Weekly Update: June 1, 2017
Weekly Update, June 1, 2017
Today we officially end the 2016-17 school year. I am not sure where the time has gone, but I can tell you that it has been a fabulous year. I have enjoyed my first year here in Grinnell, and I look forward to the years ahead. Students in Grinnell have had many wonderful experiences, opportunities and accomplishments. As I reflect upon this year, I would like to take the time to thank our Board of Education for their continued support in providing some of the best opportunities for students to become innovative thinkers, problem solvers and achievers. I especially would like to thank our teachers, staff, and administration for working collaboratively to accomplish all that we have this year. I appreciate your feedback, thoughts, and innovative ideas that have aided in the district moving forward. I look forward to our growth and our continual effort to improve and enhance our programs for our students. Each day, I look into the faces of many students who walk the hallways in our schools, knowing that their lives have been cared for wholeheartedly. Thanks to all of you who have placed children first in our daily decisions and efforts to make learning fun and enjoyable. I wish all of you only the best this summer. Safe travels, enjoy a great book, have fun with family and friends, and most of all find time to relax and enjoy the break.
Summer Office Hours:
This summer the buildings will operate on a summer schedule. Building offices will be open Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. until June 30th. Offices will be closed the first three weeks in July, and will be reopening on Tuesday, July 25th for the remainder of the summer. Summer hours will be in effect until August 15.
The District Office summer hours will be from 7:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday. Friday hours will be 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
June 15, 2017 Community School District Event: SIAC
We will be hosting Learning Environment Sessions at the Drake Library on June 15, August 30 and September 6 at 6:00 PM. The district’s new architect firm, CMBA, will be in attendance with the administrative team to host an active learning session for our community regarding learning environments that foster creativity, collaboration, critical thinking and communication. It is our hope that you will be able to join us on one of these days. These initial sessions will begin the journey through the development of a facility plan later in the year.
Commencement 2017:
Ninety-four students walked across the stage this past Sunday to receive their high school Diploma. It was a memorable experience. I want to thank all of our parents, spectators, graduates, and guests for attending and joining us as we celebrated our graduates. We wish them only the best!
BP Listening Tour:
This past week I had the opportunity to meet with the Bailey Park Staff for a listening tour. These sessions enable me to spend time with our staff to think about what is going well, what we need to think about for next year and what we need to enhance. I want to thank the Bailey Park Staff for coming to this session.
End of Year Festivities
Go the Distance Day at Fairview:
Fairview students participated in a day long Go The Distance Day on Wednesday, May 31. The students rotated through several stations which were planned by the Student Activities Committee and run by parents and volunteers. Go the Distance Day highlights the importance of physical activity in a healthy lifestyle; encouraging schools and youth organizations to engage students in 30-minutes of continuous activity.
Relay races were a hit with the kids!
Noodle tag is a great way to keep moving and have fun!
The obstacle course consisted of balance beams, army crawl, tire high knees, tunnels, haybale jumps, as well as jumping jacks, sit ups, push ups. The kids loved cheering on one another.
Go the Distance Dance Party at Bailey Park
Bailey Park held their Go the Distance Day Dance Party on Wednesday. Tony Farmer, the PE teacher taught all grade levels line dances during PE class and then all students participated in the Dance Party in the afternoon. Way to show your moves, Bailey Park!
Bailey Park students visit the science museum:
Bailey Park students had a fun day exploring all things science. It is exciting to see that our students get opportunities like this, to participate and discover in such fantastic learning environments, which reinforces their belief that learning is fun.
Davis Elementary and the Amazing Race:
Davis Elementary students had the chance to go to Ahrens Park this week to participate in Amazing Race activities. We had many awesome parent volunteers that helped facilitate these activities and the kids had an awesome time. Some of the activities includes water/sponge races, Human Plinko, and cart races, etc. Thanks again goes out to all of the wonderful volunteers who helped to make this day happen!
The High School Media Center got a facelift!
Mrs. Skousan’s 9th grade interior design students had the opportunity this year to redesign the high school's media center. This was a major project and they have put a tremendous amount of work into it. They held a presentation and open house to show off their work on Tuesday. It looks amazing! A job well done!
Senior Showcase
There will be a Senior Showcase this Friday, June 2nd at 7:00 p.m. in the GHS Auditorium. This is a special one-time performance presenting multiple short productions, each directed by one of six of our recently graduated seniors: Steven Sharpe, Maddie Topliff, Zac Loftin, Naomi Veldboom, Lucas Chamberland, and Leah Ramsey. $5 for adults and $3 for students - this is Curtain Club’s only fundraising event all year, and I hope you can make it.
GMS Celebration Assembly
The Middle School had a blast at their end of the year celebration. For your viewing pleasure, click on the link to watch a video of the celebration. Video
Weekly Updates over the Summer
We will be continuing the Weekly Update over the summer, informing you of things as they come up. The updates may not be as long, but I want you to know there will be something coming out every week, as we strive to keep you informed about all the things that go on in the district all year long.
Enjoy your summer break!
Sincerely,
Janet
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Janet M. Stutz
Superintendent
Grinnell-Newburg Schools