Congratulations to Anne Noviki, 5th grade math teacher at Columbus Middle School on being named the 2026 Educator of the Year!
Announced during the CPS Employee Celebration, this honor recognizes Anne’s outstanding dedication to students, passion for education, and commitment to excellence at Columbus Public Schools.
Through her leadership, encouragement, and daily impact inside and outside of the classroom, Anne continues to inspire students to grow, achieve, and discover their potential. Her commitment to making a difference reflects the heart of what it means to be a Discoverer.
One nominator said, "Anne represents the gold standard of dedication, blending high academic expectations with an unmatched level of personal support for her students. In her classroom, mastery isn't just a goal — it's a guarantee. She has made it her personal mission that no student leaves fifth grade without a deep, functional understanding of fractions. Recognizing that this knowledge is a critical foundation for higher-level math, she refuses to let any child fall through the cracks."
Her work day doesn't end with the final bell. Every day you will find her after school providing one-on-one intervention for students who need more time. She then makes herself available online every evening to ensure her students have a lifeline as they work through their homework at home.
"As a Professional Learning Community leader, Anne balances the demands of leadership with her own continued growth. She approaches every training session as an opportunity to sharpen her craft, constantly seeking new strategies to better serve her classroom. This year, she has worked diligently on the fifth grade math pilot, putting in tremendous extra effort to ensure her entire team can educate students to the best of their abilities. Her colleagues describe her as someone who never ceases searching for, finding, and implementing new approaches to deepen her students' understanding of mathematics."
The CPS Foundation in partnership with One Nebraska Federal Credit Union is proud to celebrate and recognize educators like Anne who help shape the future of our schools and community.
Announced during the CPS Employee Celebration, this honor recognizes Anne’s outstanding dedication to students, passion for education, and commitment to excellence at Columbus Public Schools.
Through her leadership, encouragement, and daily impact inside and outside of the classroom, Anne continues to inspire students to grow, achieve, and discover their potential. Her commitment to making a difference reflects the heart of what it means to be a Discoverer.
One nominator said, "Anne represents the gold standard of dedication, blending high academic expectations with an unmatched level of personal support for her students. In her classroom, mastery isn't just a goal — it's a guarantee. She has made it her personal mission that no student leaves fifth grade without a deep, functional understanding of fractions. Recognizing that this knowledge is a critical foundation for higher-level math, she refuses to let any child fall through the cracks."
Her work day doesn't end with the final bell. Every day you will find her after school providing one-on-one intervention for students who need more time. She then makes herself available online every evening to ensure her students have a lifeline as they work through their homework at home.
"As a Professional Learning Community leader, Anne balances the demands of leadership with her own continued growth. She approaches every training session as an opportunity to sharpen her craft, constantly seeking new strategies to better serve her classroom. This year, she has worked diligently on the fifth grade math pilot, putting in tremendous extra effort to ensure her entire team can educate students to the best of their abilities. Her colleagues describe her as someone who never ceases searching for, finding, and implementing new approaches to deepen her students' understanding of mathematics."
The CPS Foundation in partnership with One Nebraska Federal Credit Union is proud to celebrate and recognize educators like Anne who help shape the future of our schools and community.
Congratulations to Karen Kuhr, Cassette House paraeducator, on being recognized as the 2026 Operations Employee of the Year!
The CPS Foundation in partnership with Bob & Chris Markham were honored to celebrate Karen yesterday at the CPS Employee Celebration. Her dedication, compassion, and the positive impact she makes each day for the students she works with is truly amazing!
One nominator stated, " Karen's ability to innovate and continuously improve her methods of supporting students is remarkable. Her passion is perhaps best illustrated by her work with a student facing significant sensory challenges. This student struggled deeply with various textures and with water — barriers that often limit opportunities in community work settings. Rather than allowing these obstacles to persist, Karen drew on decades of expertise to craft a tailored solution that met the student's specific needs."
"Because of Karen's persistence, that student is now thriving at a job site they truly love, successfully navigating a "wet and dirty" environment they once feared. They have opened up socially and emotionally, gaining a level of independence that once seemed unreachable. A once-daunting barrier was dismantled through Karen's compassionate advocacy."
Thank you for the difference you make through service, kindness and advocacy.
The CPS Foundation in partnership with Bob & Chris Markham were honored to celebrate Karen yesterday at the CPS Employee Celebration. Her dedication, compassion, and the positive impact she makes each day for the students she works with is truly amazing!
One nominator stated, " Karen's ability to innovate and continuously improve her methods of supporting students is remarkable. Her passion is perhaps best illustrated by her work with a student facing significant sensory challenges. This student struggled deeply with various textures and with water — barriers that often limit opportunities in community work settings. Rather than allowing these obstacles to persist, Karen drew on decades of expertise to craft a tailored solution that met the student's specific needs."
"Because of Karen's persistence, that student is now thriving at a job site they truly love, successfully navigating a "wet and dirty" environment they once feared. They have opened up socially and emotionally, gaining a level of independence that once seemed unreachable. A once-daunting barrier was dismantled through Karen's compassionate advocacy."
Thank you for the difference you make through service, kindness and advocacy.
Congratulations to Kristin Sky, 1st grade teacher at West Park Elementary School, on being named the 2026 New Educator of the Year!
The CPS Foundation, in partnership with OneNebraska Federal Credit Union, proudly announced this honor during the CPS Employee Celebration yesterday afternoon. This award recognizes outstanding new educators who are already making a meaningful impact through their passion, dedication, and commitment to students. Kristin’s work in the classroom is helping young Mustangs and Discoverers learn, grow, and thrive each day.
A nominator described Kristin as "a hard worker who pours remarkable time and love into helping her students succeed. She pushes them to keep trying, to be respectful and responsible, and she finds creative new ways to make learning come alive — often with a well-timed joke to keep things fun. She listens carefully to her students and coworkers alike, and she contributes to the school community through her involvement with the PTO. " As another nominator put it, "West Park is so lucky to have her!"
Congratulations on 5 years of service with Columbus Public Schools!
Jessica Alswager
Sophie Bahel Bele
Kristie Becker
Dean Bierman
Kristin Biggs
Edwin Fattig
Emily Fellin
Norma Gardea
Alexandra Goering
Rendell Groke
Alejandra Gutierrez
Lindsay Haferland
Sheri Heidemann
Justin Heng
Lisa Hespen
Jennifer Humphrey
Carrie Jaixen
Rick Johnson
Scarlett Johnson
Dakota Kenton
Michelle Kissell
Magdalene Langan
Amanda Luedders
Rita Martinez Mendez
Craig Mohrman
Amanda Nielsen
Ashlyn Novak
Caitlin Olcott
Sarah Papa
Abbygail Pelc
Jailene Ramirez Chavez
Paul Ruskamp
Emilee Sander
Jill Sander
Ruth Serrano
Donna Sikes
Tammy Sliva
Kerri Steiner
Danielle Tilley
Terri Tworek
Sylvia Valdivia
Nathalie Vargas
Kylee Virka
Amanda Weeder
Cassandra Weishaar
Rachel York
Jessica Alswager
Sophie Bahel Bele
Kristie Becker
Dean Bierman
Kristin Biggs
Edwin Fattig
Emily Fellin
Norma Gardea
Alexandra Goering
Rendell Groke
Alejandra Gutierrez
Lindsay Haferland
Sheri Heidemann
Justin Heng
Lisa Hespen
Jennifer Humphrey
Carrie Jaixen
Rick Johnson
Scarlett Johnson
Dakota Kenton
Michelle Kissell
Magdalene Langan
Amanda Luedders
Rita Martinez Mendez
Craig Mohrman
Amanda Nielsen
Ashlyn Novak
Caitlin Olcott
Sarah Papa
Abbygail Pelc
Jailene Ramirez Chavez
Paul Ruskamp
Emilee Sander
Jill Sander
Ruth Serrano
Donna Sikes
Tammy Sliva
Kerri Steiner
Danielle Tilley
Terri Tworek
Sylvia Valdivia
Nathalie Vargas
Kylee Virka
Amanda Weeder
Cassandra Weishaar
Rachel York
Congratulations on 10 years of service with Columbus Public Schools. Thank you for helping students discover something greater than themselves each and every day!
Jennifer Augustin
Jessica Brown
Brenda Ensminger
Ana Harms
Amy Howard
Gloria Juarez
James Killham
Troy Medinger
Megan Novak
Katie Oceguera
Darla Orender
Laci Orozco
Jeri Otten
Karie Schapmann
Jill Spale
Jennifer Augustin
Jessica Brown
Brenda Ensminger
Ana Harms
Amy Howard
Gloria Juarez
James Killham
Troy Medinger
Megan Novak
Katie Oceguera
Darla Orender
Laci Orozco
Jeri Otten
Karie Schapmann
Jill Spale
Congratulations on 15 years of service with Columbus Public Schools. Thank you for your continued impact on the students of CPS!
Josh Darveau
Ann Hardy
Dennis McMeekin
Kristy Montgomery
Christopher Mustard
Kathleen Robertson
Josh Darveau
Ann Hardy
Dennis McMeekin
Kristy Montgomery
Christopher Mustard
Kathleen Robertson
Congratulations on 20 years of service to Columbus Public Schools. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of our students!
Zonna Betz
Sara Colford
Kari Garrelts
Abigail Gascon
Leann Klee
Kerry Lassek
Lyn Schoening
Julie Schrant
Zonna Betz
Sara Colford
Kari Garrelts
Abigail Gascon
Leann Klee
Kerry Lassek
Lyn Schoening
Julie Schrant
Congratulations to all of our employees who have given 25 years of service to Columbus Public Schools! Thank you for supporting and inspiring our Discoverers.
Scott Bethune
Jeffrey Bures
Joni Ebel
Brandi Fleming
Teresa Hausmann
Melissa Jelinek
Janelle Muntz
Kristine Spawn
Suzanne Stevenson
Liliana Velasco
Craig Williams
Congratulations to Michelle Edzards, Jackie Eickhoff and Amy Jahn on 30 Years of Service to Columbus Public Schools. Thank you for helping our students grow and succeed!
Congratulations to Cathy Kwapnioski and Laura Magg on 35 years of Service with Columbus Public Schools! Thank you for investing your time, talents, and heart into the students of CPS.
Congratulations to Karen Kuhr on 45 years of service to Columbus Public Schools. Thank you for the positive impact you continue to make with our students each and every day!
Dear Students and Families,
Thank you for trusting us with your children this school year. It is a responsibility we value deeply, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of their growth and learning.
We wish you a wonderful, restful summer filled with time to recharge, make memories, and enjoy family.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged in the important conversations about the future of Columbus Public Schools—whether that involves facilities, programs, or operations. Your voice matters, not only for your own child, but for the generations of students who will follow.
Everyone involved shares the same goal: to make CPS an exceptional school district with amazing staff, strong programs, and outstanding opportunities for every student.
Thank you for being part of that work.
Dr. Chip Kay, Superintendent
Thank you for trusting us with your children this school year. It is a responsibility we value deeply, and we are grateful for the opportunity to be part of their growth and learning.
We wish you a wonderful, restful summer filled with time to recharge, make memories, and enjoy family.
As we look ahead, I encourage you to stay engaged in the important conversations about the future of Columbus Public Schools—whether that involves facilities, programs, or operations. Your voice matters, not only for your own child, but for the generations of students who will follow.
Everyone involved shares the same goal: to make CPS an exceptional school district with amazing staff, strong programs, and outstanding opportunities for every student.
Thank you for being part of that work.
Dr. Chip Kay, Superintendent
A remarkable accomplishment worth celebrating!
Congratulations to the students who have earned a place in the Top 10% of the junior class! Your dedication, focus, and commitment to excellence continue to set a strong example both inside and outside the classroom.
This achievement represents the effort you put in every day and the bright future that lies ahead. Keep striving, leading, and discovering all that you are capable of achieving.
We are proud of each of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverres #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #FutureReady #AcademicSuccess #WearYourMaroonProudly
Congratulations to the students who have earned a place in the Top 10% of the junior class! Your dedication, focus, and commitment to excellence continue to set a strong example both inside and outside the classroom.
This achievement represents the effort you put in every day and the bright future that lies ahead. Keep striving, leading, and discovering all that you are capable of achieving.
We are proud of each of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverres #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #FutureReady #AcademicSuccess #WearYourMaroonProudly
An impressive achievement worth recognizing!
Congratulations to the students who have earned a place in the Top 10% of the sophomore class! Your hard work, determination, and commitment to academic excellence continue to distinguish you as leaders in and out of the classroom.
This accomplishment reflects the dedication you show each day and the strong foundation you are building for the future. Continue challenging yourselves, pursuing your goals, and discovering all that you are capable of achieving.
We are proud of each of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #AcademicSuccess #FutureReady #WearYourMaroonProudly
Congratulations to the students who have earned a place in the Top 10% of the sophomore class! Your hard work, determination, and commitment to academic excellence continue to distinguish you as leaders in and out of the classroom.
This accomplishment reflects the dedication you show each day and the strong foundation you are building for the future. Continue challenging yourselves, pursuing your goals, and discovering all that you are capable of achieving.
We are proud of each of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #AcademicSuccess #FutureReady #WearYourMaroonProudly
Celebrating an outstanding start to high school!
Congratulations to our freshmen students who earned a 4.0 GPA! Your commitment to academic excellence during your first year of high school is an incredible achievement and a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Starting high school with this level of dedication, focus, and determination speaks volumes about your work ethic and character. Keep challenging yourselves, pursuing your goals, and embracing the Discoverer Way each day.
We are proud of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #4Point0 #AcademicAchievement #WearYourMaroonProudly #AlwaysADiscoverer
Congratulations to our freshmen students who earned a 4.0 GPA! Your commitment to academic excellence during your first year of high school is an incredible achievement and a strong foundation for the years ahead.
Starting high school with this level of dedication, focus, and determination speaks volumes about your work ethic and character. Keep challenging yourselves, pursuing your goals, and embracing the Discoverer Way each day.
We are proud of you, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #4Point0 #AcademicAchievement #WearYourMaroonProudly #AlwaysADiscoverer
Excellence. Dedication. Achievement.
Congratulations to the students who have earned recognition as members of the Top 10% of the senior class! Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence have led to this incredible accomplishment.
This recognition reflects countless hours of studying, determination through challenges, and a passion for learning that will continue to open doors far beyond graduation. We are proud of the example you set for younger students and the positive impact you have made on our school community.
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #CHSClassOf2026 #AcademicExcellence #WearYourMaroonProudly #TheDiscovererWay
Congratulations to the students who have earned recognition as members of the Top 10% of the senior class! Your hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence have led to this incredible accomplishment.
This recognition reflects countless hours of studying, determination through challenges, and a passion for learning that will continue to open doors far beyond graduation. We are proud of the example you set for younger students and the positive impact you have made on our school community.
Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Discoverers!
#GoDiscoverers #DiscovererPride #Top10Percent #CHSClassOf2026 #AcademicExcellence #WearYourMaroonProudly #TheDiscovererWay
Thank you to our local Amazon team who visited the CPS Foundation today with a donation of 8 iPads that will be used at the future Nontraditional Learning Center. In addition they made a donation of their time to help clean up the grounds around the track and digital sign near CMS this afternoon.
Thank you for partnering with us to make an impact for the students of Columbus Public Schools!
#godiscoverers #amazon #wearyourmaroonproudly #cpsfoundation
Thank you for partnering with us to make an impact for the students of Columbus Public Schools!
#godiscoverers #amazon #wearyourmaroonproudly #cpsfoundation
At the 3/16/26 board of education meeting, school board president Mike Jeffryes presented the Girls State Wrestling Qualifiers with certificates of achievement. Congratulations to Gracie Troho, Olivia Bice, Natalie Cruz, Brittley Braithwait and Coach Eric Bice!
#DiscovererWrestling #godiscoverers #proudtobeCPS #proudtobeCHS #wearyourmaroonproudly
#DiscovererWrestling #godiscoverers #proudtobeCPS #proudtobeCHS #wearyourmaroonproudly
At Monday's school board meeting, board president Mike Jeffryes presented Mrs. Graybill and Alaina Dicke of Columbus Middle School with certificates of achievement. Alaina earned a Gold Key Scholastic Art Competition Award and Mrs. Graybill was recognized by Nebraska Scholastic Art Honors.
#godiscoverers #wearyourmaroonproudly #proudtobeCPS #proudtobeCMS # arteducation
#godiscoverers #wearyourmaroonproudly #proudtobeCPS #proudtobeCMS # arteducation
CHS and CMS winter activity photos are now available for purchase. All funds from purchases go toward CPS Foundation teacher classroom grants. We do our best to get photos of as many participants as possible but cannot guarantee a photo of every participant.
Photos are available for the following winter activities:
CMS 5/6 Play
CMS Band Winter Concert
CMS Boys Wrestling
CMS Girls Wrestling
CMS 7th grade Girls Basketball
CMS 8th Grade Girls Basketball
CMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball
VMS 7th Grade Boys Basketball
CHS Boys Wrestling
CHS Girls Wrestling
CHS Bowling
Jam the Gym
CHS Girls Basketball
CHS Boys Basketball
CHS Swimming & Diving
CHS Unified Bowling
To help ensure security and privacy of photos within links, photo links will only be provided to parents and guardians. You can request a photo link(s) by emailing CPS Foundation Director Nicole Anderson at andersonn@discoverers.org with the following information: Student Name, Grade, activity, parent name, relationship to student.
Photos are available for the following winter activities:
CMS 5/6 Play
CMS Band Winter Concert
CMS Boys Wrestling
CMS Girls Wrestling
CMS 7th grade Girls Basketball
CMS 8th Grade Girls Basketball
CMS 8th Grade Boys Basketball
VMS 7th Grade Boys Basketball
CHS Boys Wrestling
CHS Girls Wrestling
CHS Bowling
Jam the Gym
CHS Girls Basketball
CHS Boys Basketball
CHS Swimming & Diving
CHS Unified Bowling
To help ensure security and privacy of photos within links, photo links will only be provided to parents and guardians. You can request a photo link(s) by emailing CPS Foundation Director Nicole Anderson at andersonn@discoverers.org with the following information: Student Name, Grade, activity, parent name, relationship to student.
