Shimek Shout Out
September 30th, 2022
Dear Shimek Family,
First, I hope that this message finds you well! Second, I wanted to thank everyone who participated in and watched the City High Homecoming Parade on the 28th - we had a great time!
Finally, I wanted to take a quick moment to share some updates on our multipurpose room addition here at Shimek...
1. The project is scheduled to start the week of October 3rd with fencing going up around the work and lay-down areas the week of September 26th. The goal is to have the space completely finished by the start of the 2023-24 school year. The work zone will be directly in front of the new gym and will be fenced in. The lay-down area for materials and equipment will take up the current HSAP parking lot area. This will also be fenced in. Students and families will still be able to access/utilize the primary sidewalks that are used for foot traffic to and from Shimek.
2. In hopes of maintaining a safe environment, there will need to be some changes in regard to our parking situation. (See site map of Shimek & HSAP below.) Changes we want our community to be aware of include:
A. Accessible Parking Spaces will move from HSAP lot to the current traveling staff spaces in front of the main entrance. There should be a total of three accessible spaces when our physical plant is done painting these.
B. The two Traveling Staff spaces will slide down and be next to the accessible parking spaces.
C. The back row of parking spaces on the main lot will become ICHSAP parking to try and replace some of the spaces lost during this process.
D. Shimek & HSAP staff should plan to park in the main lot first (with the exception of the newly created HSAP spaces) and then in the new lower lot next. Please fill in spaces at the far end of the lot first (where the trailers sat, for those of you who remember the renovation set-up). All of these spaces will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Our goal is to still allow for our drop-off and pick-up line to move just as it has since the start of this year and for our kindergarten families to park in the lower lot for drop-off and pick-up times. We hope this will also allow for our PM preschool families to park in the lower lot when they come to pick up at the end of the day. We realize that things will be tight and appreciate everyone's patience and understanding with this process!
E. Finally, our bike racks have moved back over to the area in front of the HSAP fence line so that students can safely park their bikes and walk to the building using the main sidewalk.
3. Painting and signage are being updated as quickly as possible.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know! Again, we really appreciate everyone's patience and understanding. Thank you for your help with all of this and have a great day!
Most sincerely,
Chris Pisarik
Principal, Shimek Elementary School
2022 City High Homecoming Parade
What a 'fin-tastic' night!
Shimek Library Check-out Days:
Tuesdays: (1st) Meade, (3rd) Schneider & (6th) Mueller
Wednesdays: (2nd) Kasparek, (4th) Chapman & (4th) Skay
Thursdays: (K) Davis, (K) Muhlenbruch, (1st) Rozz & (5th) Moore
Thank you for your support of the Shimek Library!
Greetings Iowa City Music Students and Parents,
Can you believe that this is already the third year that we are partnering with Costco to sell bags and jugs of salt to melt the ice on your sidewalks and driveways! Thank you for helping us make this a success to support all band, choir, and orchestra students in ICCSD schools.
Salt pre-orders will be taken online, October 9 though 24. Then, patrons will pick up their salt on November 8 or 16, at Costco in Coralville. Parent and student volunteers will load up the salt using our easy carline pick up in the Costco parking garage. Please consider signing up to help with this at Signup Genius.
The funds raised will help purchase sheet music, equipment, entry fees, student awards, and more. Our goal is to raise $20,000 with this fundraiser.
Plus, the top 4 student sellers (total number of bags and jugs) will receive a $50 Costco Gift Card!
How to Order the Salt:
Order online at http://iowacitymusicauxiliary.org/salt/
Safe Step Nature’s Power Ice Melt (50 lb.)
$25 per bag
Safe Step Sure Paws Ice Melt (12 lb.)
$15 per jug
Important Dates:
October 9–24 Salt Sale
November 8—Salt Pick Up at Costco in Coralville (4 pm–8 pm)
November 16—Back Up Pick Up Date at Costco in Coralville (6 pm–8 pm)
Spread The Word:
Students are encouraged to ask their local community to purchase bags of salt online to support their band, choir, or orchestra. We have provided a graphic that can be sent via text, email, or social media. Make sure to also send the website address: http://iowacitymusicauxiliary.org/salt/
Pick Up:
All orders must be picked up at Costco on Tuesday, November 8, between 4 pm–8 pm.
Costco
If you are unable to pick it up on November 8, patrons can come during our back up pick up date on Wednesday, November 16, from 6 pm–8 pm.
FAQs:
Can I buy a bag during the Pick Up Day on Nov 8?
No, all purchases must be made in advance since we have to order our bags for the fundraiser with Costco. We will consider this for the future.
Will you hold my bag if I can't get it?
Unfortunately, if you cannot pick up your bags on 11/8 or 11/16, any unclaimed bags will be forfeit.
Can I make an additional donation to the Iowa City Music Auxiliary?
Yes, we give you the option of providing a donation amount on the online order form.
What forms of payment do you take?
Our online payment system is through PayPal’s secure non-profit fundraising platform. You can use any major credit card or debit card or a PayPal account—all without needing to create an account. We are not offering cash or check options at this time.
I don't know how to ask...
Don't worry, here are some words you can copy and paste into an email, text or social media. Also, use one of our graphics to catch their eye!
Hello! I am fundraising for my music program by selling bags of salt to melt the snow on your driveway. A 50 lb bag is $25 and a 12 lb jug is $15. Orders will be available for pick up on Tuesday, November 8, or Wednesday, November 16, at Costco in Coralville. Make sure to order online by Oct 24 at IowaCityMusicAuxiliary.org/SALT/
Will there be a reminder?
Yes, we will send an email reminder to everyone who ordered the week before pick up, and will include some instructions (e.g., bring a sign with your name on it) at that time. We will send a second reminder for the pick up on 11/8. We will also post reminders on our Facebook site.
I hear there is a prize for the top 4 sellers, how do you know it was me that sold the salt?
When your customers go to order, they will be asked to fill out your name. This will give you the credit for the order!
What if I have other questions?
Reach out to contact@iowacitymusicauxiliary.org with your additional questions.
Thank you so much for participating. Our goal is to raise $20,000 during this event, and we can do this if about 1 bag of salt is sold per band, choir, and orchestra student in the district!
Happy selling!
The Iowa City Music Auxiliary
Elementary FastBridge Universal SEBH Screening
Dear Families,
This letter provides information about our school’s continued efforts to identify all students who may need additional help to meet student learning goals. During the 2022-2023 school year, the students in our 2nd-6th grade classrooms will participate in universal social, academic, emotional behavior screening that is designed to help schools identify students who may need additional support due to social, academic, or emotional concerns.
We will use the student universal screener, called mySAEBRS, provided through FastBridge Learning®. FastBridge Learning® is the same system we use for our reading and math screeners three times a year. The mySAEBRS screener asks students to complete a 20-item computer-based questionnaire related to their academic, emotional, and social skills. Our school’s leadership team will review the screening scores after the testing. Screening reports will be reviewed during conferences and sent home with all students as part of their end of year information.
We plan to participate in this screening three times during the year (fall, winter and spring). If you are concerned about your student participating in the mySAEBRS screening process or want additional information, please contact me.
Thanks,
Chris Pisarik
Important Information Regarding Your K-2 Child's District Issued Device!
Starting June 2nd, the Iowa City Community School District will migrate from using Clever Badges to ClassLink Quickcards as the primary Chromebook K-2 login method. Your student has been provided a new Quickcard and on June 2nd, 2022 they will need to use this new QuickCard to log onto their device, instead of the Clever Badge. Students will not be able to use their Chromebooks this summer if they don't use these new Quickcards (or use their username and password).
Our district is providing students and families two additional resources regarding this change:
If for any reason your child is not able to login over the summer the Help Desk will be available by phone 319-688-1000 ext 4357, email at helpdesk@iowacityschools.org, or by live chat at https://innovation.iowacityschools.org/.
Calling All Sharks!
Run For The Schools is coming up on Sunday October 23 2022
Last year we earned the second place traveling trophy and our goal this year is the first place trophy! The trophy is earned by having the highest percentage of participants and volunteers as a school. (Volunteers actually count as more than participants as they are hard to come by for the Iowa City Road Races group.)
So, please mark your calendars and consider participating with your kids or volunteering on Sunday October 23!
To Register: https://bit.ly/3faTsPk
For Volunteer sign-up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0e44aaa628aaf94-runfor1
We will also have a group photo for all the Shimek Sharks who can make it. More information to come...
Joe Graf
Physical Education Instructor
SHIMEK - CITY HIGH
Iowa City Community School District
New Elementary School Cell Phone/Personal Device Policy 2022-23
Allowed Use:
Personal Devices (ie. cell phones, smart watches, tablets, personal laptops, etc): Students may use personal devices while school is in session when permission is given and under direct supervision of a school staff member. Users should be courteous and respectful of others. All devices must be put away/secured, and ringers silenced before entering the classroom. Devices in use or view during class time may be confiscated by staff (this includes using phones to listen to music). Personal devices are allowed to be used on the school bus, however all expectations of appropriate use / restrictions during the school day still apply. Students who refuse to comply will be subject to school consequences. Additionally, students are not allowed to have headphones / earbuds on or in their ears during class, unless permission is granted by the supervising adult.
The district will not be held accountable for lost or stolen items brought to school by a student.
Restrictions:
1. Profanity, vulgarity, obscenity, language that is harassing, any form of bullying, derogatory or otherwise inappropriate for the school environment is not permitted. Language that promotes illegal activity or dangerous acts, lewd or plainly offensive, creates a material disruption to the school environment, or contains knowingly false, recklessly false, or defamatory information is not permitted.
2. Users shall not display, send, retrieve, or download any items that are sexually explicit or contain hate-based or discriminatory material. Users shall notify a staff member in the event inappropriate material is inadvertently accessed. Users must not distribute contents described or will be subject to disciplinary action.
4. Videos or photos(audio or visual recordings) to record activities of others or to violate the privacy of others is not permitted.
5. Devices cannot be used to cheat on school assigned tasks.
Personal Devices (search and confiscation of cell phones):
1. Student owned devices may be confiscated if a student violates school policies such as displaying a cell phone at a time cell phones are not permitted.
2. A school official may search student owned technology when they have a reasonable suspicion that a search will reveal evidence that the student has violated or is violating school rules, school policies, or the law. Students may be subject to discipline for content found on student owned technology.
3. If a school official finds content that violates school rules, policies or the law while searching for another reason (trying to determine the owner of a lost phone, suspected cheating on a test, etc.) students may be subject to disciplinary action.
4. If a school official finds a student is in possession of child pornography, which includes nude photos, or partially nude photos, of minors, staff will confiscate technological devices. Law enforcement will be contacted to determine if a further investigation is warranted. Staff members will not place potentially pornographic materials on their school or personal devices to retain as evidence.
Content (on student personal device off school grounds):
1. If inappropriate content/message from student technology has caused or is likely to cause a “substantial disruption” or “material interference” at school the school may take action, regardless of when or where the message was sent.
2. If content is considered a credible threat to persons or property, school officials may take disciplinary action regardless of when and where the message was sent. Law enforcement will be contacted to determine if further investigation is warranted.
Action:
1. When arriving on school campus and at the beginning of class, teachers/staff will remind students to secure their phones/devices.
2. Students should have their phones put away and/or not in use (backpack, pocket, purse, desk, locker, worn appropriately (watch or fitness tracker).
3. If a student fails to “secure their device”, a reminder will be given to the student and expectations will be reviewed.
4. If the device continues to be used, the device will be confiscated by the supervising staff and returned at the end of the period or class. The teacher/office will notify the students’ guardian(s) of the incident, and expectations will be reviewed.
5. If the problem persists, the device will be stored in the office and guardian(s) must come to the school to pick up the device. A conference will be held between the teachers, administrator, student and guardians to review the expectations and determine a plan to best support the student in following the policy.
6. If the above practices are unsuccessful, the student may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including:
a. Whole day removal of the device
b. Multiple-day removal of the device
c. Trimester in length of removal of the device
ICCSD Classroom Celebrations
Emergency Plans and Drills
Students will be informed of the appropriate action to take in an emergency. Emergency drills for fire, weather, and other disasters are conducted each school year. Fire and tornado drills are each conducted regularly during the academic school year with a minimum of two before
December 31 and two after January 1. Each attendance center will develop and maintain a written plan containing emergency and disaster procedures. The plan will be communicated to and reviewed with employees. Employees will participate in emergency drills. Licensed employees are responsible for instructing the proper techniques to be followed in the drill.
Board Policy 507.5 is located on the District website at:
The Shimek PTO Welcomes You!
Hello, Shimek Sharks!
We’d like to start the 2022-2023 school year off by asking a favor of all of you. Each month the PTO board holds a meeting to discuss all things Shimek and the ICCSD. An update from Principal Pisarik and a few of our teachers help keep us up to speed on what wonderful things are happening at our school and in our district. We also talk about fundraisers and, more recently, how to increase family participation. One of our ideas is to have two parent representatives from each classroom sign-up to attend one PTO meeting (both in-person and a Zoom option) during the school year. Of course, you are always welcome regardless of if you are signed up, but the goal is to increase our participation from all grade levels to grow our school community in the best possible way. This is where you come in…
A few ways you can participate, depending on your availability and comfort level:
Using the button below to access our Google Form, please pick one month to attend a PTO meeting. Our in-person meetings will take place in the library, with dinner and (hopefully) childcare provided, from 6-7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month during the school year.
On months you can’t attend, please look over the minutes on our Facebook page.
If there are ways you feel like you can contribute, other than attending meetings, please email us at shimekptoboard@gmail.com .
As always, we welcome volunteers for fundraisers, teacher meals, carnival, etc.!
Thank you for helping us grow our Shimek community by giving your time, ideas, support, and feedback. Please be on the lookout for emails about upcoming fundraisers for the school year, and the ways you can support these events!
All of our appreciation,
Andrea, Kristen, and Kristine
Interested in Helping Students Through the PTO?
Hello, Shimek Families!
Thank you for attending the Ice Cream Social and/or the first PTO meeting of the school year. We are reaching out because we need your input! If you could please complete this quick volunteer form, we would greatly appreciate it. We hope to have a better idea of who wants to help with specific activities/events in order to start forming committees. Please note that this does not commit or obligate you to anything you may indicate in the survey; it is just to get the ball rolling for the school year for those who are still interested and have time! We are grateful for you and your desire to make our Shimek community amazing!
https://forms.gle/hgcfA54k86eDQtzaA
From,
Your Shimek PTO
Join the Monthly Meetings of the District Parents Organization!
ICCSD Districtwide Parents Organization (DPO) 2022-23 Calendar
The Iowa City Districtwide Parents Organization (DPO) promotes active engagement and awareness at the school and district level through monthly open meetings that include speakers on matters related to education as well as opportunities to interact directly with the ICCSD administration, foundation, and school board.
DPO meetings are your opportunity to:
Connect with parents and caregivers from other schools’ parent organizations
Find out what is happening in our district directly from the school board and administration
Learn from experts about important matters related to children, youth, and education
Exchange ideas and gain information on local, state and national legislative issues
General meetings are held on the second Wednesday of the month, September-May, at 6:30-8:00 PM. Meetings will be held via Zoom through 2022. Additional information is available on the ICCSD DPO web page.
Sept 14
Are the kids OK? Schedule Disruptions and the Learning Process
Dr. Benjamin Forsyth, PhD, University of Northern Iowa
Oct 12
Helping Parents to Understand the Power and Impact of Curriculum
Dr. Bradley Conrad, PhD, Capital University & Dr. Kate Kauper, Ph.D, Cornell College
Nov 9
Funding & Equity Update from Admin
Admin & Community Cares Crew
Dec 14
Legislative Update
Zach Wahls, Iowa State Senator
Jan 11
Strategies to Lead an Effective PTO: Organizational Effectiveness in Nonprofit Leadership
TBD
Feb 8
Student Mental Health in the Post-Covid Era
Allison Bruhn, Ph.D., Professor and Executive Director of the Scanlon Center for School Mental Health, University of Iowa, College of Education
March 8
Youth Substance Abuse Prevention
Dr. Carrie Hough, PhD Prevention Specialist, Community and Family Resources - Johnson County Prevention Partner
April 12
PBIS in the Context of Social Emotional Learning
TBD
April 13
Scholarship Awards Ceremony
May 10
Fostering Diverse Community Engagement and Outreach for PTOs - Reaching Hard to Reach Communities
TBD
Tuesday, August 16th, 2022 - ICCSD Health & Safety Update
Dear Families and Staff,
We hope that you have had an enjoyable and safe summer! Preparations for the new school year are in full swing as we eagerly await the return of students on Tuesday, August 23rd.
As an important part of our preparations, we continue to review and refine our COVID-19 health and safety protocols. This comes as access to COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, improved treatment options, and at-home testing increases in our community. It is important for students or staff who test positive for COVID-19 to follow the CDC’s self-isolation guidelines. We encourage everyone to practice layered COVID-19 prevention strategies, including washing hands, social distancing, staying home when sick, and reporting your absence to the school.
Our District strongly encourages individuals 6 months of age and older to get vaccinated for COVID-19 (and boosted) if eligible. In addition, the CDC recommends wearing a well-fitting mask indoors in public if you are in an area with high COVID-19 community transmission levels. Face coverings are optional and will be available for students, staff, and visitors in each building.
We are also aware of the increased presence of the Monkeypox virus in the United States as well as reports of a case within Johnson County. At this time, Johnson County Public Health (JCPH) has stated that the risk to the community is very low. If a Monkeypox case affects our school community, JCPH will manage the contact tracing efforts and provide direct guidance to the impacted individuals. At this time there is limited public access to the Monkeypox vaccine; however, the vaccine is available to close contacts identified through public health’s contact tracing efforts. As we learn more about this virus, we will continue to work closely with JCPH and provide updates as needed.
Our District is committed to the health and safety of our students and staff. We will continue to monitor data and collaborate with the appropriate health experts to ensure we are taking effective protective measures for those in our school community. Additional information can be found in our District’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Guidelines. We can’t wait to safely welcome students back into our schools on August 23rd!
Sincerely,
Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District
Important Shimek Dates & Upcoming Events
Friday, October 14th - Picture Day at Shimek Elementary School
Sunday, October 23rd - ICCSD Run for the Schools
Tuesday, October 25th - Lion's Club/Iowa KidSight Vision Screening for PK & K Students
Monday, October 31st - Flu Clinic at Shimek Elementary from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tuesday, November 8th - No School (Teacher Work Day)
Wednesday, November 9th - Parent & Teacher Conferences between 3:10 PM & 7:10 PM
Wednesday, November 9th - PTO Meeting from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Library & Zoom)
Thursday, November 17th - Parent & Teacher Conferences between 2:10 PM & 7:10 PM
Thursday, November 17th - Shimek Fall Dinner in the Gym
Friday, November 18th - No School (Conference Day)
Friday, November 18th - Parent & Teacher Conferences between 7:40 AM & 3:40 PM
Wednesday, November 23rd through Sunday, November 27th - No School
Saturday, December 24th through Sunday, January 8th - No School
Wednesday, February 22nd Parent & Teacher Conferences between 3:10 PM & 7:10 PM
Thursday, March 2nd Parent & Teacher Conferences between 2:10 PM & 7:10 PM
Friday, March 3rd Parent & Teacher Conferences between 7:40 AM & 3:40 PM
High Reliability Schools Work
In order to achieve our goals of excellence and equity for all students, we have adopted a new school improvement model called High Reliability Schools (HRS). (Click Here for a Special Video Message About HRS from Mr. Pisarik.) High Reliability Schools is a framework that supports fulfilling our vision of equitable outcomes for all students. It gives us a common language to name what we’re doing, assess our current reality, align our initiatives, and determine where to go next. It is a vehicle that allows us to balance shared responsibility and autonomy to make decisions that best meet the needs of all our students.
We are excited to get this work started and we are excited to partner in this process with all of you! We value the voice of our school community and we want to make sure that your experiences are reflected in our High Reliability Schools implementation. Throughout the year, there will be multiple opportunities for our students, families, and staff to provide feedback that will inform the work that we do. Please stay tuned for information on these opportunities. We look forward to partnering with you on this exciting new adventure!
About Us
Embracing and Inspiring Excellence is what we do and who we are.
On behalf of the entire Shimek family, welcome to our community. Welcome home.
Email: pisarik.chris@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://www.iowacityschools.org/Page/11406
Location: 1400 Grissel Place, Iowa City, IA, USA
Phone: (319)-688-1160
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shimek-Elementary-School-1392477191054590/
Twitter: @shimcirc