From the Desk of the Superintendent...
August 22, 2017
SEPTEMBER 2017 DISTRICT DISPATCH
The 2017-18 school year is off to a great start with several new employees already hard at work. New faculty and staff members include the following people: Danielle Prchal (PK-5 Guidance Counselor/ PK-12 Gifted-and-Talented Teacher), Rebecca Brookshire (High School Special Education Teacher), Jesus Clemente (High School Spanish/Physical Education Teacher), Evan Gammon (6-12 Vocal Music Teacher), Andrea Warren (High School Special Education Teacher), Gayle Nelson (High School Custodian), Jennifer Moore (Food Service Director), Amanda Williams (Prekindergarten Teacher), Todd Sliger (School Bus Driver), Mark Tedesco (School Bus Driver), Nicole Johnson (High School Dance/Drill Team Sponsor), and Taylor Sevcik (High School Football Cheerleading Sponsor). When the opportunity presents itself, please join me in welcoming these new employees into our school community.
The summer of 2017 was another busy time in terms of buildings and grounds maintenance improvement projects. I want to extend a special “thank you” to our director of buildings and grounds, Jim Ettleman, and our custodial staff. They, along with our seasonal staff members, did a great job getting the school district ready for the new school year. Important maintenance tasks that were completed over the summer include the following: (1) upgrading the middle school academic lockers to provide upper-level storage space; (2) renovation and remodeling of the early childhood wing of the elementary building; (3) tree removal at the high school; (4) servicing the heating and cooling system for the elementary/middle school campus; (5) renovation and remodeling of the high school boys’ locker room; (6) installation of controlled-access entry systems in each building and other security system upgrades throughout the school district; (7) installation of handrails and half-steps in the high school varsity gymnasium bleachers; (8) installation of new kitchen dishwashers in the elementary building and in the high school building; (9) construction of a new high school stadium pressbox; (10) LED lighting upgrades in the high school; (11) touch-up painting throughout the school district; and (12) floor refinishing and general preparation for the new school year.
As we begin a new school year, the Iowa Association of School Boards encourages each of us to remember that public education is the foundation of our democracy and a promise we make as Iowans to our children…that a great education helps make dreams come true. Great public schools help children realize that promise and are the key to success in our communities, our economy, and our state. It is up to each of us to embrace that promise. Our investment as Iowans in our public schools matters a lot and is a key difference maker in developing dependable, conscientious, thoughtful, and innovative future generations of Iowa citizens.
This fall is shaping up to be a busy time with all of our school activities. I hope to see you at some of our exciting athletic and music events. Come out and cheer for the Eagles!
