New school year nears for Summerland students, staff

The countdown for the first day of the 2024-2025 school year is underway, as Summerland Public School students will return to class, Thursday, Aug. 15. A 1:30 p.m. dismissal is scheduled that day.

Staff members will report to work for staff development Aug. 12 to 14.

Families of students in preschool through sixth grade are invited to an open house, Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

The Bobcat Booster club will host a burger bash, Wednesday, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the school.

Preschool students will report for the first day of classes Monday, Aug. 19.

Several new employees will join the Bobcat staff, while a number of current employees assume new duties.

Molly Aschoff joins the district as superintendent. She is a veteran educator with elementary and administrative experience.

Jacob Birch will transition from a math educator to the 7 - 12 principal and athletic director.

Laurel Miller will teach 7-12 math. Miller formerly taught science for the Nebraska Unified District and comes out of retirement to fill the math position.

Chase Maier joins the Bobcat staff as 7-12 science instructor.

Two new faces will greet students in the elementary school.

Katie Greene will fill the elementary special education position.

Presley Young joins the staff as a sixth-grade teacher.

Athletic teams will start play the following week. On Aug. 26, the Bobcat volleyball team will travel to Boone Central for jamboree play. The first regular-season match tips off Thursday, Aug. 29, in Atkinson. Both junior varsity and varsity teams will play in the West Holt triangular.

Cross country runners will compete in the Burwell Invite, scheduled for start at 4 p.m.

The Bobcat football team will travel to Newman Grove, Friday, Aug. 30, for a game with NG/St. Edward. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.