Community: Thayer County Embraces Education

One of the key components of economic development is Community. Thayer County is big on unity through community, and in our small part of this big country, we believe community starts at home with family. Family is part of a person’s foundation and oftentimes the reason for making life-altering decisions. Many parents will move their families across the country for safe neighborhoods, successful schools, and slower-paced living. Here in Thayer County, our 11 communities encompass all of those things. We also pride ourselves on having four quality school systems consisting of highly motivated educators, leadership, and staff. 

Bruning-Davenport Unified School District

The Bruning-Davenport Unified School District (BDUSD) consists of two schools, Bruning School (grades PK-1 and 9-12) and Davenport School (grades 2-8). With a mantra of BOLT - “Building Outstanding Leaders for Tomorrow’s Society,” BDUSD promotes equity and excellence from staff to students in all areas, including athletics.

BDUSD combined with Shickley School to form an athletics division. Shickley School is about 15 minutes away from BDUSD. This union helped frame the Bruning-Davenport-Shickley Eagles that compete in football, basketball, volleyball, and track-and-field. The teams are dedicated and work hard to achieve their goals of sportsmanship, togetherness, and the understanding that there is no I in T-E-A-M. 

Teaching students a superior curriculum, and community values, BDUSD thrives on effort and participation. Click BDUSD for more information about Bruning-Davenport Unified School District.

Deshler Public Schools

Deshler Public Schools (DPS) encompasses two schools, Deshler Elementary and Deshler High School, in the same building servicing grades PreK - 12. DPS has a different approach to learning from what many may be used to experiencing. DPS’s philosophy states their goal is to instill qualities in students to help develop:

• A value of self
• Respect for others
• A commitment to moral, physical, ethical, and patriotic values

… because the appreciation of learning comes from within. The curriculum addresses each child’s educational and social needs. This is much more of a hands-on experience that is rare in larger cities. 

While DPS is dedicated to ensuring students’ educational needs are met in every way, they also have an athletics division for volleyball, football, cross country, basketball, track and field, and golf. A pretty well-rounded set of athletics to keep a student active.

For more on Deshler Public Schools information, click DPS.

Thayer Central Community Schools

Thayer Central Community Schools (TCCS) is home to Thayer High and Thayer Elementary in Hebron. With a slogan of, “Believe! Achieve! Succeed!” TCCS is excited about teaching students to put those words into action. What’s unique about TCCS is that they fuse families and communities to promote academic success, so students feel the positive impact all around. One of TCCS’ goals is to help students be productive members of society.

TCCS’ athletic program, available to junior high and high schoolers offers football, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and field, golf, and wrestling. Yes, wrestling, which isn’t offered at the BDUSD or DPS. 

Click TCCS for more information on Thayer Central Community Schools. 

Deshler Lutheran School

For a Christ-centered education for K - 8 graders, Deshler Lutheran School (DLS) has been in Deshler since 1966. Being a parochial school, DLS is also a complete school fully approved by the Nebraska Department of Education, teaching Christian faith, literacy, writing, mathematics, science, geography, physical education, history, technology, and Spanish.

There is no room for boredom at DLS. Their extra-curricular activities include spelling bees, speech contests, chess club, band, choir, and sports (cross country, football, volleyball, basketball, and track).

A parochial school is a great compliment to the overall education in Thayer County as it promotes and embraces a devotion to faith. Having your child attend DLS helps echo and confirm the teachings within the home and at church. Remember, community starts at home and expands to the neighborhood and schools.

For more information about Deshler Lutheran School, click DLS.

“I believe the children are our future. Teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside. Give them a sense of pride, to make it easier.” - Whitney Houston. Thayer County understands children are our future, and education is a top priority in enriching the community. We put family first, focus around community events, celebrate generational family-owned businesses, and strategically work together on youth outreach and opportunities. 

Education in schools, as well as community education both, help shape Thayer County’s youth to be well-balanced as they grow into young adulthood. Come and be part of our small space of a big world and join us here in the good life.