Achieve Summer 2023

Murillo

Hello to our school district neighbors in Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent! Thank you for your interest in our schools and the successes of our community’s children. Together, with our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, we present this quarterly magazine to keep you informed about our school district initiatives and achievements.

Inside this edition of our magazine, I hope you will enjoy seeing the smiling faces of our 2023 graduates who earned a record number of second credentials through our Diploma +1 Pathways. We are also proud to showcase our outstanding and dedicated staff members who support the development of each child throughout their educational journey.

We look forward to a school year filled with enriching experiences for students in and out of the classroom. We remain dedicated to preparing all students to earn their high school diploma and a second credential through a growing number of pathways to fit all interests.

We are eagerly anticipating the opening of our innovative Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center, the first of its kind in Iowa. We are excited to serve even more families, even those with infants and toddlers, up to 4-years-old. Our Kanesville Learning Center is re-opening at the Scott Street location, now updated to meet modern learning environment standards.

We invite our community to support student success by encouraging our community’s children to attend school every day and do their best. We will value the ongoing parent involvement, with regular updates on how they can actively support their children’s academic achievement throughout the school year.

We will also continue our commitment to safety and security, with enhanced secure entryway monitoring. Of course,

I invite you to contact us or visit our website to learn more! Here’s to a great school year!

Sincerely,

Welcome to the award-winning Achieve 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 your feedback at communications@cb-schools.org. Thank you!

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 held one Tuesday per 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 District’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/ CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict.

Dr. Vickie Murillo Superintendent

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 district’s Equity Coordinator, Tim Hamilton, 712328-6423, 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 15 | Summer 2023

Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie

COVER PHOTO: Matthew Taute (left) and Brandon Sudo (right) celebrate graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School during the ceremony at the Mid-America Center. Find more from high school graduation on Pages 3–5.

Troy Arthur Board Member

David Coziahr Board Member

Lauren Myers Board Member

Jared Tripp Board Vice President

Chris LaFerla Board President

Jill Shudak Board Member

Patrick Peters Board Member

TASSEL TIME

579 Graduating Seniors at AL, TJ Join Class of 2023

81% of graduates earned at least one additional Diploma +1 credential with their diploma

107 who also graduated from Iowa Western Community College

Abraham Lincoln’s Class of 2023 had 321 graduates

Class Song: “Best Day of My Life” by American Authors

Class Flower: Marigold

“The memories we’ve created with others over the years are something to cherish. As we move forward into the future, we’ll inevitably part ways with some people, but as old connections are broken, new ones are formed. The memories we share with our classmates and friends will forever tie us back to one another and serve as a special bond that connects us, even as we go our separate ways.”

— Mia Garcia, commencement speaker

Thomas Jefferson’s Class of 2023 had 258 graduates

Class Song: “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha

Class Flower: Peonies

“This new chapter in our lives is the perfect place to begin. Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will, the will to pursue your future, your goals, and the new opportunities that come your way. The most important part of the process is to begin; it is also the hardest, so begin believing in yourself and in the goals you have. There is no room to wait or to be pessimistic about your future. You need to dig down, believe in your convictions, and achieve.”

— Eleana Lemus, commencement speaker

GOING THE EXTRA MILE District Recognizes Staff Members of the Year

Amanda Jens, who just wrapped up her third year as principal at Kirn Middle School, is an outstanding leader who shows empathy for students, parents and staff.

She has high expectations for everyone in the school community while balancing the needs of everyone. She is committed to seeing the students, parents, and staff succeed and is a charismatic leader who leads with what is best for students.

Under her guidance, Kirn has seen student test scores on the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress rebound and now exceed levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. She’s also placed an emphasis on the socialemotional development of her students.

Jens is a strategic leader who is organized, well planned, and works collaboratively with others to ensure Kirn displays continuous improvement both academically and socially. Academic achievement at Kirn will continue to rise under her leadership.

Jens works tirelessly and is a model for all so everyone can be the “best versions of themselves” and live the #lynxway!

Shelby Graves, a fourth grade teacher at Edison Elementary, puts in the effort, time and passion to help students Achieve More.

She starts off every year strong, focused on building classroom community and throughout the year, and pushing her kids through productive struggle. Graves brings wisdom and engagement to her classroom, working hard to make sure Edison is a safe and caring place, especially in her classroom.

Graves creates opportunities for her kids that they wouldn’t get without her thinking outside the box. For example, each Veterans Day, her students write letters to veterans and she invites veterans to speak to her class.

She continually works with other people at Edison to problem solve and make the school a better place. She helped with an attendance initiative, designing posters, advertisements and short sayings to help promote the ideas to the students and their parents.

Graves, along with a few others, also put together and hosted an assembly using a rock concert theme to pump up the students for testing with the motto “rock this test.”

Paul Ahrens is a shining beacon of light in Abraham Lincoln’s hallways, classrooms and events. His friendly presence and intentionality in building relationships truly improves the experience for every student lucky enough to be in a classroom with him.

Ahrens is often seen celebrating daily achievements of learning targets with the student he is assigned to as well as those that sit with them. He genuinely wants students to succeed and encourages them along the way.

He brings his optimistic and motivating mood to AL every day. Though he often has to work with students who have significant learning and behavior challenges, he always remains patient and nurturing. He makes sure the students are doing their best to stay on task, assists them with tasks when they are struggling and is an advocate for the students when they need teacher assistance.

Ahrens helps the staff at AL all Achieve More with his bright personality, patience and dedication to his role in our district. He always has a positive attitude and a bright smile. He is a model professional.

2023 EMPLOYEE MILESTONES IN SERVICE

40 YEARS OF SERVICE: Launie Lambert, Lisa Schwartz, Jan Smith • 35 YEARS OF SERVICE: Denise Allmon, Todd Auffart, Randal Lau, Torsten Sahl, Donald Schwartz • 30 YEARS OF SERVICE: Kelly Frascht, Tracy Frush, Kimberly Kazmierczak, Jolene Miller, Teresa Rindone, Stephanie Schuster, Donna Vanhessche • 25 YEARS OF SERVICE: Julie Belt, Belinda Carpenter, Melissa Chalupnik, Margaret Ebersold, Geri Evans, Eva Evers, Lori French, Kimberly Gulizia, Wanda Gunder, Matthew Haan, Kristy Harris, Rob Hart, Mark Haynes, Jennifer Hedges, Douglas Johnson, Jennifer Kvammen, Kevin Maxcy, Katie Naughton, Diane Ostrowski, Jennifer Pearce, Jennifer Plummer, Shauna Sandau, Robert Scott, Rachel Shanks, Michael Starner, Amy Stuart, Melissa Taylor, Daniel Tobin, Michelle Tuttle • 20 YEARS OF SERVICE: Tammie Bazer, Vickie Colpitts, Matthew Connor, Erin Hannan, Jenifer Hargrave, Mike Henley, Jill Kocina, Adrienne McCormick, Sara Pruss, Christina Ronk, Tiffany Smith, Lisa Spidell, Miranda Tudehope, Danny Whaley, Kerri Wilson • 15 YEARS OF SERVICE: Stacey Barker, Angela Bascue, Carol Bigley, Skye Booton, Daniel Booton, Lyndsay Daley, Sarah Gillman,

Nicole Haffner, Brianne Hanson, Carla Hartenhoff, Lisa Heywood, Denise Hoag, Sindy Kafka, Michelle Kenkel, Kerry Krabbe, James Larsen, Carie Mann, Leigh Martic, Cassandra McCart, Jamelyn McCollough, Paige McGee, Tara Montenegro, Shannon Moon, Helen Moore, Megan O’Brien, Megan Petersen, Debra Potter, Karla Robb, Amy Scherb, Jason Sealer, April St Clair • 10

YEARS OF SERVICE: Laura Arndt, Kyle Bartholomew, Katherine Bockenstedt, Kayla Brockman, Kathleen Buelt, Janice Coffey, Timothy Conner, Amanda Cool, Derek Crain, James Crum, Timothy Dinges, Shawna Dunn, Stephanie El Marouani, Louis Elbert, Mary Fletcher, Evan Freemyer, Michaela Galaska, Tamara Gardner, Jennifer Grove, Kari Hansen, Breanne Horner, Jennifer Hudson, Casey Hupp, Melissa Irvin, Rebecca Liston, Shannon Logan, Deborah Malone, Michele Martin, Katherine Mason, Nathan McLaughlin, Kimberly Moore, Kendra Nelson, Melanie Parrish, Luke Peterson, Rachel Raml, Aaron Rindone, Richard Ronk, Tracy Schimonitz, Candee Schlautman, Samantha Schreier, Jaclyn Schroeder, Angela Sledge, Heidi Stangl, Ashley Stronck, Darla Sullivan, Tedi Swanson, Anthony Tedesco,

Elena Thompson, Rita Tiarks, Dustin Townsend, Janelle Valla, Kristen Vonnahme, Kristi Waller, Dean Wilson, Tanya Windham • 5 YEARS OF SERVICE: Kristina Ackley, Hagan Ackley, Taylor Anderson, Buffy Behrens, Paige Bierwirth Herman, Ashley Cates, Michael Childers, Meggan Coan, Jennifer Corriveau, Geoffrey Croft, Karne Croston, Shawn Darrington, Frances Davis, Lindsay Doane-Large, Lori Durand, Cynthia Fast, Kelly Fischer, Katrina Fitch, Megan Frush, Jasmyne Gardner, Marsha Gawronski, Alejandra Gibbs, William Glienke, Keith Goc, Tammie Green, Tina Harris, Lisa Johnson, Amber Jones, Jean Kelly, Diana Kelly, Ryan Koch, Geana Krajicek, Ruth Lang, Spencer Mathews, Logan Maxwell, Ciara McCart, Judith McClellen, Christine Miller, Allison Minnehan, Samantha Mohr, Roxanne Montgomery, Crystal Moore, Kajsa Myers, Holly Nelson, Ryan Powell, David Price, Wanita Printy-Zika, Aaron Rang, Megan Rangel, Ashley Reese, Billie Reid, Heather Reikofski, Beverly Rockwell, Kelli Salin, Darla Scheuring, Matthew Schmidt, Mindy Schmitt, Bradley Shain, Sloane Smith, Julie Starkey, Kathleen Struck, James Tolbert, Devon Unruh, Preston Vorthmann, Emily Warren, Erica Wilkins

SHELBY GRAVES

2023 Licensed Staff Member of the Year Edison Elementary School

AMANDA JENS 2023 Principal of the Year Kirn Middle School

PAUL AHRENS

2023 Support Staff Member of the Year Abraham Lincoln High School

TRANSFORMATION

Kanesville Learning Center Renovation Complete

This August, Kanesville Learning Center learners are moving back into a renovated school at 207 Scott Street, which was formerly the home of Washington School.

KLC offers support for non-traditional learners in a smaller school setting with caring adults to assist them toward their goal of high school graduation.

Included in the recently renovated space is a new first-floor entrance with a safety vestibule, a new elevator providing enhanced accessibility, updated furnishings, flooring and paint as well as expanded parking and improved landscaping and fencing.

Students and staff were temporarily housed in the Heartland Family Services Therapeutic School at 2912 Ninth Avenue for the 202223 school year during the renovation.

SUMMER LESSONS Partnerships Cornerstone of Engaging Students

Camp Summer Explore is the elementary and middle school summer program of the Council Bluffs Community School District. Students are offered unique programs to boost their achievement while engaging in learning experiences. In addition, field trips to a variety of community partners provide new opportunities for exploration, and the middle school program is hosted by the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium.

We would like to thank our many partners in the community that all come together to make Camp Summer Explore a success!

Summer Partners

21st Century

AIM Institute

Amazing Arthur

AMC Theaters

Council Bluffs Public Library

CB Nutrition Services

Chef Around the Block

Fontenelle Forest

Future Kids

Gifford Farm

Omaha Children’s Museum

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium

HinesGLOW Entertainment

ISU Extension and Outreach

Iowa Western Community College

KANEKO

Kona Ice

Laurtizen Gardens

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission

PACE

Pirate Putt

The Rose Theatre

Sanders ATA Martial Arts

TS Bank

Union Pacific Railroad Museum

Lee G. Simmons Wildlife Safari Park

READY FOR FALL Summer Programs Help Students & Teachers Prepare

While students were busy this summer preparing to return to their classrooms this fall, teachers were also preparing for the next school year by working in summer programs.

Middle School Math Camp was offered for students going into sixth through eight grades to help them build their understanding of mathematical concepts.

A transition program tailored to incoming high school freshmen called LYFT — Leveraging Youth on the Freshman Team — offered an opportunity to explore career pathways to help prepare them for success in high school. During the week-long session, LYFT took students to visit community sites to learn about potential careers.

SOAR into High School Academy also was designed to provide incoming freshmen a leg up through improving their understanding of math and English language arts concepts so they are ready to meet their academic expectations. They also built positive relationships with high school staff members while becoming familiar with learning in their new school.

Teachers in all three summer learning programs worked with students in an environment that allowed them to hone their skills at delivering curriculum in a way that engages students and invites them to deepen their learning.

Everyone who participated will be more confident this fall.

LYFT at UP Museum

SOAR

Middle School Math Camp

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Jackets, Lynx Athletes Hit the Diamond

Featured student-athletes, from top left: Allison King (AL) •

Carley Steinspring (TJ)

• Grant Nuzum (TJ) • Aidan Martin (AL) •

Morgan Rasmussen (TJ)

• Holly Hansen (AL)

• Kyle Komor (TJ)

• Greyson Clark & Zach Lincoln (AL)

KEY TO SUCCESS District Encourages Involvement in Activities

Mark Royer has been a coach for 36 years, including 26 as the head coach of Thomas Jefferson High School’s girls soccer team. He has officiated high school basketball for 25 years, been a line judge for volleyball, serves as an assistant softball coach and been the voice of TJ softball for the past eight years.

“You see the pride the kids have,” he said. “You see how the kids walk around after winning.”

TJ and AL students have many opportunities, including:

22 athletic teams at each high school

17 extra/co-curricular activities offered

50 21st Century Clubs

75% goal for all 6-12 students involved in school activities

Student involvement is a key to student success, both inside and outside the classroom.

Royer said children want to be respected, want to be part of a group and want to be protected.

“Everybody is included, and our kids help make sure everyone feels included,” he said.

Becoming involved in a sport or club or other activities helps to connect students with peers, and that belongingness helps keep school a priority in their lives.

Activities also provide a means to develop character, leadership and other personal traits.

Royer summed up the value of involvement: “Once this program consumes your heart, your mind and your soul it will give back in ways you can’t imagine!”

Coach Bryan Pregon says all co-curricular and extracurricular activities teach life lessons, such as work ethic, pride, managing stress and pushing past failure.

Pregon coaches mock trial and girls tennis at Abraham Lincoln, and said both activities require creative problem solving.

“Both have elements of how your individual performance can help or hinder your team’s

goals,” he said. “Quality practice and preparation will yield results you will be proud of and that everyone can continue to grow and improve based on how much they commit.”

The Council Bluffs Board of Education set Strategic Goal 4 as ensuring each student is supported and connected by having 75% of students involved in an activity at school by 2024.

Examples of activities include football, drama, orchestra, chess club and weight lifting.

Research shows that students who participate in activities

outside the school day are more likely to find academic success than their non-involved peers.

Royer encouraged any student on the fence about joining a club or going out for a team to find it in themselves to take the leap.

“Find confidence, meet new people, be part of the team,” he said. “You will love getting up and going to school. It’s a blast.”

Yes, it’s hard work — but that’s what gives it meaning, too.

“All the extra time and work is worth it for me and for the kids when it’s something we care about,” Pregon said.

ABOVE: Coach Mark Royer, back right, is pictured with the Thomas Jefferson High School girls soccer. He’s been the head coach for 26 years.

AT LEFT: Coach Bryan Pregon, left, is joined by the Abraham Lincoln High School mock trail team. He helped launch the team about 20 years ago.

BELOW: Coach Bryan Pregon, right, stands with the Abraham Lincoln girls tennis team. He’s coached girls tennis at AL for the past 26 years.

TEE IT UP FOR SCHOOLS Foundation Raises $20,000 at Annual Golf Outing

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits during the annual Alumni & Friends Golf Outing on July 14 at Bent Tree Golf Course.

Golf enthusiasts of all skill levels came out with the goal of having fun while supporting the mission of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation to benefit the children, families, and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

The scramble featured teams representing Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools. At the conclusion of the tournament, scores were tallied, and Abraham Lincoln High School was announced the winner!

The day was filled with excitement and engaging activities. Participants had the opportunity to reunite with fellow alumni, try for a $10,000 hole-in-one prize and enter raffles, all while supporting the school district’s children, families and staff Together we raised more than $20,000. Thank you to our event sponsors, Silverstone Group | HUB International, Joe Clanton, Better Homes & Gardens, Greg Duncan, State Farm Insurance, John Dresher, American Family Insurance, BCDM Architects, Iowa Western Community College, and Gabe Petratis RP Legacy Group.

‘WE ARE SO PROUD’ LeRette Presented Honorary High School Diploma

Louie LeRette had to start working for his grandfather in the eighth grade and enlisted in the U.S. Army as a young man the 1940s.

LeRette went on to become a car mechanic in Council Bluffs, and also spent some time working in Kansas City and Omaha.

But LeRette wanted more for his children.

“I was pretty determined that my kids were going to graduate,” he said. “We lived in the west end there, so T.J.’s where they went. I was very proud of that. I always had a good relationship with the people at T.J.”

All seven of his children graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School: Louie Jr. in 1967, Roger in 1968, Susie in 1970, Terry in 1973, Paula in 1977, Cindy in 1979 and Bobbie in 1981. LeRette said some of his children attended college while others had careers or owned their own businesses.

“They have all done real well,” he said.

The Council Bluffs Board of Education recognized the contribution LeRette and his wife Dorothy had on the lives of their children and grandchildren by presenting him with an honorary diploma from Thomas Jefferson High School at its July 25 meeting. Dorothy also received a posthumous high school diploma.

“Their proudest moments have been seeing each of the children at their graduations receiving their diplomas,” according to his daughter, Bobbie LeRette.

“We are so proud to have the LeRette family be a part of our Thomas Jefferson High School community,” Chief Communications Officer Diane Ostrowski told the family.

As a mother, Bobbie LeRette said that she stresses to her own children the importance of not only graduating high school but also earning another credential — the same idea behind the Council Bluffs Community School District’s Diploma +1 program.

“The next step (after graduating high school) is, I think, very important,” she said, adding that she’s happy “as long as they go on to learn as much as they can and the final thing is getting a career out of it.”

That attitude will extend Louie LeRette’s legacy onto the next generation.

This story was adapted from coverage in the Nonpareil. Find more stories or subscribe to the Nonpareil at nonpareilonline.com.

BLINK TURNS 10: Free Wi-Fi Started Within Schools

Council Bluffs Community School District Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo joined community partners to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the deployment of the BLink Wi-Fi network. BLink started in the schools but has expanded to cover all neighborhoods within the district and continues to add service areas in Council Bluffs. “Our Council Bluffs students and the families are fortunate to be a part of a truly connected community,” Dr. Murillo said at the July 21 ceremony and community picnic held at River’s Edge Pavilion. “Thanks to so many partners, like those represented here today, our students and families, neighborhood-by-neighborhood, have really benefited from this initiative.”

ABOVE: Louie LeRette, center, receives an honorary diploma from Jared Tripp, vice president of the Council Bluffs Board of Education, left, and Council Bluffs Community School District Superintendent Vickie Murillo, right, on July 25.

AT LeRette, ary

FUN FACTS

We invite the community to cheer on and support our students at athletic and fine arts events. Senior citizens are eligible to obtain a senior admission pass to district-sponsored events at no cost. Call (712) 328-6446 or stop by the District’s Educational Service Center.

IMPORTANT DATES

Find a listing of upcoming athletic and fine arts events for AL and TJ by just pointing your smartphone camera at these QR codes.

Googlers from the local data center helped us prepare for the upcoming school year by setting up Chromebook devices and working with school district officials on network security upgrades.

Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org

Back to School Nights

Elementary: Tuesday, August 22nd, 4-6 p.m.

Middle School: Monday, August 21st, 4:30–5:30 p.m. for names A–L, 5:30–6:30 p.m. for M-Z

High School: Monday, August 21st, 6–7 p.m.

K-12 First Day of School

Wednesday, August 23rd

Early Learning Center/ Preschool First Day

Monday, August 28th

Winter Break

Dec. 20 — Jan. 2

Spring Break

March 25 — March 29

Remote Day

April 22

Last Day

May 24 (early out)