JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of October 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
Outdoor Learning Environment
There was a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate JCSD's new Outdoor Learning Environment (OLE) on October 20. With the help of various local partners, major donors, and countless private donors, we were able to convert a retention basin and the five acres around the basin into the OLE—a natural learning space for students.
The OLE provides students with hands-on experiences in natural systems. It creates an area where students can engage in testing hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data. We are excited for our students to have an opportunity to learn in this unique, enriching environment.
High School Knowledge Bowl
Two teams represented the high school at Knowledge Bowl Regionals on Thursday, October 21. They earned this opportunity through their strong performance in the qualifying round held earlier in the month. Team Omicron (top) included sophomores Riona Butler and Reagan Zierke, junior Riesa Kongshaug, and seniors Aaron Guo and Phoebe Smith. Team Upsilon (bottom) included sophomore Peyton Brown and juniors Eshaan Chandani, Catherine Reiher, Sophie Ruddy, and Ani Soni.
Team Omicron qualified for the championship round and finished 2nd, historically our best placement ever.
All Iowa Yearbook of the Year
JHS has been awarded the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) 2021 Class C All Iowa Yearbook of the Year! Points from the individual categories in IHSPA's 2021 Fall Yearbook Contest are tallied to identify the top yearbooks in each of the school sizes.
Trunk or Treat at JHS
The event will be held in A and B lot of the student parking lot at JHS, and families can park by the stadium. If it is raining, the event will be held in the JHS gym; enter through door 5.
Election Day
Board Highlights from October 25, 2021
REPORTS
- New Club Request - SMS Coding Club
- New Club Request - SMS Chess Club
- New Club Request - SMS Book Club
- ACT Report
ACTION ITEMS
- Approval of Increase in Hours for Special Education Associate (Approved)
- Approval of Additional Special Education Associate Positions (Approved)
- Approval of Additional Associate Hours (Approved)
- Approval of 2022-2023 School Calendar (Approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Kacer reviewed Covid numbers in the state and county, along with a slide showing the rate/level of transmission in Polk Co, according to the CDC.Superintendent Kacer provided an update on year one of the newly established six-year Curriculum Review. All Curriculum Review Teams that are launching this year have gathered for their first round of work.
Superintendent Kacer also provided an update on the newly formed Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. There are 13 students on this year’s Council. This effort aligns with elements of our strategic plan to ensure equity, enhance the quality of education, and support the well-being of students.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Board meetings are held in person at the District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston. All public comments must be read in person. The board meetings are livestreamed and available on demand at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. The November board meetings will be held Nov. 8 and Nov. 22, starting at 6 p.m.
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. Nikki Roorda, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, nikki.roorda@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: jcsdcomm@jdragonmail.us
Website: johnstoncsd.org
Location: 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnstonCSD/
Twitter: @johnstoncsd