Achieve Spring 2024

Message from Superintendent Dr.

Vickie Murillo

I am proud to present another “Achieve” Magazine to our school district community spread throughout Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent!

The stories in this edition of the magazine showcase our new STEM pathway in Aviation, feature our College & Career Decision Day and celebrate the accomplishments of our students, staff and alumni.

I am proud of the academic progress our students have demonstrated this school year, as well as the collective efforts to support student wellbeing. These efforts to ensure all students are prepared for the future are paying great dividends. We are excited to share that 132 graduating seniors earned their degree, diploma or certificate from Iowa Western Community College a week before they received their high school diploma!

The summer will be full of opportunities for students to participate in our Camp Summer Explore and our Summer Meals programs, and in the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation-sponsored Kids & Company camp.

Throughout the next months, we will be busy preparing for another fantastic school year of opportunities for our students to be engaged in their learning and in all of the clubs, athletics and activities that contribute to the overall educational experience.

Thanks to our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and their support that makes it possible to distribute this award-winning magazine to our community members and partners. We appreciate connecting with you, and showcasing for you all of the engaging and future-focused teaching and learning inside our classrooms, as well as the accomplishments of our students, staff and alumni.

We appreciate your interest in the initiatives that are making a positive impact on students and our community’s future. Please contact us, visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more or to suggest story ideas for future editions of our magazine. We would love to hear from you!

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: Freshman Tristin Phillips operates a drone outside of Abraham Lincoln High School. The Council Bluffs Schools added an opportunity for students to obtain a drone pilot certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration to its lineup of Diploma Plus One Pathways. Read more about it 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 18 | Spring 2024

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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

PATH FORWARD

Seniors Celebrate Their Commitment to Next Level

Students cheered for each other as 159 members of the Class of 2024 volunteered to take the spotlight by taking part in the annual College and Career Decision Day celebrations held at Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools.

TJ senior Gavin Rothmeyer plans to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln to study engineering and participate in the swim team.

“I like to be relatively close, and it worked out pretty well,” Rothmeyer said.

The annual tradition is inspired by the signing events student-athletes hold to announce where they will play collegiate sports, but the event extends the opportunity to everyone pursuing a college degree, career training and military pathways after graduation.

The festivities surrounding Decision Day not only celebrated students’ decisions but also inspired underclassmen who are still following their Diploma Plus One pathways toward post-graduation plans.

AL senior Claire Schoening said she’s excited to go to the University of Northern Iowa with several college credits already earned. She said the pep rally environment at Decision Day helped provide some encouragement for graduating seniors.

“Decision Day helps us seniors get excited for the future,” Schoening said.

SOARING AHEAD

Students’ Suggestion Launches New Aviation Pathway

The future of a group of Council Bluffs high school students took flight this spring with the launch of a new Aviation Science Pathway.

Among the latest offerings to the Council Bluffs Community School District’s signature Diploma Plus One initiative, the development of the program was spurred at the request of students who were interested in exploring a career in aviation and the many fields hiring unmanned aerial vehicle operators.

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said the district’s students are “stepping up continually to show us they’re ready to Achieve More,” including the students who approached her to add the aviation pathway.

A teacher stepped up, too, earning the certifications necessary to teach the course, and now about a dozen students will finish the school year by becoming Federal Aviation Administration certified remote pilots.

Murillo said the credential will allow them to get jobs operating drones, such as roofing companies conducting inspections, real estate firms listing properties, construction companies using drones to survey projects, and emerging opportunities in agriculture.

“I can tell you, our students now have a voice,” Murillo said at the annual Education Is Everyone’s Business luncheon.” They are looking for ways to leave our school district with that market value add, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

Junior Laycie Stark is one of those students who was excited for the chance to learn about operating drones.

“I’ve always been interested in joining the Air Force when I’m older,” Stark said. “This teaches me things about maps and symbols that I might need to know.”

Ryan Higgins is the instructor for the drone

course, bringing insight from his experience with Project Lead The Way, engineering design and development and this latest offering within STEM — short for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Anytime we introduce a cutting-edge industry to kids, especially in a STEM industry like this, it is vitally important that kids have access to this,” he said. “Also, it’s a lot of fun.”

Higgins said many career fields now rely

on drones, whether that’s creating maps for geographic information systems, real estate sales, farming or any field using videography.

“It’s a growing industry, and a lot of what these kids end up doing may not exist at this point now,” he said. “It’s preparing them by giving them tools.”

Freshman Tristin Phillips said he’s learned a lot about how airspace is kept safe. He noted that Council Bluffs has airspace where rules are in place to protect aircraft as they fly near airports, where air traffic controllers focus on preventing traffic conflicts.

“We have to receive authorization and let them know that we’ll be flying,” Phillips said.

Phillips said he was drawn to learning about drones because it’s a concurrent enrollment class with Iowa Western Community College. Once he turns 16, he’ll be eligible to take the FAA certification exam.

He said he’s trying to earn as many credits as he can prior to graduation, and he’s hoping to also participate in the Early College Academy before studying business after he graduates from Abraham Lincoln High School.

Drones are also just fun to fly, he said.

“You experiment with them, Phillips said. “It’s also fun flying something that we didn’t know we had to have a license for.”

Teacher Ryan Higgins, right, shows a group of students in the new drone program how he is controlling a quadcopter outside of Abraham Lincoln High School. Higgins said there are many career opportunities for the future drone pilots.

The drones have high-quality cameras, he said, and they use Wi-Fi to communicate. He said they’re nicer drones than students might go out and buy for themselves.

Like many of the other Diploma Plus One Pathways, the drone aviation program also prepares students to continue their studies.

Students can continue into a program in aviation or aviation maintenance technology at Iowa Western Community College, or they can go to other schools such as the Aviation Institute at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Both UNO and Iowa Western operate out of the Council Bluffs Municipal Airport, which is currently investing in improvements as it’s one of the busiest airports in Iowa.

The aviation industry has faced workforce shortages, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for students in careers as pilots or aircraft maintenance workers, in addition to drone operators. Among its offerings, UNO even has a bachelor’s degree concentrating in unmanned aircraft systems.

Interest in the new Aviation Science Pathway in the Council Bluffs Schools has grown, with more students enrolled for next year. Higgins said they are required to take a prerequisite class in aerospace engineering.

Higgins said that several junior reserve officer training corps (JROTC) students are planning to participate.

There’s also been interest from community members who use drones. For example, the Council Bluffs Police Department visited the class to present to students.

“They came in and presented their drone to us,” Higgins said. They had (virtual reality) goggles that kids could wear.”

Students were shown how police could use the drone

during missions, including tracking someone who is trying to evade capture or to check around corners or other spaces in a dangerous environment.

Stark said she has found the class helpful, and she’s excited to earn her FAA certificate along with the opportunities that

will provide, including those available if she ultimately doesn’t pursue the military.

“Going into other STEM opportunities is something that I’m really open to, and taking these classes leaves that open for me,” she said. “It’s giving me a lot of opportunities.”

Students in the drone program at Abraham Lincoln High School are able to practice their drone piloting skills in the Drone Zone, an indoor obstacle course environment.

STATE CHAMPION: TJ Junior Bowler Stands Out

Kendall Bell missed the finals in the 2A individual state bowling tournament by three pins in 2023 — leaving him with a goal to make the final frame in 2024.

He focused on his goal, and he achieved it, ending the 2023-24 season as the champion of the Missouri River Conference and as district runner-up, before going on to become state champion.

Bell’s average was a 215.65 during the course of the season, and he put it all together at the state tournament. He followed a 234 with a 226 and then a 222 in the pre-bracket play for a 682 series. He went on to earn a spot in the finals, clinching the championship with scores of 224, 220 and 203.

His efforts earned him honors from radio

station KMA, which named him its KMALand Bowler of the Year.

In addition, Abraham Lincoln junior Carter Schwiesow, was a 3A Individual state bowling qualifier who placing fourth in the qualifying meet with a game series of 681.

At the state meet, he bowled 222, 188 and 221 to finish 24th overall in the 3A division.

Carter led the Lynx at the Missouri River Conference meet with a third-place finish, helping to earn first team all conference honors and the conference team championship. He was named to the KMALand all-junior team.

COMMUNITY SHOWCASE: Musical Talents Displayed

Community members gathered March 11 to celebrate the musical talents of middle school and high school students in the Council Bluffs Community School District. Show choirs from the four schools proudly performed throughout the year. The Community Showcase offered an opportunity, outside of a competitive environment, for the friends, family and public to enjoy their singing and dancing.

AT LEFT: Thomas Jefferson’s Kendall Bell and his coach Matt Young celebrate Bell’s victory at the 2024 State Bowling Tournament’s 2A Individual Competition.

Abraham Lincoln

Thomas Jefferson Kirn

Wilson

FINDING SUCCESS: Opportunity Knocks for Avalos

Max Avalos is formidable on the gridiron. But the Thomas Jefferson High School senior has more than his football prowess as he builds a future for himself.

The Council Bluffs Community School District’s TradeWorks Academy has opened the door to a career in the skilled trades, while academic success at TJ — along with hard work as a student-athlete — made college possible when there was a time Avalos doubted that was a possibility for himself.

Avalos started his academic journey at Rue Elementary before attending Wilson and TJ. He’d be the first to admit he wasn’t the role model for a student in those earlier years, but he’s become a standout that Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo has highlighted as a prime example of the opportunities students in the Council Bluffs Schools can pursue.

Avalos was a key contributor to the Yellow Jackets football team, earning All-City honors from The Nonpareil as well as All-District second team honors for his 2023 performance as an offensive lineman.

After receiving several offers to play football, Avalos announced he plans to attend William Penn University in Oskaloosa this fall.

In addition to a position on the team, Avalos will begin his college career with several credits already on his transcript thanks to enrolling in Advanced Placement courses.

“I had a sister who also took AP classes through TJ, and she

pushed me every day to sign up for those classes,” he said.

Avalos also worked on securing scholarships through his school’s talented and gifted seminar. He received support to understand the financial implications of the various colleges he considered.

He’s also spent time this year helping those following in his footsteps at TJ by serving as a freshman mentor. Avalos said he has been able to share lessons he learned the hard way, so they can more easily find success.

“There’s a group of like kids that remind me a lot of me when I was younger,” Avalos said, noting he talked to them immediately before the interview. “They

were outside skateboarding, and they came up to me, they gave me a hand shake, ‘How you doing?’ So, yeah, I do talk to him pretty often. It’s not just in that (freshman mentoring) class. I try to interact with them and show positivity.”

TJ has a lot of positive students, he said, and he said the success of the football team has helped to boost school spirit, including celebrating the players such as Avalos going onto college.

Avalos said the Diploma Plus One Pathways also contributed to increased enthusiasm. He said he chose to learn welding, giving

himself a future career option.

“We set our kids up to succeed, and that’s a big part of it,” Avalos said. “Welding is a good skill to have,” he said. “It’s good to be able to work with your hands.”

Now he wants to study exercise science and business, so he can become a personal trainer and eventually open his own gym to help athletes succeed.

Avalos expects he will return to Council Bluffs, given his roots in the community and how family, teachers, coaches and peers have invested in his growth.

“I grew up here, and they gave me everything I ever needed,” Avalos said. “I’ve been given all the resources I need to succeed.”

LEADER: AL Graduate Takes Foundation Into Future

Council Bluffs Schools alumni continue to fill leadership ranks in the local community.

Among them is Bridgette Watson, who is the new Executive Director of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation.

With a record of dedication and success in the Foundation, Watson brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to our community and the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Watson replaces Chris LaFerla, who is now the Executive Director and CEO of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce and its affiliate, The 712 Initiative.

LaFerla is a alumnus of Thomas Jefferson. Watson is a alumna of Abraham Lincoln. Both previously held positions at Iowa Western Community College.

Watson was previously Director of Development for the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation.

“Having been a part of this incredible organization for the past five years, I am aware of the vital role it plays in supporting our schools and shaping the future of our community,” Watson said upon her appointment. “I look forward to collaborating with our dedicated team and partners to build upon our successes and ensure that all students, families, and staff have the resources and support they need to thrive.”

BEYOND

THE CLASSROOM

Jackets, Lynx Show Their Talents in Athletics, Activities

Featured TJ students, from top left:

Jordan Dewaele

• TJ Girls Soccer • Cara Ronk • Brianne

Hansen • Ashton

Schubert • Derreck

Roche • Ashleigh Ronk• Mayson

Kramer • Teagan Peterson

Featured AL students, from top left:

Chris Wales • Cooper Haddix • Lilian Miller • Bria

Murphy • Kaylie

Holt • Lydia Dix

• Trystan Wilcox • Kowen Dighton • Aleesha Mascarenas

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Toohey Celebrated With Community Impact Award

In the spirit of community impact, it is tradition for the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation to recognize a special person who is working to improve the lives of our children and families and create a better future for the Council Bluffs community during the annual Education is Everyone’s Business Luncheon.

Dr. Susan Toohey is one of those individuals. As the Director of Educational Initiatives for the Lozier Foundation since 2014, Dr. Toohey is immersed in projects that make a difference in our metropolitan area. She exemplifies the Community Impact award’s name through funding and partnerships to expand educational opportunities and to shine a light on educational leadership. As an educator herself, she understands and appreciates what an investment in schools and educators can do for the broader community.

“When you hear about the major projects and initiatives in our Council Bluffs Schools, you can be sure that Dr. Toohey played a role,” said Diane Ostrowski, Chief Communications Officer for the Council Bluffs Schools and a Schools Foundation board member.

Most recently, she championed funding from the Lozier Foundation for the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center so that our school district could bring this vision to life for children and families for many years to come. Her handprint is also on the transformation of the Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex, as well as the implementation of the TradeWorks Academies at our high schools.

Dr. Toohey’s contributions shine through her commitment to students of all ages and to their future success.

After the announcement, Toohey said she was humbled to receive the award.

“I couldn’t do all the great things that are happening here in Council Bluffs without the support and, obviously, the financial backing of The Lozier Foundation,” Toohey said at the luncheon. “The only way we can make it work for all of our children to have an equal playing field is if we all pitch in a little bit.”

The luncheon also featured a keynote address presented jointly by Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo and Steve Gering, a career educator who has worked for more than 30 years in urban and suburban districts as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, principal, district administrator, deputy superintendent, and consultant, including in Council Bluffs.

The keynote provided insight into how the education of yesterday and today might be reimagined to meet the needs of the future, here in our own community.

ROLE MODELS

Abraham Lincoln Adds Three Alumni to Hall of Fame

Three new members were inducted Friday, March 18, 2024, into Abraham Lincoln High School’s hall of fame.

The three inductees are Eldeen H. Kauffman, a 1940 graduate who had a career in the military and was honored posthumously; JoAnn Cooper Tews, a 1962 graduate who had a career in education; and Matt Johnson, a 1988 graduate who has a career in business.

Biographies of the inductee were prepared by AL students as introductory speeches, and shorter versions of those appear below.

Eldeen H. Kauffman by AL junior Kaci Wohlers Col. Eldeen H. Kauffmann served the United States Army for 30 years.

Kauffman graduated from Abraham Lincoln in 1940 and attended Wentworth Military Academy, proceeding to graduate as a first lieutenant with an associates degree in 1942.

Kauffman was featured in the biography “Follow Me and Die” in which he shared his experiences from World War II. Under heavy gunfire, shrapnel and wounded men, Kauffman was forced to think and act quickly as a company commander.

His quick thinking led to him radioing a nearby tank to fire on a house where a sniper was barricaded. Kauffmann then entered the shattered building, locating two officers and seven enlisted men. Kauffman shot one of the officers who raised his weapon, and the remaining men then surrendered.

Over his career, Kauffman served in Korea, Vietnam, occupied Germany and Japan. He lived in many places around the world.

Kauffman was promoted to a full colonel in 1965. His promotion recommendation letter cited “his display of diplomacy and ability to work in harmony with other military services and other government agencies.”

Kauffman was awarded a Purple Heart, Silver Star and Distinguished Service Cross. He passed away in 2009 at the age 87. He is remembered as a perfect gentleman, a man of courage and a great friend who touched many lives.

His son Micheal said of his dad, “I have always been very much in awe of my father and still am — that is I’m proud of him and how he has lived his life.”

JoAnn Cooper Tews by AL junior Emily Billings

Joann Cooper Tews taught for 40 years and spent seven years as a classroom aide, touching the lives of the many other teachers and teacher mentors.

Tews graduated from Abraham Lincoln in 1962. She described her time at AL as “quiet.”

Tews attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and earned a Bachelor of Science in 1970. Tews later went back to UNO for her Master of Science in Special Education.

Tews was able to lead in the classroom. She started as a teacher’s aide at Rue Elementary while she was in college.

She taught for 40 years at Walnut Grove Elementary School. Her favorite groups were fourth and sixth graders because she felt they were always open to new ideas and eager to learn.

Tews was able to reach and encourage struggling students and help many to find the road to success. Her nominator wrote, “It was magic to watch a group of teachers fall under her spell as she explained a new idea for a lesson, or the organization for the upcoming softball season. Her compassion and knowledge immediately touched whichever audience she might be addressing.”

Reading Council and served as president, vice president and membership chair and on the board of the Southwest Iowa Education Association. Tews is a past president of the Council Bluffs Education Association. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels, which she felt was very impactful because people were appreciative and very kind.

She was awarded the Nelson Family Foundation Excellence in Teaching award as well as the UNO Distinguished Alumni Award.

Matt Johnson by AL senior Leah Johnson

Matt Johnson continues to live and own businesses in Council Bluffs because of his family and love of the community.

His favorite part about Council Bluffs is “the way the town embraces small businesses and makes it easy to have a business here.”

Johnson started his studies at Iowa Western Community College and went on to the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He worked in real estate for three years before he opened Repetition’s Restaurant and Bar.

A few years later, he purchased Dirty Harry’s on the historic 100 Block and converted it to Barley’s — a place to eat, drink, and gather.

He expanded the property in 2006, and it has become a pillar of the 100 Block. Recently, Johnson has started renovating another historic building on the 100 Block to operate as a ghost kitchen.

Johnson is also known for his involvement. Johnson is a member of the Council Bluffs Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors and Iowa Western Board of Trustees. Johnson also serves on the Council Bluffs Community Schools Business Advisory committee, the Kitchen Council Advisory Board and co-chairs the Black Tie Scholarship Fundraiser at Iowa Western. He has previously served the 712 Initiative, Historic Preservation Commission and Bluffs Downtown.

He is an advocate for the 100 Block and played helped bring back a farmer’s market.

Tews also served as a leader outside of the classroom. She was one of the original six people who formed the Midlands of Iowa

Johnson also has received many notable awards and honors, including the 2015 Iowa Western Alumni of the Year as well as the Iowa Restaurant Association’s 2016 Iowa Restaurant Neighbor Philanthropy Award and 2020 Hospitality Owner of the Year.

Kauffman

Tews

Johnson

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.

National DECA Competition Qualifier

Keegan Miller, Integrated Marketing Campaign (AL)

Iowa State Bowling Tournament Qualifiers

Carter Schwiesow, Division 3A

Kendall Bell, Division 2A

(Read more about them on Page 6)

IA-951 Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Drill Team

Korbin Brunow, Kayley Coffey, Lila Conant, Ayden Fairman, Joseph Hibbert, Alanna Huggins, Aubrey Jarzynka, Hailey Merit, Hanna Merit, Alex Meza, Chris Meza, Cheyenna Rankin, Xander Rowland, Lexi Van Riper, Alex Van Sickle, Kaci Wohlers

Third Brigade Drill Meet in Leavenworth, Kansas: Unarmed Exhibition Drill, 1st Place; Novice Division Unarmed Drill, 1st Place; Novice Division Overall, 2nd Place; Unarmed Regulation Drill, 2nd Place; Armed Color Guard, 3rd Place

AFJROTC Nationals: Hibbert also performed an Armed Solo Exhibition at the Air Force Junior ROTC Open Drill Nationals, earning second place overall in the field.

Iowa Technology Students Association Conference

Abraham Lincoln (above)

Daniel Cannon, 1st Place, Music Production; Wyatt Conrad (not pictured), Nick Nielsen and Samantha Richard, 2nd Place, Webmaster.

Thomas Jefferson (at right)

Matthew Nichols and Nick Brown (not pictured), 2nd place, Computer Coding

All-State Speech Individual (TJ)

All-State Speech Individual (AL)

Sterling Angeroth Expository Address

Emily Newby (not pictured)

Prose and Literary Program

Special Olympics State Basketball Qualifiers

Cooper Walker (1st place), Mason Bonham (1st place),

James Lincoln (2nd place),

Abigail Zitek (3rd place),

Laura Orwig Reeves (2nd place), Tyler Sramek (1st place)

All-State Speech Group (AL)

HOSA National Leadership Conference Qualifiers

Valeria Martinez Contreras — 1st Place, Pathophysiology; 2nd Place, Dental Terminology

McKenna Morgan — 1st Place, Medical Law and Ethics; 3rd Place, Home Health Aide

Kelsie Opal — 4th Place (Alternate), Nursing Assisting

State Wrestling Tournament

Girls Tournament Qualifiers (pictured at left)

Chloe Wieland (125 lbs) (CB Squirrels)

Cierra Wieland (130 lbs) (CB Squirrels)

Boys 3A Tournament Qualifiers (pictured at right)

Jaymeson Vander Velde (120 lbs) (AL)

Matt Long (165 lbs) (AL)

Parker Herzog (157 lbs) (AL)

Noah Phillips (126 lbs) (TJ)

Gabe Russell Solo Musical Theatre

Tyson Bentley Acting

Vall Clark

Ollie Brown (not pictured)

Theo Blue (not pictured)

Radio News Broadcasting

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission

JANUARY: Katie Bockenstedt Kindergarten Teacher, Franklin Elementary

FEBRUARY: Jacob Haden Behavior Consultant, Wilson Middle School

MARCH: Amy Murray Reading Interventionist, Carter Lake Elementary

JANUARY: Dawn Von Mende Special Education Paraeducator, College View Elementary

FEBRUARY: Rizza Kriley Paraeducator, Kirn Middle School

MARCH: Melinda Smith Preschool Teacher Assistant, Bloomer Elementary

FUN FACTS

JayLynn Hough, Emma LaFerla and Penny Driscoll received a letter from President Joe Biden in response their International Baccalaureate exhibition at College View Elementary School. Their project explored gender pay gap solutions.

Dan Black was named a finalist for the 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year award. Black is a 16-year music educator at Kirn Middle School and is a master at developing positive relationships with students.

Thomas Jefferson student Myles Auten’s artwork (shown at left) was accepted into Buena Vista University’s 2024 WISE Art Show. The juried art show displays work from high schoolers at BVU’s Storm Lake campus from across an eight-state region.

Rachel Swanger’s thousands of hours of work paid off. The TJ student became the District’s first student to complete a Registered Apprenticeship. Lozier provided this workbased learning opportunity.

Our students regularly share talents with the Council Bluffs Board of Education, including the TJ Jazz Band (left) and AL Musical Theater (right), to be recognized for their artistic efforts.

Kids Eat Free!

Meals available Monday through Friday from June 3 through August 2, 2024 (except on July 4 & July 5)

Thomas Jefferson High School

Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Lunch: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Roosevelt Elementary Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM Lunch: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Longfellow Elementary

Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Lunch: 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Lewis & Clark Elementary

Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Lunch: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Rue Elementary — JUNE

Lunch: 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM

Rue Elementary — JULY Breakfast: 8:30 AM to 9:00 AM

Lunch: 11:45 AM to 12:15 PM

Carter Lake Boys & Girls Club

Breakfast: 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM

Lunch: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM

Charles E. Lakin YMCA Breakfast: 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM

Council Bluffs Public Library

Lunch: 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Carter Lake Public Library

Lunch: 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM

Council Bluffs Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children ages 1 to 18 without charge. Meals will be provided, at a first come, first serve basis. Meals will be available to eat on site and cannot be taken out of the meal facility. Meals will be distributed at the locations listed from June 3 to Aug. 2. All sites will be closed on July 4 and 5. For any questions please contact Lisa Stewart, Director of Nutrition Services, at (712) 328-6420. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

To view menus, please visit cb-schools.org/summerlunch

Look for the Summer Meal Banner at each site.