Hello to our school district neighbors in Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent! Thank you for your interest in our schools and the successes of our community’s children. Together, with our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, we present this quarterly magazine to keep you informed about our school district initiatives and achievements.
Inside this edition of our magazine, I hope you will enjoy seeing the proud faces of our 2024 graduates who earned a record number of second credentials through our Diploma +1 Pathways. We are also pleased to showcase some of our outstanding and dedicated staff members who support the development of each child throughout their educational journey.
We look forward to a school year filled with enriching experiences for students in and out of the classroom. From the classrooms and labs to the fields, courts and stages, our students will Achieve More than ever before.
Please join me in thanking our nutrition staff for providing our community with free summer meals the past two months, and to our IT and Facilities, Maintenance and Custodial team members who have worked tirelessly this summer to prepare our technology, school buildings and outdoor spaces to enhance the educational experience for all students.
We invite our community to support student success in the coming year by encouraging our community’s children to attend school every day and do their best. We also invite you to attend games, concerts, plays and art shows to see student talent on display.
Please visit our newly refreshed website to learn more. Here’s to an outstanding school year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Vickie Murillo Superintendent
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: Graduates Allan Nataren-Munoz from Thomas Jefferson High School and Shelby Lee from Abraham Lincoln High School smile for the camera at the Mid-America Center during graduation. Read more about the Class of 2024 and the accomplishments of its members 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 19 | Summer 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
Abraham Lincoln’s Class of 2024 had 299 graduates
Class Song: “Congratulations” by Post Malone Class Flower: Sunflower
“Only by believing in your Big Dream and nurturing it will you be able to achieve it. Surround yourself with optimists that encourage and appreciate your aspirations. Ignore the static that tries to drag you off-course.’”
— Emily Newby, commencement speaker
Class Motto
“Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift. And that’s why it’s called the present.”
Thomas Jefferson’s Class of 2024 had 249 graduates
Class Song: “Good Old Days” by Macklemore featuring Kesha Class Flower: Dahlia
Class Motto
“Sometimes you may never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.”
“Through all the events we have gone through in our years as Yellow Jackets, we finished here, together. So, my definition for Yellow Jackets is a group that works through hardship, perseveres, and sticks together.”
— Ryan Smith, commencement speaker
KEEPING THE PROMISE
Students Guaranteed ‘Future Ready’ by Graduation
The Council Bluffs Community School District makes a promise to its students to ensure they are ready for what comes next.
The District’s second strategic goal states it clearly: “Guarantee each graduate is future ready.”
For this year, the District wants 90% of the Class of 2025 to earn a high school diploma and a second credential. The Class of 2024 had 87% meet that target, including summer graduates, which exceeded the goal of 85%.
“Our students have continued to meet this goal every year,” said Melissa Comine, the Chief of Secondary Schools .
The Class of 2024 earned a total of 808 credentials — so many earned more than one additional credential beyond their diploma.
Comine said the Class of 2024 also brought in $9.6 million in scholarships, including a national Gates Scholar full-ride scholarship for the second year in a row.
The students took advantage of a variety of Diploma +1 Pathways available to them, including:
• 17 who earned a Seal of Biliteracy.
• 24 who completed the Early College Academy.
• 86 who earned at least 24 credits in the College Credit Acceleration Pathway, including six earning associate degrees.
• 61 who finished a Career and Academic Pathway, including one associate degree.
• 359 who earned a National Career Readiness Certificate from ACT WorkKeys.
• 31 who earned a Transition Alliance Program Workplace Credential
• 174 who earned both a TradeWorks Academy NCCER Credential and an OSHA 10.
• 46 who earned a TradeWorks at Iowa Western Community College certificate or diploma.
• 10 who earned an Air Force Junior ROTC Leadership and Employability Skills Certificate
. “I am so proud of the growth in our Career and Academic Pathway program,” Comine said. “Not only did this Pathway continue to grow in terms of the number of students earning a second credential, but we are celebrating some new firsts in this Pathway.”
The new Aviation Academy had its first four seniors earn an FAA Part 107 Certification Unmanned Aircraft General License, which allows them to operate drones for commercial purposes. A program for a certificate in business administration in its second year had its first two graduates, and this fall the program will begin to offer concurrent enrollment courses.
The Career and Academic Pathway had its first student
graduate with an Associate of Applied Science degree in computer programming after earning 66 credits. The student was also an intern for the Council Bluffs Schools this spring.
Six students earned their early childhood education credential, with three working the summer school program at Longfellow as paid interns and two completing the Early Childhood Education Registered Apprenticeships via the U.S. Department of Labor.
PREPARING FOR STUDENTS
Checking in on Technology, Facilities & Warehouse
Kourtney Butler lifts an Acer Predator Orion 5000 highperformance desktop computer out of its box.
The system is one of 10 being prepared for the Council Bluffs Schools’ new middle school career and college exploratory program.
Kourtney, who is a technology support specialist, says the Technology department deploys the computers to classrooms, installs software and ensures they are connected and secured.
A lot of new tech flows into schools in the summer months.
“We do a full building sweep of every single building in the District that is looking for any old, lost or damaged tech,” Kourtney says. “We then repair technology, replacing any broken or old.”
Then there are the Chromebooks. More than a thousand new Chromebooks are all set up, configured, inventoried and then made ready to put into the hands of students. That is on top of repairs to existing devices.
“We renew technology, update technology licenses and software, and look into implementing new changes,” Kourtney says.
The department has five high school interns, she says, who “help work on tickets while we work on their people skills and hardware skills” — providing a hands-on learning experience that’s a win-win.
Chris Nymann is buffing the floors of Thomas Jefferson High School, keeping the wax from becoming scuffed up while also preserving the investments made in the school building.
“We are proud to make the school great,” Chris says. “We stay late when we need to — from waxing floors to painting to ceiling tiles to carpets, we do anything we need to do to make this look good for the District.”
Chris, who is the head custodian, says the summer involves a lot of adjusting to the summer camps, summer school and other activities in each of the buildings.
“We prioritize also making sure the school is ready,” he says, crediting the team at TJ for all of their efforts. “To be the best, you have to work with the best.”
The summer break allows for classrooms to be cleaned and put back together.
Custodians clean and repaint walls, wash windows, and powerwash hallway floors. In the hallways, the floors are sanded and the wax is replaced. Handrails get repainted. At TJ, new display screens were put up in the hallways. Together, the coordinated effort results in the buildings being refreshed by the first bell of the fall.
“We get things done together as a team,” Chris says. “We make this a lot better of an environment for kids.”
Ricardo Escobar Ramos delivers reams and reams of printer paper to the Council Bluffs Community School District’s copy center, which serves educators across the District.
“We’ve been delivering all the heavy stuff that we have to in the summer,” the Nutrition Services warehouse driver says. “We’re about to receive some books as well. We will get all this stuff ready and out of the way so that when school starts, we can jump into our daily routine.”
Once school begins, his team will pivot to transport meals and other day-to-day materials — such as paper towels, soap and other cleaning supplies — across the District.
The District warehouse is inventoried over the summer and orders are placed so they’re ready once school resumes.
“We make sure that we have all the stuff that we’re going to need for the school year in stock,” Ricardo says. “It’s pretty much everything that they use in the schools, as far as supplies go.”
In his role, Ricardo says he makes sure school custodians on his route have plenty of supplies so they are never at risk of running out.
“I establish a pretty good relationship with the custodians throughout the District and the schools that I have,” he says.
BIG IMPACT: Introducing Iowa’s Largest Video Board
You won’t be able to miss it.
A new video board is being installed at Wickersham Stadium this fall that promises to take the Council Bluffs Community School District’s marquee venue to the next level.
In fact, the new video board will be the largest in any high school stadium in Iowa.
Spanning 47 feet wide by 26 feet tall, the second video board at the stadium will show a mix of live content replays, produced packages and advertising to the audience attending games.
Students will produce content for the board, providing them with a unique hands-on learning opportunity, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said.
“In the Council Bluffs Schools, we are proud to create a school experience that promotes school spirit and opportunities for students to be engaged in and out of the classroom,” Murillo said. “As part of this effort, we are continuing to invest in our school facilities, including our Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex that was transformed nearly 10 years ago, and has been a tremendous source of pride.”
“We’ll be able to take the ads we sell and pay each year what the board will cost us,” Murillo told the Board of Education.
While the board puts Council Bluffs at the leading edge of what student-athletes can expect from athletic facilities, it’s necessary to replace the existing video board.
Murillo said the current board is running on outdated technology and its manufacturer no longer is making parts. District officials are having to salvage parts when other school districts elect to get rid of their video boards, meaning sooner or later repairs would be impractical.
According to Chief Technology Officer John Stile, the new board brings in the latest technology and will be able to showcase high-definition graphics.
When the board debuts in September, it will also mean the start of a new marketing opportunity for community businesses.
Digital advertising is available for the board to bring a larger-than-life presence, allowing businesses to reach out to both local residents and potential out-of-town customers. Those advertisers will also be supporting the Council Bluffs Schools and its taxpayers, as the District expects to raise enough revenue from ad sales to pay for the cost of the board, which will be repaid over to the course of five years — after which the board offers a potential source of additional revenue to support students.
An estimated 53 events are planned at the Wickersham Stadium each year, including both Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson varsity football games, boys and girls varsity soccer, the girls varsity soccer regionals and both high school and middle school track meets, including the all-city relays.
Any businesses interested in partnering with the Council Bluffs Schools for advertising can email communications@cb-schools.org to request more information.
TRANSFORMED: Crescent Becomes Practice Facility
Hard work is the foundation of what takes someone from good to great.
Students in the Council Bluffs Schools preparing for success in extracurricular competition have a new resource this year..
The former school building in Crescent will become a training site for high school students working to improve their skills.
While the new name of the repurposed building has not been agreed upon by the school board, the site will provide space for year-round and off-season training for student competitors.
Space within the building is being designed for use by the robotics clubs as well as the baseball and golf teams. Among the planned amenities are a golf simulator, which will let studentathletes work on their swings
and not have to worry about tee times, access to a driving range or inclement weather.
The repurposed building will be available to students after school and on the weekends, which also allows for flexibility for training or practices, so those looking to level up are able to do so at the times that work best for them and without spending time
setting back up and tearing down equipment.
Crescent Elementary was closed at the end of the 202223 school year after years of low enrollment, which prompted discussions about the best future use for the building.
Reopening its doors at the beginning of the school year as a training facility allows the building
to continue to serve an important role in the school district.
“This additional space allows students to practice, prepare and train for competitions,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “I am excited for our athletes to have greater access to training opportunities and to see our robotics teams set up in their own dedicated practice space.”
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Jackets, Lynx Athletes Hit the Diamond
The annual Alumni & Friends Golf Outing was held at Dodge Riverside Golf Course on Friday, July 12.
The Alumni Golf Outing is all about the strong connections within our school community and our shared dedication to helping the next generation of students.
In the last two years, the event has raised more than $40,000 to support classroom grants, emergency assistance for students in need, and programs that encourage student growth outside the classroom. These donations have a huge impact, boosting educational opportunities and offering essential support where it’s really needed.
The scramble featured teams designated to represent Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools. At the conclusion of the tournament, scores were tallied and Abraham Lincoln High School was announced the winner!
As always, a huge thank you goes out to our incredible community of alumni and friends as well as our generous sponsors: Cox Communication, Joe Clanton with Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate, Gabe Petratis, RP Legacy Group, HUB International, BCDM, Craig & Kayleigh Showers with Inotek, Todd Cook with Next Home in the Bluffs, and Frontier Savings Bank, as well as the 18 businesses and individuals who contributed as hole sponsors.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
Community Invited to Games and Performances
Students in the Council Bluffs Community School District always provide plenty of reasons for their supporters to cheer.
There’s a wide array of athletic competitions along with talented performing arts events, as well as VEX robotics tournaments, fundraisers, and other special events — just to name a few of the opportunities.
Anyone is welcome to attend a public event in the Council Bluffs schools and to support students in our community, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said.
“I invite all of our community members to attend a game, performance or show so you can see our student talent on display!” Murillo said. “There’s nothing like a high school game where students, parents, fans and alumni can join together to cheer on their team and show school spirit!”
District website, cb-schools.org.
You can follow the social media channels for specific programs, schools and the District to find out more about upcoming events.
Buy tickets online for sports
Heading out to the game? Be sure to buy your ticket online for AL and TJ home games and other activities requiring admission.
Tickets are available through Bound, where you can find details on schedules, news and more.
Find TJ on Bound at gobound. com/ia/schools/cbjefferson. Please note that tickets cannot be purchased for cash at the gate.
Seniors get free admission
Senior citizens are eligible to obtain a senior admission pass, providing admission to Districtsponsored events, at no cost. Call 712-328-6446 or stop by the District’s Educational Service Center inside the Omni Centre Business Park to obtain a pass.
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.
Brayden Masek 3rd PlaceSheet Metal Competition National Competitor
State History Day
Dutch Smith
Individual Paper, Senior Division National History Day Qualifiers
Kaia Schleifman
Individual Documentary, Senior Division
African American History Award
National History Day Qualifiers
Emily Newby
Girls Soccer All-State
Jose Avalos Rosas also: Gates Scholar
Aleesha Mascarenas
Gavin Rothmeyer
Gant
Individual Documentary, Senior Division Obermann Beck Scholarship Recipient National History Day Qualifiers
Isaiah Burget
Individual Exhibit, Senior Division National History Day Qualifiers
Anna Johnson
State History Day Finalist
Individual Documentary, Junior Division
State History Day (continued)
Angela Nelson
National History Day Qualifier
Individual Documentary
Adrienne Stotts
Iowa History Award Group Exhibit
Abigail Nelson
Iowa History Award Group Exhibit
Makena Kramer
1st Team All-State Midfielder, Class 2A
Taryn Gant (not pictured)
2nd Team All-State Defender, Class 2A
Camryn Hosick
2nd Team All-State Goalie, Class 2A
Kaiden Hamilton Sprint Medley Relay
Aiden Perez Shot Put
Aubrey Sandbothe Long Jump
Brandon Bowen (not pictured)
400 M Hurdles — 11th Place
110 M Hurdles • 4x400 M Relay
Sprint Medley Relay
Vic Atupra (not pictured)
4x400 M Relay • Sprint Medley Relay
Nate Anderson (not pictured)
4x400 M Relay • Sprint Medley Relay
Jordan Dewaele (not pictured)
4x400 M Relay
Taryn
State Track Qualifiers
Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program
Boys Soccer All-State
Jonathan Amador
2nd Team All-State, Class 4A
Alexis
Maybelle
Ashley
Hadley
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
District Recognizes Staff Members of the Year
AMY ANDERSEN Principal of the Year College View Elementary
Amy Andersen is a wonderful partner in the new Principal Collaborative Team, her nominator wrote. Andersen shows high levels of collaboration and inquiry, and she has also worked as a Principal Mentor.
She has helped others learn leadership, and she has a strong desire for her school team to share in the leadership of their school. She has a focus on student achievement while instilling students with the values of inquiry, advocacy and taking action.
The nominator wrote they worked with Andersen to interview teacher candidates, showing off her understanding of instruction and teacher-to-student relationships.
TRISTA PITT
Licensed Staff Member of the Year Carter Lake Elementary
Trista Pitt, a Kindergarten Teacher at Carter Lake Elementary and an Interventionist at Franklin and Carter Lake, is always willing to lend a helping hand. Her nominator said she encourages students to do their best and has high expectations. She makes connections with each student while also making staff feel supported. She is a kind, caring person.
She is a leader on the MTSS team and shares early literacy practices. She is focused on solutions and addresses problems directly.
In the classroom, Pitt teaches social skills, emotional regulation and how to engage as learners. She believes deeply in her students, and she transfers her belief to them.
KELLY McGREEVY Support Staff Member of the Year Kirn Middle School
Kelly McGreevy consistently supports students in academic success, her nominator wrote. As the School Operations Manager at Kirn, McGreevy helps staff members grow in their work and oversees the day-to-day management of the building.
She is the trusted, caring adult for students, using a trauma-informed approach to deal with stressful situations. She is the smiling face saying hello to students, and their go-to for a quick check-in during breaks. Her calm, caring approach builds positive relationships.
McGreevy is truly an asset to Kirn. She wears many hats and is able to support the many needs of both students and staff.
2024 RETIREMENTS & MILESTONES IN SERVICE
RETIREMENTS: Christy Boldt, Longfellow & Roosevelt TAG Strategist — 45 Years; Beth Hartog, Carter Lake PreK Teacher Assistant — 45 Years; Teresa Larson, Longfellow PreK Teacher — 43 Years; Joni Robey, Rue 5th Grade Teacher — 34 Years; Stephanie Gessert, Carter Lake PreK Teacher Assistant — 31 Years; Jennifer Plummer, Rue 4th Grade Teacher — 26 Years; Denise Talbott, Thomas Jefferson Math Teacher — 22 Years; Melissa Braymen, Kirn Special Education Teacher — 20 Years; Mike Henley, District Maintenance Professional — 20 Years; Sue Parker, Nelson Early Learning Center PreK Teacher — 18 Years; Belva Hall, Kanesville Custodian — 14 Years; Deborah Malone, College View School Nurse — 11 Years; Teresa Godwin, Kirn Special Education Teacher — 10 Years; Martina Hendrix,
Thomas Jefferson School Manager — 9 Years; Frances Davis, Hoover PreK Teacher Assistant — 6 Years; Bev Rockwell, Lewis & Clark PreK Teacher Assistant — 6 Years; Kathleen Kelly, Wilson School Nurse — 2 Years.
MILESTONES — 45 Years of Service: Christy Boldt and Beth Hartog 40 Years of Service: Angie Brown 35 Years of Service: Joyce Snyder 30 Years of Service: Jeff Boe, Reni Champion, Debra Mohling, Janelle Coker, and David Kaeding. 25 Years of Service: David Adams, Melinda Alitz, Chantelle Brandt, Mat Daniels, Jennifer Erickson, Mark Fearnside, David Lutz, Christina Nelson, Debra Malterer, Susan Martin, Bill Nanson, Missi Rowe, Mary Beth Runge, Angel Simons, Alison Smith, and
Myron Wilder. 20 Years of Service: Dawn Bauer, Chancey Blanchard, Melissa Braymen, Janine Crain, Michael Dettman, Tara Doner, Kim Doty, Deb Hospodka, Rene Jensen, Susan Katzer, Lu McClellen, Casey Moran, Deborah Rock, Eli Schmitz, and Denise Shipp. 15 Years of Service: Julieta Aquino Shenefield, Kelli Baker, Elizabeth Becker, Mary Biggs, Therese Camden, Amy Coon, Trish Dew, Christi Donaldson, Ryan Higgins, Trenton Hill, Miki Hill, Kellie Hinsley, Christy Jennings, Rob Lindquist, Cristi Midkiff, Courtney Mimick, Debra Misfeldt, Darlene Norman, Emilie Pietramale, Trista Pitt, Jessica Plueger, Larella Rangel, Debra Robinson, Lori Scott, Kathryn Short, Tricia Suchsland, Gary Sullivan, and Robert Tellgren.
FUN FACTS
Abraham Lincoln High School soon-to-be junior Dutch Smith earned the Outstanding Senior award for Irish American History at the National History Day competition in June. The title of his project in the Senior Individual Paper Category was From Oppression to Revolution: The Easter Rising as a Turning Point in Irish Politics.
The Noon Rotary Club of Council Bluffs honored local educators and graduating seniors at a luncheon in May. Rotarians had the opportunity to hear about the achievements of AL senior Emily Newby and TJ senior Brandon Bowen.
The Council Bluffs Community School District loves to give tours of our schools. Whether you are new to the area, or have not seen our schools in a while, please call the Communications office at 712-3286446 for more information!
The Fall 2023 edition of this Achieve Magazine earned an Award of Merit in the magazine category from the National School Public Relations Association and an Award of Excellence from the Iowa School Public Relations Association.
IMPORTANT DATES
Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org
Back to School Nights
Elementary: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 4-6 p.m.
Middle School: Wednesday, Aug. 21, 5–7 p.m.
High School: Tuesday, Aug. 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
Do you know a graduate of the Council Bluffs Schools with an interesting story to share? We would love to learn about them and share their story to inspire current and future students. Please email communications@cb-schools.org.
K-12 First Day of School
Friday, Aug. 23
Early Learning Center & Preschool First Day Wednesday, Aug. 28
Labor Day
Monday, Sept. 4 (No School)
End of First Quarter Friday, Oct. 20th (No School)
