CCSD news: Development, science, and bracelets

DISTRICT 

Many people outside the field of education might imagine that professional development days for teachers are leisurely affairs — perhaps involving a few meetings and some coffee with colleagues before heading home early.

However, this couldn't be further from the truth. In reality, professional development is a rigorous, full-time commitment. Teachers often work through their summers and engage in continuous learning to maintain their certification.

At Churchill County School District, we take our professional learning seriously. On Sept.13, our staff participated in a range of development opportunities including English Language Arts curriculum development, math curriculum development, T.R.I.B.E.S student relationship-building, Infinite Campus Training, Suicide Prevention, Pyramids of Intervention and more. This list is far from exhaustive, yet it highlights the diverse and intensive nature of our professional learning.

We are fortunate to have such dedicated professionals within our district. Weekends, holidays and summer breaks are often filled with opportunities for growth and learning, all to enhance our teaching practices and the overall effectiveness of our schools. Just as parents strive for the best for their children, so do we, and there is no better way to prepare than through ongoing professional development.

— Stacey Cooper, assistant superintendent

CHURCHILL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

The staff members at CCHS are doing their part in, "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" by proudly wearing suicide awareness pins in honor of Suicide Prevention Month. Their goal is to show their support and raise awareness about mental health.

Teacher Stephanie Kille-Reese made the pins and had them available for staff in the office. By starting conversations, and offering support, we are working together to make a difference in our community. Let’s continue to support each other and break the stigma surrounding mental health.

CHURCHILL COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL

Students in Lilia Marquez’s Pep Club class made bracelets and keychains for staff members who have made them feel seen during the last few weeks of school.

“I really want to encourage students to recognize and appreciate the efforts of those around them who positively impact them,” Marquez said. “It is important for the students to express gratitude and learn the value of acknowledging those who make them feel seen and valued.”

Marquez’s goal with her Pep Club class is to focus on building school spirit, promoting positivity, and creating a supportive environment for students and staff.

“This includes fostering a sense of unity within the school, encouraging kindness and gratitude, and providing opportunities for students to engage in meaningful projects that benefit the school community,” Marquez said.

Once the bracelets and keychains were completed, the students got to deliver them.

“This personal interaction allowed them to convey their gratitude directly to the staff member and see the positive impact their small gesture had on that person's day,” Marquez said.

CCMS staff members were incredibly touched by the bracelets and keychains they received from students.

“Many of them reached out to me and said they appreciated the students’ thoughtfulness and effort in making the bracelets and keychains. Some even expressed how much is meant to be recognized in such a personal way and how uplifting it was,” Marquez said.

NUMA 

Students in Kendra Flowers’ class did a science experiment with their substitute teacher, Tracy McMindes. The students used vinegar and baking soda to create and observe a chemical reaction. When the vinegar reacts with the baking soda, an immediate chemical reaction occurs producing a fizzy gas.

The students also used food coloring so they could see the reaction even more. “The students had a great time and they all agreed that it was a pretty good reaction between the baking soda and the vinegar,” McMindes said.

E.C. BEST 

On Oct. 2 from 5-7 p.m., E.C. Best Elementary School is hosting what they call a magical night of books. We invite the community along with our parents to visit the book fair to purchase books for all ages.

This event raises money for literacy materials for classrooms, library books, and funds for future events for students. This will be ECB's third annual Chili Cook-off. Families will compete for a prize of up to $50. There will be a silent auction with themed baskets from sports, spa, game night, camping and Christmas; there will be a little bit of something for everyone to bid on.

Literacy Nights happen in correlation with the book fair, but funds raised will be used for additional family events like Parents for Pastries, Purple Up Military Kids Week and Christmas Performance events.

"Family engagement is vital to the literacy development of our second and third graders. The school team along with parent participation can lead the child into becoming a successful reader," Literacy Specialist Linda Rasmussen said.

This year ECB will team with United Way and have two instructors from United Readers. Angelina De Nigro, and DonRica Davis-Deloney will work with struggling readers who fall below the reading target. They will work on simple reading skills that will help students perform better at grade-level tasks.

LAHONTAN 

Students in Stacey Manning’s class participated in a social-emotional lesson on how to be a good friend.

Manning read a story about Tom Cat and Tabby Cat and how Tabby helped Tom when he had a problem. Then as a group, students discussed what they could do to be a good friend.

“We had a community circle sharing what we can do to be a good friend. Then some of our students used our Tom Cat and Tabby Cat stuffies to act out scenarios of how to be good friends for the class. The kids were really excited to meet Tom Cat and Tabby Cat and also to act out how to be good friends,” Manning said.