JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of February 21, 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
Johnston wrestlers advance to state
Johnston's dual team and six individual wrestlers qualified for the 2022 IHSAA State Wrestling Championships, held last week. Johnston's dual team competed Wednesday in the state quarter-finals, while six Johnston wrestlers who qualified for state as individuals — freshmen Caden Leonard 106 and Jacob Helgeson 138, sophomore Braden Blackorby 152, junior Sam Zindel 170, and seniors Noah Madison 126 and Jackson Brinker 195 — hit the mat Thursday. Read more.
Two Johnston robotics team advance to state championship
Two Johnston robotics teams qualified for the 2022 Iowa State Championship, held Feb. 18-19 at The Xtream Arena at Coraville. Thor (in green) and Disco Duckbots (in yellow) qualified for state after competing in the Central Iowa Super Qualifier. Twenty-four teams participated in the super qualifier including teams from Waukee, Ankeny, Ames, Pella and Norwalk. Sixteen teams were selected to move on to state. Read more.
Celebrating Black History Month throughout the district
“Silent Dancer” qualifies for all-state speech festival
JHS speech students Sophie Etnier and Riesa Kongshaug qualified for the all-state festival for large group speech events, Feb. 19 at Iowa State Center in Ames. The duo performed in the “ensemble acting” category — a 15-minute play performed by students with no costumes. Their performance, “Silent Dancer,” was about two people who meet in a performing arts high school and one of the people are in a wheelchair. Read more.
Dragon Scholarship Fund virtual auction begins Saturday
The 2022 Dragon Scholarship Fund virtual auction opens Saturday and bidding continues until 8 p.m. March 6. Registration is free and 100% of the proceeds will be used to fund scholarships for Johnston graduating seniors. The auction features more than 60 baskets valued at $40 to $750, and a “spin to win” for a chance to win a $500 Hy-Vee gift card. Click here to begin browsing: dragonsf2022.ggo.bid/
JHS Wind Symphony selected to perform at Iowa Bandmasters Convention
The JHS Wind Symphony, the top ensemble of three at the high school, has been selected to participate as a clinic band at the 2022 Iowa Bandmasters Convention. The 54-member group will perform 1 p.m. May 12 at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown. The symphony will be part of the Young Conductor’s Workshop, which allows upcoming teachers to learn and practice rehearsal techniques with a live ensemble. Read more.
Johnston Bands hold jazz concert and spaghetti dinner fundraiser
JMS to hold its first spring play
Johnston Middle School's first spring play will feature just about every TV-show genre you can imagine, jam-packed into a fast-paced comedy. "The Snow White Variety Show" will be held at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 5 in the JMS Auditorium. More than 50 students are involved in the cast and crew. Admission is $3 for students and adults. Children under kindergarten are free.
JHS Student Council holds apparel fundraiser for foster care
The JHS Student Council is holding an apparel fundraiser. Part of the proceeds from every purchase will be donated to local foster organizations to help provide materials and necessities. The fundraiser features a brand new design available for a limited time only. Orders are due 11:59 p.m. March 7. Local pickup at JHS is available. Order here.
Board Highlights from Feb. 21, 2022
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. She then shared updates on mental health, funnel week at the Iowa Legislature and the Danielson Framework for Teaching.
REPORTS
- Buildings and Grounds Consultant Report
- Equipment Maintenance Insurance
- Proposal of Additional Buildings & Grounds Staff
- Substitute Pay Rate Increase
- 2022-23 Textbook Fees
- ISASP Update
- Return to Learn Plan Review
- Drop-Out Prevention (DOP) Funding Position Realignment
- First Reading of Policies 210.8 Board Meeting Agenda, 212 Closed Sessions and 212.1 Exempt Meetings
ACTION ITEMS
- Resolution to Oppose SSB 3080 (Approved)
- Approval of Additional FTE for Special Education Teacher at JELA (Approved)
- Approval of Additional FTE for Special Education Teacher at Beaver Creek (Approved)
- Approval of Certificate of Substantial Completion for Middle School Track Project (Approved)
- Approval of Resolution for Final Acceptance and Closing Final Project Cost for the Johnston Middle School Track Project Contracted with Elder Corporation (Approved)
- Approval of Policy 213 Public Participation in Board Meetings (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 401.4 Employee Complaints, 606.6 Insufficient Classroom Space, 105 Assistance Animals, 200.1 Organization of the Board of Directors and 307 Communication Channels (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 501.2 Nonresident Students, 501.3 Compulsory Attendance, 501.6 Student Transfers In, 501.15 Open Enrollment Transfers Receiving District and 502.4 Student Complaints and Grievances (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 503.4 Student Good Conduct Rule, 504.6 Student Activity Program, 505.8 Parental Involvement and 507.5 Emergency Plans and Drills (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 March 7, 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