CCA Community Newsletter
10-19-23
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. SEYMOUR
THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO THE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE PUBLIC FORUM
We have invited the school board candidates to a public forum where they will answer important questions related to school board work. You are invited to come to the forum and be educated on the school board candidates before voting November 7 on election day.
Public forum:
DATE: OCTOBER 24, 2023
TIME: 6:00 PM
WHERE: CCA HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
The forum will be live streamed: https://youtube.com/live/LmcaZf5FxSA
The recording will be on the District YouTube account following the forum.
For more information and bios on the candidates: https://www.ccaschools.org/domain/2042
PPEL 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.
The current PPEL levy has been in place since 2005 and must be renewed by a public vote every 10 years. The current authorization expires June 2025. Voters will be asked to consider the renewal of the voter-approved PPEL at the same rate of $.67 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
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
MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM DOG PARK PROJECT
Thank you to all of the parent volunteers for helping the students make their designs come to life. Thank you to the City of Tiffin for allowing the students the opportunity to contribute to our local community. The final products will be placed in the Tiffin Dog Park this Spring!
Below are pictures of two of the projects and middle school students who contributed to the work.
Dog Park Projects
Middle School STEM Students
Middle School STEM Students
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION
Our school board recognition tonight is Middle School Student Oliva Hancock. Olivia was recently recognized by KCRG as their Student of the Month for already making a huge impact at her school at the age of 12. Olivia was nominated by Middle School Dean of Students Kyle Forness. Olivia is involved with many clubs at the middle school and is a founding member of the group CCA Gives Club. CCA Gives has a goal to make school and community a better place. The group helps people, animals, and classes. She personally made over 300 origami butterflies to help decorate for the high school prom. The club also supported the “I’m glad you stayed Project” focused on suicide prevention and Olivia made many buttons of positive affirmations focused on suicide prevention.
It’s easy to see why Mr. Forness stated Olivia is kind, considerate and very mature and that she puts 100% into everything she does. She puts 100% into her school work too, and even though Olivia is getting straight A’s and high academic achievements in her classes, she says, “while grades are important, life is about how you treat other people so be kind to everyone.”
Congratulations Olivia you are making your school and community a much better place!!
POSTSEASON PROGRAM UPDATES
CROSS COUNTRY BOYS AND GIRLS HEAD TO STATE
Both CCA Girls and Boys Cross Country Teams qualified to the ‘23 3A State Cross Country Championships last night. This is the 7th trip in the last 10 years for the boys (second straight), and the second consecutive trip for the girls!
October 28, 3A State Cross Country Meet @ Fort Dodge (Girls - 2:00 PM / Boys - 2:45 PM)
State shirt link: https://stores.teamelitesports.com/cca_xc/shop/home
VOLLEYBALL BEGINS 4A SEMIFINAL PLAY - TONIGHT
There has been no other team like the current CCA Volleyball team. The Clippers are undefeated and for the first time in program history, they are WaMaC Conference Tournament Champions!!
The CCA Volleyball team will begin 4A Regional Semifinal play TONIGHT, Thursday, October 19. The Clippers (43-0) host Keokuk (11-15).
Tickets must be purchased through Bound and activity passes can not be accepted at postseason games: https://www.gobound.com/ia/ighsau/vb/2023-24/tickets
NATIONAL SCHOOL BUS SAFETY WEEK
This year’s theme is “Safely Rolling to my Destination” with the goal of promoting safety on school buses and addressing the importance of bus drivers. National School Bus Safety Week is an active and evolving public education program, held during the third full week of October each year, designed to promote school bus safety and a way for parents, students, school administrators, etc. to highlight the importance of safety on board the bus. Here is more information to share with your child(ren) regarding school bus safety.
This week, bus drivers have been busy with student bus evacuation drills. Each attendance center had all students practice bus evacuation drills.
Students Learning Where all Bus Exits Are
Sit before the bus driver helps you out
School Bus Evacuation Drills
COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
OAK HILL TREE PLANTING
We invite the public to come help us plant trees, Saturday, October 28 at 9 AM at Oak Hill Elementary.
We invite the public to come help us plant trees, Saturday, October 28 at 9 AM at Oak Hill Elementary.
We have been working in partnership with the Coralville Rotary to designate and accomplish a tree planting project at one of our sites in the Tiffin/North Liberty area. Our project is a sound barrier between Oak hill Elementary and I 380. The Rotary is working on providing labor and bare root plants to form the sound barrier. CCA Grounds department is also purchasing 5 hardwood trees to plant on the south end of the playground area. The rotary will provide labor for this planting as well. Due to the substantial amount of plants for this project, we will most likely need to span several growing seasons to complete.
CURRICULUM UPDATE
Introducing Our Exciting New Math Curriculum!
We are excited to share some fantastic news about our math curriculum in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade. In our ongoing efforts to provide the best possible education for your children, we have implemented a new and engaging math curriculum designed to enhance their learning experience.
Our new math curriculum is centered around problem-based learning, where students actively participate in reasoning, critiquing, modeling, and explaining their mathematical thinking. This approach allows them to build a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Here are some key features of our new math curriculum:
Problem-Based Learning: Students will encounter real-world problems and challenges that encourage them to think critically and apply their mathematical knowledge.
Spiral Learning: Our curriculum ensures continuous practice and understanding by revisiting and building upon previously learned math skills, fostering a deeper comprehension of the subject.
Student-Centered: Students are at the forefront of their learning journey. They will be actively engaged in lessons, discussions, and activities that encourage them to express and defend their mathematical reasoning.
Teacher Facilitation: Our dedicated teachers will serve as guides, asking thought-provoking questions to advance students' thinking in productive ways.
Comprehensive Lessons: Each lesson includes warm-up problems to prepare students, engaging activities to manipulate math skills, cool-down exercises to synthesize their learning, and fun math games to practice and become fluent in the skills they've acquired.
We believe that this new curriculum will not only enhance your child's mathematical proficiency but also foster a love for learning and an appreciation for the real-world applications of mathematics.
If you have any questions or would like more information about this new curriculum, please feel free to reach out to us. Ask your child’s teacher about the Home Connection information for each unit for ideas on how to support your child at home.
YEARLY TECHNOLOGY SALE - SAVE THE DATE
Yearly Tech Sale: Saturday, December 2nd from 10am to 2pm at the CCA Middle School East Side
SCHOOL THERAPISTS UPDATES
Co-Occurrence of ADHD and Depression
In addition to a high level of co-occurrence, the symptoms of one can mimic the other making it difficult to detect the underlying ADHD. Or alternatively, co-occurring depression may be missed as symptoms of depression may be mistaken for ADHD. While prevalence rates vary, all studies demonstrate an increased risk of depression among those with ADHD. Reach out to a mental health professional if you notice some of these symptoms in yourself or your child.
ADHD Homework Help
ADHD vs Depression
October 18, School Board Meeting
Public Hearing for Activity Complex Softball/Baseball Fields - no public comment
Clear Creek Elementary and Amana Elementary presented Student Test Data
New Elementary Update: Cast moldings are going up and parking lot moisture has caused additional work.
Superintendent Report - Amana Magnet School timeline, 28 E agreements, Think Tank meetings starting soon, Looking into Summer Algebra prep, Working on building CTE programming, Enhancing Kirkwood Associates degree program.
Boundary Process - RSP gave a review of the boundary process that we will be starting November 2, 2023. Public Input meetings are December 6 & 7, 2023.
Amana Pool Update - Roof repairs are underway. The pool roof insulation and membrane has been installed. The area is water tight with flashing and gutters the only items left on this section. These will be completed towards the end of the project.
The roofing crew will move on to the gym roof early the week of (10/16) and then to the adjacent roofs following completion of the gym. The schedule for final completion is tentatively October 31st weather permitting.
Shot/Discus Relocation - All American Concrete is about 90% completed with the earthwork and subbase material placement. Paving hubs have been set to start forming concrete and discus sleeves. Pending weather, pavement should be in place by the end of the week of (10/16).
School board meetings and procedures
Board approved the Softball/Baseball Activity complex bids
Board approved bus purchases
Board approved purchase and installation of fence around transportation building
Approved various New elementary building payments, farmland leases and amended contract.
Policy 606.06 Insufficient classroom space - Only Amana Elementary is open for open enrollment students.
Policy 905.04R1 Use of district school logos modification request - was approved to rescind.
More details can be found in the full school board recording: https://youtu.be/uCfGMnkjQE4
October 24 - School Board Candidate Public Forum
November 7 - No School
November 7 - Election Day
December 2 - Tech Sale
December 6 & 7 - Public Input for Elementary Boundaries
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.