JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of January 25, 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
Mark Your Calendars for March 2!
Johnston voters: We need you!
If you're ever wondered where the district gets money for new construction, renovation, and technology, and our outstanding extracurricular facilities, it's from the SAVE & PPEL funds. We will be posting regularly different pieces of information about this important vote for the future of our district. You can also check out information online: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/district/save-ppel/
Mark your calendars now and head to the polls on March 2!
Email: jcsdcomm@jdragonmail.us
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/district/save-ppel/
Coming up: 2021-22 School Registration
Student Council hosts “Coaches vs. Cancer” Feb. 4
The Johnston High School Student Council is hosting their annual Coaches vs. Cancer event this year on Thursday, February 4 during the Boys/Girls basketball games vs Waukee.
In addition to an online raffle, Student Council students will be selling Fatheads to be placed in the stands at all home winter events starting Thursday February 4, 2021. Learn more and purchase your FatHead cutouts here.
Show Choirs Dazzle at DMC Comp
It's show choir season! Over the weekend, JCSD show choirs competed at the Des Moines Christian Illumination Show Choir Competition. Congratulations to our students, bands, crews, and directors on a great showing! Read the full list of awards here.
- Innovation – 1st runner up overall
- Synergy – 3rd runner up overall
- Bella Voce – 1st place in the all women’s division
- Sound Advice – 2nd place in the JV Division
- Impact – 1st Place in the Middle School Division
Board Highlights from January 25, 2021
- Teacher Leadership & Compensation Update
Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) Update
FY 21 Line Item and Projections
- Approval for Submission of Johnston's Portion of the Allowable Administrative Grandwood Costs (approved)
- Approval for Submission of Johnston's Portion of the Allowable Administrative Woodward Academy Day Costs (approved)
- Approval of School Budget Review Committee Application to Charge Administrative Costs (approved)Approval of 2021-2022 Academic Calendar (approved)
- Approval of New Club Request - SMS Climate Change Club (approved)
- Approval to Pay Livestream Work (approved)
- Approval of Policies 604.12 Appropriate Use of Online Learning, 605.1 Instructional Materials Selection, 605.1R1 Selection on Instructional Materials, and 605.2 Instructional Materials Inspection (approved)
- Approval of Policies 605.3 Objection to Instructional Materials, 605.3E1 Instructions to the Reconsideration Committee, 605.3E2 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials, 605.3E3 Sample Letter to Individuals Challenging Instructional Materials, and 605.3R1 Reconsideration of Instructional Materials Regulation (approved)
- Approval of Policies 605.4 Technology and Instructional Materials, 605.5 School Library, 605.7 Use of Information Resources, 605.7R1 Use of Information Resources Regulation, 606.1 Class Size - Class Grouping, and 606.2 School Ceremonies and Observances (approved)
- Approval of Policies 606.4 Student Production of Materials and Services, 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space, 607.1 Student Guidance and Counseling Program, 607.2 Student Health Services, and 607.2R1 Student Health Services Regulation (approved)
- Approval of Policy 605.6 Internet Appropriate Use, Exhibit 605.6E1 Internet Access Permission Letter to Parents, and Regulation 605.6R1 Internet Appropriate Use (approved)
- Approval of Policies 503.1 Student Conduct, 503.5 Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint and Prone Restraint, 503.6 Physical Restraint and Seclusion of Students, Exhibits 503.6E1 Use of Physical Restraint and/or Seclusion of Students Documentation Form, 503.6E2 Debriefing Letter to Guardian, 503.6E3 Debriefing Meeting Document, and Regulation 503.6R1 Use of Physical Restraint and Seclusion with Students (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer reviewed current Polk Co. health metrics, zip code COVID positivity data, and current staff absence data.
Superintendent Kacer then shifted the conversation to how the district may make up instructional hours lost to snow days. There was a recent staff survey that presented an idea to change 3-hr early outs to 1-hr early outs after spring break; other staff feedback was shared, too. She closed with a recap of the JCSD classroom monitor position, current numbers, and how it was helping our schools cover 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.; February meetings are on the 8th & 22nd.
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