Embedded Files
CNA Students Share First Aid Knowledge with Health Students
CNA Students Share First Aid Knowledge with Health Students
CNA student Avery Reeder teaches Keeghan Maschhoff, Kelcey Hunter, and Kinley Povolish how to administer CPR on an infant.
CNA student Griffin Bochantin teaches Owen Diedrich, Kass Linkey, Sam Blumhorst, Reagan Robinson, Marley Meinert, and Lexy Spratt the appropriate way to complete chest compressions.
Sienna Popejoy, Jacie Ellis, and Isabella Beaty (above) have learned "blue to the sky, orange to the thigh" to remember which way to aim the Epi-Pen. Below, Alex Shubert and Jerimiah Knoop practice how to administer an Epi-Pen.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Harriss // Image Credit: Google Images
A Virtual Look at History Adds New Perspective
A Virtual Look at History Adds New Perspective
Students in Mrs. Goostree's U.S. History and Honors History classes have been studying the events of The Holocaust. Through a grant with the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, students were able to learn from Holocaust survivors in a Virtual world. The survivors walked them through different aspects of their experiences, and students were able to view the event in 360 degrees.
"The picture of the train cars really affected me. It made me think about how scared and confused people must have been to be shipped off (taken away) that way."
~Landon Urbanski
"The most important lesson I hope others take away from what I learned is to always have hope for tomorrow. In the VR experience with Fritzie, she talked about how her Aunt said, “Tomorrow will be better. Just have hope.” Also, never take for granted the simple freedoms we have that we don’t think about often."
~Emma Behrmann
"I hope people will learn to be less hateful and care for everyone because you’ll never know what they have gone through."
~Ashlynn Henson
"Another significant scene would be the crematorium with Fritizie because when I looked around I also saw other devices and places that people could be murdered at. This shows how much mass murder was happening on a daily basis and how quickly it was occuring."
~Briar Newcomb
"The most important lesson is that the attempt to get rid of an entire population is sickening and I hope it never happens again."
~Peyton McConnell
"The gas chambers affected me the most because as a person who has lost great-great-grandparents and other family members due to concentration camps, it is hard to virtually experience the thing that potentially murdered them."
~Lily Tejada
Photo Credit: Mrs. Goostree
Dye-ing to Create Chemical Reactions
Dye-ing to Create Chemical Reactions
Mr. Miller's Chemistry students are busy creating exciting fashion through their tie dye labs. We can't wait to see the results next week!
Everything is clearly under control here.
Color placement is key for the best designs.
CALLING ALL NCHS STUDENTS and STAFF!
Join in and wear your tie dye clothes and accessories on Tuesday, May 13 for Tie Dye Tuesday!
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
Art Students Featured in Kaskaskia College High School Art Show
Art Students Featured in Kaskaskia College High School Art Show
Artwork from NCHS students will be on display at the Dee and Sue Boswell Art Gallery on the Kaskaskia College campus, beginning Friday, April 25. Congratulations, NCHS Students!
Kaitlynn Whaley, Kaylee Hodge, and Angel Rojek
Sailor Gutzler-Dlubala and Andrew Jablonski
Photo Credit: Mrs. Schultz
NCHS Students Compete in Computer Programing Contest
NCHS Students Compete in Computer Programing Contest
On Saturday, April 5, several of Mr. Welte's students competed in the 1st Annual Salem Community High School Computer Programming Contest. The contest was a three-hour coding marathon in which the students were given seven problems to solve. Five students divided into two teams. Team 1 consisted of Lucas Bielong, Calvin Endres, and Lexi Welte, who placed Second overall. Team 2 consisted of Peirson Krewinghaus and Tyler Sundberg, who placed Fourth overall.
Congratulations, Computer Programmers!
Tyler Sundberg, Pierson Krewinghaus, Lexi Welte, Calvin Endres, and Lucas Bielong
Photo Credit: Mr. Welte
NCHS Science Club Needs You!
NCHS Science Club Needs You!
Come one, come all to the Outdoor Classroom Cleanup and Tree Planting Day on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Cleanup
9:00 am - Noon
Tree Planting
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
You do not have to be a member of the Science Club to help. All are welcome to help conserve a vital environmental learning feature of our campus!
🌳🌳🌳
Civics Students Attend Spring Youth Advisory Council
Civics Students Attend Spring Youth Advisory Council
Mrs. Patton's Civics students recently visited the State Capitol in Springfield to participate in the Spring Youth Advisory Council. Calvin Endres shared, "I thought that the Youth Advisory Council was a very interesting experience. We learned a lot about the law making process and got to see it happen in action. The coolest part though was sitting in the actual Senate room where they make the laws/pass them." Nori Stockon agreed, and added, "It helped open my mind about what exactly goes on during the processes of bills. I encourage anyone and everyone that has a want for a job in political science to take this chance of seeing our Capitol. I had a really great time and everyone there is so nice." Fellow Council member Chloe Maschhoff said she "had never been to the Capitol building before so it was extremely interesting to see how it worked and what it looked like, especially after all of the remodeling. I enjoyed being able to talk to kids from the surrounding area about their views and also just general conversation. It was also nice to speak with our Senator Jason Plummer, but we also received a visit from Charlie Meier which was very interesting. Since I am majoring in Public Policy and Leadership it was a very eye opening experience and one that I will remember for years to come."
Nori Stockon, Chloe Maschhoff, Calvin Endres, and Griffin Bochantin with Senator Jason Plummer.
Photo Credit: The office of Senator Plummer
Scientific Rulebreakers!
Scientific Rulebreakers!
After Chem 1 students wrapped up studying states of matter and phase diagrams, they headed to lab to check it out in action. Oobleck breaks all the rules as a non-Newtonian fluid with its unique IMFs. It can behave as both a liquid and solid depending on how much force is exerted on it.
Is it a liquid? Is it a solid? That all depends on you. Click the video to the right to learn how to do your own experiment from the Bearded Science Guy*
*not as cool as Mr. Miller
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller // Video Credit: YouTube
Navigating the Ides of March
Navigating the Ides of March
English II students in Mrs. Spenner's class had fun acting out the first scene of Julius Caesar. They did a Tableaux activity, which is where actors freeze in place to show the happenings of the scene.
Rai Waldman as the Soothsayer.
Sam Blumhorst and Kassidy Linkey as Flavius and Murellus.
Sam Blumhorst, Kassidy Linkey, Chloe Kurwicki, Jayla Ledford, Camdyn Buescher, Alton Fox, Karissa Bolam, Jenna Kujawa, Kenlee Schoenberg.
Owen Diedrich, Palmer Renken, Siena Popejoy, Khloe Robinett, Jeremiah Knoop, Cade Leonard, Jacob Kula, Karlie Stein, Kody Farley.
Julius Ceasar, March 15, 44 BC
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner // Image Credit: Tenor
Math is Sweetest on Pi Day
Math is Sweetest on Pi Day
Mr. Markotay's Calculus students were treated to pie and muffins by Lexi Welte in celebration of Pi Day on March 14.
Mr. Markotay, Evan, Scarlet, Lexi, and Carly
Photo Credit: Mr. Markotay // Image Credit: Google Images
Pi Day Humor
Q: Why was the Math book sad on Pi Day?
A: It had too many problems.
Molecules Come to Life
Molecules Come to Life
Mr. Miller's Chem I class brought their paper and pencil lab to life with their study of molecular chemistry. Molecules in 3D > molecules in 2D.
Addison and Rachael give four thumbs up to this lab.
Teamwork makes the dream work for Isaac and Avery.
Chase patiently waits for Matthew to calculate the next molecular combo.
Ian, Lucas, Tierstyn, and Maliah consider the complexity of molecules.
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
Communication is a Bridge to Success
Communication is a Bridge to Success
Workplace Communication students worked in teams to build bridges as a way to practice the skills of planning ahead and working with others. The bridge needed to be tall enough to fit a can (of food) under it and strong enough to hold the can. As you can see, success looked differnt for everyone.
Raelynn, Anna, and Jaymie use the short tabletop method.
Jaylon and Oliver's tall tabletop was a success, too.
Eathan and Dylan and their "oval" bridge.
Bryce, Ty, Declan, and AJ are still in the planning stage.
Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner
"You can have brilliant ideas, but if you can't get them across, your ideas won't get you anywhere." - Lee Iacocca
World Cultures Savors the Tastes of Southeast Asia
World Cultures Savors the Tastes of Southeast Asia
Mrs. O'Rear's World Culture students celebrated the end of a unit with a cooking day of the Southeast Asian dishes popular among the culture they studied.
Gwen Niedbalski and Kelcey Hunter have their Pandan Pancake batter ready.
Jenifer Santiago-Herrera, Megan Bishop, Emillia Canada, and Nadia Morales made Faluda Ice Cream. It looks delicious!
Cody Warford and Kevin Campenella keep their pan-seared Japanese Potstickers under wraps.
High fives for Edward Hagene and Brian Moore's Lumpia!
Alondra Beltran and Makayla Gajewski are ready to cook up some Martabak Manis
Photo Credit: Mrs. O'Rear // Image Credit: Google Images
Psychology and P.E. Practice Mindfulness
Psychology and P.E. Practice Mindfulness
Mrs. Luessenheide's Psychology classes and Coach Taylor’s PE classes recently practiced a yoga session led by Mrs. Seaton. She shared the effects of yoga on the brain and how it can help people deal with stress. She then led the class through a couple of yoga poses and ended with a savasana (final relaxing ending pose).
Just breathe.
Students learn about the power of yoga. Mrs. Seaton helps students master the savasana pose (below)
Photo Credit: Mrs. Luessenheide
"Clash of Da Chemist"
Mr. Miller's Chemistry I students recently participated in the "Clash of Da Chemist" Titration Lab.
Mr. Miller explained that "the lab groups made different Molarities of HCl and then swapped unknowns."
He continued, "They then figured out the equivalence point by titrating their choice of NaOH concentrations."
"In doing all of this the students were able to determine what unknown concentration was given to them," shares Mr. Miller.
Photo Credit: Mr. Miller
Proper Body Mechanics
On Thursday, 2/20/25, Casey Bochantin, a Physical Therapy Assistant was a guest speaker for the CNA class. She demonstrated proper body mechanics for the students. Proper body mechanics is important for any healthcare worker. "When helping patients move, you don't want to injure the patient or yourself," Mrs. Harriss shared. She continued, "I believe it is important in my classes that students see different aspects of healthcare. It's good to know how departments in healthcare are related; but I like students to see other possible career areas other than nursing." Physical Therapy Assistants work with patients to help improve their movement and function. They may work with people after sports injuries, after having a stroke, or even young children who may have difficulty walking due to medical reasons. The starting local pay for a PTA is around $23/hr. Students can obtain an associate's degree through Kaskaskia College to become a PTA. Mrs. Harriss encouraged: "for those of you looking at a career in healthcare, it is in high demand. Washington County Hospital is currently offering up to $3,000 for a sign-on bonus for Certified Nursing Assistants. If you're interested in healthcare, talk to one of our CNA students or me."
Casey demonstrates proper body movement with patient Griffin.
Griffin adjusts patient Payton with Casey looking on (above and below).
Photo Credit: Mrs. Harriss
Need a Lift?
Need a Lift?
How do nurses move patients from place to place? CNA students continue their journey of learning about the many ways to properly transfer patients. Here, Austi and Avery successfully lift Griffin using a mechanical sling lift.
Photo credit: Mrs. Harriss // Image credit: Google Images
A & P Students Jump Into the Cardiovascular System
A & P Students Jump Into the Cardiovascular System
Mr. O'Rear's A & P students had the chance to apply their knowledge recently in a vein and artery lab. Students have been learning about how each part of the cardiovascular system connects. Sophomore Lila Kozuszek shared, "This activity helped me realize how many veins are in the body and connected through the body." This lab should come in helpful on February 19th when A & P students have the opportunity to watch a live open heart surgery.
Mr. O'Rear reinforces the connections to Rachael, who represents the left lung, and Siena, who represents the right lung. Kenlee is the inferior vena cava, or the body's largest vein that carries oxygen depleted blood back to your heart from the lower part of your body. Alana watched intently, since she is the heart of the lab.
Lily is the superior vena cava, which is the very large veins that bring deoxygenated blood from your extremities back to your heart to get oxygen.
Audrey's job was being the runner. She connected the veins and arteries to the organs, then to the inferior vena cava, then to the superior vena cava, and then out to the organs.
Photo and information credit: Lila Kozuszek
NCHS Represents at Accounting Challenge at SIUC
NCHS Represents at Accounting Challenge at SIUC
On Friday, January 31, 50 NCHS students attended the 27th Annual Accounting Challenge, sponsored by Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Even though we had no overall winner, students experienced a fun and successful event.
Ty Shoenherr, Griffin Briles, and Brynner Inman work to create the best "head sturdy" hat. The goal was to be the tallest.
Meadow Simmons, Evie Reams, Avery Piasecki, and Peyton Maschhoff are ready to meet the challenge.
Samuel Kollbaum might come up a little short on hat height (above), but in the (unofficial) helpfulness category, he helped Grady Kirchner reach great heights.
accountingII_1.MOVWatch the team of Jessi Malone, Aidan Morgan, Samuel Kollbaum, and Grady Kirchner get ready for judging. With an assist from Hudson Jones and Parker Shoenberg.
accouting1_team.MOVSummer Brinkmann and Samantha Brinkmann are on task building their team's hat, while Audrey Matecki keeps Kenlee Schoenberg from focusing on the work her brother's team is doing to try to beat them.
Summer Brinkmann pauses from her hard work on the written accounting tests.
These accounting tests have Peyton Goforth's (above) and Karlie Stein's (below) full attention.
Jenna Kujawa and Sienna Popejoy had the best build from NCHS.
Congratulations to Parker Shoenberg for his outstanding test score for Accounting II. He was awarded an individual scholarship to SIUC.
Audrey Matecki and Hayden Klingemann were the lucky winners of 'luck of the draw' prizes for the day.
Photo and Video Credit: Mrs. Heggemeier
CNA Students Learn Important Patient Care Skills
CNA Students Learn Important Patient Care Skills
CNA classes are in full swing for the semester, and students are learning how to protect themselves and keep their patients comfortable.
Griffin Bochantin gets into character to help Avery Reeder apply her patient communication skills. Below, Nori Stockon gives two thumbs up to her role as a patient.
The CNA students spent time in the lab practicing new skills, such as how to properly dress in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Above is Avery Reeder, Adi Wilson, Austi Gale, Payton Basden, Abby Brennfleck, Claire Greten, Nori Stockon, Dakota Boudah and Landon Urbanski.
Dakota Boudah and Landon Urbanski practice how to change sheets while a patient is in bed.
Photo credit: Mrs. Harriss
NEW Athletic PE Uniforms
Just kidding!!
Athletic PE with Coach Fark does not have new uniforms. The sixth hour class just decided for the day to represent a local company, NOTS Logistics, by wearing logo t-shirts from the company.
From what we hear...they'll do anything to take their minds off the intense SQUAT workouts, including everybody's FAVORITE deadlifts and RDLs, specially designed by Coach Fark.
Rumor on the street is that many of them couldn't walk down the stairs after day one of the workout. One senior from fourth hour who wishes to remain anonymous told the Blue Banner that he had to walk down the stairs backwards the next morning.
Photo Credit: Samuel Kollbaum
Art Student Has Work Selected for Cedarhurst Art Competition
Art Student Has Work Selected for Cedarhurst Art Competition
The Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon is pleased to announce that artwork created by Jess Roesener was accepted into the Cedarhurst High School Art Competition. Her entry is a portrait painted from a photo of her dad.
This is a judged art exhibition. Judges accepted 129 artworks from surrounding high schools; they typically receive around 500-600. Jess will have her artwork displayed from January 26th - March 16th at the Mitchell Museum in Mt. Vernon. This display is free and open to the public. Stop by to view her work and that of artists in the area.
Awards will be announced January 25th. Good luck, Jess!
Photo credit: Mrs. Schultz // Image Credit: Google Images
Page updated
Report abuse