Weekly Update: December 1, 2017
Weekly Update: December 1, 2017
Dear Board of Education, Families, Staff and Friends,
Happy December 1, 2017! I had to look at my calendar twice this morning as I realized the final month of 2017 is here. The weather outside certainly does not indicate the beginning of December. I am most certain that this will change quickly and before we know it, white snowflakes will be landing. It is important for all of our families to pay close attention to the weather related to hard surface routes, delayed starts, or school closings. The district will be sending a voice reach out to parents in the event that the weather complicates the opening or delayed start for school. Please be sure to check your Infinite Campus phone and email addresses to ensure that they are accurate so that you do not miss any important announcements.
Reminder: School is in session on December 4, there will not be a Professional Day for staff this coming Monday.
**Please remember to check our district’s Virtual Backpack for activities and events!
There are some great opportunities that start next week. Please be sure to check this out this weekend!
Above & Beyond Recognitions:
With all the important work going on in our schools and throughout the community we want to continue to recognize those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Each month we recognize a student, staff member and community member who has been nominated for recognition. If you would like to nominate a community member, staff member or student who has gone above and beyond for the families and students of Grinnell-Newburg School District, please send your nomination submission to the Above & Beyond Committee at aboveandbeyond@grinnell-k12.org.
Tiger BLAST
A student technology leadership team started this week at Davis Elementary. It includes representatives from each third and fourth grade classroom, for a total of 12 students and will proceed for 6 weeks. BLAST stand for Building Leadership Around Supporting Technology. Students are building interpersonal skills and technical skills making connections each day to their regular classroom.
Math Club:
I had the opportunity to stop by and visit math club this week at Davis Elementary School. It was a packed house! Students proudly shared their geometric designs.
Citizenship Award Winners at Bailey Park Elementary
Bailey Park is focusing on citizenship through December and weekly students will be chosen displaying good citizenship. Great job guys!
Respect Retreat
Our Freshman participated in the annual Respect Retreat, and had a great time! Thanks to all our Senior Ambassadors and staff who worked to make this a meaningful experience for our Freshman students.
Meetings with Staff: Update on the Facility Planning
I had the opportunity to meet with elementary staff to provide updated information regarding the facility plan this past Wednesday. I am scheduled to meet with Middle School Staff on December 6 at 3:30 p.m., and with the High School Staff on December 7 at 3:30 p.m. Please come with your questions. If you are not able attend, please feel free to email any questions or concerns.
Administrative Meeting:
This week the administrative staff collaborated to finalize state reports that are due this month, as well as the state of the district documentation that will be presented to the Board of Education this December 13 during the Superintendent’s report. This State of the District Report also satisfies one of our requirements by the State of Iowa as we examine student populations, course-work, and free and reduced lunch counts.
Board Meeting & Task Force:
This past week the Board of Education was trained by a representative from ISFIS that focused on roles and responsibilities of the Board during a Board Campaign. Our trainer went through the “Do’s and Don'ts during a bond campaign. Following the training, members of the community met to discuss the facilities recommendation and what committee work would be necessary to implement a bond campaign. This meeting was very well attended. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions regarding the facility plan that was presented to the Board on November 15, 2017. Presentation
Upcoming Events: Please visit the Calendar page on our website for further details
December 1- MS Jazz Band Festival of Trees
December 8 - MS Geography Bee
December 11 - HS Winter Concert
December 12 - 5th & 6th Grade Concert
December 14 - 7th & 8th Grade Concert
December 25 - January 2 - Winter Break
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Janet
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Dr. Janet M. Stutz
Superintendent
Grinnell-Newburg Schools