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Weekly Update: November 15, 2019

Dr. Stutz

Weekly Update: November 15, 2019:

Dear Board of Education, Staff, Parents, Families and Friends:

Happy Friday! This past week we honored many Veterans who joined us at our schools to thank them for their service. Interestingly, as I headed over to the Middle School’s program, I stopped to look up at the bright blue sky following our snowy morning start, and saw this eagle flying above. I of course, took an immediate photo and reflected. The Bald Eagle was chosen by our Founding Fathers as the national emblem of the United States of America in 1782. The majestic beauty of this bird symbolizes the strength and freedom of America, according to many articles I have encountered regarding the selection of the eagle. How ironic that I was heading to a Veteran’s Day program when I saw this eagle. The eagle also reminded me of my father, a Marine Veteran who served at the tail end of World War II, who has long since passed away. He collected statues of this once endangered bird, as a reminder to him of service, freedom, and country. He later lived beyond the war to serve his community as a councilman, mayor, and advocate for youth programs and other city endeavors. To this day, every time I see a Bald Eagle, I am reminded of my father and all of the Veterans who have served, and I quietly say “thank you”.

Eagle

Veteran’s Day Programs:

Veteran's Day Program Vets Day 2019 Vets Program Flags at program Group of Vets

Board Recap:

It was a busy Board meeting this week! The Board approved the replacement for all staff computers K-12, and student iPads for all K-8 students. This transition will occur over the winter break. Rest assured that our technology department is working hard to establish a schedule to meet with teachers to assist them during this transition time. I encourage staff to begin to move documents to the cloud or back up to an external hard drive. Our tech team is here to assist you.

The Board heard from our Central Rivers AEA representative, Karen Aldrich, who shared with the board how the AEA can support our work. We are grateful for the support of our AEA who assist us with our curriculum frameworks and standards instruction, special education support for our students, and a great deal of assisting us in getting connected with the right trainers and staff as we navigate on doing what is best for our students. Thank you Central Rivers AEA!

Lisa Johnson shared our five year projections based upon some assumptions as we examine the financial status of the district. We are pleased with the direction that we are heading! This Summary was shared with the board this week. One other highlight was that we are replacing a very old Timpani at the middle school that drummed its last sounding beat. The very old timpani set was no longer repairable.

Above & Beyond Recognition:

I want to thank our above and beyond recipients for serving our students! Please share with us your story about a parent, community member, teacher, staff member or student who has gone above and beyond to serve our Grinnell-Newburg School District. Email aboveandbeyond@grinnell-k12.org with your stories and nominations.

Rick Wenndt - Bus Driver Deanna Vogt- Second Mile

Rick Wenndt Deanna Vogt :

6th Grade and GHS Fall Concert:

The combination of our 6th grade and high school choir fall concert is certainly one that you do not want to miss each year. Below are some photos captured from the event.

GHS Fall concert Fall Concert 2019 6th & GHS Choir concert

Students in Mr. Winkleblack’s Intro to Manufacturing class created designs to be engraved this week using the CNC Router in the wood shop.

Winkleblack

Quilting Project:

Thank you to the support of the Grinnell Newburg School Foundation for assisting with funding this activity. The students shared about how this project engaged them to persevere in completing the challenging task to make these quilts. They all did an amazing job!

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