CCA Community Newsletter
11-30-23
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. SEYMOUR
IMPORTANT WINTER WEATHER GUIDELINES
The safety and well-being of students and staff is our top priority and the decision to close, delay, or release school is no simple matter. Before deciding to modify the school day due to extreme weather conditions, the Superintendent consults with a variety of experts both inside and outside of the District. Our commitment is to keep students, families, and staff safe, and to keep the community informed of weather-related school closings, delays, and cancellations in a timely manner.
Do you have a new email address or phone number? It's very important to update your email and phone number in PowerSchool so you receive all important winter weather notifications. Winter Weather Notifications are sent out by text, phone and email using Finalsite, the District mass communication system.
Did you opt out of District Communications? You can Opt back in by following these directions:
- Text (SMS) messages: Reply START to "60680" from the phone line that has been opted out for non-emergency messages. Reply START to "54968" for emergency messages.
- Emails: Contact lauriehaman@ccaschools.org to opt back in to emails.
Do you have the Clear Creek Amana Community Mobile App? If so, make sure notifications are turned on so you receive Winter Weather Notifications. App notifications are sent out at the same time as the district call, text and email. You can also easily tap the weather button on the mobile app to see all winter weather categories and protocols.
All winter weather guidelines for late starts, early dismissals, snow day, cold weather day, and same day activities cancellations can also be found on the district website: https://www.ccaschools.org/domain/2057
TECHNOLOGY
YEARLY TECH SALE - THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2 FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM
Saturday, December 2nd from 10am to 2pm at the CCA Middle School East Side.
For details go to this website link: https://www.ccaschools.org/Page/5787
SCHOOLOGY PARENT ACCESS CODES
You can now retrieve your Schoology access code in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. See this short video on how to find your code: https://watch.screencastify.com/v/PSWj7kfAHhOrJyqGLWrA You can use this code to sign up for a Schoology parent account or to add students to your existing account.
ELEMENTARY BOUNDARY COMMUNITY MEETINGS
Save The Date for the CCA Elementary Boundary Community Input meetings.
With the addition of the new elementary opening for the 2024-2025 school year, plans have begun to review and implement changes for the elementary building boundaries.
The meetings will be for the public to give input on boundary change options.
Date: December 6 & 7, 2023
Time: 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Where: Middle School Cafeteria
NEWS AND NOTES FROM SCHOOL THERAPISTS
As decorations are going up and holiday tunes are blasting this is just a subtle reminder---‘Tis the season for emotional instability. The holiday season is here with big feelings and additional stressors. Added travel and increased expenses are two things added to many lives right now and for many the feeling of sadness is heavy remembering the loss of someone special. Give yourself the best present this year by discovering balance, ask for help and give yourself a few minutes each day to check in with your own feelings.
Adding a small wellness goal to your routine can go a long way through the season.
Here are some Wellness Ideas:
Drink half your bodyweight in ounces of water.
Use a supportive app to check in with your feelings daily. Try How We Feel or The Hopeful.
Send an uplifting text or email each day to someone different in your contacts.
Mindfully brush your teeth.
Start a gratitude journal- Listing just 2 things you are grateful for daily is a good starting point.
Do a 100 squats daily challenge- include others and find ways to celebrate at the end of the month.
Ask for help daily- big or small.
Write an encouraging sticky note for the next day.
SCREENAGERS MOVIE - UNDER THE INFLUENCE, ADDRESSING VAPING, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN THE DIGITAL AGE
We are gauging community interest on who is interested in watching the film: Screenagers Under The Influence. The film would occur in the winter of 2024.
This is a comprehensive and engaging film about the impact of alcohol, marijuana, vaping, and substances on adolescent health, with up-to-date information that is accurate and from authoritative sources. The film is intended to expand your knowledge of what adolescents are faced with today. Great for all families whether or not you have a MS/HS student or if your children are in Elementary. It is never too early to learn how to best support adolescent health!
Please complete the survey by clicking on the link below:
To learn more, visit https://www.screenagersmovie.com/about-screenagers-under-the-influence
SPONSOR A FAMILY
The main source of help is through monetary donations. Each dollar given is used to support families in need. If you are willing to donate to help this cause, please turn in donations no later than December 9, 2023.
Different Ways to Donate:
- Online payment link: https://ia-clearcreekamana-lite.intouchreceipting.com/
- Instructions: School = CCA High School and Item = Sponsor a Family HS/MS
- Enter your donation amount and finish the payment process
2. Check Instructions:
- Make check payable to: Clear Creek Amana Student Council
- Write on the Memo line of the check: Sponsor a Family
- Send or drop off the check in an envelope addressed to:
Clear Creek Amana High School
Attn: Marissa Moore or Student Council
551 W. Marengo Rd.
Tiffin, IA 52340
Thank you for your continued support of this district wide event.
CLAIMS FOR NONPUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
First semester parental claims for nonpublic transportation are due no later than December 1. Parents providing transportation for their children to attend an accredited nonpublic school are required to file these claims with their resident district (CCA). Second semester claims from parents to the districts will be due by May 2, 2024.
SCHOOL BOARD
THANK YOU TO OUR RETIRING BOARD MEMBERS
Retiring board members are Eileen Schmidt who served for 12 years, Matt McAreavy served for 8 years, Jen Mooney served for 8 years and Joe Burns served for 2 years. Jen and Eileen both served as past presidents on the school board and Matt and Joe previously served as Vice President. Thank you for your community service and dedication to our school district.
WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS
Incoming Board members are Allison Momany, Jenn Bollers, Jennifer Downes, Abdouramane Bila, and Gabe Schaapveld.
Kara Prickett was voted to stay in the President position for her third year and Abdouramane Bila was voted in as Vice President.
New this year is a student representative on the board. Addie Skow will join the school board as a non-voting member for regular meetings as the student representative.
November 28 board meeting
The new elementary name was approved and it will be East Ridge Elementary.
The reconsideration committee members were approved.
New guidelines for discipline are being reviewed per state.
Organization Board Meeting:
Oath of office of President Kara Prickett and Vice President Abdouramane Bila.
North Bend Elementary and Tiffin Elementary presented on FAST and ISASP data.
Ray Willoughby presented building projects report. East Elementary progress was shared along with they plan to have the building enclosed by December 20.
Baseball/softball fields work is scheduled to begin March 15.
Shot Put/Discus work is 95% complete.
Lori Robertson reviewed the various funds for which the district is accountable and outlined sources and allowable expenditures for each fund.
Board approved to meet for work sessions on the first Wednesday of each month and for regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month beginning at 6:00 PM. Other meetings as determined necessary.
Link For the full agenda and minutes: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/SB_Meetings/ViewMeeting.aspx?S=150080&MID=15357&Tab=Agenda
The recording of meetings can be found at this link: https://youtu.be/p8XIGWZSfAc
December 2 - Tech Sale
December 6 & 7 - Public Input for Elementary Boundary Changes
December 11 - Equity Education Committee Meeting
December 13 - Activity Advisory Committee Meeting
December 13 - School Board Work Session
December 14 - School Board Work Session - Attendance Boundary Discussions
December 19 - Last day of Preschool before winter break
December 20 - School Board Regular Meeting
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.