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Weekly Update: February 12, 2021

Weekly Update: February 12, 2021

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

BRRRRR it is cold outside! Happy Friday! It is tough to decide on when to delay school for a few hours or to make the decision to go remote for the day. Today was one of those days and I am glad that we were virtual today. Temperatures with the windchill reached -29 degrees and did not let up until a little after 1:00 PM to a balmy -24 with wind gust up to 20 MPH. Our country roads are seeing blowing snow that is creating slick conditions. When we see sustained wind chills in this manner, that is typically when a decision will be made for a late start or if they extend past 10:00 am then we will go virtual.  It depends upon how long wind chills will continue, which determines the schedule. These decisions are never easy. Typically, I will try to have students in attendance so that they can receive their breakfast and lunch, and enriched learning for the entire day. Yesterday it was clear on several of our resource weather sites, that wind chills would not let up for a late start. 

I want to thank members of our First Presbyterian Church for the opportunity to speak with you this past Sunday about our REDI (Reimagine Equity Diversity and Inclusion) efforts here in our Grinnell Community. If there is a community group that would benefit from hearing about our efforts, please let me know and I would be happy to share our progress. Within the next couple of weeks, you will see our new website landing page with committee action plans and efforts to make a difference in the lives of our students, staff, and people of color who live here in Grinnell. We still have work to do but we are making progress.      

Kindergarten Registration:

Kindergarten registration will run from February 15 through February 26. Current four-year-old preschool students will be bringing home a packet of information to register. You can return that packet to your preschool teacher or drop it off at Bailey Park, Fairview, or Central Office.  

Log into your parent portal to register your kindergartner.

If you have questions about your parent portal please contact Katie Osborn at katie.osborn@grinnell-k12.org or 236-2676.

If you need a registration packet, please stop by Bailey Park, Fairview, or Central Office.  

Questions?  Please contact Sarah Seney at 236-2780 or Josh Smith at 236-2770. 

SLICK Above & Beyond:

Teachers and Coordinators were recognized at the January 27th school board meeting. They were nominated by Liz Hansen who shared: “The Grinnell Education Partnership has engaged more than 160 AmeriCorp members, more than 20 local organizations, and more than 300 volunteers since its inception in 2015-20”. Melanie Hempe, Joselyn Nimmo, (not pictured) Allison Pease, and Barb VanErsvelde are passionate educators and devoted countless hours serving kids, creating materials, and sharing resources with AmeriCorps members. The kids in the program enjoyed their teachers and are grateful for doing the impossible work through a virtual setting due to the pandemic. Also congratulations to Ethan Meints and Nicole James for their organization, modeling instructional practices with AmeriCorp members, and letting all know how important the work that they do is for our children. Dr. Janet Stutz was also recognized for working on the steering committee and was instrumental in ensuring that programming was essential during this pandemic. Way to go Team!  

Knocked Your Socks Off Third Grade Teachers At Davis Elementary School!

Congratulations Shari Gantz, Davis Elementary School’s third-grade teacher for knocking your socks off! Shari expressed that she finds joy in teaching her students when they learn how to problem-solve and then realize that they understand what they have learned. She enjoys building relationships with her students and having them feel comfortable in the classroom to take risks. Shari works with her students in a “kind and compassionate way and smiles at them every time they walk in the room”.  “Shari is a communicator with her families and takes care of my student’s needs in a timely fashion. Shari spends a significant amount of time crafting instruction each day to meet the needs of her students in her classroom. Shari develops her craft with great intentionality”.  Way to go Shari!  

Holly Kuesel and Morgan Marburger:  

This team was nominated together! “As a team, Morgan, and Holly communicate effectively with families and provide detailed information to me as a parent to ensure I know exactly where my child is at in their progress. It was outstanding information! Both of these teachers integrate technology into instruction and it is always fun!”  When asked what brings them joy in teaching Morgan expressed that she enjoys cheering her students on to learn tough math concepts, and when they get it, it brings her joy.  She shared “it is the little things, the tiny moments when students have grown in their learning”.  Holly stated what brings her joy is seeing her students finding the love for reading. She finds it incredible “when students find their interests and path to become their unique self.”  “I love building relationships with my students and enjoy interacting with them every day”.   Way to Go Team Morgan and Holly!

Boys Swimming Medley Relay Heads to State Meet Tomorrow!  Best of luck to the relay team of Kayden Heishman, Alex Smith, Blake Wilson, and Brody Petig!  Go Tigers!
 

Upcoming Events:
 

Oskaloosa has no spectator restrictions, however, masks and social distancing is still required.  Fans must purchase a ticket ahead of time, with no sales at the door. 

vancoevents.com/IKN

Live Stream: indiansnetwork.tv

Have a safe weekend!  Stay warm! I will be monitoring the weather over the weekend and if we delay or implement a virtual day, I will let you know as soon as possible.  If there is a delay or cancellation, you will receive a voice message through the emergency call feature in Infinite Campus.  

Sincerely,

Janet

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