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JCSD E-Connection

Board updates, news, and events from the around the district

JCSDE-ConnectionBoard updates, news, and events from the aroundthe district

Week of September 26, 2022

Thank you for checking out the JCSD E-Connection! In this newsletter, you will find links to Johnston Board of Education items/decisions, news, and commendations from around the district, and important information for parents/guardians.

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 and Announcements

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Mascot JD makes debut at homecoming pep rallies

One of the most exciting moments for some of our younger students during homecoming week was the debut of our mascot JD at our parade and during pep rallies at all five elementary schools. See the excitement, the cheers and the squeals in videos of all five homecoming pep rallies, as well as pictures of JD with our school board and others at the parade on our JCSD Facebook page.
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Johnston celebrates first graduate of the year of Drop-In School

Yami Dik recently became the first graduate this year of Johnston’s new Drop-In School. The program, which began in the spring, promotes student success by re-engaging students in school with a safe, supportive setting and smaller class sizes. We’re so proud of Yami on his accomplishment! Read more.
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Five Johnston students named National Merit Finalists

Five Johnston High School students were named among 16,000 semifinalists in the 68th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. They are Eshaan Chandani, Anita Dinakar, Aarushi Gupta, Jackson Liu and Sophie G. Ruddy. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to compete for 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million. Read more.

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Homecoming features spirited events at Dragon Stadium

Hundreds of students kicked off homecoming week at Dragon Stadium with traditional spirited events. Thirty-six teams of 12 competed in minute-to-win-it style relay games that included a slip-n-slide. Prior to that, groups ranging form the golf and cross country team to dance, cheerleading and March for Our Lives painted the entrance to the stadium. See more than 100 photos of Rock Around the Clock and Stadium Painting on our JCSD Facebook page.
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A new rendition of the Johnston Fight Song creates an epic moment of Homecoming 2022

One of the epic moments of Homecoming Week 2022 was when high school boys in the Fella Voce Bass Clef Choir performed the Johnston fight song. This spirited rendition featured a kickline of strut kicks, a football huddle and even a couple of flips. The video, initially shared by the Johnston Vocal Parents Association, was very entertaining and went viral! Watch the video on JCSD Instagram.

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Ten JHS students named 2022 Dragon Royalty

This year's homecoming featured 2022 Dragon Royalty. Those named to the court were: Esha Bolar, Ellery Whitelaw, Molly Rogers, Sophie Lindgren, Piper Wright, Lindy Kramer, Grace Tutaj, Maggie Miner, Olivia Swalley and Lydia Yeutsy. The court embodies what it means to be a dragon. They are involved in numerous extracurricular activities including Show Choir, Student Council, Cheerleading, Dance Team, Swimming and FFA, just to name a few. See photos.

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Table surfing at JHS pep rally makes the news

This year's relay race at the Johnston High School homecoming pep rally featured "table surfing" — where one person on an upside-down table surfed across a team of people lying, or in some cases, rolling on the floor. The junior class won; it was captured on video and picked up by KCCI, who aired it on the 10 p.m. news. See the video and watch the news clip.

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Does your child need a tutor?

A directory of 2022-23 tutors is now available! Click here to view the directory offered as a service to the community through Johnston Community School District Community Education. All information is provided by the tutors. JCSD assumes no responsibility for the performance or curriculum of tutors in the directory. All arrangements are made with the tutors directly via contact information provided within the directory.
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Photo album captures special moments from Johnston's HOCO 2022

Saturday was a magical Night Under the Stars for some of our high school students as they ended the week with the traditional homecoming dance. After months of planning, JHS students put on their best attire for the special night. We captured some of the moments in photos. See our Facebook photo album from HOCO 2022.

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FCS Department seeking fabric donations

Do you have extra fabric around the house? The Johnston Middle School Family and Consumer Sciences Department is seeking fabric donations. They're looking for 100% cotton fabric and pieces 1/4 yard or longer. They'll also accept canvas material for student projects. Drop off donations at JMS, 6501 NW 62nd Ave., or the District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave., Johnston.
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Teams band together for Cancer Awareness Week

The JHS volleyball, cheer and football teams are banding together for Cancer Awareness Week. The "Dig Pink, Spike Blue" volleyball match will be Tuesday, Oct. 11. The Friday, Oct. 14 football game will be "pink out night." Purchase a T-shirt for both games by midnight Thursday, Sept. 29 by scanning the QR code or clicking here. The focus of fundraising will be on stage IV breast cancer through the Side-Out Foundation and colon cancer through the American Cancer Society.
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New features on the JCSD App

It is now even easier to find the Johnston Community School District's livestream to watch Johnston games, board meetings and theatrical events, and to buy online tickets. The livestream as well as Vanco, the site for online game tickets, have now been added to the Johnston Community School District app. The app is available on both the App Store (Apple) and Google Play (Android). Download it today!

Board Highlights from September 26, 2022

The full agenda of the Sept. 26, 2022 board meeting can be viewed here.


SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Laura Kacer provided information on an Iowa Department of Education survey on educational needs and an update on curriculum review.


REPORTS

  • First Reading of Policy 503.1 Student Conduct
  • First Reading of Policy 904.3 District and School Names/Logo Usage, Exhibit 904.3E1 District and School Names/Logo Usage Letter, and Regulation 904.3R1 District and School Names/Logo Usage
  • First Reading of Policy 507.6 Student Insurance
  • First Reading of Policy 508.2 Open Night
  • First Reading of Policy 904.2 Advertising and Promotions


ACTION ITEMS

  • Approval of West Wind Equity Audit (failed)
  • Approval of Transportation RFP (approved)
  • Approval of Supplemental Aid for Special Education Deficit (approved)
  • Approval of PE Waiver to the Iowa Department of Education (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 505.4 Student Testing Program, 507.1 Student Health and Immunization Certificates, 507.2 Administration of Medication to Students, 507.2E1 Autnorization-Asthma Airway, and 507.2E2 Parental Authorization and Release (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 507.3 Communicable Diseases Students, 507.4 Student Illness, 507.7 Custody and Parental Rights, and 507.8 Student Special Health Services (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 508.3 Student Social Events, 508.5 Cooperative Law Enforcement, and 508.6 Use of School Facilities by Students (approved)
  • Action on Student Disciplinary Matter (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 October 10, 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.

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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