Positive note from Central City's Superintendent

I received the following email from Central City Superintendent Tim Cronin.  I love getting emails like this and I am proud of our Central athletes and coaching staff for being a "class-act" both on and off the field.  I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Nick

Thought I'd pass this along.  Quite honestly, part of the reason I went to the game bc I was thinking you guys would score a 100 and run up the score.  As I retold people over the weekend, you were up 62-0 and no points were scored in an obvious attempt to run up the score.  Thanks.

Nice note below.

Take care.

Tim

 

 

Dan, I am Jason Mclaughlin, Central City Jr-Sr High principal.  I wanted to let you know so that you can pass this along, but you guys were class acts on Friday night at our football game.  I am not sure if you were there or not, but if you weren't, you guys were up 62-0 at halftime.  

Our kids/team has really struggled this year, but they are working hard.  You guys could have really put the wood to us second half but did not.  We appreciate not putting our kids in a position where they are read about giving up 100 points or something crazy like that.  

Anyway, thanks a lot for the great sportsmanship that your kids and coaches showed Friday night. We really appreciate it and it shows a lot of class.  Your kids worked hard, they are a tough team, but they are also very good sports and it is nice to see.  Good luck to you guys the rest of the season and good luck in the playoffs.  Hopefully you can hoist up that trophy at the end of the year, we will be rooting for you. 
Jason McLaughlin

 

After School Programs offered at Central

I wanted to share an email I received from Shannon Durbin, who coordinates a lot of our after school programs.  Many of you may not realize all the programs currently being offered at Central.  If you have interest in volunteering to help with an after school program, or you have a child that is interested in participating, please contact the school.

Theater Program-  We just completed a puppet theater series and the group will be traveling to Dubuque this Sunday for Curious George at the Heritage Center.  We will start Acting for the Camera in November.  I am trying to get my former classmate and meteorologist, Justin Roberts, to visit with the group.

First Lego League- they have chosen the name Cyborg Narwhals and are doing great learning the new programming and EV3 robots that I was able to get with a 3M grant.  I also received a Rockwell Collins Grant to pay for our admission and challenge set.  Double checked on the whereabouts of that today, it was held up for a reason they weren't sure of but will be sending it today.  The kids are doing well with core values and are starting their project next Tuesday.  The youth wanted to learn about flight for their project so we are taking a field trip on Tuesday to the Elkader airport and talking to a couple of pilots.  If the weather is good (and I get insurance approved) the kids may have the option to ride in the plane. 

Hyperstream Club- I have four high school students in this group.  They are doing a service project this weekend with Harvest Fest.  They made the posters and newspaper ads as well.  If all works out they also will be doing a film making day on Monday with a professional film maker presenter.  Although this event will mostly be geared torward the Hyperstream group, we are going to do it as a day camp so anyone who wants to learn can come.  We thought of this idea kind of late, so if it doesn't work this time we will do it on another break.  The high school students are super busy so a full day immersion is best for their schedules.

I know we talked about this really briefly when I first met with you but for your records
Partnership with the ISU Extension and Outreach

4h Afterschool Clubs-
Open to everyone.  If the group meets regularly we register the group as a 4h club.  It costs $30 to the state to be a 4h member.  The Extension council pays $10 of it so the youth pay $20.  If the youth is already in a 4h club they don't have to re-enroll.  We provide insurance, screening and educated leadership, volunteers when available, training, researched based curriculum, and the youth are welcome to put their project (whether it be robotics or garden, etc) into the county fair, which also provides them free admission all week.  They can also participate on county council, 4h camp, and citizenship trips, etc.  They are also provided access to our materials (robotics kits, computers, etc) through the grants we get.  We are a nonprofit lead education agency.  4h Afterschool has its own website if you want more information of the possibilities we can do together.

Extension Programs-
Open to everyone.  These are approximately 6 hours of researched based education.  We provide this through day camps, summer camps, after school series (like theater).  These youth don't register in 4h.  Usually there is just a small fee to cover supplies and snack and additional insurance we take out when there are non-4h youth involved.  We provide screened leadership and free training to volunteers and research based curriculum for youth, but these youth are not eligible to participate in fair or other 4h experiences through this group, they must join a club to do so.

We partner with all area schools for use of space, additional supplies, and volunteers.
We are super happy to continually have Central as a partner in all of the above.

A special thank you for your willingness to pay MacKenzie to co-lead robotics.  She has a very positive attitude and is picking it all up pretty quickly.

We are also very happy to have Food and Fitness melding so well within the school.  I did not update you on their progress as I am sure you are already getting it from Mr. Arnold and Ms. Panther, but can if you would like more info.

Thank you,

Shannon Durbin
Program Coordinator

Community within a Community Service Project

The Food Science students spent two days doing a "community within a community" service project.  Students worked in teams to produce items for the Central Volleyball bake sale, with proceeds going to support the cancer fundraiser they participate in.  Students worked collaboratively to choose recipes, bring in/purchase the needed supplies, and problem-solve how to prepare the products.  Who would have thought learning could be so fun!

Central Students take on Japanese Knotweed! The winner, Central!

On Wednesday, September 24th the Central Global Science class led by Ann Gritzner traveled to Brush Creek Canyon State Preserve near Arlington with Clayton County Naturalist Brian Gibbs.  The purpose of the trip was to stop the spread of Japanese Knotweed into the preserve.  Japanese Knotweed is an invasive species that has escaped from landscaped areas.  It can quickly take over and out compete local vegetation when left unchecked.  If caught early, when patches are small, it can be controlled by cutting and then spraying with herbicide.   The Global Science class is currently investigating invasive species and how to control and prevent them.  A special thanks to Brian Gibbs and Bruce Blair for helping with the project.

Central students examine a knotweed patch prior to cutting.

 
Central students attacking the plant!

Students carrying Japanese Knotweed away from the stream so the seeds do not spread.

The victory pose!  Great job students!

Weekly Update- 9/12/14

Another school week in the books!  Apologies for no update last week, I took a small vacation and had a pretty short week.

Multi-age classrooms continue to progress.  Not only am I asking teachers to take on a different set of students, I am asking them to teach differently than they have ever done in their careers.  I read something this morning from A.J. Juliani titled Stop Teaching Kids to Play the Game of School.  My biggest take away is that the game of school is similar to treating life as a marathon.  In a marathon there is a start and there is a finish.  Some will finish faster, most will finish, and some will never finish.  In a marathon there is a clear path to follow and everyone is expected to stay on the same path.  But is life really this way?  The author states "Real life has no signs, and no straight lines.  There's just a maze of infinite options: some paths, like careers, take five times longer to get where you want.  Some paths, like some relationships, are dead ends".  The author asks, "are we teaching students that life is a marathon, or a maze?"  Those of you that believe life is more like a marathon, should be perfectly happy with public education's current system.  I believe life more resembles a maze and want better for my children and Central students.  Each of our students has a path that will take them somewhere in life.  Our education system should help guide them on whatever path they choose, not assume because of an "age" or a "curriculum" that all students should follow the same path.  If we accomplish this change the possibilities are endless for our students and I am encouraged to see the middle school and high school making similar changes in regards to grading and adding a 9th hour intervention/enrichment period.

Since my last post I have also been very busy working on the Iowa Teacher Leadership & Compensation grant.  As I stated back in our calendar discussions I feel very strongly school districts need to begin working together for all of us to be successful.  I am extremely happy to report that we have started a coalition to apply for this grant.  Central will be working with Starmont, West Central, and East Buchanan to provide teacher leadership positions that will enhance our professional development and in turn our student's academic experience.  I will provide more information on this in the coming weeks.

We just finished our FAST testing in the elementary and will begin MAP testing next week.  Already elementary teachers have gotten students into like ability groups based off the results of these tests.  I am honored to be the administrator of such an amazing, data driven staff.  Our teachers are working extremely hard to ensure each student gets the education I mention above.  Help me in thanking them every time you see them!

Have a great weekend everyone, and I have to say it... Go HAWKS!

Weekly Update- 8/29/14

Another school week about to be placed into the books and a lot of positive things to share with our public!

Multi-Age Classrooms
While there have been and will be bumps in the road as we are in our first year of rolling this out, early signs have reaffirmed my belief this is the right approach to education.  I have sat in all grade level meetings and watched as teams of teachers review student data regardless of an "age".  I have seen kindergarten students with higher scores than 1st grade students, I have also seen kindergarten students not ready for 1st grade materials and standards.  This can be said about all the age groups.  The multi-age approach is putting a spot light on individual needs, not the needs of an age group.  Our teachers have been much more focused on individual student data and meeting the needs of each student instead of the age group.  I do not feel this focus would be as strong if we remained in single age groups.

Vision
This week the Central School Board hosted a Vision Work Session in which Structure Architecture presented.  I am very excited to work with Structure in ensuring our building and facilities align with our goal of a 21st Century Education.  We will be forming a Facilities Committee so if you are interested in being a part of this process please let me know.

Teacher Leadership & Compensation
Our sub-committee met with sub-committees from West Central, Starmont, and East Buchanan.  Together we are going to be applying for a grant that would create the following positions: 4 Instructional Coaches, 2 Technology Coaches, numerous Collaboration Coordinators, Mentor Teachers, and Model Teachers.  A lot more information to come on this, but I am very encouraged to see school districts working together to better meet the needs of our students!

Fall Sports
Boy and Girls Cross Country both took 1st place in their first meet of the year at Ed-Co on Tuesday.  Last night the Central Girls Volleyball team swept West Central in three matches for the win.  Tonight Central Football takes on Tripoli, 7:00pm at Tripoli.  It is great seeing how our coaches and student athletes are representing our district, keep up the great work!

STEM
This past year I made a push for teachers to apply for STEM grants, and they answered the call!  Central will be incorporating many different STEM opportunities for our students in the 2014/15 school year.  These opportunities will be for all grade levels. 
Mr. Ungerer received a STEM grant for FIRST Tech Challenge as well as a Rockwell Collins grant to support STEM learning.  FIRST Tech Challenge is defined as: FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) is a community-focused robotics program while teaching students the value of hard work, innovation and creativity while going beyond the robotics competition by teaching teenagers the importance of working together, sharing ideas and treating each other with respect and dignity.
Central is also offering an after school program where students can compete in a LEGO League robotics competition.  Ms. Schultz will be this year's coach and we are working with the ISU Extension office to offer this opportunity to our students.  Central is also hosting the tournament on November 22nd.
More information to come as we get into our STEM curriculum.

Community Service
New this year I have asked each grade level to participate in a community service project.  The communites of Central give so much to our school district, we feel it is time to give something back.  Mr. O'Brien's Ag Construction class got us started by moving tables and chairs for the Elkader Care Center.  Coomunity Service is a life-long lesson that doesn't show up on a paper and pencil standardized test!

Mrs. Scherf Challenges the Student Athletes

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/eRcLatk-0JA

Welcome our New Staff at Central

Below you will find a picture and a little write-up on our new staff at Central.  I can tell you already that these new staff bring a lot of energy and excitement to Central.  Please help me welcome them to our community.

Brittany Barnard
 

My name is Brittany Barnard and I am from Marion, IA. I graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in Music Education in May 2014. One interesting fact about myself is that my family and I are beekeepers and we have a small honey business. We have kept bees and sold honey for about 10 years now. Before moving to Elkader this summer I worked on a family friend's vegetable farm. 

My hobbies include music...obviously...making lanyards, watching movies, and always learning new things (mostly about history). I chose to come to Central because I absolutely fell in love with the school atmosphere, staff/community friendliness, and the town of Elkader in general. I may be new to the town but I feel that I am right at home and that is due to the friendliness of this community! 

I cannot wait to get to know everyone and really become a part of this wonderful community here in Elkader.

Allison DeShaw

 

Hello, I am Allison DeShaw. Pictured next to me is my mother, brother, and nephew from my graduation from Loras College last May. I actually am a 2009 graduate of Central Schools. While in high school and college I have been a member of many organizations and activities. I have played and coached various sports, ran after school programs, been a Morale Captain for Dance Marathon, and been involved in many other organizations. I love being involved and working with kids! There's no greater reward then helping a student learn. When I do have free time I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, being outdoors, and hiking. Presently I reside in Elkader, and am recently engaged to my high school sweet heart Jared Burkle. I am very excited to be back here at Central, and cannot wait for the school year to begin!

Caroline (soon to be) Erickson
 
My name is Caroline (soon to be) Erickson.  I moved to Elkader in August and will be getting married in September.  This is my first year teaching at Central Community School District.  Prior to this I taught in the Western Dubuque School District at Bernard Elementary.  I have two adult children; Ashley and Tony, a son-in-law, Clayton and two awesome grandsons; Kasin and Will.  I also have four school-aged children Noah, Reegan, Miya and Gabe all who attend Central. 


Kelli Jacobsen 
 
I grew up on a farm outside of Clermont with my parents and two sisters.    My parents are both teachers, my dad teaches 2nd grade at Valley Elementary and my mother currently teaches at UIU.  My sisters are also in the teaching profession; my oldest sister teaches High School English at NFV, and my youngest sister is a junior at UIU majoring in Early Elementary Education.  I graduated from Valley in 2007 and later received my teaching degree from UIU in 2012. After graduation I took a teaching job in Phoenix, Arizona, where I taught preschool special education for two years. This past May I moved to West Union to be closer to family and friends. I loved being in Phoenix, but am very excited to be back in Northeast Iowa and teaching at Central.  Central has so many great things going for them and it’s great to be part of the team! I have always been a strong believer of Early Childhood Education and can’t wait to see the success of the full day preschool program.  Outside of school I enjoy spending time outdoors! I love to go on motorcycle rides, canoe, help on my fathers farm, and spend time with my niece and nephew.  I also love to travel in my spare time. I went to Hawaii this past spring and am in the process of booking a trip to Africa this coming summer! 

Welcome our New Staff to Central!

Below you will find a picture and a little write-up on our new staff at Central.  I can tell you already that these new staff bring a lot of energy and excitement to Central.  Please help me welcome them to our community.

Staci Werger

A little about me!

I grew up on a farm in Garnavillo, Iowa where I also attended elementary school up until the 5^th grade, when Garnavillo merged with Guttenberg. At this time, my parents felt that my siblings and I would receive the best education at Central. It was difficult to leave behind the great friendships I had built in Garnavillo, but I cannot express how thankful I am for my parent’s decision. Central offered a wonderful education, social and athletic opportunity for me. I participated in cross-country, football & wrestling cheerleading, track and softball. I take great pride in Central because of the wonderful community that raised me. Central taught me that great things come with hard work. 

After graduating high school, I attended Coe College for two years and then transferred to UW-Whitewater, where I received a degree in Special Education, Cross Categorical. I chose education because I was greatly touched by the staff at Central. I have always wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, and teaching was the way I wanted to do it. I started my journey in education as an Elementary major. I took a couple classes that were introductory classes to Special Education and completely fell in love with it.  When I think about education, I think about equal rights; every student has an equal right to an education and advocating that is deep within my heart. I believe it takes a village to raise a child, and I know I will be working with a wonderful village here at Central.

In case you are curious; some of my hobbies include being outdoors. I love hiking and canoeing. If you live in town, I am sure you have seen me out and about walking, running, riding bike or playing a game down at the sand volleyball court. I enjoy traveling, especially when my family and friends can join me!

I cannot express how excited I am to start my teaching career here in Elkader! I look forward to working with each and every student that walks through the school doors. My door is always open, literally (actually, I don’t even have a door) so don’t hesitate to stop in and see what is happening in the classroom!

Alison Matney

Hey all! I would like to introduce myself to the community here. My name is Alison Matney, and I am the new English Teacher in the Central School District. I am so thrilled to be working in this beautiful town that is full of opportunities! There are so many activities to be a part of in this town, and the activities fit in perfectly with my interests. I really enjoy fishing and biking, along with writing and reading (that kind of comes with the territory!).

    I am from a small town much like Elkader. It’s a little place called Conrad in Central Iowa. I grew up there, attended school there, and went to community college in the next town over. After completing two years there, I continued my education at the University of Northern Iowa. Go Panthers! And from there, well, here I am!

    Working in this school district is really my dream job. The community is wonderful, and the support the community gives the school is evident everywhere you look in town. That’s such an amazing thing. I also love the direction in which the school is going, with the emphasis on using projects, collaboration, and creativity to not only make sure we have educated graduates, but also graduates who will have real world skills to deal with the real world that comes after high school. I am so excited to be a part of this, and I’m looking forward to meeting all of the community members and students in the upcoming school year.

Weekly Update

New this year I will try and do a weekly update on the happenings of Central.  We are also looking at creating a District Facebook page and have added all events onto our district calendar. 

8-22-14
Just finished our first full week.  Students and staff are adjusting well and we hope to begin fall assessments next week.  These assessments help us better ability group each student in our guided reading.
Fall sports have all been practicing with competition starting next week.  Today I received a letter from the Iowa High School Athletic Association congratulating Central coaches and student athletes for not having a single ejection in the 2013-2014 school year.  Central prides itself on character on and off school grounds and I thank our students athletes and coaches for representing us in this manner.
This week the Central School Improvement Advisory Committee met and voted to pursue the Teacher Leadership and Compensation grant.  The committee developed two job descriptions for the positions that would be created if Central receives the grant, Instructional Coach and Technology Coach.
Please keep Mrs. Kremer and Mrs. Wenger in your thoughts and prayers.  Mrs. Kremer's father passed away and Mrs. Wenger's mother is being put on Hospice.

Stay cool this weekend and more to come next week.

8-15-14
We have started!  New staff were trained last Friday, which include 6 new teachers.  I will post a separate Blog about them soon!  On Monday teachers had a work day and Central hosted the Elementary Back to School night and iPad Roll-out.  We also held our Drive for Kids fundraiser which raised $2440 for the district!  Thank you so much for all of you who drove!  Tuesday we held our first Professional Development of the year.  I welcomed our staff back, reflected on the many accomplishments from last year and shared my goals for the district in the 2014/15 school year.  After that the Clayton County ALICE Coalition led ALICE training for the entire staff.  ALICE is an emergency training that I will share more about in a separate Blog post, as well as how that training is effecting the district.  Wednesday-Friday we welcomed our Central students back!  It was a very good first week and happy to be back into a routine.  More to come next week, off to enjoy the great weather and weekend.