Winter Gear Drive was a Huge Success

  The Winter Gear Drive sponsored by FCHS JAG, Medical Careers Club, & the Pioneers Overcoming Peer Pressure organization was a huge success.  This is the second year that we have gathered donated winter items for the Salvation Army’s Night Watch program. In all, the Fort Calhoun Community and schools gathered almost 600 items that will be handed out to the homeless and near-homeless in the Omaha Area. Included in the donations were 196 hats, 84 scarves, and 100 pairs of gloves or mittens. We also gathered over 90 hoodies and winter jackets, along with over 100 new pairs of socks.
Thank you for all of the donations and support, but the giving season is not over….
The High School FBLA chapter will be kicking off its annual food pantry/hygiene drive in mid-November and the Medical Careers Club will be holding its annual community blood drive on Wednesday, December 3rd. 

Mrs. Connor makes buttons with 3rd Grade class

Third grader, Jaxon Majerus used his PBIS points to buy raffle tickets for the button-making class with Mrs Connor, and he was the lucky winner!  The whole class was able to do this today, and they turned out so cool. Thank you, Mrs Connor, for generously donating your time to do this activity with Mrs. Benoit’s class. They had a blast!

 

Fort Calhoun Schools Celebrate World Mental Health Awareness Day

Today, Fort Calhoun Schools proudly celebrated World Mental Health Awareness Day—a day dedicated to promoting understanding, support, and kindness surrounding mental health.

Our Jr. High Pioneer Empowerment Group led the charge, spreading the message that it’s okay to talk about mental health and that seeking help shows strength, not weakness. In honor of the day, the group sold special Pioneer T-shirts to staff, students, and community members. The shirts featured messages encouraging everyone to help “End the Stigma” surrounding mental health.

During lunch, the group hosted an awareness event where they handed out green ribbons, bracelets, mental health stickers, and green candy—all symbolizing hope, renewal, and support for those impacted by mental health challenges.

The day was a great reminder that at Fort Calhoun Schools, we stand together as a community that values compassion, inclusion, and emotional well-being. Through efforts like this, our students continue to show what it means to be true Pioneers, supporting one another and making a positive difference both in and out of school.

Elementary Students Compete in Science Olympiad

A group of 5th and 6th-graders went to Gifford Farm today to compete in a Science Olympiad. Students competed as pairs with activities centered around irrigation, ruminants, water, and Nebraska wildlife and won a combined total of 26 ribbons! Student, Cara Caruso, reported that it was “fun and interactive.” She was excited because she was even able to hold a snake around her neck. Nice job, Pioneers!

Seniors, Don’t Forget to Fill Out the FAFSA

Fewer questions, faster fill-out time, AND most applicants will receive financial aid—FAFSA is your ticket to the future. Find the form at fafsa.gov. #DotheFAFSA

United Way of the Midlands and JAG Nebraska have teamed up with the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that every student is informed about the ongoing opportunity to apply for the FAFSA.

Thank You to Hager Outdoor

You may have noticed a beautiful new tree in front of the building! Our Student Council was given the opportunity to help fund a tree to freshen up the space. They partnered with a local landscaping company, Hager Outdoor, whose owners, Eric and Sarah, generously donated both the tree and the planting. We are so thankful for their kindness and support. It was a joy working with them. To honor their generosity, the Student Council purchased a donation plaque that now sits by the tree. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful company as part of our community!