The process of school improvement will be a continual process each and every year. This process provides both schools time to self reflect on opportunities and challenges to enhance the learning environment. In this process we value all stakeholder feedback. Part of this feedback will be received through surveys. Last year we had the opportunity to get feedback through parent surveys that were available during Parent/Teacher conferences. That information has been shared with all stakeholders appropriately. The feedback was reviewed by both schools and then posted on our school’s website under “School Improvement Plan.” This year we will distribute student surveys, in their respective buildings appropriately. On November 21st students will have the opportunity to share their feedback on how they view their school. At this time students will be taking an, age appropriate, survey in their respective buildings. The survey will be taken online on a computer or iPad. An example of the student survey will be posted on our website for your viewing. Once the surveys are completed and reviewed the information will be posted on the districts webpage under “School Improvement Plan.” We want to continue to strive for a systematic and transparent process.
Honoring our Veterans 2014
On Tuesday, Fort Calhoun Community Schools honored our Veterans by having a Veteran’s Day Ceremony. The event was hosted by our Skills USA students. The Band performed several patriotic songs including the Armed Forces Salute. Both the High School and Elementary Choirs gave performances as well. Fred Carritt, the Washington Country Resource Officer, was the Keynote Speaker. Fred served in the Navy on the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. Several service members from every branch of the Military were in attendances and enjoyed a luncheon prepared by the school kitchen and served by the Skills USA students. Thank you to everyone who helped with the event including the American Legion, school administrators and staff, and Skills USA students. Once again, Fort Calhoun Schools would like to thank all our Veterans their service to our country.
Junior High Great Race
On Thursday November 6th, the Fort Calhoun Junior High teachers hosted the Great Race. It was a huge success with 17 teams competing. Students and their family participated in different physical or brain teaser challenges to win the race. Thank you to the many student and staff volunteers who helped with this event. Winners were as follows.
1st Place Winners Team Bradburn/Pace Families
2nd Place Winners Team Therkildsen Family
3rd Place Winners Team Klemm Family
Elementary is Hooked on Reading
On October 6, 2014, Ms. Homolka implemented an eight-week long reading program for the elementary school. This program is designed so that children will read more while they’re at home. The program has a fish theme, and as an incentive they receive Goldfish or Swedish Fish for reading the required amount. In addition, the grand prize for the top twenty readers is to go on a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo. The children have to fill out a paper fish cut out, which must be signed by their parents after they read the assigned amount. This program is a clear way to get students “hooked” on reading!
Written by Frederick Lehman, Brayden Lake, and Tanner Coleman
Student Council picks up highway litter.
Fort Calhoun Student Council members picked up litter along Highway 75 on Sunday. Pictured members are Abby Hillmer, Tyler Pace, Peyton Griesert, Montana Cottle, Hailey Hansen, Chandler Bendorf, and Kenzie Cottle.
Cross Country State Qualifiers
Congratulations to our Cross Country State qualifiers. Alex Tietz won the District meet and Peyton Griesert placed 5th. The State Cross Country meet is next Friday Oct. 24th. Good luck boys.
JRH POPP Event
Thirty seven junior high students joined in the fun on Friday, October 10, 2014. We hung out after school snacking and watching the movies – The Lego Movie and Million Dollar Arm. Then we went to the Blair YMCA to join in the special junior high sand volleyball tournament that they were sponsoring as part of their twentieth anniversary celebration. We were glad to represent FC well since we were eight of the ten teams present and had both the championship and runner up teams! Congratulations to the winning team – Attack Force – Courtney B, Taya S, Hannah B, and Julie K. Runner up honors went to the Pink Fury team – Alexis R, Olivia R, Nicole S, Trina J, and Cadie B. A fun time was had by all and we are already looking forward to the next junior high POPP event!!!
Hooked on Learning with the NE Game and Parks Commission.
Continuing with our school wide theme Hooked on Learning, Mrs. Leishman arranged for the Nebraska Games and Park Commission along with FC alumni Lindsey Chizinski to set up a live fish tank outside of the Elementary school. The students enjoyed learning hands on about native fish from Nebraska. Teachers were also given classroom resources called Fishing Fundamentals to use in their classroom throughout the year. Thank you Nebraska Games and Park Commission.
ACT Review Sessions
The evening ACT Review sessions will now include materials for other upcoming post-high school entrance exams also: the Compass test, ASVAB and PSAT. There will be a teacher to help with Math, English and Science at the sessions. Review materials and test-taking hints for each of the tests will be available. The review sessions will be held on October 7, 8, 14, 15, 20 and 22 from 6 – 9 pm in Mrs. Shields’ room.
Teammates Tailgate
About 45 mentors and Mentees with their families attended the TeamMates Tailgate Friday, October 3 before the High School football game against Ashland/Greenwood. It was an opportunity for Mentees and their families to meet their Mentors. Everyone enjoyed the popcorn bar and the social time.
