CCSD news: Chemistry, penguins, and dodgeball

CHURCHILL COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL

Churchill County High School graduate Dr. Misty (Moyle) Kasky spent some time with Steve Johnson’s Chemistry 122 class.

Kasky is a former student of Johnson’s and is currently practicing medicine in Fallon with her husband, Ryan Kasky. Kasky talked to students about what it takes to get through medical school and college in general.

“The best advice I can give is to eat breakfast, do not give up what you love, whether it is dance, athletics, or music, find some way to keep doing that in college, and lastly, you have to figure out what you’re learning style is,” Kasky said. “Start paying attention to that now. How did you prepare, and what did you do when you did well on an exam, paper, or project? Think about that, and you will know what to do in college and med school.”

The students also had an opportunity to ask Kasky about residency and fellowship. Many of them are interested in going into the medical field, so hearing from someone who graduated from CCHS and is now a local primary care physician was reassuring. Johnson thinks bringing in CCHS graduates to speak to his students each year helps them realize that graduating from a small rural high school does not limit what they can do.

“I think it is particularly important for girls to see women who grew up as they have in a rural, ranching town and how they can absolutely become doctors, scientists, and engineers. Dr. Kasky is so personable and willing to talk to the students about her experiences that students leave the presentation feeling empowered. I feel like that is invaluable,” Johnson said.

CHURCHILL COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL

The Churchill County Middle School student council recently embarked on a heartwarming community service project by volunteering at the local senior center, Highland Manor. With their infectious energy and compassion, these young leaders brightened the lives of the elderly residents.

From organizing an engaging game of bingo to offering companionship, the students left an indelible mark on both the seniors and themselves. This act of kindness exemplifies the importance of empathy and the positive impact that young individuals can have on their community.

Student Council Adviser Courtney Aguilera felt it was important for these students to engage with their community.

“They did great. They were patient, they were kind, and they had fun. I’m excited about our progress in being more involved in the community. I cannot wait for next time,” Aguilera said.

— Melody Garcia-Bishop, eighth grade, CCMS Student Council historian

NUMA

Kari Bailey is a ninth-grade high school student in the teaching and training program. Last week, she introduced Alissa Bailey’s fourth-grade class to their geometry unit using the parabolic curve. Bailey explained that a parabolic curve is created using only straight lines.

"This was one of my favorite assignments this school year to do with the student, and I was so excited that it helped others learn math, too," Bailey said.

As the class moves through the geometry unit, Bailey looks forward to the students connecting all their learning to the parabolic curve they've created.

E.C. BEST

Students in Jenny Mitchell and Kari Lister's classes participated in a dodgeball game last week with their teachers and Churchill County School District occupational therapist Alyssa Meihack.

This was an activity they did to get their students out of the classroom, get them moving, and have a little fun with them. It was an opportunity for their students to just kick back and have fun with their teachers and experience them outside of the classroom environment.

LAHONTAN

Students in Crystal Cabral’s first-grade class started researching penguins several weeks ago.

After writing an informative writing individually, students partnered up and began a shared research project on penguins. They also learned all about what their Chromebooks can do and how to use them as a tool for their schoolwork. They learned to capitalize letters, make spaces, use Google Slides, insert pictures into their projects, and how to present their projects.

“After their hard work was finished, they presented their projects to families. They came out of this project with more confidence and knowledge,” Cabral said.

NORTHSIDE EARLY LEARNING CENTER

March is Women’s History Month, and Octavia Merritt’s class is honoring the month by learning about women who were scientists and made contributions to history.

“This not only expands our learning but teaches us that women and men in history did amazing things for us to be able to do all the amazing things we do today. Everyone is amazing, but this month we are saying ‘girls rock,’” Merritt said.