JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of April 19, 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
Fountain Joins JCSD in New Role
Mr. Louis Fountain has been hired as the new Johnston Community School District Director of Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
JMS Named Capturing Kids' Heart School
Capturing Kids’ Hearts® is excited to announce that a select group of campuses, including Johnston Middle School, have received the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools® award for the 2020-2021 school year.
National Showcase Schools are chosen annually through a rigorous selection process that includes measuring key performance indicators, gathering campus data, and surveying staff and students. Read more.
Get Up, Get Glowing!
Get out and support the JHS Glow Run on Monday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m. The run/walk will take place at the Johnston High School Cross Country Course (JHS, 6500 NW 100th St, Johnston).
Cost is $5 and supports children fighting cancer and other serious diseases through Make A Wish Iowa. Wear your bright colors and have some fun! Click here to sign up.
Dunn Awarded NMSC Corporate Scholarship
Dance Team Earns 3rd, 4th Place At Nationals
Martin, Bruggemann Sign to DMACC
At the recent "Build My Future" skilled trades event in Des Moines, JHS seniors Cade Martin and Nick Bruggemann completed a signing ceremony with the DMACC Construction program for next fall.
The two students were in good company, as Gov. Kim Reynolds signed their certificates and awarded them each a $300 tool/equipment set. They will also be in the running for a larger $1,000 scholarship to help with education expenses. Congratulations!
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.
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.
Board Highlights from April 19, 2021
- Library Diversity Collection Project
- Approval of Out-of-State Trip Request to Spain - March 2022 (approved)
- Approval of 2020-2021 Amended Certified Budget (approved)
- Approval of 2021-2022 Board Meeting Dates (approved)
- Approval of FY 2022 Classroom Associate Sub Incentive (approved)
- Approval of Edmentum Contract Renewal (approved)
- Approval of Contracts for Administrators and Non Union Employees (approved)
- Approval of Snyder & Associates, Inc. for Johnston Middle School Track Replacement Project Professional Services (approved)
- Approval of Additional Special Education Teachers (approved)
- Approval of Policies 711.3 Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program, 505.8 Parental Involvement, 606.3 Animals in the Classroom, and Regulation 606.3R1 Animals in the Classroom (approved)
- Approval of Policies 707.6 Audit Committee, 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 (approved)
- Approval 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 (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer provided a brief update on current COVID numbers and staff absences.
Supt. Kacer shared information on upcoming events, including prom and graduation. She also shared that April is National Bilingual/Multilingual Learner Advocacy month. Here in Johnston, we have nearly 550 ESOL students, and 64 languages spoken. This is a rapidly growing population in school districts across the U.S. and the ESOL students add rich diversity to our classrooms and student body.
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 May meetings will be held on May 03 and May 17, 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