It’s hard to believe that the first quarter of the school year is now in the books! Fall is such a fun time of year as I see students engaged their learning, meeting new friends, and making the most of their school experience. Our hope is that every student is connected, feels safe, is engaged in high levels of learning, and involved in clubs or extracurricular activities.
Our district theme for this year is This is…Us! We are utilizing our social media more than ever to share videos and photo albums with you to showcase all of the everyday AND extraordinary things happening in our schools. We are proud of who we are and the opportunities we make available to our students.
Our strategic goals will continue to guide our work on behalf of students and their success. Our goals focus on student achievement, future ready graduates, student support and connections, and on successful transitions as students move into Kindergarten, 6th and 9th grades.
In this edition of the Achieve Magazine, you can see photos and read more about our staff and student achievements. I invite you to see photos from our dedication of our new video scoreboard at the Wickersham Athletic Complex…the largest board in Iowa! We are fortunate to have the support of our school foundation and several generous business partners to help make this possible.
Our entire school community of teachers, support staff, administrators, coaches and Board of Education members are excited about this school year, and are eager to see and share the progress and accomplishments of our students. Please follow and connect with us on social media for regular insight into our classrooms and learn more about our students and their successes! You can find our district and schools on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X!
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 with us. Please email communications@cb-schools.org with your feedback or suggestions. 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 typically 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: The line of scrimmage between the TJ Yellow Jackets and AL Lynx was the focal point bringing the fans, students, alumni and community members together to celebrate the 70th annual Battle for the Bluffs. Find more from the event on Page 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 20 | Fall 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
Thomas Jefferson High School students participate in the annual Homecoming parade, which allows for community involvement in the display of school spirit. Community members are invited to many athletic competitions and other student exhibitions throughout the school year.
High school students participate in college and career fairs during College and Career Readiness Week, involving dozens of colleges, universities, specialty schools and area employers.
The AIM Institute, through a partnership with AT&T and Human-I-T, provided 25 TJ juniors and seniors with Chromebooks they can use when they attend college. TJ junior Jorge Camarena was among the TRIO students receiving the support.
Rue Elementary School teacher Jamie Ryba accepts a $500 check through KMTV Channel 3’s Pay it Forward Program, which provides funding to support classrooms and is an example of the many business partnerships backing the CB Schools.
Preschool students learn through play and creativity. The Council Bluffs Schools is proud to introduce more than 598 four-year-olds this year alone to their lifelong learning journey.
Students in the CB Schools are invited to eat breakfast and lunch at school at no cost, thanks to the federal Community Eligibility Program. The program covers more than 9,550 nutritional meals each day.
Teachers continue to invest in their own learning to positively influence the student experience. TJ Teacher Shannon Dunlap participated in a STEM externship this summer at CHI Mercy Hospital.
LARGER THAN LIFE
New Scoreboard at The Wick Shows Community Pride
Achieving More Together
Meet the sponsors supporting the new scoreboard at the Wick
Anchor Partners
Founding Partners
Premier Partners
Prospective Partners
Any businesses interested in partnering with the Council Bluffs Schools for advertising can email communications@cb-schools.org to request information on opportunities.
Council Bluffs is now home to the largest scoreboard in the state of Iowa.
The larger-than-life scoreboard was officially dedicated during the annual Battle for the Bluffs football game between AL and TJ on September 20th of this year. It towers over The Wick to display live action, replays, video packages, advertisers and other content.
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo championed the new video board as an investment in the Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex, which represents a “tremendous source of pride.”
The new board spans 47 feet by 26 feet. It will be featured in more than 50 annual events held at Wickersham Stadium, including both AL and TJ varsity football games, boys and girls varsity soccer, the girls varsity soccer regionals and both high and middle school track meets.
The new scoreboard stands at the south end of the field, opposite the existing board, which was installed when the Wickersham Stadium was dedicated in 2017.
Students in the high school media and broadcasting classes have taken an active role in the camera operation and content production on the old board, and are now able to expand their opportunities to gain valuable experience and develop their skills for a potential career. Many of the students involved in this experience will pursue college degrees in the communications field.
The scoreboard at Wickersham Stadium features messages from local businesses. With their sponsorships, the Council Bluffs Schools will be able to repay the scoreboard’s cost over the course of five years.
BATTLE FOR THE BLUFFS
Fans Celebrate 70th Anniversary Rivalry Game
The Battle for the Bluffs rivalry game between AL and TJ, played for the 70th consecutive year this year, brings the community together. Students, athletes and fans look forward to the annual event, which also includes an alumni tailgate and celebrations. This year’s winner of the Alumni & Friends Trophy was Abraham Lincoln.
LEARNING LABORATORY
Middle Schoolers Diving Into Career Exploration
Caden worked alongside his 8th grade lab partners at Kirn Middle School simulating the making of a cast to help mend a broken bone.
“You put petroleum jelly, you stick the bandage in water and then you just wrap it around until it’s gone,” he said.
Other middle school students have been working with drones, simulated medical devices and a variety of other technologies to explore potential career paths they could pursue after high school graduation.
“If you’re not exposed to a career or what’s available, you’re not going to know what exists,” said Kathy Schmedding, Coordinator of Career and Technical Education for the Council Bluffs Schools. “You learn through what you like, you learn through what you don’t like and then you can reflect and really make educated decisions.”
A new middle school college and career curriculum rolled out this fall at Wilson and Kirn Middle Schools, with students embracing the new engaging focus through exploratory lab units. Students will explore three or four career fields per semester in the course.
“The Middle School College and Career Exploratory Labs have just really taken off,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo told school board members.
Chief Academic Officer Dr.
Tracy Mathews shared that students are presented with realworld problems to solve in each lab, and they’re also expected to use critical writing skills in solving the problems.
“There are a lot of exciting, engaging, hands-on, authentic experiences happening in the middle schools,” Mathews said. “We are also very intentional about embedding work-based learning opportunities and experiences for students.”
Chad Wheeler, a firefighter and paramedic with the Council Bluffs Fire Department, said students get a clearer look at what life is
like as a firefighter, paramedic, or emergency medical technician, including how much additional schooling is required depending on the career path they take.
“This is amazing,” Wheeler said. “I had no idea that this was even in schools. I wish, honestly, that I had something along this line, this early in schooling. This is tremendous for the next generation of students.”
Sarah Steinmetz, who teaches 8th grade career exploration at Kirn Middle School, said the new exploratory course offers a choice among 14 different career labs and modules.
“Kids are loving it,” Steinmetz said. “They are loving the handson, engaged activities.”
By starting their explorations in middle schools, the students are better prepared to take advantage of the many different Diploma +1 Pathways and Opportunities available to them at Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools. Those pathways include the TradeWorks Academy, Early College Academy and several career certificate
programs and college credit opportunities.
“This program connects the middle school to the high school,” Steinmetz said. “This class connects them to explore opportunities that they’re going to experience in high school and maybe get a jump-start on.”
The district adopted a program called College & Career Ready Labs from Paxton/Patterson, and it has partnered with community members in various career fields to connect students to first-hand accounts of the professions during class presentations.
“It’s bringing relevance and hands-on learning that happens outside of the four walls of middle school into the classroom,” Schmedding said. “And then, on top of that, it relates back to our Diploma +1 programming that occurs at our high schools through a partnership with Iowa Western Community College.”
The laboratory environment is one where middle schoolers can feel comfortable facing setbacks without real-life consequences.
“It gives them the opportunity
to explore, see what is out there,” Schmedding said.
Eddie Powers, the 6th grade college and careers teacher at Wilson, said students learn home maintenance fundamentals in one of the labs. They are taught skills such as how to hang a shelf and install tile flooring. Those skills are important for future TradeWorks students, but they also help any homeowner. Students in another unit were learning criminalistics — applying scientific techniques to physical evidence of a crime, such as dusting for fingerprints or comparing handwriting samples.
Recently, the class welcomed a speaker on health care careers.
“He was phenomenal with the students,” Powers said. “They were so engaged. He brought so many materials.”
His presentation included pig lungs that showed the difference between the lungs of healthy people and smokers.
“The kids had a hands-on experience and just learned what he does day in and day out,” Powers said.
That insight is exactly the point.
At Iowa Western Community College, your future is our focus. No matter your passion, we’ll guide you through our 80+ programs with experienced advisors, small classes, and free tutoring.
Experience a vibrant campus life at our Council Bluffs location filled with opportunities to connect and grow. From laser tag and casino nights to therapy dogs and student government, there are countless ways to get involved, make new friends, and create lifelong memories. With everything you need to thrive, your college experience starts here!
To learn more, visit iwcc.edu/worldiswaiting
Invest in your future with affordable education. We offer hundreds of scholarships annually, ensuring that your education at Iowa Western is within reach.
Join the tradition of excellence. With 26 athletic teams and 28 national championships, wearing the blue jersey means becoming part of the #AlwaysAReiver legacy.
Start your journey today at one of our five Iowa Western locations in Council Bluffs, Atlantic, Clarinda, Harlan, or Shenandoah.
Lynx, Jackets Find Success in Fall Activities
Featured
students,
AL
from top left: Sonia Fitch, Aubrey Sandbothe, Jordan Hargrave, Cael Hansen, Andre Rogers, Greg Jackson, Luis Avalos Ceballos, Jack McNeil, Lily McDermott, Gabby Loudon above photo by Olivia Tallman, AL Journalism
above
photo by Olivia Tallman, AL Journalism
Featured TJ students, from top left: Harry Aherns, Brianne Hanson, Joshua Templeman, Kendall Bell, Makayla Martin, Ashleigh Ronk, Makayla Woodruff, Jacket Cheer, Jayden Fuji, Jayce Shanno
above and below photos by Dani Ronk
AIM FOR THE STARS
Nontraditional Students Get Boost From Scholarship
Are you a parent?
Do you live in Pottawattamie County?
Are you, or would you like to be, furthering your education?
You may be eligible for a $4000 scholarship!
STARS scholarship is an Iowa West Foundation initiative that supports nontraditional students This scholarship is for parents and/or custodial grandparents who reside in Pottawattamie County and are pursuing a professional license or certificate, or an associate or bachelor’s degree at an accredited school, college or university
This program is designed to remove financial barriers and provide a scholarship that can be utilized for direct and indirect expenses, including but not limited to tuition, fees, books, childcare, and living expenses
It’s never too late for you to further your education!
Visit us today at cbsf org/stars-scholarship
Join us December 3rd for Giving Tuesday!
Maria’s Story
In 2010, Maria found herself facing significant obstacles as she pursued her dream of obtaining a degree As a nontraditional student juggling the responsibilities of work and family, Maria struggled to make ends meet Additionally, without access to proper mentorship or guidance, she felt isolated in her journey, unsure of where to turn for support or how to navigate the complexities of higher education
Her goals felt distant and unattainable. Each day was a challenge, filled with uncertainty about the future The pressures mounted, and she began to wonder if she would ever have the chance to build a better life for herself and her family
Everything began to change
After receiving the STARS scholarship from 2010 to 2014, everything began to change. The financial support provided her with the relief she needed to focus on her studies without the constant stress of tuition fees
Maria completed her degree, opening up new career opportunities that had previously seemed unreachable
She now holds a stable job in her chosen field, where she is respected and valued for her contributions Her personal confidence has soared, and
she has become an advocate for other nontraditional learners, encouraging them to seek out the same support that changed her life
Giving Tuesday is a national day of giving, one where we come together to support things we love in our community
Join us this year in growing our Annual Grants Program to support classroom innovation, students in need of basic necessities, and educational opportunities for our students.
Learn more about the Foundation and our initiatives at cbsf.org
TOP TIER: Teacher Recognized by NEA Foundation
Shauna Cihacek is heading for the “Oscars of Education” early next year.
The 8th grade U.S. history teacher at Kirn Middle School will travel to Washington, D.C., in February to be recognized with a 2025 Travelers Award for Teaching Excellence.
Cihacek is among only 48 teachers across the country chosen for the honor, to be presented at a black-tie event organized by the National Education Association Foundation.
“It is such an honor to be recognized for anything with teaching, but at a national level is an honor,” Cihacek said. “I am thankful for all the great teachers, administrators, and students that have encouraged me and helped me grow as a teacher.”
Cihacek has also been recognized with the Iowa State Education Association’s Excellence in Education Award, and she was also named a Barringer Fellow and a James Madison Fellow for Iowa.
“As a veteran teacher, Cihacek knows how to make it count in her classroom, bringing history to life with costumes, props, and adventures,” according to the state association..
Cihacek said her favorite lesson is having her students actually pan for gold to learn about the gold rush while also learning about
erosion in their science class. The experience deepened understanding for her students.
Cihacek is a passionate teacher, and she said American history offers the chance for many students to explore their family history.
“History is a connection that every person has; each person just needs to find what part of history ignites their passion for it,” she said. “My passion for teaching is always my students. I want to adapt for them to better understand and bring history to life.”
The NEA Foundation said that the Travelers Awards recognize teachers from every region of the country who demonstrate excellence in the classroom, leadership in the profession, engagement with families and communities, and dedication to equity and diversity.
“These dedicated educators are a reminder of the critical role public education plays in shaping our society and nurturing future generations,” said foundation president and CEO Sara A. Sneed. “These awardees are a testament to the immeasurable impact even one educator can have for countless students, their families, and their communities at large.”
Cihacek said she was only able to achieve the recognition with help of her colleagues.
“Teaching is not something that can be done without support and encouragement from the community,” she said, and that help comes from beyond the school walls.
“This award happened because of the unity that is created by the caring community who uplifts teachers and encourages the wild ideas a teacher may have,” she said.
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.
AP SCHOLARS
(scores of 3 or higher on 3+ AP exams)
Serin Anderson
Daniel Cannon
Luciana Gruber
Lexie Nelson
Kaia Schleifman
Ella Schmitz
Joshua Templeman
Grace Veit
Jack Walter
Brady Watts
Baily Williams
AP SCHOLAR WITH HONOR (average score of 3.25 plus scores of 3 or higher on 4+ AP exams)
Dutch Smith
AP SCHOLAR WITH DISTINCTION (average score of 3.5 plus scores of 3 or higher on 5+ AP exams)
Blake Haggerty
Daniela Avalos Pantoja Madison Schirmbeck
Nairi Garcia
Rikki
Nixon Hart Brayden Harker
Korbin Brunow
Aidan Perez
Samantha Richard
Henry Hendershot
Jorge Camarena Information Technology
DRIVEN TO TEACH
Edwards Gives Back to Educators With Loaner Cars
Mary Gray couldn’t believe her own eyes and ears.
The sixth grade science teacher at Wilson Middle School had her name announced in front of all of her colleagues outside the school to be the inaugural beneficiary of Edwards Auto Group’s new Driven to Teach recognition program.
As her colleagues parted so she could walk to the podium and then to check out the new car she would be driving for the next month, emotions flooded across her face.
“I was super-duper excited, grateful, nervous, shaking a little — but mostly was thankful,” Gray said. “How we all work together as a team here at Wilson and in the Council Bluffs Schools. Anyone could have won this, and it would have been like, ‘You know what, that person deserves that.’”
Gray was given the keys to a loaner Jeep, which she drove for the month of October courtesy of Edwards Auto Group, which also gave her personal vehicle a detail so it’s feeling new when she turns in her keys.
Todd Edwards, an owner of Edwards Auto Group, said the business wanted to celebrate a teacher each month by providing “that teacher with a neat car that they can drive for the month and give them something that they can be proud of that shows a recognition for their dedication to their continued development of children.”
Teachers are selected for the program by being actively involved in their school community, living up to the Driven to Teach slogan, and by representing the school district as an exemplary teaching professional through their classroom culture, attendance, curriculum delivery and student support. Teachers will be recognized over the next seven months through the program.
Gray said that she’s excited other teachers will be given the same experience of being recognized.
“It just shows how much the district really does look out for its employees,” Gray said. “It feels like we’re seen and appreciated.”
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said Edwards Auto Group has always been a good partner with the Council Bluffs Community School District, but the new program goes even further, giving external validation to teachers that the work they do in their classrooms is appreciated by the community at large.
“But to see them move beyond just seeing our district as a whole and wanting to do something special for our teachers, it just really took us to a ‘wow’ and an appreciation that they see how hard our teachers work and the great things that they do every day for the students in the Council Bluffs Schools,” Murillo said.
“To see them want to partner and want to bring some energy and synergy around that work and show how much we care and our community partners care for our teachers, it’s just a fun, fun opportunity for our teachers.”
HALL OF FAME: IHSSA Celebrates Waller’s Service
Dirk Waller has guided Abraham Lincoln students as they work on their public speaking skills for 24 years, earning him recognition from the Iowa High School Speech Association.
The IHSSA inducted the AL speech coach into its Hall of Fame, which Waller called the “honor of his lifetime.”
“Since 1976, the Iowa High School Speech Hall of Fame has been awarded to two people each year. To be included among those names is a huge honor to me,” Waller said.
Waller said the organization’s mission is to encourage participation in gaining “the most important skill of speaking effectively.”
“To be recognized by my peers as someone who has helped to promote the goal of speech is truly an honor,” Waller said.
Waller, his sister and his older brother all participated in high school speech, teaching each other in their living room. He went on to earn an education degree, and in 2000 became a history teacher and speech coach at AL.
“I have loved being a speech coach at Abraham Lincoln because of the students I have had a chance to work with over the years,” Waller said. “I love finding a student who shows growth through their time in speech. It is so rewarding to see a student gain the skills and confidence necessary to be a public speaker.”
He went on to receive a master’s degree in educational leadership in 2014 from Doane College and in 2022 began a role as a newer teacher mentor.
Waller currently serves the Council Bluffs Schools’ two high schools and two middle schools by mentoring 16 new teachers in the area of special education.
Along the way, Waller has been named the
2009 Abraham Lincoln Teacher of the Year, and he was honored by the Nelson Family Foundation with one of its Excellence in Teaching Awards in 2013.
Waller said he is most honored when his former students reconnect with him, allowing an opportunity to see the difference his efforts have made on their lives.
“I cannot describe how good it feels to see a student succeed in speech and later in life because of skills they have developed in speech,” Waller said.
Waller has also supported the IHSSA over the years. He has hosted judge certifications and several speech contests. He has also served as a Southwest District Officer as well as Coaches Convention Committee member. He currently serves on the Judge Certification Committee.
Each role has helped him develop a wider appreciation for the IHSSA. He appreciates the amazing coaches he has met.
Waller said that being exposed to speech as a history teacher has truly enriched his life and expanded his view of the world.
With his wife Kristi, who is also an educator, Waller sponsored Isaac Ndagijimana, a student from Rwanda who became his son. Ndagijimana is now completing his senior year at the University of Nebraska Omaha.
EXTRA MILE: District Recognizes Summer Staff
Ryan Miller, Extended School Year Summer Program Behavioral Consultant
The Nelson Family Foundation celebrated a trio of Council Bluffs Community Schools teachers as part of the annual Excellence in Teaching Awards last spring.
The foundation recognizes Council Bluffs teachers for their outstanding work in the classroom. This year’s honorees included Andrew Ellis, a 5th grade teacher at Edison Elementary School; Jordan Preston, a 5th grade teacher at College View Elementary School; and Tricia Suchsland, a Spanish teacher at Abraham Lincoln High School.
“These teachers do so much to nurture our future generations,” said Donna Kush, president and CEO of the Omaha Community
Foundation, which administers the awards, according to the Council Bluffs Nonpareil. “They spend hours working closely with families, coaching young learners, developing engaging lessons, and relentlessly working so that every student can excel.”
Ellis “never forgets about his kids,” a nominator said, and was honored for the limitless support he offers his students.
Preston has 24 years of experience and was recognized for her “energy, creativity and relational strengths.”
Suchsland is the lead teacher for AL foreign languages and serves in a variety of roles while making “learning Spanish so fun.”
FUN FACTS
The entire community is invited to join in a district-wide campaign to promote regular school attendance.
The City of Council Bluffs partnered with the CB Schools to dedicate the entryways into the Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex in memory of Charles M. Wickersham this fall. Charles, a 1961 TJ graduate, was active in activities and sports. With the athletic complex named after Charles’ brother, Gale, an AL graduate, it’s fitting that the roadway through the complex bear the name of a TJ graduate.
Students who attend school every day are present to learn at high levels and stay connected to their peers. Want to participate? Email us at communications@cb-schools.org or call 712-328-6446.
From left, Edison Principal Janine Crain, Edison Teacher Andrew Ellis, College View Teacher Jordan Preston, College View Principal Amy Andersen, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo, Abraham Lincoln Teacher Tricia Suchsland and AL Principal Bridgette Bellows celebrate the Excellence in Teaching Awards on May 2, 2024.
