Weekly Update: March 3, 2017
 Weekly Update: March 3, 2017
Dear Board of Education, Staff and Friends:
Happy March! It is hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing us by. We will be entering our final trimester for the 2016-17 school year next week. These past few months have been filled with many celebrations. I want to thank our community of parents, teachers and students for their support during our regional and state competitions for our athletes and IHSSA Large Group All State Festival. What I am most proud of is seeing all of our students, whether they were participants or fans, demonstrate pride, respect and excellent citizenship. Our students emulate the pride of Grinnell and how truly special it is to raise a family and attend our schools in this community.
Rumor regarding Immigration Enforcement:
This morning we learned of a rumor that spread within the community that children were being pulled out of class by an outside organization, ICE, along with Grinnell Police Department at Davis Elementary School. Please know that this organization what not at Davis School. I want to thank our parents for reaching out to me to inform me about this concern. Our Police Department has posted information explaining that they were at Davis assisting the Iowa Department of Human Services.
Here are some highlights from this past week:
Rock the Test at GMS:
GMS students and staff gathered to learn about test taking tips in order to prepare for the Iowa Assessments next week. Please be sure that your students get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, drink plenty of water, and reassure them to do the best they can. Students at GMS kicked off the assessment season not only learning about test taking tips, but seeing their own staff Rocking’ and Rolling. ACDC- watch out! The GMS Lip Sync Group has skills!
  GMS Students Rock the Test Assembly featured GMS staff and our very own high school students from the band “Storm in a Teacup”. Students danced during the event and it was spectacular to see our students demonstrate Tiger pride.
 Bailey Park Principal Interview:
We have begun the interview process for the Bailey Park Principal position, and have met with some very stellar candidates. We have selected 3 candidates to move on to the second round of interviews, which will be held on March 7, and will involve Bailey Park teachers and parents. Two final candidates will be selected, and we will have an opportunity for our community to meet the finalists on March 13, 2017 between 5:30 and 7:00 PM. Please be looking for more information regarding this, coming soon.
Foundation Meeting:
This past week the Grinnell Foundation Board met for their monthly meeting. I am grateful to the Grinnell Foundation Board for the approval of Foreign language dollars that will be used for materials as we develop our middle school foreign language program.
BP First Grade Circus Show:
Lions, Tigers and Bears, and clowns….Oh my! The first grade students at Bailey Park held a circus show for parents and friends this past week. It was quite the performance under the Big Top!
 Art Show:
I hope that you find the opportunity to visit the High School and Middle School Art Show display at the Grinnell Arts Center. The show will be running through March 23.
Congratulations:
Kiran Jones has qualified for the state level competition of the National Geographic Bee!!
Iowa Assessments:
The assessments are scheduled for next week. Please be sure that your students get plenty of rest and this weekend will be a wonderful time for them to be outside enjoying this wonderful weather!
If you haven’t seen it yet, make plans to see the GHS production of Caucasian Chalk Circle tonight or tomorrow nightat 7:30 pm. in the GHS auditorium.
Board Meeting:
Our next Board meeting will be held on Wednesday March 8 at 6:00 PM. Highlights will include an overview of the budget, summer projects and Above and Beyond recognition
Community Member: Family Dentistry and Dental Associates
Teacher: Amy Skouson
Student: Cecelia Bagnoli
I will also explain the new requirements for the Partnership Program that will foster Career Technical Education for our region. I have been selected to chair this committee representing our AEA 267 region.
Upcoming Events
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Check out the Virtual Backpack!
Sincerely,
Janet
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