Weekly Update: October 30, 2020
Dear Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families, and Friends:
Happy Friday! This week has been filled with exciting news for staff and students for work that they have accomplished in their program or classroom! We are very proud of the accomplishments that are being celebrated in the classroom, on the field, and in our community. This weekly update highlights some of these amazing accomplishments!
Just a reminder…...
No School Monday for students, November 1st, as this is a Staff Professional Development Day!
REDI Update:
This week many of our REDI committees met to continue our work as we Re-imagine Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in our district and community. A new community committee is also being organized to focus on fundraising efforts. If you are interested in assisting with this effort please let me know and I will forward your contact information to the committee. The policy committee is just about complete with the 100 series of Board Policy and will have a draft recommendation to the Board for their first read at the November Board meeting. We will be preparing a communication piece to highlight all of the efforts in each group. I want to thank everyone who has participated in one or more of our committees.
21-day Equity Challenge:
How are you doing on your journey? We are on day 20! Today’s challenge is Tools and Approach for Change. This session focuses on learning about the tools that are available to get the work implemented and focus on our aspirations rather than our challenges in our community.
Winter Activities Guidance:
The Health and Safety Committee met this past week to review the winter activity guidelines for COVID-19 related to events. Please know that we will continue to require masks/face coverings for indoor events and they will need to remain on at all times while attending an indoor activity. Participants and families will receive a specific document with instructions regarding locker room usage, practices, and more. Please contact your coach or sponsor if you have any questions regarding the team routines. Please feel free to contact Chris Coffman at chris.coffman@grinnell-k12.org or Dr. Stutz at janet.stutz@grinnell-k12.org regarding any procedures regarding spectator protocols.
KIX 101.1 recognized Bailey Parks teacher Megan Schutt for her being chosen as the monthly winner for “Pack the Backpack.”
Watch the video here: Congratulations Megan!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
All-State Band Selections!
The following GHS Band Students were selected to the 2020 Iowa All-State Band. Students submitted recorded video auditions and results were announced Saturday, Oct. 24. The All-State Festival scheduled for Nov. 19-21 will not happen due to Covid but the honor is still there!
Ellie Durr (12th) - bassoon
Timo Mobley-Benoist (10th) - euphonium
Joel Dressler (9th) - horn
Ruari Brownell was selected as an alternate on alto saxophone
Grinnell FFA:
This week was the Virtual National FFA Convention and we have some exciting news! Grinnell FFA Member, Josh Hefflefinger, was one of 4 National Finalists for the Specialty Animal Production Proficiency Award Area and would normally be recognized on the National FFA stage in Indianapolis during Convention. However, given the current situation, a virtual event was held at the GHS auditorium on Thursday. To be a finalist at the National level is a major achievement!! We have never had a member ever make it this far. Ashley Wolfe stated, “I am so proud and excited, but bummed that he is missing out on being on the National FFA stage. However, we hope we are celebrating as best we can for him”.
Josh won the State last year as a Senior and returned this week to await the news if he won nationals. Although he was not selected as the top winner, we are very proud of him as one of four finalists at the national level! What an accomplishment! Congratulations Ashley Wolfe, AG Teacher, and FFA sponsor, for your guidance to our students in the program and classroom! We are so very proud!
The GHS Virtual Playhouse Presents:
THE RADIO PLAY DISASTER
by Don Zolidis
6:30 pm
AND
DRACULA: A COMEDY OF TERRORS
by Gordon Greenberg & Steve Rosen
7:30 pm
directed by Michael Hunter
These scarily funny FREE performances will be broadcast on YouTube.
Friday Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Saturday Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
I hope that you have an opportunity to tune in!
On the Field Accomplishment!
More Excitement is in the air as our Grinnell Tigers head to Pella tonight to begin their journey toward a state title after defeating Fort Madison at home last Friday night 35-0.
We wish our team all the best against Pella! Go Tigers!
I am wishing all of you a safe Halloween Weekend! The Blue Moon will be out on Halloween. Did you know that the last time we had a Blue Moon on Halloween was in 2001? The next time that this event will happen will be in 2039! Don't miss it! Whatever your plans are this weekend, please remember to mask up, wash your hands, socially distance, and be safe!
GO TIGERS!
Janet
Upcoming Events:
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Monday, Nov. 2nd |
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Debate- Virtual Comp. 5:30 |
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Tuesday, Nov 3rd |
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G 7th BBall vs Indy- 4:30 |
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Thursday, Nov 5th |
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G Diving- Regionals @ Johnston |
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G 7th BBall vs Newton 4:30 |
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G 8th Bball @ Newton 4:30 |
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Saturday, Nov 7th |
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G Swimming- Regionals |
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@ Johnston-12PM |