JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of February 22, 2021
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
Mark Your Calendars for March 2!
Johnston voters: We need you!
If you're ever wondered where the district gets money for new construction, renovation, and technology, and our outstanding extracurricular facilities, it's from the SAVE & PPEL funds. We will be posting regularly different pieces of information about this important vote for the future of our district. You can also check out information online: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/district/save-ppel/
Mark your calendars now and head to the polls on March 2!
Email: jcsdcomm@jdragonmail.us
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/district/save-ppel/
Last Day of School is June 2
Six Polling Locations Offered on March 2
Eligible voters in the district can go to any of the six designated polling places to vote in Tuesday's special election. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the following locations:
- Grimes United Methodist Church
- Zion Lutheran Church
- Johnston City Hall
- Crown Point Community Center
- Stoney Creek Hotel
- Johnston Public Library
JMS Nominated as Capturing Kids' Hearts Showcase School
Learning Through Black History Lessons
During February, classrooms throughout the district have been learning about the significant contributions and acts African-Americans have made in American History. From invention lessons to art, songs to modern-day influencers, different schools have provided a variety of ways for students to dig into Black History Month. Here's a recap of recent stories; click on the story title to read each piece.
- A [Black History] Lesson a Day
- Library's Diversity Audit Uncovers Needs
- Elementary Students District-Wide Learn "We Shall Overcome"
- JMS teachers, students celebrate "Changemakers" in America
- Deep Breathing and Deep Learning at Lawson
- JELA Students "Seek to Understand" as Part of BHM
- Elementary Art Lessons Reflect Influential African-American Artists
- Timber Ridge Students Collaborate to Learn, Create
Website: www.johnstoncsd.org
Celebrating Outstanding Student Accomplishments
We have had a number of student commendations to celebrate recently. Click on the story title below to read the complete article. Congratulations to our hard-working students on their accomplishments - we are so proud of you!
- Winter Student-Athletes Excel in Academics
- Seven Named 2021 National Merit Finalists
- Kramer Advances in FFA Contest
- Nine JHS Students Awarded State Seal of Biliteracy
- Johnston Speech Team Qualifies Students for Nationals
- Larson Named NextGen Scholarship Winner
Website: www.johnstoncsd.org
Schlenker Scholarship Offered to JHS Seniors
The Johnston Community School Foundation is proud to offer the Raymond and Marie Schlenker Scholarship. One $10,000 scholarship, payable at a rate of $2,500 per year for four years, will be awarded to a Johnston High School (JHS) graduating senior with a GPA of 2.5 or higher and who intends to further their education at an accredited Iowa four-year college or university.
Learn more about the criteria and deadlines here.
Email: j.spurginjcsf@gmail.com
Website: https://www.johnstoncsd.org/news/2021/02/schlenker-scholarship-offered-jhs-seniors/
Board Highlights from February 11, 2021
- Senate File 2360 and Chapter 103 Updates
CIML Conference Alignment Update
Online Learning Program Proposal for 2021-2022 School Year
First Reading of Policy Exhibits 102.E4 Discrimination Complaint Form, 102.E5 Witness Disclosure Form, 102.E6 Disposition of Complaint Form, and 102.E7 Respondent Form
First Reading of Policy 104 Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment, Regulation 104.R1 Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment Investigation Procedures, and Exhibit 104.E1 Discrimination, Anti-Bullying, Anti-Harassment Complaint Form
- First Reading of Policy Exhibits 104.E2 Witness Disclosure Form, 104.E3 Disposition of Complaint Form, and 104.E4 Respondent Form
- First Reading of Policies 210.5 Meeting Notice, 211 Open Meetings, 302.7 Superintendent Civic Activities, and 303.8 Administrator Civic Activities
- First Reading of Policies 603.1 Basic Instruction Program, 603.2 Summer Learning Programs, 603.3 Special Education, and 603.10 Global Education
- First Reading of Policies 603.11 Citizenship, 604.6 Instruction at a Post-Secondary Institution, 604.8 Foreign Students, and 605.6 Internet Appropriate Use - Student Technology
- Resolution Authorizing the Redemption of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2015, Dated December 9, 2015, Approving the Third Amendment to the Escrow Agent Agreement, and Levying a Tax for Fiscal Year 2021-22 for the Redemption of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2015, Dated December 9, 2015 (approved)
- Approval of TLC Building Equity Advocate Positions (approved)
- Approval of Textbook Fees for the 2021-2022 School Year (approved)
- Approval of 2020-2021 District Calendar Adjustment (approved)
- Approval of Policy 208.2 Standing Committees (approved)
- Approval of Board Member Assignments for new Equity Committee (approved)
- Addition of 10 days to Transportation Manager Contract (approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer reviewed current Polk Co. health metrics, zip code COVID positivity data, and current staff absence data.
Joy Wiebers then gave an update on the two on-site vaccination clinics being held for staff through Unity Point. Between this clinic and others throughout the community, our staff have had a good opportunity to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they desired.
Superintendent Kacer reminded the community and board of the upcoming special election on March 2 and showed the last video, featuring JHS alum Scott Syroka.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
There will be limited seating in the District Office board room, in a distanced and safe seating style. Seat availability is first come, first seated. Citizens are encouraged to watch the board meetings via the livestream at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. There is one meeting in March on the 8th.
CONTACT THE BOARD
Persons are encouraged to send questions, comments and suggestions to our board members. Each board member can be reached by email: Justin Allen; Dr. Jeanie Kerber; Jennifer Chamberland; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Katie Fiala; Steven Hopper; and Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher.
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. Bruce Amendt, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, bamendt@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: laura.sprague@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