Schools & Education

McCOOK, Neb. – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education held its regular July meeting Monday night, covering policy updates required by recent state legislation, approving staff hires, and hearing positive feedback from students about a recent educational trip. Public Comments Highlight Teacher Certification Concerns and Student Experiences Teacher Certification Debate: Longtime educator Sharon Bohling spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about hiring non-cert

McCook, Neb.– The McCook School Board is moving forward with a second attempt to pass a bond issue, aiming to secure up to $42 million for significant renovations and new construction at the junior high and high school. This unanimous decision was made at Monday night’s board meeting, setting the stage for a special election on August 12, 2025. This comes after a similar $43.5 million bond was turned down by voters in November 2024. Superintendent Grant Norgaard emphasized th

McCook Neb.abStarting in the 2026-27 school year, a new Nebraska law, LB 390, will require all school districts to publish online catalogs of their library books by building and provide parents with notifications. Sponsored by Senator Murman, the law aims to increase parental involvement by making students' reading materials transparent. While proponents believe it empowers parents, opponents like Senator Hunt worry about student privacy and potential harm to vulnerable youth

The works of two MCC Graphic Design and Visual Communication students will be on display at the Wrightstone Gallery on campus through Friday. This will be the first exhibit staged by the students of first-year MPCC instructor Kelsey Reiman.   This exhibition will showcase the portfolio work of MCC sophomores Ayana Goodwin and Kaileigh Barger. Their works include print design such as illustrations, books, brochures, and poster designs.   MCC’s Wrightstone Fine Arts Gallery is

McCook Natalie Harmata experienced a comforting clarity while in a hospital bed in McCook – far from the Sydney, Australia skyscrapers that surrounded her most of her life. That clarity and her journey will lead her to the podium as this year’s student commencement speaker at McCook Community College.   Commencement ceremonies will be May 9 at 10 a.m.at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center. Also the college will recognize McCook College alum and long-time MCC supporter

McCook, NE – The first year of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at McCook High School is concluding, marking a year of significant growth and opportunity for its students. In a recent email to parents and guardians, JAG Career Specialist Meghan Giorgione celebrated the program's impactful inaugural year. Giorgione expressed immense pride in the students' achievements, noting that the JAG group had developed into a supportive "family" through hard work and teamwo

McCOOK Neb. - An opening reception for two McCook Community College fine art students is set for Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Wrightstone Fine Art Gallery on the McCook Community College campus. This reception kicks off the Thesis Capstone Exhibition for sophomores Jett Gillen and Robi Winder.   The exhibit runs through May 2 in the Wrightstone Gallery, which is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondaythrough Friday.   Gillen, a McCook native, said his works represent the importance tha

McCOOK Neb.- Cambridge High School artist JoLie Farr received the Best of Show award Friday at the 50th anniversary of the McCook Community College Paint-In and Art Show Competition. In addition, four winners in each of seven categories were announced. This year there were 338 entries from 19 area high schools that competed in the event.   Friday was also the annual paint-in competition with 30 teams from 20 area high schools gathering at MCC’s Peter and Dolores Graff Events

Friday, January 24, 2025 A total of 116 students qualified for the President’s List during the 2024 fall semester at Mid-Plains Community College. To make the list, each student had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours in college-level courses and maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.9 or greater on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were: Nebraska Arnold – Josiah Coleman, Rhyan Jacobsen Atkinson – EmiLee Walnofer Broken Bow – Paige Gibbens Brule – AJ Orth, Isaac Orth

News Release From MPCC

McCook, NE – The McCook Public Schools Board of Education convened this evening, hearing reports on a recent external evaluation, upcoming ELA material purchases, and a planned trip to Washington D.C. External Evaluation Highlights District Strengths and Recommendations Superintendent Grant Norgaard presented findings from an external evaluation conducted last month. A team of administrators and educators from neighboring districts assessed the school's progress toward its fi

News Release from MPCC

Friday, January 24, 2025 A total of 154 students qualified for the Mid-Plains Community College Dean’s List during the 2024 fall semester. To make the list, students had to complete 12 or more applicable credit hours of college-level courses and maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 – 3.89 on a 4.0 scale. The qualifiers were: Nebraska Alliance – Caeson Clarke, Taytom Timbers Anselmo – Steven Burnett Arcadia – Kristi Casper Arnold – Samuel Peterson Brady – Edmon

McCook Neb. – The McCook Board of Education began its meeting with the swearing-in of newly elected members. Incumbent and former Board President Brad Hays, along with newcomers Amanda Buhr and Jesse Juenemann, took the oath of office administered by Grant Norgaard. The Board then held officer elections, selecting Brad Hays as President, Scott Barger as Vice President, and Mike Langan as Secretary. Jeff Gross was reappointed as Treasurer and Recording Secretary. Norgaard clar