Meet Miss Meeks

I was born in Mesa, Arizona, and attended school there until I finished the 1st grade. My family moved to Nebraska where I grew up on a ranch 16 miles north of Taylor, Nebraska. I spent the majority of my childhood exploring the ranch with my two younger brothers and when we couldn't be outside the boys would have to go to "school" where I was the teacher. I had a small classroom set up under our staircase. That was my first classroom and one I cherish very much. 

I graduated from Loup County High School in 2011. On graduation day there were only two things I was sure of;  one, I had no idea what I was going to major in at college, and two, I knew I was never coming back home (to live/work). After a year at Wayne State College, I decided that I should really look into education, many people said growing up that I would make a great teacher, but I just never really believed them. I took a few classes and did some observations at a few schools in northeast Nebraska and really fell in love with education as a whole, I just wasn't convinced that elementary education was my calling. I then majored in Business Education and fell in love with the program and what I was doing, but for some reason, as I grew closer to graduating, I convinced myself that this was not my calling. I dropped education and stuck with a degree in Business Administration, I had a professor tell me, "mark my words, you will be back and education." 

After graduating from Wayne State College in December 2015, I did something I swore I'd never do. I moved home. There was something just tugging at my heartstrings that I couldn't ignore. I got a job as an assistant manager at my family's recreational lodge while trying to figure out my next move. I went home one night and called my mother and said, "I'm going back to school to be a business teacher." A couple of months later, I got a call that Loup County was looking for a 7th-12th Business educator, and knew right away that I needed to apply. I was offered the job and accepted into the Transitional Program at the University of Kearney. I finished the program in May of 2018 and have been at Loup County Public School since August 2016. I have enjoyed every minute of my time in the classroom. I have gotten the chance to be a sponsor for many organizations and coach some really amazing kids. 

Three years ago our school librarian/media specialist retired and as soon as she announced those heartstrings started tugging again. I spent a lot of time in the media center/library when I was in high school. I was the librarian's aide my senior year, and also took every technology class that was offered here. I graduated in May 2023 with my Master of Science Education in Learning, Technology, & Design, with an emphasis in school library. 

I am over the moon to be in this new chapter in my professional life. Being able to work with all age groups of students and developing a love for technology and reading are two things I am very passionate about. I am passionate about preparing students for the future and finding their passions. 

Loup County is nestled in the heart of the Sandhills and home to the Calamus Lake. I believe in rural communities and rural schools. I believe these kids deserve every experience that they would have anywhere else while still growing up and experiencing a small town. People like raising their kids in a small, safe, caring community. It is my goal to create a safe classroom and be a leader in our community and school.

I strive to prepare my students to be ready for their next step in life, whether that's entering the workforce or going to college. Whatever path they choose to take I want them to be ready to tackle the next step in their lives confidently. 

I will always hold my students to high expectations but I have also learned that they are humans too. They mess up, they forget to do things, and they have stresses that we know nothing about. What it comes down to is treating students with the same respect that I expect. It's all about learning from one another and building relationships.  

I promise to continue to learn and grow as a professional for my staff and students. If you love and nurture these people they will grow and do amazing things, I truly believe that.

I have been employed at Loup County Public Schools for 9 years and will be starting my 10th year in August 2025. The school may be small in numbers but definitely not in heart. I attended LCPS from 2nd grade until I graduated in 2011. This is my home. I currently teach K-12th grade. During my time here at Loup County Public Schools, I have been able to plan, prepare and deliver lessons with clear objectives aligned with Nebraska standards and college and career-ready standards. I have utilized various curricula and technology to enhance student learning. I have always strived to create a peaceful and encouraging educational environment for my students, and look forward to doing the same thing in the media center/library. I have numerous professional development hours for BMIT, CIS standards, and STEM that I truly believe will help me make the transition from business teacher to media specialist. 

 I have taught an array of classes that I have listed below: 

High School: Personal Finance, Introduction to Business, Accounting I & II, Information Technology Applications I & II,  Information Technology Fundamentals, Digital Design, Digital Media, Computer Science Principles  

Junior High: Engage!, Introduction to Business Technology, Keyboarding 7,  Business Exploration & Entrepreneurship 

Elementary: K-6th Library/Media class, 3rd-6th STEM class

Past Organizations I have Advised:

-Future Business Leaders of America 

-Safe Driving Committee (Co-Leader)

-Yearbook 

Coaching Experience:

I was the head cross-country coach for junior high & high school for 6 seasons. I enjoyed working with these athletes as well as building a program for the Twin Loup co-op (Sargent & Loup County). I was an assistant coach to the Twin Loup Lady Wolves basketball team for 2 seasons. This is my fourth year as the head coach for the track and field team, can't wait for the season to start. Go Wolves!

Other Duties:

-PK-12 Technology Director

-Class Sponsor 

-Upkeep on the school website,  staff website, & Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/loupcountypublicschools/

http://www.loupcountyschools.org/ 

-Monthly School Newsletter

http://www.loupcountyschools.org/newsletter.html

-Implement new school software 

-Technology Director

-Chairman of the school Technology Committee 

-Serve on the school's Clear & Compelling Direction team

-Serve on the school's Wildcat Improvement team

-Serve on the Wolf Pack Meal Program Committee

-Serve on MTSS team

-Staff & Student Morale