ATTENTION: We are giving away our 1st drawing prize for a Book Blast Treasure Chest tomorrow! Act now! Simply invite 10+ friends and family members TONIGHT to support our Book Blast and your student will have a chance to win. Don't miss this epic opportunity! If you haven’t already, register here: https://app.booksarefun.com/CedarBluffsES68015
#bookblastadventures #literacymatters #booksarefun #bookblast @go.booksarefun
#bookblastadventures #literacymatters #booksarefun #bookblast @go.booksarefun
Superintendent Press Release August 22, 2025
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
Across Nebraska, schools large and small are facing the same reality: student participation in athletics is declining, and the effects are being felt on varsity fields and courts. In 2023, Cedar Bluffs could not field a varsity football team due to limited numbers, shifting instead to a junior varsity schedule. In 2024, Grand Island Senior High, one of the state’s largest schools, canceled its girls’ varsity basketball season when no juniors or seniors came out for the team. And just this week, Oakland-Craig — after 17 straight playoff appearances and a 2019 state title — announced it could not field an 11-man varsity football squad, instead moving to an 8-man junior varsity format.
This pattern is reflected nationally. Data from the National Federation of State High School Associations shows that football participation has dropped by more than 10% since its peak in 2009, with similar declines in girls basketball. Researchers have pointed to changing demographics, health concerns, and shifting student interests as factors.
Whether in a rural Class D school or a Class A urban high school, the challenge is the same: fewer students are choosing to compete in traditional team sports. For some communities, this has meant smaller rosters and modified schedules; for others, it has meant pausing entire varsity seasons. At the same time, it’s important to note that student involvement is not declining everywhere. At Cedar Bluffs, participation in activities such as band, vocal and instrumental music, speech, and one-act play remains strong. These programs continue to thrive, reminding us that while interest in some traditional sports may be lower, students are still deeply engaged in opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community pride.
Even as athletic participation shifts, the values behind school activities remain constant — teamwork, confidence, and character. That’s why we are excited to invite parents and community members to Parent Sports Night on Wednesday, August 27. Doors open at 6pm in the Auxiliary Gym where the PTO is providing a Free Will Donation Dinner and Bake Sale.
This year’s presentation will be shared by Darin Boysen, Head of the Nebraska Coaches Association (NCA). The 2025–2026 school year marks the second year of the NCA’s partnership with Proactive Coaching to bring Coach Bruce Brown’s legendary message, “The Role of Parents in Education-Based Athletics,” to schools across the state.
The 45–50 minute presentation focuses on three core themes:
• The Role of Parents in Athletics
• Playing with Confidence
• Life Lessons for Athletes
It’s a powerful message that speaks to what really matters in all levels of sports — character, growth, and positive relationships between schools, athletes, and families. I believe it’s something every parent, coach, and student can benefit from hearing, and I hope to see many of you there.
Wildcat Pride
Dear Cedar Bluffs Families,
Across Nebraska, schools large and small are facing the same reality: student participation in athletics is declining, and the effects are being felt on varsity fields and courts. In 2023, Cedar Bluffs could not field a varsity football team due to limited numbers, shifting instead to a junior varsity schedule. In 2024, Grand Island Senior High, one of the state’s largest schools, canceled its girls’ varsity basketball season when no juniors or seniors came out for the team. And just this week, Oakland-Craig — after 17 straight playoff appearances and a 2019 state title — announced it could not field an 11-man varsity football squad, instead moving to an 8-man junior varsity format.
This pattern is reflected nationally. Data from the National Federation of State High School Associations shows that football participation has dropped by more than 10% since its peak in 2009, with similar declines in girls basketball. Researchers have pointed to changing demographics, health concerns, and shifting student interests as factors.
Whether in a rural Class D school or a Class A urban high school, the challenge is the same: fewer students are choosing to compete in traditional team sports. For some communities, this has meant smaller rosters and modified schedules; for others, it has meant pausing entire varsity seasons. At the same time, it’s important to note that student involvement is not declining everywhere. At Cedar Bluffs, participation in activities such as band, vocal and instrumental music, speech, and one-act play remains strong. These programs continue to thrive, reminding us that while interest in some traditional sports may be lower, students are still deeply engaged in opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community pride.
Even as athletic participation shifts, the values behind school activities remain constant — teamwork, confidence, and character. That’s why we are excited to invite parents and community members to Parent Sports Night on Wednesday, August 27. Doors open at 6pm in the Auxiliary Gym where the PTO is providing a Free Will Donation Dinner and Bake Sale.
This year’s presentation will be shared by Darin Boysen, Head of the Nebraska Coaches Association (NCA). The 2025–2026 school year marks the second year of the NCA’s partnership with Proactive Coaching to bring Coach Bruce Brown’s legendary message, “The Role of Parents in Education-Based Athletics,” to schools across the state.
The 45–50 minute presentation focuses on three core themes:
• The Role of Parents in Athletics
• Playing with Confidence
• Life Lessons for Athletes
It’s a powerful message that speaks to what really matters in all levels of sports — character, growth, and positive relationships between schools, athletes, and families. I believe it’s something every parent, coach, and student can benefit from hearing, and I hope to see many of you there.
Wildcat Pride
The High School and Middle School Cross Country Team store is now OPEN — use the link below to access the store — deadline to order is Friday, August 29th. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Long (andy.long@thayercentral.org).
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_cross_country/shop/home
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_cross_country/shop/home
Book Blast begins today! All you have to do is invite 10+ friends and family members to earn some awesome prizes and a chance to win one of our Treasure Chests or an Epic Treasure Chest! Visit https://app.booksarefun.com/CedarBluffsES68015 and unlock treasure. It takes just 7 minutes TONIGHT.
#BookBlast #UnlockTheTreasure.
The first 108 to register and invite 10+ friends and family members will receive their Treasure Map prizes the very next day! Any student who qualifies after that will still receive their prizes with the book delivery.
#bookblastadventures #booksarefun
#BookBlast #UnlockTheTreasure.
The first 108 to register and invite 10+ friends and family members will receive their Treasure Map prizes the very next day! Any student who qualifies after that will still receive their prizes with the book delivery.
#bookblastadventures #booksarefun
Come out tonight to support our fall activities! It will be a great night for the Cedar Bluffs Community!
Any 5th grade student interested in starting Band this year is invited to 5th grade instrument night on Friday, August 22nd in the band room from 3:30-5:00. You do not need to stay the entire time, you can drop by when it works for you. If you are interested in band but can't make it on the 22nd, please email Mrs. Rehn at jennifer.rehn@cbwildcats.org.
"SO Proud of Gracie and Avery! First 18 hole tournament at Indian Trails!" - Coach Hegy
Good Luck to Gracie and Avery today as they compete in their first ever golf meet at Beemer!
Sponsor a Yard Line!
Choose a yard line (or a few!) to sponsor for all 4 Cedar Bluffs home football games. If the game ends on your yard line, you will receive 10% of the funds raised. The more people participate, the higher the payout!
Yard lines are $25 each.
Instructions: Sign up for the yard line you want and drop off payment to the school. Make sure to designate that it is for the yard line fundraiser. Only spots that are paid for will be allowed to win.
Email danica.zink@cbwildcats.org with any questions.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48A8AC29A4FFC07-57889564-sponsor
Choose a yard line (or a few!) to sponsor for all 4 Cedar Bluffs home football games. If the game ends on your yard line, you will receive 10% of the funds raised. The more people participate, the higher the payout!
Yard lines are $25 each.
Instructions: Sign up for the yard line you want and drop off payment to the school. Make sure to designate that it is for the yard line fundraiser. Only spots that are paid for will be allowed to win.
Email danica.zink@cbwildcats.org with any questions.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A48A8AC29A4FFC07-57889564-sponsor
All K-12 families involved in activities should try to attend this amazing speech from Darin Boysen of the Nebraska Coaches Association! PTO will provide a free meal and a bake sale!
Reminder TOMORROW is Picture Day!!
School Order Code: 0097CPF
Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school!!
Ordering online is easy, visit https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0097CPF
School Order Code: 0097CPF
Order before Picture Day to receive free shipping to the school!!
Ordering online is easy, visit https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry/0097CPF
Due to unforeseen circumstances, our ovens are currently inoperable while we await a replacement part. Please check our website for updates and changes to the lunch menu. We appreciate your understanding!
Come celebrate our JH and HS fall activities Friday August 22nd! Volleyball and football are accepting snacks & sports drinks as admission into their scrimmages again this year!
The Nebraska State Patrol, and the Nebraska Department of Transportation have created a School Bus Stop Arm Awareness Video. Please click the link to watch: https://youtu.be/bKRhHI1DPr8
The first week of kindergarten was fun! We went on a bear hunt and found the bear in our new principals office! The kids were excited to meet Mr Carlson!! We painted bear faces with forks and then they all got to make a bear cave out of yummy treats! Mrs. Chvatal and Mrs. Roumph are excited for the school year!
Attention, Parents! Our Cedar Bluffs Elementary School Book Blast event starts next week. We will set off on a mission to build our students' home libraries. Follow the steps on the Treasure Map coming home next week to embark on this operation to earn exciting prizes and books.
#bookblastadventures #bookblast #booksarefun #literacy
#bookblastadventures #bookblast #booksarefun #literacy
The band store is open! We appreciate any and all support. Please buy a shirt to support our fall marching show "Swords and Scales"!
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_band_2025/shop/home
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_band_2025/shop/home
Any 5th grade student interested in starting Band this year is invited to 5th grade instrument night on Friday, August 22nd in the band room from 3:30-5:00. You do not need to stay the entire time, you can drop by when it works for you. If you are interested in band but can't make it on the 22nd, please email Mrs. Rehn at jennifer.rehn@cbwildcats.org.
The High School Volleyball store is officially OPEN! Orders will be taken through August 20th. Please contact Coach Dunlap with any questions.
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_volleyball/shop/home
https://store.shirtified.com/cedar_bluffs_volleyball/shop/home