Elkhorn Public Schools

On Sunday, May 20 Superintendent Steve Baker was working double time.  After he sent off the class of 2012 at EHS, he drove a little over two miles down the road to bid farewell to the class of 2012, again.  For the first time, both EHS and ESHS graduated

When ESHS opened in 2010, the school served grades 9-11 as the District transitioned into two high schools.  Last year, EHS graduated all of the more than 300 Elkhorn seniors.  This year EHS graduated around 130 students while ESHS will graduated about 200 students.

“As always, I’m proud of all of our seniors,” Baker said.  “Both of these classes have excelled academically and in extracurriculars.”

The classes of 2012 from both EHS and ESHS scored well above state and national averages on standardized assessments and more than 75 percent of students are involved in extracurricular activities.

“After only two years, we are already seeing tremendous results from having two Class B high schools,” Baker said.  Both high schools say high levels of student involvement have led to increased student engagement in the classroom.  For example, Elkhorn South students involved in only one school activity have an average GPA of 2.9, whereas students who are involved in four or more activities have an average GPA of 3.7.

Some studies suggest the positive peer and adult relationships, organization, discipline, expectations, and other positive influences associated with extracurricular activities help improve academic performance.

Baker didn’t mind giving two graduation speeches.  “It’s exciting to see the classes of 2012 graduate knowing twice as many kids have had the opportunity to be on the basketball team, make the varsity show choir or have a lead in the school play,” he said.