Weekly Update: August 22, 2018
Dear Grinnell Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families and Friends:
Weekly Update Early this week!
August 22, 2018
Welcome to the 2018-19 School Year!
First Day of School Update:
It is the night before the first day of school! I am most certain that many are filled with excitement while others may be a little nervous to start their year! I can reassure you that our staff is ready to welcome you to the 2018-19 school year and want you to be a part of our Grinnell TEAM! Together Everyone Achieves More! Our parents and students are a part our TEAM! We look forward to a wonderful school year!
I wanted to provide you with one last update before your child arrives at school tomorrow. Please take a look below for quick update reminders!
Infinite Campus:
Please be sure that your contact information is up to date. In the event of a delayed start (at this time of year it can be due to heavy fog), you will receive a voice reach by 6:30 am. You can click here to be directed to the parent portal.
Virtual Backpack:
Our virtual Backpack is posted here. Take a look! It is critical for your student to be connected to school activities or community wide activities. Keeping your student engaged in events will create a healthy balance for your student! Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cheer Clinic, Self Defense class, and much more are posted! Also watch for an upcoming event prior to the North Polk Football game for families. There is even a back to school event for families sponsored by a local organization. Please be sure that if you are an organization that sponsors any activities for families or students, you send us your flier and we will post them on the virtual backpack!
Statement from GRMC:
We received this statement today from GRMC:
We are saddened to learn that we’ve lost a friend and team member from UnityPoint Health® – Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Our thoughts are with Mollie Tibbetts’ family and friends in this time of grieving.
In our industry, we see and realize the grief process more than many, but it is never easy. Our hearts break for the parents of a young and fun-loving woman who always had a smile. She was part of your day camp staff and loved working with our children and the children of community members. We share the grief and encourage you to reach out for support if you need it.
Please know that Mollie touched the lives of many of our students and her peers this summer while serving at Davis Elementary School’s GRMC summer camp. Our counseling staff is also available for any students or staff who may need support during this difficult time.
Grinnell Road Update and Fire Lanes:
I had an opportunity to check in with our city about various road construction. Please know that East street toward the Middle School heading South from Washington is open. It is our best hope that 6th and West Street intersection will be open in the next few days. There will be flashing red stop signs at the intersection until the lights are installed. Please allow for plenty of time if your are dropping your students off to school. The first few days may be hectic. Also, watch for our newly designated fire lanes. Please know that you may not leave your car in the fire lane. You may use the fire lane to drop off your student or pick your student up only.
School Bond Information:
Please stay informed about the upcoming school bond vote for September 11, 2018. I have hosted several meetings throughout the community. This Thursday, I will be sharing information about the purpose for the Bond at the Drake Library beginning at 6:00 PM. This event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters. This Bond will enable the district to provide safe and secure entry ways for students, separate drop off and pick up areas, storm shelters, College and Career spaces, critical Heating and Cooling Updates, Plumbing, and electrical updates. It will also enable the district to house students and staff in learning environments that are ADA compliant and meet the needs of our gifted and special needs learners. This past summer we have experienced several system failures due to aging systems. The plan, that will cost the average homeowner 64 cents a day, will enable the district to build a new PreK-5 building, completely gut and renovate the middle school, and renovate the high school. Please know that the district does not have dollars to fix the 42-48 million dollars worth of renovations in five buildings just to bring them up to code, without adding any educational learning spaces or longevity to the life of the school building. The plan was designed based upon feedback from our many community engagements meetings, our new architect firm, administrators, teachers, and students.
Staff Welcomes You Back to School:
Bailey Park Elementary Staff!
Fairview Elementary Staff!
Davis Elementary School Staff!
Middle School Staff!
Grinnell High School Staff!
Last Day Of Summer!
Today is your last day for summer break! It is time to gear up for an extraordinary school year! We look forward to the many awe-inspiring learning opportunities that your student will have this year. At any time, please feel free to reach out to your teacher, principal or me to share any celebrations or questions you may have during the year. I look forward to working together as a TEAM!
Sincerely,
Janet