Hononegah students and staff recognized for helping with Special Olympics and ACT testing

Shining a light on students and staff from Hononegah Community High School who teamed up to help others was at the heart of the Jan. 21 Board of Education meeting, where these giving individuals received a well-deserved special recognition.

Both groups worked to ensure that others achieved great success in accomplishing the goals set.

HCHS Principal Chad Daugherty opened by recognizing Comprehensive Plan Student Representatives – seniors Jack Allen, Teagan Alstadt, Maximus Benson, Jack Bleers, Abigail Chapetta, Lillian Chapetta, Peter Demay, and juniors Olivia Clark, Brooklyn Dalke, Natalie Fry, Charlotte Krieger, Kennedy Kovarik, Kaylyn Kimes, Emma Murath, and Grace Schwuchow.

These students displayed great kindness to the HCHS Special Olympics team in different ways.

“Thank you to this group of kind, caring, compassionate, and fun-loving young people for going above and beyond to support students on our Special Olympics Team during practices as the team prepares for competitions,” Dougherty said.

He added, “Some of these students are also Student Assistants to Applied Level Teachers in classrooms, offering academic support and encouragement to their peers in a unique and highly differentiated classroom environment.”

Next up for recognition was a group of staff members who teamed up to enhance education for all students.

Kelley Beard, Jean Chambers, Brad Christoff, Kathy Eckmann, Liz Eiss, Lassen Fleege, Christian Frieden, Max Lee, Janey Marinaro, Josh Martin, Maggie Moore, Christine Reagan, Matt Simpson, Jeffery Smith, and Jeremiah Zachwieja worked together to ensure the best, smoothest way to make a positive mark on ACT testing days.

Dougherty said, “The dedicated staff who volunteered to present information regarding the enhanced ACT to their peers during the January Institute day gave up time over break to plan and prepare for the day. Presenting to your colleagues can be a challenge, but they did not shy away. They embraced the task and received wonderful reviews for their effort, and they deserve this special recognition before the board today.”

The final presentation of the evening came from Special Education teachers Chuck Kanizsai and Mandy Frautschy, who spoke about developments in the Special Education Department.

This caring department provides specialized education and related services to students with disabilities, including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, and school social work, through Individualized Education Programs for each student.
The district ensures access to education and related services to support students in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act.

Helping students learn in the most effective way in class might include Chromebooks and assistive technology, including but not limited to voice recognition software, screen readers, and touchscreen devices.

Also available are communication and access tools, such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or mobility devices, all in accordance with Section 504 procedures. Instructive technology involves tools in remote or in-person settings with a focus on differentiated, manageable, and relevant assignments.

As part of the RAMP leadership program, students have the opportunity to participate in Fast Track Transition Services. This opens a transition into post-secondary employment, college, or independent living skills to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by individuals with disabilities.

The Hononegah Leo Club focuses on inclusion activities for young adults with disabilities.

Together all who team up at HCHS truly make a difference for others!