JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of August 17, 2020
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
Online and Hybrid Learning Model Details Are Now Posted!
Revised Academic Calendars
#JohnstonStrong Gear is Here!
ICYMI: First Day of School is August 31
In case you missed last week's announcement, we have delayed the start of school one week.
The first day of school for all students grades PreK-12 is now Monday, Aug. 31. Purple group students will start in-person and Gold group students will start online. Online learners will also start online. We can't wait to see our students!
The Dragon Booster Bash is this Friday!
Celebrate the school year at the Johnston Booster Club Booster Bash Drive By Parade on Friday, Aug. 21 from 5:3-6:30 p.m. at Johnston High School!
Decorate your vehicle to rock out with the JHS Marching Band and Dance Team while cheering for the Johnston Dragon teams and clubs! Powerade drink donations will also be taken for the Dragon football team.
2020 Homecoming Shirts & Car Decals
Support the Johnston Varsity Dance Team and your Johnston Dragons by ordering your homecoming shirts and car decals today! Shirts are available in youth and adult sizes. Click here to order today! All orders are due by Friday, August 28th at Noon.
All proceeds benefit the Johnston Varsity Dance Team and their road to Nationals! Questions? Contact Coach Paige Meredith johnstonhomecomingshirts@gmail.com
CIML Fall Sports Guidelines
The Central Iowa Metropolitan League, based upon guidance received from Governor’s Office of the State of Iowa, the Iowa Department of Education, the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, and the Iowa High School Athletic Association, has released its procedures for spectator admission to the CIML member school fall sports seasons.
These procedures in each respective sport were developed by the 18-member schools to help ensure that participants, staff, and spectators can safely enjoy sports in a manner that promotes social distancing. Read more here.
Save the Date: JCSF Golf Outing is Sept. 28
Join the Johnston Community School Foundation for their 21st Annual Golf Outing and Fundraiser on September 28, 2020. The event raises money for the Foundation to continue to donate and support the students and staff of the Johnston Community School District. Gather a group of friends, neighbors and co-workers to support the Foundation and it's efforts in the 2020-21 School Year. It will be a fun afternoon in the outdoors at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston!
Registration begins at 11 AM with a cook-out lunch and there will be a shot-gun start at noon. Other games, prizes and a raffle will be a part of the event.
*Please bring a mask with you to use when social distancing may be difficult. *Details of this event may change depending on Covid 19 and spread in our community. Any changes will be communicated out.*
To purchase tickets and reserve your groups spot, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/johnston-school-foundation-2020-golf-outing-tickets-112397832944
Board Highlights from August 17, 2020
-Four-year-old Preschool Report
-Activities and Athletics Update
-Approval of Four-Year-Old Preschool Recommendation (Not approved, no action taken)
-Approval of Recommendations from the Academic Affairs Committee (Approved)
-Approval of 2020-2021 School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) Members (Approved)
-Approval of Resolution Authorizing Superintendent to Furlough Non-Essential Employees Funded From the District's Enterprise Funds (Approved)
-Authorize Public Hearing Date for Flexibility Account (Approved)
-Approval of Policy 102.1 Title IX Discrimination and Harassment Based on Sex Prohibited; Policy 104 Anti-Bullying/Anti-Harassment; Policy 401.1 Equal Opportunity Employment, and the JCSD Title IX Sexual Harassment Procedures Manual (Approved)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer provided a brief update on the district's Return To Learn planning, online learning platforms and teaching staff, KTC updates, transportation routing, and the first date of school date change.
Numbers were provided on how the hybrid purple and gold groups are balanced, as well as online learner numbers. Dr. Bruce Amendt provided the board with a list of the JCSD teachers who will serve as the online teachers for the upcoming school year. Dr. Nikki Roorda gave an update to the implementation of Edmentum and Calvert Learning for students who are learning 100% online and during the hybrid model online days.
Scott Kruthoff, director of JCE, said registration was now open for school year childcare through KTC, which would include traditional AM/PM care, as well as day-long options for families. Superintendent Kacer then gave a routing update from STA and they felt that things were looking good for capacities and routes. They are still short drivers, but can use drivers from other cities where students may not be going to school in person. Finally, Superintendent Kacer relayed how the derecho delayed district work due to a break in internet service. This impacted progress significantly and the first day of school for all students will be Monday, August 31.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Due to COVID-19 precautions and restrictions, all in-person board meetings have been moved to conference line or virtual meetings. Access information is published with the agenda on the Friday before the meeting. Meetings are also livestreamed at https://team1sports.com/johnston/.
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