CCSD Cool School News

District
On Monday, January 5, educators across the Churchill County School District returned from winter break to participate in a full-day professional development session focused on innovation, collaboration, and student success. Staff engaged in sessions designed to strengthen classroom instruction and prepare students for real-world readiness. The day included a variety of workshops and training sessions, ranging from emotional literacy and problem-solving skills to reading, math, and standards-based grading. Specialized sessions for special education (SPED) teachers focused on IEP writing, while other staff explored project-based learning, cross-curricular projects, and employability skills. Counselors, Safe School Professionals (SSP), and RESET Room teachers participated in targeted planning sessions, including Character Strong, to help staff align their vision and mission with classroom practices. Teachers are ready to bring new strategies into their classrooms for the rest of the 2025-26 school year, continuing to make an impact on every student, every day.

CCHS
Principal Tim Spencer, Vice Principals Rachel Knight and Reema Pulsifer, and Dean of Students Tricia Strasdin ended the first week back by showing their support for Jeremy Sivers’ economics class, proudly wearing matching economics t-shirts. Sivers is working to grow a club that raises money for scholarships through his high school economics program, and the shirts were created to promote both the class and the club’s mission. Students and staff alike are excited to see the club’s impact on campus and in the community.

CCMS
Last week, students returned from Winter Break ready to learn and engage in meaningful classroom experiences. In Justin Chambers’ health class, students explored the risks and dangers of alcohol use. Through class discussions and presentations, they examined topics such as addiction and its impact on health and decision-making, building awareness to support informed choices. Meanwhile, in Rebecca Hatch’s Career and Technology Exploration class, students worked on workplace communication and conflict resolution skills by playing Silent Bell (passing a bell without making a noise), 100 Numbers (working together to circle numbers to 100), and Quick Draw (without talking, students worked together controlling a pen with strings to draw different shapes and pictures). With a strong start to the new year, CCMS looks forward to the continued learning and growth students will experience throughout the rest of the school year. Photo: Rylee Hammond and Hannah Keyes play games to build workplace communication and conflict resolution skills.

Numa

It was only the first week back from winter break, and students in Lacey Kerr’s class were diving right back into activities that build both skills and community. Kerr's class participated in a “Tribe Challenge,” answering questions about the school’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) while strengthening teamwork and camaraderie. During ELA time, students enjoy “Popcorn Reading” with Savvas, making reading practice lively and engaging.

E.C. Best 
Students in Angie Heck’s class explored traditions from around the world by comparing and contrasting the American New Year with the Chinese New Year. As part of the lesson, students created Chinese lanterns and reflected on the year ahead. Each student chose one word to describe their 2026, sharing hopes for a new year filled with love, hope, faith, creativity, curiosity, and adventure.  Photo: Manuel Bettencourt, Easton Muckey, Kyle Roxo, and Caden Thomas showoff the Chinese lanterns they made during a lesson on New Year traditions.

Lahontan 
Students in Olivia Lefort’s class explored the science of snow and what causes it to melt through an engaging, hands-on lesson. To wrap up the activity, students created a “melted snowman” and wrote about what made them melt, combining creativity with scientific thinking. The class had a great time learning while bringing science to life.