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
Please consider becoming a Mentor for the Fort Calhoun Chapter. Male Mentors are especially needed right now. Go to Teammates.org and fill out an application.
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.
The impact of the TeamMates match on the mentee and mentor is profound.
Percentages for our Fort Calhoun Chapter:
54% of mentees showed improved academic achievement after being matched with their mentor.
85% of mentors report they feel more hopeful after meeting with their mentee.
98% of mentees say they trust their mentor.
More than 95% of mentees report that they are happy when they meet with their mentor, that their mentor talks to them about what they do well, they feel important when they are with their mentor and that they trust their mentor.
Attendance amongst mentees has improved by 67%
Reported Behavioral Problems with mentees has dropped 90%
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 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.
The Fort Calhoun Chapter currently has 29 matches and our goal is 45. 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!
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
On Tuesday, April 8th the Freshmen class joined other Washington County youth to attend the Connect the Dots Day sponsored by UNL Extension and 4-H at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
The students participated in the Connecting the Dots simulation activity, listened to a variety of post-secondary education/training option representatives and employers, and learned more about resumes, identifying and using their transferable skills, and workplace personalities.
