Superintendent's Update: April 5, 2024
Weekly What’s Going Well:
Spring has Sprung! Our first week of April gave us all kinds of weather! Snow, rain, wind, and sun! Looking forward to warmer days ahead as we work our way through the third trimester. Check out today’s video with guest Amy Miller chatting about the Invisible Closet as well as Shoes for the Sole. If you’d like to contribute to this program financially, you can reach out to GNSF at gnsfexecutivedirector@gmail.com. If you’d like to make a donation of items, please reach out to Amy Miller at amy.miller@grinnell-k12.org.
Reverse Career Fair
Last week’s update highlighted the Reverse Career Fair that took place on Wednesday of this week. About 60 students showed off their skills including breadmaking, photography, woodworking, hydroponics, theater tech, robotics, accounting and more! Guests from the community visited the fair and enjoyed chatting with students about their projects. Fantastic job by our CTE teachers and all the students that showcased their work!
Paraprofessional Appreciation Day Celebrated Wednesday April 3rd
Thank you to all of our Paraprofessionals across the district! Our Paras play a vital role in the success of our students on a daily basis.
Librarian Appreciation Day Celebrated Thursday April 4th
Our school Librarians play a vital role in our district and they were celebrated this week as well! Thanks to Chelsey Kolpin and Allison Pease for keeping all five libraries running smoothly for our students and staff!
Mileage Club Starts Monday April 8th
Looking for a fun way to spend your lunch break? We’re looking for volunteers to help at each of the elementary schools during the lunch recess during Mileage Club! Students are encouraged to get their steps in during this fun annual event. Volunteers will help keep track of laps, provide encouragement, and distribute prizes for students who meet goals. Sign up at the links below!
Bailey Park https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAB2DA3F9C07-48672535-bailey#/
Fairview https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAB2DA3F9C07-48672565-fairview#/
Davis https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AEAB2DA3F9C07-48672571-davis#/
High School and Middle School Art Show at Stewart Gallery
Summer LINK Enrollment is Open
Looking for care for your child this summer? Check out the Summer LINK program! This year’s program has added some special camp weeks as well as the pool days, special classes, and field trips! Reach out to director@linkgrinnell.org with any questions.
Teachers Complete Mentorship Program
On Wednesday, Grinnell-Newburg second-year teachers celebrated the completion of their two-year mentoring program.
Pictured: L-R - Leslie Keller and mentor, Sal Faulkner; Mentor, Meaghan Hunter and Rachel DeBoer; Mentor, Jan Phifer and Jessica Visscher; Travis Peterson and mentor, Trent Edsen; and Nell Hatch, mentor Danielle McDonough not pictured.
Model UN
Congratulations to our Model UN team for their work participating in the Iowa High School Model United Nations Spring Conference at UNI yesterday and today.
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Iran: Liam Lease and Charlie Nicklas
South Korea: Ty McIntyre, Lilian Ford, Eli Boyd, Peyton Stevenson, Chloe Alger, Brody Petig, Kiran Elfenbein, Ava Valencic, Norah Nicol, Ketsia Kiphanzu
3rd Grade Music Informances
Davis welcomed families of 3rd graders to enjoy music informances. These sessions are a brief glimpse into what a normal music class is like for our students and showcases the work they have done throughout the year. Parents got to join the fun with some folk dancing this time!
Snow Make Up Days
The school board passed a motion to add two snow make up days to the end of the school year. School will be held the full week after Memorial Day with an early out on Friday May 31st as the last day of the 23-24 school year.
League of Women Voters Upcoming Legislative Coffee CANCELED.
Press Release:
The Grinnell-Jasper League of Women Voters regrets to inform you that Senator Annette Sweeney sent word that she has a conflict and will not be able to attend the Legislative Coffee scheduled for 10:00 AM this Saturday April 6th at Drake Community Library and via Zoom so therefore it is canceled. We encourage everyone to continue to contact Senator Sweeney at annette.sweeney@legis.iowa.gov and Representative Fisher at dean.fisher@legis.iowa.gov with any comments, questions or concerns. The League of Women Voters feel strongly that it is important and so will continue to strive to provide opportunities to learn about current legislative proposals as well as give support, ask questions, and raise concerns in a respectful and personal environment.
The Virtual Backpack can be found here:
The Activities Calendar can be found here:
Have a great weekend!
Steven H. Barber