CCA Community Newsletter
10-12-23
NO SCHOOL THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT DR. SEYMOUR
WHAT IS PPEL?
On September 20, 2023, the Clear Creek Amana Board of Education voted to order an election for the continuation of the voter-approved Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). On November 7, 2023, eligible voters living within the Clear Creek Amana Community School District (CCACSD) boundaries will have an opportunity to vote on the renewal of the PPEL.
PPEL is a primary revenue source for funding school infrastructure and improvements and equipment purchases. PPEL can be used to enhance school safety and security, construction or renovation of buildings, purchase of technology equipment and musical instruments, equipment over $500 in value, and energy conservation expenditures.
The current PPEL levy has been in place since 2005 and must be renewed by a public vote every 10 years. The current authorization expires June 2025. Voters will be asked to consider the renewal of the voter-approved PPEL at the same rate of $.67 per $1,000 of assessed valuation.
WILL MY TAXES GO UP?
No. The current voted PPEL levy has been in place at $.67 per $1,000 of assessed property valuation since 2005 so this will maintain the current tax rate. The rate collected is one-half the maximum rate ($1.34 per $1,000 assessed property valuation) for the voter approved levy allowed by law. Revenues are generated by a mix of income and property taxes determined annually by the certified budget. Renewing the PPEL will NOT increase the property tax rate.
The current levy generates about $1.2 million per year.
WHAT HAS PPEL FUNDED?
PPEL funded projects include but are not limited to the following:
- Shot put and discus field relocation
Buses, vans and other vehicles
Energy efficiency initiatives
Maintenance vehicles and equipment
Renovation to current baseball field
Roof replacement
Band instruments
- Baseball field improvements
Furniture replacement
Kitchen equipment replacement
Wrestling mats
Parking lots, sidewalks and road resurfacing
Field turf replacement
Heating and cooling repairs and replacement
Radio system for safety and security
Security cameras and safety devices
- Safety entrance upgrades
Equipment over $500
Replacement and renovation of buildings such as carpet, paint, etc.
Technology (student and staff computers, iPads, etc.)
- New phone system
PPEL FUTURE PROJECTS IF PPEL IS VOTER APPROVED
Future PPEL funded projects include but are not limited to the following:
- More band equipment
- Maintenance and Ground Equipment
- Continued safety/security enhancements/updates
- Buses and vans for transportation
- Repairs and upgrade to the press box at the High School
- Middle School football/Soccer/Track Complex upgrades
- Greenhouse for Agriculture
- Amana Elementary window replacements
- Clear Creek Elementary hallways and locker upgrades
- Roof projects
- North Bend Elementary exterior brick replacements
- Furniture for classrooms
Projects, security, and maintenance that would have been funded by the PPEL would still need to happen so the majority of money would need to come from the General Fund which is the same fund we utilize for salaries and benefits. Reducing the General Fund could lead to a reduction in staff and/or a reduction in curriculum and/or programming.
SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE PUBLIC FORUM
When: October 24, 2023
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: High School Performing Arts Center
Learn more about each candidate as they answer questions. Each candidate will have the opportunity to answer each question.
STUDENT AND PROGRAMMING RECOGNITION
MARCHING BAND
The CCA Clipper Marching Band performed at the Corridor Marching Classic at City High School in Iowa City on Monday October 9th. The performance was at a non-competitive event featuring bands from the Iowa City area. The Clipper Marching Band performed their show "Snow Day" for a packed crowd.
The headline for the event featured the University of Iowa Hawkeye Marching Band and the Iowa Spirit Squad. There were four CCA alums representing the Clippers in the HMB including Adonis Fender, Jackson Schloss, Danny Peterson, and Lance Johnson.
It was a fun evening of music making and CCA was well represented. The Clipper Marching Band will be performing their show one final time on Senior Night at the final home football game on Friday, October 13th.
FOOTBALL, CROSS COUNTRY AND MARCHING BAND SENIOR NIGHT
Friday, October 13 is the last home football game for the season and will be senior night for Football, Cross Country and Marching Band.
GERAT APPLE CRUNCH - NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK
This week is National School Lunch Week. As part of the celebrations, students participated in Iowa's Great Apple Crunch yesterday. Local apples sourced with help from Iowa City's Field to Family organization and from Buffalo Ridge Orchard (Central City).
Students enjoyed their apples!
VOLLEYBALL REMAINS UNDEFEATED 40-0!!!
Volleyball will host Regional Volleyball Semifinal Thursday, October 19 at 7:00 PM! Let's pack the gym!
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE FALL HIGH SCHOOL PRODUCTION OF CLUE
NUTRITION SERVICES
MORE ENTRE CHOICES
We are excited to announce: Beginning Monday, Oct 16th Oak Hill students will have a choice between two entrees every day. Take a moment to review the menu with your students. Alternative entrees can be found at the bottom of each day's menu under the "Alternate Menu" section.
OCTOBER IS PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION MONTH
SPECIAL EDUCATION
New Local School Plan for the High School with the Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services (IVRS).
Names and Job Titles of individuals who participated in developing the Local School Plan are:
Barb Hunt, Special Education Director
Mark Moody, HS Principal
Kelsey Portwine, TAP Specialist
Tom Braverman, 4+ Teacher
Jamie Beedle-Vakiner, GWAEA
Mike Bolger, TAP Job Coach
Janel Brush, GWAEA
Dawn Graber, Parent Advocate
Shannon Reisinger, School Counselor
SCHOOL THERAPISTS UPDATES
October is Depression and ADHD Awareness Month.
As the weather changes and school is in full swing, we encourage everyone to be mindful that October can be a difficult month for both students and families. There are many changes and stressors that can affect our mood and mental health including increased school work or school commitments, upcoming stress of the holidays, regret due to not getting enough done over the summer, changes in our schedule, diet, exercise and even the amount of daylight.
Be aware that depression looks different for everyone. You or someone you know may not have all of the signs and symptoms of depression, but it’s important that we are aware of what depression can look like and to check in on those around us.
- ADHD can affect many aspects of your child or teen’s life. Many adolescents face academic challenges, social difficulties and problems at home. While showing love and support for your child is key, here are some additional tips for parents to help support adolescents with ADHD.
Additionally, regarding weather changes the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is accepting applications now https://www.hacap.org/energy.
Upcoming events:
Oct 18 sign up to Watch and Discuss My Ascension about Youth Suicide
October 26th- Beacon of Hope Therapy in North Liberty will be starting a Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Group for teens. Email bobby@beaconofhopejourney.com for more details.
November 15th- Learn more about Human Trafficking at the Small Town Tour at 6:30 pm at the Marengo Public Library
October 10-12, PLPs
October 12-13, No School
October 18, School Board Meeting
October 24, School Board Candidate Public Forum
Quick Links Below
CLEAR CREEK AMANA MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS
Clear Creek Amana Mission Statement
The mission of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is to prepare students to be productive, responsible, community members by providing an environment that brings learning to life.
Clear Creek Amana Vision and Core Values
Vision: As Clear Creek Amana Community School District moves into the future, we will foster a family atmosphere, while immersing students in a diverse academic experience, for their tomorrow.
The philosophy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District is founded on three core values:
- Student Opportunities- We believe all students can achieve academic success when provided with the appropriate structures and support. We feel all children in this country deserve access to a high-quality, free, public education.
- Collaborative Learning Culture- We believe collaborative and qualitative teachers drive exceptional results. We must invest in exceptional teachers to achieve exceptional results. We must recruit, support, and retain the nation’s highest quality teachers and staff. Core to our mission, curriculum and school culture are the foundation from which our students will excel. We firmly believe that this investment is critical to the success of our students.
- Managing Growth- As the district continues to grow, we will advocate for reasonable class sizes. We will focus on building and maintaining our buildings and grounds to create an inviting learning environment. We will welcome the community to our district to share their expertise and knowledge in order to collaboratively improve our local community.
Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Clear Creek Amana Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, 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 Angelica Brothers, Equity Coordinator District Office at 1486 Hwy 6 NW, PO Box 487, Oxford IA 52322, 319-828-4510 or angelicabrothers@ccaschools.org.