JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of April 25, 2022
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
JHS teacher nominated for national Teacher of the Year award
Sue Cline is this year’s Iowa nominee for the National History Day’s Teacher of the Year award. Cline has been teaching in Johnston for 32 years. Each of the 58 National History Day affiliates may nominate exceptional educators. All nominees receive $500. The national winner will be announced June 18 and will receive a $10,000 award for demonstrating a commitment to engaging students in historical learning. Read more.
Johnston Drama Department's spring musical features Cinderella
Students qualify for National History Day national competition
Eight Johnston students have qualified for the national competition of National History Day, to be held virtually in June:
—Aydean Bejtovic, Andrew Bogue, Kathir Kalyanaraman, Shreyas Shrestha (senior group website)
—Eshaan Chandani and Anjali Kumar (senior group documentary)
—Rohan Devadas (senior individual documentary)
—Akshara Eswar (senior individual documentary). Read more.
Lawson celebrates Earth Day with school yard cleanup
About a month of school left for 2021-2022!
Varsity Dance Team first from Johnston to make national finals in three routines
JHS students attend Build My Future 2022
About 140 Johnston students explored career options at today’s “Build My Future 2022,” a hands-on career event sponsored by Iowa Skilled Trades at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. Careers featured included manufacturing; health care/nursing; law enforcement and emergency services; military; culinary, restaurant and hospitality; agriculture; construction; trucking; automotive; information technology and more. See more photos on Facebook.
Johnston in first class of College and Career Transition Counselor project
Johnston is honored to be in the first class of the state's College and Career Transition Counselor (CCTC) project, which creates counselor positions to better help transition students to college and careers. A CCTC Appreciation Luncheon was recently held at Des Moines Area Community College. Attending from Johnston were Jyll Johnson-Miner, Kenya Pruitt, Erica Woods-Schmitz and Brian Frick.
JCSD students participate in Special Olympics track meet
Timber Ridge, Beaver Creek and Wallace elementary students recently participated in a Special Olympics track meet in Indianola. At least four Johnston students have qualified for the Summer Games, May 20 in Ames, by placing first in their event at the local meet. Special Olympics Iowa provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Board Highlights from April 25, 2022
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Kacer provided updates on the teacher retention bonus, transportation/bell times, standards referenced practices, Portrait of a Learner and DMACC online courses.
REPORTS
- First Reading of Policies 406.4 Licensed Employee Compensation for Extra Duty, 409.1 Employee Vacation-Holidays, and 412.1 Classified Employee Compensation
- First Reading of Policies 601.1 School Calendar, 606.1 Class Size-Class Grouping, and 710.1 School Fund Program
ACTION ITEMS
- Approval of New Club Request - SMS Minecraft Club (Approved)
- Approval of New Club Request - SMS Girls on the Run Club (Withdrawn)
- Approval of New Club Request - JHS Turning Point USA Club (Approved)
- Approval of 2021-22 Calendar Year Recommendation (Approved)
- Approval of 2022-2023 Board Meeting Dates (Approved)
- Approval of Cabinet Reorganization and New Coordinator/Director Positions (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 501.5 Attendance Center Assignment, 501.9 Student Absences Excused, 501.10R1 Student Attendance Regulation, and 501.11 Student Release During School Hours (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 502.8 Search and Seizure, 502.8R1 Search and Seizure Regulation, 503.1R1 Student Suspension Regulation, and 503.5 Corporal Punishment, Mechanical Restraint, and Prone Restraint (Approved)
- Approval of Policies 504.5 Student Fundraising, 506.2 Student Directory, and 508.1 Class or Group Gifts to School (Approved)
- Approval of JEA Contract (Approved)
- Resolution Fixing the Date of Sale, Approving Electronic Bidding Procedures and Approving Official Statement (Approved)
- Approval of Out-Of-State Travel to Texas (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 May 9, 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.
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