A Week of Good News!

Earlier this week, the Iowa Department of Education reported information about the performance of Iowa schools using an online system the Iowa School Performance Profiles.  Using this tool fulfills a federal education law requirement called the 'Every Student Succeeds Act' which is more commonly referred to as ESSA.  ESSA is the legislation that replaced 'No Child Left Behind' (NCLB).  I wrote more about the Iowa School Performance Profiles, ESSA, and NCLB in my blog this past December.  

However, there is some good news to share this week!  I am very pleased to report Shenandoah schools met or exceeded the State average performance.  Additionally, Shenandoah High School was classified as a High Performing High School. Additionally, Shenandoah Middle School and Elementary School were both ranked as commendable.

You can see the District's report here.

This report is a very positive reflection on the Shenandoah Community School District  The staff has been very focused in their effort to provide high-quality instruction, participate in professional learning, and increase student achievement. I also appreciate the efforts of our staff to encourage our students and build positive relationships, support their individual learning needs, get them to school and make sure their nutritional needs are met so students can focus on learning.  I commend all of the staff for their effort to make a difference and contribute to the success of our students.  

It is always a great feeling to receive reports on the things we do well as a school system.  It is also good to recognize and acknowledge there are some areas where we can continue to grow and improve. We will continue to dig into the data that has been provided to understand more about where we can continue to make progress as a system.  We are committed to providing an excellent education for our students and in every endeavor.

Spring Board Action

May is School Board Recognition Month.  I want to take a minute to thank our Board members for their dedication to service.  They provide an important role and function within the District and make a difference for our students.

Several weeks ago I wrote about the relationship the District is forming with the Pella Corporation. Jon Finn, Jesse Van Essen, and Julie Wolf presented more about this at the Board meeting.  They are providing support for an Introduction to Manufacturing class we will be offering at the High School, sponsoring a summer "camp" for students in second through sixth grade, and also sponsoring a Teacher of the Month program for teachers in the region.  They have also created the opportunity for teachers to participate in summer externships on site at the Pella plant to help teachers develop a greater understanding of the needs of the modern day workforce.  I couldn't be more pleased with the support we are receiving and am thankful to for their leadership within the community.

Recently, Matt Sells and Ryan Spiegel from the Shenandoah Medical Center approached me about an opportunity to provide employees greater access to a more robust wellness plan. I was very pleased the Board approved the wellness plan. It is a nice benefit and a way to improve the overall health of our staff. The plan will allow district employees to complete their lab work, consult with dieticians, receive flu shots, and access to the wellness center and trainers at a reduced cost. I am very excited about this opportunity for our staff and the partnership with Shenandoah Medical Center.  

Several sharing agreements with other school districts were approved at the Board meeting. These include sharing a school business official with South Page, the health occupation courses with Fremont Mills, an ELL teacher with Clarinda, and an automotive teacher with Sidney.  Forming these agreements is consistent with our Board goal to maximize the opportunity to share programs to expand student learning opportunities and operational sharing to reduce costs.  Sharing these positions allows the District to broaden our curriculum in a cost-effective manner. This is good for all involved.

The Board approved a Return to Plan Concussion Protocol Resolution.  This is required by law but is simply the right thing to do to protect our student-athletes.

On the financial side, the Board amended the budget last year to adjust for costs related to replacing rooftop unit at the High School, additional costs for snow removal and utilities, and an additional staff position in the maintenance department.  Amending the budget is a fairly normal process, but is good to know the reason why there was a change. There was Board action to approve a transfer of funds from the General Fund to the Nutrition Department until reimbursement from the State is received. Additionally, Nolte Corman and Johnson auditing services were agreed upon for the next three years.  The contract for construction management with Carl A. Nelson and Company was also approved.

Many decisions were made last night. It was a productive meeting.

Committed to the Profession

Today is National Teacher's Day, so we took time as a staff to celebrate this morning over breakfast. We acknowledged several staff members for their years of service and also recognize staff members who are retiring at the end of the year.  

5 Years of Service

Shelly Davidson, Art Teacher 

Megan Dukes, Special Education Associate

Chris Gibson, Food Service Staff

Kelsey Heintz, Special Education Teacher

Jacquelyn Holste, 5th Grade Teacher

Hailey Johnson, Special Education Associate

Tammy Lauman, Associate in the Library

Sarah F. Martin, Agriculture Teacher

Keisha McHargue, Master Teacher

Stacy Resh, Librarian

Traci Toms, Kindergarten Teacher

10 Years of Service

Mary Karr, 3rd Grade

15 Years of Service

Sarah L. Martin, Math Teacher

Traci Regan, Kindergarten Teacher
Angie Trowbridge, Spanish Teacher
Jon Weinrich, Dean of Students and Transportation Supervisor

20 Years of Service

Sonia Leece, Home School Liaison
Hillary Rodewald, Special Education Teacher

Retiring Staff Members

Marcia Armstrong, Special Education Associate

Kelly Carey,  Talented and Gifted Teacher
Ellen Christensen, 5th Grade Teacher

Toni Graham, Preschool Associate

Marcia Johnson, 3rd Grade Teacher

Renee Kettwick, School Counselor

Cindy Novinger, Kindergarten Teacher

Dennis Rogers,  Director of Maintenance

Kent Schubert, 5th Grade Teacher

Becky Sturm, Junior Kindergarten Teacher

Kim Terry, Custodian

The students in Carleen Perry's Digital Stream Class created this video about our staff who are retiring. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

The breakfast was a very nice way to start the day and recognize staff for their commitment to the district and calling to the profession. It was good to be able to talk with them for just a few minutes about the importance of their work and remind them that educators make a large impact on the life of our students.