It is so important to expose our children to different places, things, and opportunities. It can seem daunting and challenging even thinking about packing up your family for a vacation in another state or even just a couple of towns over, but the challenges, memories, and exposure you give your children by doing this can help their development.

The Arapahoe K-6 Christmas Concert was held Thursday, December 7th under the direction of Band instructor Mrs. Allison Sharp and Vocal instructor, Valerie Leising. The 5th & 6th grade band performed “Chopsticks for Christmas” and “Jingle Bells” to start off the night and then the elementary vocal performed The Incredible Reindeer, A Super Holiday Fantasy. There was some super hero reindeer and even some hip hop reindeer.

Santa Claus made a visit to the Oxford Public Library on Sunday, December 10. The Fire Department gave Santa a ride to the Library at 2 pm on Sunday. They hosted a packed house during the event. A table with coloring activities was set up.

Thank you First Central Bank for the money jar I won during the Christmas drawing. Marty Mitchell.

We would like to thank all of the special people in Mom’s life that offered their prayers, kind words, hugs, memorials, food, and time during her illness. Blessings to each and everyone.

A Joyful Christmas celebration took place in Edison on Saturday, December 9th at the Edison Community Building. There was a free will donation soup supper put on by the Edison Volunteer Fire Department, with Edison Village in charge of Hayrack rides and caroling, hot cocoa and a visit from Santa.

The Elwood Public Schools Board of Education met on Monday, December 11, 2023. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Board member, Nic Niemeier, was absent from the meeting. During public comment, Katie Koopman inquired about the AQUeSTT (Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow) ratings released in November.

Cambridge School Board met in regular session on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. School Board member Trevor Kubik was absent. After the Pledge of Allegiance, the Board excused Kubik. The Board then approved the agenda and the meeting minutes from the November 13, 2023, Board of Education meeting.

The Bartley Board of Trustees reinstated their five board members for 2024 on Tuesday, December 12 and then reconvened for their regular business meeting. Brandon Brott and Cori Hage will retain their positions as chairman and pro tempore, respectively.

By Guyla Mills ELWOOD – Supt. Daren Hatch was one of two Nebraska school superintendents who participated in a press conference hosted by Governor Pillen at the Capitol on Monday, December 4. The purpose was to applaud school districts like Elwood and Norris that reduced property taxes following the passage of LB 583 that established the Education Future Fund this past session.