The Tie That Binds: Storm Families Keep Culture Going Strong at Creek Valley

The high-schooler walked hand-in-hand with the kindergartner through their school’s gymnasium in Chappell, a small town in the Nebraska Panhandle.

Heartwarming moments like these are growing more common at Creek Valley Public Schools, since the implementation of “Storm Families”, an innovative mentorship model that is binding the entire district.

Tessa Fraass, Creek Valley's K-12 Principal, just wishes she had taken a picture.

“It was this brief realization of 'This is what it’s all about’,” said Fraass. “I’m really all about relationships and making sure that everybody fe...