It was a great night at The Career Academy as we welcomed over 370 kids and parents to our annual Trunk or Treat. TCA students were amazing (as always). Staff did a great job with the organization. And a big thanks to LPD and SE rural fire & rescue for making the night memorable for so many kids in our community.
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Ricky Phillips
Ricky is one of our instructors in the Welding pathway. Learn a little more about him below.
What is your role at TCA, and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
Welding Instructor. 5 years 8 months.
Yup. Wendy's (3 times), Arby's, Karbredlos (gas station), Kawasaki, TMCO, Welding School while working at U-Stop and Little Caesars, after graduating, Cleaver Brooks, Cobb Mechanical, LU83 Boilermaker (field construction), H&S Plumbing (4 times), and 4G Steel Fabrication. Adjunct Welding Instructor and Faculty Welding Instructor
What do you love most about working at TCA?
Students - especially when they figure something out that has been giving them trouble.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education/working with students?
I always wanted to come back and teach at SCC because I love people, and I love welding. It seemed the best way to live in both of those worlds.
What is one core value or principle you hope every student takes away from your class?
Being able to fire up and use any welding machine they come across, regardless of the language on the machine face.
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
Welding was a plan B career choice. It worked out great.
When you aren't at TCA, how do you like to spend your time?
Hanging with my young children. Designing and building cool things.
What is your favorite unit, lesson, or activity to teach during the year?
SMAW Welding - All of it.
Yesterday, juniors in Take Charge at TCA participated in a Job Shadow Day at various businesses throughout the Lincoln community. We are grateful to many wonderful partners who opened their doors and shared their expertise with our students.
Shout-out to the partners below! Thank you for a GREAT day!
Kawasaki
Lincoln Cornhusker Marriott Hotel
Lincoln Tool and Design
Nelnet
Sandhills Global
Speedway Motors
The Waterford at Williamsburg
Timpte
Union Bank & Trust
Vision Mechanical
Willmar Electric
#TCAProud #DoHighSchoolDifferently #Partnership
Happy National Principals Month!
We want to take a moment to spotlight our amazing director and principal, Mr. Jones! His vision and relentless commitment to excellence have transformed TCA into one of the best dual credit academies out there (his goal is to make it the best in the world!).
Mr. Jones works tirelessly to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed and thrive. His innovative approach and dedication inspire us all every day. Thank you, Mr. Jones, for believing in our potential and leading us to greatness!
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #ThankYouMrJones #TCAProud
We want to take a moment to spotlight our amazing director and principal, Mr. Jones! His vision and relentless commitment to excellence have transformed TCA into one of the best dual credit academies out there (his goal is to make it the best in the world!).
Mr. Jones works tirelessly to ensure our students have every opportunity to succeed and thrive. His innovative approach and dedication inspire us all every day. Thank you, Mr. Jones, for believing in our potential and leading us to greatness!
#NationalPrincipalsMonth #ThankYouMrJones #TCAProud
REMINDER: It is LPS Fall Break and there are no classes for LPS students Thursday – Monday (Oct. 15-19).
We are excited to see our students back for the start of the second quarter on Tuesday, October 20th!
Review the LPS Student Calendar on our website: https://www.lps.org/o/lps/page/calendars
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Brian Clinch
What is your role at TCA and how long have you been here?
Engineering and Design Instructor - 8 years
What do you love most about working at TCA?
The atmosphere of greatness that exists in this building.
What is your favorite unit, lesson, or activity to teach during the year?
I really like teaching the SolidWorks course and giving the certification exam at the end of the semester. I think the students and I find it very rewarding to finally see the hard work pay off.
What is one core value or principle you hope every student takes away from your class?
Double check your work.
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
If you don't count sleeping, I spend more time outside than I spend inside.
What was your very first job?
Paper route after school when I was in 3rd grade. My brother and I split the route and saved up enough money to buy a Super Nintendo!
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
The Senior Celebration is my favorite tradition. My favorite memory is seeing how proud my students look when they get to stand up to say they earned a certification at the Senior Celebration.
Congratulations to our Habits of Success award winners for October!
Each month our staff nominate students they feel are living out our Habits of Success and we recognize them at our monthly stand up meetings!
TCA's Habits of Success:
- Attendance
- Time Management and Meeting Deadlines
- Use of Technology and Email Communication
- Self-Advocacy
- Professionalism and Engagement
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Luke Wadle
What is your role at TCA and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
Engineering Instructor. 1st year.
What do you love most about working at TCA?
Getting to introduce new students to physics and engineering concepts for the first time in a relatively low-stakes environment.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education/working with students?
High School physics/math teachers (Mr. Pauly and Mr. Thole), as well as the physics faculty in my undergraduate career.
What is one core value or principle you hope every student takes away from your class?
Engineering is more than math and science, and what we do and how we do it matters for the future.
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
I'm currently a graduate research student at the UNL college of engineering.
When you aren't at TCA, how do you like to spend your time?
Hanging out with my family.
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
Meeting my students for the first time.
The TCA Fall Job Fair was a success! Over 50 employers were here today to meet with students about future opportunities. We are always proud of our students, but when we hear from our business partners how awesome of a day they had because of our students... we are even more proud! Way to go TCA!
#TCAproud
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Anders Peterson
Anders is our one and only counselor at TCA! Have a scheduling question or want to talk about post-high school plans? Anders is your person!
What is your role at TCA and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
I am the school counselor at TCA since like a month ago :). I was at LSW for the eight years prior and EducationQuest (another 8-10) before that.
What do you love most about working at TCA?
I should say "learning new things!" because I'm doing a lot of that. People seem pretty chill out here too... ;)
What inspired you to pursue a career in education/working with students?
The search for meaning and opportunity is a big part of life at the high school stage, and one I think we can do better at with the assistance of people who've been around the block a time or two. I actually started in professional pursuits in architecture, later changed to a Spanish degree, and then found an opportunity working at a private non-profit that provided free college planning resources and services. Working with students/families alongside other counselors, I really fell in love with the role, and x many years later, I'm actually doing it!
What is one core value or principle you hope every student takes away from your class?
You're worth it! If you don't believe this and project it outwardly and inwardly, who will?!?
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
I play drums and speak Spanish. I have A LOT of records. And LEGO. (basically, I'm a large child)
What quote or motto inspires you every day?
My mantra lately has been "do one thing," but I take it to mean different things depending on the circumstance. Have found it to be really helpful!
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
Getting fooled into punchlines during the morning announcements has been pretty fun so far, but I suspect there will be more as time goes on... Glad to be here and have the opportunity to find out!!
The LPS September Monthly Family Update is now available for LPS families!
LPS Communications sends the newsletter on the last Friday of every month with important information for families. Click on the button in the update for either elementary, middle or high school. We’ve also included an index for each section to help you find the information that impacts you and your child.
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Teri Drommond
Teri is the first person our students, staff, and visitors meet at TCA. She is the friendly smile that welcomes everyone and keeps our buses moving. Learn a little more about Teri below:
What is your role at TCA and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
- This is my fourth year in the position of a Secured Entrance Monitor. I retired from State Farm after 32 years in the regional office just across the street from where I am today.
What do you love most about working at TCA?
- The people that I work with and the relationships I make with kids that come through the doors each day.
What inspired you to pursue a career in education/working with students?
- Working from home for over two years was more than enough for me. I needed people.... I happened to be meeting one of my best friends (shout out to Donna) for breakfast one morning, and she talked me into filling out an application with LPS. She spotted the TCA position; I applied for it, and the rest is history.
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
- My dad had me riding a minibike before I could successfully pedal my bicycle.
- When I was a freshman in high school, I attended the Sears Charm School.
When you aren't at TCA, how do you like to spend your time?
- Roger (spouse) and I enjoy spending time with our boys (Jonathan, Michael, and Matthew) and their families. We have four grandchildren: Jackson, Lainey, Maddox, and Gemma. I enjoy traveling with them and taking road trips with my friends and our cameras.
What quote or motto inspires you every day?
- “Some people talk to animals. Not many listen though. That's the problem.”
― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
- TCA Graduation
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Melissa Arroyo
Melissa is one of the friendly smiles you see when you come into the TCA office and one of the friendly voices you hear when you call. Learn a little more about Melissa below:
What is your role at TCA, and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
- Registrar - 7 years. I worked as a Billing Specialist for Advanced Medical Imaging for 9 years.
What do you love most about working at TCA? What inspired you to pursue a career in education/working with students?
- Witnessing and being a part of the connections made between students and staff. I enjoy working with and being around kids. My favorite part of doing my job is building student schedules.
What is a fun fact about you that most people or students don't know?
- I don't eat meat.
- I make my bed every day.
- I am a grandma.
When you aren't at TCA, how do you like to spend your time?
- I enjoy movie nights, playing board games, doing puzzles, and vacationing at Disney, Estes Park, and California.
What was your very first job?
- I worked at a skating rink in the snack bar.
What is your favorite book, movie, or podcast right now?
- My favorite most recent series is The Handmaid's Tale. Jack Ryan movies. Chris Cuomo.
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
- My favorite memory here at TCA was when the office all dressed up as The Wizard of Oz for Halloween.
Our Ambassadors shared what makes TCA great with Lincoln High sophomores today!
The 2027-2028 TCA application opens October 1st, start the conversation now!
#DoHighSchoolDifferently
#TodayMattersForTomorrowsSuccess
TCA's Who's Who Wednesday
Today's Feature: Katie Robinson
Katie is one of the friendly faces you see when you come into the TCA office - she is the real MVP and keeps TCA running... learn a little more about her below:
What is your role at TCA and how long have you been here? Did you teach or work somewhere else before coming to TCA?
I am the Executive Assistant at TCA. This is my 10th year. Prior to TCA, I worked in Student Services at the LPS district office.
What do you love most about working at TCA?
My favorite thing about working at TCA is getting to witness firsthand how student-driven the school is. From administration to teachers to the joint board, there is a shared commitment to putting students at the center of everything we do. I love being a part of a community where everyone is constantly thinking about what is best for students and how we can help them thrive.
What is your favorite book, movie, or podcast right now?
Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven
What was your very first job?
Detasseling. 0 out of 5 stars. Do not recommend.
When you aren't at TCA, how do you like to spend your time?
I have a 7-year-old son at home who keeps us busy with various sports activities and a concerning addiction to squishies.
What is your favorite school memory or favorite TCA tradition?
My favorite tradition is Senior Night, where we get the chance to recognize TCA Seniors and their accomplishments. It takes bravery and dedication to come to TCA and these students deserve to be celebrated.
Just another Wednesday at The Career Academy...hands-on-learning, career exploration and plenty of fun and effortful thinking!
First Day!! It was so great to have students back in the building. Today set the tone for a great year, and as Mr. Jones always says, "Today Matters for Tomorrow's Success!"
#LPSFirstDay #TCApride
The building is coming back to life! 🍎 Our staff is back and getting ready to welcome students next week! We’ve spent the week listening to students, reenergizing our team, strengthening community connections, and preparing to elevate engagement in every classroom. We’re ready, we’re excited, and we can’t wait to get this year started! #TCAproud
The Family Monthly Update for July 31, 2026 is now available for families and students.
The beginning of the school year is almost here and we are excited to see all of our students and families again. The first week of school is approaching fast!
Just a reminder that the first day of school for students in grades kindergarten, sixth, and ninth will be Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Students in grades 1-5, 7-8, and 10-12 will join them on Thursday, August 13. Early Childhood students will start classes on Tuesday, August 18. You can find the updated 2026-2027 calendar on our website.
We’re so excited about the upcoming 2026-27 school year! Our admin team has been busy attending leadership meetings this week, gearing up to welcome back our amazing staff and students in just a few weeks. We can’t wait to kick off a new year filled with growth, learning, and community. Let’s make it a great one together!
