Weekly Update: October 12, 2018
Weekly Update: October 12, 2018
Dear Board of Education, Staff, Families, and Friends:
Happy Friday! I hope that this weekly update finds you all well and staying warm during this October weather. The beginning of this week, we found ourselves in the midst of strong storms, tornado warnings and heavy rains. This morning, many of us awoke to snowflakes and the chill of an Iowa winter fast approaching. This weather has created schedule adjustments for practices, games, and school events, yet students and staff took this all in stride and found a way to make it work. I want to thank all staff for this TEAM approach this week. Together we continue to achieve more in all we do.
This weekly update highlights many special activities from this past week as well as some upcoming important events to keep on your calendar. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be hosting staff listening tours to gather information regarding thoughts to this question, “As we are aware the last school bond referendum failed. What are your thoughts as to why the bond failed and what plan do you believe the community will support?” It is my hope that we will begin this process as soon as possible with our community members too.
Staff listening tour dates:
GMS: This Past week Wednesday, October 10 at 3:30
GHS Wednesday, October 17 at 3:30
Davis Elementary: Monday, October 15 at 3:30
Fairview Elementary: Thursday, October 18 at 3:30
Bailey Park Elementary: Monday, October 22 at 3:30
Safety and Security Training:
I attended the Iowa Department of Education workshop this week to be trained in the new safety and security planning format as required by the state. This training enabled school districts to learn how to develop high quality safety and security plans that cover active shooter and natural disaster events. The new training and planning documentation requirements passed into law known as Senate File 2364. This law requires all K-12 schools in Iowa to write plans that help prepare for these events. This workshop covered the following topics:
The new legislation requirements
Schools TEAMs identified to write and refine plans.
Specific planning elements required under the new law
Identify stakeholders
Review of REMS/TA: Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools/Technical
Assistance Procedures
Walk through the PTER Preparedness Cycle: Plan, Train, Exercise, Repeat.
Implementation plan due by June 30, 2019.
Please know that the Grinnell Newburg School district completes various emergency training activities on an annual basis. The new requirements will enable us to continue to build upon our current practices.
Fire Prevention Week: October 7-13
This past week the Grinnell Fire Department visited our schools to talk to students about fire safety. We are grateful to our Fire Department for their partnership and all that they do to help educate our students on safety procedures.
School Board Meeting Update:
Above & Beyond Award
Congratulations to the Fairview Crisis Prevention Tiger TEAM as they were honored at the Grinnell Board of Education meeting as a recipient of the Above and Beyond Award. We encourage our public to nominate Community members, Staff, TEAMS and students for this recognition.
The Board approved the Title 1 budget as well as the Title compact agreement. Amy Harmsen demonstrated a pilot software package that enables your iPad to be used with various applications that are typically only applicable on the MacBook or Chromebook. I also reviewed the Superintendent Goals with the Board highlighting the six leadership strands and actions under each strand. The Board approved the District goals after being reviewed by our SIAC committee. We are very excited to learn that Jessica Kite will lead our SIAC committee during the course of this school year. We will provide you with upcoming topics for discussion and dates in the next couple of weeks.
Next Board Meeting: October 17, 2018 6:00 Board Workshop School Facilities
The Board will meet next Wednesday to discuss priorities regarding school facilities. Our Architect, (CMBA) engineers (Bluestone), and Estes will be present to discuss the priority list. This workshop is a meeting of the Board of Education in the public. There will be time for public comments on the agenda.
Davis Elementary School recently recognized Mrs. Anderson and Ms. Mertens (her student teacher) for their amazing work that they do each and every day with their students.
Senior Nights:
At the end of each sports season, coaches and teams honor our seniors and their parents or guardians. This past week Volleyball and Swimming honored their seniors at their final home events. Tonight the Senior Football Players will also be honored. We hope that you can join us for tonight’s game. We wish our seniors the best as they close out their fall sports season.
Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat:
Students will be collecting food/monetary donations tonight at the home football game. Donate to help alleviate hunger right here in Grinnell.
Don’t forget to check the Virtual BackPack.
Upcoming Events:
Monday, October 15
5:30 Boys JV Football @ Home
Tuesday, October 16
4:30 7th Grade Football @ Home
4:30 8th Grade Football @ Pella
5:30 Girls Varsity Swimming @ Indianola
Wednesday, October 17
7:00 Varsity Volleyball @ Home
Thursday, October 18
4:00 Boys @ Girls Varsity Cross Country @ Fairfield
Friday, October 19
4:15 Freshman Football @ Pella
7:30 Varsity Football @ Pella
Have a wonderful weekend!
Janet