The name says it all: This is the Cardinal Welcome Center. Whatever you need from Crete Public Schools, you can start here. Welcome! Our hours of operation are Monday - Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM.

SUPERINTENDENT - DR. JOSH MCDOWELL

Dr. McDowell welcomes the opportunity to connect with you to share the great things happening in Crete Public Schools. Learn more about the Superintendent.

FINANCE OFFICE

The finance department is responsible for district budgeting, payroll and accounts payable.

HUMAN RESOURCES

CPS is dedicated to recruiting, developing and retaining employees so each student and employee is challenged, supported and empowered to reach their maximum potential. Growth-mindset leadership focuses on supporting staff so staff can focus on supporting students. Learn more about HR.

NUTRITION SERVICES

CPS Nutrition Services Department serves as the Nutrition Hub for children in the Crete community. Children can access healthy, high-quality meals by administering all eligible federal child nutrition programs including school breakfast, lunch, after-school and summer meals. Learn more about Nutritional Services.

DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE

The Director of Maintenance supervises general maintenance, grounds and field maintenance. Learn more about Crete Public Schools Facilities.

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

If it concerns what we teach, how we teach it, or how well it has been learned then it is Sam Stecher’s department. Learn more about Curriculum.

CPS TRUST

CPS Trust supports Crete Public Schools by seeking, securing and managing resources for scholarships, projects and programs. Learn more about the Crete Public Schools Foundation.

STUDENT SERVICES

Student Services includes Special Education, Sixpence, and student support personnel including school nurses, counselors, and psychologists. We are committed to meeting the needs of all learners through collaboration with families, teachers, building administrators, and community partners. Student services staff address the needs of the whole child including physical, social, emotional, and behavioral health and well being. Our evidence based programs support the academic growth of students and prepare them to meet their goals for the future. Prevention programming may be delivered to all students to promote health and wellness. Support for students with additional needs may be provided directly on an individual basis or in small group settings as appropriate. Learn more about Student Services.

SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Crete Special Education Department works with families to improve the education for children and young adults with disabilities. Does your child have trouble learning, speaking, hearing, seeing, walking or taking part in activities with other children? Are you concerned about your child’s medical or physical condition, learning or development in other areas? Learn more about Special Education.

• Nebraska ChildFind and Crete Special Education provide information to parents, school personnel and service providers on child development and special education for children from birth (or date of diagnosis) to age 21.

• ChildFind, part of the Nebraska Early Development Network, may be able to help families with infants and toddlers that experience developmental delays, genetic syndromes, medical impairments, as well as many other disabilities, through service coordination and other services.

• ChildFind also helps parents access information on rights and resources to help them advocate for an appropriate education for their child. 

Special education is provided for students in kindergarten through age 21 during the school year. Services for children birth to age 3 are provided year round.

HIGH ABILITY LEARNING

The High Ability Learner program provides an inclusive environment and creates opportunities for students to develop talents in their domain of strength while focusing on the specific affective, social and academic needs of gifted and talented students.

The High Ability Learner program supports all students in grades 3-12 who exhibit high performance capabilities and fosters talent in students who display potential. Appropriate services shall be provided to these students. Learn more about HAL.

FEDERAL PROGRAMS

Federal Programs at Crete Public Schools are designed to support all students’ achievement in school. Through a variety of different programs, we are able to provide teacher professional development, strategic interventions for struggling students, and remove barriers for those most in need.

CARDINAL COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS (CCLC)

Cardinal Community Learning Centers (CCLC) are the afterschool program for Crete Public Schools. CCLC also welcomes parochial and homeschool students who reside within the district’s boundaries. CCLC is a grant-funded project serving K-12. Each of the four afterschool site programs provides future-focused learning that prepares students for college and career pathways. In addition, a caring staff supervises students and facilitates enrichment and recreational activities aligned to academic goals. Students enjoy a safe, fun and inclusive atmosphere that encourages exploration and teamwork. Each day, students are offered a snack following the school day and a dinner in the evening. Learn more about CCLC.

COMMUNITY SCHOOLS: FIRST FLIGHT

First Flight is a fun, accessible and inclusive youth sports experience for Crete Public Schools students of all abilities and backgrounds to develop an understanding of activities, develop skills and promote physical well-being alongside peers. Learn more about First Flight.

MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM (MEP)

The Migrant Education Program (MEP) works to ensure that migrant children fully benefit from the same free public education provided to other children. The MEP supports educational programs for migrant children to help reduce the educational disruptions and other problems that result from repeated moves. Learn more about MEP.

PEARSON VUE GED® TESTING CENTER

Crete Public Schools is an official Pearson Vue GED® testing center. Tests are scheduled online through the GED® Testing Service.

FAMILY LITERACY

Family Literacy class is a community of parents learning, growing and leading together. Key components include adult education, parenting conversations, activities that promote parents as the first teachers for their children and lessons that strengthen school-to-home connections, as well as community engagement. Parents should currently be parenting a child in preschool through grade 5. Free childcare for infants through preschool is available. Learn more about Family Literacy.

ADULT EDUCATION

CPS provides free adult education services to anyone 18 years or older (16-17 years old with certain exceptions) who needs to improve their skills in math, reading or English language acquisition or who is preparing for the GED® tests to obtain a Nebraska high school equivalency diploma. Classes are offered during the day and evenings with varied schedules based upon class level. Services include Adult Basic Education (ABE), English Language Acquisition (ELA), GED® preparation, College and Career Pathway preparation, family literacy and citizenship preparation.

Crete Public Schools is also proud to partner with the Nebraska Department of Education to provide free vouchers for GED® practice tests and official GED® tests to students who register for the program and meet certain qualifications. Learn more about Adult Education.

SIXPENCE

This voluntary program is designed to provide parents and soon-to-be parents the opportunity to bond with their child or unborn child, improve positive parenting practices, promote learning and encourage and support curiosity through the child’s play.

Sixpence supports families with skilled professionals trained to coach parents in high-quality developmentally positive interactions with their child. Parent educators are trained in early education practices and skilled in addressing specific developmental challenges in young children. They help parents grow as effective, resilient caregivers and teachers. Learn more about Sixpence.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

CardinalTech team provides technology leadership, hardware, software and services that support the teaching and learning environment, as well as district operations. The team works closely with the administration to provide a technology vision for the future, giving recommendations for new technologies and setting standards for hardware and software purchases. Learn more about Technology at Crete Public Schools.

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