Achieve Winter 2024

Message from Superintendent

Dr. Vickie Murillo

Hello!

It’s hard to believe we are already in our second semester of the school year! We have so much to celebrate already, and always look forward to sharing our stories with you, our community.

In this edition of the Achieve Magazine, you can read about how we are transforming our middle school experience to include the exploration of college and career opportunities. Many thanks to our team for all of the planning to help prepare our 6th-8th graders to take advantage of Diploma Plus One opportunities and pathways during high school. We appreciate the input provided by students, parents and teachers to design exploratory electives students will take, beginning next school year.

Speaking of input, I invite you to participate in a survey about our school district, which you can read more about on page 3.

We are also pleased to feature our newest Board of Education members, the accomplishments of our students, staff and alumni, and information about how our many years of intentional planning has created modern and inviting school facilities in which our students can learn and thrive.

We love to share our stories with the community and to provide insight into all of the success of our students throughout the year. Please connect with us on social media for regular insight into our students and their success!

Sincerely,

Dr. Vickie Murillo Superintendent

Achieve With Us

Do you have something you want to share with the award-winning Achieve magazine? We always appreciate story ideas, photos or anything you’d like to share. Use the QR code at right or email 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.

COVER PHOTO: Kirn seventh graders are ready to explore their future. Pictured from left are Laci Bouvier, Addison Merksick, Ayden Dighton, Cynthia Casses and Mason Jens. Read about middle school career exploration on pages 4-5.

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 17 | Winter 2024

Angela Griner Board Member

Teresa Hardiman Board Member

Lauren Myers Board Member

David Coziahr Board Vice President

Jared Tripp Board President

Patrick Peters Board Member

Tracy Ozzello Board Member

COMMUNITY INVESTMENT

Strategic Focus on Modern Learning Environments

Updated school buildings and modern learning environments enhance school pride and strengthen our community. In the Council Bluffs Schools, this is evident in every school throughout the district, and is a result of two decades of planning and leadership.

The journey to fully upgrade our schools began in 2009 with the renovation at Rue Elementary School. Earlier projects in schools were mostly “behind-the-scenes,” with the focus on plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling systems, as well as energy efficiency.

Since then, every school has been updated to meet modern and safe learning environment specifications. From collaborative spaces and colorful finishings to outdoor classrooms

The more recent updates include fullscale renovations of Wilson and Kirn Middle Schools, completed in 2021, and an updated Kanesville Learning Center that reopened in August of 2023. With the support of private, individual and corporate donors, a completely transformed Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex was dedicated in 2015 to welcome athletes and fans for football, soccer, track & field, softball, and baseball. And, just this year, the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center opened to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.

District leaders have leveraged allocations from two dedicated funding mechanisms to support school facility renovations and maintenance. The state one-cent sales tax for school buildings, as well as the local Physical

Carter Lake Elementary

Plant and Equipment Levy have been utilized strategically to fund significant updates to every school building. The focus has now shifted to keeping the buildings wellmaintained and protecting the investment made in these improvements.

Community residents, alumni, staff, parents and students alike can be proud that every Council Bluffs Community School District student has access to learning spaces that not only meet their needs but also demonstrate to them the importance of education.

Hoover Elementary

Thomas Jefferson

Longfellow Elementary

Edison Elementary

Kirn Middle School

CAREER EXPLORATION

Middle Schools to Ignite Future Interests with Labs

Achievement is the culmination of hard work.

It’s no different in the Council Bluffs Schools, where students start their journey in elementary school to prepare themselves for achieving more than a high school diploma by the end of their educational journey in the Council Bluffs Community School District.

“Our vision is that every student graduates with a high school diploma and second credential, making a post-secondary education inescapable,” said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tracy Mathews. “We know to make this vision a reality for our students, the work begins long before students enter our high schools.”

Starting next school year, middle school students will participate in a curriculum tailored to help them explore different college and career opportunities.

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said the goal is for students to “gain awareness of a wide array of college and career opportunities, increase their self-awareness and form potential occupational interests, and develop foundational skills as appropriate to allow them to be positioned to make more informed educational choices in their transition to high school.”

Chief of Secondary Schools Melissa Comine said the new exploratory curriculum aligns with district strategic goals to guarantee graduates are future

Percent of Each Audience Expressing Interest in College and Career Areas

Survey Results - Question 1

follows the “3E” model for college and career readiness: Exposing, Exploring and Experiencing.

“The goal is to have students exposed to possible careers at the elementary level,” Comine said. “The goal at the middle school level is to have students exploring a variety of career pathways, and then at the high school level, we want our students to participate in specific career experiences such as internships, apprenticeships and work-based learning as they earn their second credential.”

The district surveyed middle school teachers as well as 248 parents and 985 students in October to see which of the six nationally-recognized college and career fields should be included among the new Exploratory electives.

“This was an

opportunities at Wilson and Kirn Middle Schools, beginning next school year,” Murillo said.

More than 7 in 10 parents selected the Applied Sciences, Technology and Engineering career area, followed by about 59% for Information Solutions, 54% for Health Science, 50% for Business, Finance and Marketing, and 46% for Human Services.

“Students indicated the areas of interest in a similar order, but with Health Sciences as the least chosen career area,” Murillo said.

the excitement about implementing the new Middle School College and Career Exploratory Labs next school year.

“These labs are designed to provide students with hands-on learning through career exploration,” Schmedding said.

“Each lab will allow all sixth to eighth grade students the opportunity to explore careers, interests, and learning styles while also preparing them for the many Diploma Plus One pathways and opportunities available in high school and beyond.”

Other parent suggestions for electives or after-school activities include Life Skills, Personal Finance and Budgeting, Skilled Trades, Performance Arts, and Teaching. Students also suggested Law and Law Enforcement, Gaming, Sports, Arts, Cooking and Culinary Arts, and Automotive Technology.

“We are excited about the potential to ignite career interests as students prepare for high school and the variety of college and career pathways they will be able to pursue,” Murillo said.

strategically plan for the delivery of Diploma Plus exploration

Coordinator of Career & Technical Education Kathy Schmedding shared

The Council Bluffs Schools has 27 Diploma Plus One Pathways at the high school level, so there is a wide array of opportunities for middle schoolers to explore.

“The commitment of those in our school district to provide more opportunities, more choices, and more ways for students to succeed continues as we reimagine the middle school experience for students,” Mathews said.

Mathews said the new exploratory courses will ensure students can explore a wide variety of pathways, increase their self-awareness to form potential occupational interests,

and develop foundational skills to make an informed choice.

“We want to make sure students have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of college and career opportunities so that they’re not limited to just what they know about right now, that they’re open to new ideas, and can figure out what they like what they’re passionate about, what they’re interested in, and what they excel at,” Mathews said.

The Middle School College and Career Exploratory Labs are being designed to provide content knowledge and handson exploratory opportunities. With their experiences and skills they develop, students will be ready to engage in meaningful career conversations and create their Individual Career and Academic Plans.

A team of teachers, principals and other school leaders unanimously agreed to adopt the Paxton and Patterson College and Career Ready Labs curriculum to provide relevant and authentic opportunities for students to collaborate and learn about college and career content.

In the labs, students will spend 10 to 15 days in each area of interest, with other lessons incorporated throughout their course.

“Students will have agency over the content they explore, selecting lab experiences that match their interests,” Mathews said. “The labs are designed to really engage students in authentic problem based learning experiences.”

Kirn Principal Amanda Jens is looking forward

to the hands-on, engaging learning that the college and career electives will provide students.

“Through these opportunities, students will be exposed to many of the different Diploma Plus One Pathways and begin to discover their areas of interest and what most aligns with becoming the best version of themselves,” Jens said.

Wilson Principal JoAnna Letz praised

the fact that all sixth through eighth grade students will be able to explore college and career options.

“Middle school is an instrumental time when students’ interests and abilities begin to pave the way for what classes they take in high school, what activities they engage in, and what future studies and career paths are available to them,” Letz said. “This is a great time for exploration and discovery.”

Middle schoolers in the Career Explorers Club checked out a variety of career fields, including health care and culinary arts, at Iowa Western Community College. The club anticipates the changes coming to the middle school college and career curriculum that will be implemented starting this fall.

JACKETS THRIVE: Students Hold Wellness Conference

Thomas Jefferson High School held a special one-day wellness conference Friday, Oct. 27, called Jacket Thrive.

Students took the first six periods of the school day to attend breakout sessions and hearing a motivational keynote about perseverance.

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said Jacket Thrive was designed to help students work on having a “healthy mind, body and soul.”

“We really wanted to provide our students with some opportunities to learn about healthy eating and even yoga and just things of interest that would be good for their mindset,” Murillo said.

Twenty-five partners from the community helped provide sessions,. The district brought in a guest speaker, Charles Clark, who stressed the importance of learning from failure, living with intention, becoming a better

person and actively finding your “big why” in life.

“I want to remind you guys, sometimes in life, it’s going to be that way,” Clark said. “Sometimes we’re going to have these really big fears that draw out certain things in us that we don’t want to experience.”

Many of the sessions focused on mental health, along with

leadership, physical health and personal safety.

“We about talk mental health a lot,” student council member Brandon Bowen said. “A lot of students don’t realize how much stress they’re actually going through most of the time.”

Murillo said that wellness and mental health were stressed after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“A lot of students will bring up the word ‘anxiety,’ so we want to have some conversation around what is anxiety,” Murillo said.

Members of the Thomas Jefferson student council helped plan the event and designed a commemorative T-shirt.

A similar wellness event is expected for Abraham Lincoln High School students.

LYNX ESPORTS: Students Compete at State Tourney

Practice. Focus. Talent. Dedication. Teamwork.

Esports competitors have the same hallmarks as traditional student-athletes, even if they’re swapping a ball or puck for a keyboard or game controller.

Competitive video gaming, or esports, has been available to students in the Council Bluffs Community School District for the past three years.

The esports team at Abraham Lincoln has continued to impress this year, including at the third year of participation at the Iowa High Schools eSports Association state finals.

IAHSEA officially launched in 2020, and its first full season occurred in 20202021. It offers three season — fall, winter and spring — with different games featured.

The Abraham Lincoln esports team, coached by Ryan Sinclair (head coach)

and David Price (assistant coach), placed eighth in the state finals this year.

The team is comprised of Caiden Anderson, a newcomer from AHSTW in Avoca who is nicknamed the Secret Weapon, who helped the team achieve a 6-1 record; Andrew Atchley, a returning senior, who received the nickname Rambo and has helped swing the team to multiple match victories; Wyatt Harvey, a returning senior

who contributed to the 6-1 record with both battle skills and comedic vocal impersonations; Levi Kolb, a senior who joined the team and helped the team fight their way to Marshalltown; Tyler Lawslo, a freshman newcomer whose his skills proved otherwise in the heat of battle; and Dakota Mutchler, a veteran player, who came back as a junior to make key plays and share in the leadership role that led to many victories.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Achieving More Together Through Community Input

In the Council Bluffs Community School District, we take our Achieve More rallying cry to heart by providing More Opportunities, More Choices and More Ways to Succeed.

We recognize and value that every student’s experience is unique and special, and we strive to share their stories with our community. Knowing more about experiences from your perspective can help us to reflect school pride and share the story more effectively, especially to families considering where to attend school.

You are invited to scan the QR code on this page to participate in a brief online survey seeking broad community input on our academic programs and extracurricular activities. The survey asks you to list the academic programs and achievements that stand out positively to you or that you would like to see enhanced. It also seeks your input on the athletics, extracurricular or club activities that stand out positively to you or that you would like to see enhanced.

If you prefer to send your comments directly to us, please email us at Communications@

cb-schools.org.

No matter your connection or level of involvement with the district at this time, we want to hear from you. Please help us celebrate our successes and leave your imprint on the stories we share in the future through your feedback.

Insight from the community will allow us to make sure community perception about our schools aligns with the reality today. pWe also value your constructive feedback to be able to focus on continuous improvement. We also want to celebrate all of the ways we are enhancing the opportunities we create for students.

We want families to choose the Council Bluffs Community School District and for the broader community to be connected with and proud of everything we’re achieving together. Achieve magazine is an example of how we are working to deepen our relationship with community stakeholders through telling our story and the stories of the individuals who Achieve More.

We know everyday examples demonstrate that our district makes a positive impact on the lives of our students, and that we’re helping to build a stronger future for Council Bluffs, Carter Lake and Crescent, along with the broader metropolitan area and southwest Iowa region. But we also know there’s always room to Achieve More.

Thank you for participating in the survey to inform us as we continue the opportunities, choices and ways to succeed that make the Council Bluffs Schools a first-choice school district.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Lynx, Jackets Show Their Talents in Athletics, Activities

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Featured AL students, from top left: Lynx Cheer

Lynx Dance

Luis Avalos • Kaci Wohlers

Josh Shamblen • Easton Klement • Aubrey Sandbothe

Featured TJ students, from top left: Jacket Dance • Demi Pane & Taryn Gant • Lilian Miller

• Jayden Calabro • Teegan Grego • Alyssa Koppold • Bryce Grego • Ryan Smith

Join Good Company This Summer!

Summer registration opening soon

Summer registration opening soon

Summer registration opening soon

Summer registration opening soon

Kids & Company's summer program is open to children between the ages of 4-12 and includes fun activities such as field trips, special guests, and swim days! Registration and additional information will be available soon Learn more about Kids & Company at cbsf.org.

Kids & Company's summer program is open to children between the ages of 4-12 and includes fun activities such as field trips, special guests, and swim days! Registration and additional information will be available soon. Learn more about Kids & Company at cbsf.org.

Kids & Company's summer program is open to children between the ages of 4-12 and includes fun activities such as field trips, special guests, and swim days! Registration and additional information will be available soon. Learn more about Kids & Company at cbsf.org.

Kids & Company's summer program is open to children between the ages of 4-12 and includes fun activities such as field trips, special guests, and swim days! Registration and additional information will be available soon. Learn more about Kids & Company at cbsf.org.

View our annual report today!

View our annual report today!

View our annual report today!

View our annual report today!

In addition to operating Kids & Company, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation oversees the Alumni & Friends Network, STARS Scholarship, and provides grants to teachers and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

In addition to operating Kids & Company, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation oversees the Alumni & Friends Network, STARS Scholarship, and provides grants to teachers and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

In addition to operating Kids & Company, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation oversees the Alumni & Friends Network, STARS Scholarship, and provides grants to teachers and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

In addition to operating Kids & Company, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation oversees the Alumni & Friends Network, STARS Scholarship, and provides grants to teachers and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Learn more about our programs in our Annual Report at cbsf.org or by scanning the QR code.

Learn more about our programs in our Annual Report at cbsf org or by scanning the QR code.

Learn more about our programs in our Annual Report at cbsf.org or by scanning the QR code

Learn more about our programs in our Annual Report at cbsf org or by scanning the QR code.

NEW BOARD: District Welcomes 3 New Members

Three new members of the Council Bluffs Community School District Board of Education took the oath of office to begin their four-year terms in November of 2023.

Teresa Hardiman, who served as an interim Board member in 2021, makes a return to the Board, while Angela Griner and Tracy Ozzello begin their first terms on the school board. David Coziahr was re-elected to the Board.

Teresa Hardiman

Teresa Hardiman is a sixth-generation Council Bluffs native. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School, as did all four of her children, her siblings, father, and a grandchild. She is a Banker and Loan Officer at American National Bank, with more than 30 years experience in finance.

Angela Griner

Angela Griner grew up in Glenwood and is a mom of two school-age children. She is an active community volunteer and owns Wink & Nod Creative. She has been a graphic designer for more than 15 years.

Dr. Tracy Ozzello

Dr. Tracy Ozzello is a lifelong Council Bluffs resident and a parent of two daughters, including one in high school. She is a registered nurse and has worked in nursing education for more than 13 years. She holds a Doctor of Healthcare Education and Leadership.

David Coziahr, Vice President

David Coziahr is the longest-serving Board member, having first joined the Board in 2004. He is a Thomas Jefferson High School graduate, member of the school’s Hall of Fame, and the parent of two TJ graduates. He owns and operates Coziahr Heating & Air Conditioning Inc.

Jared Tripp, President

Jared Tripp is a parent of three, with two daughters in elementary school. He holds a master’s degree in Management, and is a Senior Claims Specialist at Berkley Risk. Jared is an active non-profit organization volunteer in the community.

Lauren Myers

Lauren Myers is a third-generation Council Bluffs native and graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School. She has a master’s degree in Integrative Health and Wellness, and works as a victim advocate. She is an active member of Impact CB while volunteering at MICAH House.

Patrick Peters

Patrick Peters is a graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School and a parent of two children. He is a software developer at Gallup and is finishing a master’s degree in cybersecurity. He has also been an Artist Instructor at the 402 Arts Collective.

NEXT LEVEL: Students Commit to College Athletics

Adding to a history of success within our school district athletic programs this season, 16 senior athletes so far have committed to playing a collegiate sport. They represent different sports and competitive levels.

Thomas Jefferson

Alex Alvarado has committed to Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, to play football. Victor Atupra and Richard “Jay” Webb have also decided to continue their football careers traveling to Sioux City, Iowa, together to join the Morningside University Mustangs. Senior leader Max Avalos will travel to Oskaloosa, Iowa, and play football with the Statesmen of William Penn University. Morgan Rasmussen will head to Kansas at Wesleyan University to continue her softball career. Grace Strong will head to William Penn University to play women’s soccer.

Abraham Lincoln

Liberty Bates is going to the University of Northern Iowa

to play Division I women’s soccer. Caden Dorr will travel to Indianola, Iowa, to join the Simpson College Storm football program. Mason Garreans will continue his baseball career with the Doane University Tigers in Crete, Nebraska. Zach Lincoln and Aiden Martin will head to Iowa’s Ellsworth Community College both to continue their baseball careers. Molly Romano committed to play volleyball at Wayne State College in Wayne,

Nebraska. Alli Smith will join the Wartburg College women’s soccer program in Waverly, Iowa. Chris Wailes will head north to Sioux City, Iowa, to join the Mustangs tennis program at Morningside University. Both Ava Watkins and Olivia Williams will become Wildcats as they compete with Wayne State College’s track and field programs in Wayne, Nebraska. Congratulations to all of the student-athletes who leave their

mark on your coaches, teachers, alumni, fans and our city. We are #CBProud of each one of you, and we look forward to watching you compete at the next level after finishing out your high school careers.

We also look forward to hearing about more commitments from future college student-athletes, as our seniors make their decisions about the next level, and watching our programs continue to grow!

STUDENT STARS

Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond

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.

Allen Adams (Kirn), Anthony Adams (Kirn), Lacy Gillespie (Kirn), Madelyn Honig (Kirn), Sophia Paulson (Kirn), Tyson Penry (Kirn), Jake Baluyot (Wilson), Marixza Flores (Wilson), Pailey Martens (Wilson), Kayden Ryan (Wilson)

Michael Gunn Brock (Carter

Zoe Sharp (Carter Lake), Mason Bonham (College View), Landon Harrel (College View), Dixie Liddick (College View), Lyncoln Belt (Franklin), Rylan Hansen (Franklin). Hudson Johnson (Roosevelt), Sebastian

Special Olympics High School State Bowling Qualifiers (some pictured above)

Blake Cooper (TJ), Bradley Doner (TJ), Jamie Mastel (TJ), Emmalie Morris (TJ), Jonathan Ray (TJ), Tyler Sramek (TJ), Danyella Mljenek (AL), Carly Sanders (AL), AAron WIlson (AL)

Special Olympics Elementary State Bowling Qualifiers (some pictured above)

Lake),

Poff (Roosevelt)

Special Olympics Middle School State Bowling Qualifiers (some pictured above)

Abraham Lincoln Dance Team State Qualifiers

Allissa Baumbach, Lily Boland, Lexie Brokman, Presley Canon, Taylor Ebertowski, Annette Fitch, Sonia Fitch, Reegan Haats, Leah Johnson, Madilyn Pitzer, Kyleigh Raes, Ella Schmitz, Sylvia Stott, Eliana Weilage

Iowa All-State Chorus

Gwyneth Sudario (TJ), Tyson Bentley (TJ), Gabe Russell (TJ), Atticus Walker (AL), Lily Mitchell (TJ alternate)

Iowa Junior Honors Orchestra

Gwen Woods (Wilson), Jersey George (TJ), Abigail Nelson (Kirn), Lilian Miller (AL)

Volleyball All-State 5A 1st Team Molly Romano (AL)

LIFELONG COMMITMENT

Thomas Jefferson Adds Three Alumni to Hall of Fame

Three new members were inducted Friday, November 17, 2023, into Thomas Jefferson High School’s hall of fame.

The three inductees are Doug Smith, Class of 1965, Steve Stucker, Class of 1974, and Rachel Nagunst, Class of 2003.

Inductees are alumni or past TJ educators who have had outstanding success and have exemplified character and service.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected annually by a committee of alumni.

Doug Smith

Douglas A. Smith started school at Edison before going on to serve as sophomore and junior class president at TJ, president of the student council his season year and as a member of National Honor Society.

Smith played several sports, earning honors in baseball as outstanding athlete, first team all-city and first team all-state recognitions. He went to Buena Vista College on a baseball scholarship, earning a Bachelor of Science in elementary education.

The Washington Senators drafted him his senior year in the second round, but he declined the offer. He was inducted into the Buena Vista Hall of Fame for his achievements and again for his 1968 team’s achievement of going to the NAIA College World Series.

“Doug came directly out of college back to Council Bluffs and the Council Bluffs Schools where he would ultimately serve in various capacities for 35 years,” according to his biography.

He was a sixth-grade teacher at Dodge and Peterson, and later became a counselor at Walnut Grove then principal at Lewis and Clark, Crescent, Carter Lake, Bloomer and Hoover.

“Why would I go elsewhere when I could help, support, share, and build in this community that gave me so much?” Smith said.

Steve Stucker

Steve Stucker enjoyed a 48-year career as a radio personality and TV weatherman.

He was voted Best TV Personality and/ or Meteorologist 17 years in a row, along with dozens of other awards. Two years ago, the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences admitted him into the Silver Circle

as a Lifetime Achievement Emmy Award winner. He was also inducted into the New Mexico Broadcasters Hall of Fame.

Stucker is the founder and director of Beds 4 Kidz, a nonprofit that has placed more than 17,000 people in clean, comfortable beds, free of charge. Beds 4 Kidz continues to place 200 beds every month, with each family also receiving free children’s books.

He has encouraging thousands of students to stay in school, graduate and do their best to achieve their dreams in life, regardless of their current family situation. Stucker has served as master of ceremonies for hundreds of fundraising events and is a sought-after motivational speaker.

Stucker is also an ordained pastor and chaplain, and he travels to many churches around New Mexico as a guest teacher and speaker. He has been married to his wife Rose for 30 years, and the Stuckers have four adult children and three grandchildren.

Rachel Nagunst

Rachel Nagunst was active in a variety of activities at TJ, including band, basketball and golf.

“Little did anyone know that this young student’s commitment to sports and

community would become a driving force in her life,” according to her biography. She became an assistant basketball coach at TJ upon graduation, leaving a lasting impact on the student-athletes she coached over eight seasons. She also served as an assistant softball coach for three seasons, with a focus on fostering teamwork.

Nagunst went to Iowa Western Community College and continued her studies, earning a bachelor’s degree in sports management at Bellevue University.

In 2010, she opened her own business, Anytime Tees.

Starting as a home business, Nagunst has grown it to a thriving 4,200-square-foot business. Anytime Tees primarily collaborates with local schools, organizations and nonprofits.

“Over the course of more than 13 years in business, Anytime Tees has been more than a successful enterprise,” the biography states. “It has become a vehicle for Rachel’s passion for community service. The company has donated an impressive $350,000 to the groups they work with, making a tangible and meaningful impact on the community. Rachel’s dedication to giving back echoes her lifelong commitment to community and education.”

Smith

Stucker

Nagunst

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission

SEPTEMBER: Sara Pruss Literacy Coach, Edison Elementary School

OCTOBER: Mark Smith Counselor, Kirn Middle School

NOVEMBER: Julie Friederich High School Culinary Arts Instructor, Iowa Western

DECEMBER: Tiffany Smith

Third Grade Teacher, Carter Lake Elementary School

SEPTEMBER: Staci Smith General Special Education Para, Longfellow Elementary School

OCTOBER: Jackie Schroeder General Special Education Para, Hoover Elementary School

NOVEMBER: Emily Sward Infant Room Lead, Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center

DECEMBER: Bryce Griffin Communications Specialist, Educational Service Center

FUN FACTS

Board of Education member Lauren Myers earned an Individual Achievement Award from the Iowa Association of School Boards! She completed more than 15 hours of formal learning through IASB, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning in service to our school community.

Congratulations to Kirn Middle School student Nigella Dobson and Wilson Middle School student Riley Pester on winning the Council Bluffs Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest, with the honor of having their artwork displayed on a Council Bluffs Fire Department Truck!

More than 650 fifth grade students from all 10 of our Council Bluffs elementary schools performed in the annual All-City 5th Grade Music Festival in mid-January.

The CB Schools is featured in the national Business View Magazine, an online publication that focuses on business, industry and municipal organizations. The November issue included nine school districts in the country, including Council Bluffs, providing an opportunity to share our story with a national audience.

The School Administrators of Iowa members recognized CB Schools Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo at the regional level. “SAI is pleased to celebrate the contributions and leadership of school superintendents dedicated to serving students and their communities,” Lisa Remy, SAI’s executive director, said in a news release.

IMPORTANT DATES

Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org

First-Time Kindergarten Parent Meeting

March 7

End Quarter 3 (No School)

March 25

Spring Break

March 26 – March 29

Kindergarten Round-Up

April 4, 4:15 to 6 p.m. all elementary schools

Preschool Screening

April 8, noon to 6 p.m. all elementary schools & Anne E. Nelson

Early Learning Center

Senior Last Day

May 17

High School Graduations

May 17, 7 p.m. (AL)

May 18, 10 a.m. (TJ)

Last Day / End 2nd Semester (Early Out) May 24