JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of April 05, 2021
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
JHS Student Council Honored
Prom 2021 Tickets Now Available
Save the Date: JHS Graduation is May 23
The Johnston High School Graduation Ceremony will be held Sunday, May 23rd at 4:00 p.m. at the Johnston High School Stadium. The rain date is Tuesday, May 25th at 7:00 p.m. Read here for safety and mitigation steps.
Roorda named Associate Superintendent
Nicole (Nikki) Roorda, Ed.D has been named the new JCSD Associate Superintendent of Teaching & Learning, effective July 1, 2021. Congratulations!
Roorda joined the Johnston Community School District in 2019 as the Executive Director of Teaching & Learning. In March 2021, current Associate Superintendent Bruce Amendt, Ed.D, announced his retirement, creating a vacancy and opportunity for reorganization at the administrative level. Read more.
Kenin Recipient of IBA Student Athlete Achievement Award
Four Iowa high school seniors received a 2021 Iowa Bankers Association Student Athlete Achievement Award during the Iowa High School Boys’ State Basketball Tournament on Friday in Des Moines. One student from each class received a $1,000 scholarship from the IBA to the college of his choice.
Congratulations to Johnston High School senior Tanner Kenin for receiving the Class 4A award! Read more.
Order Plants, Support JBPA
Spring is here and it’s time to start planting your garden! The Johnston Band Parent Association is holding their annual Plant Sale, with all proceeds going to help the JBPA purchase instruments, clinician fees, sheet music, uniforms and other activities for the 5th-12th grade Johnston School band programs.
Plants and flowers make the perfect gift for Mother's Day, your favorite teacher or staff member, or yourself! Order coupons here: https://my.cheddarup.com/c/jbpa-2021-plant-sale. This sale runs March 29 – April 30.
Board Highlights from April 05, 2021
- Discussion of JEA and JESPA Master Agreements
- Summer School Opportunity for Grades 1-6
- Transportation Eligibility Discussion for Lawson Elementary School
- Consideration of 2021-2022 Board Meeting Dates
- First Reading of Policies 505.8 Parental Involvement, 606.3 Animals in the Classroom, and Regulation 606.3R1 Animals in the Classroom
- First Reading of Policies 607.2 Student Health Services, 507.3 Communicable Diseases - Students, and Exhibit 507.2E2 Parental Authorization and Release Form for the Administration of Prescription Medication to Students
- First Reading of Policies 711.3 Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, 703.1 Budget Planning, 707.2 Treasurer's Annual Report, and 707.6 Audit Committee
- First Reading of Policies 708 School District Records, 710.1 School Food Program, 711.2 Student Transportation for Extracurricular Activities, and 804.2 District Emergency Operations Plan
- Adopt and Certify FY 2021-2022 Certified Budget (Approved)
- Approval of 2020-2021 Budget Amendment Hearing (Approved)
- Approval of 28E Agreement with DMACC for Shared Counselor Position (Approved)
- Approval of Additional Assistant Varsity Softball Coach (Approved)
- Approval of Cabinet Level Reorganization (Approved)
- Approval of Payment for Summer School Staff (Approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer provided a brief update on current COVID numbers and staff absences, including the number of substitute teachers and associates who are returning to the district now that vaccines are more available. She said that until the end of the school year, the district will not be make modifications to COVID-19 safety and mitigation strategies.
Supt. Kacer shared information on the JHS graduation ceremony, scheduled for May 23. Finally, she gave an update on the ongoing Digital Dragons enrollment numbers, which are very low. If more students don't sign up, it may not be feasible to run the program for the 2021-22 school year.
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/. The remaining April meeting will be held on April 19, 2021.
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