Principal Nate Balcom speaks to a student as a group gathers around to sign a shield near the school office on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Students who have been respectful, responsible and safe are entered into a drawing to sign the shield.
The winners of last Friday's golden ticket drawing at Newell Elementary pose for a photo with the school's Knight mascot. One student from each of the school's 17 classrooms is chosen each week after earning golden tickets for showing good character.
Cameron Davis, left, and Presley Pohl stand next to the shield they signed at Newell Elementary after showing respectful, responsible and safe character traits.
Students sign the shield at Newell Elementary on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Students who earn golden tickets for being respectful, responsible and safe are entered into a weekly drawing to sign the shield.
Grand Island Public School superintendent Matt Fisher read a book about Dragons to kids during lunch at Dodge Elementary, on National Dragon Day. Dodge's mascot is a Dragon
R.J. Post is a reporter at the Grand Island Independent. Reach him at rjpost@theindependent.com or (308) 381-9452.
Principal Nate Balcom speaks to a student as a group gathers around to sign a shield near the school office on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Students who have been respectful, responsible and safe are entered into a drawing to sign the shield.
The winners of last Friday's golden ticket drawing at Newell Elementary pose for a photo with the school's Knight mascot. One student from each of the school's 17 classrooms is chosen each week after earning golden tickets for showing good character.
Cameron Davis, left, and Presley Pohl stand next to the shield they signed at Newell Elementary after showing respectful, responsible and safe character traits.
Students sign the shield at Newell Elementary on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Students who earn golden tickets for being respectful, responsible and safe are entered into a weekly drawing to sign the shield.
