Superintendent's Update: September 15, 2023
Weekly What’s Going Well:
Happy Friday!
We are getting into the swing of things for the school year and officially have fall activities underway! Be sure to check out this weeks video where I sit down with GNCSD Activities Director, Chris Coffman who goes over the switch to the WaMac conference and touches on projects for the district.
At the board meeting on Wednesday, the board of directors approved the 2023-24 District Goals with revisions to the District’s vision and mission statement (shared below).
Vision: Every student is achieving at their maximum potential in an engaging, collaborative, and challenging learning environment.
Mission: The Grinnell-Newburg School District, in partnership with the entire community, will empower every student and their family to grow to be responsible, compassionate, and contributing members of their communities.
The board also approved the electrion for the PPEL renewal. More information on the PPEL renewal can be found here.
Be sure to take a look at the sign-up information below to register your float or group for the annual homecoming parade.
Grinnell Newburg Homecoming Parade:
Grinnell-Newburg High School Homecoming Parade, sponsored and organized by Grinnell-Newburg Dollars for Scholars and the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, will be held downtown on Thursday, October 5th. The Grinnell Tigers play Benton Community on Friday, October 6th at 7:30 pm at T.T. Cranny Field!
Lineup for the parade begins: 4:30 p.m. (Downtown: 4th Avenue & Park Street)
Parade Begins: 5:30 p.m.
All entries must be submitted by Monday, October 2nd to participate in the parade.
Click here to register your float and find the parade route.
Following the parade, head over to Central Park for more festivities and Tiger Spirit!
Above and Beyond
Shawn Edelen, Director of Facilities and Maintenance, was recognized for his commitment and dedication to GNCSD at Wednesday’s board meeting. This summer, not only did he work with the HVAC system overhaul at two buildings but worked endlessly with contractors to replace roofs at all five buildings, due to the hail. Shawn takes pride in what he does for GNCSD. Shawn would be the first to say that it is a team effort and his dedication makes him a great recipient of the award.
Mr. Barber presents Shawn with his award.
Free and Reduced Price Meals & School Fees
Reminder free and reduced price meal applications, and fee waiver forms are due by October 4, 2023. Free and reduced price meal applications are available through the parent portal (click “More” and “Meal Benefits” tab on the left menu bar).
Families are also able to pay their schools fees online through the parent portal or can bring check/cash to their school. Notices will be mailed out in the weeks to come for any unpaid fees.
Please contact your school or the district office with questions related to school fees.
2023 FFA South Central Career Development Event Day
Best of luck to our FFA students who are planning to attend and participate in the 2023 SC Career Development Event in Osceola, IA Tuesday the 19th. They’ll be competing in Livestock Judging, Soils Eval, and Dairy Foods.
Students prep for the dairy food contest.
Swimming and Diving take 2nd in Waterloo!
Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving finishes 2nd place at the Warhawk invite on Saturday the 9th. Way to go Tigers!
Swimmers pose with their medals.
Kites Over Grinnell 2023
Kites over Grinnell will be held September 30, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Ahrens Park. NEW this year will be the night kite flying from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.! Free food, spectacular kite flying, and family fun! Students K-4th grade are building their kites over the next few weeks at school. Remember to bring your own kites and lawn chairs.
To see the flyer click here.
Elementary School Pictures
Reminder Elementary school pictures will be held on the following dates:
Fairview Elementary - Tuesday, September 26th
Bailey Park Elementary - Wednesday, September 27th
Davis Elementary - Wednesday, September 27th
The virtual Backpack can be found here:
The activities Calendar can be found here:
Have a great weekend!
Mr. Steven H. Barber