Architectural Field Trip

Drafting students took a trip to BVH Architectural recently.  Students learned about many different aspects of the Industry, what type of schooling they would need to obtain a job, and the different jobs that utilize design, blueprints, and renderings. Students did a hands-on project with employees, and had to be in charge of a build, and interact with different processes within a typical design/build. 

Fort Calhoun Staff Mental Health Day

On Monday, January 15th, Fort Calhoun Community Schools hosted a Staff Mental Health Day. The goal of the day was for staff to focus on building knowledge, awareness, and acceptance of mental health in order to better meet the needs of the students in Fort Calhoun Community Schools.

The day began with Anita Saalfeld, High School Spanish teacher sharing about her personal journey with mental illness. Following the keynote, staff members attended 6 breakout sessions. Each session allowed FCS staff the opportunity to choose from six presentations in the area of mental health. The session topics included information to use with students, as well as for their own personal mental health. 17 individuals from the field of mental health presented 18 different topics including challenging behaviors, grief, trauma, sleep, nutrition, self-care, anxiety, depression, digital wellness, and sports psychology. 

Sue Miller Harsin therapist from Upper Room Counseling presented a session entitled, Your Body is Talking to You. Sue shared information regarding the importance of self-care including sleep, nutrition, and exercise. There is so much in our lives and in our world that we have no control over. This can cause a sense of despair, exhaustion, depression, and anxiety. We have two amazing resources that are within our control; sleep and nutrition. Focusing on good rest and healthy nutrition can greatly improve our mental health and sense of well-being.” said Miller Harsin.

This event was made possible through NDE grant funding as a part of the School Mental Health Systems of Care Program in collaboration with ESU #3 and Region VI Behavioral Health. https://smhs.esu3.org/


Staff members provided feedback regarding the event. 

“We need to remember as educators to refill our own cup.  Self-care is not selfish, but a vital antidote to compassion fatigue.  Nurturing our well-being ensures we can continue to inspire, guide, and support our students with the passion they deserve.” -Jacque Fischer, 7th-8th grade School Counselor 

“Planning and attending the mental health day put on by our district was an enlightening experience that created shared moments between our staff as well as provided us all with information to better support ourselves and students in multiple areas of mental health.” -Delaney Appel, Elementary Special Education Teacher

Thang Tran from the University of Nebraska Omaha leads his presentation, Navigating A.I. and Mental Health in Schools.

Sue Miller Harsin from Upper Room Counseling presents her sessionYour Body is Talking to You.

Kendall Lanning reads her book entitled The Fox and the Feather to staff during her presentation, Supporting Grief.

Tessa Rutledge, Elementary P.E. Teacher, blows bubbles as a part of a deep breathing exercise during FCS Staff Mental Health Day. 

Alumni Panel Speaks to Upperclassman

Fort Calhoun High School welcomed back 7 graduates on December 15, 2023, for an alumni panel to speak to current juniors and seniors about their post secondary paths. Topics included the alumni’ current career paths (ranging from college and ROTC, to entering the workforce) and what advice they would give the current juniors and seniors.  The juniors and seniors received valuable information to help plan for life after high school. The event is just one example of how the school prepares its students for college, career, and life. This alumni panel is an event the school plans to have on an annual basis.  So if any alumni are interested in being part of the panel in future years, please contact Mr. Wemhoff, Mrs. Hernandez, or Mrs. Krambeck.

Pictured in the top picture L-R Jacob Haggar, Danielle Howell, Rianna Wells, Taya Skelton, Kaitlin Smith, Courtney Smith, Abigail Russell

Thank You Dollar General

On Friday, December 1 representatives from Dollar General presented the Fort Calhoun Special Education department with a donation in the amount of $2000. The donation was specifically designated for classroom sensory supplies, aimed at enhancing the educational experience for students with disabilities in order to create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment. 
Pictured Left to Right: Joseph Hunter (Dollar General), Deanna Royuk, Jessica Fleischman, Jackie Beckman, Ashley Dougherty, Tara Mueller, Delaney Bruening, Jill Weyer, Amy Wilson, Jerry Green (Superintendent) and Jesse Schulze (Dollar General). Not pictured Delaney Appel.

FCS Hosted the North Community of Practice for Special Education

On Wednesday, November 15th FCS hosted the North Community of Practice for Special Education presented by ESU #3.  The COP included special education teachers and directors from the Arlington, Blair, DC West, and Fort Calhoun school districts. The purpose of the COP was to build the skills and practices of special education staff through networking, collaboration, and exploration of evidence-based practices. This event was a great opportunity for our staff to increase their knowledge of a variety of topics related to special education while building connections with other special education staff in the area. Miranda Adams and Ashley Dougherty were able to showcase the PBIS Program in grades Preschool-6th grade, including our digital program Live School, and the School Store which is run and managed by the Young Adult Program. 

PLC Young Adult Program Students Attend VR Job Expo

On Tuesday, November 7th the PLC Young Adult Program students attended the Nebraska VR Job Expo. This event allowed the students the opportunity to try out a variety of job tasks in different career fields such as order filling, restaurant server, retail clerk, car detailer, and hardware specialist. Students also participated in mock interviews, and small group discussions about topics such self-advocacy, workplace accommodations, and work readiness.