Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
Progress & Promise
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elcome to the inaugural edition of the Achieve Magazine! Because so many of our district residents are not directly connected to the daily activities and accomplishments in our classrooms, on our stages, courts and fields, we are sharing our story with you. I thank our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation for their support of this publication, and personally want to invite you to read about all of the ways we are propelling students to Achieve More, as our motto proclaims. As we were preparing this magazine, our world suddenly changed. We were faced with an unprecedented pandemic and the need to close our schools for at least 30 days. As you receive this magazine, we will still be on an extended break and preparing for the opening of school again, including how we will ensure our seniors will graduate as planned. In this edition, we shine a spotlight on our staff and students and share the progress we are making to increase student achievement levels and successfully prepare students for the future. As a school community, we are celebrating the progress in the ongoing efforts to enhance student achievement. In our most recent Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing, our students exceeded growth targets and demonstrated they are on track with their peers across the country on their academic skills. The latest Iowa State Performance Profile further affirms that our students are performing well in response to the consistently high quality work of our classroom teachers and student support staff in the core curriculum areas of English/ Language Arts, Mathematics and Science. You can be very proud of our school district’s focus on preparing students for a successful future, with the promise that all students will graduate from the Council Bluffs Community School District with their high school diplomas AND a second credential. Our Diploma Plus One Pathways are game-changing for our students, their families and the entire community! The pathways are already providing students more choices and more ways to succeed with the launch of Early College Academy last year, the full implementation of our TradeWorks Academy at Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High Schools this year, the enhancement of our Certificate Advancement and Credit Acceleration programs, and the preparation for the TradeWorks at Iowa Western Community College for next school year. I am pleased to provide this publication to our community as one way to engage all stakeholders in our schools, and invite you to share your feedback and questions with us. Please stay healthy and well.
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Editor’s Note Welcome to the inaugural issue of Achieve: the Council Bluffs Community School District magazine! We are excited to share the story of our District’s amazing students, teachers, staff and our generous community with you. We would appreciate any feedback you have on this publication, or suggestions for a future story. Please email us at communications@cb-schools.org.
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’s seven elected officials volunteer their time and talents to benefit the school district. Meetings are held at 6:30 pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of September-November and January-May. Meetings are held only the fourth Tuesdays of June-August and December. Members of the community may attend the meetings at the Educational Service Center, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, or watch live on Cox Channel 18 or the District’s YouTube channel.
David Coziahr President
Chris LaFerla Vice President
Troy Arthur
Kyle McGlade
John Minshall
Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress
Jill Shudak
COVER PHOTO: Mady explores her book in her second grade class at Franklin Elementary School. Read more about the focus on student achievement on page 5. (Photo courtesy of Miss Anderson)
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 school district’s Equity Coordinator, Tim Hamilton, 712-328-6423, thamilton2@cbcsd.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 1 | Spring 2020
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
STRONGER TOGETHER
COVID-19 Changes the School Year, Rallies the Community in Support of Students and Families
The course of the school year changed dramatically in March when the threat of widespread exposure to COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, prompted our schools to close. These are unprecedented times, creating uncertainty for staff, students, parents and the entire community. However, so many people have shown tremendous leadership, innovation and determination to lessen the burden on students, families and district staff members. Learning Materials: To prepare for the school closure, the school district’s Teaching & Learning Department prepared more than 5,000 packets of learning materials for elementary students. The Technology Department found partners, such as Cox Communications, to provide thousands of take-home bags to hold the materials as well as the Chromebook laptop for each student in grades 2-5. In addition, they secured 4,500 Chromebook cords to ensure the devices could be charged at home. All of this was done quickly to help ensure our students could maintain their learning routines and keep their brains engaged in the learning mindset during the break. On the first day of the closure, the school district launched the Voluntary At Home Learning website, with links so that parents and students at each grade level could access helpful resources through each student’s Chromebook. Meals for Children: The Nutrition Department jumped into action on the first day of the closure, to open weekday “to-go” lunch and breakfast distribution sites at nine schools. More than 1,000 meals are being distributed daily through this program while school is closed, helping to ensure students have nutritious meals, and taking the burden off of families who may not be working due to the pandemic. Board of Education Support: The Board of Education held a special meeting before the closure to approve a resolution that provides all district employees with uninterrupted pay during the closure, providing much-needed peace of mind.
Community Support: Our wonderful community has also stepped up to the plate to support children and families. Members of three area churches are collecting food to create weekend meals for families. They are also coordinating all of the volunteers to distribute the weekday “to-go” breakfast and lunch packs. The Food Bank for the Heartland is also providing weekly mobile parking lot pantries for families at three Council Bluffs area schools. Emergency Workers Childcare: An Emergency Childcare Collaborative in Pottawattamie County was formed to address the childcare needs of first responders, medical providers, and other essential workers. The Collaborative is providing free, daytime childcare for school-age children at Longfellow
The Council Bluffs Community School District partnered with area volunteers to provide weekday “to-go” meals for children after the district closed its buildings.
Elementary. The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation has created an Emergency Childcare Fund with the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation to support operations of the program. “Even though this crisis has turned the world upside down, it is so heartwarming to see the community rally in support of children and families,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “We are stronger together, and will remain united to ensure we can recover as quickly as possible and complete the school year on a positive note.”
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
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UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Thanks to Community, Middle School Renovations Will Boost Security, Improve Learning Spaces
Middle school students in Council Bluffs are eager to walk the halls of newly transformed school buildings in the next two years. Kirn Middle School will re-open in the fall of 2020. Kirn students are currently attending school at the Madison Campus. Wilson Middle School’s renovation will begin this summer and throughout the 2020-21 school year while Wilson students attend classes at the Madison Campus. The transformation of Kirn and Wilson Middle Schools, funded by a $37 million bond approved by voters in September 2018, will complete a list of major renovation projects for all school buildings throughout the school district. The renovated Kirn will feature a new entrance with a safety vestibule to control access, as well as renovated and new classrooms, administrative and student services areas, restrooms, lockers and a multipurpose cafeteria and auditorium. Many improvements were also made behind the walls, with new heating and cooling systems, as well as updated
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Above, Council Bluffs Community School District officials survey the interior construction progress in March at Kirn Middle School. Below, concept art shows the exterior and interiors of Kirn Middle School (left) and Wilson Middle School (right).
plumbing and electrical systems. Each grade level (6-8) will have a learning commons area which will have mobile furniture that can be rearranged for collaborative learning. A two-story addition will add classrooms and the 8th grade learning commons. The new main entrance is taking shape, while contractors are busy working on the interior paint, cabinetry and flooring. “Students will benefit from these
facility improvements for many years to come,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “We are grateful to the community for supporting this project.” The renovated Kirn is scheduled to be completed by July 21. Wilson will move into the Madison Campus this summer to prepare for the 2020-21 school year. Follow the progress, and find more project information, at cb-schools.org/ middleschoolrenovationproject.
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
FOCUS ON ACHIEVEMENT
Student Growth on MAP and State Performance Profile Provides Evidence of Academic Progress
Student achievement is at the heart of the work in the Council Bluffs Community School District. Board of Education members, along with every administrator, teacher, and support staff member, share a focus on our students, our classrooms and on the opportunities for every student to succeed.
Measure of Academic Progress District goal #1, Student Achievement, set targets related to student academic growth at every level. One target states, “By 2021, 100% of students will demonstrate growth on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessment in reading and in math.” Results from the recently-completed “All staff members in the winter MAP assessment, taken Council Bluffs Schools by students in grades K-11, know the important role demonstrate progress in this they play in our students’ goal. academic progress, and In reading, 62.59% of their social, emotional students scored in the top three proficiency bands, which is a well-being.” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo 3.04% increase over fall 2019 results. At the elementary level, 85.0% exhibited growth. At middle school, 62.1% exhibited growth. At high school, 52.1% exhibited growth. In mathematics, 55.62% of students scored in the top three proficiency bands, which is a 3.34% increase over the fall 2019 results. At the elementary level, 91.4% of students exhibited academic growth. At middle school, 70.5% of students exhibited growth. At high school, 54.0% exhibited growth. Iowa Performance Profile The good news of student growth as measured on the MAP was affirmed by the latest Iowa School Performance Profile. Consistent with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, the Iowa Department of Education annually publishes this Profile, which serves as one way for schools to measure their progress on academic performance in reading, English/language arts and math, compared to other school districts. The 2019 Profile
Above, a wall display at Roosevelt Elementary celebrates students’ MAP achievement results, At right, Hoover first grader Lili participates in a Read Across America Day activity in Mrs. Naughton’s class. Below, Kirn Middle School math students interact to solve problems in Mrs. Anderson’s class.
lists every one of the 15 schools in the CB Schools in the categories of Acceptable, Commendable and High Performing; none are in the lowest two categories. This is a point of pride, especially when compared to the other seven largest urban school districts in Iowa. Eleven CB Schools increased a level in 2019 as compared to 2018, and three elementary schools are close to being elevated into the highest Exceptional category. By maintaining high expectations for students and keeping the focus on supporting students in their academic growth, the Council Bluffs School Community District is setting the stage for continued success.
JOIN THE TEAM
AND HELP STUDENTS ACHIEVE MORE!
NOW HIRING FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR View career opportunities and apply online at:
CB-SCHOOLS.ORG/CAREERS
HR@CB-SCHOOLS.ORG
712-328-6580
PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS
Diploma Plus One Pathways Ensure Graduates Earn High School Diploma Plus Second Credential
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ayla Schleifman has big plans after she earns both her high school diploma and Iowa Western Community College associate degree in May of 2021. The Abraham Lincoln High School junior aspires to attend medical school, so she’s taking advantage of the Council Bluffs Community School District’s Early College Academy to give her a head start on her career by completing two years of college at no cost to her or her family. “Early College Academy is helping me achieve my goals,” Kayla said. “It’s given me the opportunity to challenge myself. It’s allowed me to grow and mature and widen my horizons to all the various things there are to Jasmine Ramos practices taking fellow Health Sciences student Brittney Pike’s blood pressure as instructor Tiffany Parrott looks on during a class lab. learn at the next level.” Not every student has such a clear vision of what they want to do after graduation, though. That’s why the Council Bluffs School District is proud to offer a variety of pathways to build on a high school diploma to nurture future success. The Diploma Plus One Pathways initiative offers students a choice to pursue college-level coursework, explore highdemand career opportunities in the skilled trades or earn a career certificate showing they’re future ready upon graduation. The initiative currently features five pathways offered to Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln high school students: Early College Academy, College Credit Acceleration Program, Certificate Advancement Program, TradeWorks Academy and, starting this fall, TradeWorks at Iowa Western. Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said that the vision is to open doors for students who really have an interest in a trade or other career field. “Our students don’t have to wait until they graduate from TradeWorks instructor Nathan Clausen teaches Andre Chioco the importance of automotive care during high school to explore a career field or begin their journey an introductory class session on automobile maintenance. toward their futures,” Dr. Murillo said. “We couldn’t be more footsteps by becoming a welder. pleased with the outcomes we’re seeing.” “It’s a win-win for the students and the community,” the Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds highlighted the Career education efforts in the Council Bluffs Schools during her recent Condition governor said. “The students learn skills that lead to lifelong careers. And local businesses get the workforce they so of the State address to the Iowa Legislature. Reynolds praised the TradeWorks Academy and introduced desperately need.” Here’s a closer look at each of Plus One Pathways: junior Emma Myers, who wants to follow in her father’s 6
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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
“Once I got into the TradeWorks program and really started working on some of the construction projects, I really developed a love for the trades.”
SM
SM SM
JOSHUA WHITELAW T.J. — 11th Grade
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“I really enjoy the TradeWorks program because it can open doors for me to different career opportunities after high school.”
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TradeWorks senior Joel Murray prepares to cut a piece of wood as the shed project nears completion at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Early College Academy Designed for motivated students who are ready for a challenge, the Early College Academy accepts up to 50 juniors and seniors to Iowa Western for a full day of classes, supported by an on-campus advisor. Successful graduates earn an associate degree or a career credential – all at no cost to the student. Academy students are selected for the program through a competitive application and interview process, and can still participate in athletics, fine arts, and other activities at their high school. Twenty-four students will graduate from Iowa Western this year, and also receive their high school diploma. College Credit Acceleration Students are able to complete their first year of college while still in high school by earning 24 college credits at no cost to them. This is possible through a variety of concurrent enrollment (CE) courses at the two high schools through
Iowa Western or by taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in the College Credit Acceleration Program. More than 650 students are taking advantage of CE courses, and 209 students are taking at least one AP course this year. Certificate Advancement More than 80 juniors and seniors in the Certificate Advancement Program spend half of each school day at Iowa Western working toward career certifications in culinary arts or medical health while also their high school diplomas. TradeWorks Academy More than 360 students this year are learning the foundational concepts in five skilled trade fields that are in high demand in the area’s workforce: Auto Mechanics, Construction, Fabrication/ Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing & HVAC/Refrigeration. Thanks to the vision and financial generosity of The Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation,
ANDRE CHIOCO T.J. — 9th Grade
“I am able to get exposure to real life situations, which will prepare me well for my future career as an emergency department nurse practitioner.” CHARLES CLAPP T.J. — 12th Grade
“Through the Early College Academy, I am expanding my knowledge in ways I was unable to do while in a regular high school setting.” HAILEE McCUMBER A.L. — 11th Grade
“The Culinary Arts program at Iowa Western has given me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a restaurant chef or a private chef.” CAMERON LAMBERT A.L. — 12th Grade
“The Early College Academy program is helping me achieve my goals by offering me the opportunity to take the next steps in my academic life.” TRINITY GARCIA A.L. – 11th Grade
“I am working towards receiving my CNA certification, and getting the advantage of doing this in high school only makes it better.”
Students learn proper welding techniques in the new welding bays at the Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation TradeWorks Academy Learning Facilities at Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln high schools. ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
JASMINE RAMOS T.J. — 12th Grade
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new learning facilities at each high school provide a modern, well-equipped space for students to earn their industry credential from the National Center for Construction Education and Research. At the same time, they are deciding whether a career in a skilled trade is what they would like to pursue while in high school. TradeWorks at Iowa Western Beginning this fall, juniors and seniors who have Partners, donors and the Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors celebrated the official opening of the Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation TradeWorks successfully completed the Academy Learning Facility at Abraham Lincoln High School on Sept. 27, 2019. The ribbon was cut at Thomas Jefferson High School earlier that day. TradeWorks Academy will be eligible to take classes at Iowa Western Community College to further their skills in a variety of fields: advanced programs in automotive maintenance and repair, automotive technology, construction tech, diesel mechanics, electrical maintenance, electronic engineering tech, HVAC/R maintenance, industrial maintenance, industrial tech, industrial engineering tech and welding. “The Plus One Pathways are successful because of the involvement of local business partners, donors and Iowa Western Community College,” Dr. Murillo said. “We are eager to see the impact on our local workforce in the years to come.”
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds invited students from the Council Bluffs TradeWorks Academy to attend the Condition of the State address Jan. 13, 2020. Reynolds highlighted the TradeWorks Academy as a “great example” of students being provided an opportunity to learn through hands-on experiences.
STUDENT STARS
Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond
The Council Bluffs Board of Education regularly recognizes students at board meetings with the Student Star award. Congratulations to these students on their achievements. We wish them success on their journey to achieve more.
Ian Williams – second place, Sports and Entertainment Marketing; third place, Start-up Business Plan
Arlette Milstead – third place, Marketing Communications
Trevor Harbin – second place, Independent Business Plan Madison Baxter – third place, Independent Business Plan
State Volleyball Tournament Qualifier Abraham Lincoln High School Team All-State Music Festival Qualifiers Alvaro Peraza, Orchestra Rolando Martinez-Rico, Band Anna Boes, Band Jordan Mohling, Band Molly Higgins, Choir Riley Pope, Choir
Perfect ACT English Subtest Scorer Molly Higgins Advanced Placement Scholars earned an average score of at least 3 on three or more AP exams.
DECA State Honorees & National Qualifiers Harper Snead – second place, Hotel and Lodging Management; second place, Innovation Plan Paper; elected state officer, Vice President of Marketing.
Kelsey Wathen – second place, Apparel and Accessories Marketing Sabrina Fienhold – first place, Automotive Service Management; second place, Hospitality and Tourism Operations Research Paper
Ariana Bagley (2019 graduate) Taylor Bahr (2019 graduate) Sam Killion (2019 graduate) Brianne McDermott (2019 graduate) Sydney Schilling (2019 graduate) Jacob Braddy Jeremiah Dogan Molly Higgins Ethan Leinen Rolando Martinez-Rico Jordan Mohling Milo Nordman Riley Pope Caitlin Weber
Ashlyn Holt – first place, Entrepreneurship Franchise Business Plan Paper
Abbie Olson – second place, Innovation Plan Paper; third place, Sports & Entertainment Marketing
AP Scholar With Distinction earned an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams and earned scores of 3 or higher on five or more AP exams.
Chance Higgins – second place. Sports and Entertainment Marketing; third place, Start-up Business Plan
Cynthia Salinas-Cappellano Haily Collins
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) National Student Leadership Academy Competition State Finalist Samantha Plechas
AP Scholars With Honors earned an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams and earned scores of 3 or higher on four or more AP exams. Caleb Fitch (2019 graduate) Tucker Cain Daniel Fitch Kayla Whitworth
Brooke Wohlers – first place, Entrepreneurship Franchise Business Plan Paper
QuestBridge National College Match Scholars
Sarah King
2020 VEX Robotics State Champions Thomas Jefferson Team 2501J State Wrestling Tournament Qualifier Aiden Keller, A.L. 132 Weight Class
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TALENT SHOWCASE: Artists, Musicians Show Off Their Talents at Board of Education Reception
Two times each year, the Student Art Talent Showcase features more than 100 pieces of artwork by K-12 students. Parents, grandparents, siblings, art teachers, administrators and school board members join the student artists for refreshments and to celebrate the variety of art on display, including watercolors, sketches and sculptures. The event is enhanced by the musical talents of students from middle and high school orchestra and band ensembles. Left: Mila Casillas, a fourth grade student at Bloomer Elementary School, shows off her featured artwork that was chosen for the second semester showcase. Right: Brandon Martinez Rico, along with the Kirn Middle School Jazz Band, helped serenade the honored artists and guests during the student entertainment portion of the Student Art Showcase.
MADISON CAMPUS: District Transforms Former Store Into Temporary Home For Middle Schools
If you travel near the former Target store at the Mall of the Bluffs, you will notice a change to the exterior. Inside, you would see a completely transformed space that is now a middle school, complete with 60 classrooms, art and music rooms, and multi-purpose spaces for school meals and physical education. This year, the Madison Campus has served Kirn Middle School students while their school is being completely renovated. Next year, it will become the temporary home of Wilson Middle School. Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said the facility allows our middle school students to attend school in an excellent
learning environment, without being in a building under renovation. Having an alternate site makes it possible for the renovation of each middle school to be completed in a shorter timeline and at a lower cost. When the renovation of Wilson is complete, the district will have options for utilizing this district asset, including the possibility of moving district offices, training facilities and its alternative learning center to the campus. The planned redevelopment of the mall property does not include this school district-owned building. For more on the middle school renovations, see Page 4 of this magazine.
Students and their families attended an August open house of the new Madison Campus building, which has been serving as Kirn Middle School this year.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI: A.L., T.J. Alumni Groups Announce Schools’ 2020 Hall of Fame Inductees
The alumni committees at each high school have selected the newest members of the Hall of Fame. Ceremonies to induct the new members will be scheduled at a later date. Abraham Lincoln’s inductees are: Kate Cutler (‘63), attorney and community volunteer. 10
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Connie Jo Coleman (‘69), medical receptionist and school accompanist. Doug Goodman (‘74, posthumous), banker and community volunteer. Jeff Ballenger (‘83), business owner and veteran’s advocate. Thomas Jefferson’s inductees are: Bob Wahl (‘74), optician and
championship softball coach. Martin Brooks (‘77), banker and community volunteer. Michael Patten (‘90), chemical engineer and United Way volunteer. Holly Wagner Howe (‘95), awardwinning journalist and Make-a-Wish volunteer.
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
MAKING AN IMPACT
First Community Impact Award Alumna Named
The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation recognized Brandy Wallar as its 2019 Community Impact Award recipient. Wallar has faced a lot of ups and downs in her life. The child of a single mother whose focus was meeting basic needs, Wallar did not have much growing up – but she did have the support of her community. “I am very thankful for the Council Bluffs Community School District,” Wallar said, noting opportunities she had to be involved in community service. “What the Council Bluffs school district did for me was really feed my potential.” Wallar lives her life with a purpose to help others unlock their potential and see joy and hope regardless of their past trauma or mistakes. Professionally, she is the program and development director for New Visions Homeless Shelter. She had worked in the nonprofit sector for 19 years, spending the last 15 years helping those people
experiencing homelessness and hunger in the greater metropolitan area. “In the end, it is not about us. It is about what we can give and what we can do,” Wallar said. “It took a community to get me where to where I am at right now.” Wallar developed a strong sense of compassion for those in need from
starting her volunteer work at an early age. She is a certified Court Appointed Special Advocate to help advocate for children separated from their families, and was also a Big Sister through the Big Brother/Big Sister Program. She has also volunteered for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Up With Families, Family Inc., DARE, YWCA, Special Olympics, Campfire USA and Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs. Wallar had the opportunity to combine her love for Christmas and passion to help those in need by chairing Council Bluffs’ Community Christmas Celebration. Over the last seven years, it grew from providing hope for Christmas to 500 men, women and children to assisting over 2,000 across the metro. An ambassador with the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, she also is vice chair of the local FEMA board. She is married to the Rev. Jay Wallar. She also co-pastors My Father’s House Ministries in Council Bluffs with her husband.
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EXTRACURRICULAR EXCELLENCE
Students Succeed in Activities, Athletics & Fine Arts
Council Bluffs Community School District students excel outside the classroom in a wide variety of activities, athletics and fine arts. Here is a look at some of the extracurricular achievements this school year by Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jfferson students. TOP LEFT: Elaina Bohnet celebrates with her teammates after Abraham Lincoln defeats defending state champion Ankeny Centennial in the regional final Nov. 5, 2019. With the victory, the Lynx advanced to the Iowa High School Volleyball State Tournament in Des Moines. CENTER LEFT: Sami Plechas, McKenna Rethmeier, Madison Baxter, KayLynn Oliver, Emily Eikenberry, Natalie Arnold and Head Coach Diane Storey pose for a photo after claiming the district title on Feb. 18, 2020. The Jackets punched their ticket to the State Bowling Tournament with the victory. CENTER RIGHT: Abraham Lincoln’s Jayce Fisher attempts to bring down Thomas Jefferson running back Jermaine Green during second half action at the annual A.L.-T.J. football game on Oct. 25, 2019. BOTTOM LEFT: Thomas Jefferson High School Drama Department presents its one-act production of “Charlotte’s Web” on Feb. 6-7, 2020. BOTTOM RIGHT: Aisha Figueroa competes in butterfly stroke for the CB Swim Team at the Council Bluffs City Meet on Oct. 22, 2019.
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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
TOP LEFT: Thomas Jefferson Senior Wimach Gilo races to a third place finish at the 2019 4A State Qualifying Cross Country Meet held on the campus of Iowa Western on Oct. 29, 2019. Gilo finished in a time of 16:41.14. TOP RIGHT: Dylan Jordan performs as part of the Thomas Jefferson High School Monticello’s Regiment during the football halftime show on Sept. 20, 2019 CENTER LEFT: Abraham Lincoln High School Orchestra performs during the String Orchestra Recital held in the school auditorium on Feb. 25, 2020. CENTER RIGHT: Abraham Lincoln’s Josh Dix connects on a mid-range jumper in the first half of the Class 4A Regional Final against Dowling Catholic High School held March 3, 2020, at Iowa Western Community College. BOTTOM LEFT: Thomas Jefferson sophomore Alexis Gil performs as part of the Jacket Dance Team during halftime of the boys basketball game on Dec. 13, 2019. BOTTOM CENTER: Junior Aiden Keller gets his hand raised after picking up a victory at the Abraham Lincoln Triangular on Jan. 7, 2020. BOTTOM RIGHT: CyberPatriot teammates Zach Oberhelman and Sierra Meza compete for the Abraham Lincoln CyberLynx during the state round of Iowa CyberPatriot competition Dec. 6-8, 2019. CyberLynx 1 and ALHS IA-951 earned the top score in their division and earned a spot in the CyberPatriot XII Semifinal, which took place Jan. 24-25, 2020.
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GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Teachers, Staff Recognized For Living the Mission KOURTNEY ABBOTTS
SARAH PIERCY
Mrs. Abbotts has an incredible ability to build relationships with all students. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is truly a gift to the education field.
She is incredibly devoted and is able to manage with ease all her roles as the “nurse, photographer, helping hand, hand holder and glue to the middle school summer program.”
MEGAN HASTERT
TINA HARGENS
The heart of Ms. Hastert’s work is advocating for students with disabilities, building relationships and supporting students and staff.
Ms. Hargens is an all-around rockstar! She installed a new sensory hallway, is a member of our #TeamBeautify and sponsors Tech Club.
KAITLIN HALLER
ABBY PARRIS
Ms. Haller is a leader in our building who inspires not only the students in her classroom to be a community of learners but also her colleagues.
Ms. Parris never stops working for students and recognizes them for the four school pillars to be Respectful, Responsible, Safe and Caring.
ALICIA SAUSEDO
GEANA KRAJICEK
Ms. Sausedo is character driven. Her interactions with students, fellow staff members, and parents are done with grace, knowledge, and integrity.
Mrs. Krajicek’s unique extra effort provides one more layer of positive communication between the school and parents.
TRINA CASEY
JANE BEHRENS
Mrs. Casey demonstrates her positive attitude and energetic personality to support students and their ability to be successful in the classroom.
Mrs. Behrens has a kind heart and seems to know just the right words to say to offer support, like a caring friend giving encouragement.
ROBBIE MILLER
SHELLY WEATHERILL
Mr. Miller truly believes that it is his role as teacher, mentor, coach, colleague to help those around him reach their full potential.
Ms. Weatherill is a smiling and friendly face at the lunch window and has even delivered pre-K meals dressed as a giant apple!
Summer – Teacher
September – Special Ed. Teacher Rue Elementary School
October – 2nd Grade Teacher Carter Lake Elementary
November – Special Ed. Teacher Kirn Middle School
December: Counselor Hoover Elementary
January – Teacher/Soccer Coach Abraham Lincoln High
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Summer – Paraeducator
September – Paraeducator Lewis & Clark Elementary
October – Paraeducator Longfellow Elementary
November – Admin. Assistant Crescent Elementary & Preschool
December: Paraeducator Longfellow Elementary
January: Cook/Server Franklin Elementary
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
FUN FACTS Scholarships earned by 2019 graduating seniors exceeded $11,850,000. Graduates of Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson attend a variety of post-secondary institutions, including community colleges, universities and trade schools.
The District’s Nutrition Department serves an average of 10,000 meals per day – that makes it the largest restaurant in Council Bluffs, Crescent and Carter Lake! Those meals include a 323,151 fresh fruit and vegetable snacks through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable grant program.
Elementary classrooms in Council Bluffs Schools average 22 students. Students are also supported by a variety of paraeducators, counselors, specialists in Talented & Gifted and Special Education, and teachers in art, music, and PE.
The Council Bluffs Community School District employs a total of 1,296 teachers and support staff members. It is among the Council Bluffs area’s largest employers. The employees recognized on the previous page are representative of the dedicated, highly-skilled staff who serve our students.
IMPORTANT DATES
Due to the current school closure related to COVID-19, please check the official event calendar at cb-schools.org
May 4 – 8 Teacher & Staff Appreciation Week May 22, 7 p.m. Abraham Lincoln Graduation May 23, 10 a.m. Thomas Jefferson Graduation May 28 Last Scheduled Day of School
An average of 2,500 students are transported by school bus to and from school daily.
June 8 First Day of Camp Summer Explore
The school district contracts with First Student for 63 routes per day for a total of 4,600 miles traveled. For a 180-day school year, that’s a total of 828,000 miles driven by buses!
August 24 First Day of New School Year
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
Spring 2020
15
COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600 Council Bluffs, IA 51503
We can’t wait to meet the Class of 2033!
Kindergarten Roundup
Coming Soon
Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Permit No. 561
Kinder
gar ten
Roundup Kindergarten Roundup
Tentative Date: May 14, 2020 Sessions at 4:30 & 5:30 PM
Please attend at your neighborhood elementary school. Council Bluffs Community School District inspires learners at every level to achieve more by delivering more choices, more opportunities and more ways to succeed. 712-328-6446 communications@cb-schools.org Free Mobile App
www.cb-schools.org
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