JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of December 07, 2020
All attempts are made to be as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to the JCSD Communications department at jcsdcomm@jdragonmail.us.
District News & Announcements
Temporary online waiver approved
At the Dec. 7 board meeting, the board approved continuation of the Johnston CSD temporary online learning waiver, due to continued concern of COVID-19 positivity rates in Polk Co. and the desire to keep students and teachers in a consistent routine.
Our waiver has been approved and will go into effect Monday, Dec.14. The implications for the approved waiver include:
Keeps students in the virtual learning model through our 3-hour early out on Wednesday, Dec. 23.
In-season, high school (grade 9-12) extracurriculars/sports can begin practices after 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Information on practices and team gatherings will be communicated by coaches to athletes/participants and parents. All safety precautions are expected to be followed at all times. This applies to wrestling, basketball, bowling, boys swimming, dance, cheerleading, and show choir.
The board is tentatively planning to hold a special board meeting on December 28 at 5:00 p.m., if needed, to discuss the Return To Learn model when students resume classes on Monday, Jan. 4. This meeting will be livestreamed if it is held.
Grab-n-Go Meal Services Extended Thru Dec. 22
The JCSD Nutrition Department will continue providing free meals to Johnston students while they are learning remotely. Each student will receive a bundle of 5 breakfast and 5 lunch meals for the week.
We will offer FREE grab-n-go curbside meal pick-up at the following dates and times:
- Tuesday, Dec 15; 9:30am – 10:30am
- Thursday, Dec 17; 4:00pm – 5:00pm
- Tuesday, Dec 22; 9:30am – 10:30am
Site locations are Johnston High School North parking Lot & Beaver Creek KTC entrance. Questions can be directed to JCSD Nutrition Department at 278-0278.
Now accepting enrollment for S2 Digital Dragons Online Program
Sign up for the second semester Digital Dragons Online Program is now open through Infinite Campus. This form will be open through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 11.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to check their email and log into their Infinite Campus Parent Portal account to enroll their child in the JCSD 100% online Digital Dragons Online Program for the second semester of the school year (January 13-May 28, 2021). The sign up is for students in all grades, PreK-12.
Regardless of a student’s learning model during the first semester, any student/family wishing to enroll in the 100% online learning program will need to sign up.
This sign up is ONLY if you wish to have your child in the 100% online program, meaning they would NOT attend school in a physical school building. Parents/guardians do not need to sign up or complete this form if their child(ren) will be attending school in an in-person learning model (hybrid or 5-day). The form will need to be completed for each child in a household who wishes to enroll in the 100% online program.
Recognizing Great Student Work
Congratulations to Johnston High School senior Karshana Kalyanaraman, who has been named a Semifinalist for the 2021 class of the Coca‑Cola Scholars Program and will move to the next round of the selection process to become a Coca-Cola Scholar and receive a $20,000 college scholarship. Less than 1.6% of scholarship applicants make it this far in the process! Way to go, Karshana! Read more.
Shout out to our middle school mock trial students for competing virtually last weekend in the state meet! Team Purple placed as runner up and students Harrison Burkhardt and Henry Zou received awards for outstanding performances as witnesses! Read more.
Tech Tips and Support for Families
The technology learning curve can be steep and we want to offer support resources for families and students as they navigate online learning. The following resources are housed within our Return To Learn website, under Family Resources:
- Students or families experiencing technological glitches or navigation concerns within any of the systems above should fill out this form. Once submitted, JCSD is able to prioritize concerns that need immediate attention, and highlight those columns in red. This will allow Edmentum to prioritize those items first, within 24 hours. Other items will be addressed within 24-48 hours.
- Try updating the iPad IOS: Open Settings > Click on General (left side of the screen) > Select Software Update > Download and Install (If available)
- Johnston's tech team is available by email at techsupport@johnston.k12.ia.us or phone at 515-270-4926.
Email: techsupport@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/rtl/family-resources/log-in-troubleshooting/tech-troubleshooting/
Phone: 515-270-4926
Board Highlights from December 7, 2020
- 2021-2022 JHS Course Selection Handbook
- Policy Exhibits 409.2E1 Emergency Paid Sick Leave Request Form and 409.2E2 Expanded Family and Medical Leave Request Form
- First Reading of Policies 701.3 Financial Records, 701.2 Transfer of Funds, 501.3 Compulsory Attendance, 501.4 Entrance -Admissions, and 502.8 Search and Seizure
- First Reading of Policies 507.8 Student Special Health Services, 501.7 Student Transfers Out or Withdrawals, 504.2 Student Organizations, 507.2 Administration of Medication to Students, and 507.5 Emergency Plans and Drills
- First Reading of Policies 505.5 Graduation Requirement, 505.6 Early Graduation, 102 Equal Educational Opportunity, and 500 Objectives for Equal Educational Opportunities for Students
- First Reading of Policies 604.6 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution, 604.7 Dual Enrollment, 604.9 Home School Assistance Program, and 604.11 Academic Competition
- Approval of Recommendation for Next Return to Learn Plan (not approved).
The board voted down this recommendation and instead, made a motion that Administration apply for a waiver from the Department of Education to remain PK-12 100% online instruction beginning December 14, 2020. (Approved)
Amendment: Move to amend to add the following: If the waiver is denied by Department Of Education the district shall return PK - 12 to 5 day in person learning beginning December 14, 2020. (approved)
- Approval of Edmentum Usage for Second Semester (approved)
- Approval of Additional Special Education Teacher & Associates at Timber Ridge (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Kacer updated the board on health metrics from Polk Co. and within the district, as related to staff absences. She also discussed substitute teacher/associate pools and availability this year, as opposed to previous years. The numbers of available subs this year is down considerably and that affects our ability to adequately staff classrooms.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
There will be limited seating in the District Office board room, in a distanced and safe seating style. Seat availability is first come, first seated. Citizens are encouraged to watch the board meetings via the livestream at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. There is one December board meeting on Monday, Dec. 7.
CONTACT THE BOARD
Persons are encouraged to send questions, comments and suggestions to our board members. Each board member can be reached by email: Justin Allen; Dr. Jeanie Kerber; Jennifer Chamberland; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Katie Fiala; Steven Hopper; and Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher.
Johnston Community School District
JCSD Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Johnston Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Associate Superintendent, Dr. Bruce Amendt, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, bamendt@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: laura.sprague@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: johnstoncsd.org
Location: 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnstonCSD/
Twitter: @johnstoncsd