CCA Community Newsletter
12-21-23
WINTER BREAK SCHEDULE
HAVE A WONDERFUL BREAK AND SEE YOU BACK ON JANUARY 3, 2024
December 21 - early dismissal
December 22 - January 2 - no school for Winter Break
January 3, 2024 - school resumes
MESSAGE FROM DR. COREY SEYMOUR
ELEMENTARY GRADE CONFIGURATIONS STARTING 2024-2025
Concerns will be addressed by Dr. Seymour and administration in more detail after the winter break.
DECEMBER 20th SCHOOL BOARD MEETING NOTES
Supplemental reports and presentations are on the board agenda.
The board meeting recording can be found on the District YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/d5ON3WsK3AwELEMENTARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE CENTER BOUNDARIES REMAINS THE SAME
The school board approved the superintendent's recommendation to adopt the plan for attendance boundaries to remain as currently established. The boundary review process started in July 2023 with community input gathered and reviewed in December.
2024-2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR APPROVED
The school board of directors approved the 2024-2025 calendar
SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITIONS
Tracy Wolfe, a District Induction Coach
It's clear that Tracy Wolfe is an exemplary individual who goes above and beyond in her role, working collaboratively with new teachers and dedicating many extra hours to improve the educational experience. Tracy's initiative to build a math center tool to support teachers is commendable and demonstrates a commitment to saving time and enhancing the teaching process. Tracy’s commitment to supporting teachers not only in their professional development but also in their well-being and mindset helps to create positive and supportive environments for students and staff. Such dedication and innovation can indeed make a significant impact on the educational community, aligning with the idea that "it takes a village" to provide the best possible education for students.
Oligar Guerra, a Building Engineer at Tiffin Elementary
Tiffin Elementary had some new students start in Kindergarten who were English Language Learners and this was their first experience being in a school. Needless to say, they were overwhelmed. Oli helped out by speaking to the students in Spanish and explaining what was going on. Oli made sure he was at the front of the school every morning for those first few weeks of school to check in on the students, help them get their breakfast, and then make sure they got down to their classroom. Now that the students are thriving, he still makes time to check in with the students. It is because Oli built that trusting relationship with the students and their families that they are being successful in Kindergarten. Oli has also been helpful with some other English Language Learners in the building. He helps to translate when a student is struggling to get their message across. He is calm and gentle with all students. Thank you, Oli, for going above and beyond your duties as our building engineer to ensure that a handful of students, who were new to this country, felt safe and welcomed in their school. You truly make a difference everyday at Tiffin Elementary!!!
Kelly Wallace, a Substitute Teacher
Kelly Wallace is an incredible teacher. She's not just a substitute; she's a great team player who brings positivity to everyone around her. She communicates effectively and handles challenges gracefully. Kelly always steps up to help, even when she doesn't have to. What makes her special is that she prioritizes building strong relationships with her students. She's a fantastic educator and a valuable member of any team.
Presentations and more action items:
- Tim Oswald with Piper Sandler was in attendance to discuss debt service, bond financing and the next issuance of general obligation school bond anticipatory notes, Series 2024.
- Principal Williams and Mrs. Frett presented Oak Hill Elementary FAST and ISASP data.
- Principal Fox presented Middle School ISASP data.
- Principal Moody presented High School ISASP data.
- Construction project updates: Shot put and discus relocation project is almost complete. The Amana Roof project is almost 100% complete from storm damage repair. Last week received schedule for baseball/softball complex will start in March 2024. Completion date is estimated for October or early November 2024. Crossing Ridge Road is 95% done. East Ridge Elementary - plumbing/wiring, gym is getting closed in with roof getting put on. The two story section is having floors poured and will start with the roof. Concrete is being poured behind the building around the south side.
- East Ridge band room updates for expansion by Shive-Hattery.
- Superintendent report: asked for input on the academic seal and reviewed Kirkwood Community college CCA data.
- Board approved policies as presented: 401.01 Equal Employment Opportunity, 503.01 Student Conduct, 503.02 Expulsion. Approved new policy Discipline of Students Who Make Threats of Violence or Cause Incidents of Violence (Parents will receive email on 12/21-23 with a form to acknowledge receipt per state law)
- Approved construction payouts and change orders.
THANK YOU FOR THE GENEROUS DONATIONS ($500 or more)
Baty Construction
CCA Booster Club
Community members
Optimist Club of North Liberty
Rotary Club of Coralville-North Corridor
FAME
INTRODUCTIONS
TOM DANIEL AS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL STARTING 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
I'm Tom Daniel, and I am honored at the opportunity to be a building leader in the Clear Creek Amana School District. I am excited to begin my work here alongside an administrative team and staff who value family, our students and their school experiences. I look forward to continuing the good work of Mr. Moody, his administrative team and the high school staff.
I have had many roles throughout my years in education which have afforded me the ability to see the educational experience from differing perspectives. I began my work as a high school history teacher in Berwyn, IL and eventually a middle social studies teacher in the Fort Dodge Community School District where I now serve as an Assistant Principal. Before my Assistant Principal position, I served as a Student Support teacher followed by the Dean of Students and Middle School Athletic Director.
I am excited to start my work here and be reunited with my wife, daughter and our two boys who are already members of the Clear Creek Amana family.
SADIE WINKLES AS SPECIAL SERVICES DIRECTOR STARTING 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from New Mexico State University with a BA in Elementary/Special Education and later an MA in Special Education with a focus in Autism. Post graduate certification from Eastern New Mexico in Education Administration. I served as Special Education Teacher, General Education Teacher, Assistant Principal and District Special Education Administrator for Las Cruces Public Schools for 13 years, and a teacher and Building Special Education Administrator for Rio Rancho Public Schools for 5 years. My husband and 3 children (ages 16, 12 and 7) relocated to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in June of 2022 and I started as the Special Education Instructional Coach for Clear Creek Amana in August of that same year. My two sons also attend CCA, one at the middle school and at Tiffin Elementary. My daughter is a sophomore at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids, but I continue to attempt to bribe her to make the move over to CCA.
As our district continues to grow and we face new changes for the upcoming school year, I am so excited to provide the direction and support to continue the excellent special education programming and services we have at CCA.
OUR STUDENTS
FALL RECORD BREAKING ACADEMIC ATHLETIC AWARD WINNERS
65 Fall student athletes were recognized for academic awards. This is the most on record for CCA in one season.
Andrew Cartier
Tate Schloss
Noah Yost
Brock Hilsman
Keegan Kenne
Andrew Rotzoll
Isaac Sorensen
Kiera Rogers
Kira Barker
Hannah Gross
Reese Heisdorfer
Sara Kinzenbaw
Eva Leighton-Dick
Olivia Stopko
Harper Tecklenburg
Madi Tonelli
Carson Fox
Carson Nash
Sam Pettinger
Kameron Powell
Quinton Tran
Zach Vance
Ethan Williams
Cale Berry
William Carhoff
Brody Clubb
Carter Cooper
Joey Dains
Brandon Detert
Brody Fairholm
Brayden Frank
Ben Haughey
Kevin Howe
Nolan Howell
Justin Jiras
Vinnie Keller
Naevan Kemper
Reiner Muhlenbruck
Cale Nash
Owen Rosenberg
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE:
Carson Nash
Sam Pettinger
Quinton Tran
Ethan Williams
Volleyball:
Bliss Beck
Meg Berkland
Addesyn Campbell
Katie Evans
Addison Gisleson
Hannah Grabin
Ava Locklear
Sophia Root
Sam Schrage
Kenadi Wood
Meara Crozier
Kendra Eckrich
Kylie Koehn
Olivia Webb
ACADEMIC ALL-STATE:
Bliss Beck
Addesyn Campbell
Addison Gisleson
Ava Locklear
Sophia Root
Sam Schrage
Kenadi Wood
High School Winter Band Concert
Student Council members Working on Sponsor a Family Gifts
UNIFIED PE TAKES THE COURT AT THE GIRLS BASKETBALL GAME
At halftime of the varsity girls basketball game on December 19, the high school Unified PE classes took the court for their own basketball game. Unified PE is an inclusive class in which students with and without disabilities come together through ongoing educational and physical activities. Clear Creek Amana High School is a Unified Champions School and is a proud member of The Special Olympics. This class is taught by Megan Miller and Amanda Kleinhesselink. They organized this event to help promote inclusion in our community and to give all students an opportunity to perform in front of the crowd.
TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION
SCHOOLOGY
Schoology Parent Access Codes: You can now retrieve your Schoology access code in your PowerSchool Parent Portal. See this short video on how to find your code: https://watch.screencastify.com/v/PSWj7kfAHhOrJyqGLWrA You can use this code to sign up for a Schoology parent account or to add students to your existing account. Learn about more parent resources here: https://www.ccaschools.org/Page/5789
SCHOOL THERAPISTS INFORMATION
We want to wish you a safe winter break!
Here are some enjoyable podcasts for the whole family- https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/8-podcast-recommendations-for-winter-break-2023?utm_source=TTT+and+Movie&utm_campaign=4dee1659ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_TTT428&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-e0518a1e9b-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D&mc_cid=4dee1659ef&mc_eid=38b0758ba3
We strongly encourage keeping a routine as much as possible.
Journal Prompt: As I close out 2023 I thank the year for…
I welcome more of ______ in 2024.
Anxiety in children and teens can significantly increase during this time of year. Changes in schedules, lack of structure, many uncertainties and missing friends or teachers can all contribute to heightened anxiety surrounding the winter break.
Here is an article that includes 31 helpful tips (including many grounding techniques) for children and teens who may be experiencing increased anxiety this time of year.
https://abrighterday.info/holiday-grounding-exercises/
If you are in-need of mental health support over break please call Mobile Crisis for Johnson and Iowa County Residents:
Call 1-855-581-8111 and ask to have Mobile Crisis Outreach dispatched in Johnson and Iowa Counties.
With Mobile Crisis Outreach, mental health counselors are dispatched to homes, schools, businesses, or public spaces where a mental health crisis is occurring. Response time is within 60 minutes of dispatch.
Please be kind to yourself over winter break! We wish you well!
December 21 - early dismissal
December 22 - January 2 - No School Winter Break
January 15 - No School - Martin Luther King Day
Quick Links Below
CLEAR CREEK AMANA MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Clear Creek Amana Mission Statement
The mission of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is to prepare students to be productive, responsible, community members by providing an environment that brings learning to life.
Clear Creek Amana Vision and Core Values
Vision: As Clear Creek Amana Community School District moves into the future, we will foster a family atmosphere, while immersing students in a diverse academic experience, for their tomorrow.
The philosophy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is founded on three core values:
- Student Opportunities- We believe all students can achieve academic success when provided with the appropriate structures and support. We feel all children in this country deserve access to a high-quality, free, public education.
- Collaborative Learning Culture- We believe collaborative and qualitative teachers drive exceptional results. We must invest in exceptional teachers to achieve exceptional results. We must recruit, support, and retain the nation’s highest quality teachers and staff. Core to our mission, curriculum and school culture are the foundation from which our students will excel. We firmly believe that this investment is critical to the success of our students.
- Managing Growth- As the district continues to grow, we will advocate for reasonable class sizes. We will focus on building and maintaining our buildings and grounds to create an inviting learning environment. We will welcome the community to our district to share their expertise and knowledge in order to collaboratively improve our local community.
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, 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 Angelica Brothers, Equity Coordinator District Office at 1486 Hwy 6 NW, PO Box 487, Oxford IA 52322, 319-828-4510 or angelicabrothers@ccaschools.org.