JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of July 12, 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
"Camp Dragon" Summer Enrichment Kicks Off
On Monday, Johnston educators and staff welcomed 400+ elementary learners to our "Camp Dragon" summer enrichment program, funded by ESSER dollars. We can't wait to spend the next few weeks with them!
A big thank you to the Johnston Community School Foundation for generously donating money to purchase staff and student t-shirts! We love seeing our campers in their fun yellow shirts, having a great time.
Back-to-School Events and Dates
Sitzmann a Finalist in NYT Student Essay Contest
Annually, the New York Times challenges teens across the world to put their thoughts to paper in a “Student Editorial Contest.” Johnston Middle School student Parker Sitzmann has been selected as round 4 finalist for the middle school division contest for his editorial “The Unpaid Workforce” regarding college athlete compensation. Congratulations, Parker! Read more.
Kyla Burns Named PAEMST Finalist
The Iowa Department of Education has announced that six Iowa educators have been named 2021 finalists in the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching.
Kyla Burns, a science teacher at Johnston High School, has been named to this prestigious group. PAEMST is the highest recognition that a K-12 grade STEM and/or computer science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the U.S. Read more. Congratulations, Ms. Burns!
School Board Candidate Information Now Posted
Check Out the New JCSD Jobs Facebook Page
Board Approves Boundary Change for Ridgedale Heights
At the July 12 meeting, the board approved an adjustment to the current elementary school boundaries for the new Ridgedale Heights Development, located near NW 100th St. and 70th Ave. Elementary students living in Ridgedale Heights will go to Beaver Creek Elementary.
This area was assigned to Horizon Elementary School, however enrollment numbers indicate a change in neighborhood school assignment to Beaver Creek provides a more equitable distribution of students. View the revised boundary map here.
Go Virtual with the Dragon Scholarship Fund Annual Auction
The Dragon Scholarship Fund Virtual Auction will be held from July 11 through July 18. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the event from the comfort of your own home! Registration is free and 100% of the proceeds from the auction will be used to fund scholarships for Johnston graduating seniors.
Go to https://dsf2021.ggo.bid/bidding/package-browse to register and have a chance to bid on all of the packages before the auction closes on July 18!
Board Highlights from July 12, 2021
- Johnston Fishing Club
- Legislative Update
- Insurance Premium Comparison for FY 22
- First Reading of 2021-22 Employee Handbook Changes
- Approval of Ridgedale Heights Neighborhood Boundary Change
- Approval of Pan O’Gold Bread Bid for 2021/2022
- Approval of Superintendent Contract (5 min.)
- Approval of Special Ed Request for Additional FTE
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer provided the board with an overview of the work the Teaching & Learning department will be focusing on this year. These are areas of work done with staff throughout the buildings. The five focus areas are the Danielson Framework, Professional Learning Communities, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Curriculum Review, and Standards-based Mindset. Kacer will do a deep dive of each of these focus areas over the year.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. All public comments must be read in person and will no longer be accepted electronically. The board meetings are livestreamed and available on demand at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. August board meetings are scheduled for August 2 and 16, both beginning 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: 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. Nikki Roorda, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, nikki.roorda@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