Friday, June 7, 2013

Senior Exit Survey Shows Students Very Pleased!

At the end of each school year, Chadron High School contracts with LifeTrack Services, Inc. to conduct a non-biased senior exit survey. We just received the results for the graduating class of 2013. 54 seniors responded to the survey this year. I've included my notes in comparing these results to the past couple of years. Thank you to all of our seniors for providing this important information which helps provide focus for our efforts for continuous improvement of our school.


  1. Did you have a positive learning experience at Chadron High School?
    • Yes - 100%
    • No - 0%
    • Slightly up from past years
  2. Was the counseling department helpful and supportive meeting your needs?
    • Yes - 98.1%
    • No - 1.9%
    • Similar to past years
  3. Did your teacher encourage you to continue your education?
    • Yes - 100%
    • No - 0%
    • Similar to past years
  4. Were enough elective classes offered for you to explore different career opportunities?
    • Yes - 83.3%
    • No - 16.7%
    • Slightly down from past years
  5. Do you think you will be able to easily find a job that can support you?
    • Yes - 94.4%
    • No - 5.6%
    • Up from past years
  6. Did you ever experience significant harassment from other students?
    • Yes - 18.5%
    • No - 81.5%
    • Slightly down from past years
  7. Chadron High School provided a safe learning environment?
    • Excellent - 46.3%
    • Good - 44.4%
    • Average - 7.4%
    • Below Average - 0%
    • Needs Improvement - 1.9%
    • Similar to past years
  8. Chadron High School maintained a drug-free environment?
    • Excellent - 25.9%
    • Good - 46.3%
    • Average - 25.9%
    • Below Average - 1.9%
    • Needs Improvement - 0%
    • Similar to past years
  9. Chadron High School provided a strong foundation in the use of technology?
    • Excellent - 70.4%
    • Good - 20.4%
    • Average - 7.4%
    • Below Average - 0%
    • Needs Improvement - 0%
    • No Response - 1.9%
    • Significantly higher than past years
  10. Teachers generally held high standards and demanded quality work?
    • Excellent - 59.3%
    • Good - 31.5%
    • Average - 9.3%
    • Below Average - 0%
    • Needs Improvement - 0%
    • Similar to past years
  11. My teachers were knowledgeable about the curriculum being taught?
    • Excellent - 64.8%
    • Good - 29.6%
    • Average - 3.7%
    • Below Average - 1.9%
    • Needs Improvement - 0%
    • Similar to past years
  12. I was challenged to experience academic growth each year?
    • Excellent - 59.3%
    • Good - 38.9%
    • Average - 0%
    • Below Average - 0%
    • Needs Improvement - 1.9%
    • Similar to past years
  13. Rules were enforced consistently and fairly?
    • Excellent - 42.6%
    • Good - 35.2%
    • Average - 16.7%
    • Below Average - 1.9%
    • Needs Improvement - 3.7%
    • Similar to past years
  14. What area(s) do you plan to pursue immediately after high school? (mark all that apply)
    • 4 Year College - 68.5%  same
    • 2 Year College - 16.7%  higher
    • Voc/Tech School - 1.9%  same
    • Work Full Time - 14.8%  higher
    • Work Part Time - 13%  same
    • Military - 3.7%  same
    • Other - 1.9%
  15. Overall, how would you rate Chadron High School as a learning environment?
    • Excellent - 66.7%
    • Good - 29.6%
    • Average - 3.7%
    • Below Average - 0%
    • Needs Improvement - 0%
    • Similar to past years

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Renovations for HS Media Center Underway!

One of this summer's projects in the high school is to update our library into a more modern media center. We have recently added opportunities for students to utilize online research tools as well as ebook subscriptions. We hope to have an expanded list of books for students to download and view on ereaders as soon as this fall. In addition to these offerings, we will do some remodeling.

Last week, we removed all of the lower shelving in the middle of the library moving books to all of the exterior wall shelving. Walls will be painted next week followed by carpet replacement with possible lighting upgrades.  The goal is to remodel this large area into a media center including study tables and lounge seating for students.


New carpeting and paint has been scheduled for the library this year, but due to the typical financial restraints of school districts, we will be adding furniture slowly over the next couple of years as funds exist. If you would like to donate to the high school library remodel fund, or know of possible donors, please contact Chadron Public Schools for more information 432-0700.


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

FFA Officers Attend Leadership Conference

(Submitted by Chadron FFA Officers)
During May 16-18th, the newly formed Chadron FFA Chapter officer's of 2013-2014 traveled east to Aurora, Nebraska.  Prior to the trip we were fortunate with numerous community supporters in fundraising dollars to help support our newly formed FFA organization. With high hopes in returning with new knowledge and skills in getting our program up and running we were pleased with the outcome. 

When we arrived we were divided into groups with our specific state officer. While on the 3 day adventure we were able to individually, and as a team, learn skills about leadership, organization, parliamentary procedure, program of activities and operation of an FFA chapter.  For recreational activities we were allowed to paddle boat, play football, play volleyball, along with several other fun activities. 

The Chadron officers that attended were: President Cooper Cogdill, Vice President Matthew Dierkson, Secretary Devin Mitchell, Treasurer Willy Cogdill, Reporter Lanie Riesen, and Sentinel Toni Doescher. Not only were the people generous in their teachings but understanding of our new program and more than happy to help us in getting started. This organization has so far been nothing but a positive experience and we look forward to continue growing our Chadron High School FFA Chapter.

Year-End Barbecue!

The CHS grill, made by our welding classes.
Once again, we celebrated the end of a great school year with a community barbecue.  Students from each school, parents, and patrons all showed up to enjoy hamburgers, hotdogs, and plenty of snacks!

Photo from last year's bbq.
A special thanks to our CHS Student Council who served the meals, and to our CHS Staff for all of the help cooking and assisting at the food tables.


We wish everyone a great and safe summer!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Anatomy and Physiology Class Visits Veterinary Clinic


(Submitted by CHS Junior, Miles Chasek)

The CHS Anatomy and Physiology Class field trip to Panhandle Veterinary Clinic was, in all respects, a truly rewarding experience. In our tour of the clinic, we gained insight on the medical field lying outside of the human realm. We learned the circuitous route to veterinary practice, the ins and outs of a veterinary career, and the surprising amount of work that goes into caring for our beloved animal brethren.
Nearly every inch of the establishment was covered during the tour. The small animal department was the first partition to be examined. There, students inspected the small animal examining, operating, and boarding facilities. Students then toured the large animal facility and its corresponding laboratory. DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) John E Gamby was busy performing sperm analyses on cattle during the tour, but he still shared his time for a brief Q&A session and even prepared a microscope slide of cattle sperm for students to view. The tour ended with an excursion to the clinic’s neighboring supply shop--which carried a number of select pet foods and specialty items.
While we have spent the past semester covering only human anatomy and physiology, this field trip was still applicable to our curriculum. Anatomy and physiology forms the foundation of medical studies--which covers a much broader population than humans alone. Veterinarians are needed to service the world’s vast wealth of domesticated animals--from Felix to Fido, and even the newborn foal.

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Parents - Please Complete This Survey!

Click here to complete the High School Parent/Guardian Survey

In an effort to improve system practices, Chadron Public Schools is conducting a survey in preparation for the 2013-14 Accreditation Cycle. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. In order to complete the survey, please click on the above link (which can also be found on the chadronschools.org home page).

Thank you very much!