Page 3

We love having the TeamMates Mentoring Fort Calhoun Chapter at the Fort. The image below shows the program’s impact on our Mentees’ lives. We especially need male mentors.

Please consider becoming a Mentor for the Fort Calhoun Chapter. Go to Teammates.org and fill out an application.

If you have any questions, please call 877-531-8326 to speak to a member of the Teammates Team or 402-237-9558 to talk to the Fort Calhoun Coordinator, Teri.

Thank you!

 

The Mission of TeamMates is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring. Established in 1991 by Tom and Nancy Osborne, TeamMates was formed in an effort to provide support and encouragement to all school-aged youth. The goal is to see young people graduate from high school and pursue a post-secondary education. TeamMates has touched the lives of thousands of youth and mentors across the Midwest. Right now, more than 10,200 matches are meeting in schools across Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

TeamMates has been recognized as a “Best Practice” mentoring organization, which means the structure, policy, and procedures are in place for a safe and consistent program. TeamMates adheres to the Elements of Effective Practice, which were developed by the National Mentoring Partnership as the national standards for running a quality mentoring program.

The National Mentoring Partnership reports that 1 in 3 children will go through life without a mentor. TeamMates believes all children, no matter their life experience, can benefit from a relationship with a safe, caring adult. You don’t have to be an expert. You just have to be there.

It truly is a rewarding experience for both mentor and mentee. “I don’t do this for the accolades, but when my mentee says ‘thank you’ or ‘good to see you’, it touches me to my core,” Mentor Teri Zavadil said.

 There are children waiting to be matched within our school district, so mentors are in high demand right now. You need to meet with your mentee once a week during the school year for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on their schedule. You have to be at least 18 years old, and you will need to pass a background check.

Please consider becoming a Mentor for the Fort Calhoun Chapter. Go to Teammates.org and fill out an application.

If you have any questions, please call 877-531-8326 to speak to a member of the Teammates Team or 402-237-9558 to talk to the Fort Calhoun Coordinator, Teri.

Thank you!

 

Congratulations to our Homecoming Court 2025

L-R Kade Foy, Maelie Nelson, Colby Bentley, Ali Dill, Blake Welchert, Elle Bouwman, Eli Tinkham, and Ari Nelson.

 

Thank you to the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association for donating 300 lbs of beef to our school. Their goal is to get more local beef into our schools. 

Please take a moment to watch this video about school bus stop arms. Help us keep our students safe.

Elementary Information

• Supply List
• Back to School Newsletter – Check here for information regarding a Message from Mrs. Horstman, a 1st Quarter Calendar, a Daily Schedule, and the Teachers’ Amazon wish lists.
• Elementary Handbook

Junior High/High School

• Junior High Suggested Supply List
• Welcome Back Letter
• 7th Grade Orientation Letter
• JRH/HS Parent/Student Handbook
• JRH/HS Activity Handbook
• Chromebook Liability Form – This needs to be filled out and returned on or before the first day of school for the Students to receive their Chromebook.

Congratulations to Eliana Garwood, who is the 2nd place recipient of the Nebraska Wildlife Federation art contest! Her work will be honored at a ceremony this summer and used in their upcoming calendar. Eliana is a natural art enthusiast and was eager to take this challenge on. Way to go!!!

See the images below for all the details of the Gridiron Club Golf Scramble to benefit our Football team. To register, print the form below or scan the code in the flyer.

Registration Form

Gridiron Flyer

 

At Fort Calhoun Jr./Sr. High School students’ well-being is more than a priority — it’s a mission. This year, our Pioneer Empowerment Group for Junior high students, in collaboration with Erika’s Lighthouse, has taken that mission to heart by promoting mental health awareness, kindness, and connection throughout our school community.

Erika’s Lighthouse is a non-profit organization focused on mental health education and teen empowerment, helping students understand depression, reduce stigma, and create a culture of openness and support. With their guidance, our Empowerment Group has taken meaningful steps to bring these goals to life right here at Pioneer.

One of our activities we did this year was “Chalking the Walk,” where students took to the sidewalks with colorful messages of encouragement, hope, and positivity. With every “You matter!” and “It’s okay to ask for help” written in vibrant chalk, students helped turn our school’s walkways into a space of support and affirmation.

In another heartwarming initiative, the Empowerment Group prepared and delivered May Baskets for every teacher in the building. These small, thoughtful gifts were a way to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our educators — and to remind them that their efforts truly make a difference.

These activities may seem simple, but their impact has been powerful. Through these moments of kindness and advocacy, the Pioneer Empowerment Group is building a stronger, more compassionate school culture — one chalk drawing and one act of gratitude at a time.

We’re proud of the work our students are doing, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow as leaders and advocates for mental health and kindness.

written by Jacque Fischer

Kindergarten Round Up is fast approaching, and we are excited to have your child join us. Round-up will be held on April 25th and May 2nd from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM. You should have received a letter in the mail telling you which one of those sessions your child will attend. There will also be a parents’ meeting at 12:20. Before April 25th, please call the school office at 402-468-5714 to verify that your child will attend Kindergarten Round-up or not attend kindergarten at Fort Calhoun next school year. See below for copies of the letters sent home.

Kindergarten Round-up April 25th

Kindergarten Round-up May 2nd