CCA Community Newsletter
11-02-23
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. SEYMOUR
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATES ON THE BALLOT
The school board candidate forum was held Tuesday, October 24. If you would like to learn more about the candidates, here is the link to the recording: https://youtu.be/LmcaZf5FxSA
Did you know you can vote for candidates running in all districts? All candidates will be listed on the ballots and all voters in the CCA Community School District.
- At-Large: (two to be elected, four year term)
- Abdouramane Bila
- Joe Burns
- Sarah Rivera
- Gabe Schaapveld
- District 1 (one to be elected, four year term)
- Allison Momany
- April Schmitz
- District 2 (one to be elected, two year term due to two incumbents in district)
- Jennifer Downes
- Pat Higby
- District 3 (one to be elected, four year term)
- Jennifer Bollers
VOTER READY - EARLY VOTING AND VOTING REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Take three minutes today to visit VoterReady.Iowa.gov and ensure you have a plan to make your voice heard. The City-School Election is getting closer by the minute and it's time to make a plan to vote if you haven't done so already. Your local representation matters. They make the decisions in your schools and your cities.
Here are some important things to remember:
- EARLY VOTING: You can vote in person at your county auditor's office through November 6. Hours vary around the state, so double-check your auditor's office hours prior to voting. You will need your Voter ID to cast a ballot!
- Polls will be open on Election Day, November 7 from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Remember your Voter ID! Plan ahead and know where to vote on November 7 Find Your Polling Place.
- Double check to make sure you're registered to vote by clicking here. If you aren't registered or your address isn't up to date, you will need to register when you cast your ballot. For information on Election Day Registration, click here.
If you need any additional information, please visit VoterReady.Iowa.Gov or contact your county auditor.
RENEWAL OF THE PHYSICAL PLANT & EQUIPMENT LEVY ON THE BALLOT FOR THE ELECTION
WHAT IS PPEL?
On November 7, 2023, eligible voters living within the Clear Creek Amana Community School District (CCACSD) boundaries will have an opportunity to vote on the renewal of the PPEL.
PPEL is a primary revenue source for funding school infrastructure and improvements and equipment purchases. PPEL can be used to enhance school safety and security, construction or renovation of buildings, purchase of technology equipment and musical instruments, equipment over $500 in value, and energy conservation expenditures.
WILL MY TAXES GO UP?
No. The current voted PPEL levy has been in place at $.67 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation since 2005 so this will maintain the current tax rate. The rate collected is one-half the maximum rate ($1.34 per $1,000 assessed property valuation) for the voter approved levy allowed by law. Revenues are generated by a mix of income and property taxes determined annually by the certified budget. Renewing the PPEL will NOT increase the property tax rate.
HOW MUCH MONEY DOES THE CURRENT LEVY GENERATE FOR OUR DISTRICT?
The current levy generates about $1.2 million per year.
PROJECTS PPEL HAS FUNDED:
PPEL funded projects include but are not limited to the following:
- Shot put and discus field relocation
Buses, vans and other vehicles
Energy efficiency initiatives
Maintenance vehicles and equipment
Renovation to current baseball field
Roof replacement
Band instruments
- Baseball field improvements
Furniture replacement
Kitchen equipment replacement
Wrestling mats
Parking lots, sidewalks and road resurfacing
Field turf replacement
Heating and cooling repairs and replacement
Radio system for safety and security
Security cameras and safety devices
- Safety entrance upgrades
Equipment over $500
Replacement and renovation of buildings such as carpet, paint, etc.
Technology (student and staff computers, iPads, etc.)
- New phone system
For more information please visit our website: https://www.ccaschools.org/Page/5784
STUDENT AND PROGRAMMING RECOGNITION
VOLLEYBALL FINISHES THE SEASON WITH A 46-1 RECORD
Congratulations! CCA Volleyball may have lost in the semifinal match against North Scott but they had an outstanding season and have a lot to be proud of.
Photo Credit Joe Cress with Think Iowa City.
Volleyball at State
Volleyball at State
STATE CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS
Congratulations CCA Cross Country!
Girls finish 15th at the ‘23 3A Championships.
Boys finish 9th at the ‘23 3A Championships!
Girls Cross Country at State
Boys Cross Country at State
CROSS COUNTRY FUNDRAISER
Cross Country is selling a holiday shirt for a fundraiser. You can support Cross Country by purchasing the shirt at the following link: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/cca_xc/shop/home
Orders must be placed by November 8.
CLUE THE MUSICAL - NOVEMBER 9 - 11TH
You don't want to miss this fall High School Drama production of Clue the Musical.
Date: November 9 - 11th
Time: 7:00 PM each night
Where: CCA High School Performing Arts Center
Activity Passes are welcome.
Tickets can be purchased on Bound at this link: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/clearcreekamana/tickets
Photo credit to FAME for the promo photos of the cast.
Mrs. White - Sydney Emmel
Mrs. Peacock - Ella Chatham
Mr. Green - Carson Brandt
Professor Plum - James Cavanary
The Detective - Mackenzie Burnett
Miss Scarlet - Lily Schloss
Stage Manager - Morgan Downes
Mr. Boddy - Chase Lovetinsky
Colonel Mustard - Evan Streit
FFA ORGANIZES MEALS FROM THE HEARTLAND
On Monday October 23, Clear Creek Amana FFA members and Mrs. Amelon organized and hosted Meals from the Heartland at the High School. FFA members, 9th grade students, and teachers assembled 30,024 meals of which will feed 115 children for a year!
230 volunteers assembled the meals
139 boxes filled during the event
3,000 pounds of rice packed
1,200 pounds of soy packed
Students Assembling Meals
Students Assembling Meals
The Gym was full of excitement and busy volunteers
SAVE THE DATE - KCRG-TV9 WEATHER ACADEMY EVENT NOVEMBER 14th
Join KCRG-TV9 and the First Alert Storm Team for an evening of fun at Clear Creek Amana High School as their Weather Academy: Extra Credit comes to town on November 14th. This free, family-friendly event is open to everyone and includes hands-on activities, booths from local first responders and STEM organizations, and the chance to meet some of the KCRG-TV9 team starting at 4 pm! Finally, join the First Alert Storm Team from 5:30-6:30 pm for an experiment extravaganza you won’t want to miss!
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
ROTARY CLUB - HIGHWAY CLEAN UP - SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4TH
NUTRITION SERVICES
TIFFIN ELEMENTARY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOUNDARIES
Meetings begin today for discussions on the elementary school boundaries with district and building leadership. RSP Consultants will moderate and lead the discussions and the school board will make a final decision in December.
Meeting schedule:
July 19 - RSP presented to the school board
October 18 - RSP presented to the school board
November 2 - Admin meeting
November 16 - Admin meeting
December 6 - Public Input
December 7 - Public Input
December 14 - Admin Meeting
December 20 - School Board Adopt Boundary Plan
THANKSGIVING ASSISTANCE
ARE YOU IN NEED OF FOOD ASSISTANCE FOR THANKSGIVING
As Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, we have a wonderful opportunity to share to CCA families. Our CCA Counselors are coordinating Thanksgiving essentials to reduce the financial burden the holiday can bring. If you and your family feel this would be helpful please fill out this form no later than Friday, November 10th so we can arrange the food accordingly.
NEWS AND NOTES FROM SCHOOL THERAPISTS
Welcome to November! With darker and colder days, we want to remind everyone to take care of themselves and take notice of what their bodies and minds need.
International Stress Awareness Day occurs on the first Wednesday in November every year. This day aims to raise awareness about stress, including the prevalence of stress and the impacts of stress. To honor this day (a day late), consider participating in a stress-relief activity, such as writing in a journal or taking a mindful walk.
November is Early Childhood Mental Health Awareness Month!
The term “mental health” for young children may seem questionable to some, as it is associated closely with mental illness. However, the two are quite different from one another as mental illness refers to a problem (illness) and mental health focuses on something positive (health). When referring to early childhood mental health we are focusing our attention to the positive results of early intervention for children who are experiencing challenges socially and emotionally so that they can be successful learners in the future. Healthy social and emotional development for children includes learning to express and regulate their emotions, forming close and secure relationships and learning to explore their environment.
Tips on Healthy Social and Emotional Development
• Take time to observe your child to find out what really makes him or her tick.
• Be affectionate.
• Help your child learn to resolve conflict in appropriate ways.
• Support your child’s developing skills
• Help your child experience give-and-take relationships.
• Help your child feel safe.
• Ask for help from others when you need it.
• Help your child respect differences and appreciate their own and others’ culture.
SCHOOL BOARD SPECIAL MEETING & WORK SESSION NOTES
SPECIAL MEETING
- Board approved financing proposals for General Obligation School Bond Anticipation Project Notes, Series 2023, as presented. Tim Oswald presented results of the proposals.
- The Board approved the Resolution Directing the Sale of General Obligation School Bond Anticipation Project Notes, Series 2023, as presented.
- The Board approved the exhibits for the SBRC Fiscal Update, as presented.
WORK SESSION
Shive Hattery gave an update on the parking lot at the new elementary
Presentation on enrollment.
Presentation on Human Resources summary
NBE Playground information was given to the board for future
E-sports coach position discussion
Review of New Elementary names
Process and review of 24-25 Calendar
Selection process for Reconsideration committee
Student board representative update. Two 11th grade students interested
Board policy review from policy committee meeting. 104 Anti-bullying series and 503.08 Discipline discussion
Presentations and documents can be found on Simbli - the school board website.
November 7 - No School
November 7 - Election Day
November 13 - Veterans Day Breakfast (form due by November 3)
November 22 - 24 - No School Thanksgiving Break
November 28 - School Board Organization Meeting
December 2 - Tech Sale
December 6 & 7 - Public Input for Elementary Boundary Changes
December 19 - Last day of Preschool before winter break
December 22 - January 2 - No School Winter Break
Quick Links Below
CLEAR CREEK AMANA MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Clear Creek Amana Mission Statement
The mission of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is to prepare students to be productive, responsible, community members by providing an environment that brings learning to life.
Clear Creek Amana Vision and Core Values
Vision: As Clear Creek Amana Community School District moves into the future, we will foster a family atmosphere, while immersing students in a diverse academic experience, for their tomorrow.
The philosophy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is founded on three core values:
- Student Opportunities- We believe all students can achieve academic success when provided with the appropriate structures and support. We feel all children in this country deserve access to a high-quality, free, public education.
- Collaborative Learning Culture- We believe collaborative and qualitative teachers drive exceptional results. We must invest in exceptional teachers to achieve exceptional results. We must recruit, support, and retain the nation’s highest quality teachers and staff. Core to our mission, curriculum and school culture are the foundation from which our students will excel. We firmly believe that this investment is critical to the success of our students.
- Managing Growth- As the district continues to grow, we will advocate for reasonable class sizes. We will focus on building and maintaining our buildings and grounds to create an inviting learning environment. We will welcome the community to our district to share their expertise and knowledge in order to collaboratively improve our local community.
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, 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 Angelica Brothers, Equity Coordinator District Office at 1486 Hwy 6 NW, PO Box 487, Oxford IA 52322, 319-828-4510 or angelicabrothers@ccaschools.org.