Achieve Winter 2023

Hello!

Message from Superintendent

Thank you for your interest in our schools, our students, and their success! We enjoy sharing stories of our students taking full advantage of the school experience. During my visits to classrooms, I see active learning, engaged students, and evidence of why our students are making exciting academic growth. I am proud to share that more students than ever before are taking advantage of our Diploma +1 Pathways to earn not only their high school diploma, but also a second credential that will lead them to a successful college experience or a meaningful career in a high-paying job in their fields of interest.

Knowing all of the ways our school district prepares students, I would like to invite all parents with young children to join our school community. Please connect with us about early learning opportunities, ages 6 weeks to 5 years old. We are excited to meet all of the children who will be at least 5 by September 15, 2023, at our Kindergarten Roundup open house on March 30th at our elementary schools. I hope you will share this date with your friends, family members and neighbors with soon-to-be kindergarteners.

If you have a 3- or 4-year-old child, please consider enrolling in our preschool programs throughout the district or at our new Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center. Our District-Wide Preschool Screening is set for April 3rd, at our elementary schools from noon-6 p.m.

We are also now inviting parents with infants and toddlers, ages 6 weeks and up, to consider enrolling in our affordable early learning program at the new Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center to open in August. We are so excited to partner with the Iowa Department of Education to implement this unique and innovative public school program.

Please enjoy reading about our students, staff and alumni in this edition of the Achieve Magazine, presented to our community.

Sincerely,

Welcome to the award-winning Achieve 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 your feedback at 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.

Dr. Vickie Murillo, Superintendent

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 12 | Winter 2023

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Dr. Vickie Murillo

COVER PHOTO: Logan Carlson and Abigail Lassek perform a titration experiment in a chemistry lab. Both are taking advantage of the district’s Diploma +1 Pathways and Opportunities. Read more on Pages 3–5.

Troy Arthur Board Member

David Coziahr Board Member

Lauren Myers Board Member

Jared Tripp Board Vice President

Chris LaFerla Board President

Jill Shudak Board Member

Patrick Peters Board Member

FUTURE READY

Leveling Up Pathways and Opportunities for Students

Lillian Mass is charting out her future. The Abraham Lincoln High School junior is planning to graduate a semester early and take some extra time to focus on finishing her internship, volunteering and applying to colleges and universities.

She will also complete an associate degree from Iowa Western Community College, all without having to pay a dime in tuition, through the Council Bluffs Community School District’s Diploma +1 program.

Ultimately, Lillian plans to earn a master’s degree in social work, communications or nonprofit management. She knows she’s ready for college because of the opportunities and experiences she’s had so far through the Council Bluffs Schools.

“I think that the Council Bluffs School District is preparing me for the future by giving me a much more rounded and comprehensive view of higher, college-aged education,” she said. “I feel much more confident in my essay writing skills as I am doing many more MLAstyle essays now and I am confident that I can handle college work.”

Every student in the Council Bluffs Schools has the opportunity to get a jump start on their future through the Diploma +1 program, whether that’s college credit or even an associate degree, relevant career training or resume-building certificates.

“We are making it increasingly more attainable for students to pursue their college and career interests with a strong foundation of academics and a long list of Diploma +1 Pathways,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo.

Murillo said the aim is to inspire students to have a clear path toward a successful future through early access to a growing number of opportunities to be exposed to, explore, and experience college-bound and career-ready pathways — all throughout their elementary, middle and high school experience.

For Lillian, she said the experience of taking dual-enrollment courses brought academic challenges and accomplishments. She said

she was able to experience higher education in an independent way without having to give up the “high school experience.”

“It has also opened my eyes to financial

students can simultaneously access college and high school credit, many earning more than the 24 credits necessary to complete their first year of college while in high school.

Among other subject areas, students take advantage of specific science, engineering and math coursework to earn the STEM Concentration Certificate. Currently, 14 Advanced Placement (AP) Courses are available. Upon completion of the course, a score of 3 or better on the AP test qualifies students for college credit in the content area)

Thomas Jefferson junior Abigail Lassek is going to start the Early College Academy at Iowa Western next school year, which will put her on track to earn an associate degree. Abigail said that she appreciates that she has been able to “academically challenge myself with the classes offered here at TJ,” including a mix of classes at Iowa Western and concurrent enrollment classes, where college credit is earned through a class taught at the high school. AP classes have students earn college credit based on how well they score on a test at the end of the year, versus using the grade for the class earning the credit.

opportunities, along with the money I’m saving on classes and textbooks,” she said of the College Credit Acceleration, in which she can earn 24 nocost college credits.

The Council Bluffs Schools wants students like Lillian who are interested to ultimately matriculate into a collegiate program where they will be successful and graduate.

“We’re being strategic about how Diploma +1 Pathways and Opportunities can encourage students to achieve more and for that accomplishment to propel them into a successful college career,” Murillo said.

Two Diploma +1 Pathways are specifically aimed at college-bound students: College Credit Acceleration and Early College Academy.

College Credit Acceleration means

“Diploma +1 is giving me a chance to expand my learning opportunities and offer me different pathways that would help build a set path for what I want to do later in life,” Abigail said.

Yet another Diploma +1 Pathway that invites college-bound students to earn credit is the Career & Academic Pathway, which allows juniors and seniors to take a half-day of classes on their high school campus or at Iowa Western in the areas of aviation science, business management and administration, emerging technologies, medical health sciences, early childhood education or hospitality management. Those students can earn a certificate or diploma, depending on their chosen area, at no cost.

For example, the Aviation Science Diploma +1 Pathway allows students to learn a Remote Pilot Certificate for an unmanned drone through the Federal Aviation Administration.

FUTURE: Diploma +1 Provides Students Advantages

The Biomedical Science Diploma +1 Pathway offers students a choice between a Certified Nurse Aide credential through Iowa Western or a Biomedical Concentrator certificate through Project Lead the Way. The STEM Concentrator Diploma +1 Pathway offers a certificate for completing engineering and mathematics coursework, including calculus.

“We are continuing to develop new Diploma +1 pathways so that students can gain a credential in a wide variety of high-demand fields while still in high school,” Murillo said.

Not every field requires a four-year degree, or more advanced degrees, in order to find success and make a good living.

Council Bluffs high schoolers who want to be career ready after graduation are able to participate in the Career & Academic Pathway, as well as take advantage of the unique TradeWorks program offered at both high schools and at Iowa Western.

TradeWorks Academy is open to freshmen and sophomores who want hands-on learning to enter a registered apprenticeship program after graduation.

Students in the TradeWorks Academy experience five skilled trades occupations: mechanics, construction, electrical systems, plumbing and HVAC/refrigeration, and fabrication and welding.

Students finishing the academy also are eligible to participate in TradeWorks at Iowa Western, which continues their learning through tradespecific, college-level coursework. They earn an industry-recognized certificate and can complete the first year of their registered apprenticeship.

Students are able to learn with state-ofthe-art equipment, and they also complete 10 hours of OSHA-authorized training on workplace safety, providing them another workforce credential at no cost.

Regardless of the pathway that each student chooses, they can also explore Diploma +1 Opportunities to build additional market value assets, that will work for them when they start their career journey

The Diploma +1 Opportunities are an Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership and Employability Skills Certificate, earned upon passing the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute exam; the Seal of Biliteracy, earned with a score of 3 or higher on the Spanish AP exam or upon passing the StandardsBased Measurement of Proficiency (STAMP) language test; the ACT National Career

Readiness Certificate, earned upon attainment of Bronze or higher on the ACT WorkKeys job skills assessment; the Transition Alliance Certificate for work-based learning experience; or a Google Certificate, earned upon passing the required exam.

These credentials provide future employers with an assurance that a student has mastered a certain set of skills, which are intended to be a difference-maker when a future graduate’s resume is being compared against others in a competitive job market. These Diploma +1 opportunities are helpful even for college-bound students, and they are just as valuable for prospective internships and student-workers as for full-time employment.

“We know that many students take advantage of these extra credentials as added value during high school,” Murillo said.

Logan Carlson, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson, plans to collect additional college credits the next two years before he walks across the stage at the Mid-America Center in 2025.

“After high school, I will be planning on going to college and getting a degree in finance,” he said. “I feel that the Council Bluffs Schools are preparing me very well

and giving me good opportunities.”

Logan said his Diploma +1 is the College Credit Acceleration, and he should graduate with an associate degree along with his high school diploma — an accomplishment that used to be rare but now has become common and readily-available for Council Bluffs students.

While earning that college degree, Logan continues to have the same opportunities as other high school students, including extracurricular activities.

“I have gotten to play sports and contribute to my future,” Logan said, noting it’s a unique experience from other students his age.

Asked to share some advice, he encouraged others to “take every opportunity you get.” Abigail also encouraged AL and TJ students to take the time to learn about all the Diploma +1 Pathways.

“It’s a great opportunity to develop your learning and better yourself for later in life,” she said. With the Diploma +1 Pathways and Opportunities, students in the Council Bluffs Schools can access a growing number of choices, inspiring them and giving them the important head start to building the lives they want. Each of those “something extra” that they pair with their diploma will help them achieve more, and the Council Bluffs Schools is proud to offer them a bright future. Whether students are bound for college or ready for a career after high school, they’ll be prepared to walk across the graduation stage and into a bright future.

Lillian Mass

Logan Carlson

Abigail Lassek

• College-level coursework aligned with Apprenticeships

ROLE MODEL Hoover Student Demonstrates Importance of Effort

Elias Fairman doesn’t mess around.

The Hoover Elementary fourth grader in Mrs. Hecker’s class has been developing his leadership skills and placing his focus on school.

“I’m always reading or doing my work,” he said. “I’m never like messing around.”

Last year, he flew through the school’s Lexia reading program, exceeding his grade level and graduating the online program so he has more choice in what he’s reading.

“My teacher says I’m a good role model,” Elias said. “I show what effort can do. I have really good grades, and that shows that effort can make a difference.”

Elias is the son of Tim and Meleah Fairman, and he has two brothers: seventh grader Holden and freshman Aiden.

Elias said he rarely misses school, and he keeps up with his schoolwork. He understands the value that learning has for his future.

“I like school,” he said. “So let’s say my (older) brother is talking about something that I’d never heard of. If I keep going to school, I’ll hear (what my brother said), so I keep on growing if I go

to school.”

At school, Elias is also a representative on Hoover’s student council, which earlier this winter raised money by selling

Valentine’s Day suckers, with that money going back to support the school by purchasing books for the library or new classroom equipment.

Student council teaches the students about trust, Elias said. Selling suckers taught them how to work with money and make change -- as well as how to be trustworthy with money.

“They have to trust you to be at every meeting,” he said. “You need to be like trustworthy because we have to be there at 8 before school so we can do the meeting.”

After school, Elias enjoys reading and writing.

“I like to read at least one chapter of a book a day to keep my reading skills up,” he said. “Sometimes I’ll read more.”

Elias also likes to watch “a little bit of TV” — either anime or YouTube videos — and to play outside with Bristol, his pet Boston Terrier.

After graduating in the Class of 2031, Elias plans to go to college. He is interested in becoming a writer, animator or doing something with animation, the latter interest sparked by learning about Walt Disney in technology class.

“Animating is cool,” he said. “My brother really likes drawing .. so I thought one time he could do drawings and then I could write for it.”

LEGACY: New Early Learning Center Honors Nelson

The Council Bluffs Community School District’s new Early Learning Center will bear the name of Anne E. Nelson.

The naming of the center at 620 N. 8th Street after Anne E. Nelson commemorates the life of Mrs. Nelson as an educator, community philanthropist and champion for children and families. She passed away in December 2022 at age 81.

“We are so grateful for the generosity of Bob and Polina Schlott, and for their interest in honoring the life of Anne Nelson at our beautiful Early Learning Center,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “We cannot wait to have

the smiles of infants, toddlers and preschoolers fill this vibrant center.”

Bob and Polina Schlott embraced the vision of the early learning center and made a generous financial contribution to the construction fund. This lead gift demonstrated to other foundations and private donors that this project will create an innovative model for how Iowa K-12 school systems provide early learning for children from birth to 5 years old.

Mrs. Nelson was instrumental in forming the Nelson Family Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award program, which annually recognizes outstanding

teachers and counselors in Council Bluffs. Anne and her husband John P. Nelson made a significant contribution to the Second Grade Library at Hoover Elementary.

With expanded preschool and new childcare opportunities at the Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center beginning in August 2023, nearly 200 more Council Bluffs children every year will be better prepared to learn to their fullest in kindergarten and throughout their academic experience.

Enrollment is now open for the infant and toddler program. District-wide Preschool Screening will be held on April 3rd from noon to 6 p.m. at all elementary schools.

Additional nformation on enrollment can be found at cb-schools.org.

Anne E. Nelson

NEW STAGE: Remodel Spotlights AL Performances

Abraham Lincoln High School students have a newly renovated space to showcase their talents and host special events.

The modern space welcomes audiences to watch performances by students, who benefit from new lighting fixtures and improved theatrical equipment. Audiences are greeted by a warm entrance using elevated materials, lighting and display features.

New wood slat wall paneling was installed with integrated display for posters and playbills. Wood that complements the lobby was used for the new stage floor, while the walls of the auditorium were painted a darker tone that will give more lighting control for student productions and presentations.

A new glass guard railing was installed to improve sightlines from the balcony, and new curtains and rigging also were added.

The remodel is bringing in rave reviews to match the talents of AL’s performing artists.

BLINK: Free Public Wireless Network Now Complete

Officials with the Council Bluffs Community School District, City of Council Bluffs and Iowa West Foundation, along with other community partners, celebrated the completion of the BLink public Wi-Fi network on Dec. 7.

The neighborhood near Abraham Lincoln High School was part of the recently finished eighth phase of the network, which provides free outdoor wireless internet connectivity.

The project, which was backed by Google, took about seven years to reach completion.

“Our Council Bluffs students and families are fortunate to be part of a truly connected community,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo. “We value this unique BLink partnership to make Internet services available so our students can use their district Chromebooks to safely access their learning materials and connect with their teachers and classmates away from school.”

BLink proved its value during the pandemic, when learning from home became necessary.

It has also helped remove barriers for the larger community and was instrumental in the selection of Council Bluffs as an All-America City in 2017.

“Blink is truly a game changer,” Murillo said.

During the Dec. 7 ceremony, students

placed segments of the network on a map in Abraham Lincoln’s outdoor classroom.

“This is really a remarkable achievement that sets Council Bluffs apart, and that’s not just me saying that,” Iowa West Foundation President and CEO Brenda Mainwaring said.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Lynx, Jackets Show Off in Winter Athletics, Activities

Featured

Featured TJ students, from top left:

CB Squirrels Girls Wrestling Team • Hannah Morris • Devin Davis Conti

• Makhia Bonczyk

& Makenzie Sivard

• ESports • Boys

Bowling • Girls

Bowling • Samara

Alcaraz • Dance

Team • Eli Boland

DEEP ROOTS IN COMMUNITY

Abraham

Lincoln Adds Three Alumni to Hall of Fame

Mainwaring serves as the president and CEO of the Iowa West Foundation — just one of many amazing accomplishments she has earned as a dedicated and involved Council Bluffs native and Abraham Lincoln graduate.

After high school, Mainwaring attended the University of Iowa, earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in anthropology.

She then worked for Union Pacific for 23 years. During her time at UP, she was the director of corporate affairs from 1997 to 2007. From 2007 to 2013, she served as a director of public affairs before being promoted to assistant vice president of public affairs in Houston, Texas, managing 11 states.

Mainwaring always hoped to return to Council Bluffs, and she returned in 2020 as the CEO of the Iowa West Foundation, which is responsible for millions of dollars in grants to support Southwest Iowa. She immediately began to integrate herself in the community.

As a member of the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, she has established two programs to support and empower women to develop as leaders: the Women Inspiring Women’s Partnership and the Executive Women’s Partnership. She is also active in the Council Bluffs Planning Commission, Rotary Club, Pottawattamie County Conservation and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Mainwaring’s active participation and leadership in the Council Bluffs community has made her an exemplary role model, especially for aspiring young women who want to improve our community.

Moraine grew up in the heart of Council Bluffs and developed into a strong young man. He found his love for the fine arts during his time at Abraham Lincoln, working behind the scenes of the old auditorium.

He is a great example of a student living in the Depression era. After graduation, he moved to Southern California with his family.

Moraine always embodied his Midwestern roots of optimism and perseverance. He worked at a rock quarry where he sustained a minor injury. After going to the doctor, he was told he had a very handsome face and could be an actor. He took this compliment and turned it into his career, quickly joining the song writing and acting industries.

His career was put on hold during World War II. During his time overseas, he found himself on a ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean feeling home sick on Christmas Eve. The only thing that he could see on the ship was a small island. He grabbed the chaplain’s organ and started writing “Christmas Island,” s song about spending Christmas alone. The Andrew Sisters sang Christmas Island, which became one of the top ten songs in 1946. It was later recorded by Bob Dylan, Bing Crosby, and Jimmy Buffett. Most recently, it was used in the hit Christmas movie “Elf.”

Moraine composed about 25 songs recorded by well-known artists, including “Anytime you Say,” “Birds like to Fly,” and “California Sunshine.” He also appeared in 36 films. At Warner Brothers, he also worked as an acting double and a dialogue coach.

From mentoring many counselors and principals, supporting countless service projects, and visiting hundreds of Alzheimer’s patients with her therapy dog Gryffin, O’Brien has made a profound impact on communities throughout the metro area.

She worked for more than 30 years for the Council Bluffs Community School District. She retired in 2011 as the supervisor of secondary education. She is the recipient of many awards and honors for her work and has presented at education conferences across the nation.

After graduating Abraham Lincoln, O’Brien attended Colorado State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in social science. She came back to Council Bluffs to teach at Kirn, Wilson and Longfellow. While teaching, she earned a master’s degree in guidance counseling from Creighton University and became a counselor at Kirn from 1977 to 1995. She also earned an administrative endorsement from Creighton, enabling her to become an assistant principal at Thomas Jefferson and later principal of Wilson and Thomas Jefferson.

For several years, O’Brien has served on the board of the Southwest Iowa Educational Foundation, and she initiated and coordinated a scholarship drive for the A.L. Class of 1965 that sustains a yearly $1500 scholarship that is awarded to a graduating A.L. student.

She also visited Alzheimer care facilities with her licensed therapy dog and serves on the organizing committee for Bluffs Bridge, where she is helping bring Bridge Whiz into schools and youth organizations.

Abraham Lincoln High School welcomed the latest inductees to the A.L. Hall of Fame in a ceremony held on March 13, 2023.

Brenda Mainwaring Class of 1982

Lyle Moraine Class of 1932

Judith O’Brien Class of 1965

REACHING GREAT HEIGHTS

Thomas Jefferson Adds Three Alumni to Hall of Fame

While at Thomas Jefferson, MacTaggart was active in volleyball, basketball, soccer, softball, cheerleading and chamber and swing choirs. She also worked at her family’s restaurant, Duncan’s Cafe, as a dishwasher and a bus girl. She was also a sacker at HyVee and a cashier at Walgreens.

She joined the military in 1995, and her 27 years of military expense includes working in security forces for nuclear weapons, a medicalsurgical unit, and a flight medicine clinic. She is currently serving as the flight commander of the 59th Surgical Services Flight at Joint Base Lackland in Texas.

MacTaggart was directly commissioned in 2006 and earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Allen College of Nursing.

Now a major in the U.S. Air Force, she was deployed to Balad, Iraq and Doha, Qatar, during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and she had humanitarian missions in Angol, Chile; Linden, Guyana; and Panama City, Panama.

Her major awards and decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Air and Space Commendation Medal, Air Reserves Meritorious Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Nuclear Deterrence Operations Service Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Award, Iraq Campaign Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal — just to name a few.

MacTaggart is married to Ski MacTaggart from Strawberry Point, Iowa, and they have four children: Madison, Reagan, Kennedy and Lincoln MacTaggart.

After Thomas Jefferson, Narmi went on to earn an associate degree from Iowa Western Community College’s Clarinda Campus and then worked as a phone center supervisor for AT&T Northwestern Bell. She has been a licensed Realtor since 1986.

At T.J., she was an involved member of the choir and other activities. She received the Vocal Music Rotary Award and was president of the Red Cross and a member of Thespians.

Narmi has been involved with a wide spectrum of civic and church organizations such as the Omaha Symphony, Historical General Dodge House, Joslyn Art Museum, Meals on Wheels, the former Christian Home, the Saint Patrick Church Altar Society, Cookie Crumbs and American Business Women. Additionally, she was a member of the Bayliss Park Renovation Committee.

She was a 1989 graduate of the Real Estate Institute and was the 2010 Realtor of the Year, given to real estate agents who have taken on an extra effort to improve the quality of life in their communities through volunteer work and other commendable causes. She has also received the Phil Dodge Award, given annually to one outstanding agent chosen for their commitment to customer service, professional ethics, community involvement and putting service over self.

Narmi and her husband, Jon, reside in Council Bluffs, and they have been twice honored by the Catholic Church with the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice honor, once by Pope Benedict and once by Pope Francis.

Waltrip grew up in Carter Lake, where his father was formerly the mayor, and he attended Carter Lake and Wilson. At Thomas Jefferson, he was active on the Signal staff and National Honor Society. He took trade and college prep classes and worked one year as a photographer for the Monticello.

After graduation, he attended a military preparatory school and gained admission to the U.S. Air Force Academy. While there, he became captain of the demonstration squad on the Wings of Blue Parachute Team, accumulating 600 skydives. He graduated in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree and earned a slot in undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma.

From 1984 to 2006, Waltrip served as a U.S. Air Force pilot. He was stationed at numerous stateside bases, as well as Bentwaters Royal Air Force Base in England and Osan Air Base in South Korea. He accumulated 2,600 hours flying the A-10 Warthog and was a weapons officer and instructor trainer. Additionally, he accumulated 2,500 hours in the T-37 Tweet as a pilot training instructor.

In his career, he has taught hundreds of service members how to fly airplanes.

Upon his military retirement, he began his career as a commercial airline pilot. His first job was with Delta Airlines. He then switched to Southwest, where he is a captain with more than 10,000 commercial flying hours.

Some of his favorite places to fly include Omaha, Tampa and San Antonio. Waltrip has two children, Stephanie and Christopher.

Thomas Jefferson High School welcomed the latest inductees to the T.J. Hall of Fame in a ceremony held on February 24, 2023.

Marti Hensley MacTaggart Class of 1995

Candy Smith Narmi Class of 1966

James “Wally” Waltrip Class of 1979

COMMUNITY GENEROSITY

Student Enrichment Grants Support Classrooms

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is excited to announce a new grant opportunity for our teachers!

In addition to continuing to expand our Classroom Grants and Emergency Assistance Grants programs, we recently launched a new Student Enrichment Grants opportunity intended to supplement the classroom learning experience through field trips, cultural experiences, and more.

Since launching the program, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation has awarded nearly $5,000 to teachers across the district. Most recently, we awarded a grant to the fourth grade classes at Carter Lake Elementary.

The Carter Lake grant allowed all fourth graders to attend a field trip to El Museo Latino. This field trip supported learning and offered students an experience outside the classroom. It provided a way for students to learn more about Latino culture and create artwork of their own influenced by that newfound knowledge

“Our fourth graders enjoyed the opportunity to dive into Latino cultures; learning about their art, creating a pinata, and hearing about the origins of their creativity,” Carter Lake teacher Matt Wesselmann said. This valuable experience would not have been possible without the support of our donors. Not only did the students enjoy the

opportunity, but the teachers were incredibly grateful for the support:

“It was cool to see art from all around the world. We learned how people can express themselves through art,” said fourth grader Jaxyn Hollenbach.

To learn more about our areas of impact and the grants available to our teachers and staff, visit our website at cbsf.org.

The Community Impact Campaign is a fourweek fundraising campaign that offers an opportunity for community members, alumni, parents, and businesses to make a donation in support of the children, families, and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

All proceeds from the campaign support things like classroom grants for teachers, staff and student recognition programs, basic necessities for children in need, and so much more!

Join us in making a difference March 22 through April 22. Visit cbsf.org for more information.

Community Impact Campaign Sponsors

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.

All-State Chorus 2022 (above)

Gabe Russell, Thomas Jefferson junior

Tyson Bentley, Thomas Jefferson junior

Gwyneth Sudario, Thomas Jefferson junior

State Junior Honors Orchestra 2022 (at left)

Isabella Hammond, Thomas Jefferson freshman

Megan Townsend, Wilson eighth grader

State Bowling Tournament 2023 (above and at right)

Bennett Olsen, AL senior

Joshua Shamblen, AL freshman

Eric McCoy, AL senior

Kendall Bell, TJ sophomore

NEXT LEVEL: Council Bluffs Student-Athletes Commit

A large number of Abraham Lincoln High School and Thomas Jefferson High School students have committed to participating in extracurricular activities at the next level in college.

Many are heading not too far away from home in Sioux City and some are staying in Council Bluffs to become Iowa Western Reivers.

Thomas Jefferson had notable baseball player Tyler Huey sign with Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. Some of the other notable signees headed north are ones that signed on AL’s NLI signing day event on Feb. 1. Football players Drew Wilson, Wes and Wade Brown all signed with Briar Cliff University in Sioux City. AL Dancers Hannah Dillehay and Maggie Stiles both signed on with the Morningside Mustangs.

Iowa Western has recruited Jackets Morgan Way and Izzy Dickinson for their dance team.

Braydon Lincoln signed with Midland University in Fremont, Nebraska, to play baseball, and Clayton Smith will play baseball at Mount Mercy. Members of the Lynx state runner-up soccer team, Piper McGuire and Jazmin Martinez Rangel, both signed to play soccer at Rockhurst University.

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission

NOVEMBER:

NOVEMBER:

DECEMBER:

JANUARY:

JANUARY:

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Amanda Johnston Fourth Grade Teacher, Longfellow Elementary School

Stephanie Morris Nutrition Leader, Roosevelt Elementary School

DECEMBER: Dawn Bauer Instructional Math Coach, Franklin Elementary School

Jeannie Whitmore Head Day Custodian, Wilson Middle School

Jenni Degner Counselor, College View Elementary School

Abby Parris Paraprofessional, Longfellow Elementary School

DID YOU KNOW?

Students can take advantage of 21st Century Clubs and Activities before and after school at the Middle and High School Levels and at most Elementary Schools. Clubs focus on fun activities such as CyberPatriots, Chess, Cooking, Robotics, Board Games, Kindness, Pottery, Books, Movies and more!

Everly Rageth of Hoover and Carly Williams of Roosevelt were our February Attendance incentive winners. They both received tickets to see Disney on Ice.

You can help reach the Teammates of Council Bluffs 100-mentor goal in 2023! Learn more about the program at teammates.org and consider personally investing your time to enrich the life of a child or teenager.

IMPORTANT DATES

Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org

Spring Break

April 7–10, 2023

Graduation Ceremonies

Mid-America Center

Abraham Lincoln May 19th, 7 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson

May 20th, 10 a.m.

Cheers

for Council Bluffs Schools

Join the Council Bluffs Alumni & Friends on the historic 100 Block from 2 to 5 p.m. on April 22nd