Kate Tomaskiewicz is beginning her first year at Hastings High, and she is also introducing a brand new program, JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates). A total of thirty-five eleventh and twelfth-grade students can participate in the program for credits that is only offered in 6 other districts in Nebraska.
“JAG’s purpose is to serve each individual student’s needs to build a solid understanding of their current lifestyle and for their future,” Tomaskiewicz said.
This program will be a very good opportunity and teaching experience for many students at Hastings High.
“Students will learn life skills, identify personal strengths, choose a career path, learn the steps to get to that career, have guest speakers, get options for mentors/ on-the-job training/internships, get to do hands-on projects and learn the importance of teamwork in a work environment,” Tomaskiewicz said.
Aside from bringing a very important and unique class to Hastings High, Tomaskiewicz brings her own set of distinctive attributes to the school.
“I love to long-distance run, read, watch old sitcoms on tv, and travel to different national parks,” Tomaskiewicz said.
There are lots of differences between the Catholic school in Iowa, where Tomaskiewicz was a band teacher, and Hastings High.
“What surprised me was how diverse the student population is. The students and faculty here have such a gift to learn about all walks of life. My previous school didn’t have that and it was very much missed,” Tomaskiewicz said.
Switching schools and states brings a lot of changes to a lifestyle, but a global pandemic has even more of an impact.
“Co-vid 19 has changed my personal life for my family in terms of my young kids. As for school, what is the hardest for me is that I can’t see the expressions of the kids and staff. I love being able to see smiles or in some cases knowing quickly when a student needs my help. Covering the face makes that harder,” Tomaskiewicz said.
Even though Co-vid 19 may put a damper on this school year, there is no doubt that Tomaskiewicz will still enjoy teaching.
“I have been a teacher for 11 years and love the concept of helping the individual student find success in their current lives and for their futures,” Tomaskiewicz said.
