Weekly Update: October 18, 2019
Weekly Update: October 18, 2019
Dear Board of Education, Staff, Families and Friends:
Happy Friday! It is my hope that this update finds you well! This week has gone by very quickly and we continue to witness student success as they participate in events at the conference and State levels. We wish all of our Grinnell Students the best as they head to regionals, state events, and academic competitions this weekend and into next.
Ad hoc Survey:
The Facilities Ad hoc committee continues to make progress toward the design of a new elementary school facility after many months of discussions based upon what we learned from listening sessions. We would like to continue to gather input and ask our families and friends to provide feedback through this short survey. Below is a link to a very short survey to help provide direction on the look and feel of a potential new elementary school. Please complete this survey by Thursday October 24, 2019.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Staff Happenings:
I want to thank our GNEA Leadership and LMC committee for our positive discussions and problem solving sessions. It is really a joy to collaborate with you! We also have staff members at GMS who are engaged in the iPad pilot project who continue to develop their craft while engaging our students. We had staff head to the Tech Conference and Gifted Conference this week! Our staff continues to find ways to grow and develop in ways that will benefit our students.
State Superintendent of Year:
I was very honored this week to sit on the SAI State Superintendent of the Year selection committee. This was a challenging activity to select the finalist, Joel Pederson, Cardinal Community School District Superintendent, from those nominated from across the State. Joel will move on to the next round for AASA national recognition.
Parent Teacher Conferences:
It is my hope that parents and teachers had some excellent conversations during parent/teacher conferences this past week to assist our students to grow and learn. Thank you to all who participated.
Rural School Advocates for Iowa:
Wednesday evening I met with the Rural School Advocate for Iowa Group to discuss legislation priorities that directly impact those communities living in Rural Iowa. The following will be RSAI’s (Rural School Advocates of Iowa) priorities list as we head into the legislative sessions this year: Adequate School Resources, Student Mental Health, Teacher Shortage, Transportation Equity, Equity for low SES, School Safety, Sharing and Incentives, Quality Pre-school, and Simple Majority for a Bond Vote. I will provide further details to our community once the final drafts have been completed for distribution.
Board Meeting 10/23/19:
The iPad pilot at GMS will be highlighted at the upcoming board meeting. We will be sharing the pilot thus far in the process. In order to anticipate moving from Macbooks to iPads for students in grades 5-8, we will discuss with the board the options in pricing, cost savings, and plans for the renewal process for teachers and para’s. I will be out to the buildings on listening tours in the next few weeks and will share updates with staff.
Other Board Agenda Items that will be shared for informational purposes include a presentation from our K-2 Principals highlights, Diamond Assets information regarding buy-back laptop program, upcoming legislative dinner for our board, bus purchases and requirements, and information shared with the board from Iowa Valley Community College related to their upcoming bond vote.
Robotics Team Receives a $5,000 Donation:
The high school robotics team, the Tech Tigers received generous financial support from Victor Manufacturing for the 19-20 season. In the picture, students Robert Groves and Luke Megel are receiving at check for $5000.
Funds will be used to support the entry fee for a First Robotics Competition Regional, robot components, tools, and travel expenses. This will be the 5th year Grinnell High School will have students compete. At the 2019 Iowa Regional, the team finished 6th place out of 48 teams.
Student Highlights:
Mrs. V. works hard to have the students interact with technology on a daily basis in her music classes. Below are some pictures of students building different types of notes (that were made with the district 3D printer), taking pictures of what they created/built, and sending/sharing them with their teachers and parents on the SeeSaw application to show their progress towards this standard. Great job 3rd grade students and Mrs. V.!!!
Football Game Highlights:
Upcoming Events:
Friday, October 18
4:45 9th Grade Football @ South Tama
7:30 Varsity Football @ South Tama
Saturday, October 19
9:00 State Marching Band @ Pella
9:00 JV Volleyball @ East Marshall
10:00 Varsity Girls Swim Meet - North Central Swim Conference @ Boone
Tuesday, October 22
9:00 Iowa Youth Symposium @ Iowa State Capitol
4:15 8th Grade Football @ Pella
4:30 7th Grade Football @ Home
5:30 Varsity Girls Swimming Conference Meet @ Indianola YMCA
Wednesday, October 23
9:00 Iowa Youth Symposium @ Iowa State Capitol
7:00 Varsity Volleyball Regional Tournament @ Home
Thursday, October 24
4:00 JV/V Cross Country State Qualifier @ Solon
Have an awesome weekend!
Sincerely,
Janet