Arapahoe-Holbrook Public School

Mascot: Warriors

Enrollment: 325 PK-12 students

Locations: Arapahoe, NE

Interesting Fact: Arapahoe-Holbrook has a unique story in the history of Nebraska schools using technology for academic growth. In the early 1980s Arapahoe Public School was one of the testing sites for the “Oregon Trail” educational video game that was widespread in US schools for the better part of two decades. The district was asked to test a “beta” version of the product. Students and staff gave feedback to the company that was used to improve the presentation and function of the game. Additionally, Arapahoe-Holbrook was one of the first schools west of Omaha to adopt a 1:1 laptop initiative for staff and students. In 2005, Apple, Inc worked with AHPS and two other small districts in south central Nebraska to provide each high school student with an iBook to use for educational purposes.

Superintendent: Robert Drews

Principals: Rudy Perez – 7-12 Principal / Ben Ellis – PK-6 Principal

Board of Education: Seated L-R: Rod Whipple, Dan Warner, Leigh Zodrow Standing L-R: Erick Lee, Nancy Schutz, Chad Carpenter

Programs

Program 1: FCCLA

Arapahoe FCCLA has been a shining light in the Arapahoe-Holbrook Public School system and the Arapahoe community. Over the last few years, FCCLA Adviser, Kaitlin Spaulding, and the FCCLA Members have grown their Chapter by encouraging families and family time; engaging in their community; and promoting student leadership. One of the most successful programs implemented is Toys for Kindness. The program started with a goal of collecting donated gifts to provide presents to as many elementary students as possible. FCCLA Members collect the gifts, make purchases with the donations, then wrap, tag, and assign them accordingly. For the 2022 Christmas season, the community, families and businesses donated enough for EVERY Preschool through 6th grade student at AHPS to receive a gift! The Arapahoe FCCLA Chapter is thankful and grateful to live in such a great community that not only supports our students but our programs!

Program 2: Wildfire Response April 2022

During the month of April 2022, Furnas, Gosper, Frontier and Red Willow experienced wildfires that quickly grew beyond the control of local firefighters. The Road 739 Fire on April 7, and the Road 702 Fire on April 22 both moved quickly across the dry countryside, putting the communities of Arapahoe, Cambridge and the surrounding inhabitants in the path of danger. Emergency Management personnel made decisions on two occasions to evacuate areas, including the communities of Cambridge and Wilsonville, to secure public safety. A key part of this plan for both events was the use of Arapahoe-Holbrook Public School as a shelter for those displaced, and a relief site for those fighting the fire. Students, staff, administration and board members cooperated with local emergency crews as well as numerous community members and business owners to set up shelter spaces with beds and supplies. They also provided meals and a respite area for those fighting the fires. It was a great example how the school is a key element of the “community spirit” that so many small towns in Nebraska display.