JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of September 28, 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
USDA Free Meal Service Extended
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it will continue serving free meals to children into the fall months through as late as December 31, 2020 (or sooner if funds run out).
Johnston Community School District has been approved to participate in the (SFSP) free meals program. Children who are enrolled at JCSD and choose to eat will receive one breakfast and/or one lunch free of charge at their building site. Hybrid or Online learners who have signed up to receive meals will not be required to pay for the meals. Read more here.
SafeStop App is Working!
SafeStop is the mobile app that connects parents to the vehicles transporting their children. This free easy-to-use mobile app features neighborhood maps and a MapView bus locator. Using GPS technology, the app updates every 30 seconds to help you better plan for your busy day.
SafeStop is operated by a third party and not administered through the district. Learn more here.
Support VPA, Spread Holiday Cheer
The Johnston Vocal Parents Association is asking for your support for the vocal music departments at Johnston Middle School and Johnston High School this holiday season! Order holiday wreathes, garland, swags or those adorable reindeer and a portion of your purchase will be donated back to our program! Have out of state family or friend that you would like to send a little holiday cheer to? There is an option for that as well.
All orders need to be placed by November 9, 2020. Items will arrive the week after Thanksgiving. Pick-up times will be scheduled. Visit the fundraising website here to place your order today!
IDPH Updated Quarantine Guidelines: What You Need to Know
The Iowa Dept. of Public Health announced a change to the way in which individuals who have been exposed to a positive COVID-19 individual are placed in quarantine.
Individuals who previously would have been required to be placed in quarantine by public health after an exposure to a COVID-positive individual no longer will be required to do so based on public health guidance, when BOTH individuals are properly wearing a face mask. This change does impact our protocol in Johnson and we want to provide you with an update.
Please click here to read complete guidance on our website, or parents should check their emails for the update sent on Sept. 29, 2020.
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/news/2020/09/updated-idph-quarantine-guidelines-need-know/
Board Highlights from September 28, 2020
-Parents for Equity and Anti-Racism Report
-Nutrition Services Annual Report
-Financial Year End Report FY20
-Approval of SBRC for Modified Supplemental Authority for LEP/ELL Programs (approved)
-Approval of Supplemental Aid for Special Education Deficit (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer spoke to the Board about assessments taking place this year, including the timeline and status of assessments. Michelle Crannell spoke about supporting at-risk and accelerated learners, and what's being done to accommodate online learners. Ms. Kacer reported on a parent focus group that she conducted regarding the district's online learning, and she shared some of the feedback she received.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Due to COVID-19 precautions and restrictions, citizens are encouraged to watch the board meetings via the livestream at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. The next meeting is a work session on Oct. 8 (start time 5 p.m.) Regular October board meetings are Oct. 12 and 26.
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