Churchill County High School students and the city celebrate the beginning of homecoming week at the Maine Street fountain.
Compiled by Kaitlin Ritchie
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Churchill County High School
The fountain on Maine Street was dyed green, the juniors won Powder Puff, there was a bonfire, Lip Sync, and students participated in various Hollywood themed dress-up days to celebrate homecoming. Student council begins planning homecoming at the beginning of the year. They decided on a Hollywood theme because they liked how many things they could do with it.
“We liked the idea of neon colors and fun outfits people could put together inspired by past decades,” said student body President Lydia Bergman.
Terri Pearson, the student council adviser for the last 21 years, said her favorite part about homecoming is watching students have fun and understand that involving others and leading by example makes them true leaders.
“I love working with these passionate students, our fantastic staff, and the community,” Pearson said.
Junior class President Brody Allen has enjoyed seeing fellow students getting involved.
“I’m seeing more involvement from the student body than in previous years, and am excited to see it continue to grow,” Allen said.
Churchill County Middle School
Sixth grade students in LaResa Darrington’s class were being critical thinkers as they studied matter, its phases, and changes.
“Our investigation was using Monster Muck (a substance made of water and cornstarch) and students had to do a series of eight tests to decide if the substance was a liquid or a solid,” Darrington said.
The tests they conducted included hitting the muck with a hammer, forming it into a ball, dropping it, cutting it with scissors, and pouring it from cup to cup. Students had to observe the substance, make a determination and then write up a conclusion of what they thought using their data to back up their reasonings.
Numa
In music class, students are learning how to play the ukulele, read notes, play chords, and use strumming patterns.
Fifth grader Cali Styles said, "I like learning the Ukulele because it's easy to learn and play, and I like going home to show my parents what I learned.”
Music teacher Tina Koenig loves watching students succeed and get excited about music. “My hope is they’ll join the band in middle school, but I’ll cheer them on no matter what they choose to do,” she said.
Music is a way for students to engage in creating something together. “Social and emotional learning is embedded in music and the arts. Music is inclusive, encourages cooperation and everyone grows together,” Koenig said.
E.C. Best
Churchill County School District and Churchill County Social Services hosted mental wellness guest speaker, David Woods Bartley, at E.C. Best, Numa, and CCMS. Bartley discussed emotions, overcoming fears, and creating hope. He feels it’s important to present to younger students because suffering is the cause of all forms of self-harm and most often, suffering stems from some form of trauma.
“The reality is most of our beloved youth have experienced some form of significant traumas, and it hangs on them like a lead weight. We don't see it, but it’s there, affecting all parts of their life, their view of the world, and their hope for the future,” Bartley said.
Many children believe they are responsible for the trauma that befalls them. Bartley carried that belief with him for nearly 50 years and it wasn’t until he shared what happened and heard four life-changing words, “It's not your fault,” that he truly began to heal.
“I want kids to have the same realization but not wait so long. That's why I’m so driven to help them,” Bartley said.
Students left his presentation able to distinguish between sadness and depression. “They learn to say; when you're sad, you usually know why but, when you are depressed, you don't,” he said.
Lahontan
Bingo for Books was a huge success as families came out for the first family engagement event for the year.
“The cafeteria tables were full, we served cookies and water and everyone who got a Bingo could pick a prize,” librarian Megan Smith said.
Students and their families purchased a variety of Bingo cards such as numbers 1-9, sight words, and regular Bingo cards.
“This event isn’t something we do to raise money, the purpose is to get books in the hands of our kids,” Smith said. Every child who attends gets a free book on their way out the door. All of the teachers get involved in hosting this annual event and it’s a great opportunity for students and families to come together.
Northside
Students learned how to be global citizens during community helper day. An ambulance, the Fallon Police Department, Fallon-Churchill Fire Department, a local beekeeper, a mechanic, and a garbage truck came to the school to present to the students and staff.
Learning about community helpers helps students understand what it means to be a part of their community. It helps foster a sense of teamwork within a child's world.
“This event is an opportunity for us to introduce our students to different careers in our community and is an early introduction to career exploration at the pre-k level,” teacher Amanda Lister said.
