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Weekly Update: August 30, 2019

Weekly Update: August 30, 2019

Dear Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families and Friends:

Happy Friday! The first week of school went very well! As the school year gets busy and everyone is back in the routine, please continue to encourage your student to share stories about their school day.  A tip that I have provided parents in the past is rather than asking about their homework, or what they did in school, choose to ask more open ended questions like:

•  “What was the best part of your day today?” 

•  “What are you looking forward to tomorrow?” 

• “Can you show me something that you have learned today?”

• “Was there anything that was challenging for you today?”

• “Who did you sit with at lunch, or play with on the playground, or study with?”

These open ended questions assist students to not only reflect upon their school day, but will help parents to know how students are feeling about school. This will also provide an opportunity for open communication when things are going well, or when things for your student may be difficult. Get into the routine of asking open ended questions before asking about homework, or grades.  

Board Update:

The Board of Education met this past week to approve annual appointments such as attorney representatives, designate depositories, official publications and appoint IASB Delegates. 

The facilities ad hoc committee will be receiving information regarding our next steps as we explore facility options. I will keep you posted as to when these meetings will take place and our next steps as we work with CMBA and ESTES construction groups. 

SIAC Committee: School Improvement Advisory Committee

Do you want to participate in SIAC? Please contact Jessica Kite (jessica.kite@grinnell-k12.org), or your building principal if you would like to participate in the SIAC group. This community committee provides feedback to the school district about projects, goals, and various topics or concerns. The format this year will be a little different than in the past. Here are the Dates and Topic:   

Grinnell Activities are back in full swing for the school year!   

I had an opportunity to visit with our FFA crew at Ag day this week!  I also had a chance to attend the first home swim meet! It is wonderful seeing our students back into their routines and enjoying activities. Encourage your students to get connected either through school groups, athletics or other activities. Our focus this year is to assist students to get connected and “Find Who They Can Be”. 

Pre-School Open house!  

Our littlest learners are excited to be a part of our pre-school program.   

Opportunity to work with our students and families to get connected!

Join the AmeriCorps team and support Grinnell-area kids by coordinating community-based education projects or providing after school literacy activities. Anyone age 17+ can apply for part-time, 10 hours per week, AmeriCorps positions that include 6 Coordinator (Healthy Readers, Community Engagement, Family Engagement, School Readiness, Skills Gap and Volunteer Engagement) and 5 After School Enrichment Aides serving directly with kids to provide fun literacy activities. 

The application deadline is Monday, September 9, 2019. Check out the virtual backpack link for more information.  

Check the Virtual Backpack!!

Upcoming Events:

Friday, August 30

5:00 9th Grade Football @ Mid-Prairie

7:30 Varsity Football @ Mid-Prairie

Saturday, August 31

9:00 Varsity Volleyball Tournament @ Home

Tuesday, September 3

5:30 9th Grade Volleyball @ Home

5:30 JV Volleyball @ Home

7:00 Varsity Girls Swimming Meet @ Home

7:15 Varsity Volleyball @ Home

Thursday, September 5

4:30 JV/V Cross Country Invitational @ Iowa State University Cross Country Course

7:00 Varsity Girls Swimming Meet @ Home

Don’t forget that Homecoming is October 4, 2019 this year.  The Parade will be on October 3. I am most certain that the organization of this event will be happening soon, so keep it on your radar! I look forward to seeing everyone at our first Friday night home game September 6, 2019.   The visitor bleachers will be ready for our guests! 

Just a reminder that Monday is Labor Day Holiday, therefore there is no school on Monday!  

Have a wonderful three day weekend!

Janet