Academics at NCHS
Natrona County High School takes pride in the excellence students give to their academics. Numerous NC students have earned IB Diplomas and Certificates and many a National Merit Scholar has graduated from this historic institution.
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FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS
Zach Schneider - Drama Ryan Landman - Drama Victoria Crossan - Vocal Music Shawn Weis - Band Ryan Bell - Band Zach Walker- Guitar, Orchestra Each year, hundreds of students belong to a fine and performing arts class in one way or another. For musically inclined students, class options include: guitar, orchestra, chamber orchestra, chorus, vocal ensemble, concert band, percussion, IB Music theory, or commercial music. Students perform in several concerts throughout the year, and, of course, the Fighting Mustang Marching Band performs at every home game during the football season. With the new music facilities, there is something for everyone. If you are more inclined to perform on the stage in a different capacity, then theatre may be the route you'd like to take. Mr. Schneider offers drama 1, 2, and 3 as well as stagecraft and IB Theater. He also chooses a musical and a play to be performed throughout the year. He always has room for students to be involved with theater and to enrich their lives with the theatrical experience. |
FINE AND VISUAL ARTS
Dennis Howell - Sculpture Caitlyn Urhammer - Drawing/Paint Nathan Abel - Drawing/Commercial Art Christy Johnston - Photo For thirty years, Natrona County High School art students have chronicled local, national, and international events on the walls of the school. This project, conceived by longtime principal Byron Moore (principal from 1982-2007), has engaged students and staff in an annual reflection of ideas, issues, and people that impact their lives and their community. Visitors to the school enjoy this timeline both for the cultural history and the creative artistry presented. The earliest mural was painted in 1983 and continued through 2012, skipping only the years of 1995 and 1996. Each year's mural is broken into approximately 12 to 20 paintings rendered by individual students. There is no one inspiration for a year - each mural is a collection of individually significant events. With the 2014-2018 renovation of Natrona County High School, the walls that provided the canvas for the Timeline Murals were removed; however, the paintings remain part of the school's archives. Each year's paintings have been carefully photographed and catalogued in a book to preserve this vital piece of the school's history. The book depicts the annual assembly of paintings and represents a small portion of the photographic documentation. The digital photographs are available for reference, research, class reunions, and community use. In the renovated school building, the mural project will evolve into a fresh interpretation of art and current events. |
CAREER TECHNOLOGY
BUSINESS, FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE, INDUSTRIAL Emily Balfour - Woodworking / Welding Kristy Williams- Business/Marketing Tori Berdan - Clothing/Home Design Jonie Gosnell - Child Dev./Life Management Timi Reynolds - Agriculture/ FFA Kyle Dye - Eng. Graphics/Welding Zach Schneider - Film/TV Coulter Anderson - Automotive Heather Beebout - Financial Literacy Brian Costello - Computer Science Kayla Kennedy - Financial Literacy Chase Anfinson - Financial Literacy Ali Kopp- Culinary Kurt Patik - Woodworking Career Technical Education provides students with hands-on activities to enhance their knowledge in career fields. |
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FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Jim Gaither - French Bridgett Gwilliam - Spanish Gabe Jockumsen - ASL Guillermina Monzon Paz - Spanish- Dept. Chair NCHS foreign language instructors offer Spanish and French. Students encounter the world in their Foreign Language classes. |
LANGUAGE ARTS
Greg Aitkenhead - English Megan Amerson - English Ellie Bolender - Eng 1010 Josie Duerre - English Shana Kemsley - Strategic Reading Kayla McGurrin - English Carl Myers - English, Journalism, Publication Jackie O'Briant - English - Dept. Chair Tammy Olson - English Jessica Scherden - English Joseph Scherden - English Becky Sondag - English, TOK Brianna Young - English With guidance and support, students will develop foundational reading, writing, and oral language skills and actively engage in reading, writing, and language-rich activities. English classes aren't just about grammar! Students receive the opportunity to read classic literature as well as contemporary literature. Teachers assist students in refining their writing skills and preparing them for their future. Students build resumes, write letters of interest, and understand the importance of communication through writing, speaking, and reading. Where else can you let your imagination run wild than in an English class, prompting you to be an original? |
MATH
Aubrey Corbett - Algebra/Trig/Geometry Roger Cogdill - Geometry Brian Costello - Computer Science, Algebra Tim Fauss - Calc/Alg/Trig Ashlie Howell - Algebra, IB Math -Dept. Chair Darin Myers - Geometry Andrew Nirider- Geometry Danna Parker - Algebra/Geometry Mike Sauers - Algebra/Geometry Joel Strube - Algebra/Geometry Debra Whilte - Algebra II, Pre-Calc - Dept. Chair David Wright - Algebra/Computer Science Multiple Math Opportunities Offered At NCHS! The Natrona County High School Math Department offers a variety of courses. Given the need for a comprehensive as well as applicable foundation of mathematics skills for students in order to prepare them for any of the many different post-secondary directions they may choose, NCHS provides regular, advanced, and honors courses as well as International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. The curriculum affords students multiple opportunities to graduate, to earn any level of the Hathaway scholarship, and/or to earn college credit for Calculus. Please see the online enrollment guide for course offerings and descriptions. |
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INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
Available to all NCHS students, the IB program is a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students to become culturally diverse citizens of the world. Brandi Ramage - IB Coordinator Natrona County High School IB Diploma Programme Admissions Policy The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a demanding, pre-university course of studies for highly motivated students. The curriculum is based on standards set by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Switzerland and is in daily practice in more than 3,000 schools around the world. One of the overarching goals of IB is to help students become adept at how to learn, analyze, and reach considered conclusions about society and the world in which we live. The IB Diploma Program (DP) at NCHS is an open-enrollment program. Students may enroll in the full IB DP, or they may take individual IB courses in areas of interest and ability. The IB DP is not a competitive placement program. There is no set limit to the number of students who may participate in IB courses or the Diploma Program. Students who are successful in the IB Diploma Program or individual IB courses usually exhibit the following: · Intellectual curiosity and a strong aptitude for learning · A record of academic success in advanced and honors classes · A willingness to take academic risks and to reflect on the nature of knowledge · An ability and willingness to undertake independent research · An ability and willingness to undertake projects and activities that may involve community service · Academic and personal integrity |
JOURNALISM
Carl Myers - Journalism Sponsor/Teacher The GUSHER "The Gusher" is the official newspaper of Natrona County High School. The newspaper has been in existence since 1923 and is archived within the journalism classroom. Often used to search NCHS history, these papers have been invaluable. We continue to save them for future generations. Journalism students work diligently to preserve the history on campus while they bring interesting news stories, editorials, reviews, and more to NC readers. We are funded by advertising from our local businesses and appreciate all the support given. This year, the newspaper will be online only and can be viewed at nchsgusher.com. The MUSTANG "The Mustang" is the title of the yearbook produced by NCHS students. Students are active in attending all athletics, activities, and special events to record for the school year. Every person has their own story, but here at NCHS, we all share the same memories and seek our own futures. “The Mustang” is dedicated to preserving the memories of the student body and to maintaining an accurate record of the year’s events. Walsworth Publishing prints “The Mustang” on glossy paper and in color. There are 650 books printed and each is sold for $65 from August until May, when the price goes to $70. NCHS yearbook staff prides itself on the fact that this is a student publication where students can gain valuable skills in photography, layout and design, photo-editing, copywriting, and interviewing. Yearbooks can be ordered online at: yearbooksforever.com SENIOR PARENT LETTER |
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Viola Davies - Athletic Trainer Debbie Gibson - 9th PE, Ind/Dual Sports Kalen Hill - 9th PE/ Rec Sports - Dept. Chair Kaden Hillibush - Aquatics Ryan Meyers - Weight Training Christy Olsen - Weight Training Scott Russell - Weight Training, Ind/Dual Sports Shaun Swiger - 9th PE Amber Thielbar - 9th PE Participate in a quality, challenging physical education experience! Our goal is to provide every student in every Physical Education class an opportunity to participate in a quality, challenging physical education experience every day! We have high expectations that support the overall mission of Natrona County High School and the education standards of Natrona County School District. Our Physical Education staff is committed to establishing, maintaining, and promoting a safe, optimal learning environment for all students. NCHS has a wide variety of Physical Education Course offerings: Recreation Sports Physical Education Individual/Dual Sports Weight Training Aqua Sports 1, 2, & 3 * Please see the enrollment guide for a complete description of each class offering. |
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SOCIAL STUDIES
Josh Anderson - History, Psychology Chase Anfinson - History, Financial Lit Deanna Barnes - History Jeff Crouse - World History, IB History Jack Daniels - World History, Holocaust Tom Grogan - US History, IB Anth - Dept. Chair Kayla Kennedy - Psychology Abbey Krusen - History Anna McCormick - History Chad Miller - History Ryan Shaeffer - US History Jared Swenson - IB Psychology, TOK NC History teachers bring the world to their students. |
The Mustang Battalion - Army Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC)
Mark Johnson, PhD - Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (Retired) Mack Riggs - ROTC 1st Sergeant The Mustang Battalion serves as a citizenship training program for NCHS. The Mustang Battalion began at NC in 1913-1914 and has been here since. Our vision is to “MOTIVATE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE BETTER CITIZENS!” This is accomplished through a curriculum of leadership, citizenship, goal setting, fitness and health, and government. The vehicle used is the U. S. Army, our values, structure, organization, and discipline. The curriculum is a hands-on, participatory learning environment. Cadets accomplish individual and group presentations, writing assignments, and group activities. The cadets participate in activities supporting NCHS, Casper, and the state. The Mustang Battalion is cadet-led. The cadets plan and execute the training and activities of the Mustang Battalion. Mustang Battalion Rifle Team is a varsity sport. The Mustangs have been the reigning state champions for the last five consecutive years. The team has participated in the National Junior Olympics National Air Rifle Matches for the last five years. We are a nationally ranked team. Several cadets are ranked in the top twenty-five shooters in the nation. The Mustang Drill Team competes in drill competitions around the region. The drill team is recognized as a varsity sport. The team participates in five to six drill meets in Colorado and South Dakota. The team hosts a drill meet at NCHS annually. Cadets compete in armed, unarmed, color guard, and exhibition categories. The team's place in these events. The Mustang Raider Team is the battalion’s competitive team. It participates in three to five competitions in our region annually. These competitions involve shooting, running, orienteering, and military-related contests. The cadets participate biannually in the state-wide Raider Challenge hosted by the University of Wyoming Cowboy Battalion. The Living History Team is a team that brings the Civil War and Western History to NCHS. The team crews a replica 1841 Mountain Howitzer. The cadets portray the actual crew on the cannon when it was at Fort Casper. The team supports the annual Gillette History Days with its presentation. The team supports the 3 Trails Center at events. The team man’s the cannon for all home football games. |
SCIENCE
Dustin Arellano - Chemistry, Phy. Science Christina Baker - Biology, Biomed Karen Colling - Conceptual Physics, For. Science Jenny Edwards - Environmental Science Stephanie Jensen - R & D, IB Biology - Dept. Chair Kristine Maggi - Biology, Physical Science Adrian McNamee - Biology Sarah Ramsey - Biology Michaela Sanders - Physical Science Tara Tyson - Physical Science Studies in science open the world for students, and the science teachers broaden the spectrum; from environmental science and biology to chemistry and anatomy, students leave NC with a wide scientific experience! Teton Science School Opportunity information listed below.
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TUTORS
Heather Beebout - Graduation Prep Paul Jiminez- ESL Brandie Maddox- Credit Recovery Caroline Mooren- Graduation Prep Roger Switzer - Credit Recovery Support staff are here to help the students with a variety of needs. Our tutoring department assists students with all types of homework, while the Learning Center allows students to catch up on missing credits. |
TRAFFIC SAFETY/Driver's Education
Josh Propp - Traffic Safety Driver's Ed is currently offered at Pathways only. Students learn the hazards of driving in order to keep themselves and others safe. |
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Zach Schneider - Film & Television YOUTUBE for NCTV Here is our YouTube address! YouTube link This is where we will be streaming live every Friday. |
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CLASSIFIED STAFF
Megan Adams - Career Center Steven Adams - Resource/BASE Jeff Anderson - FLS Tyanna Blase - Resource/BASE Ti Brooks - Perkins Secretary Kelly Brush - FLS MaryAnn Chavez - Campus Security Rachel Chittum - Campus Security Aukeava Christian - Attendance Melissa Cisneros - ESP Dwayne Clark - ESP Emily Cline Riggs - ESP Candita Daniels - Attendance Chavonne Ecklund - ESP Eryn Ellis - ESP Tracy Farnes - Counseling Secretary Amanda Forbes - Activities Specialist Tonja Genzler - ESP Polly Hallcroft - Office Assistant Heather Hibbert - FLS Bruce Hirst - FLS Cori Jackson - ESP Barb Jacobs - FLS Krysten Johnson-Kuhl - Resource/BASE Riki Jude - FLS Karen Kennedy - Activities Assistant Amanda Laughrey - ESP Bryce Ledbetter - Auditorium Tech Angela Lehmbeck - FLS Nikki Martin - FLS Dixie McMechan - ESP DeNeile Miller - ESP Brandon Paad - ESP Carlos Pacheco - ESP Amanda Padilla - Library Tyler Padilla - Campus Security Amanda Peak - Secretary Brenna Rake - Copy Center Sarah Rewinkel - Resource Michelle Sisneros - ESP Chloe Smith - FLS Paralee Stewart - Counseling Secretary/504 Robert Swanson - Resource/BASE Katie Tewes - Accounting Specialist Arlene Wayte - ESP Philip Young - Behavior Support |
RESOURCE
Michael Botkin - Math - Dept. Chair Carter Braxton - English Aaron Cleare - BASE TerriAnn Coffey - Study Skills, History Janelle Haworth - FLS Leah Jensen - FLS Linsay Kime - Math Katie Lynn - FLS Alexis Nix - Science Dani Olsen - Math, English, Science April Orr - BASE Jerry Perry - History, Science Jeff Piel - Math Michele Robson - English, History Kayci Stripling - Science Margo Warren - English |
RELATED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Ryan Rasmussen - School Psychologist Kayla Wilkinson - School Psychologist Emily Cosner - Social Worker Megan Sechreist - Social Worker Lisa Anderson - Social Worker Heather Grigg - Occupational Therapist Candace Pena - Speech Lang. Pathologist Emily Dressler - Speech Lang. Pathologist Nicholas Stoneking - Adaptive PE |
