Weekly Update: July 16, 2021
Weekly Update: July 16, 2021
Dear Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education, Staff, Families, and Friends:
Happy Summer! Today we resume our weekly update information for families and community members as we gear up for the school year. I hope that this update finds you and your families enjoying time together. Summer is a busy time for the district office as we complete required State reports, onboard new staff, and plan for the fall. I look forward to our students returning to school on August 23, 2021. Feel free to stop by the district office at 925 Broad Street and say Hello!
This fall our theme is “Bounce Back Grinnell”. We look forward to having all students return to on site learning for the 2021-22 school year! Please be sure to complete your registration forms and sign up for transportation. You can find information in the update below.
Legislative Update Overview and Highlights:
This past week I provided an update to the board about legislative changes that are effective for the 2021-2022 school year. Below is the link to the complete document that was posted on the board agenda. Legislation 2021 Update 7-14-21
Specific to HF 802: Talking points on cultural diversity, inclusion and equity.
As the Department points out in their guidance, the three “Specific Defined Concepts” that have garnered the most attention are:
1) That the USA and the state of Iowa are fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist. This does NOT mean that actual or purported racist or sexist policies implemented by the US or the state of Iowa cannot be mentioned or studied. But the line that educators cannot cross is to describe either the US or Iowa as fundamentally or systemically racist or sexist.
2) That an individual, by virtue of the individual’s race or sex, bears responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex. This does NOT bar discussions of how to redress the effects of past discrimination. Educators just cannot tell students to bear responsibility for past discrimination that they did not commit. Nor should they.
3) That any individual should feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of that individual’s race or sex. It may happen that during the course of discussions a student may experience these emotions, but that is allowed under the law. The point is that they cannot be TOLD or TAUGHT that they should or need to feel these emotions. This is a subtle, but critical distinction.
Educators actually gain some protections in the law:
1) It protects districts that want to promote racial, cultural, ethnic, intellectual, or academic diversity or inclusiveness, provided those efforts are consistent with the provisions in HF 802.
2) The 10 “Specific Defined Concepts” CAN be discussed as part of a larger course of instruction.
3) Most importantly, it does NOT prohibit the use of curriculum that teaches the topics of sexism, slavery, racial oppression, racial segregation, or racial discrimination.
HF 847 Education Practice: This legislation has the requirement for the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited and a United States flag shall be displayed during the recitation. A student shall not be compelled against the student's objections or those of the student's parent or guardian to recite the pledge. This practice will begin on the first day of school.
Above & Beyond Recognition Jill Hollingsworth: Congratulations Jill! Jill was recognized at our recent School Board meeting as a result of being nominated by her colleague Malissa Juni.
Check out information regarding COVID testing and further information from the Iowa Department of Public Health. Public Health Press Release.
In Person Registration Night - August 2, 2021 4:00pm-6:00pm at the High School
It is that time of year when we gear up for the fall! We will host an in person registration night for families who need assistance with the online registration. We are here to assist you to register your students.
2021-2022 Online Registration:
You may also choose to register online. Please do not forget to complete your free and reduced form if you qualify! Although lunch will be free for all students once again, it is important that if you qualify that you complete the form to ensure your fees and other items will also be covered.
It's that time of year again to register your student(s) for next school year!
Log into your parent portal to register.
If you have questions about your parent portal please contact Katie Osborn at katie.osborn@grinnell-k12.org or 236-2676.
Does your student need to ride the bus?
Transportation Sign Up
Bailey Park Transportation Request
Fairview Transportation Request
Davis Elementary Transportation Request
Middle School Transportation Request
High School Transportation Request
Softball and Baseball Update:
The softball season came to an end on Monday, July 12th after a 4-3 loss to powerhouse Carlisle. The Tigers gave full effort but fell a little short in their bid to advance to the regional finals. They ended with a 15-16 overall record and 9-12 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. The Tigers were led all year long by three strong seniors, Hannah Behrens, Kate Kriegel, and Lindsey Hollibaugh. Although the season ended before they wanted, they did reach many achievements. The biggest was a 11-1 victory over Pella in the first round of regional play. This was the Tiger’s first postseason victory since 2010. Congratulations to the coaches and girls of the Tiger Softball Team.
The baseball team ended their regular season on Tuesday, July 13th with a 11-5 victory over Ballard. The Tigers achieved a second place finish in conference play and broke a school record for overall wins in a season with 28. The Tigers earned a ranking of 2nd in Class 3A with a 28-5 record. They also earned a #1 seed in class 3A substate 7 where they will face Perry on their home field on Friday, July 16th at 7pm. Tickets can only be purchased online at https://www.iahsaa.org/
Congratulations to Coach Tony Stenberg for reaching 200 career wins this season.
Way to Go Kyle Dillion!
Senior Kyle Dillon was selected to play in the IAHSSCA East vs West Senior All-Star soccer match this past Saturday, July 10th. Due to inclement weather, the match was canceled, but Kyle and the other seniors were able to practice together in the morning. Congrats to Kyle Dillon on being selected to the IAHSSCA East vs West Senior All-Star match!
Virtual Backpack!
Check out the virtual backpack so that you do not miss out on football summer camp, voice lessons, Drake Library summer activities, 4H events and farm safety classes and so much more for you and your students to enjoy!
SLICK and Kindergarten Camp:
Just a reminder that these programs return on July 26, 2021 for a two week program after our summer break! Please contact Lisa York (lisa.york@grinnell-k12.org) or Brian Conway (brian.conway@grinnell-k12.org
Have a wonderful Weekend! Go Tigers!
Janet