PANTHER PRESS
January 15, 2021
Since this is our first weather related cancellation this year, we will not need to make up these hours. We have four more days built into our calendar, so hopefully we'll get through this winter and not have to add days to the end of our year!
Second semester will begin for students on Tuesday, January 19. Teachers will be learning during our Professional Development Day on Monday, January 18. Progress reports can be found on JMC and report cards will be sent home in the next two weeks.
Our students and staff continue to be healthy! The new 4-Day Average Rates are provided in the table below. (The snow day would have been day 5.)
Enjoy your weekend and the beautiful snow!
Cassi Pearson, KCSD Superintendent
309 W Main Street, Knoxville, IA 50138
o: (641) 842-6551
Covid-19 Reporting Form
In an effort to better respond to families and streamline the reporting of COVID-19 cases, the Knoxville Community School District has created a new Google form for parents to use. We ask that parents or guardians complete this form if their child has tested positive or has been exposed to a positive case.
You may access the form at this link: https://forms.gle/bdXnZbHkegqo4p918
In addition to completing this form, we ask parents/guardians to contact their students’ coaches or sponsors if they are involved in 7th- through 12th-grade extracurricular activities.
Finally, please note that anyone who has been exposed to COVID-19, but has not developed any symptoms, may return to school after Day 10 of their quarantine. These students will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities until after Day 14, but they can come back to school and attend activities—they just cannot participate until after Day 14.
We appreciate your support as we work to serve the needs of our students and families during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Friendly (Non-Covid) Reminders From the Nurse:
9th grade students: a dental exam is required for 9th grade. Please: turn in a dental form for your 9th grader by January 15, 2021 if he/she has had an exam and you have not turned in a form; call your dentist and ask them to fax the completed form to school. An exam within the past year will work. If your child hasn't had an exam for awhile, now is the time to make an appointment. Thanks!
Kindergarten: An eye exam and a dental exam are required for Kindergarten. If you have not turned in the forms, please do so. Call your dentist and/or eye doctor to have them fax the forms to school. If your child hasn't been to the dentist or eye doctor, please make the appointments now. Thanks!
National Computer Science Week and Hour of Code at West Elementary
Before heading off on Winter Break students at West Elementary got an amazing experience during their Makerspace special with Mrs. Collins. Mrs. Collins worked with Mr. Splavec, K-5 Data/Instructional Coach, to have students experience the world of Computer Science. Students K-2 participated in a worldwide activity called the Hour of Code. The Hour of Code is an event that takes place annually during National Computer Science Week. It is intended to give students and adults alike a view into the career field of computer science. Students were entered into a course to teach them the basics of computer science and programming. Students used their Makerspace time to work through basic and complex challenges to solve problems. The best part, the learning can continue on for students who are interested! They all have login cards and are able to login and practice their computer science skills whenever they might have educational free time at school, or even at home if they are looking for ways to keep growing their brains! Overall, the West students did an amazing job of working hard and solving problems. In total, West students wrote 21,157 lines of code throughout the week and a half of Makerspace time. Each student completed an average of 17 levels within their courses.
If you have any questions about your West students account, or how you can do more with your student around computer science reach out to Mr. Splavec (michael.splavec@kcsd.k12.ia.us)
Northstar Students Learn About Theo the Therapy Dog
Students got to learn more about Theo and what expectations to follow when he is at school. They were so excited, had tons of questions, and of course had lots of information to share about their own pets! If you would like to see the information they received, feel free to look at the slide show we reviewed. Theo is definitely going to be the most popular employee at Northstar. Ask them how to do a wag wave!
Students Learning About Careers
Tanner Sutherland - KHS Panther Success Graduate
Industrial Technology, Advance Manufacturing & Construction Trades
The High School Industrial Technology Department has a great batch of young men and women. They have been busy and have had a productive semester. Students have learned powder coating, wire welding, TIG welding, drafting, plasma cutting, machining, assembly, and a substantial amount of problem solving.
The Advance Manufacturing class quickly designed and produced new signs and wall hangers using our district’s new logos. We designed and machined a dash for a project car on our cnc mill. We created products for local fundraisers, weddings, Christmas gifts, the holiday lights display, internal school projects, personal student projects and much more.
The Construction Trades class has been joined this year with students from the Melcher-Dallas district. The class started the year working on projects around the courthouse. Recently the class has been working updating the building at the dog park. Installing a new ceiling and building new cages.
Scholarship Opportunities
DMACC Last Dollar Scholarships Even students who typically receive no federal or state aid- the Last Dollar Scholarship program can pay their entire tuition. That’s right, regardless of their personal income situation, they could pay no tuition costs. Here’s how it works: Students complete their FAFSA by July 1, 2021 Students are accepted/enrolled in one of DMACC’s Eligible Programs Financial Aid calculates the student’s award and any remaining balance beyond the eligible aid is COVERED by the SCHOLARSHIP!
Upcoming Home Events
Sat, Jan. 16: JV/V G/B BW v. Pella, 12:30 PM @Oskaloosa (Statesman Lanes)
Tue, Jan. 19: 7 BBB v. Oskaloosa, 4:30 PM @Knoxville (Middle School)
Thu, Jan. 21: JV/V B SW v. Grinnell, Newton, Oskaloosa @Indianola (Indianola YMCA), 5:15 PM
Fri, Jan. 22: JV1/V G/V B BB v. Davis County @Knoxville (High School), 5:00 PM
Fri, Jan. 22: JV1/JV2 B/JV2 G BB v. Davis County @Knoxville (Middle School), 5:00 PM
Sat, Jan. 23: JV/V G/B BW v. Oskaloosa, 12:30 PM @Oskaloosa (Statesman Lanes)
Sat, Jan. 23: JV1/V G/B BB v. Chariton, 3:30 PM @Knoxville (High School)
Governor’s Proclamation
Governor Reynolds has issued a Proclamation that does not restrict how many spectators can attend extra-curricular events. After consultation with Marion County Public Health and a review of data, KCSD will not restrict the number of fans that can attend our home extra-curricular events.
A couple of requirements for fans wishing to attend our home events:
Masks are still required.
Groups of spectators must social distance.
If you do not feel well - stay home.
For those interested, there will still be a free live stream option to view our home high school events.
We will continue to monitor our data and make adjustments as needed to ensure the health and safety of our students, families, and community.
The Knoxville Store
In partnership with Ramaeker Enterprises Inc., we are excited to offer the Knoxville Store - the online apparel store for Knoxville Panther gear!
This link can be found on our school website: https://www.knoxville.k12.ia.us/ and then click on the "Knoxville Store."
This store features apparel/gear with items from our new brand system with logo marks that have never been on the market! These are exclusive Knoxville Panther items you will only find here!
Some items on this store will stay from month to month - some items will change so that there are constantly new items to choose from for Panther fans!
Orders will be processed twice a month - on the 15th and at the end of the month and Ramaeker Enterprises will email you when your order is ready.
Get schedules for all extra-curricular middle school and high school activities by going to www.knoxville.k12.ia.us and then clicking on "Activities Calendar". You can even sign-up for email notifications so whenever we make a change to a schedule - you can be notified immediately.
Follow the Knoxville Activities Department on Instagram! @knoxvilleactivities
News from the Transportation Department
Winter Reminders
We would like to remind parents and students to be aware of slick spots when approaching, loading and unloading the bus. Take small steps and don’t run to the bus.
Here is the link for Hard Surface pickup stops and times if needed this winter. This can also be found on the District website under Transportation.
BUS SAFETY RULES
Wait quietly for the bus, stay a safe distance from the road.
Keep out of the Danger Zone, which is 10 feet all around the bus.
Stay in your seat.
Don’t put anything out the window.
Keep your school bag and other belongings out of the aisle.
Keep your mask on at all times.
No food or drink on the bus.
Respect the driver and other bus riders.
Wait your turn to get on or off the bus.
Brenda Dunkin, Transportation Director & Bill Burkhart, Mechanic
Sign Up To Receive Alerts
Sign up and/or update your subscription to receive alerts regarding school cancellations/delay and/or activity changes, you will need to subscribe to this service through GovDelivery. You can choose to receive text messages, email messages, or both. Please don’t delay, sign up today: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/IAEDU3375/subscriber/new
Track Your Student's Meals
2020-21 KCSD Academic Calendar
One Spring Session Offered Beginning Thursday, February 25th.
KCSD Admin. Office
The Panther Press is a weekly collective newsletter for parents & community members. If you have an article or flyer to share, please submit to knoxville@kcsd.k12.ia.us for consideration. We love to hear from you so please send us your submissions and feedback. The regular weekly deadline is Thursday at noon.
Stay connected by frequenting our website or following us on social media!
- KHS: www.facebook.com/KHSPanthers/ & twitter.com/KHS_Panthers
- KMS: www.facebook.com/PanthersKMS/ & twitter.com/Panthers_KMS
- Northstar: www.facebook.com/NorthstarElementary/ & twitter.com/MrKeitges
- West: www.facebook.com/knoxvillewestelementary/ & twitter.com/pantherswest
Rate us on greatschools.org!
Email: knoxville@kcsd.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.knoxville.k12.ia.us/departments/district-office/people/1988396/lisa-willis
Location: 309 W Main St, Knoxville, IA, United States
Phone: 641-842-6551
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KnoxvilleCSD
Twitter: @KCSD_Panthers
Have you Downloaded the KCSD App?
The Knoxville Community School District launched its newly designed website and mobile app in June. The website provides a seamless user experience, allowing visitors to more quickly access important information and updates.
In addition, KCSD launched its first-ever mobile app, available for download on both iOS and Android devices. The app includes push notifications for alerts, news, events, schedule changes and more.
The app allows our families, students and community members to receive push notifications for news, events, schedule changes and more! Download it today!