The Hawkeye
West Harrison's Back to School Newsletter
Mr. Marty Fonley
Hello!
It’s a great day to be a Hawkeye! My name is Marty Fonley and I am the new superintendent for West Harrison Community School District. I have been involved with education in various capacities for twenty-seven years including twelve as a superintendent. I am looking forward to serving the families and communities that make up the school district. I’ve had the opportunity to meet some of the patrons of the district and look forward to meeting more throughout the coming months. One of the things I am most looking forward to is being involved in the culture of family that seems to thrive in smaller school districts.
The question that is on everyone’s mind is what will school look like this fall. As we all know the guidance seems to change regularly, sometimes on a daily basis. West Harrison has had a team of staff working on preparing to serve students since the summer began. Starting in July we began meeting weekly to put plans into place for the various scenarios for instruction that may be needed during the school year. Our primary plan is to have face to face instruction but in the interest of preparedness, we have also developed plans for a hybrid education program as well as a completely online platform. We hope that these will not be needed but also know that things can change rapidly.
So, the first day of school is August 24th and we plan to have all students return to daily instruction in the building at that time. To make this happen we will be implementing many procedures for safety including sanitizing of buses and buildings, hand washing, social distancing and the use of cloth face masks by all. We implement these procedures with the goal of mitigating the exposure risk to students, teachers and families so that we are able to sustain face to face instruction. We all want to see the kids back in school and we hope that these safety procedures make it possible for that to happen long-term. More details about the plan will be shared in the coming weeks.
I look forward to working with all of you to create the best opportunities possible for the children of the district!
Have a great day! It’s a great day to be a Hawkeye!
Marty Fonley
Email: mfonley@w-harrison.k12.ia.us
Website: www.westharrison.school
Location: 410 Pine Street, Mondamin, IA, USA
Phone: 712-646-2231
Mrs. Casey Ring
What a year, huh? I saw this meme the other day and thought it seemed to sum up what 2020 has felt like so far! Now THAT made me smile! We have so many good things happening at West Harrison and with COVID mixing in there, things could definitely get interesting. :)
As I was trying to decide just what I wanted to say in this newsletter, with the hopes that many read and reflect on its message, I had to reflect on my own life as a parent, faced with the prospect of sending my kids to school in August. It is scary as a parent or guardian to send your kids off into what is unknown to you or into a situation we have not yet faced in our lifetime.
The message my husband and I need to give our own kids as we talk about returning to school together or if they overhear us discussing it with other adults is one is laced with a positive attitude and readiness to come back, see friends, and learn. This is really the message we should all be giving our West Harrison students as they prepare to come back to school.
Positivity and encouragement to face whatever challenges lay ahead of our students, no matter the age or grade, is the best tool we can give them as they start school. If we, as parents and guardians, are positive role models and talk about the return to school as something exciting to look forward to, we are doing the absolute best thing we can to set them up for success from day one.
If a student enters the building on August 24, optimistically excited to get started, and knowing there will be challenges, they are ahead of everyone who doesn't have that attitude. If a student enters the building with a pessimistic attitude, it will BE a challenge for them to even begin. At home is where this attitude grows; parents/guardians are the ones planting and watering that seed.
Please, as you are talking with your kids about returning to West Harrison, do it in a positive and optimistic tone. You will be setting them up for success. And that, folks, is what Level 8 is all about.
I am SO looking forward to seeing everyone back at school!
Email: cring@w-harrison.k12.ia.us
Website: www.westharrison.school
Location: 410 Pine Street, Mondamin, IA, USA
Phone: 712-646-2231
Hans Andersen
I am a 2nd-year teacher and am excited to teach high-school physics, chemistry, biology, A/P, 8th science, and unified science.
I grew up in Alaska, migrated south, and now live on a farm in the Moorehead/Pisgah area. In my spare time, I like working out, hunting, fishing, finding new science demos, and walking in the Loess Hills. I also like watching sports-particularly if I know the people competing.
Madison Heithoff
My name is Madison Heithoff and I will be the new 2nd-grade teacher. I am very excited to be joining the West Harrison community after graduating from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Elementary Education and minors in Women and Gender Studies and Literacy. I am excited to create an inclusive, safe space for reading, growing, and learning.
In my free time, I enjoy running, painting, and reading in the company of my old, yellow lab, Finn.
Candida Kadar
I live in Pacific Junction on a small acreage with my spouse Mike and our 5-year-old daughter Maddox (MJ) and our two dogs Cisco and Cricket. Maddox will be in Kindergarten this year at West Harrison. She is a mini-me so if you see someone in the hall that looks like me, it's probably her. Maddox has two older siblings Colton, who is a product engineer for John Deere in Dubuque and Raven who will be starting med school at UNMC this fall. Mike has several dirt track cars that he races on the weekends so we travel to different tracks with him. His son races as well so we travel across IA some weekends to race with him. Summers are very busy for us in that regard.
I’m excited to be here and I look forward to meeting my new students and working with the West Harrison staff!
Laurie Maguire
Drew Radloff
You will see me in the hallways rocking Iowa State gear because GO STATE! I am looking forward to finally seeing everyone this fall and having a great school year!
Kasey Vanausdeln
I have spent this summer, moving to the area, preparing, and enjoying some time outdoors with my dog, Moose! I look forward to meeting all my students and exploring amazing artists with them!
Claire White
I am very appreciative to have this opportunity and cannot wait to start working with students and families!
Deb Evans - School Nurse
Since physically leaving school in March there has been multiple changes to our daily routines and I anticipate once schools reopen there are going to be many more changes as we settle into our routines. Please work with your student(s) prior to returning on handwashing, putting on face mask and remind them to keep hands away from their face. Stay tuned to the health section of the school web page for health alerts, and process/health policy changes as we move forward.
Reminder for the upcoming 2020-2021 school year: The following is intended as a guide to help ensure your student is ready for a healthy start to the new school year.
Please note students MUST be current all Immunizations prior to starting school.
Kindergarten
Iowa Immunization Requirements - An immunization record is required to enroll pursuant to Iowa Department of Public Health [IDPH] 641 Chapter 7. The school nurse collaborates with local public health, whom audits admitting official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 7.
Your child is expected to have the required immunizations prior to attending their first day of school. You can go one line https://idph.iowa.gov/immtb/immunization/laws to view the required immunizations for Iowa schools. This proof of immunization, or a physician signed medical exemption, or notarized religious exemption is required to prevent exclusion from school for required immunizations.
Dental Screening Requirement - All children enrolled are required to have a dental screening pursuant to IDPH 641 Chapter 51. The school nurse collaborates with regional public health designee, I-Smile Coordinators, whom audit the admitting school official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 51.
Vision Screening Requirements - Children's Vision and Learning. According to the American Optometric Association, up to 80 percent of a child's learning in school is through vision.
Each public or accredited nonpublic school shall forward to the Iowa Department of Public Health evidence of each Kindergartner’s valid vision screening performed no earlier than 1 year prior to enrollment and no more than 6 months after the date of the child’s enrollment. Attached is a vision card you may take to your child’s healthcare provider or eye care provider to complete.
Mandatory Lead Test~ All children enrolling are required to have at least one lead test. The school nurse collaborates with school personnel to complete a Kindergarten excel spreadsheet containing enrolling student demographic information that is returned by email to IDPH that is compared to the state Lead database. IDPH will audit the list of enrolling students and return to the school a list of students whom did not meet the requirement and school admitting official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 67. The link includes the spreadsheet, instructions for data entry, administrative rules, certificate for exemption, and parent resources.
3rd Grade:
Vision Screening Requirements: Each public or accredited nonpublic school shall forward to the Iowa Department of Public Health evidence of each Third Grader’s valid vision screening performed no earlier than 1 year prior to enrollment and no more than 6 months after the date of the child’s enrollment.
According to the American Optometric Association, up to 80 percent of a child’s learning in school is through vision.
Although dental screenings are not required/State mandated for third grade it is important for your child’s health and wellbeing to see a dentist annually if not every 6 months for exam and cleaning.
7th Grade:
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination Requirement: Beginning the 2013-2014 school year and thereafter, students entering 7th grade and above if born on or after September 15, 2000, shall have a one-time dose of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine.
Meningococcal Secondary School Vaccination Requirement: Beginning the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter, Students entering 7th grade born on or after September 15, 2004 shall have one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A,C,W,Y). There is no provisional period to implement this requirement.
9th Grade:
Dental Screening Requirement: All children enrolled in ninth grade are required to have a dental screening pursuant to IDPH 641 Chapter 51. The school nurse collaborates with regional public health designees, I-Smile Coordinators, whom audit the admitting school official’s compliance with IAC 641 Chapter 51.To access the certificate of dental screening form, exemption form, dental screening flyer, and link to find your community’s regional I smile Coordinator go to: https://idph.iowa.gov/ohds/school-screenings.
12th Grade:
Meningococcal Secondary School Vaccination Requirement: Beginning the 2017-2018 school year and thereafter, students entering 12th grade born on or after September 15, 1999 shall have two doses of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (A,C,W,Y); or 1 dose if one dose was previously received when the student was sixteen years of age or older. There is no provisional period to implement this requirement if the student has received no meningococcal conjugate vaccine.
Mrs. Marshall - School Counselor
Welcome back! I am excited to see everyone! I am here for students and to help support their families during this unique time. Feel free to reach out and let me know if your student has had a hard time over the extended period out of school and if there is anything I should know or I can do to help. My priority is the social and emotional health of all students. I will be starting elementary lessons, focusing on feelings so students can identify how they are feeling. These may include worried, anxious, excited, any other feelings they may feel right now. Students will also learn how that feels in their body, what they can do to calm themselves, and some mindfulness strategies. Though this may be a unique year, we are in this together.
Please feel free to reach out through email bmarshall@westharrison.school
Thanks!
Mrs. Marshall
Mr. Nunez - Activities Director
7-12 Fall Sports Athletes:
If you are planning to go out for football, volleyball, cross country, or cheerleading the state has altered the rules on physicals. If you have a physical dated on or after July 1, 2019, it is good through December 2020. If you do not have one with the school you need an updated one before the first practice for your sport. High school football, volleyball, cross country, and cheerleading can begin on August 10th. Junior high sports begin on the first day of school (August 24th).
All athletes 7-12 will need an updated concussion, insurance form, and medical form turned in before the first practice. All these forms can be found on the West Harrison website.
If you have any questions contact the coach or Mr. Nunez. The coaches are as follows:
High school football- Andrew Steveson
High school volleyball- Kathy Glennie
High school cross country- Troy Maasen
Cheerleading- Melissa Etter
JH football- Grant Staats
JH volleyball- Amy Stolz
JH cross country- Troy Maasen
Athletic Activity Tickets
This year athletic activity tickets will again be available to purchase through the high school office. Checks can be sent with your child the first week of school or mailed in. The price for an athletic activity ticket is $60 for adults and $40 for students. We also have a family pass available for $200. This will get you into any home athletic event (except tournaments) during the 2020-21 school year.
These tickets may only be used by the name which appears on the ticket. If you buy one, the ticket will be made and laminated here at school and either mailed or sent home with your student.
Virtual Back to School Night
Computer Check Out
Parents of middle school and high school students wishing to participate in the 1:1 laptop program can check out your computer on the first day of school. A deposit of $35 will be required for each student receiving a computer. This fee will still need to be paid by separate checks for each student.
Fees for the 2020-2021 School Year
Rent for School-Owned Instruments - $40.00 per student
Driver Education - $300.00 per student
Jr/Sr Refundable Laptop Deposit - $35.00 per student
Consumable Fees 7-12 - $40.00 per student
Consumable Fees K-6 - $25.00 per student
Family Maximum - $70.00 per family
Extended PK - $150.00 monthly
Your family may be eligible for a full or partial fee waiver for some of these fees if you meet income guidelines. Please fill out the fee waiver application in this newsletter if you qualify for free or reduced-price lunches.
The refundable laptop fee does not qualify for a fee waiver.
Meal Prices and Mid-Afternoon Milk Program
MEALS
PreK-12 Reduced Price Breakfast - $.30
PreK-12 Reduced Price Lunch - $.40
PreK-12 Regular Price Breakfast - $1.80
PreK-12 Regular Price Lunch - $2.50
Adult Breakfast - $2.70
Adult Lunch - $3.85
SECOND ITEMS
Student’s Second Item at Breakfast - $.80
Student’s Second Main Dish at Lunch - $.95
Student’s ½ Main Dish at Lunch - $.50
Student and Adult’s Second Fruit/Vegetable at Lunch - $.40
Student and Adult’s Second Bread Item at Lunch - $.40
Student and Adult’s Second Dessert Item at Lunch - $.95
Student and Adult’s ½ Second Dessert Item - $.50
Milk - $.50
Carry Out Container - $.20
MID-AFTERNOON MILK PROGRAM
The mid-afternoon milk program is open to all students in grades PreK through 3rd. Cost is $22.50 per student for each quarter, $45.00 a semester, or $90.00 for the year. A snack comes with milk.
Free and Reduced Lunch Application
If you use this file please download it to your computer and then open the file. You can then complete the form on your computer and email it back to Annette Kuhlman at
Fall Sports to Begin
All paperwork needs to be turned in that day or before in order to practice.
Volleyball
Football
Practice starts on August 10th at 4:00 p.m.
Cross-Country
Practice will begin on August 10th at 8 am. We will meet on the track to start practice. Bring a water bottle and we will plan to be outdoors the whole time of our work out.
Junior High athletes are optional until the start of school but are welcome to join if able.
There is nothing more exciting than brand new box of crayons or a brightly colored new backpack
Our West Harrison school family wants to make sure all students have the school supplies they need to start the school year. With the challenges of Covid-19, the need for school supplies is even greater than ever!
If you would like to help us in our mission to help students in need to get their proper supplies to start the year, please grab a few extras to donate and drop them off at the elementary or high school office. These supplies will be distributed to the students who need them; so all students may have a great fresh start of the school year.
If you would like to donate, but don’t want to shop, feel free to drop off a donation in an envelope labeled school supplies, and we will do the shopping for you by purchasing the supplies needed most. Thank you for helping us to make the start of the school year a little brighter for West Harrison families!
Are you are a family who needs a little extra help getting school supplies? Covid-19 has created some unexpected challenges for families across the country. West Harrison can help! Due to the generous donations from church groups, West Harrison alumni, and patrons in our district, West Harrison has extra supplies they would be happy to share.
Please fill out the Google form below and we will package up your order for you to pick up at school at your convenience. You may also send an email to Kimberly Nunez (knunez@w-harrison.k12.ia.us) with your needs, and I will put your order together. Feel free to e-mail me, if you have any questions.
Matthew’s House Food Pantry will also be distributing school supplies on Wednesday and Sunday during their regular hours. The list will be on the Matthew House Food Pantry Facebook page. You may print the list and drop it off at Matthew’s House. Kimberly Nunez or Madylon Perley will fill those orders. Then you can pick up the supplies when you pick up your food pantry order. Message us on the Food Pantry Facebook page, if you have any questions.
Required Notification Information
Each year school districts across the state are required to make certain information available to all patrons of the districts. These notifications may be viewed on the school web page.
Drivers Wanted
TeamMates Mentoring Program- We Want You!
The West Harrison School district is in its fifth year of their TeamMates mentoring program. We will be one of over 170 chapters in Nebraska and Iowa.
The program’s mission is to positively impact the world by inspiring youth to reach their full potential through mentoring.
We are looking for men and women of any career and experience to be mentors to West Harrison students. Our program will be focusing on the 4th through 9th graders and will expand from there. You can get information at teammates.org. If interested please contact me at school (712-646-2231) or email (anunez@westharrison.school or knunez@westharrison.school)
Tony Nunez, President
Kim Nunez, Program Coordinator