Ballard Dimensions
May 2021
From the Superintendent's Desk
I hope your school year is finishing up on a positive note! As busy as things are at Ballard, it’s difficult to imagine we are just a few weeks from graduation! Whether the seniors want to admit it, I’m sure there are mixed feelings as they approach this milestone and look to what lies ahead. The Class of 2021 has so much to be proud of and I wish them the best!
In addition to May signifying the end of the school year, it is also School Board Appreciation Month.
In Ballard, we are blessed with a talented, engaged, and caring Board who puts the children of our communities first and foremost in their important work. As a Board of elected officials, they set policy and monitor the progress of the District, advocate for education, and volunteer countless hours in service to our students, staff, and community. It is an honor to work for individuals so dedicated to quality education.
The Ballard Board of Education is:
Steve Domino – President
Jean Saveraid – Vice-President
Brandee Gatchel – Director
Dr. Kirk Peterson – Director
Darin Wohlgemuth – Director
Please take the opportunity to thank them for their service to the Ballard Community School District.
Finally, on behalf of the Ballard District, thank you for your support and encouragement over the past few months. Have a safe and enjoyable end to the year, and I look forward to seeing you soon!
Ottie
2021-2022 Registration Information
Registration is now open for all Preschool - 12th grade students
New Family to the District
You do not have any children currently enrolled at Ballard or any of our local preschool programs
Current Ballard Family
You already have a child enrolled at Ballard Schools (EK-12) or one of the local preschool programs
For all families who have had a child enrolled in Ballard Community Schools or one of our 4 year old preschool programs, please log into your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account and select Online Registration from the menu. You will be able to register any existing students and add any new students to your existing household.
3 year old preschool
Ballard West offers a 3-year-old preschool program. To be eligible for 3 year old preschool, a student’s birth date must fall between 9/16/17 – 9/15/18. Registration procedures are the same as the 4-year-old program. This program requires a monthly fee.
4 year old preschool
Ballard Schools, along with several community partners, participate in the Statewide Voluntary 4-year-old Preschool Program through the Department of Education. To be eligible for 4 year old preschool, a student’s birth date must fall between 9/16/16 – 9/15/17 for the 2021-2022 academic year. This program is FREE to all families. If you are interested in your child attending any of the following preschool programs, please follow the steps below for registration.
Participating Four Year Old Programs
Ballard West Preschool: 515-228-3890
Ms. Hollie’s Preschool: 515-291-5604
Miss Wendy’s Preschool: 515-597-3478
Lily Pad Learning Center: 515-597-5437
Whistle Stop Academy: 515-597-3637
Registration
Call your program of choice directly to be added to a roster. *You must get confirmation from the preschool program that you are on their roster before moving to Step 2.
Register online for preschool on the Ballard Community Schools website. Regardless of your child’s attendance center, you MUST register online.
You may submit the required paper documents in one of the following ways:
1. To the Registrar at the District Office, 509 N Main Ave, Huxley, IA 50124
2. Via mail: Ballard Community Schools Attn: Registrar, 509 N Main Ave, Huxley, IA 50124
3. Via email: ajungst@ballard.k12.ia.us
Contact District Registrar, Amber Jungst with any questions or concerns about the enrollment process.
Email: ajungst@ballard.k12.ia.us
Phone: (515) 597-2811 ext. 1002.
2020-2021 Revised Academic Calendar
Summer Food Service Program Extension
Ballard Health Department
Immunization Requirement
• All students entering, advancing or transferring into 7th grade and born after September 15, 2004, will need proof of one dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenACWY). All students entering, advancing, or transferring into 12th grade and born after September 15, 1999, will need proof of two doses of meningococcal (A, C W, Y) vaccine; or 1 dose if received when the student was 16 years of age or older.
• Meningitis vaccine protects against meningococcal serogroups A, C, W, and Y. Meningococcal disease caused by any serogroup is a very serious, life-threatening illness. It is caused by bacteria that can infect the blood, brain, and spinal cord. Meningococcal bacteria are spread through upper respiratory droplets, such as saliva (kissing, living in close quarters). About 10 to 15% of people with meningococcal disease die even with appropriate treatment. Twenty percent of people recovering from meningococcal disease suffer from serious effects including permanent hearing loss, limb loss, or brain damage. Meningococcal vaccines are very safe and effective at preventing meningococcal disease. The meningococcal vaccine is 85 - 100 percent effective at preventing infection from the subtypes of meningococcus found in the vaccine.
West Elementary News
West Elementary Music 2021
So what do we do when we are in a historic time? We adjust and readjust to make things better just like always. This year in music we were able to bring a show to school in a new way. Two years ago we were fortunate to have OPERA Iowa visit our school and perform the children’s opera, “Little Red’s Most Unusual Day” better known as “Little Red Riding Hood.” This year OPERA Iowa made a video of their show, an adapted version of Dvorak’s “Rusalka, The Littlest Mermaid”! Our students were able to enjoy the show virtually and without cost to our school this year in thanks to the generous sponsors who support the DMMO, Opera Iowa. Along with watching the show we were able to add materials to our curriculum while learning about theatre workers, singers, composers, and styles and cultures of music 1st and 2nd grades practiced writing Thank you notes to the sponsors. Opera Iowa developed many activities such as puzzles, word searches, and templates to encourage students to design costumes and wigs. Here are a few pictures of our students enjoying the show with their favorite scenes and some of the many student thank you notes and student costume/wig creations. We also learned about fairytales and...in the end...Love conquers all, even an evil sea witch.
If you are interested, I have included a few links of the great teaching videos that Opera Iowa shared with us:
Submitted by Mrs. Licht, West Music Teacher
East Elementary News
This year it is especially important to practice self care at home and school. As fourth grade teachers, we want to give you a few ideas to help you and your child stay focused and grounded throughout the end of the school year. A great idea is to take deep belly breaths. This means inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, and then exhaling for four seconds.
Here are some more ideas for self care!
Submitted by Melissa Lee and Jessica Ott
The Fifth Grade 500 Book Challenge
The 500 Book Challenge is a fifth-grade tradition. Every May, the fifth-grade teachers challenge their students to read 500 books. This is a group goal. In order to meet the challenge, each in-person class needs to read 100 books. That means each student will try to read approximately 1-2 books every WEEK! Here are the guidelines for the 500-book challenge:
- Novels must be more than 100 pages
- Students may not read previously read books
- Limit of one graphic novel per student
- Summary sheets are required for books to count toward the grand total
Students who meet their 5-book quota will earn a certificate and their names will be displayed on the “Reader’s Hall of Fame'' in the hallway. Many students will read more than the 5-book quota, and some students may read fewer. What’s most important is students are reading and doing their personal best.
If the fifth graders meet the 500-book goal, Mr. Manock will spend an afternoon on the roof of the school! In addition, all students will participate in an outdoor picnic and fifth grade kickball tournament.
What can parents do to help? Encourage your child to read, read, READ! We know spring can be a busy time for extracurricular activities, but reading for just 20-30 minutes every night can make a big difference. Encouraging your child to pick a book that isn’t too challenging and motivating them to finish their books is also helpful!
Middle School News
Middle School Choir Performance
May 25, 2021
Ballard Middle School Auditorium
6th Grade - 6:30 PM
7th & 8th Grade - 7:30 PM
High School News
Virtual Iowa Youth Institute
Submitted by Mrs. Ramer
Activities Department
2021-2022 Athletic Registration
On-Line Activity Registration for the 2021-22 School year will be ready by the week of July 19.
An email will be sent out to parents via Infinite Campus as a reminder with instructions when it is available.
Any 7-12 Grade Student who plans to participate in an activity during the 2021-22 school year, will need to complete the On-line Activity Registration.
Reminder that each participant needs to have a current sports physical on file.
Physicals are good for 13 months from the date of exam written on the form.
Questions about this process can be emailed to Terri Weeks at the Activities Office – tweeks@ballard.k12.ia.us
Community Resources
Ballard Dollars for Scholars Enrichment Fund Donations
In memory of Lois Jensen from Gene & Marita Rouse
Town & Country Market
In memory of Dennis Parmenter from DeAnn Thompson
Nevada Masonic Lodge
In memory of Bart Mason from Michele Mason
Jason & Katie Post
Ballard Elementary PTO
Ballard Education Foundation
Ballard Dollars for Scholars
Ballard Fine Arts Boosters
Ballard Activities Boosters
Digital Backpack
Ballard Community School District
Email: ajungst@ballard.k12.ia.us
Website: www.ballard.k12.ia.us
Location: 509 North Main Avenue, Huxley, IA, USA
Phone: 515-597-2811
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BallardCSD
Twitter: @BallardCSD