Tescott tip-off
by Leland Rice
The Chase Kats participated in the Tescott Tipoff Classic basketball tournament in Tescott on December 8, 9, and 12, 2025. During the tournament, the Chase Kats boys won their first game, and senior Humberto Rincon earned individual recognition by being named to the All-Tournament Team.
Here is a quote from senior Humberto Rincon: “It was a surprise since it was given to me late.” Humberto recorded 8 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block against Tescott. Against Wakefield, he finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 block. Against Natoma, he added 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals. A photo of Humberto holding his award can be found on Facebook, along with stories written about him on MaxPreps.
Another senior also earned an All-Tournament Team award on the girls’ side. That senior is Riley Bowen, who has had a phenomenal season this year. She has been the team’s top scorer for the past two seasons. Riley was featured on the Central Plains website after scoring 21 points against them.
Both Chase teams have shown improvement this year. The boys and girls have demonstrated dedication throughout the season, and in every game they have played.
Homecoming on the Horizon
by Jacob Vahsholtz
Homecoming is next Friday, and we’ll have three candidates competing for Homecoming King! Spirit Week kicks off next week with Pajama Day on Monday, Western or Country Club/Golf Attire on Tuesday, Hippie Day on Wednesday, Valentine’s Day attire on Thursday, and Kats Gear on Friday.
The excitement is building, and Leland, Humberto, and Riley are ready for the Homecoming games. Seniors will dress up for Homecoming photos for families and the school, and each senior will be announced with what they’re proud of, a favorite memory, or someone special they want to thank.
A PEP Assembly will be held on Friday.
Fiction Can Be Fun
by Mischa K.
Elena Everhart had recently moved to a new neighborhood called Riverwood. Elena had moved because she had heard something was happening in that neighborhood. She had been told by one of her close friends who used to live in the same neighborhood. Elena had fully moved in, and everything went surprisingly well for being such a “creepy” neighborhood. Nightfall came sooner than later, and Elena was nervous. She didn’t know what could happen on the first night. Elena was in the kitchen, finishing up the cleaning, when she looked to the left and saw a man looking at her from the house next door. She quickly moved out of the way while stumbling backwards. She couldn’t remember where she had seen that man before; he seemed so familiar. She decided to go to sleep, but she couldn’t shake off that feeling of someone or something watching her. She had finally fallen asleep when she woke up; it was light outside. She had gotten back up and called her friend, telling her the situation. Her friend had mentioned that the same thing had happened to her. When they got off the phone, Elena walked out of her house and headed over to her neighbor's house. She wanted to know if anyone lived there, so she knocked on the door, and a little old man opened the door. She went to introduce herself, but in the blink of an eye, he disappeared. She slowly and cautiously walked into the house. She slowly walked more into the house. She can hear noises all around the house. Something kept dripping from the ceiling. Elena looked up and saw the old man. His body was all contorted, and he jumped down and tickled her. She jumped awake, and it turned out it was all a dream. And now Elena knows not take melatonin to go to sleep again.
An Inside Look at Special Education at Chase-Raymond
On January 20, 2026, I, Layd’n Hinderliter, had the opportunity to interview one of our beloved special education teachers here at Chase-Raymond, Mrs. Faltysek. During this interview, she shared her experiences, challenges, and rewards of working in special education and supporting students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
When asked what inspired her to become a special education teacher, she explained that she wanted a career where no two days were the same. That variety has stayed true throughout her career, as her daily schedule includes teaching classes, attending meetings, and pulling students out of classrooms to provide additional academic support.
One of the most rewarding parts of her job, she shared, is watching students grow and succeed. “To watch and help people succeed in their progress” is what motivates her to continue doing the work every day. However, the job does not come without challenges. She noted that keeping everyone on the same page and finding enough time in the day can be difficult.
To meet the needs of different learners, she focuses on students’ strengths first. By identifying what students do best, she finds ways to build on those skills and help them improve in other areas. Building positive relationships is also a priority. She makes it a point to invest in her students’ daily lives and regularly checks in with them.
Motivation and confidence are encouraged by reminding students of their goals and helping them see how those goals are achievable. Collaboration plays a major role in her work as well. She frequently meets with general education teachers and support staff to discuss student needs and find solutions together.
Family communication is another important part of the job. She follows each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) closely and often provides her phone number to parents so they can easily reach out with questions or concerns.
One success story that stood out to her involved a student who started four years behind in math. Over time, that student made enough progress to reach grade-level math skills, a moment she described as especially meaningful.
On difficult days or when challenging behaviors arise, she relies on teamwork. Working closely with her team allows her to problem-solve and find the best ways to support students. For those interested in entering the field of special education, she believes flexibility and strong collaboration skills are essential.
She also discussed how special education has changed over the years, explaining that it has shifted from pulling students out of classrooms to focusing more on inclusion and keeping students in general education settings when possible.
When offering advice to students interested in becoming special education teachers, she emphasized the importance of balance and dedication. Her advice was simple but powerful: work on maintaining balance and always show up for students when they need you most.
by Layd’n Hinderlither
Ness City
by Humberto Rincon
On January 16, 2026, Chase High School faced Ness City in a tough night of basketball action. The games did not end the way the Kats had hoped, with the boys falling 72–17 and the Lady Kats losing 58–29, forcing Ness City to keep their starters in the game for the entire contest. Despite the final scores, both the boys and the Lady Kats played their hearts out from start to finish. It may have been a difficult loss, but the teams pushed through the pain, and gave their best effort until the final buzzer.
Lil’ Paw-Pride
by Kasen Wood
On January 9, 2025, the K–3rd grade attended its first pep rally, and they came prepared. They had practiced their chants and knew exactly what to say. When I say they were loud, I mean they were really loud! The students were excited to take on the 4–7 group for the Lil’ Paw. We wish them luck at the Homecoming Pep Assembly—will they be two-time winners?