Nebo News
October 2024 / Vol. 011
As the crisp autumn air descends upon Nebo School District, the vibrant colors of nature begin to play out. The once lush green leaves
of the towering aspens and maples transform into a breathtaking palette of golds, reds, and oranges. The changing of the leaves is a
sight to behold, painting the landscape in hues of autumnal splendor.
Snow often caps the peak of Mt. Nebo, creating a striking contrast against the colorful foliage. The sight of the snow-dusted mountain against the autumn backdrop is a truly wonderful sight.
Children's eyes sparkle with excitement as they daydream about their Halloween costumes and the treats that await them on All Hallows' Eve. The air is filled with the anticipation of spooky adventures and the excitement of dressing up as their favorite characters.
The aroma of cinnamon fills the air, warming the senses. The comforting scent of baking spices reminds us all of cozy evenings by the fireplace and warm apple cider.
Autumn in Nebo School District is a season of wonder, filled with beauty, anticipation, and the comforting embrace of tradition.
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Superintendent's Message:
My teaching colleague, Cliff Martell, was a talented educator, linguist, and musician. He spoke seven
languages, worked in corporate life, and taught in Saudi Arabia prior to partnering with me as a sixth-
grade teacher. Under his tireless tutelage, we focused our creative energy on meeting the needs of our
large, diverse student populations. Among the many strategies we used, music was a powerful way to
help students discover themselves and their talents; and to better connect with the community at large.
Every year, the student’s favorite song to perform was Disney’s, “The Ugly Bug Ball”:
Once a lonely caterpillar sat and cried,
To a sympathetic beetle by his side.
“I’ve got nobody to hug, I’m such an ugly bug.”
Then a spider and a dragon fly replied,
“If youre serious and want to win a bride,
Come along with us, to the glorious, Annual Ugly Bug Ball.”
While the crickets clicked their tricky melodies,
All the ants were fancy-dancing with the fleas.
Then up from under the ground, the worms came squirming around.
Oh, they danced until their legs were nearly lame,
Every little crawling creature you could name.
Everyone was glad. What a time they had! They were so happy they came!
Come on let’s crawl, gotta crawl, gotta crawl;
To the ugly bug ball, to the ball, to the ball;
And a happy time we’ll have there, one and all, at the Ugly Bug Ball! 1
Over three decades later, I can still see Luis Lucre – the class entertainer – performing a spontaneous
dance to the “gotta crawl, gotta crawl, gotta crawl” lyrics; a dance that became the signature move for
several years of performances.
When Walt Disney first heard the song “he did not care for [it]. Robert Sherman then explained to him
that to bugs, others were not ugly, even if they looked ugly to us; beauty being in the eye of the
beholder. Walt liked the idea and the song went on to become one of the most popular ones of the
year.” 2
Over the years, I’ve come to realize Sherman’s vision and that educators are the concert masters of the
“ugly bug ball.” Far too many students “cry” and feel alone, unwanted, and “ugly” in so many ways. My
hope is that we will create school and classroom environments that invite all to “come along with us” to
places where “they [are] so happy they came – one and all!”
1 “The Ugly Bug Ball,” from the movie Summer Magic.
2 https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/The_Ugly_Bug_Ball
PEAK Winners
Kyle Francom - Payson High School
Joshua Hurst - Maple Mountain High School
Nominate Someone
You Know for
a PEAK Award
Jessica Barrett - Park Elementary
Bailee Tanner - Santaquin Elementary
Amanda Michaelis - Meadow Brook Elementary
Nebo APP Now Live
Get the NEBO APP!
The Nebo School District is excited to announce the launch of its new mobile app, designed to provide a convenient and comprehensive way for parents, students, and teachers to stay connected to the district.
The app offers a one-stop-shop for all things Nebo. Users can easily find important information such as school calendars, contact information, and district news. Additionally, the app allows individuals to connect directly to their favorite schools, where they can access school-specific news, updates, and events.
One of the standout features of the app is its two-way communication tool. Parents, students, and teachers can now communicate directly with each other through the app, making it easier to stay informed and involved. Whether it's sharing important announcements or discussing homework assignments, the app provides a convenient platform for effective communication.
The Nebo School District app is available for download on both iOS and Android devices.
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School AI
Nebo School District has purchased SchoolAI, a powerful artificial intelligence tool designed to support you and your students! From AI-powered assistants to personalized student learning, let AI lighten your load, simplify your daily tasks, and engage your students in a new way. Dive in and watch the magic unfold. Give SchoolAI a try today! Wherever you are on your AI journey, your Digital Coach is there to support you and provide training. Use your Google Sign-in to access your district account.
Fall Break Mental Health Tip
We know how much each of you loves your jobs and working with children. Even though we love our jobs, vacations are critical for mental health. With fall break nearly upon us, we have an opportunity to reset and take a break from our work lives. Vacations are a way to relax, recharge, and disconnect from work. Make the most of your vacation and fully disconnect from work stresses by following these valuable tips to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
- Plan and Communicate to everyone that you will be away and unavailable
- Delegate and Empower any tasks you may be absent for to those who may need to fill in
- Set Boundaries and Disconnect
- Plan a Digital Detox from devices and social media
- Engage in Mindfulness and Self-Care
- Create a Buffer Period after your vacation to adjust back to normal life
Charitable Giving
September 30 - October 30
