Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
Celebrating Successes While Planning for New School Year We are pleased to share this summer edition of our “Achieve” Magazine with you! We introduced this magazine in the spring to keep connected with our entire school community. Now, more than ever, it is important to remain in contact with our families throughout Council Bluffs, Carter Lake and Crescent. As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted an unusual end to last school year, and has affected the manner in which we will educate our students now and into the near future. As of the printing of this magazine, we are planning to begin the school year in our Hybrid Phase, which allows greater social distancing with half of the students in school daily and half learning remotely. Students may choose to enroll in our new Virtual Academy if that option would work best as their educational experience in light of COVID-19. I am confident you will learn something new and perhaps be inspired to share with others. In this summer edition, we share successes of students, feature outstanding staff members, provide insight into the impact of COVID-19, and celebrate our Class of 2020. We are proud to share that more than half of our graduating seniors earned at least one additional credential beyond their high school diploma, demonstrating how they have embraced the opportunities provided through our unique combination of Diploma Plus One Pathways. My thanks to the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation for helping us provide this publication to our community. I invite you to share your feedback and questions with us by sending an email to communications@cb-schools.org. Thank you for your support and investment in our schools!
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Summer 2020
Editor’s Note Welcome to the second issue of Achieve: the Council Bluffs Community School District magazine! We are excited to share the story of our District’s amazing students, teachers, staff and our generous community with you. We would appreciate any feedback you have on this publication, or suggestions for a future story. Please email us at communications@cb-schools.org.
This publication would not be possible without the generous support of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and community donors. We extend our most sincere appreciation for their continued support of our mission.
Council Bluffs Board of Education The Council Bluffs Board of Education meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are the fourth Tuesdays of the month in June, July, August and December. Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the Educational Service Center, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, and they are aired live on Cox Channel 18 and the Council Bluffs Community School District’s YouTube channel.
President David Coziahr
Vice President Chris LaFerla
Troy Arthur
Kyle McGlade
John Minshall
Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress
Jill Shudak
COVER PHOTO: Jaden Berge, at right, and fellow graduates — from top, Charles Clapp III, Benjamin Fitcher, Jasmine Ramos, Evelyn Solorio and Wimachmorr Gilo — celebrate the opportunity for them to participate in commencement ceremonies on June 20, 2020. Read more on page 6. ABOUT: Achieve Magazine is proudly published by the Council Bluffs Community School District, with generous funding from the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and advertisers. A digital version of this publication can be accessed online at www.cb-schools.org. The content of this publication can be accessed through Google translate online. To request another copy of this publication, submit story suggestions, or place an advertisement, please call 712-328-6514 or email communications@cb-schools.org. MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Council Bluffs Community School District is to guarantee that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills and character to become a responsible citizen and to succeed in a changing world by creating a leading-edge, inclusive educational system, which provides challenging expectations, diverse experiences, engaging curriculum and innovative teaching within a collaborative, caring community.
NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Council Bluffs Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, (for employment), national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, (for programs), socioeconomic status (for programs), physical or mental disability, religion, creed, genetic information, ancestry, geographic location, citizenship, political party preference or belief, familial status or any other protected attribute, in its educational programs, activities or 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 school district’s Equity Coordinator, Tim Hamilton, 712-328-6423, thamilton2@cb-schools.org, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503. COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Achieve Magazine | Issue 2 | Summer 2020
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
TAKING WING
Abraham Lincoln Senior Chooses U.S. Air Force Academy After Earning Nods From Army, Navy
Jacob James, a senior at Abraham Lincoln High School, has a dream of becoming an astronaut. James selected the United States Air Force Academy for his next stop after high school, after being nominated to the academy by U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley and U.S. Rep. Cindy Axne. “I have had dreams of receiving the appointment and when I did, it was really hard to believe,” James said. James also received appointments to the U.S. Naval Academy and the Army’s U.S. Military Academy at West Point. James credits his success to serving as a cadet in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program and his experience as an A.L. student. “I worked and got leadership positions within the ROTC program, and it helped
me learn how to lead and how to interact with all different types of people,” James said. James picked the Air Force in part because his father, an Air Force veteran, often spoke of the academy. James said his interest continued to grow after discovering a love of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“The Air Force is very STEM orientated, and I have always thought myself to have a STEM mind,” he said. “I also wanted to fly, and the Air Force is a pretty good spot to go if you are looking to fly.” To stand out in the service academies’ competitive selection process, James participated in many school activities, volunteered at local businesses and maintained a 4.15 grade-point average. James said he figured that becoming a pilot would a good first step toward his dream of being an astronaut, so he has already learned to fly and earned his private pilot’s license. Flying offers “a sense of freedom that you really can’t find anywhere else.” “I want every day to feel like an adventure,” James said. “Flying would be the best way to do that.”
FULL RIDE
Two TJ Seniors Earn QuestBridge Scholarships to Become First in Their Families to Attend College
College can be expensive, particularly at prestigious, private four-year schools. That’s no longer a worry for Cynthia Salinas-Cappellano and Haily Collins, who were awarded full-ride scholarships from QuestBridge to Emory University and Grinnell College respectively. The two Thomas Jefferson High School graduates were awarded College Match Scholarships that pay the full attendance cost: tuition and fees, room and board, books, supplies, and travel expenses. “It was just a relief to know that things would be taken care of,” Haily told The Daily Nonpareil. “It’s a big accomplishment for my family and I.” Both Cynthia and Haily are the first in their families to attend college. “I’m definitely excited to be the first one in my family to go to college and
Cynthia Salinas-Cappellano, left, and Haily Collins were awarded QuestBridge scholarships. (Courtesy Joe Shearer/Daily Nonpareil)
have that experience,” Cynthia told the Council Bluffs newspaper. They discovered the opportunity from California-based QuestBridge through their gifted and talented teacher, Lizzy Busch, who was thrilled both won after previous students finished as finalists.
Cynthia will study English and creative writing at Emory, following her dream of being a writer or screenwriter working on TV shows. Haily will study math education at Grinnell, with the aim to be a secondary school math teacher. QuestBridge is a national nonprofit that connects exceptional, low-income high school students with leading colleges and opportunities. “As a result, highly deserving, lowincome students can dream big and reach their full potential,” said CEO and Co-founder Ana McCullough. The group’s college partners include top liberal arts colleges such as Amherst, Pomona and Williams and exceptional research universities such as Columbia, Duke, Rice, Stanford and Yale. Find more information at questbridge.org.
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Summer 2020
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STAYING CONNECTED
Inspirational Moments Were on Full Display Across District For Last 10 Weeks of 2019-20 School Year
The word “community” conveys more than geography in the name of the Council Bluffs Community School District. Community provides support during the normal day-today life we enjoy and during a public health crisis of unexpected magnitude. When the in-person school year was disrupted during the final 10 weeks of the 2019-20 school year, we knew it was important to focus our efforts on staying connected. Families, students, teachers and staff all stepped up to close the distance with acts of kindness. Elementary school teachers and staff members decorated their cars to parade through school neighborhoods and wave to students and their parents, while students displayed home-made signs to show their appreciation. They also hosted “reverse” parades during which they stood on the school sidewalk to greet families as they picked up their materials left at school.
Signs of Encouragement Signs popped up in yards throughout the community to recognize graduating seniors as well as school staff members. As a show of support and congratulations, signs were given to each member of the Class of 2020 during a drive-through event at both high schools. Staff at many schools were surprised by a delivery of a yard sign by their principal to show they were missed. The lights of the Wickersham Stadium shined brightly for 20 minutes on the evening of April 17 in support of students, especially the members of the Class of 2020. Virtual senior tributes were posted to social media leading up to the original dates of graduation on May 22 and 23. Virtual Ceremonies Virtual Promise to Succeed ceremonies were held in lieu of assemblies to wish all fifth graders well as they pledged to graduate in 2027. Senior honors assemblies were replaced with the airing of prerecorded award presentations. Recognition of Lost Seasons Senior nights and senior spotlights were no substitution for the opportunity to have a spring sports season. However, special tributes to soccer, track, tennis and girls golf teams could be found on social media. 4
Summer 2020
While schools were closed for the last 10 weeks of the 2019-20 school year, district teachers, staff, students and families shared messages of support, celebration and appreciation for each other, as well as for area hospital workers, as Abraham Lincoln students shown above. ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
FOCUS ON ACHIEVEMENT
More Than Half of Graduates Earn Second Credential
A high school diploma signifies mastery of a broad curriculum that provides a foundation for future success. While it is necessary for a wide range of careers, the diploma on its own often isn’t enough to land a long-term career. That’s why the Council Bluffs Community School District has a vision where each and every student graduates with an additional credential – an associate degree or the start to a college transcript, a career certificate or a technical certification, or another designation that shows a student is future ready. The Class of 2020 exceeded the district’s plan to grow the Plus One Pathways, as more than half the graduating seniors earned a second credential and were presented a medal or honor cord lauding their accomplishment. Out of this year’s 566 graduating seniors, 297 of them earned a combined 418 additional credentials that will allow them to proceed with their educational and career preparation ahead of their peers. “We are so proud of our graduates, and all that they have accomplished by taking advantage of the Plus One opportunities in the Council Bluffs Schools,” Dr. Vickie Murillo said.
Graduating seniors wore medallions, such as the ones shown above, to celebrate achieving their Plus One credentials.
“By earning the extra credential, they have been able to explore and gain knowledge they will use at the next level.” The district set a goal to have 50% seniors earn a second credential with their diploma by 2021. The Class of 2020, with its 51% rate, beat those expectations by a year – reflecting the district’s motto to Achieve More. The Plus One credentials that are offered to Council Bluffs students include:
• Early College Academy, where students are able to earn an associate of arts, science, or applied science degree from Iowa Western Community College. • College Credit Acceleration Program to earn a minimum of 24 Advanced Placement or Concurrent Enrollment college credits. • Certificate Advancement Program, where students earn a certificate in culinary arts or health science from Iowa Western. • TradeWorks Academy, students earn a National Center for Construction Education as well as a Research Core Curriculum Credential. • TradeWorks at IWCC, where students earn a certificate or diploma in a technical career area from Iowa Western. • National Career Readiness Certificate to achieve platinum, gold and silver distinction. • Biliteracy Seal, where students earn a certification of proficiency in two languages from the Iowa Department of Education. • Transition Alliance Program through Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, which offers certification in work ethic proficiency, skills to pay the bills, pre-employment skills or employment-based certificates.
We don’t expect students to have all the answers.
Alexa Hoy, Admissions Advisor & Recruiter
Discovering the right career is easier when you have an advisor who asks the right questions and offers support. Meet yours today, at Iowa Western.
BeYouAtIW.com / 712.325.3277
REACHING THEIR POTENTIAL
Class of 2020 Gathers at Graduation for Farewell And to Celebrate Achieving More Together
The spring prior to graduation is always a fun and challenging time for high school seniors, as the uncertainty about their future sets in and they become eager to take their next steps. For the Class of 2020, the unexpected closure of school due to COVID-19 meant that they would not have the typical spring experience of a senior. They unfortunately did not have prom, final dance or music performances, or entire spring athletic seasons. Yet, they were inspiring in their attitudes as they had to shift to online learning and experiences to finish out their high school careers. They persevered, patiently awaited the word on a graduation ceremony, and then joined together Saturday, June 20, at the Mid-America Center to walk the stage and receive their diplomas. Even that venue, however, was a change in plans, as the commencement was originally planned to be held outside on the football field at the Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex. The threat of inclement weather brought the ceremonies to the MAC, where social distancing was still maintained to comply with health department guidelines. Hundreds also watched the proceedings in a livestream, as graduates were limited to up to four guests in physical attendance. (Find video of the ceremonies at youtube.com/ CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict.) Between Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High Schools, the Class of 2020 had 578 graduating seniors. Collectively, 297 of the graduates — or about 51% — earned a secondary credential, which prepared them to be successful in college or in the workforce. Graduating seniors also earned millions in scholarships to pursue their post-secondary training and degrees. “We are proud of our graduates and of their resilience,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “They will undoubtedly accomplish great things as they pursue their dreams.” TJ graduate and commencement speaker Estrella Cruz plans to attend Chadron State College in the fall to major in business administration, so she can become a certified public accountant. Cruz gives credit to the College Credit Acceleration Program with accelerating her career. “Obviously with accounting, I needed to take a lot of math classes to become an accountant,” Cruz said. “The courses I took 6
Summer 2020
Social distance was observed at the Thomas Jefferson commencement ceremony at the Mid-America Center on Saturday, June 20, 2020.
”The Class of 2020 is special in many ways – destined to be the graduates with perfect vision, those who had their eyes focused squarely on the future.” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
while enrolled at Iowa Western will help me earn my college degree faster.” AL graduate and commencement speaker Sarah King said she will study biology at the University of Iowa this fall. She plans to become a primary care physician. King said her experience in high school has her ready for the challenge of upperlevel college courses. “I mostly took Advanced Placement classes in high school, which allowed me to get a jump start on my general studies and allowed me to learn how much work and dedication it will take to excel in college,” King said. “I had really encouraging teachers and counselors who went out of their way to help me select the right college classes and kept me moving towards my dream of being an accountant.”
AL graduate Damien Schloesser holds his diploma. Face coverings or masks were encouraged at the graduation ceremonies.
“Abraham Lincoln gave me the space to experiment with my interests. I was able to join a bunch of clubs and find my interests and take unique classes which led me to my future career path.”
ESTRELLA CRUZ Thomas Jefferson
SARAH KING Abraham Lincoln
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
TJ graduate Morgan Lesley
TJ graduate Quran Owens
TJ graduate Suzie Miller
TJ graduate Nathaniel Newton
TJ graduate Akaysha Cole Johnson
This year’s commencement ceremonies for Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln included many of the same iconic moments as in past years, although social distancing rules were in effect. ABOVE LEFT: Abraham Lincoln High School graduates Clare Plummer, Logan Kline and Lilianna Torres all jump at the opportunity to receive their diploma at the graduation ceremony. ABOVE RIGHT: Thomas Jefferson High School graduates, Charles Clapp III, Kimberly Meyer and Desrei Arbolente all jump at the opportunity to receive their diploma at the graduation ceremony. AT LEFT: Natalie Arnold and Heidi Wakehouse celebrate being 2020 Thomas Jefferson High School graduate after commencement ceremonies held at the MAC on June 20, 2020. AT RIGHT: Graduates were positioned 6 feet apart as a social distancing measure during both graduation ceremonies held at the Mid-America Center, which also restricted audience attendance.
AL graduate Jocelyn Hendrix
AL graduate MyKell Thompson
AL graduate Krystal Ann Sheehan
AL graduate Luciano Arrosagaray
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
AL graduate Jayden Cates
Summer 2020
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GREATER FLEXIBILITY
Council Bluffs Virtual Academy Receives Approval
As families and students prepare for the 2020-21 school year, the Council Bluffs Community School District is adding an all-virtual option for K-12 students. The district’s application to be the state’s sixth accredited online provider was approved by the Iowa Department of Education in June. The all-virtual option will allow district and nondistrict families greater flexibility to determine which education setting best meets the needs of their children, especially during the uncertainty of this school year due to the COVID-19 virus. “We are introducing the newly accredited Council Bluffs Virtual Academy at a time when families want educational options,” Superintendent Dr. Murillo said. “We are seeing tremendous interest among our parents to enroll their children in a program that maintains the child’s connection with the curriculum, their teachers and peers in the classroom, while participating from home.” The Council Bluffs Virtual Academy classes will be taught by district teachers, will provide students with tuition-free access to on-demand instruction utilizing the Council Bluffs Community School District curriculum and the Iowa Academic Standards. Students will have access to a broad range of core subjects, such as Language Arts, Math, Science and Social Studies, as
well as elective courses utilizing the district’s Google Classroom course management system and Google Meet video conferencing system. Virtual School students will use a district-owned Chromebook which safely operates within the district’s internet filter. Internet accessibility is offered through the Council Bluffs Wi-Fi Consortium, which links more than 80% of residents in Council Bluffs and Carter Lake with the largest free outdoor open Wi-Fi connection in the United States. Families not in the BLink range have access to reducedfee internet access through a district partnership with Cox Communications, or a weekly flash drive pick-up program is also available for students to access all course content through
Google Classroom offline. The Virtual Academy is offered to all students, including those who receive special education services or other supports. Special education students will receive specially designed instruction with input from their Individualized Education Program team appropriate for virtual instruction. Students eligible for additional support such as English language or talented and gifted services will be scheduled to receive direct or small-group instruction in consultation with the teacher providing the instruction. Students will still follow the Council Bluffs Schools’ academic calendar and will follow the schedule of their assigned classroom (elementary) or daily schedule as provided by the
school counselor (secondary). Students and their parents or guardians will be asked to fulfill additional roles and responsibilities to participate in the Virtual Academy. “We want all children to be successful in their education, so we encourage parents and children to review our Readiness Rubric to help determine if the Virtual Academy is the best option for them.” Students in the Council Bluffs Community School District are able to submit their application for enrollment until August 7. The deadline has already passed for non-resident students, but there may be circumstances in which they can enroll in the Virtual Academy. Learn more at cb-schools.org/ virtualschool.
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STUDENT STARS
Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation partners with the school district to present Stars to students who excel in academics and activities. Congratulations to these students on their achievements. We wish them success on their journey to achieve more.
Iowa HOSA Leadership Conference Karson Sachs Third place, Cultural Disparities Katie Pierce Second place, Human Growth & Development; Second place, Career Health Display; Third place, Research, Prepared Writing & Speaking Abbigale Olson Third place, Nutrition Desrei Arbolente First place, Home Health Aide; Fourth place, Cultural Disparities Braden Mohr Second place, Home Health Aide; Second place, Career Health Display Emmalee Keller Third place, Pathophysiology; Fifth place, Forensic Science
Anna Newby earned eighth place in the 2020 National History Day contest with her individual documentary “Sesame Street.”
National History Day Ashley Hipnar Qualifier, Individual Exhibit Iowa All-State Speech Hannah Gibson Group Improvisation Molly Higgins Group Improvisation Individual Original Oratory Emma Shields Ensemble Acting
Hailey Socha Fifth place, Forensic Science Alysyn Knecht Fifth place, Career Health Display Brittany Pike Fifth place, Career Health Display
Iowa Governor’s Scholars Jared Kaufman Taylor Wilson Desrei Arbolente Bryan Renteria Hernandez
National Career Readiness Certificate — Platinum Level John Amdor Jacob Braddy Andrew Christensen Jacob Daharsh Benjamin Fichter Steven Hornberg Jacob James Jared Kaufman Julia Kern Sarah King Riley Pope Garrett Snyder Brooklynn Wagoner Michael Wailes
Gabby Jobe Ensemble Acting Macy Wilson Individual Poetry Sarah King Individual Reviewing Kadance Burhenne Individual After Dinner ACT Reading Subtest Perfect Score Kiri Amdor Sarah King
Best Communities for Music Education The Council Bluffs Community School District has earned a Best Communities for Music Education designation from The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for its
Write Touch Magazine The Write Touch is published annually by the Council Bluffs Community School District in cooperation with the Council Bluffs Optimist Club. Students in the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central schools, along with Saint Albert Catholic Schools, Heartland Christian School, Children’s Square U.S.A., and Iowa School for the Deaf, were all invited to submit entries. Find this year’s issue of Write Touch at www.cb-schools.org/writetouch.
outstanding commitment to music education. To be eligible, districts must demonstrate an outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. “We are proud to provide an impressive array
of music education and performance experiences for students at all grade levels,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo. “We have outstanding music teachers who lead enriching music programs for our students.”
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Summer 2020
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EMERGENCY CHILDCARE
Foundation’s Collaborative Responds to COVID-19
Kids & Company, operated by the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, provides childcare for children in elementary school, supporting working families by offering before and after school care, as well as full day services during out of school days. Last year, 920 students were enrolled from more than 375 families. When schools closed due to COVID-19, Kids & Company shut down as well. During the closure, leaders at the foundation partnered with others in the community to support those on the front lines of the pandemic. From those conversations, the Emergency Childcare Collaborative was formed to address childcare needs of first responders, medical providers, and other essential workers. The emergency closing of schools and local childcare programs left many members of public safety and health systems teams without childcare. The collaborative made free, daytime childcare available to those who did not have it during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the demand, the service was still being offered this summer. “The precautionary measure to close
schools during the pandemic was necessary to prevent spread, but we risked losing the life-saving benefit of closing schools if healthcare workers, first responders, and other critical employees were not able to work because they didn’t have childcare,” said Chris LaFerla, executive director of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation. Without the collaborative, Pablo and his wife, both essential employees in our community, would have to cut hours to watch their children. “When school closed, we didn’t know what we were going to do for childcare,” Pablo said. “My wife and I were thrilled when we heard about the collaborative. Thank you to everyone involved!” Critical funding came from the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation that provided support to the childcare providers offering their services to families free of charge. “Simply put, without the financial support
and partnership of Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, and the many donors who stepped up, this wouldn’t have been possible”, LaFerla said. Emergency Childcare Collaborative partners include: • Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and its Kids & Company School-Aged Childcare Program • Council Bluffs Community School District • Lewis Central Lucky Children School-Age Childcare Program • Shea’s Learning Days • Children’s Square USA Children’s Center • Jumping Monkeys Childcare • Pottawattamie County and its Emergency Management Agency • City of Council Bluffs • Methodist Jennie Edmundson Hospital • CHI Mercy Hospital • Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce • West Central Community Action - Child Care Resource and Referral To learn more about pricing, registration and updated safety measures due to COVID-19, please visit cbsf.org.
RETURN TO LEARN
Council Bluffs Schools Prepares Plan For Healthy, Safe Return of Students for 2020-21 School Year
Health and Safety Protocols School custodians will implement deep cleaning protocols, because ensuring the health and safety of students and staff is our top priority. When students are in school, they will be expected to wear face coverings/ masks when it is more difficult to maintain social distancing, such as during arrival or dismissal, passing periods or working in a group setting. Face coverings/masks will also be encouraged at all times on school district premises, buses or school field trips. The district will work with families if wearing a mask poses a medical, behavioral or developmental concern for a child. Mask breaks will be conducted for all students. High touch surfaces – such as doorknobs, restrooms, light switches and desks – will be cleaned regularly during the school day. Shared materials and supplies will be limited, and they will be sanitized before and after each use. Students and staff will wash their hands before handling any food and will wash or sanitize their hands regularly. Hybrid Learning Phase When conditions do not allow all students to be in school daily, a Hybrid Phase is ready to implement to reduce the number of students in facilities at one time, allowing for more social distancing while keeping students connected to their teachers and their classmates. In the Hybrid Learning Phase, students
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On-Site
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School administrators, teachers and staff members have carefully created a Return to Learn Plan to provide a healthy and safe return to the school year. Working in conjunction with local and state public health and education officials and their guidelines, the Council Bluffs Community School District hopes to have all students return to their classrooms this fall, but contingency plans are in place should a hybrid approach or remote learning be necessary as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. “We fully understand the varied concerns of our families and staff about health and safety, remote learning, the importance of face-to-face instruction, childcare needs, the economy, and all of the other unexpected implications of being in school or not being in school during these unusual times,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo.
Phases May Change Throughout School Year Online Attendance Work Still Graded
Remote
50% Virtual, 50% Face-to-Face Fewer Students in Classrooms
”We know the best educational experience is for students to be in our schools with their peers, learning directly from their teachers and with the support of all district staff members.” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
will be engaged at school in the classroom 50 percent of the school week, and at home the rest of the week, learning remotely by participating in the classroom in real-time through Google Classroom. Remote Learning Phase Remote Learning will only be used on a short-term/temporary basis for a small group of students, or for all students in the case of an outbreak or if there is a public health declaration calling for schools to close their doors. Under the remote learning phase for 2020-21, the online experience will be different from the experience last spring.
Teachers will maintain a consistent schedule, continuity of instruction and curriculum pacing so students will continue learning in the same manner as they do during On-Site delivery. Student participation will be expected, and students will be assessed on their learning. Families that prefer Virtual Learning regardless of the reopening phase may want to consider our new Virtual Academy and can find information on that option on Page 8. Families are encouraged to make plans for each of these phases and expect that different approaches may be used for certain classrooms or entire school buildings, based on current conditions throughout the year. The goal, during these unprecedented times, is to have students move seamlessly between On-Site, Hybrid or Remote Learning, without a significant interruption in their assignments or what they are doing in class each day. Find the latest information on our Return to Learn Plan at cb-schools.org.
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Summer 2020
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SNEAK PEAK: Kirn Renovation Nearly Complete
Kirn Middle School is ready to welcome back students later this month. The finishing touches are being made in preparation for administrators, teachers and staff to return to the building, which spent the past year being transformed into a stateof-the-art learning environment. Wilson Middle School students will attend classes at the Madison Campus this year, as its renovation is slated to last throughout the 2020-21 school year. Together, the work at Kirn and Wilson is funded by a $37 million bond passed by voters in September 2018. The renovated Kirn has a new entrance with a safety vestibule to control access, renovated and additional classrooms, new administrative and student services areas, restrooms, lockers and a multipurpose cafeteria and auditorium. The school also has improved heating and cooling systems, plus updated plumbing and electrical systems. Each grade level at Kirn also has a learning commons area with mobile furniture that can be rearranged for collaborative learning.
Kirn Middle School entryway nears completion as students return to the newly renovated school building on August 24.
The new sixth grade learning commons in the old library area will house multiple classrooms and a space where students can collaborate outside a traditional classroom setting.
Kirn Middle School is receiving the final touches as classrooms are set to receive furniture the last week of July.
BLINK WI-FI: Service Extends to Span Carter Lake
The BLink Wi-Fi network provides an option for students who need to access coursework or use the internet to complete homework assignment. 12
Summer 2020
Free outdoor wireless internet is now available across Carter Lake thanks to the Council Bluffs Area Wi-Fi Consortium and its partners, including the Council Bluffs Community School District. The BLink Wi-Fi network was expanded this summer to include Carter Lake, based out of Carter Lake Elementary School, and the wireless network will next expand around both Rue and Longfellow elementary schools. The network now covers more than half of the school district’s residents. Google and the Iowa West Foundation have provided financial support for the network, which also provides access from the district’s public facilities.
A wireless access point extending the BLink Wi-Fi network hangs from a street lamp in Carter Lake.
To connect to Wi-Fi in the network’s service area, enable wireless on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, select the BLink network and accept the terms and conditions to connect. BLink makes connectivity that easy.
www.blinkwifi.org
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
TAKING TO THE DIAMOND
Baseball, Softball Matchups Mark Athletics’ Return
After an abrupt end to spring sports due to the coronavirus, high school athletics resumed in June with double-headers between the Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson baseball and softball teams. AL swept TJ 14-2 and 11-2 in softball June 19, while TJ swept AL in baseball 10-2 and 5-1 June 18- and June 22, with the second game of the postponed due to weather. The AL and TJ spring sports seasons – golf, soccer, tennis, and track and field – were cancelled in April following the closing of schools across the state. As of this magazine’s publication, officials at the state and local level were still considering how to proceed with fall sports. Please continue to follow the district’s communication channels for updates as they become available. TOP LEFT: Thomas Jefferson’s Jared Thompson slides under the tag of Abraham Lincoln’s Caleb Barnhouse during the first inning of their doubleheader on Thursday, June 18. TOP RIGHT: TJ shortstop Lexi Smith picks up a ground ball behind the circle and attempts to throw out Abraham Lincoln’s baserunner Jessica Vrenick on Friday, June 19. CENTER LEFT: Holly Hansen connects on a ball from TJ’s pitcher Alyssa Denman during the fourth inning of their doubleheader on Friday, June 19. CENTER RIGHT: Ryan Steinspring attempts to throw out a Abraham Lincoln batter after picking up a ground ball behind the mound during game one of their doubleheader with AL. BOTTOM LEFT: Kobie Ferguson delivers a ball to a Thomas Jefferson batter during the third inning of game one of their doubleheader on Thursday, June 18. BOTTOM RIGHT: Abraham Lincoln’s Emma Oneal slides safely back to first under the tag applied by TJ’s Erin Exley during game one of their doubleheader on Friday, June 19.
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Summer 2020
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GOING THE EXTRA MILE
District Names Employees, Principal of the Year
BRITNEY BEATTY
CASEY MORAN
LYNETTE PETERSEN
Carter Lake Elementary Licensed Staff Member of the Year
Rue Elementary Principal of the Year
Hoover Elementary Support Staff Member of the Year
Mrs. Beatty works tirelessly to ensure that her fifth-grade students’ academic, social and emotional needs are met. She has high expectations, believes deeply in their ability to succeed and creates a safe, caring environment in which students can learn. Students who have had difficulty in the past have thrived under her care. When faced with challenges, she seeks out solutions and perseveres until her objectives are met.
Mr. Moran has a vision and excitement for a bright future for all students, which is evident by the success achieved by Rue students this year. He strives to give an accurate representation of the needs of the collective group. He understands that together we can #AchieveMore and constantly improves his team – whether that’s his school team, community team, district team or principal team. He truly has earned the trust of his colleagues.
Mrs. Petersen works relentlessly so that staff, students and families can have all that they need to be successful in and out of school. As school administrative manager, she has a drive and passion for doing and being her best each and everyday and she makes those with whom she works with want to do and be their best as well. She has a positive attitude, believes every problem can be solved, and is the heart and soul of Hoover.
RECOGNIZING 2020 MILESTONES & RETIREES 5 Years of Service: Danielle Adams, Lori Arrick, Randy Bailey, Ethan Bandow, Chad Bartlett, Nate Bates, Britney Beatty, Tim Blum, Monica Barron, Angela Brown, Laura Brown, Joplyn Cannon, Nikki Clausen, Jacquiline Cook, Kasey Cooper, Brent Craig, Paula Cultice, Samantha Czaplewski, Katie Dahl, Makenna Durham, Linda Forman, Sharon Fouche, Jennifer Fulks, Lynnae Grandin, Linda Gunzenhauser, Jacob Hadan, Tim Hamilton, Amber Hardy, Raymond Hart, Lisa Hoeft, Robert Hutchison, Trent Kerger, Samantha McCormick, Autumn Moore, Jami Mundt, Barbara Neubauer, Michael Nuzum, Stephanie Oliver, Michaela Patterson, Katrina Phelan, Toni Reisis, Melinda Rice, Kara Roberts, Billy Sanders, Marla Schoening, Katherine Schrum, Katherine Stegeman, Morgan Thompson, Katie Twit, Jordan Valla, Cody Way, Tara Whittington, Heather Wilkerson-Petersen, Paul Wise, Megan Wissing, Lindsay Wright, Dylan Wulff, Morgan Wulff & Elana Zalar. 10 Years of Service: Gerry Appel, Deena Bishop, Alyssa Canniff, Dan Cavanagh, Megan Coppola, Julieta Desantiago, Lori Dreager, Andrea Galloway, Carly Gates, 14
Summer 2020
Bethany Hayes, Christine Heckman, Jason Huffman, Kristine Jeffrey, Jon McGreevy, Debra Misfeldt, Christina Noriega, Patti Pettit, Jessica Plueger, Larella Rangel, Mark Royer, Stephanie Ryan,Lori Scott, Patrick Severn, Christine Sindt, Tracy Skretta, Kelly Smith, Traci Stoop, Mary Thomas, Laura VanNordstrand, Lynn Wodjenski & Jennifer Young. 15 Years of Service: Betsy Babbitt, Chancey Blanchard, Carrie Booms-Ryan, Dawn Brincks, Jenny Dighton, Mark Fearnside, Erin Hannan, Joe Hanshaw, Amy Huseth, Rene Jensen, Susan Katzer, Kristi Kenny, Alan Koopmeiners, Michelle Lafferty, Alicia Lemus, Danielle Philmon, Jamie Ryba, Steven Smith, Tiffany Smith, Susan Stekis, Divonna Taylor, Edgar Thomas Jr., Kari Thomas, Jessica Vandestadt, Lisa Williams & Kelsey Winchell. 20 Years of Service: Wendy Barrett, Rob Boes, Jennifer Bonham, Gabe Campos, Melissa Clark, Rob Clark, Jacque Craig, Nicole Damgaard, Mat Daniels, Shelli Dimmitt, Jill Hans , Sara Harding, Justin Heckman, Julie Heinicke, Marcia Lamb, Wendy Lutz, Catherine Meyer, Michael Naughton, Deanna Nelson, Carrie Nepple, Brenda Peatrowsky, Debra J. Robinson, Patti Rollings, Missi Rowe,
Jason Smith, Frank Spring, Dirk Waller, Myron Wilder & Jules Worl. 25 Years of Service: Marcia Achenbaugh, Frances Cantrell, Janelle Coker, Kevin Edmonds, Kelsey Goodrich, Kimberly Heffelfinger, Gjoa King, Penny Matuszeski & Mark Smith 30 Years of Service: Jill Brandenburg, Deb Hernandez, Karla Hughes, Michele Keefer, Rose Large, Paul May, Julie Miller, Joni Robey, Lori Thomas & Debra Wheeler 35 Years of Service: Joe Jenkins 40 Years of Service: Russel Gardner, Doreen Knuth, Teresa Larson & Nancy Rutherford Retirees: Linda Simbro, 2 years; Patricia Andersen, 2½ years; Martin Tomich, 2½ years; Tim Blum, 5½ years; Karen Gnam, 8 years; Carol Becker, 11 years; Gina Cook, 16 years; James DeMott, 16 years; Laura Catron, 17 years; Christine Gorman, 22 years; Jean Konecny, 23 years; Susan Wenninghoff, 24 years; Bonnie Moore, 25½ years; Debra Campbell, 26½ years; Rose Large, 30 years; Jessann Kellar, 31 years; Rick Harper, 33 ½ years; Joe Jenkins, 35 years; Chuck May, 40 years
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
FUN FACTS The Early College Academy senior class accumulated more than $5 million in scholarships.
Nine students earned the prestigious Iowa Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in two languages. More than 100,000 meals were distributed curbside to families during the COVID-19 closure the last 10-weeks of the school year.
A total of 1,741 district parents participated in a 2020-21 Return to Learn survey this summer. College View International Baccalaureate fifth graders in Mrs. Preston’s class raised $1,127.31 toward for the Rotary Club’s project to end polio. More than 4,400 people have viewed the graduation ceremonies online.
IMPORTANT DATES
Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org
August 24 First Day of School September 7 Labor Day Holiday (No School) October 23 First Quarter Ends (No School) November 25-27 Thanksgiving Break (No School) December 21 – January 1 Winter Break (No School) January 15 First Semester Ends
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Summer 2020
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