Weekly Update: January 12, 2018
Weekly Update January 12, 2018
Welcome Winter! This time of year brings unpredictable weather related conditions. I want to thank you for your patience as these decisions are made. I typically begin this process very early in the morning, around 4:00 am. I have the fortunate opportunity to discuss a weather related delay or closure with area superintendents, our bus transportation department, our maintenance departments, as well as get on the roads myself to make decisions. Please know that in the event of a school delay or closure, I will be sending you a voice reach typically before 6:30 am. In the event of a school delay or closure, please be sure to check the district’s website, district social media, and email for further information.
Board Meeting:
This past week the Board of Education held their regularly scheduled Board meeting. I would like to thank our Davis Elementary Students who participate in BLAST (Building Leadership Around Supporting Technology) for taking the time to teach the members of the Board something new. Fabulous Job!
Soil Testing Update:
This past fall the Board of Education approved further soil testing on the 4th ave property. Please know that we have received preliminary results and a statement from Testing Laboratory Environmental Company that states: “In summary, this preliminary data supports the previous IDNR/IDPH findings with no additional limitations on the proposed school development at the property”. I want to thank a local Grinnell citizen who used to work on the RC property site for assisting the drilling company to identify areas that should be tested. The full report will be posted on our website once we receive it.
LMC (Labor Management Committee):
This past week the LMC committee met to update the group on the teacher evaluation process review and participation, as well as updating the committee on the process to review the supplemental salary schedule for activities. The supplemental salary schedule was an item which was once questionable under the law, as to whether it should be a handbook item or a contract item. At this time we have learned that this will be a contract item. Please contact your union leadership or myself if you have any questions.
Bond Informational Presentations:
This past week I had the opportunity to provide information regarding the upcoming Bond Vote to several groups. You may find information on our website at www.grinnell-k12.org regarding the bond. Also please feel free to contact our district office at 641-236-2700 to schedule a time for me to come and provide information on the facilities plan to your group or organization.
Middle School Students and Staff finding time to work together, read together, or learn together! What a fabulous group hard at work!
Grinnell Students and Alumni GHS Band Members Joined Forces to cheer on GHS Basketball Teams last Friday Night. Do you recognize some faces? Go Tigers! We hope you can join us tonight and remember to wear black as our Tigers take on Norwalk!
Tonight:
I hope you can join me in supporting the band boosters at their annual Potato Bar Fundraiser while listening to some awesome Jazz music. This will be held between 5:00-6:30 tonight in the GHS cafeteria.
Upcoming Events:
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7th and 8th grade Honor Band Festival - January 20 at Iowa City High
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8th grade band playing with GHS pep band at BB game - January 23
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Middle School Engineer Fair - January 24-26 in the GMS gymnasium.
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January 24 - Meeting of the Board of Education
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January 20th Large Group Speech District Contest at Montezuma!
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January 20th SEIBA Honor Band @ Iowa City West HS
Stay warm this weekend!
Sincerely,
Janet
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Dr. Janet M. Stutz
Superintendent
Grinnell-Newburg Schools