. Passed with a motion by Kasey Murphy and a second by Dusty Duis.
Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0
There was no discussion.

7. Board of Education Items

7.1. Committee Reports
Board members attending the recent NRCSA Conference noted it was educational and rewarding.

7.2. Executive Session

8. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn Passed with a motion by Adam Engelman and a second by Dusty Duis.
Dusty Duis: Yea, Adam Engelman: Yea, Paul Kostal: Yea, Kasey Murphy: Yea
Yea: 4, Nay: 0
President Kostal adjourned the meeting at 7:46pm.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for May 13 at 7pm at the high school.

Bills:

The first graders had the opportunity to participate in activities that simulate the care of a patient through hands-on role-play, led by Beatrice Hospital's education coordinator, Becky Pfeiffer, RN. First graders had fun learning about the hospital and the care Beatrice Hospital provides to their patients every day. 

Mrs. Vitosh