january 2017 - m.v. community schools · the january 2017 newsletter highlights excellence in...

www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, ARTS, AND ATHLETICS

JANUARY 2017MUSTANG DISTRICT NEWSMUSTANG DISTRICT NEWS

MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mount Vernon Community School District525 Palisades Road SW Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1761

Non Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage

P A I DMount Vernon, IA

Permit No. 3

REMINDER....

JANUARY 2 & 3: WINTER BREAK

JANUARY 4: CLASSES RESUME

JANUARY 20: NO SCHOOL

Eighty seven Marching Mustangs loaded charter buses and headed to the Windy City for their performance in the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “Originally called the Christmas Caravan in the 1930s, the Parade was created in 1934 to help lift the spirits of residents suffering through the Great Depression. Since then, it has developed into a full-scale spectacle that celebrates the holiday season. Students and chaperones were able to take in some sights prior to the big event. They visited Water Tower Place, Hard Rock Cafe, Willis Tower, Navy Pier, and Oriental Theater for the showing of “Finding Neverland”. The kids got dressed up and attended a formal banquet with 2,000 other band members from the other bands participating in the parade. Congratulations to the Marching Mustangs! Thank you band director, Scott Weber, parents and community members who donated time, energy and money to make this amazing opportunity possible for the students!

IN THIS ISSUEMarching Mustangs Perform at Thanksgiving Day Parade .................................................................... 1Great Things Are Happening ......................................... 2Bus Reminder & Rules ................................................... 2Thank You! ..................................................................... 2Foundation Information ................................................ 2Concession Help ............................................................ 2Post Prom ...................................................................... 2MS & HS Fine Arts Updates ........................................... 2MS Ski Trip Information ................................................. 3MV Archery Off to a Great Start .................................... 3Founation Donation Form ............................................. 3MVFAA Upcoming Events .............................................. 3Around the District ........................................................ 4Science Olympiad Competes in First Competition ........ 4MVHS African American Class ....................................... 4MV Robotics Club Update ............................................. 5KCCK Jazz in the Corridor ............................................... 5IASB Boradsmanship Awards ......................................... 5Gingerbread Day in PreSchool ....................................... 5January Breakfast & Lunch Menus ................................ 6P.R.I.D.E. ......................................................................... 7MVFAA ........................................................................... 7Booster Club .................................................................. 7January Activity Calendar .............................................. 8Open Enrollment Reminder ........................................... 84th Grade Sings Carols at Hallmark ............................... 8

www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us 2 Mount Vernon Community School District News JANUARY 2017

Mount Vernon Community School District

-DIRECTORY-

-DISTRICT NEWS-

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE Superintendent Office ................................. 319-895-8845525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Superintendent: Dr. Gary O’Malley [email protected] Superintendent Secretary: Amy Weber Bookkeeper: Tasha Whitman Business Manager: Matt Burke Alumni Association: Kathy Staskal Foundation Director: Ben BrannamanFOR ALL BUILDINGS ........................................895-8843 Grounds & Buildings: Marty Williams & Chris Noll Technology & Website Admin: Sean Flockhart Systems Administrator: Tim Larson Nurses: Melissa Hauser & Linda See School Lunch Program: Marcia Purington Transportation: Dennis Gross (895-6205) Homeless Education Program Liaison: Jason Pershing Equal Opport. & Level I Investigator: Bldg. Principals

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLMain Office/Attendance ......................................895-6251615 5th Ave SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Principal: Kate Jones [email protected] Building Secretary: Denise Havill Building Secretary: Lori Arnold School Counselor: Nicole Elliott ELP: Susannah Maddock PreSchool: Erin Whitehead & Jo Nowak- Thompson Media Center: Megan Casey Kids Club: Teresa Hines/Laurie Keller ...........560-2958

MIDDLE SCHOOLMain Office/Attendance ......................................895-6254525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Principal: Bob Haugse [email protected] Building Secretary: Chiara Burke Building Secretary: Patty Mote Athletic Director: Aaron Truitt ELP: Susannah Maddock School Counselor: Jennifer Tischer Media Center: Suzette Kragenbrink Kids Club: Teresa Hines/Laurie Keller ...........560-2958

HIGH SCHOOLMain Office/Attendance ......................................895-8843731 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 Principal: Steve Brand [email protected] Assistant Principal & Activities Director: Matt Thede [email protected] Activities Secretary: Val Binsfield Building Secretary: Stephanie Timm Registrar & Building Secretary: Vicky Wieseler School Counselor: Kathryn Baron ELP: DeAnn Scearce Media Center: Suzette Kragenbrink Alternative Education: Jason Pershing Transition Center Director: Brandi Viter-Pitlik

BOARD OF EDUCATION LORI MERLAK, PresidentSHERRY GRUNDER, Vice President DR. MARK WELDON, DENISE BRANNAMAN, JOHN RHOMBERG, NANNETTE GUNN, RICK ELLIOTT, MembersMATT BURKE, Secretary Treasurer

This district newsletter is published 10 times per year for parents and residents of the Mount Vernon Commu-nity School District. Additional copies may be obtained by calling (319) 895-8845. Views are those of the authors. Any questions about educational programs or school events should be directed to the Superintendent’s office. District related articles can be submitted via email or CD. Materials are due by the 15th of every month. No per-mission is necessary to reproduce contents unless other-wise noted. Clearly label the material with your name and phone number and send it to the Administrative Office by email or drop if off to the district office to: Amy Weber 319-895-8845 or [email protected].

-ALUMNI QUOTE- MVCSD FOUNDATION

Ben BrannanmanFoundation Director

MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL FINE ARTS UPDATES

GREAT THINGS ARE HAPPENING

Dr. Gary O’MalleySuperintendent

One thing I do know that we (my classmates) all have in common and appreciate is a brilliant education, paralleled by next to none. We have been set up for success. Now that I am a teacher, through round- about discovery of my passion, on an under-served and underprivileged American Indian Reservation, I am compelled to say thank you for teaching me how to write well, how to read well, how to do basic math, ... that going to college is achievable, that personal success is attainable, that there are people to reach out to when suffering from depression, confusion, bullying, and just in general growing up. Teachers win the award of my heart for giving opportunity to me and my classmates who I know are achieving success....Please continue to challenge them (current students) so if and when they do leave Iowa, they can be safe and unafraid when they walk into diverse situations they otherwise would not experience."Molly Caitlin Thornton'05, St. Francis, Colorado Source: The Sun, February 2016

THANK YOU!Thank you to everyone who donated pictures for the January edition of the

district newsletter: Scott Weber, Laurie Keller, Lauren Hauser, Leigh Ann Erickson,

Jan Moore, Charlene Vig, Portraits Unlimited, Jo Nowak-Thompson, Paige

Zaruba, Lexi ??, and Jessica Thede.

Scott Weber - High School & Middle School Band• Marching Mustangs had a successful trip to Chicago prior to Thanksgiving Day. The trip went very well and the parade was exciting. Thank you for everything the MVFAA did to help this trip become a reality!• Jazz Ensemble had their first performance at Magical Night. It was a great crowd and the band played well. • Concert band and the Jazz Ensemble performed some great music on the December 18. • WaMac was well attended by students. Thirty three musicians performed in the WaMac band.• Six students between the middle school and high school attended NEIBA honor band. Tom Stephens - HS Theatre• Stacey Jaeger is currently in production on a senior show. The theatre department acts as producer and supervisor, but it is designed to be a student-run, budget neutral production. The performances are January 27 and 28.• The Drowsy Chaperone will be the spring musical with performances Apr. 22 - 29.Kristi Keast - Elementary Music• A successful conclusion to Drum club involving concerts at First Street Auditorium and Magical Night. Roughly 40 members participated with 30 attending the final events due to conflict with Odyssey Theatre.Kristin Anderson - Middle School Music/Choir• 5th Grade Musical has started. This year it’s “Pirates: A Musical” • A 6th - 8th grade concert was held December 15.Sarah Fitzgerald - Elementary Art• Magical night was a big success. All elementary students made snowflakes for the Snowflake Chandelier which was designed by Stan Crocker and put together with help from volunteers and a

tremendous amount of work by Simon Crocker and friends. It was beautiful and enjoyed by a record number of folks from near and far. Thad Wilkins - Middle School & High School Vocal Music• Both jazz choirs are underway and preparing for state contest in February. The OPUS and All-State festivals were both hugely successful for the kids and they all really enjoyed their time in Ames.• Carolers met for an hour every Sunday night in preparation for singing at various Christmas parties and events during the holiday season. They performed for the Lion’s Club, a private party, andcaroling around town.• Forty students are signed up to sing solos at State Contest. This is a record! Small group sign up will occur after winter break.• Middle school concert (8th grade included) was held December 15. • High school concert was December 18.• The concert choir gave their annual concert at U of I Hospital December 19.• The high school choirs have been helping 3 families with Christmas items again this year. Elise - Rodenburg - Middle School Band• Students have selected their solos for Solo Festival on February 3rd at the middle school.• 8th graders Sage McVay and Sabrina Bleile were selected for the NEIBA honor band. • Several students were selected for the Marion Junior Honor Band which will take place Saturday, Jan. 21st: Kayla Wallace, Vance Arnold, Eli Krob, Elizabeth Dougherty, Piper Price, Isabel Klawiter, Dylan Winkler, Claire Gaffney, and Jesse Schwiebert.

MUSTANG LEGACY SOCIETY Is the tradition of excellence within the Mount Vernon School District important to you? Have you ever considered leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations of Mount Vernon students? The Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation would love to welcome you into the Mustang Legacy Society. The Mustang Legacy Society serves to recognize individuals who elect to include the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation in their estate plans. There is no minimum amount required – any deferred gift that benefits the Mount Vernon Schools through the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation will qualify you for membership. The Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation was established in 1987 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3). The foundation’s mission is to partner with alumni, businesses, parents, and friends of the Mount Vernon community to support a higher level of educational excellence and opportunities to prepare Mount Vernon School students for the challenges of global opportunities. Contributions to the foundation support the Mount Vernon School District in a number of ways, from student scholarships and teacher grants, to facility enhancements and other important initiatives. The foundation is committed to working alongside the school district to continue to uphold a top-notch student experience for today’s graduates as well as our youngest Mustangs. If you have already included the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation in your estate plans, or would like additional information, contact Foundation Director Ben Brannaman at [email protected] or 319-693- 9520.

Happy New Year, and On Mount Vernon!

BUS REMINDER & RULES PARENTS - Please remind your students that the shuttle buses that transport students after school to the First Street Community Center are reserved for those students who live on the North East side of Mount Vernon.

Bus Expectations & Rules - Section #1• Listen to your bus driver• Treat others with respect• Speak appropriately, use nice language, talk quietly, stop talking when the bus stops• Keep your feet and hands to yourself• Help others• use kindness...it goes a long way!• Say “hello” and “good bye” to your bus driver• Pick up litter and garbage, take your belongings with you off the bus• Sit where you are assigned

**Watch next month’s newsletter edition for Section #2 of Bus Expectations & Rules

The January 2017 newsletter highlights excellence in academics, arts, and athletics. Special thanks to Beth Johnson of PRIDE, Crystal Shannon of the Mount Vernon Fine Arts Association, Amanda Bishop of WETAP, Sean Moore of the Booster Club and Ben Brannaman of the Foundation. Great things are happening in the MVCSD: Archery, OPUS Honor Choir, Marching Mustangs, Robotics, Quiz Bowl, CPR training, Magical Night,Journalism Awards, and Junior Achievement. Please celebrate with us as we enjoy the accomplishments of others.We are Mount Vernon!

IT’S NOT TOO LATE! If you would like to donate and support the annual post prom event to help keep juniors and seniors safe on prom night, there is still time! Donations can be given to the high school office or the district office. Checks payable to CAY. Thank you for your support!

The Mount Vernon Booster Club is looking for volunteers to help at home boys and girls basketball game and wrestling concessions. No experience needed! If you are interested in supporting students by volunteering for the concession stand, please sign up online at www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us or contact Booster Club President, Sean Moore at [email protected] or via phone at (319) 359-9757.

CONCESSION HELP

Mount Vernon Community School District News JANUARY 2017 3www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us

MS SKI TRIP INFORMATION MOUNT VERNON ARCHERY SEASON OFF TO A GREAT START The middle school ski trip to Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, IL will take

place on Friday, January 13, 2017, a regular school day. The purpose of this trip is to continue to build positive relationships between staff, students, and community members. At approximately 8:30am, 5th and 6th grade students will dismiss to the charter buses and leave for the resort. 7th and 8th grade students will follow around 8:45am. Students not attending the ski trip will remain at school under the supervision of a teacher until 3:15pm, our normal dismissal time. 5th and 6th grade students will return to the middle school around 5:30pm with 7th & 8th grade students returning around 6:30pm. The price of the trip includes chartered bus transportation, ski or snowboard rental, lesson, lift ticket, and lunch at the ski resort. ALL students will use Chestnut Mountain equipment and will be fitted for skis/snowboards at the middle school prior to the trip. Students attending the ski trip must return the signed permission form in the provided envelope to the middle school office by Wednesday, January 4, 2017. A separate permission form with all sections completed must be returned for each child but all family forms can be returned in one envelope. The cost of the trip is outlined below. *CHECKS PAYABLE TO MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOLS*MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT SKIERS - $50MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT NON-SKIERS (TRANSPORTATION/MEAL) – $ 35 Parents are welcome on the trip. Limited seats are available on the buses. The cost for parents is $57 to ski and ride the bus (space permitting - first come first served with some restrictions) or $35 to ski only (meal provided and providing your own transportation). If the cost of the ski trip for your middle school student is a financial burden for your family, please contact Chiara Burke or Patty Mote at (319) 895-6254 and attempts will be made to help with the expenses. We look forward to the ski trip and believe it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone.

While buildings and faces here in Mount Vernon may have changed over time, one thing has remained constant within the school district, and that is a tradition of excellence.

Our teachers and staff value this tradition, and continue to provide our students with a truly top-notch experience. They have not been alone in this effort, as the Foundation has played an integral role in continuing to advance the school district’s mission of promoting excellence in academics, arts and athletics.

Every year about this time, the Foundation reaches out to you: alumni, businesses, parents and friends of the Mount Vernon community. Your contribution of an amount of your choice will support the tradition of the Mount Vernon Schools experience. I kindly invite you to join us, and make your gift today.

On Mount Vernon!Ben Brannaman ‘05, Foundation Director

Thank You for supporting the Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation!

GIFT CARD: PLEASE CLIP, COMPLETE, AND RETURN WITH YOUR DONATION. THANK YOU!

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16 G

IFT

CA

RD

525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314 319-693-9520 [email protected]

Mount Vernon CoMMunity SChool DiStriCt

F O U N D A T I O N

Enclosed is my/our gift of $______________ Check payable to MVCSD Foundation

Name ____________________________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________

City/St/Zip____________________________________________Phone _______________________

Email ____________________________________________________________________________

Please make this gift 1 in honor of or 1 in memory of : ________________________________________________ You can also make a gift online at www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us/foundation1 I would like to speak to someone at the Foundation about a donation

Fulfilling the Promise of Excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics

The Mount Vernon Archery Club is off to a great start! Coach Tom Wilkinson credits the strong start to a unified group of parent-coaches as well as to the parent team managers led by Chris Hallier. The parent-volunteers really help with all aspects of preparing the archers for the season, from proper shooting technique to transportation to practices, which are held at Camp Tanager twice a week. The first two shoots of the season were at South Tama on December 3 and at Ottumwa on December 10. The elementary school team, grades 4-5, earned first place at South Tama with a score of 2490 and second place at Ottumwa with a team score of 2730. Leading the team for the two shoots were Marin Denes, Lainey Kelly, Ean Grudzinski, Benny Pospisil, Andrew Heck, Noah Pisarik, and Ean Grudzinski. Each of these archers earned individual medals (places first through fifth) in these first two meets. The teams also track each archer’s personal best score. Those who reached a personal best from the fourth and fifth grades were Andrew Barns, Ase Brumfield, Cyrus Cannon, Ean Grudzinski, Emmett Jordan, Gabriel Mahoney, Landon Miksch, Benny Pospisil, and Austin Walker. The middle school team includes archers from sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. The middle school team earned first place finishes at both the first two meets, scoring 3237 at South Tama, and 3329 in Ottumwa. In South Tama, there were five individual award winners, Mae Owen, Emily Benesh, Jacob Cannon, Aden Locke, and Aden Grudzinski. Grudzinski and Jake Kadlec earned individual awards at the shoot in Ottumwa. Personal best scores were shot by Emily Benesh, Sydney Benn, Caleb Bennett, Aden Grudzinski, Ben Johnson, Jake Kadlec, Ethan Kesterson, Kelan Mahoney, Elizabeth Meier-Gast, Maddox Rollinger, Kaiden Shannon, Julia Skorczewski, Ethan Stanerson, Skyler Stoner, and Madison Walker. The high school archers earned second place at the season opener in South Tama with a team score of 3227 and first place in Ottumwa with a score of 3329. Caroline Voss, Emily Friedman, and Karlyn Connolly earned individual awards along with Logan Kelly and Collin Hallier. At the shoot in Ottumwa, Connolly shot a personal best score of 287 to tie the all-time high score for the Mustang Girls’ High School team, and Logan Kelly shot 297, setting a new all-time high score for High School Boys. The only other high school archer to shoot a new personal best was Lily Cripe. Surely, the high school team has more personal best scores to achieve this year. You can follow Mustang Archery progress weekly in The MV-L Sun. The season schedule through January is: December 17 at Washington, December 19 at Mount Vernon for a 3-D shoot, January 7 at Anamosa, January 14 at Center Point, January 21 at Eddyville, and January 28 at Alburnett. Archery Photos on page 4.

• January 14 - 16: HS Choir at Dorian Honor Choir at Luther College• January 14: HS Speech Showcase• January 16: Large Group Speech Contest• January 17: HS Orchestra Metro Audtions• January 21: Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Orchestra Festival• January 21: District Large Group Speech Contest• January 21: MS Band at Marion Junior Honor Band• January 22 & 23: HS Choir at Meistersinger Honor Choir• January 23: State Jazz Band Competition• January 27 & 28: Student Directed Play - Wait Until Dark• February 3 & 4: HS Band at Iowa State University Honor Band• February 3: Middle School Solo Festival• February 4: State Large Group Speech Contest• February 9: 4th - 8th Grade Orchestra Concert• February 11: Individual Speech Contest• February 18: All-State Large Group Speech Contest• February 18: MS Band Young Musicians Honor Band• February 20: ES Chorus Club Concert• February 24: COE Jazz Summit at COE College. • February 25: District Individual Speech Contest• February 27: Festival of Bands Concert• Spring Play/Musical• Fall Porchfest• Art Show/Display• Spring Concerts• Java Jazz• Banquet• Pop Concert

MVFAA UPCOMING EVENTS


MVHS AFRICAN AMERICAN LITERATURE CLASS TAKES LEARNING OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Mount Vernon High School's African American Lit class has taken their learning beyond the classroom during two recent events. Students initiated a morning of community togetherness called Mount Vernon Stands Together (see photo at bottom of page) on Monday, November 21. The purpose of the event was to promote compassion and build relationships. Nearly 150 people, including students and surrounding community members participated in 15 minutes of silent togetherness. Many participants wrote encouraging messages during the event. The following week, students read picture books that promote diversity to Mrs. Moore's Begindergarten class. Fourteen eager young minds listened to dramatic readings of Beautiful Blackbird by Ashley Bryan, Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, Happy by Pharrell Williams, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, and Mixed Me by Taye Diggs. All in all, this has been an exciting inaugural semester of African American literature, and Mrs. Erickson looks forward to teaching this class again next year.

MV Fire Department displays the mural painted by middle

school students.

The Science Olympiad team placed 13th out of 32 teams at their first competition of the year in Boyceville, Wisconsin, on Saturday, Dec. 3. The team consists of 17 students from all grades.Science Olympiad is an extracurricular activity where students can learn in-depth details about science and math topics. The competitors practice their specific events before participating at competitions against other high schools. Mount Vernon High School has had a team for the past four years.The Mustangs continue to practice for upcoming competitions, all in preparation for the state competition in March, and meeting their season goals. “My goals for the

Juniors Laurel Sherman and Kate Liberko review their test from the Boyceville competition. Photo by Lauren Hauser.

By Lauren Hauser

SCIENCE OLYMPIAD COMPETES IN FIRST COMPETITION

rest of the year are to put in time, so I can help my team be as successful as we can,” said junior, Kate Liberko. “Also I would say a team goal is to beat Ames this year at state. Ames has been our toughest rival for years.” The winning team at the state competition advances to the National competition, which consists of teams from all around the country.Success is a common goal amongst the competitors, and Senior Mikayla Flockhart said that their success comes from having a motivating and driven coach, Mrs. Appley, and “each person having a competitive nature to them and a need to be the very best at what they do. All of this combines to create an amazing team that has achieved great things, and will continue on to do even better.”The Mustangs will compete in Rockford, Illinois on Jan. 13-14.

Freshman Sadie Player prepares for her forensics competition Dec. 19. Photo by Lauren Hauser.

Archery

Around The District . . . . .

Band

trip to

Chicago!

Hard Rock Cafe

Wrigley FieldFormal Banquet


KCCK JAZZ IN THE CORRIDOR

IASB BOARDSMANSHIP AWARDDes Moines, Iowa – At the Iowa Association of School Boards’ (IASB) 71 st AnnualConvention on November 17, board members Sherry Grunder, Lori Merlak and Nannette Gunn were awarded a certificate for completing the Basics of Boardsmanship Certificate. Through IASB’s Basics ofBoardsmanship program, Sherry, Lori and Nannette completed four components focused on essential board learning concepts. IASB Board President Amy Jurrens commended Sherry, Lori and Nannette for their hard work. “This program ensures a solid foundation for school board governance, whether you’re a new or experienced board member,” Jurrens said. “The extra efforts put forth to complete this program are certainly commendable.” Three hundred thirty-five Iowa local school district, AEA and community college board members received this award. This is the first year this awards program has been offered to IASB members.

Above: Sherry Grunder, Lori Merlak, and Nannette Gunn, Board members for the Mount Vernon Community School District were honored November 17 as IASB Board Member, Jill Morrill presented them with a certificate for completing the IASB Basics of Boardsmanship requirements.

MVHS ROBOTICS GETTING READY FOR LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP At press time the three Robots from MVHS are doing very well in their League play and currently are in 1st, 2nd, and 4th place out of a 11 Robots field from several area High Schools. Their League Championship will be January 14, 2017 ( Saturday ) at Union Community High School in La Porte City. It will be an all-day event. In addition to the Robot competition, there will be Judging Interviews for awards for Programming, Robot design, Community Outreach, and best Engineering Notebook. There is no admission charge for this event. Two Leagues will join to compete at this event making it a 22 Robot event, with High Schools from Union Community, Independence, Center Point-Urbana, Central City, Tipton, Clarence, Wilton, North Scott, Lisbon, Durant, as well as others. The MVHS Robotics students have been working very hard and putting in lots of hours.. making improvements and enhancements to their Robots, so to score even more points in their future matches. It is very inspiring watching these students visualize, plan, build, program, test, tweak, test, tweak, test, and then tweak some more! They have really learned, developed, and put into practice strong life skills working through all these phases as a Team! Mitchell Hall likes this years challenge, “ I like that the game has more room for strategy this year”. Derk Keller added, “ We have been brainstorming on a new strategy to get the maximum number of points”. So far Robot #458 is the only Robot in their League, that can shoot particle balls trough the Center Vortex during Teleop, for 5 points each, which has contributed to their success.

Jake Stanerson talked about his group’s strategy, they have been building a whole new Robot, to debut at the League Championship, while continuing to compete with their original Robot at the League Meets, “we’re going to add a Button pusher device for Autonomous and also a Cap Ball lifter for the End Game”.

Christian Tanberg added, “ we completed the Cap ball lifter ( on their new Robot ), tested it, and it works!” So far, no one in the League has scored the Large Cap Ball on the Center Vortex yet, which is worth 40 points, so it should be exciting seeing them do this at the league Championship! The group working with Robot #9047, at press time, leads the League with a whopping 29 Qualifying Points! Gunnar Hageman commented on their success, “ Our Autonomous Program was the key factor to our success”. “Also going to chain drive ( vs direct gear to wheels) made our Robot more reliable and helped our Autonomous program run better.” For information explaining this year’s challenge please visit…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Eyk5CJg41A Please come and support these amazing students. All Robot parts, registration fees, tournament fees are purchased from your generous donations and their fundraising. If you would like to support this excellent program, make checks payable to….“Mount Vernon Community School District Foundation”In the memo section note “MVHS Robotics” and return to:Mount Vernon Community School District FoundationSuperintendent’s Office525 Palisades Road SWMount Vernon, IA 52314.**The Mount Vernon School Foundation is a 501c3 organization and all donations are tax deductible.

MVHS Robotics getting ready for League Championship

At press time the three Robots from MVHS are doing very well in their League play and currently are in 1st, 2nd, and 4th place out of a 11 Robots field from several area High Schools.

Their League Championship will be January 14, 2017 ( Saturday ) at Union Community High School in La Porte City. It will be an all-day event. In addition to the Robot competition, there will be Judging Interviews for awards for Programming, Robot design, Community Outreach, and best Engineering Notebook. There is no admission charge for this event. Two Leagues will join to compete at this event making it a 22 Robot event, with High Schools from Union Community, Independence, Center Point Urbana, Central City, Tipton, Clarence, Wilton, North Scott, Lisbon, Durant, as well as others.

The MVHS Robotics students have been working very hard and putting in lots of hours.. making improvements and enhancements to their Robots, so to score even more points in their future matches. It is very inspiring watching these students visualize, plan, build, program, test, tweak, test, tweak, test, and then tweak some more! They have really learned, developed, and put into practice strong life skills working through all these phases as a Team!

Pictured L to R : Becky Fishbein, Derk Keller, and Mitchell Hall working on Robot #458

Mitchell Hall likes this years challenge, “ I like that the game has more room for strategy this year”.

Derk Keller added, “ We have been brainstorming on a new strategy to get the maximum number of points”.

So far Robot #458 is the only Robot in their League, that can shoot particle balls trough the Center Vortex during Teleop, for 5 points each, which has contributed to their success.

Pictured L to R: Jake Stanerson, Cian Meier-Gast, and Christian Tanberg working on new Robot #3549, while their original Robot is shown behind them

Jake Stanerson talked about his group’s strategy, they have been building a whole new Robot, to debut at the League Championship, while continuing to compete with their original Robot at the League Meets, “we’re going to add a Button pusher device for Autonomous and also a Cap Ball lifter for the End Game”.

Christian Tanberg added, “ we completed the Cap ball lifter ( on their new Robot ), tested it, and it works!”

So far, no one in our League has scored the Large Cap Ball on the Center Vortex yet, which is worth 40 points, so it should be exciting seeing them do this at the league Championship!

Pictured L to R : Emma Ault, Jeremy Ferguson, Gunnar Hageman concentrating on maneuvering Robot # 9047 during one of their matches

The group working with Robot #9047, at press time leads the League with a whopping 29 Qualifying Points! Gunnar Hageman commented on their success, “ Our Autonomous Program was the key factor to our success”. “Also going to chain drive ( vs direct gear to wheels ) made our Robot more reliable and helped our Autonomous program run better.”

For information explaining this year’s challenge please visit…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Eyk5CJg41A

Pictured L to R : Becky Fishbein, Derk Keller, and Mitchell Hall working on Robot #458

Pictured L to R: Jake Stanerson, Cian Meier-Gast, and Christian Tanberg working on new Robot #3549, while their original Robot is shown behind them.

Pictured L to R : Emma Ault, Jeremy Ferguson, Gunnar Hageman concentrating on maneuvering Robot # 9047 during one of their matches.

The Mount Vernon High School Jazz Ensemble was selected to participate in the KCCK Jazz in the Corridor. The KCCK Jazz in the Corridor is an annual event where area high school jazz ensembles work with a professional jazz musician. They record a song together and also play in a concert with other jazz bands. The jazz musician this year will be Jon Wilson, the drummer for the Eddie Pickard trio! This year’s concert will be held at the Paramount Theatre on March 6.

On Friday, December 16, Grandparents and Special Friends made their way to Santa's Workshop in Mrs. Nowak's preschool classroom. There they helped to put final touches on gifts for the children's families, supervised the decorating of cookies the children had baked for the occasion, and were very

good sports about having their pictures taken with silly, holiday headgear. We wrapped up our special day with the children singing carols and sharing a special holiday story.

GINGERBREAD DAY IN PRESCHOOL

Photo courtesy of Portraits Unlimited


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MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL LUNCH MENU

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY LUNCH MENU

Also Offered Daily: Variety of grains, Variety of fruit and 100% juice, Variety of milk.

To make a complete breakfast you MUST take at least 3 items offered, but no more than 5, and one of those items MUST be a fruit or juice.Less than 3 items or more than 5 will be charged a la carte.

IMPORTANT: If no fruit or juice is chosen, all items will be charged a la carte even if you have the required 3 to 5 items.

CHOOSING A COMPLETE BREAKFAST IS YOUR BEST VALUE

AMY HAS HEADER FOR THIS

ALL SCHOOLS BREAKFAST MENU

MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL JANUARY LUNCH MENU-WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

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WINTER BREAK

3

WINTER BREAK

4 Hot Dog

French Fries Steamed Cauliflower w/cheese

Pineapple

5 Stromboli

Romaine Lettuce Tomatoes & Cucumbers Apple Slices w/sunbutter

6 Chicken Nuggets

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Steamed Asparagus

Pears Dinner Roll

9 Chicken Strip Wrap

Lettuce-Tomato-Cheese Green Beans Applesauce

10 Chili w/crackers

Fresh Baby Carrots Pineapple

Cinnamon Roll

11 Ham & Cheese on a Croissant

Steamed Broccoli Cottage Cheese

Red & Green Grapes

12 Maidrite

Potato Triangle Baked Beans

Cole Slaw Citrus Fruit Salad

12 Cheese Quesadilla

Lettuce Salad Celery w/sunbutter

Peaches

16 Corn Dog

Oven Roasted Potatoes Green Beans

Pears Snickerdoodle

17 Cheese Ravioli

Romaine Lettuce w/tomatoes Strawberry/Banana Applesauce

Garlic Toast

18 Cheeseburger on Bun

Potato Wedges Steamed Cauliflower w/cheese

Watermelon

19 Popcorn Chicken

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Corn

Mandarin Oranges Dinner Roll

20

NO SCHOOL

23 Chili Crispito Mexican Rice Refried Beans

Peaches

24 Sub Sandwich

Ham,Turkey, Cheese Lettuce-Sliced Tomato

Baked Beans Kiwi

25 Breaded Chicken Sandwich

Savory Rice Steamed Broccoli w/cheese

Applesauce

26 Cheese Pizza Lettuce Salad

Fresh Baby Carrots Red Grapes

27 Little Smokies

Macaroni & Cheese Peas & Carrots

Apple Crisp Pineapple

30 Cheese Bread Sticks

w/marinara sauce Romaine Lettuce

Tomatoes & Cucumbers Mandarin Oranges

31 Beef & Bean Dip-Cheese Sauce

Tortilla Chips Corn

Fresh Baby Carrots Cantaloupe

MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL JANUARY LUNCH MENU-MIDDLE SCHOOL & HIGH SCHOOL


2

WINTER BREAK

3

WINTER BREAK

4 Hot Dog

French Fries Steamed Cauliflower w/cheese

Honey Dew Pineapple

Alt: BBQ Rib Sandwich

5 Stromboli

Romaine Lettuce Tomatoes & Cucumbers Apple Slices w/sunbutter

Mixed Fruit Alt: Vegetable Stromboli

6 Chicken Nuggets

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Steamed Asparagus

Pears Dinner Roll

Alt: Salisbury Steak

9 Chicken Strip Wrap

Lettuce-Tomato-Cheese Green Beans Applesauce

Mandarin Oranges Alt: Cheese Ravioli w/ Garlic Toast

10 Chili w/ crackers

Fresh Baby Carrots Orange Wedges

Pears Cinnamon Roll

Alt: Meatball Sub

11 Baked Potato Bar w/dinner roll Shredded Cheddar, Diced Ham,

Steamed Broccoli Cottage Cheese

Pineapple Red & Green Grapes

Alt: Grilled Ham/Cheese Sandwich

12 BBQ Pork Sandwich

Potato Triangle Baked Beans

Cole Slaw Citrus Fruit Salad

Alt: Maidrite

13 Chicken Gravy w/Biscuit

Peas Celery w/sunbutter

Peaches Alt: French Dip Sandwich

16 Corn Dog

Oven Roasted Potatoes Green Beans

Pears Snickerdoodle

Alt: Taco Soup w/ Fritos

17 Italian Pasta

Romaine Lettuce Strawberry/Banana Applesauce

Pineapple Garlic Toast

Alt: Chicken Fried Rice

18 Cheeseburger on Bun

Potato Wedges Steamed Cauliflower w/ cheese

Watermelon Peaches

Alt: BBQ Rib Sandwich

19 Popcorn Chicken Bowl

Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Corn

Mandarin Oranges Dinner Roll

Alt: Cuban Sandwich

20

NO SCHOOL

23 Chili Crispito Mexican Rice Refried Beans

Peaches Alt: Chicken/Cheese Quesadilla

24 Sub Sandwich

Ham, Turkey, Cheese Lettuce-Sliced Tomato

French Fries Baked Beans

Kiwi Mandarin Oranges

Alt: Chicken Caesar Wrap

25 Breaded Chicken Sandwich

Savory Rice Steamed Broccoli w/cheese

Cantaloupe Applesauce

Alt: Chicken Vegetable Egg Roll

26 Pizza Choice

Cheese, Sausage, Chicken Ranch Lettuce Salad

Fresh Baby Carrots Red Grapes Pineapple

27 Little Smokies

Macaroni & Cheese Steamed Peas & Carrots

Apple Crisp Pears

Alt: Fish Sandwich

30 Cheese Bread Sticks

w/marinara sauce Romaine Lettuce

Tomatoes & Cucumbers Mandarin Oranges Alt: Chicken Panini

31 Beef & Bean Dip-Cheese Sauce

Tortilla Chips Black Bean & Corn Salsa

Fresh Vegetable Salad Honey Dew Pineapple

Alt: Meatball Sub

MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL JANUARY BREAKFAST MENU


2

WINTER BREAK

3

WINTER BREAK

4

Sausage Gravy & Biscuit

5

Cheese Omelet

6 Mini Pancakes

9

Bagel w/cream cheese

10

Breakfast Pizza

11

French Toasts Sticks

12

Combo Bar

13 Sausage Links

16


17

Breakfast Pizza

18

Ham & Cheese on a Biscuit

19

Cheese Omelet

20

NO SCHOOL

23


24

Breakfast Pizza

25

Pancake/Sausage on a Stick

26

Combo Bar

27

French Toasts Sticks

30


31

Breakfast Pizza

Also Offered Daily: Variety of grains, Variety of fruit and 100% juice, Variety of milk.

To make a complete breakfast you MUST take at least 3 items offered, but no more than 5, and one of those items MUST be a fruit or juice. Less than 3 items or more than 5 will be charged a la carte.

IMPORTANT: If no fruit or juice is chosen, all items will be charged a la carte even if you have the required 3 to 5 items.

CHOOSING A COMPLETE BREAKFAST IS YOUR BEST VALUE


FINE ARTS ASSOCContact: Crystal Shannon

[email protected](319) 389-2028

Provides support for all fine arts programs in

Mount Vernon schools.MV Fine Arts Assoc.

meets on the 1st Tuesday of each month.

Next Meeting:

January 3, 20177 pm

High School Library

P.R.I.D.E.Contact: Beth Johnson,

President bethleighgibbs@yahoo.

com(319) 365-0154

Promotes the positive aspects of Middle School

life. All parents of Middle

School students and staff are members of P.R.I.D.E.P.R.I.D.E meets on the 3rd Monday of each month.

Next Meeting: January 16, 2017

6:00 pmMiddle School Library

MUSTANGPARENT GROUPS

WETAP Contact: Amanda Bishop,

[email protected]

(319) 895-8430 All parents, future

parents, and guardians of Washington

Elementary students, as well as teachers and

school staff of the Washington

Elementary School are members of WETAP.

WETAP meets on the 1st Monday of each month.

Next Meeting: January 9, 2017

6:30 pmWashington

Elementary Technology Room

BOOSTER CLUBContact: Sean Moore

[email protected] (319) 359-9757

Offers financial and volunteer support for all athletic programs

at Mount Vernon High School and Middle

School. The MV Booster Club

meets on the 1st Wednesday of each

month. Next Meeting:

January 4, 20176:30 pm

High School CommonsPres - Sean MooreVP - Matt Meyer

Sec - Loren HoffmanTreas - Becky Whitman

BOOSTER CLUBOFFERING FINANCIAL AND VOLUNTEER SUPPORT FOR ALL MOUNT VERNON ATHLETIC PROGRAMSMOUNT VERNON FINE

ARTS ASSOCIATION

Mount Vernon Middle School Teachers & ParentsP.R.I.D.E.

TREASURE’S REPORT – Submitted for record with Dec 7 balance of $48,741.54 ACTIVITIES DIRECTOR’S REPORTS – Saturday, December 10 is the high school wrestling invitational. Concession spots are filled through middle afternoon. A follow up email or Facebook post was sent to urge folks to fill spots. Booster Club provided drinks for the hospitality room during the meet. Monday, December 12 was a Middle School Wrestling Meet held at the high school. Brittany Booth offered to coordinate concession sales during this event. A total of 122 meals were provided to student athletes (cross country, football, and volleyball) during post season this fall. Booster Club will reimburse coaches.CONCESSIONS (CTF REPORT) – Participation of parents in concession sales was discussed at parent meetings for winter sports. This was generally well received by the parents. Mike Martin has sent out a reminder letter to urge parents to help fill spots. To date, concessions are filled through February 2017. It was also recommended that CTF reach out to folks that offered to volunteer on the school registration forms.AGENDA ITEMS:1. Merchandise Trailer: The inventory reduction sale went very well with $2,200 in sales. There are still plenty of items to sell. It was discussed to have another major event held with the Mustang Madness event tentatively set for February 3, 2017.2. State Championship Signs: Amy Weber has spoken with Becca Owens. She is planning to sell the property that we chose as the best location for the sign. The current renters are potential buyers. If the property is sold, then the new owners will need to be contacted to see if they will allow us to place the sign on the property. Permitting would follow thereafter.On a side note, cross country has been added to the Championship sign on Highway 30. Thank you to Rickard Sign for getting the team added.3. Funds from towels and poms sales: Approximately $200 was raised from the sales. Thanks to Ketchum, Kutcher families for heading this up. A thank you card will be sent.4. Online school registrations: Discussion on the importance to get those that donate via school registry into the initial program at beginning of fall sports. There was a case where a family was missed and wanted to make sure it was not a case where everyone completing the online registration did not get recognized until later in the season.5. Soccer concessions: A parent has approached Booster Club asking if concessions could be provided at soccer games. Booster Club supports this, but would ask that parents help run the operation or secure volunteers. Concessions could be provided at the ticket taker table.6. Annual Goal: Budgeting meeting to be held April/May 2017 to set goals for the 2017 Fiscal Year.7. New Fundraising/Project Ideas: Brief discussion on this, but plan to have a work session in the coming month to brainstorm new ideas for projects and promotion of the organization. 8. Booster Club “Branding” and Promotion: Looking for ideas of generating things of value and bring about feelings of being part of an organization while branding and self-promoting the group. Ideas discussed: a. Free passes to certain level of contributors (monetary or volunteerism) b. Recognize those that volunteer at a high level c. Hold an open house to kick-off the year, recognize volunteers and contributors. This could coincide with a golf outing or other event. Todd Pollock has connections with Gary Dolphin as a possible speaker at the event. d. Offer business promotions to our loyal contributors. This could be free passes to school events or Booster Bucks. e. Include Booster Club meeting minutes within the school newsletter. 9. Boosting Attendance Project: See #8d above as one possibility. 10. Future agenda items: a. Looking for someone to be a spokesperson on Twitter and Facebook to post notices of Booster Club events or publicize last minute concession needs. b. Looking for volunteers to trim trees at Hwy 30 State Championship Sign. Permission needed from land owner. c. Discuss ideas for Mustang Madness (2/3/17) d. New Fundraising/Project Ideas and Branding and Promotion of Booster Club

P.R.I.D.E. would like to express their thanks for all the support in 2016!

Successful Magazine Sale• Thanks to Sherene Player for organizing this event!• The online ordering is available throughout the year: www.gaschoolstore.com (code #2619732).Concession Stand Volunteers• Thanks to Gary’s Foods for selling concession supplies at a discount!• Thanks to Kim Schwiebert and Tami Price for hours of organizing!• Look for the sign-up or email [email protected] if you are available to help with boys’ basketball in January.Funding Support approved for Lego Robotics, Kids In Need, SAT, FCA and teacher holiday gift cards at November meeting. Next meeting is January 16 at 6pm in the middle school media center. Please come and share your ideas.

Approval of November 1, 2016 Minutes: Clarification to minutes: Need to add dollar amount of $1,000 with regards to HS Band budget adjustment if loan not recovered. Need to add "no new fundraisers" during intermission of concerts. Minutes approved with clarifications.Treasurer's Report:• Checking / Savings Balances: ◦ $9,157.10 checking ◦ $39,207.09 savings• Past month expenditures cashed in: $1,780.47 ◦ Pending expenditures not cashed in: $268.11• Past month income: $8,068• Volleyball and football concession income pending.• PO submitted for All-State hotel rooms, $1,039. Discussion on original proposed budget. Board decided on two options once annual budget validated from September 2016 approval. The options approved are the following 1) Cover $39 if the budget is indeed $1,000 or 2) If the approved budget is $500 then Mr. Wilkins will reach out to the other teachers involved to help cover the $539 remaining.Teacher Program Review: See page 2 for teacher program review.• Sherene Player has updated MVFAA Board Sign-Up to coordinate with upcoming concerts, plays, and speech events.Old Business / New Business / Action Items:Fundraising ◦ Fruit Sales : Sold > $20,000. ◦ T-Shirt Sales: Sale was advertised in the office news, MVFAA Facebook page, and board members shared the order form on social media. Orders were place and picked up at One Mission. ◦ Gary's coupon books were sold at December concerts. ◦ Gary's Gift Cards: Will be sold at first spring concerts. New Fundraising Ideas: Gift wrapping for next year, Carnival/Fun Fair, Battle of the Bands, Haunted House, MS SAT events, Valentines Sock Hop, Fine Arts - Trivia Night, Tumbler Sales, Suggestion made to possibly plan a Art Show with the Musical or another fine arts event. Team decided this might be a plan in the future.Outstanding Action Items:• MVFAA ConstitutionLisa White and Crystal Shannon will meet to work on by-laws; Jen Hoffman will work on budget spending guidelines with Faculty Rep., Elise Rodenburg. Members asked to send examples of non-profit guidelines for review. Plan is to meet before the holiday and have draft for review by February meeting.• Fine Arts Trailer◦ An anonymous donor has gifted $1,000. Also, a parent, who wishes to be anonymous, will donate up to $1,500 with matching funds from Fine Arts or Business Donations. Scott Weber asked to hold off on this request until after the Marching Band Chicago trip and the holidays. Request Mr. Weber to be present at a meeting with an update.• Year-End Budget Balances◦ Elise Rodenburg previously asked about using budget balances for future instrument purchases, and the possibility of placing this money in a CD. We have the go-ahead from the District to do this; Board needs to establish guidelines during by-laws review.• School Website and MVFAA Approved Documents◦ This item was tabled until the new year• Fruit Sales Profits◦ Discussion regarding percentage of Fruit Sales monies that goes to students, and also what that percentage may be used for, trips only or into a general fund "bucket." Also discussed what incentives should be have for students to sell and MVFAA can manage those earnings. Current tiered system is complicated and increases the workload of the treasurer. Decision was made to let 10% of net profit go to the student. This is 3% of overall individual sales for Fine Art trips.• Photo-Shoot Sessions with Amy Rose Photography◦ Susan reports that photo shoots for both scheduled days are sold-out, and over $1,000 has been earned. Amy Hermsen has increased the donation goal to $6,000. • World Strides $1,000 Parade Deposit◦ There is an over-payment of $1,000. Cedar Valley is refunding the $1,000 to MVFAA. Additionally, Cedar Valley will return any late-received funds to MVFAA.• Unpaid Material Bill for Marching Band Backdrops◦ Rich Hall submitted a bill for marching band back drops. Possible

reimbursement option is to use MVFAA funds earmarked for band ($200 from leaf raking project; $287.74 One Mission donations; $300 in donations checks.)• Operational◦ Board Selections for next year start March/April 2017◦ Next year budget completed by May 2017◦ Collect data / results from year◦ April/ May develop next appeal letter for donations so we can send out before August 2017◦ History in pictures (video) of our volunteer events.◦ Discussion about need to search for Todd’s replacement for the next year. Plan is to have mentoring in this position for two months or as needed.◦ Fine Arts Video: Mr Wilkins is assisting in this endeavor by reaching out to students who may be able to create video to promote MVFAA.

◦ $20,019.29 CD◦ $20,049.86 CD

MVFAA continued....


1 2 3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16 17 18 19 20 21

22 23 24 25 26 27 28

29 30 31

• HSW - Varsity, Western Dubuque@ Epworth, 6 pm• 8GB, Clear Creek-Amana, H, 4:15pm

• HSW - Varsity, South Tama, T, 6 pm

• 7BB, Marion, T, 4:15 pm• 8BB, Marion, H, 4:15 pm• HSW - JV & Varsity, West Delaware, T, 6 pm• 6th - 8th Grade Choir Concert, District Auditorium, 7 pm

• 7BB, DeWitt, H, 4:15 pm• 8BB, DeWitt, T, 4:15 pm• HSW - Varsity, Benton Community, T, 6 pm• HSGB, North Linn, H, Fr/So @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB - JV, Anamosa, T, 7:30 pm

• Archery Tournament @ Anamosa• HSW - Varsity, Linn-Mar, T, 9 am• HSBB - JV, Anamosa, H, 10 am

• HS Robotics League Championship @ Union High School•Archery Tournament @ Center Point• HS Choir, Dorian Honor Choir @ Luther College• HSW - Varsity, Cascade, T, 9 am• HS Speech Showcase, District Auditorium, TIME??

•Archery Tournament @ Eddyville Blakesburg• HS Speech, District Large Group Contest, Monticello• MS Band, Marion Junior Honor Band• HS Orchestra, Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Orchestra Festival, Paramount Theatre, 8:15 pm• HSW - JV, CR Jefferson, T, 9 am• HSW - Varsity, Clinton, T, 9 am• HSBB - 10th, Mount Pleasant, T, 4 pm, Varsity to follow• Robotics League Meet??

•Archery Tournament @ Alburnett•HSW - Varsity, WAMAC Meet @ Williamsburg, 10 am• HS Theatre Performance - Wait Until Dark, District Auditorium, 7 pm

JANUARY 2017 ACTIVITY CALENDAR SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT

CLASSES RESUME

• Booster Club Meeting, HS Commons, 6:30 pm

• HSGB - Fr/So, DeWitt, T, 4:30 pm• HSBB - 9th, DeWitt, T, 4:30 pm• WETAP Meeting, ES Technology Room, 6:30 pm• School Board Meeting, HS Library, 6:30 pm

• HS Choir, Dorian Honor Choir @ Luther College• 7BB, Solon, T, 4:15 pm• 8BB, Solon, H, 4:15 pm• Large Group Speech Contest, Western Dubuque @ Epworth, 4:30 pm• HSW - JV, Solon, T, 5 pm• P.R.I.D.E. Meeting, MS Library, 6 pm•HSBB - JV, Solon, H, 7:30 pm

• HS Choir, Meistersinger Honor Choir @ Wartburg College• HS Band, State Jazz Band Contest• 7BB, Clear Creek-Amana, H, 4:15pm• 8BB, Clear Creek-Amana, T, 4:15 pm• HSBB - JV, Dyersville Beckman, H, 7:30 pm

• HSW - JV, WAMAC Meet @ Marion, 5 pm

• HSGB, South Tama, T, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, South Tama, H, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• Fine Arts Association Meeting, HS Library, 7 pm

• HSGB - JV, DeWitt, T, 4:30 pm• HSBB - 10th, DeWitt, T, 4:30 pm• HSGB - Varsity, DeWitt, T, 6 pm• HSBB - Varsity, DeWitt, T, 7:30 pm

• HS Orchestra Metro Auditions• 7BB, Benton Community, T, 4:15 pm• 8BB, Benton Community, H, 4:15 pm• HSGB, Western Dubuque @ Epworth, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, Western Dubuque, H, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow

• HSBB, Dyersville Beckman, H, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow

• 7BB, West Delaware, H, 4:15 pm• 8BB, West Delaware, T 4:15 pm• HSGB, Maquoketa, H, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, Maquoketa, T, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow

• HSGB, Maquoketa, T, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, Maquoketa, H, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow

• Middle School - End of 2nd Quarter• Middle School Ski Trip - See details on page X• HSGB, Solon, H, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, Solon, T, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSW - JV, Western Dubuque @ Epworth, 5 pm

NO SCHOOL

• HSGB, Anamosa, H, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, Anamosa, T, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow

• HSGB, West Delaware, H, Fr/So @ 4:30 pm, JV @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HSBB, West Delaware, T, 9th @ 4:30 pm, 10th @ 6 pm, Varsity to follow• HS Theatre Performance - Wait Until Dark, District Auditorium, 7 pm

• 7BB - 7th Grade Boys Basetball• 8BB - 8th Grade Boys Basketball • HSGB - High School Girls Basketball• HSBB - High School Boys Basketball• HSW - High School Wrestling• ES - Washington Elementary• MS - Middle School• HS - High School• H - Home• T - Away

High school students and parents: Be sure to check the High School Counselor website for updated college and

university representative visits to the high school.

NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK - School Offices are CLOSED

Parents and guardians considering the use of open enrollment in the state of Iowa should be aware of the following dates:March 1, 2017 - Last date for regular open enrollment requests for the 2017-2018 school year. If the student meets the definition of good cause under the Iowa Administrative Code, or is an entering kindergarten student for the 2017-2018 school year, the application can be accepted after March 1, 2017. Kindergarten ONLY - Deadline is Sept. 1, 2017. If you need forms or additional information, please contact Tasha Whitman in the Superintendent’s Office at (319) 895-8845 ext. 1004.

OPEN ENROLLMENT REMINDER

• Post Prom Meeting, HS Commons, 5:30 pm

• HS Choir, Dorian Honor Choir @ Luther College

• HS Choir, Meistersinger Honor Choir @ Wartburg College

4TH GRADE CAROLERS AT HALLMARK