What's New at NCHS?
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Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1, 2026!
Monday, April 27 - Friday, May 1, 2026!
Flyers created by Khloe Robinett, '27
The 1920s Are Calling? Are You Ready?
The 1920s Are Calling? Are You Ready?
Prom will be here before you know it. Juniors and Seniors, and their guests, are invited to join in for a 'Roaring' good time in the 1920s with the Gilded Gala.
The fun won't stop at 11:00 p.m. Join your friends at Post Prom in the NCHS Assembly Hall. Juniors and Seniors, be sure to turn in your Post Prom forms to the Main Office ASAP.
Hey Juniors! We can't create a Gilded Gala without you. Help decorate at the American Legion beginning on Sunday, April 26 at 1:00 p.m. Your help is also needed every day after school that week until decorating is done.
Image created by Khloe Robinett, Class of '26
NCHS Students Win IPA Outstanding Student and School Citizen Award
NCHS Students Win IPA Outstanding Student and School Citizen Award
Congratulations to Parker Ebert and Grace Stein for their recognition as Outstanding Student and School Citizen Award. Every year the Illinois Principal Association (IPA) honors top students across Illinois regions based on their outstanding academics, citizenship, integrity, and character. Nominated by teachers and administrators, these students are recognized among their peers for their leadership and positive impact in the school community.
Pictured from Left to Right: Parker Ebert, Grace Stein, and Principal Mark Begando.
Photo Credit: Parker Ebert
Welcome, Ms. Kozuszek
Welcome, Ms. Kozuszek
The newest addition to our NCHS staff/facility is our official FFA chapter assistant and paraprofessional, Ms. Kozuszek. She was very enthusiastic to share that she had lived in Nashville her whole life before moving to attend Oklahoma State University. After graduating with a communications major, a certificate in Agricultural leadership, and her teaching certificate, she continued to live in Oklahoma for a total of 10 years. During her time in Oklahoma, she worked with elementary school students, as well as being a substitute teacher for ages kindergarten through 6th grade. She has come back to Nashville as someone who grew up here and is wanting to give back to the community that has always been a part of her.
When getting to know Ms. Kozuszek, she also enjoyed talking about her many interests outside of school. She mentioned some of her favorite hobbies being reading, photography, and biking. She also spoke about her love for the outdoors and is a part of the horticulture team. With this, she spoke about biking in Iowa and having the opportunity to meet new people on a bike ride where they rode up to 100 miles in a day. She also has love for music and dancing as well as an interest in fashion.
Ms. Kozuszek shares that she is most of all excited about being back in Nashville. She admitted, "I was honestly not sure what to expect but I am so happy with all the staff and the opportunities here." When comparing the differences between teaching elementary and high school, she said that with the younger students you need to be more hands on while with the older students, it is more of observing and communicating. Overall, she expressed her gratitude for the support of the staff and is an excellent addition to NCHS.
By Olivia Ingram, '28
Welcome Ms. Miller!
Welcome Ms. Miller!
The newest special education paraprofessional at Nashville Community High School is Ms. Heather Miller. Ms. Miller says that special education didn’t exactly feel like a choice, but more felt like a calling. She first began working at the school her own children attend, thinking she just wanted something to do during the day. With no prior experience in a school setting, she was placed with three kindergarten students in special education and quickly saw how much they could grow in just one year. Watching their progress unfold in front of her inspired her to continue in the field, and four years later, she has brought that same passion to NCHS.
After a few months at the high school, she says this setting has become her favorite and that she has felt welcomed and supported in her new role. She believes all students deserve dignity, high expectations, and someone who truly believes in their potential. She states “I get to meet students exactly where they are and help them build the skills and confidence they need.” She explains that being the person to help the students so much is incredibly rewarding. One of her favorite memories so far was attending the Chance to Dance event in October with her students, where she watched students with disabilities connect with peers, dance, and build friendships in a fun and welcoming environment. Outside of school, she stays busy supporting her children and grandchildren, and when she finds time to relax, she enjoys reading psychological thrillers or spending time outdoors.
By Khloe Robinett, '27
Welcome Ms. Rodely
Welcome Ms. Rodely
Ms. Gina Rodely was born and raised in Pinckneyville, where she still lives with her husband and son. She graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School. Her desire is to do something meaningful with her career, and she can't think of anything more important than helping with our future generations! She said working at NCHS has been amazing. Being a small town girl, she loves how kind, helpful, and welcoming everyone has been! She shared, “It is so nice to walk in each morning and be met, by staff and students, with a friendly smile and a good morning.”
When not working, Ms. Rodely enjoys spending time with her family and 2 dogs. During spring and summer she loves being outside, planting flowers, and watching them grow. When speaking about what motivates her, continue pushing forward and always strive to be your best. Be proud of who you are and where you came from!
By Austynn Gale, '26
Celebrate Birthdays With The Kindness Club
Celebrate Birthdays With The Kindness Club
Help the Kindness Club create birthday cake and cupcake bags for the Food Pantry in Nashville.
Items to Collect:
Cake Mix
Icing
Sprinkles
Cupcake liners
Birthday candles
Birthday gift bags
Disposable cake pans
Share your donations with Mrs. Heggemeier by March 6, 2026!
Image credit: Google Images
Snow Much Fun on E-Learning Days
Snow Much Fun on E-Learning Days
On January 26 and 27, NCHS utilized e-Learning days. E-Learning days allowed for some flexibility to both learn and still have fun in the snow.
Carson Seaton, Nolan Bauza, and Carter Seaton visited Mr. Miller's home to deliver their Chemistry homework. Brock Schuessler was there for support.
After making the rounds to deliver homework, Carson, Carter, Brock, and Nolan picked up Arnold Suarez and made sure to 'eat fresh,' thanks to Sandwich Artist Edward Hagene.
Teachers enjoyed a little extra time with their families. Mr. Miller and his daughters had fun in the snow.
Reagan Robinson took Evie Reams on a fun side by side adventure.
Grace Stein and Autumn Taylor brave the cold.
Sledding adventures with Karlie Stein and Autumn Taylor.
The big question is, how much snow did we get? In looking at his pool, Lucas Schultz did a little math factoring in how much water was in the pool under the tarp and came up with an estimate of 9.8 inches.
Stephen Vahlkamp found the snow to be a bit too deep for four wheelers.
Photo Credit: Edward Hagene, Mr. Miller, Reagan Robinson, Lucas Schultz, Grace Stein, Stephen Vahlkamp
Posi-Teen Week 2026
Posi-Teen Week 2026
"Every Sunrise Begins in the Dark"
"Every Sunrise Begins in the Dark"
Mark your calendars to participate in the following fun activities during the week of February 2 - February 6, 2026.
Monday, February 2: Trivia Night
Location: Cafeteria
Time: Set-up: 5:30 p.m., Trivia: 6:00 p.m.
Teams of up to 6 people are welcome. You can win prizes for your trivia knowledge, best table decorations, and best costumes.
Lifesavers will provide drinks and some snacks.
Wednesday, February 7: Volleyball
Location: Assembly Hall
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Teams will be created prior to the event.
Prizes will be awarded for the winning team attendance.
Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Thursday, February 5: Yoga!
Location: Assembly Hall
Time: 8:10 - 8:50 a.m.
Start the day with a stretch yoga for a positive day!
Image Credit: Google Images
Posi-Teen Week 2026 Dress-Up Days
Posi-Teen Week 2026 Dress-Up Days
Check your closets and coordinate those outfits for a Spirit Week with POSITIVE VIBES only.
Monday, February 2nd: "Dream of a day with only Kindness"
Wear your PJ’s!
Tuesday, February 3rd: "Ryhme without Reason with Positive Vibes"
Dress up in a costume / outfit that appears totally random, but make it rhyme with someone else.
Wednesday, February 4th: “Meme at NCHS for the day”
Dress like your favorite meme.
Thursday, February 5th: "Teen Beach -- Bikers vs Surfers”
Are you a street biker or do you want to live on a beach and surf?
Friday, February 6th: "Team Up and Be Kind"
Support your favorite college team or school of interest!
Image credit with the robots at ChatGPT.
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