Classroom Buzz

Workplace Communication Learns About Trades

On September 24, Workplace Communication students attended the Southern Illinois Builders Association trade show in DuQuoin. Students were able to get hands-on experience from the experts in trades.

Patrick Kozuszek, Gavin Geppert, Brenden England, Parker Ebert, Lane Davies, Jackson Harre, Briar Newcomb, Sean Abernathy, Andy Goforth, Camden Lisk, Kelton Roethemeyer, Alex Feltman, Peyton McConnell, Gunnar Lanham, Jorie Loeb, and Jackson Maurer

Andy Goforth, Parker Ebert, Jorie Loeb, and Briar Newcomb learned about bricklaying.

Gunnar Lanham was in his element with welding.

Andy Goforth, Jackson Harre, and Jorie Loeb learn about pipefitting.

Alex Feltmann (above) and Gavin Geppert (below) attempt their climb in the Ironworker session.

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Even Mrs. Spenner tried out the climbing challenge in the Ironworker session!

Photo and Video Credit: Mrs. Spenner

Physical Science Students Hatch the Best Plans

Physical Science students have been busy engineering the safest craft for dropping eggs from a height. The goal was to drop an egg off the back of the football bleachers and have it survive all while making as light a craft as possible.

1st Place went to the GiButtersnaps, Sydnie and Anna

2nd Place went to the Wild Tornados, Mayleigh and Sophia

3rd Place went to Cows - Janae, Michael, and Aayden

Based on the data, engineering a craft for a safe landing for the eggs was a challenge. It was no yolking matter.

Photo Credit: Mr. Miller

It's The BEST Time To Learn AI

On Thursday, 10/2/25, educators Mrs. Spenner and Mrs. Robinson led a training on the best practices for integrating and for eliminating AI in the NCHS classrooms.

Mrs. Spenner presents to the faculty.

IMPORTANT TAKEAWAY: Chat bots are NOT human.

Mrs. Robinson answers questions from Mrs. Griffin, Mrs. Bergmann, and Mrs. Luessenheide.

Coach Alli asks a question during the session.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Heggemeier

Author Talk

For the second year in a row, Mrs. Kollbaum's English IV Honors students have met virtually with author Liza Wiemer to discuss antisemitism, appropriate and effective Holocaust education, and approaches to writing. The students read the book as part of their summer reading.

The Assignment has received over twelve awards and honors and is slated to be made into a feature film in the near future. For more information about author Liza Wiemer and her other books, check out her website lizawiemer.com.

Image Credit: Google Images // Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum

World Cultures Cooks Up Delicious Cuisine from Africa

Mrs. O'Rear's World Cultures class ended their unit on Africa with a fun and delicious cooking adventure.

Owen Povolish, Brewer Jankowski and Dakota Overton making Nigerian Chin Chin.

Kailee Smith, Makayla Borgmann and Anna Lennon making African Pancakes.

Hayden Chwascinski, Noah Banks, Michael Steward, and Cole Stiegman making Cornmeal Foufou.

Madelyn Zelasko, Violet Lehr, and Teagan Reinburg making Banana Fritters.

Photo Credit: Mrs. O'Rear

Let the Experiments Begin!

Planetary Scientist Carl Sagan once said, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." NCHS students are working to make the unknown knowable in our science labs. Here are a few early results.

Silas Lane was the 2025 Balloon Car Champion and the lone member of the Wall Club. This honor is earned by designing a car that runs the length of the lab and hits the wall.

Jacob McBride demonstrates how to appropriately complete serial dilutions in the Microbes to Medicine Lab. This lab was sent to us from Purdue University as part of a BioChem unit to look for new potential antibiotic strains!

Photo Credit: Mr. Miller // Image Credit: Google Images

Psychology is Everywhere

Students in Mrs. Luessenheide's Psychology class have been learning about how psychology touches all aspects of life, including our physical systems.

Payton, Anessa (above) and Emma (below) relax their body and mind by blowing bubbles.

What does blowing bubbles have to do with relaxation? Andy and Sawyer experiment with that question.

Gracie reflects about the relaxation physical and mental relaxation process involved in this experiment.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Luessenheide

First Impressions

Mrs. O'Rear's and Mrs. Williamson's Consumer Education classes are learning about best interview practices. Mr. Begando took time away from the Main Office to speak with the students on 9/5/25 about the interviewing process. He provided real-life examples and offered the students tips on how to interview successfully.

Do you know the number 1 interview question?

Photo Credit: Mrs. O'Rear and Mrs. Kollbaum

Nurse Harriss is the BEST teacher.

NCHS recognizes that we are all a piece of the puzzle that keeps everyone safe so faculty and staff gathered for a health and safety training during BEST on Thursday, 9/4/25. Mrs. Harriss demonstrated and monitored practice of life-saving procedures, including CPR and measures to alleviate allergic reactions and drug overdoses.

Mrs. Spenner

Mrs. Carrington

Mr. Markotay and Mr. Begando

Coach Taylor and Mr. Miller

Mrs. Griffin and Mrs. Heggemeier

Photo Credit: Mrs. Kollbaum

Good Communication Skills Produces Good Teamwork

Mrs. Spenner's Workplace Communications students recently completed the Marshmallow Challenge to promote good communication skills. Students had to utilize leadership and teamwork to build the tallest free-standing structure that would hold a marshmallow on top. Only two teams had successful towers, and the winning tower was 18 inches tall and built by Patrick Kozuszek, Kelton Roethemeyer, and Jackson Mauer (pictured below).

Parker, Lane, and Gavin proudly display the 2nd tallest tower.

Sean, Gunnar, and Briar are just getting started.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Spenner

World Lit Students Dig into French Lit

In Mrs. Robinson's English IV - World Literature class, students have been studying and acting out the opening scene of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables where Jean Valjean was being forgiven for stealing from the Bishop.

Emma, Jessie, Grace, Lily, Caleb, and Anna rehearse their scene.

Baylie doesn't seem happy with Brooklyne's character's words, while Izzy and Ashlynn watch.

Ethan, Adi, Aubrey, and Brynn re-enact their scene.

Photo Credit: Mrs. Robinson

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