Fairbury High School held their Winter Formal on Friday, January 28 at the Elks Lodge. This year’s king and queen were Ethan Smith and Alissa York. Other candidates included Rorik Blatny and Jamie Junker, Alex Buxton and Mariel Ramos,Jacob Martin and Brooke Schmidt, Braden Suey and Anna York. The dance was sponsored by the FHS Student Council.
January Students of the Month
Stephanie Engelman Receives the Jeffs’ Best Award!
The Jeffs’ Best Award was created by the Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education to highlight and celebrate the great work of our staff. On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Stephanie Engelman, Central Elementary’s Office Secretary, as the recipient of the January Jeffs’ Best Award! These are her nomination statements:
Stephanie has always been kind, caring, helpful, and makes me feel welcomed when I walk into the office. She is very positive in what she does whether it be helping a student or helping me when needed. Steph is one of our many secretaries that greets many people, takes peoples’ calls, helps where she is needed at the moment, and always has a smile on her face. She is one of many that are deserving of the “Jeff Best,” but this is her time to shine as it’s a New Year!
Stephanie is a great worker at central elementary! She is always such a great person to go to for help with anything you have going on. She will make sure that she greets you with a smile and a “Good morning!” or “Have a great day!” whenever anyone walks past. She has such a positive attitude that is just contagious. She has helped me tremendously to figure out everything about the school which, as a new employee, is so much appreciated. Not only is she good with other employees but also the students at Central. She does so much for the school. I think that explains why she is well qualified to be nominated.
Stephanie is always willing to jump in where she is needed. She helps take care of the students who come to the office when the nurse is out of the building. Also, she is there to assist with behaviors, if needed. Stephanie always has a smile on her face regardless of how her day might be going. I want to thank Steph for all she does for our building.
Banks-Glenn Scholarship Opportunity
New to the FPS Foundation scholarship opportunities in 2022 are the Banks-Glenn Scholarships. The Banks-Glenn Scholarship funds are generated from an endowment of $1.8 million managed by the Nebraska Community Foundation. This money was endowed to the FPS Foundation by Joseph Banks, a 1958 graduate of Fairbury High School. Fairbury Public Schools is the beneficiary of this endowment and will have around $30,000 for scholarship opportunities for Fairbury High School graduates in 2022. The following year the amount is expected to double!
For the Class of 2022 – The following scholarship amounts will be awarded to the deserving recipients:
2 – $6,500 per year, 4 yr renewable scholarship
2 – $2,500 per year, 2 yr renewable scholarship (emphasis for Community College or Trade Schools)
For previous Graduates of Fairbury High School:
4 – $4,000 for 1 year with a special emphasis for those wanting to continue their education for a Master’s Degree, Teaching Degree, Medical Field, Trade School or Agriculture.
Application is due by April 1, 2022
Click to Apply.
FBLA American Enterprise Project
During the month of November, twenty-four members of Fairbury FBLA conducted their annual American Enterprise project. This year, three classes of Fairbury Elementary fourth-graders were taught the meaning of American Enterprise, the importance of spending locally and the multiplier effect which happens when money is spent within the community. Third graders were able to set up a cookie baking business, bake cookies at the high school, and market their cookies to the high school and junior high students. With over $400 in revenue collected over three days, this year’s cookie sales were a big success! After paying all expenses, the remaining profit will be split between the three fourth-grade classes. Each individual class will decide how to spend their business profits. The annual American Enterprise project is enjoyed by all students. FBLA members enjoy working with the younger kids, and the fourth-graders love making a trip to the high school. “Overall, I thought this project was pretty fun,” FBLA President, Zane Grizzle said. “We (FBLA members) got a lot out of this project and were able to help fourth graders understand what goes into making a business and understand the American Enterprise System.
Renee Kettelhut Receives the Jeffs’ Best Award!
The Jeffs’ Best Award was created by the Fairbury Public Schools Board of Education to highlight and celebrate the great work of our staff. On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to congratulate Renee Kettelhut, Chance School Special Education Teacher, as the recipient of the November Jeffs’ Best Award!
These are her nomination statements:
Renee is technically a first year teacher, but walking through her classroom you would never guess that. She is extremely effective at building relationships with students, communicating with parents, and doing everything possible to help students be successful. Starting her teaching career in a behavior program during a pandemic, is hands down the most challenging way to start a teaching career. Her classroom is very student centered. She is persistent in doing what is best for students in an extremely challenging school year. When students or staff encounter problems or barriers, she problem solves quickly, efficiently, and with a professional demeanor. We are extremely lucky to have such a naturally talented educator join our team. She deserves to be recognized for her resiliency and dedication to our students.
She has been one of the most patient people I have ever met especially with working in the chance building where anything can happen at any moment. I appreciate her for always having a positive attitude and always seeing the upside of everything.
Renee is a dedicated and very hard working SPED Teacher. She always gives the kids everything she’s got even when the students are testing her patience to the extreme. She is working hard to complete all of the special education paperwork and requirements, and at times, this can be overwhelming for a first year teacher. She always comes in with a smile and positive attitude which is felt by both the students and other staff. Working at Chance has it’s challenges but Renee is committed to giving these students the best possible chance to succeed. FPS and the students are lucky to have her working at Chance.
Renee is someone who goes above and beyond for her students. She is constantly trying to think of new ways to get students to engage in their learning. Even as a first year teacher she has taken the lead on several projects to promote student success. She is constantly working towards the best solution for any issue that arises and is an amazing asset to our team. We are very fortunate to have such a caring, hard-working person as part of our team and district
Congratulations Renee!
Digging In…
Kindergarteners Learn About Bees
Blood Drive Sponsored by the Fairbury National Honor Society
~by Gavin Shramm
We had a lot of donors and even some double donations! The McCown twins Ashton and Ethan gave double which is taking the blood out of the body, taking the red cells, and giving back the fluids, plasma, and platelets. “I never did it before and said sure, might as well try it,” Ashton McCown said. Along with the twins was Ericka Kroeker and Drake Richtarik who also gave double. Thank you to everyone who donated blood today and thank you Nebraska Community Blood Bank for working all day and collecting the blood.