West Holt Public Schools

Fall 2026 Rosters

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or alone, please remember that support is just a call or text away. 💬✨

Heartland Counseling Services provides a FREE 24/7 Crisis Line for anyone in need of a listening ear or immediate help.

📲 Call 24/7: (402) 336-9928 or (877) 488-9928

💬 Text (Daytime Hours): (402) 336-9928 or (877) 488-9928

🔗 Visit heartlandcounselingservices.org for more resources.

Whatever you're facing today, you don't have to go through it by yourself. Reach out whenever you're ready.

(For immediate life-threatening emergencies, please dial 911.)

Congratulations Daleni on being named 2026 Super State by the NCA!

School-Based Mental Health Support Available for West Holt Students

We want our students to know that they don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone! 💙

School-based mental health therapy provides K–12 students with a safe, supportive, and confidential space to work through challenges that may be affecting their emotional well-being, relationships, attendance, or academic success.

A therapist can help students develop skills to manage stress, anxiety, depression, friendship struggles, grief, family changes, and other difficult life experiences.

When should you reach out? Watch for changes in grades, motivation, attendance, or behavior; increased anxiety, irritability, or sadness; social withdrawal; frequent physical complaints; or difficulty coping with life changes. If you or a friend is struggling, it’s okay to ask for help!

How does it work?
• Therapy sessions take place at school during the school day or after school.
• Students must be referred by a school team member, with parent/guardian consent.
• Required paperwork must be completed annually.
• There is no cost to families when all required information and documentation are provided.
• Parent/guardian involvement is strongly encouraged, and participation depends on therapist availability.
Students and families who would like more information are encouraged to contact the school counselors, Brittany Kunz (K-6), Teresa Ruppert (7-12) or Heartland Counseling Services.

📞 Atkinson/O’Neill Area: 402-336-2800

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let's continue working together to support the mental health and well-being of our students! 💙

Congratulations to Felycia Kerkman, finishing her final cross country race of her career in 61st of 127 runners at the state meet!

The first grade students enjoyed learning all about the life cycle of a pumpkin through hands on activities with Debra Walnofer and the 4-H school enrichment program.

We will have a Veterans Day Video to honor the veterans during West Holt's Veterans Day Program. If you would like your veteran included in the video, please send a digital copy to Mrs. Meyer (sanmeyer@westholt.org) or bring a photo to the West Holt Public School Office. Please include the veteran's name and branch of service.

West Holt students interested in learning about health care careers traveled to O’Neill Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Students from the area gathered at Northeast Community College’s campus in O’Neill for an up-close and hands-on experience hosted by Avera, St. Anthony’s Hospital.

The participants visited 12 different stations where they were able to simulate health care careers, hear more about possible career choices and ask questions of professionals about their respective careers. Some stations offered were: Nursing, Surgery, Physical/Occupational Therapy, Radiology, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Respiratory Therapy, Dietary and Support Services, SIM (Simulator) Truck, and Higher Education Representatives.

West Holt students who participated were:
Juniors: Brinley Kerkman, Olivia Rentschler and Leah Pistulka

Sub District VB Bracket

Any juniors or seniors planning to take an online dual credit class in the Spring 2027 semester, online registration opens up at midnight on November 2nd. Some classes fill quickly. An email was sent with directions on how to do this, however, if you need a refresher on how to register, please contact Mrs. Ruppert. If you are a junior or senior who is not enrolled at NECC, you will need to contact Mrs. Ruppert ASAP to apply for admission.

UPDATED GNAC CONFERENCE VB INFORMATION: Games at Tilden
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ATqhrWILN3fYZOw0IhbU0S49MPkiIpdf/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100566155120519755571&rtpof=true&sd=true

During Nebraska History, our 4th graders learned all about the Ogallala Aquifer and its importance to Nebraska! Students worked together to create a class model before building their very own models to help them better understand how the aquifer works. What a fun, hands-on way to bring Nebraska History to life!

That's a wrap - JHVB players got together for one last time to celebrate the season and have some sundaes. Thanks for a great season. Shout to our faithful bookkeepers - Lindsey Nemetz and Mary Ciserella, and to all of the fans!!

Updated GNAC VB Tournament
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bcc_H5y1jVYuGnbkgxQpGX36_lH5hQaLwo44Gcpj6QI/edit?usp=sharing

Cross Country State T-Shirt orders are due by 11:59pm on Sunday, October 18.
The back will have our state qualifier.
https://whstatecrosscountry26.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Red Ribbon Week is the week of October 26th for the elementary! The student council has been hard at work planning! Check out the dress up days they chose!
*Poster by Brooklyn Welsh and Sam Vogel