JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of May 23, 2022
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
Student brings sheep to school after meeting reading goal
For years, Wallace fifth grader Eric Matheson had difficulty with reading. But he loved his sheep. So Wallace Principal Suzie Pearson challenged Eric: If he meets his reading goal, he’d be allowed to bring his sheep to school. Since then, Eric started reading a full hour each night. And this spring, he reached his reading goal. Eric got to bring six of his sheep to school last week. Read more and see additional photos on Facebook, where the story has gone viral.
Allison Zahn receives $10,000 Schlenker scholarship
JHS senior Allison Zahn returned home on her 18th birthday to a wonderful surprise — she learned she was the winner of a $10,000 scholarship that will help her attend the University of Iowa and work toward her goal of finishing college in three years with no student debt. Zahn, the daughter of David and Dana Zahn, is the 2022 recipient of the Raymond and Marie Schlenker Scholarship, provided by the Johnston Community School Foundation. Read more.
JHS production of Cinderella wins top statewide awards
The JHS Drama Department’s spring 2022 production of Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Broadway Version) is the recipient of the state’s Outstanding Musical Production Award — one of the highest honors in this area. In celebration of this honor, the JHS cast of Cinderella will perform an excerpt of its production at the 2022 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, to be held 7 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Des Moines Civic Center. Read more.
Seventh graders take lessons from the outdoors
Seventh graders went fishing, observed microorganism pond life, collected data on prairie diversity, and planted plants for the pollinator grant at the new Outdoor Learning Environment at JHS. The project is a collective effort by JCSD, the Johnston Community School Foundation and City of Johnston to better study elements of biology, ecology and environmental science. See more photos on the JCSD Facebook page.
JCSD celebrates Dragon Decision Day 2022
Seniors Come Home to their elementary schools
Johnston students explore passion-based learning
From dancing to nature walks, cooking and baking, arts and crafts, miniature golf, yoga, tie dye, bubble making, show choir and STEM activities — Timber Ridge students had a day jam-packed with fun and exciting things. But this is school, so there was a lesson here. Friday was “Dragon Dream Day: A Day of Discovering and Celebrating Our Passions!” The day was aimed at promoting passion-based learning. Read more on our website and see more photos on our JCSD Facebook page.
Timber Ridge students among those enjoying field days
JCSD holds 6th Annual Dragon Games
The Johnston Community School District held its 6th Annual Dragon Games last week. The field day at the Johnston Middle School football field was designed specifically for students with special needs in the district. The event gives Johnston special education students of all ages an opportunity to showcase their talents and skills while interacting with their peers. It was launched in 2014 by the combined efforts of a JMS special education teacher and physical education teacher. See more photos on the JCSD Facebook page.
Johnston cheerleaders to stencil Fire J's on driveways this summer
Ellipsis receives national accreditation
Alumni Event to be held at Johnston Green Days
The Johnston Alumni Association will hold an Alumni Night at Johnston Green Days from 4 p.m. to midnight Saturday, June 18 at Terra Park. Check in from 4 to 8 p.m. and socializing will last until midnight. All alumni and families are welcome. If you'd like to be included in Johnston Alumni Association events and communications, please click here to update your contact information and connect with classmates.
Board Highlights from May 23, 2022
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Kacer provided updates on COVID-19, graduation and curriculum review.
REPORTS
- Technology Update
- DART Transportation
- Policy 504.2 Student Organizations
- Consideration of bids opened and reviewed by the Treasurer of the Board and the Financial Advisor
ACTION ITEMS
- Resolution Directing the Sale of School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Refunding Bonds Series 2022 (Approved)
- Resolution Authorizing the Redemption of Outstanding School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2013, Dated December 4, 2013, and Directing Notice be Given (Approved)
- Resolution Authorizing the Redemption of Outstanding School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, Series 2014, Dated January 7, 2014, and Directing Notice be Given (Approved)
- Approval of Adjusted Bell Time Changes for 2022-23 to Accommodate 3 Tier Routing System (Denied)
- Approval of New Club Request — Girls in Tech Club (Approved)
- Approval of Staff Activity Pass Updates (Approved)
- Approval of Price Increase for Student Activity Passes (Approved)
- Approval of Price Increase for Student/Adult Lunch & Breakfast (Approved)
- Approval of Temporary Board Secretary and Stipend (Approved)
- Approval of IASB Dues for 2022-2023 (Approved)
- Approval of ISFIS Dues for 2022-2023 (Approved)
- Approval of Policy 600 Goals and Objectives of the Education Program (Approved)
- Approval of Policy 902.4 Live Broadcasting or Recording (Approved)
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 next board meeting will be held June 13, 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: Katie Fiala; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Jennifer Chamberland; Deb Davis; Clint Evans; Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher; and Derek Tidball.
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: lynn.meadows@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