Weekly Update: November 16, 2018
Weekly Update: November 16, 2018
Happy Friday! Today marks the final day of the first trimester! Next week we will enter into our Fall Break in which many families in our community will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. I am thankful for our teachers, students, families and community for all that you do to support the Grinnell-Newburg School District in so many ways. I am especially grateful to those students, community groups, and staff members who continue to support our families in need during this time of year. I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving in which you will find time relaxing and enjoying the company of family and friends. Enjoy this break. Please know that next week our update will be sent out on late Tuesday afternoon.
No School November 21, 22 & 23 for Fall Break
Feedback From Facility Planning Organization meetings can be found here via these two separate links from 11/8 and 11/10.
I would like to thank all of those community members, staff and administrators who participated in the community organizational meetings. The links are the brainstormed ideas under each heading that the Board will consider to create an action plan moving forward as we begin from scratch to develop a facilities plan. Please take a look. If you did not have a chance to attend the meeting, you can provide feedback via this link.
Next Steps:
On November 28th the Board of Education will hold a facility work session meeting beginning at 6:00 pm in the Boardroom. The Board will review the walkthrough system analysis information from CMBA and Bluestone Engineers that address immediate priorities. The Board will also work to establish timelines for collecting information from the public and begin from scratch to develop a new plan. We will be utilizing the information from our 11/8 and 11/10 informational meetings and will create the action plan for collecting ideas from the public.
Board Meeting Recap:
The Board of Education approved an early retirement agreement for staff members who qualify. The agreement was sent out to staff today. All staff who are considering this option may begin to submit their paperwork on Tuesday, November 20th to their home school office secretary, or the District office. Please review Lisa Johnson’s email regarding all details of this agreement and the process for submitting documents.
Thank you to our Instructional Coaches for presenting to our school Board this week on our reading and writing workshop strategies and implementation. This literacy effort is designed to meet the needs of all students at their instructional level. The coaches praised the teachers for their dedication and recognized hard work as they continue to attend professional development activities to enhance instruction! Way to go TEAM! Thank to to all of our staff for their focus on literacy!
Monsanto Donation Correction
I had an error on the amount for the Monsanto donation at the Board meeting. Please know that the donation amount was $5,000. The goal for the robotics team is to raise $10,000. Please note this correction.
Life Responsibilities students made quilts for the Grinnell Hospice this year.
Above and Beyond Award
Josh Smith - Bailey Park Principal
Principal Smith was nominated by the Bailey Park Staff to receive the Above and Beyond award. “Mr. Smith has created a positive culture at Bailey Park where kids come first”. Congratulations Josh!
Child Development Preschool Day
Our High School students invited many of our young pre-school friends to join them today in their Child Development Class. I heard that it was an awesome experience!
GMS Students of the Month:
Congratulations to our GMS students of the month! Way to Go!
Take a look in the Virtual Backpack for student opportunities!
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, November 17
9:00 All State Music Festival @ Ames
Monday, November 19
4:30 8th Grade Girls Basketball @ Home
4:30 7th Grade Girls Basketball @ Newton
7:30 National Honor Society Induction
Tuesday, November 20
4:30 Middle School Wrestling Meet @ Newton
5:30 JV Boys Basketball Scrimmage @ Iowa City
6:00 JV Girls Basketball @ Des Moines Christian
7:00 Varsity Boys Basketball Scrimmage @ Iowa City
7:30 Varsity Girls Basketball @ Des Moines Christian
Wednesday, November 21
No School
Thursday, November 22
No School
Friday, November 23
No School
Have a wonderful Weekend!
Sincerely,
Janet