By Tyler Dahlgren It was March 2020, Lee Perez’s first day educating in a totally remote setting, and the teacher’s hands were shaking. His palms were sweaty, too, but that wouldn’t matter much. It’s not like Perez’s students would notice over Zoom. No, it was the other things they’d pick up on if he let them. The uncertainty, the nerves, the worry. They were unavoidable, but Perez was intent on...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren Presley Hobbs lights up when you ask him about the highlight reel from Saturday’s unified basketball game between his Ashland-Greenwood Bluejays and the visiting Milford Eagles. To properly tell the story, though, we first have to set the stage. A cold Saturday afternoon, one of those days just made for basketball. A packed gymnasium, where standing room only literally meant...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren When a simple door decorating contest turned O’Neill Elementary into a winter wonderland, with snowmen, bright lights, colorful trees and cheery music, principal Jim York wasn’t surprised. When it comes to kids, his staff doesn’t tend to go about things halfheartedly. They certainly weren’t going to underdo Christmas. “Let’s go big or go home,” fifth-grade teacher Crystal...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren The weight room overlooking McDonald-Belton Gymnasium is a busy place on the campus of Mid Plains Community College in North Platte, a hub where iron is tossed and sweat is spilled. Renovated into a state-of-the-art facility in 2014, it’s also a place where relationships are formed. Lifting instructor Camden Grasmick, known to the Knights he trains and everyone else around...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren The first ever Future Educators’ Day attracted more than 50 area sophomores, juniors and seniors to ESU 6 in Milford last Monday for a fast-moving event that gave the students an inside-look at life as a teacher. The line-up of presenters, including ESU 6 staff (April Kelley, Michelle Rayburn, Nichole Hall and Vicki Taylor) and representatives from three post-secondary...Read More
(Publisher's Note: This article was first published for the Nebraska Council of School Administrators) By Tyler Dahlgren Last Thursday, NCSA communications specialist Tyler Dahlgren joined Nebraska Commissioner of Education on a tour of schools in northeast Nebraska, and the rolling highways lined with fall foliage provided the perfect setting for an interview. There’s a lot of ground to cover...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren Part One: “I can’t believe what I just saw” The baby had just been delivered, a successful C-section on a Friday morning at MidWest Health Partners in Norfolk, and midwife Jen Weinandt glanced at Meghan McCracken and smiled. “The stars in her eyes were amazing,” said Weinandt. “I think she’s in the right field.” McCracken had just witnessed a magical moment, the first of many...Read More
By Tyler Dahlgren The near and far search for a math teacher was starting to wear on the administrative team at Keya Paha County Schools. They’d made all the calls and exhausted every option. There wasn’t a qualified candidate out there who wanted to come to the rolling Sandhills. At each dead end sat more frustration. Unfortunately, rural school districts are no strangers to this song and dance...Read More
Five Nebraska VR partners received awards for their role in creating inclusive workplaces and advocacy for disability employment. The 2021 Disability Employment and Inclusion Awards highlight the successful partnership between Nebraska VR and the businesses and communities they serve. Nebraska VR offers individualized services to help people with disabilities find employment consistent with their...Read More
SCOTTSBLUFF, NE, (October 7, 2021) – Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon. The small, front-yard book exchanges number more than 100,000 around the world in over 100 countries-from Italy to Brazil to Japan. Now, a new Little Free Library located in the circle drive at Educational Service Unit #13 will join the movement to share books, bring people together, and create communities of...Read More