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SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2021 |
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2021
SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 2021
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Superintendent’s message DR. JANE LINDAMAN
Waterloo Schools Superintendent
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n behalf of Waterloo Schools, we want to take this opportunity to thank all the businesses, organizations, churches and families who partner with us. We continue to start new partnerships and grow existing ones. This past year, we were all thrown a curveball as we were called upon to do things differently throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We simply could not have done it without the support of all of our Partners! Now in my seventh year as superintendent, I have been with Waterloo Schools for 16 years. I came to Waterloo Schools in 2005 as a principal at Bunger Middle School and later moved to the district office as a director and associate superintendent. I am passionate about our students, staff, families and community. As many of you know, Waterloo Schools is on a mission to improve student learning and our school system. Our staff works very hard to personalize learning for each and every student. We are “Unfolding Futures” for all the students we serve. We are proud to be the only district in the state of Iowa offering the International Baccalaureate program, and do so at both East and West high schools. The IB Program is a highly challenging, two-year program for juniors and seniors, which extends students’ perspectives, deepens their knowledge and allows them to broaden their understanding of national and international studies. The IB program encourages students to become an active part of change in their community through the creative, action, service requirement. This program has been an excellent addition for our high school students. We know that the future of the Cedar Valley and global economy depends on preparing our young people for careers that are either currently unfilled or have yet to be created. Waterloo Schools is truly blessed to work with some of the best businesses and organizations in the Cedar Valley. Our career and technical programming continues to expand at the Waterloo Career Center, making learning more relevant for students by connecting content to careers. We want to ensure students have the chance to explore career options while in high school. This builds a bridge between high school and post-secondary life, but also makes learning more relevant. It helps answer the age-old question, “Why do we have to learn this?” The Waterloo Career Center currently offers 18 career pathways with continually growing student enrollment. Involvement and support from our partners is critical to the expansion of CTE, bringing both time and talent to our entire district. The support we receive goes far beyond anything we could provide within our usual resources. We are truly grateful and appreciative of everything our partners do. Now in our 32nd year of the Partners in Education program, we know continuing to grow a network in the community is beneficial for the entire Cedar Valley. While better preparing our young people for their own career preparation, it also helps to provide highly skilled employees for the Cedar Valley. Together we are building a more vibrant future!
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Waterloo Schools leveraged pandemic to pivot, create ‘best practices’ With all the negatives surrounding COVID-19, in some ways it has become evident that the old saying “Great pressure creates treasure” rings true. Through the trials of navigating what education looks like in a forced virtual environment, Waterloo Schools leveraged the pandemic as an opportunity to accelerate the incorporation of educational technology best practices. When Gov. Kim Reynolds announced schools were to close last March, Iowa schools were forced to shift to online instruction almost overnight. Staff quickly learned to be creative and improvise as they built the plane while they flew it. In addition to leveraging software already in use, the District also invested in additional software tools to help teachers record and deliver lessons. Professional learning around educational technology skyrocketed as the skills of digital teaching and know-how went from nice-to-have to needto-have. With a fully virtual environment, a class of nearly 1,000 teaching and administrative staff participated in required weekly professional development modules that highlighted various educational technology tools and practices. This would become somewhat of a survival guide for many. Getting staff familiarized with how to use technology for remote learning was just one piece of the puzzle. The District also knew it faced a significant digital divide with some students not having access to devices or internet access. A survey was complemented by schools making personal phone calls to households to determine which students were in need of technology access. Middle and high school students were already issued Chromebook computers. A curb-side Chromebook pick-up night was arranged for elementary school families to pick-up a device if they didn’t have one. The District also worked to connect families to internet access if they couldn’t afford it. The supply of cellular hotspots quickly evaporated due to the surge in demand, but the District was able to secure several hundred hotspots in addition to those already on hand. The District also partnered with Mediacom so all requests could be connected with the company or cellular internet service. Over the summer, a Return to Learn plan was developed, which heavily leveraged technology for both in-person and virtual learning options. It was quickly evident that technology would permanently disrupt education. An investment in additional devices was made so that every kindergarten through twelfth grader could be issued a device. Not having to share de-
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Masks and physical distancing were just a few of the impacts students and staff felt during COVID-19. vices is obviously important in the age of COVID, but the District decided this was the right decision for the post-COVID era as well. In addition to issuing each student a device, support for families without internet access has continued. Currently, 985 families consisting of 1,668 students are being provided internet access. Having families connected was critically important when instruction moved fully remote for a week around the Thanksgiving holiday, but also helps ensure all students are able to access instructional materials anytime. Much like other educational tools like chalkboards and overhead projectors eventually became an expected part of the school experience, ubiquitous access to technology is now an expectation. With the help of digital assessment tools, teachers can immediately determine student performance on assignments and provide real-time feedback and guidance. This allows teachers to adapt instruction to meet the needs of students. Technology gives a voice to all students while opening up new opportunities for collaboration. Educators know that they never really “arrive” at a destination. Delivering engaging instruction is always a work in progress, and evolving technology will continue to enable teachers to innovate. The District plans to continue to support teachers in effectively leveraging educational technology through various means, including a cadre of teachers who are technology leaders in their school. All schools leveraged educational technology before COVID, but the pandemic accelerated the incorporation of hardware and software in instruction and put an emphasis on ensuring all students have equitable access. That may prove to be one of COVID’s few positive legacies.
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Pandemic curtails West High recognizes Partners’ ongoing involvement Aldrich activities, not ATERLOO – West High W School’s Partners in Education are Hope City, John Deere and The Other Place on Ridgeway Avenue. “Due to COVID safety protocols we have not allowed visitors into the building during the 2021 school year, which has limited the Partners ability to interact with the West High students and staff in person. We hope things get closer to normal heading into next school year,” explained Byron Phillips, assistant principal. However there was Partners in Education Recognition Night at the Sept. 25 football game. Partners assisted with the Student of the Month recognition and sponsored Wahawk Hydro Flask water bottles for students since water fountains were off due to COVID.
support from Partners
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West High School Choir practices outdoors. Partners also provided snacks and supplies to support Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress testing. “Being a Wahawk myself, I really value our partnership with West High. I am passionate about
investing in our youth and community, and truly enjoy working with the other PIE contacts to develop ideas on how we can best support the students and faculty,” said Lindsey Dicken, John Deere Human Resources.
Irving values Partners for their commitment to students WATERLOO – Interaction has been limited with Partners in Education at Irving Elementary School, said Principal Zach Zimmerman. “We truly value our partnerships with our PIE members. They are an important part of our Irving community. We have been limited in our in-person participation this year due to COVID protocol, but we are eager to continue a more hands-on partnership in the future. All members/ organizations are committed to our students and we appreciate their consistency in each child’s education.” Their Partners are First Presbyterian Church, Church Row Historical Neighborhood, CUNA Mutual, First Baptist Church,
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Irving schoolchildren First United Methodist Church, ISG ( former StruXture Architects), Wells Fargo Bank, DuPaco Community Credit Union and Waterloo Exchange Club.
Partners supported the annual Adopt-A Family project and donated school supplies, as well as snacks for Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress testing. “I am extremely grateful to have a partnership with each of our PIE members. They have been a huge asset to Irving’s growth and their support with our students is powerful. Students are directly impacted by their contributions,” explained Hayley Bakula, a second-grade teacher Literacy Strategist Anne Schreck offered her “thank you” for “showing so much love to our students through your generous support. We have been able to keep an eye on instruction given school materials at the ready and
CEDAR FALLS — Aldrich Elementary School’s Partners in Education are Skogman Builders, Oakridge Realtors, Panther Builders and Western Home Communities. This year, Skogman Builders and Oakridge Realtors provided dinner for staff at the Fall Parent/Teacher Conference nights, while Panther Builders provided staff dinner for the Winter Parent/Teacher Conference nights. Students made valentines for Valentine’s Day gifts to Western Home residents. In previous years, residents have attended concerts, which didn’t take place this year because of COVID-19.
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Will Schultes takes his turn along with other first-graders tossing in a handful of dirt to plant the tree at Aldrich Elementary School in Cedar Falls in October, 2020.
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IN S R E N T R A P IS T A H W
E DUCAT ION ? In Waterloo Schools, school and community partnerships are cooperative arrangements between schools and businesses, agencies, service clubs, etc., for the purpose of sharing resources to meet Partner needs. Partners also participate in such activities as Pen Pals and educational opportunities. WATERLOO SCHOOLS PHOTO
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Central Middle School
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Kittrell Elementary School Early Education
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Partners invest in community by investing in Bunger students WATERLOO – Partners in Education help Bunger Middle School students succeed by providing support and encouragement. Partners are The Other Place in Evansdale, Peters Construction, First Congregational Church and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Each year Partners participate in the holiday food baskets project at Thanksgiving and Christmas, as well as the adopt-a-family program. “Our Partners in Education do a great job of providing a wonderful Christmas experience to families who otherwise would not have one,” said RegWATERLOO SCHOOLS PHOTO istrar Stefanie Barker. Partners also support Stu- Bunger Middle School student dent of the Month Celebrations. School Counselor Ste- love getting pizzas from the OP ven Schwickerath said students for those celebrations. “It was
great how The Other Place prepared the food individually so we could continue the pizza lunch tradition. We greatly appreciate their support this year and every year.” Peters Construction said it’s important to be invested in the local community. “We have enjoyed being Partners in Education with Bunger Middle School and always look forward to ways in which we can help the community in which we live and work,” said a representative from the construction firm. “We are so blessed to be able to have our PIE supports available for our students. They allow us to be able to do more for our students and their families than we could otherwise do. They are an amazing asset to our Bunger family,” said School Counselor Josie Evanson.
Poyner Partners support and participate in projects EVANSDALE – Partners in Education at Poyner Elementary School include Tyson Fresh Meats, Tyson Prepared Foods, Barnes and Noble Waterloo, First Security State Bank, Prince of Peace Church, Hy-Vee Crossroads, Elk Run City Hall, St. Marks Church and Raymond Volunteer Fire Department. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, “we were unable to give out our traditional Thanksgiving food baskets. Prince of Peace Church members generously donated over $800 in Fareway gift cards so families could still enjoy a Thanksgiving meal,” said Lead Teacher Jill Barta. “We are so very grateful for the years of continued support
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First day at Poyner in 2020. from Prince of Peace.” Partners also participated in the Adopt-a-Family project for the holidays, provided snacks and for Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress
testing, school supplies and the Barnes and Noble book fair. Prince of Peace donated food items for students to take home over spring break. Hy-Vee donated hand sanitizers and masks.
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Expo leaders
Partner generosity appreciated at Expo Alternative Learning Center WATERLOO – Although it was not a typical year at Expo Alternative Learning Center due to COVID-19, Partners at John Deere Engine Works at 3801 W. Ridgeway supported EXPO-ALC with their yearly turkey donations. The turkeys are appreciated and their generosity helps to make the holidays a little bit brighter for many of our students and families, said Expo Alternative Learning Center Assistant Principal Henry Shepherd.
Leader Valley and Waterloo Sunrise Exchange Club are other Partners in Education. Sunrise presents the Accepting the Challenge of Excellence (ACE) Virtual Awards Program. In addition, Cody Stoppel from the Sunrise Exchange Club participated in the Leader In Me Lighthouse Virtual Certification. His involvement was greatly appreciated and demonstrated the strong connection EXPO-ALC has with Sunrise Exchange Club.
PARTNERS FOR SUCCESS Our mission is to positively impact the learning of children in our home communities by supporting programs that will ensure children are successful in school, work, and life. John Deere understands the importance of working with our future generations to help make the world a better place.
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Pandemic doesn’t diminish Cunningham’s PIE program WATERLOO – COVID-19 limited activities for Partners in Education at Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence, but the pandemic did not diminish their support. Partners are Community Bank & Trust, St. Timothys United Methodist Church, the city of Waterloo, Waterloo Public Library, First Presbyterian Church, Delta Sorority, Hope City and KBBG. “I enjoy working with our Partners. They are always there for our students and looking for ways to support. We are looking forward to supporting our partners next year with caroling,” said School Counselor Lorrice Thomas. This year, Delta Sorority donated jackets for students and the city of Waterloo provided 75 guest passes to the Sportsplex. Community Bank & Trust donated gift bags to the Star StuWATERLOO SCHOOLS PHOTO dent of the Month and Waterloo A student at Dr. Walter Cunningham School of Excellence gives a Public Library donated books. thumbs-up sign. “We are incredibly grateful
for our partners and all they do for our students and staff. We appreciate all the time and resources given to help make a difference here at Cunningham,” said Ashley Paulson, a fifth-grade teacher. Principal Neldrekka Whitaker
added, “We are very appreciative of all the support and dedication that our Partners in Education give to our students, staff and families at Cunningham. They help support the vision set forth in creating students of ‘Pride and Excellence.’”
Tyson Prepared Foods is proud to partner with Poyner Elementary
Partners are supportive at George Washington Carver Academy WATERLOO — George Washington Carver Academy Principal Sheena Canady said the school’s Partners in Education “answer when we call and are always willing to help us improve the experiences of our students.” The school is partnered with UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, St. Paul Methodist Church, Hy-Vee, Midwest One, Wartburg College in Waverly, and Hope City Church. This has been a difficult year for active engagement in the WATERLOO SCHOOLS PHOTO school. Typically Partners support student needs and learn- George Washington Carver Academy ing. Often they assist with donations of time and staff, as well ect during the holiday season to willing to help and are very supportive,” said Andrea Atuas financially. Support ranges use of facilities for events. from the Adopt-A-Family proj“Our Partners are always hairwe, school counselor.
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Partners find many ways to Lowell receives support Hoover students support from Partners
WATERLOO – Hoover Middle School students have a great deal of appreciation for their Partners in Education. Eight-grader Chakyran Tooson said, “Our Partners give kids more opportunities to expand our interests and try new things.” Eight-grader Jaya Taylor appreciates that “Hoover Partners help us with many things and make things easier for us.” Their Partners are Waterloo Fareway Store, Friendship Village, League of Women Voters (Black Hawk & Bremer Counties), MercyOne and RE/MAX Home Group. Each year, Partners participate in the annual Adopt-A-Family program. They provide families with additional support during the holidays. Families are presented with household items, clothing, toys and gift cards. ReMax donated several $100 gift cards to support Hoover students and families.
Seventh-grader Isaiah Glas said Partners “give us things like computers and are always supporting us.” The League of Women Voters in Black Hawk County have sponsored a 500word essay contest. Winners will be announced at school and receive a certificate and prize money: $50 for first place; $30 for second place and $20 for third place in each grade level from sixth to eighth grades. Fareway has supported the students of the month program, who are nominated by their teachers. In addition, students wrote inspirational messages and created videos for their Friendship Village Partners. “We love our partners and they enjoy showering our Hoover family with any support requested. Thank you, Partners. You are the best,” added Mrs. Clark, a counselor at Hoover.
WATERLOO — Lowell Elementary School shares numerous Partners in Education that provide materials and support throughout the school year. Partners are Black Hawk County Courthouse, Black Hawk County Engineer, Grace Fellowship Church, Nestle, Waterloo Bucks, Hometown Foods, Lincoln Savings Banks in Cedar Falls, Greenwood Pharmacy, Image Point, Witham Auto, Cadillac Lanes, St. Ansgar Lutheran Church and Sayer Law Firm. Grace Fellowship Church provided face mask for students for the school year. Partners and other community organizations, local businesses and families participated in the Christmas Adopt-A-Family project.
“At Christmas time, our partners adopted a family, this is what the family had to say, ‘We were very grateful. My brothers were excited. I was excited. I got slime, paint and an art kit.’ It was interesting,” said Damiya Hasley, a fourth grader. Partners also provided needed items such as coats, hats, gloves, backpacks, pencil boxes and other school supplies for students, and provided money and clothing items to purchase and maintain a supply of uniform items at the school for students’ families who cannot afford to purchase these items. “Our school appreciates our Partners in Education. Whenever we need anything at our building, our partners are always willing to be involved,” said Lead Teacher Latisha Leyh.
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CF Lincoln students look forward to welcoming back Partners CEDAR FALLS — Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls is supported by First United Methodist Church, Oakridge Realtors and city of Cedar Falls Police and Fire departments as Partners in Education. “We are looking forward to welcoming our Partners back to school when it is safe,” said Principal Ralph Bryant. In previous years, First United Methodist Church volunteers support reading improvement through the “Change a Child’s Story” program. This work matches volunteers with classrooms which allow students to receive extra reading opportunities. First United Methodist Church has donated both time and monetary donations to our school through this partnership, which provided a book for each child to take home. The church also requests gifts through a Mitten Tree to support students. Oakridge Realtors support the Parents and Lincoln School (PALS) group during annual fundraisers. This year they surprised staff with a personal note and a small gift, a much-appreciated gesture. The Police and Fire departments have made virtual visits to kindergarten and first-grade classes. “Lincoln Elementary School is proud to have many partners to support learning. Thanks to each group for supporting our school,” Bryant added.
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Hansen expresses gratitude for Partners in Education CEDAR FALLS –MercyOne Cedar Falls Medical Center has shared the Partners in Education program with Helen Hansen Elementary School since 1990. The school has been partnered with First National Bank since 2000; Amy Wienands Real Estate since 2018; and John Deery since 2019. “We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with businesses in our community. Their support of our students, staff and families is remarkable every year. Although our opportunities have looked different this particular school year,
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our Partners in Education have ents who have made a deserving Hansen activities, such as the continued to be generous and contribution to Hansen School. PTA Carnival and other special flexible. We’re looking forward All Partners donate to various events. to connecting in new and innovative ways in the future,” said Principal Savannah Swestka. Each partner sponsors a Hansen family in need and provides gifts, food and baskets of goodies for them. On the last day of school assembly, First National Bank gives a Good Citizenship award, 93.5 The Mix gives a communication award and Martin Bros has donated a gift certificate to a parent or par-
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Southdale’s Partners step up during pandemic
CEDAR FALLS – Texas Roadhouse and Cedar Falls Hy-Vee are Partners in Education with Southdale Elementary School, and due to COVID-19, it’s been a tough year for activities. But their support has been unwavering. “I really appreciate the help and support our partners in education provide for the students and staff at Southdale. Our partners, as well as the community as a whole, are always willing to step up when needed to provide for the students and staff,” said Principal
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Jason Strub. Texas Roadhouse provides teachers an individually packaged meal during each of parent-teacher conferences. The school also does a gift card fundraiser each year with Texas Roadhouse and wrap up with a dine-to-donate night at the restaurant to raise more money. Hy-Vee typically generously donations different food items to the school and teachers for different activities, Strub said, but this year those activities haven’t taken place.
Proud to be Partners in Education! Hoover Middle School, Waterloo Hansen Elementary School, Cedar Falls
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Waterloo Career Center continues to grow JEFF FROST
Executive Director of Professional Technical EducationWaterloo Career Center
WATERLOO — Housed in Central Middle School, the Waterloo Career Center is alive with hands-on, real-world training for high school students. After several years of study, a task force of students, parents, staff and community/business members recommended the Waterloo Schools expand our career and technical education offerings so students can explore career interest areas while in high school. These courses are proven to greatly engage students in content, while allowing them to work toward an area of certificaFrost tion and better prepare them for life after high school. The committee studied many different programs nationwide, but quickly focused on technical education as being right for our students. It effectively engages high school students along with increasing graduation rates and the percentage of students who attend post-secondary schools. It also keeps students in school and reduces dropouts. With such a broad base of business and industry in the Cedar Valley, technical education will build a strong partnership between schools and businesses. From this, grew the Waterloo Career Center. Opened on the campus of Central Middle School at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, the center housed two programs initially, Nursing and Digital Graphics. For the 2017-18 school year, three new programs were added: Advanced Manufacturing, Early Childhood Education and Information Technology- Networking. During the 2018-2019 school year, we added four new programs; Information Technology-Web and Mobile, Interactive Digital Media, Marketing
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Waterloo Career Center program and Sustainable Construction. During the 2019-20 we added five new programs, including Culinary, Electrical, Finance, Hospitality and Plumbing. This current school year we brought four more programs: BioMedical Lab Technician, Emergency Management, K-12 Teacher Preparation, and Physical Therapy. An extensive renovation was completed before the beginning of the 2018-19 school year at a cost of approximately $17.5 million. All of this is being funded with one-percent sales tax proceeds. This 80,000-square-feet renovation has transformed the Waterloo Career Center into a modern, 21st century learning environment with a collegiate and workplace feel. In January 2021, the Waterloo Career Center was awarded the Career Academy Incentive Fund grant. This $1 million grant will go towards further ex-
pansion of the WCC, both in programming and building structure. This will help us continue to strive towards the goal to provide the best education for our students and ensure each student is equipped with the skills necessary to be a productive citizen and have a promising and fulfilling future in the fast-changing world of career opportunities. Knowing that Career and Technical Education provides a chance for students to learn content through real-world career applications, the Waterloo Career Center mission is to accomplish the following, including: 1. Explore a career area of interest including but not limited to: health fields, manufacturing, informational technology, education, construction, or STEM; including all 16 identified career pathways and 79 career clusters. 2. Increase the high school graduation rate of students in the
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Waterloo Career Center continues to grow JEFF FROST
Executive Director of Professional Technical EducationWaterloo Career Center
WATERLOO — Housed in Central Middle School, the Waterloo Career Center is alive with hands-on, real-world training for high school students. After several years of study, a task force of students, parents, staff and community/business members recommended the Waterloo Schools expand our career and technical education offerings so students can explore career interest areas while in high school. These courses are proven to greatly engage students in content, while allowing them to work toward an area of certificaFrost tion and better prepare them for life after high school. The committee studied many different programs nationwide, but quickly focused on technical education as being right for our students. It effectively engages high school students along with increasing graduation rates and the percentage of students who attend post-secondary schools. It also keeps students in school and reduces dropouts. With such a broad base of business and industry in the Cedar Valley, technical education will build a strong partnership between schools and businesses. From this, grew the Waterloo Career Center. Opened on the campus of Central Middle School at the beginning of the 2016-17 school year, the center housed two programs initially, Nursing and Digital Graphics. For the 2017-18 school year, three new programs were added: Advanced Manufacturing, Early Childhood Education and Information Technology- Networking. During the 2018-2019 school year, we added four new programs; Information Technology-Web and Mobile, Interactive Digital Media, Marketing
WATERLOO SCHOOLS PHOTOS
Waterloo Career Center program and Sustainable Construction. During the 2019-20 we added five new programs, including Culinary, Electrical, Finance, Hospitality and Plumbing. This current school year we brought four more programs: BioMedical Lab Technician, Emergency Management, K-12 Teacher Preparation, and Physical Therapy. An extensive renovation was completed before the beginning of the 2018-19 school year at a cost of approximately $17.5 million. All of this is being funded with one-percent sales tax proceeds. This 80,000-square-feet renovation has transformed the Waterloo Career Center into a modern, 21st century learning environment with a collegiate and workplace feel. In January 2021, the Waterloo Career Center was awarded the Career Academy Incentive Fund grant. This $1 million grant will go towards further ex-
pansion of the WCC, both in programming and building structure. This will help us continue to strive towards the goal to provide the best education for our students and ensure each student is equipped with the skills necessary to be a productive citizen and have a promising and fulfilling future in the fast-changing world of career opportunities. Knowing that Career and Technical Education provides a chance for students to learn content through real-world career applications, the Waterloo Career Center mission is to accomplish the following, including: 1. Explore a career area of interest including but not limited to: health fields, manufacturing, informational technology, education, construction, or STEM; including all 16 identified career pathways and 79 career clusters. 2. Increase the high school graduation rate of students in the
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Waterloo Career Center above the national average of 81% to the 93% graduation rate for students that attend technical high schools, all while increasing a student’s overall attendance rate. 3. Assure that 75% of students graduating from a pathway within the Waterloo Career Center go onto a post-secondary institutions or career field tied to the pathway. 4. Increase student engagement for all. Many students are passively engaged and do not see the relevance of what they are learning, while others are disengaged to the point of dropping out. This program provides a proven instructional alternative. 5. Improve the way we educate all students. When students under-perform, drift aimlessly in college, disengage in school or even dropout, the cost to parents, community and society is great. How will we know that we have accomplished this mission? Well, some indicators we will be looking at include: District graduation rate increases District dropout rate decreases Enrollment increase in both numbers and percentage of class capacity Retention from Year 1 to Year 2; Year 2 to Year 3 Attendance rates for Career Center students at their respective high school Number of industry certificates earned Number of concurrent college credit hours earned by WCC students Another key component of the Waterloo Career Center has been the amazing number of businesses that have either stepped up as collaborative sponsors of our programs, or have expressed interest in becoming a partner. These partnerships are giving our students multiple opportunities to explore the specific career fields available within the program they are in. These partners have allowed our students to tour their businesses, do internships and provided us with critical curriculum insight and repurposed equipment for use at the Waterloo Career Center.
They have also given their time as guest speakers and mentors, allowing our students receive first-hand knowledge about that specific career. Lastly, our teachers are also doing externships at these businesses, allowing them to stay up to date on what is cur-
rent best practice in the industry. There are a lot of amazing things happening at the Waterloo Career Center. We would invite anyone that wants a tour or to discuss what is occurring out there to contact the Waterloo Schools, and we will get you set up.
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