Superintendent's Update: November 21st, 2023
November 21, 2023
Weekly What is Going Well:
Happy Thanksgiving Week!
Thank you to Middle School Principal Mrs James for joining this week’s video to highlight some of the great programs currently happening at the Middle School.
As we take a moment to reflect on the year and the blessings in each of our lives, we’d like to share some thoughts from the administrative leadership and support staff from across the district.
Our high school teachers are working extremely hard to utilize their assessment results to better understand what skills & competencies students need to be successful in the classroom. - High School Principal Kevin Seney
Our students and staff are working hard each and every day to make Grinnell Middle School a great place to be. We have many students involved in after school activities and clubs. Research shows that the more students are involved the greater the chance at success. - Middle School Principal Nicole James
Staff are effectively using assessment and screener data to meet student academic needs. 85% of students with IEPs are making growth toward their goals, and staff who are implementing interventions are able to adjust to meet student needs. - Fairview Principal Aaron Weddle
A consistent and collaborative effort among K-2 teachers came to fruition this trimester with updated proficiency scales to match new report card language. The results of these efforts are a better assessment tool for teachers and simplified communication with families. - Bailey Park Principal Josh Smith
Our building staff members are taking a unified approach to meeting the various needs of our students in a true Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework. Educators have used multiple screeners and fluid data sources to make instructional changes and decisions that are what is best for students. Educators are also working hard to implement new curricular materials and collaborate on educational best practices in Mathematics and Writing. - Davis Principal Brian Conway
Special education teachers are working extremely hard to give our students quality specially designed instruction and our students are working hard to master those skills. Due to this we have exited about 10 students from special education services and about another 25 students have met goals and have had their goals increased. We are closing the achievement gap! - Director of Special Programs Brandon Sharp
The middle school and high school are actively implementing and reflecting on the steps laid out in their building action plans. When schools reflect on the implementation of the plans they create, it helps the school stay focused on the goals they want to achieve. AEA Staff Janelle Pirkl
There is an increased sense of connection, collaboration and alignment among the Grinnell administrative team. As a result, there has been a positive impact on culture and climate and there is a shared understanding and alignment of the work happening throughout the district. AEA Staff Heather Gould
We have 10 students in 3rd and 4th grade who are exploring Pascal's Triangle in their RADAR group. Providing innovative extensions, creative challenges, and personalized in-class differentiation are just some of the research-based ways our Extended Learning Program meets the needs of our high-ability learners at Grinnell-Newburg. - Curriculum Director Brianna Schwenk Mauschman
Our students and staff are provided opportunities to support learning with remarkable tools, which include the purchase of updated devices that will be rolled out in the coming weeks. - Technology Integrationist Bill Gruman
Central Rivers AEA serves Grinnell-Newburg CSD in many ways!
At Grinnell-Newburg CSD we are fortunate to have many competent individuals supporting a lot of aspects of our school district. Since their inception, the AEAs have served as an essential partner in serving our special education population, from preschool through high school. Additionally, we have a number of others who have specific niches that serve other parts of our organization. These partnerships are led by Mrs. Heather Gould and Mrs. Janelle Pirkl. Please view the following link to learn more about how AEA serves public and non-public schools.
Upcoming Music concerts
Monday, December 11, 7:30 PM GHS Winter Concert
Tuesday, December 12, 6:15 PM 5th & 6th Grade Band & Choir Concert
Friday, December 15, 7:00 PM 7th & 8th Grade Band & Choir Concert
The virtual Backpack can be found here:
The activities Calendar can be found here:
Blessings from my family to yours this Thanksgiving holiday!
Steven H. Barber