Editor’s Note
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.
Hello!
Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
The school year is well underway, with students engaged in the classroom and on the courts, stages, courses, pools and fields. Our district theme for this year is The Power of You…The Power of Us! This embodies the spirit of collaboration and dedication to our individual impact on students, and on our collective influence in partnership with parents and community organizations. Our strategic goals will continue to guide our work on behalf of students and their success. Our goals focus on student achievement, future ready graduates, student support and connections, and on successful transitions between elementary, middle and high school. In line with our strategic goals, we have added new college and career opportunities, are implementing our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for student support, and will continue to offer a wide variety of clubs, teams, fine arts experiences, and other activities that meet student interests and engage them in school. This school year, we are proud to share that more students than ever before are taking advantage of our Diploma Plus One opportunities to earn not only their high school diploma, but also a second credential. It is gratifying to see so many students earning their second credential by participating in coursework that will lead them to post secondary college experiences in their fields of interest and result in meaningful careers in high-paying jobs. In this edition of the Achieve Magazine, you can see photos and read more about our new Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center, where our youngest learners, from six weeks to 4 years old, are benefiting from a high-quality developmental learning experience. Our entire school community of teachers, support staff, administrators, coaches and Board of Education members are excited about the wonderful start of the school year, and are eager to see the progress and accomplishments of our students. Please connect with us on social media for regular insight into our students and their success! Sincerely,
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Dr. Vickie Murillo, Superintendent
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.
Chris LaFerla Board President
Jared Tripp Board Vice President
Troy Arthur Board Member
David Coziahr Board Member
Lauren Myers Board Member
Patrick Peters Board Member
Jill Shudak Board Member
COVER PHOTO: From top left, Maliyah Markham, Delilah Johnson, Brynlee Bryant and Evelyn Figueroa play on the slide at the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center. Read more about the new center on Pages 3–5. 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 16 | Fall 2023
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
NOW OPEN
Young Learners’ Smiles Fill New Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center
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he Council Bluffs Community School District welcomed more young learners this school year with the opening of a state-of-the-art facility designed to help them be ready for the rest of their academic journey. The Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center opened Aug. 28 to serve a couple hundred children from birth to 5 years of age at North Eighth Street and Avenue G on the site of the former Tinley school. The 38,000-square-foot center expands the accessibility of affordable, high-quality preschool for the Council Bluffs, Carter Lake and Crescent communities. Investment in the $18 million center came from a combination of private and public dollars, leaving no outstanding debt for district taxpayers while building capacity for the area’s workforce. Funding for the center was kicked off by a $7 million investment into a Childcare and Early Learning Exploratory Project in the Council Bluffs Schools announced in June 2021 by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds. This launched a 24-month project to bring the vision to life through thoughtful curriculum planning, center design and partner outreach. Not content with providing a center that’s transformative for the residents of Council Bluffs, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo accepted the challenge to build a center of excellence to serve as a model for programs across Iowa. Coverage continues on page 4
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“The school board, my cabinet and I feel privileged to help our very young student learners and help them grow in their new state-of-the-art learning center,” Murillo said in remarks during an Aug. 17 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Nelson Early Learning Center. “Our greatest joy will come from the sights and sounds of our young students enjoying their new classrooms, playing in the motor skill rooms and enjoying the amazing outdoor play and learning areas.” In addition to the state grant, fundraising for the Early Learning Center came through an active outreach effort by the Council Bluffs Schools in partnership with Southwest Iowa Nonprofit for Collective Impact and the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation.
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“We are grateful for the investment made to community volunteer, philanthropist and this project by local foundations, individuals, champion for children and families. She died and businesses who share the interest in high- last December at the age of 81. quality early educational opportunities in our ur greatest joy will come from the sights community,” Murillo said. and sounds of our young students Bob and Polina Schlott provided a lead gift enjoying their new classrooms, playing in the for the project, which motor skill rooms and enjoying the amazing demonstrated to other outdoor play and learning area.” foundations and private — Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo donors that the project was worth funding. The Schlotts were the ones who “We are so grateful for the generosity of recommended naming the center after their Bob and Polina Schlott and for their interest friend Anne E. Nelson. in honoring the life of Anne Nelson at our Nelson is remembered as an educator, beautiful Early Learning Center,” Murillo said. Her husband, John P. Nelson, said his wife was most proud of being loved by family and friends and for finding a way to change the world for the better. “We would like to thank the school board, the donors and particularly our friends Robert and Polina Schlott for their most generous gift in the naming of this beautiful facility after Anne,” John Nelson said during remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Early Learning Center will serve as the backdrop for the Council Bluffs Schools to continue to partner with the Iowa Department of Education and consultants from the Juniper Garden Children’s Project at the University of Kansas. Together, they are working to demonstrate the impact and scalability of a public school early learning center serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers. “We are thrilled to serve as a model site for the state and are proud to be selected by Governor Reynolds for this project,” Murillo
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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
said. “Council Bluffs has placed a priority on preschool opportunities for decades, knowing the significant benefits of highquality early learning.” The collaboration seeks to bring an even more robust early education program into the center as well as across the district’s buildingbased preschool classrooms. The goal is to maximize the impact that the investment has on the Council Bluffs community as well as the entire state. “In Council Bluffs, we believe that ‘schools are at the center of our work,’” Murillo said. “All of our work centers on what is best for our students and their learning. This center is another example of that commitment.” The benefits of high-quality early childhood learning opportunities is well established. In 2007, Iowa launched its Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program, and it has grown to serve tens of thousands of students each year. Initially viewed as a public policy to support working parents, preschool programs have been shown to be a long-term investment not only in the success of the students served, but in the economic viability of the communities and states where investments are made, as they help to foster a strong workforce. The Perry Preschool Project has found a $17 return to society for every dollar invested in preschool — while also improving outcomes for the families served. In particular, removing barriers to preschool access would help families that need the support the most. Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh said at the ribbon-cutting that education is an equalizer. “The many donors who have contributed to this project recognize that,” Walsh said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the City of Council Bluffs. “We appreciate your commitment to the community.” Walsh described the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center as representing a “great gift” to the community.
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27 PATHWAYS AND COUNTING New Options for Science & Engineering Careers
The Council Bluffs Schools proudly provide more choices and more opportunities for students to graduate with their high school diploma and another meaningful certification that gives them a jump start on their college and career goals. Three pathways were added this year to meet demand in high-paying career fields. In fact, the addition of Aviation Science as a pathway is being brought to light, thanks to a request from a student. A total of 81% of the Class of 2023 earned a second credential upon graduation. With 882 enrollments in Diploma +1 Pathways this school year, the Class of 2024 is on target to meet the 85% goal for second credentials. Biomedical Science Through college level courses — such as Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, and CPR and First Aid in the Workplace — students can earn the Certified Nurse Aide and graduate from Iowa Western Community College. Students also can obtain the Biomedical Concentrator certification
through Project Lead the Way coursework and concurrent enrollment health courses. Students can then stack their credentials earned in this pathway to pursue a bachelor’s degree and beyond to prepare for their career in medicine and healthcare. Aviation Science Aviation Science is an engineering pathway that leads students to earn the Federal Aviation Administration Part 107 credential by successfully completing engineering coursework, drone certification training and the Aeronautical Knowledge Test. When this course begins the second semester of this school year, the instructor will train students on small, unmanned aircraft. Students will learn the safe and legal operation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). Additionally, this course will provide an introduction to aviation
meteorology, charts and airspace. Students will also learn various federal, state and local aviation requirements. STEM Concentrator Students earn the STEM Concentrator Certificate by completing 24 college credits in STEM coursework, which could include advanced math coursework. The STEM subject areas are Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Existing Pathways These three new science-focused pathways add to the wide variety of options for students, such as Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Business Management & Administration, Hospitality Management, Health Science and the TradeWorks Academy. Currently, there are 2,350 enrollments in opportunities to earn a second credential, including 247 students in programs at Iowa Western.
School Board Election Tuesday, November 7 Four seats on the Council Bluffs Board of Education are on this year’s ballot. Polls will be open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Use a smartphone to scan the QR code for more details. 6
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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
BATTLE FOR THE BLUFFS
Fans Pack the Wick for Annual Tailgate and Game
Battle for the Bluffs Sept. 15, 2023 Final Score 28—27 Thomas Jefferson All-Time Match-Up Record: 46 AL wins, 25 TJ wins, 8 ties
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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Jackets, Lynx Students Find Success in Fall Activities
Featured TJ students, from top left: TJ Football • Cara Ronk & Ashleigh Ronk • Makena Kramer • TJ Marching Band • TJ Cheer • Kendall Bell
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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Featured AL students, from top left: AL Marching Band • Hutson Rau • AL Cross Country • AL Dance • Camryn Moon • Zach Lincoln • AL Football
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‘ABSOLUTE DREAM COME TRUE’ Former Students Return to Teach in CB Schools
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icole Haug had many teachers who touched her life. Coming up through the Council Bluffs Schools by way of Carter Lake Elementary and Wilson Junior High, Haug said she struggled academically. But a couple influential teachers “made a huge impact on me during high school when I felt like giving up,” so she could find the strength to achieve her goals. “It was with the help of many of my teachers over the years being a ‘shining light’ that made me see that learning is different for all and no student is without some kind of struggle,” Haug said. As a first year teacher at Hoover Elementary, following a long-term substitute teaching assignment at College View Elementary last year, the 2006 TJ graduate now wants to be the role model for today’s students. “I want to be the ‘shining light’ for my students that may doubt themselves in some way,” Haug said. “I promised myself that I would help every student see that they are worthy of meeting or surpassing their goals just like so many did for me when I was younger.” Haug’s path to the classroom included spending eight years raising her own children before earning a master’s degree in elementary education from the College of Saint Mary in December 2022, which opened the door to sub at College View. “I was honored to work alongside two of the most passionate and highly educated educators I have ever met,” Haug said. “This
Nicole Haug, a 2006 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, is a teacher at Hoover Elementary School.
opportunity confirmed my desire to find a home within the Council Bluffs Schools.” Haug is one of the many teachers who choose to return to classrooms in Council Bluffs after graduating from AL or TJ. Coming home offers a lot of advantages to the teachers, and to the district, even if it’s a little surreal to now be a colleague of someone who used to be your teacher. “It’s kind of strange working with previous teachers, but it’s also a wonderful experience,”
Maddy Tichota, a 2006 graduate of Thomas Jefferson, is a teacher at Wilson Middle School.
said Wilson Middle School teacher Maddy Tichota. “I’m able to relate to students in a way that I don’t think would be possible in any other district. Having experienced CB Schools as a student has helped me better understand and know what to do as an educator. I think recruiting teachers who are previous students is great because they can give insight that most others can’t give.” Tichota attended Lewis & Clark Elementary School, Kirn Middle School and graduated from Abraham Lincoln in 2020. She attended Iowa Western Community College and graduated earlier this year from the University of Northern Iowa. “I never imagined I’d be back in middle school but I love the kids and the building that I am in,” Tichota said. “I have always loved school and the idea of helping people learn. I struggled a lot in middle school with various problems and have always imagined going back to help those who are struggling like I was.” Mariah Cain, a first year teacher at Hoover who graduated from AL in 2019 and Northwest Missouri State University in 2023, said she loves working in the same elementary building that she attended as a child. “There is a sense of familiarity and loyalty to the Council Bluffs Schools,” Cain said. “I think recruiting teachers who attended here is a priority for the district because it’s alumni who know the district best.” Alumni of the CB Schools have unique insight that can help them relate to the students who follow in their footsteps.
Cain spent last year student teaching with veteran teacher Jennifer Plummer at Rue Elementary, learning how to manage a classroom, plan lessons and honing effective teaching strategies. Plummer was just one of the many role models whom Cain found among the teachers in the Council Bluffs Schools. They taught her about building relationships with students and encouraging them to be successful. “I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing teachers in our district,” Cain said. “I decided I wanted to go into teaching because I wanted to be the same influence on students that my teachers were to me. The teachers I had growing up always helped me to do my best and be successful in times of adversity. I personally believe that it only takes one adult to help a student be successful. I want to be one of the teachers that make a difference in my students’ lives and be there to support them when they need it most.” For Cain, the moment when she needed support the most arrived in eighth grade at Kirn Middle School when her mother was diagnosed with cancer. “My teachers gave me so much support and guidance at a time when everything felt like it had been turned upside down,” Cain said. “Those same teachers, as well as many others from AL, held me up when my mom passed away my freshman year of high school. They
Mariah Cain, a 2019 graduate of Abraham Lincoln, is a teacher at Hoover Elementary School.
attended her funeral and visitation, sent food to my house, and helped me get caught up on my work when I came back to school.” For teachers like Haug, there is nowhere she’d rather be than Council Bluffs. “Returning to the district that gave me so much has been an absolute dream come true,” Haug said. “I believe in this district and
all that we stand for. I am a product of this district and the amazing teachers who have walked the halls of the great schools within the Council Bluffs Schools. Finding a home within the same district I graduated from is definitely an advantage. The love for this district is deep rooted in who I am as a person as it helped shape who I am today!”
mt. crescent ski area It’s snow time!
Skiing, snowboarding, and sledding in the Loess Hills of Pottawattamie County!
STUDENT STARS
Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond State Track Qualifiers
Thanks to the sponsorship of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, outstanding students receive Student Star Awards, and are recognized by Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo and the Board of Education.
Ava Watkins Hailey Holcombe
AP Scholars Emyleigh Bagshaw Liberty Bates Korbin Brunow Kaley Coffey Blake Higgins Aleesha Mascarenas Ashlin McCollough
Soccer All-State Selections Liberty Bates Abraham Lincoln 3A All-State, 2nd Team 2023
Makena Kramer Thomas Jefferson 2A All-State Soccer, 1st Team IGCA and IHSSCA 2023 12
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Mylee Minturn Camryn Moon Konnor Parrott Dean Pope Atticus Walker
Hutson Rau Aubrey Sandbothe
4x200m Sprint Medley
Abby LaSale 400m Hurdles (pictured above)
Aubrey Sandbothe Long Jump (pictured above)
Aidan Perez Discus
Brandon Bowen 400m Hurdles
Iowa State Civics Bee Tilly Peterson placed first, Maria Perez placed second and Oliver Griner placed fourth in the Iowa State Civics Bee at the Iowa State Fair. They qualified after participating in the Council Bluffs bee sponsored by the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. At the state contest, they competed with students from Mason City. The national competition is designed to inspire young Americans to learn more about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in their communities, and to help build trust in other people and institutions. At the local contest, students write essays proposing a civics solution to fix a community
problem. After a distinguished panel reviewed the 500-word essays, the top 20 students took place in a live quiz. The top three finalists advanced to the state contest, competing for a chance to earn prizes, including $1,000 in cash for the first-place student.
AP Scholar with Honors Alec Holmes
Taryn Gant 2A Academic All-State IHSSCA 2023
State Tennis Qualifier Chris Wailes 2A Boys Singles
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
WE BELIEVE IN OUR SCHOOLS
CB Schools Foundation Launches Annual Campaign The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation believes in our schools and invites the community to show that it believes in our schools by supporting the foundation’s annual campaign. Each year we extend an invitation to teachers and school district staff to help grow our annual grants program via the Employee Giving Campaign. Their generosity over the past few years has been overwhelming. Thanks to their support and that of our community of donors, we’ve been able to expand our grants offerings, including the introduction of Student Enrichment Grants. This year we are inviting parents of the district to join teachers and staff in giving, because giving is better when we do it together. One of the Student Enrichment Grant recipients last year was Mr. Fisher at Roosevelt Elementary, who wanted to exposing his students to a live theatrical performance. His heartfelt words say it all: “Thank you for giving students at Roosevelt this
opportunity to attend a performance at the Rose Theater! It was a great way to show them high-quality performance skills in action.” Mr. Fisher wrote this grant because he knew this field trip would have an impact on kids, many of whom had never seen the inside of a theater. The grant gave these children an opportunity to experience something new — potentially life changing. Your generosity makes that possible. Your donations also will go to support our Classroom Grants, which support innovation and creativity in the classroom, and our Emergency Assistance Grants, which provide basic necessities for students in need so they can come to school ready to learn. The theme of this year’s campaign is We Believe in Our Schools. We give because we believe in our schools, in our teachers and in the bright future they provide for our children. Your gift to the Annual Grants Program will amplify the impact of the great work happening in our schools every day.
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THE NEXT LEVEL
CB Schools Producing Standout College Athletes
COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
Josh Dix • University of Iowa Basketball Sophomore • NCAA D1 AL Class of 2022
COURTESY NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
McGwire Midkiff • North Dakota State Wrestling 2023 NDSU Graduate • NCAA D1 National Championship Qualifier TJ Class of 2017
COURTESY SPX SPORTS
Caitlyn Jones • Minnesota State Mankato Track & Field NCAA D2 TJ Class of 2019 14
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COURTESY IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Rukhshonakhoni Muidinzoda • Iowa Western Soccer Sophomore • 2022 IWCC National Championship Team TJ Class of 2022
COURTESY CENTRAL COLLEGE
Zoe Lutz • Central College Volleyball Junior • NCAA D3 AL Class of 2021
COURTESY MORNINGSIDE UNIVERSITY
Lennx Brown • Morningside University Football Junior Season • 2021 NAIA Football National Championship Team AL Class of 2021
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
FUN FACTS High school seniors Brandon Bowen from TJ and Raymond Yang from AL were accepted as student members of the State of Iowa’s Statewide Youth Broadband Advisory Council. The council meets monthly to discuss and identify strategies to improve broadband and connectivity and learn about Iowa’s technology companies and careers. Community members from Council Bluffs area organizations generously donated school supplies for students at the beginning of the school year. Thanks to our bus company First Student and churches Hazel Dell Methodist Church, and Corpus Christi/Catholic Daughters for their contributions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org
Thanksgiving Vacation November 22 — November 24 Winter Break December 20 — January 2
The District’s average elementary classroom size is 22 students, who are not only served by the classroom teacher, but also paraeducators, counselors, specialists in Talented & Gifted and Special Education, and teachers in art, music and physical education.
Martin Luther King Holiday (No School) January 15
S.A.G.E.: Calling Senior Volunteers
Spring Break March 25 — March 29
Thomas Jefferson High School is now recruiting volunteers to be part of the S.A.G.E. program. “Senior Adults for Greater Education,” is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite youth and seniors in their quest to enrich education and leave a legacy for future generations of TJ students. Students will benefit from the in-class support of
community members, aged 55+, who support student success in reading and math, and make a difference for students. Interested? Please contact beryl@beasage.org or call 215-357-2332 for more information.
End 1st Semester January 12
Presidents’ Day (No School) February 19
Remote Learning Day April 22 High School Graduations May 17, 7 p.m. (AL) May 18, 10 a.m. (TJ) Last Day / End 2nd Semester (Early Out) May 24
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COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600 Council Bluffs, IA 51503
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*No student will be denied based on ability to pay.