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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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

 

Picture day is coming up on September 23rd. See the information below for ordering details. Call the School Office with any questions.

Elementary Flyer

Visit Barksdale Photo and use the access code 0094245IN

JRH/HS Flyer

Visit Barksdale Photo and use the access code 0090670IN