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Fort Calhoun Elementary School is looking for volunteers to help with the Community Crosswalk. This program will engage Fort Calhoun community members while supporting the elementary school and promoting the importance of safety while walking to school. Volunteers are needed from 7:40 am – 8:00 am, Monday through Friday, to help students safely cross the street at four intersections around the school. If interested, please email Mrs. Horstman (elementary principal) at shortsman@ftcpioneers.org for more details.

Our TeamMates had a blast on their trip to Henry Doorly Zoo recently. If you would like to become a mentor or would like more information about the program, see the information below.

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!

 

Substitute Pathways

 

The Summer Food Service Program provides free meals to all children under 18 years at participating sites statewide. There are no income requirements or registration.  Use the following tool to find an SFSP site near you:

1. Access USDA’s SFSP site locator map at: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summerfoodrocks

Put Fort Calhoun Nebraska in the search box, and extend the area to 20 miles.  A list of sites in the area will appear.  To get directions and hours of operation for each site, click on it. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

The Biology students teamed up with The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission and participated in the Trout in the Classroom project this year.  As a part of the project, Biology students were given fresh trout to dissect as an extension to our curriculum.  They learned about the external and internal features of a trout before the dissection.  Each year, this dissection is the highlight of biology!

Congratulations to 4th-grade teacher, Allie Schleifer, for receiving the NSEA Community Service Award. In addition to her job, she is also currently serving as the Vice President of the FCYSO that facilitates and runs youth sports programs. Serving as Vice President, Allie attends monthly meetings keeping all the different sports organized. As in any organization, if there are no volunteers, most of the tasks fall upon the board. Allie has recently also had to run the concessions stands and is the interim baseball director. Even though Allie has her plate full at work and home, she continues to work tirelessly for the youth in Fort Calhoun.