Superintendent's Update: December 8th, 2023
December 8, 2023
Weekly What is Going Well:
What a great first full week of December! Take a listen to my conversation with Director of Special Services Brandon Sharp in this week’s video update to hear more about what’s going well in the district.
Congratulations to the Grinnell HS Tiger Paws Dance Team on State Performance
The Tiger Paws dance team worked hard this season and had a great showing at State. They return home with three trophies as well as receiving an Academic Achievement Award and the Lois Turnage Outstanding Community Service Award. Congratulations dancers!
Choir students attend Iowa High School Musical Theater workshop
Seven talented students performed at the Iowa High School Musical Theater “Acting the Song” workshop at the Temple Theater. They learned about energy arcs, observed amazing performances, and did beat analysis with lyric sheets.
High School Physical Education Classes work on their Badminton Skills
Middle School Tech Team Earns Core Values Award
Congratulations to our First Lego League Team for their participation in the Ottumwa Qualifier. They were selected by the judges for the Core Values Award in back-to-back years! This award goes to the team that has shown the greatest enthusiasm, the best sporting spirit, the most extraordinary respect for its own team members and the most support for other teams in the tournament. Way to represent Grinnell!
Tiger Packs continue to Make a Difference
Tiger Packs are serving a record number of over 350 Grinnell students in PreK-8th grade. We have partnered with the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for food support, but still count on donations as well. Reach out to the Ahrens Family Foundation to learn how you can support our youth in this meaningful way.
Elementary Buildings Get a Holiday Makeover
Thank you to all the families who helped spread some holiday cheer throughout our elementary buildings by making door decorations! What a fun tradition to get our youngest learners excited to walk the school hallways during the month of December!
Testing Emergency Messaging System
You should have received a phone call, email, and text message on Monday, December 4th as a test of the district wide emergency notification system. This system ensures you will be properly notified in case of school closures for inclement weather. If you did not receive the notifications or have any questions or problems, please reach out to Katie Osborn katie.osborn@grinnell-k12.org for assistance.
Upcoming Music concerts
Monday, December 11, 7:30 PM GHS Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 12, 6:15 PM 5th & 6th Grade Band & Choir Concert
Friday, December 15, 7:00 PM 7th & 8th Grade Band & Choir Concert
The Virtual Backpack can be found here:
The Activities Calendar can be found here:
Have a great weekend!
Steven H. Barber