ESU 6 Newsletter
April 2025
In the Spotlight
Nebraska Student Leaders Engage with Governor and State Officials in Virtual Leadership Event
This unique platform provided young leaders with an invaluable opportunity to gain firsthand insights into state government and explore pathways to public service. The event kicked off with a six-member panel discussion, featuring professionals from various roles in Nebraska's government. Panelists shared their experiences, daily responsibilities, key achievements, and provided practical guidance on how students can actively engage in government from a young age. Following the panel, Governor Jim Pillen addressed the students, offering an overview of Nebraska's state government and emphasizing the critical role of youth in shaping the state's future. In an interactive Q&A session, students posed insightful questions on topics, including:
- Strategies to retain Nebraska's students in-state after high school
- Support for military service members and veterans
- Efforts to protect Nebraska's Ogallala Aquifer from contamination
- The Governor's top priorities for Nebraska's future
This event served as a powerful bridge between Nebraska's current and future leaders, fostering meaningful dialogue and reinforcing the importance of civic engagement. By creating opportunities for students to connect with state officials, ESUs continue to champion initiatives that inspire leadership and active participation in government.
ESU 6 Board Member Feature
Her oldest daughter is now serving as a special needs para in York's SUCCESS program, continuing the family's tradition of contributing to the community.
Britt is an active member of the Educational Service Unit 6, where she takes pride in learning about the broad range of services ESUs offer to local communities. She is also deeply engaged in understanding the legislative agenda that impacts schools, advocating for policies that prioritize student success.
ESU 6 Upcoming Events
Click on the ESU 6 Focus Flyer for all your workshop and professional learning needs!
Newly added workshops will be indicated on the Focus Flyer when the document has been amended.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Click on the links to register for our upcoming networks/trainings!
- ESU 6 Principals' Network - April 23
- Transition and Indicator 13: Setting the Stage for Success - April 29
Highlights Hub
Transition Conference
On February 25th, Southeast, Northeast and Metro Transition Grant Facilitators collaborated to present Transition Nebraska: Navigating a Changing Landscape conference at Innovation Campus in Lincoln. 210 attendees and 45 presenters and agency partners provided a full day of content to bridge the gap for students of transition age with emotional and behavioral challenges. Mike Smith was the morning keynote and Karen Hasse was the closing keynote. Collaboration from NeMTSS, CTE, NDE-Transition, Juvenile Justice and more made the day a success.
Michalla Schartz, Whitney Fagan, Amy Slama, Mike Smith
Innovation Campus Keynote Session - Mike Smith
Dr. Scott Eckman shares information about chronic absenteeism.
ESU 6 2025 High School Quiz Bowl
Division I -
1st Waverly - Coached by David Hartman
2nd Norris - Coached by Becca Pair
Division II -
1st Malcolm - Coached by Troy Pritchett
2nd- Malcolm - Coached by Troy Pritchett
Division III -
1st Heartland - Coached by Heidi Ruhl
2nd McCool Junction - Coached by Jabe Wurtz
The ESUs in Nebraska host a State High School Quiz Bowl and each ESU can send two teams to the State Tournament. The two State Qualifiers from ESU #6 are - Heartland A and Malcolm A. They will represent ESU #6 at the tournament at the end of April.
Division I Champion - Waverly
Division II Champion - Malcolm
Division III Champion - Heartland
Community Agency Night
ESU 6 2025 Middle School Quiz Bowl
The annual ESU 6 Middle School General Knowledge Quiz Bowl was held in Seward at the Living Word Lutheran Church on Wednesday, March 26th. 29 teams from across ESU 6 competed in the all day event.
The Quiz Bowl teams were divided into three size categories, with three tournaments going at one time - Large, Medium and Small Schools and the winners included -
Division I -
1st Seward - Coach Laura Trautman
2nd Norris - Coach Kellen Korinek
Division II -
1st Malcolm - Coach Jeff Donahue
2nd Centennial - Coach Laura Pulliam
Division III -
1st Friend - Coach Lori Klooz
2nd Exeter-Milligan - Coach Jordan Marr
Following the event, trophies and medals were presented to the top two winners in each of the three divisions.
Division I Champion - Seward
Division II Champion - Malcolm
Division III Champion - Friend
Lincoln Early Childhood Conference: A Day of Empowerment and Connection
On March 22, the Lincoln Early Childhood Conference brought together over 100 dedicated Early Childhood professionals from across the region for a day filled with learning, networking, and professional growth. The conference featured eight resource booths from regional organizations, offering valuable insights, supports, and resources for early childhood educators. Nationally renowned speaker Jerletha McDonald led a full-day session on "Empowerment and Success for the Early Childhood Educator." Throughout the day, Jerletha shared strategies to help educators thrive in their roles, offering practical tools to overcome challenges and achieve success while maintaining their well-being. This year’s conference provided an invaluable opportunity for early childhood professionals to connect, share experiences, and gain fresh perspectives on how to continue excelling in the important work they do for the children and families they serve.
Partnering with Purpose
Over the past month, the ESU 6 Professional Development team held one-hour Zoom meetings with each of our member districts to better understand their current priorities, goals, and professional learning needs. These virtual conversations with district administrators are a vital part of the team’s commitment to building strong partnerships and aligning support with what matters most to each school system.
In mid-April, the team will come together for a retreat to reflect on the input they received, analyze trends, and begin planning programming for the 2025–26 school year. This work is grounded in their belief that district voices should drive decisions and that professional learning should be meaningful, responsive, and impactful. Following the retreat, the PD team will reconnect with each district to begin planning specific support and co-developing individualized professional learning plans.
Statewide Organizations - Upcoming Workshops
- Federal Advocacy Update, April 23 Webinar
- NASBO State Convention, April 24 at Embassy Suites, Lincoln
- NETA Conference, May 1-2 at Younes Conference Center, Kearney
Educational Service Unit 6
ESU 6 serves the educational needs of our 16 member school districts in five different counties, offering students and staff a comprehensive program of services, including:
- Professional Development
- Student Services
- Technology
- Production and Design
The highly qualified team members of ESU 6 will work directly with you and your staff to determine how we can tailor services to best meet your school's needs. ESU 6 is here to ADVOCATE, COLLABORATE, & COMMUNICATE with educators and systems across the ESU 6 area.
Check out the new ESU 6 website to learn more!
Website: https://www.esu6.org/
Location: 210 5th Street, Milford, NE, USA
Phone: 402-761-3341
Facebook: Educational Service Unit 6
X: @ESU6_NE
Email: brian.maschmann@esu6.org
Location: 210 5th Street, Milford, NE, USA
Phone: 402-761-3341
X: @bmaschman