CCSD news: Caps, engineering, robots and volleyball

CHURCHILL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL 

Churchill County High School students signed up for job shadow opportunities with Banner Churchill Community Hospital.

As part of the CCHS Work Based Learning program, the students will job shadow and then attend college or a trade school. These job shadow opportunities will enable them, to go into the different aspects of the medical field they are interested in.

“The medical field is our county's highest demand in the workforce, and 25% of our senior class has aspirations of going into different aspects of the medical field so I knew we had to make this happen for them,” School to Careers Coordinator Sue Segura said.

CCHS administration with Segura have one common goal — to provide opportunities for students to set them up for life after graduation.

“Whether it is college, career, trade school, or the military, our staff is here to help each student succeed and fulfill their goals and dreams. Graduation is our goal but we are equally dedicated to setting each and every student up for what comes after,” Principal Tim Spencer said.

CHURCHILL COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the Churchill County Middle School volleyball team took to the court in an intense showdown against their rivals Dayton Middle School.

With lightning-fast serves, precision passes, and powerful spikes, these young athletes left spectators breathless. Both teams showcased their unwavering commitment to the game, demonstrating the true spirit of sportsmanship. The match was a testament to the bright future of volleyball, as these rising stars left an unforgettable impression on the court.

“I think we were a little rough in the beginning but then at the end, we were able to pull it together and take the W,” Elizabeth Bergman said.

Colbie Keller said that she was happy with her overall performance during the game but is going to work on backing up more when the ball is being sent to her. While both teams performed well, they know there is still room for improvement.

As a spectator, it was clear that coaches Lynnaday Mort and Nicole Rogne have done an excellent job with their teams and it is going to be an exciting season for the CCMS seventh and eighth grade volleyball teams.

—  Melody Garcia-Bishop, CCMS Student Council Historian

NUMA 

Students in Travis Ryness' fourth-grade class used Sphero robots to reenact the journey of the pioneers through the 40-mile desert. Students use perseverance, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, just like the Pioneers did to survive their journey through the treacherous desert landscape.

“This activity tied into our current Social Studies unit about the 40-mile desert, which was the trek from about Lovelock to Reno,” Ryness said. “It was a tough leg because there wasn't much water and it was either really hot or really cold. The students enjoy learning about history, especially when it is related to Nevada, and love it even more when they get to use the Sphero robots in their learning.”

E.C. BEST 

Jenny Mitchell and Kari Lister's classes learned that engineers solve problems by using math and science. Students designed, tested, and built candy structures that were strong enough to hold up books.

“This was a great lesson for students because it forced them to hone in on their problem-solving skills and they knew to be successful they had to work together as a team,” Lister said.

Students discovered that if their plans didn't work the first time, they needed to adjust or redesign their plans.

“We were very impressed to see how they all communicated and worked together. It was awesome,” Mitchell said.

LAHONTAN 

Students at Lahontan raised money for Churchill Animal Protection Society last week during their annual Caps for CAPS fundraiser.

Students wore their hats to school and were encouraged to bring in a donation for CAPS. Together, LES families and staff raised $643.05 which was directly donated to CAPS. This is just one of the cause-driven fundraisers LES hosts throughout the year. Each time these dress-up days come around, teachers speak with their students about the cause and why it is important. Students then get to go home and share that lesson with their parents.

“When the day comes and the teachers begin to tally up the total amount their class raised, these young students get to see the results of just bringing in a dollar or even a couple of cents. They also get to experience a feeling of fulfillment for coming together as a class for a good cause,” Principal Kimi Melendy said.

NORTHSIDE EARLY LEARNING CENTER 

Octavia Merritt’s class had a great week of learning by participating in fun, hands-on activities. The class made an indoor skating rink using wax paper.

This work tied into developing the student's hand-eye coordination as well as having them learn how to balance themselves.

“The students have been talking about how much they missed having the ice skating rink in town so I thought this would be a great activity,” Merritt said.

The class also pretended to be bakers for a day. They made sugar cookies and then decorated them with icing and sprinkles.

“Baking in preschool helps with language, development, and following directions. It also helps them learn patience as they wait for the cookies to bake as well as their listening skills,” Merritt said.