PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
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Partners benefit our students, community
WATERLOO SCHOOLS AND THEIR PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
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lobal thinking, limitless choices. You’re going to be hearing a lot more about this phrase in the coming months. In the Waterloo Schools,we know that we are preparing our young people for futures that include global competition. They will be citizens of a community that is entwined with national, cultural, economic and social relationships Gary Norris around the world. is Waterloo They need to be Schools superintendent. prepared for the limitless choices ahead, wherever they face them. Our teachers and staff think globally. They provide students with rigorous and relevant experiences that challenge their critical thinking to prepare them for the challenges of life. They support them with relationships that encourage them to achieve at their highest levels. Our Partners in Education extend this focus on student achievement, both in our schools and in the community. They tutor, mentor, listen, collaborate, support, believe and inspire. Our traditional Partners in Education and our Career Interest Academy partners also engage students in learning about a variety of career opportunities that are available in the Cedar Valley. Speakers, job-site visits, shadowing, internships — all of these connect students directly with the real world. 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. Wherever our students create their futures, they will be ready to succeed. They will be global thinkers, ready for a lifetime of choices that are truly limitless. We want to take this time to thank all our partners — we couldn’t do this without you. Our students benefit from your time and talent. So does our community.
Fred Becker Elementary: Century Link, First Judicial District Department of Correctional Services, Iowa Community Credit Union, Communications Workers of America, Waterloo AMVETS Post No. 19, National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 512, Friendship Village, Sigma Phi Epsilon, WaterlooCedar Falls Symphony, University of Northern Iowa, MidAmerican Energy, Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, Staples and Maple Lanes. Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence: City of Waterloo, Winnebago Council Boy Scouts of America, KBBG, AFFINA, Community National Bank, Unity Neighborhood Association, St. Timothy’s United Methodist ChurchCedar Falls, Gates Park Optimist Club, Hellman Associates Inc., Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center, Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and Martin Luther King Jr. Center. Highland Elementary: John Deere Waterloo Works, Nazareth Lutheran Church, Peterson & Tietz Florists and Greenhouse, Lincoln Savings Bank (Waterloo office) and Omega Cabinetry. Irving Elementary: Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, GMAC Mortgage, First Baptist Church, Ravenwood Nursing & Rehab Center, Wells Fargo, Bethel Presbyterian Church, Struxture Architects, First United Methodist Church, Trinity American Lutheran Church, First Presbyterian Church, Church Row Historical Neighborhood Association and CUNA Mutual. Kingsley Elementary: KWWL, ManorCare Health Services, Ansbourgh Avenue Hy-Vee, Vanderloo Chiropractic,
Cedar Valley Vein Clinic, Northern Iowa Vascular Lab LCC, Westminster Presbyterian Church and MidWestOne Bank. Kittrell Elementary: Veridian Credit Union, Target, Optimist Club, In Vision Architecture Ltd., Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Ridgeway Place, American Cancer Society, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, Hammond Avenue Brethren Church, Old Navy and The Other Place. Lincoln Elementary: University of Iowa, Waterloo Black Hawks, International Paper Co., EPICS, Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Van G. Miller & Associates, US Bank, Principal Financial Group, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, The CBE Group Inc., Cedar Valley Community Healthcare, River’s Edge Christian Church and KBBG. Lowell Elementary: Black Hawk County, Grainger, Grace Brethren Church, First Wesleyan Church, Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center, Lincoln Savings Bank (C.F. office), Country View, Cadillac Lanes, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Nestle USA and Horace Mann Insurance Cos. Lou Henry: Gordmans, Farmers State Bank, Northeast Area Music Teachers, Oakridge Realtors, Cedar Valley Hospice, Central Christian Church, Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, Cedar Valley Community Church, Lowe’s Improvement Warehouse, Short’s Travel Management and DenHerder Veterinary Hospital. Orange Elementary: Hawkeye Community College, Mediacom, South Waterloo Church of the Brethren, Harmony
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House Health Care Center, Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Liberty Bank and UNI Kappa Delta Pi. Poyner Elementary & Elk Run Preschool: John Deere Foundry, City of Elk Run Heights, Crossroads Hy-Vee, J.C. Penney, Tyson Fresh Meats, City of Evansdale, First Security State Bank, Tyson Prepared Foods, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Service Roofing Co., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Countryside Vineyard Church and Evansdale Economic Development Corp. Bunger Middle: First Congregational Church UCC, Peters Construction Corp., The Other Place, Farmers Insurance and The Kinder Agency. Central Middle: John Deere Product Engineering Center, Upper Iowa University, Heartland Vineyard Church, Payne African Methodist Episcopal Church / Family YMCA of Black Hawk County, University Avenue Hy-Vee, Iowa Legal Aid Waterloo Regional Office, BANKIOWA and Cadillac Lanes. George Washington Carver Academy: Allen Hospital, Allen College, Logan Avenue Hy-Vee, Gates Park Neighborhood Association, Advantage Screen Print & Embroidery, Antioch Baptist Church, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Wartburg College and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. Hoover Middle: Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties, RE/MAX Home Group, Craft Cochran Inc. and Waterloo Fareway.
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East High School: Regions Bank, John Deere Drive Train Division, Storey Kenworthy, Waterloo Elks Lodge No. 290, Bethany Bible Chapel and Prairie Lakes Church. Expo High School: YWCA, Consumer Credit Counseling Service of NE Iowa, Waterloo Exchange Club, Sunrise Exchange Club, Peoples Community Health Clinic, Waterloo Business and Professional Women, First Presbyterian Church, Texas Roadhouse and McKenna Professional Imaging. West High School: John Deere Engine Works, Kimball Ridge Association, Kaplan University, The Other Place and Heartland Vineyard Church.
Partners at large Big Brothers Big Sisters, Black Hawk County Extension, Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, D&L Subway Inc., Family & Children’s Council, Grout Museum District, Girl Scouts of Conestoga Council, Junior Achievement, R.J. McElroy Trust, Retired & Senior Volunteer Program, Kuhn Chiropractic, Warren Transport, Greater Cedar Valley Chamber of Commerce, Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo Leisure Services, PRIDE, Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Valley Park Lanes, Back To School Project, Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Rotary Club of Waterloo, Young Plumbing & Heating, Silos & Smokestacks National Heritage Area, Happy Joe’s, Orchard Hill, Boys & Girls Club of Black Hawk County and Waterloo Schools Foundation.
PROUD PARTNERS WITH LOU HENRY SCHOOL Help place today’s news in the hands of tomorrow’s leaders. SUPPORT NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION.
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• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging • Cedar Valley Community Church • Cedar Valley Hospice • Central Christian Church • Farmers State Bank • Den Herder Veterinary Hospital • Oakridge Realtors
To learn how you can help provide a classroom with free daily newspapers, contact Sarah Smith: 319.291.1514 | sarah.smith@wcfcourier.com
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Academies prepare students for college, career, citizenship ■ Arts, AV technology & communications ■ Information technology ■ Marketing, sales & service Career Interest Academies in ■ Business, management & the Waterloo Schools are one way administration finance we are preparing our students for life Engineering, Technology & Manufacturing Academy after high school. Clusters: The academies are smaller learning ■ Science, technology, engineercommunities that ing & mathematics make curriculum relevant for stu- ■ Architectural & construction dents and help them to understand technology how their core classes fit into their ■ Manufacturing ■ Transportation, distribution & future career plans. Teachers collaborate with each logistics other and the business community ■ Agriculture, food, natural to bring hands-on experiences into resources & veterinary science the classroom. Waterloo Schools has four main Health Services Academy The Health Services Academy academies, based on national includes jobs that involve plancareer job clusters: ning, managing and providing Arts, Communication & therapeutic services, diagnosBusiness Academy tic services, health information, Clusters: support services and biotechnolBy CRYSTAL BUZZA
Director of Strategic Partnerships Waterloo Schools
ogy research and development for theater, along with a presentation human sciences. for a potential client. That lesson hits all the state of Iowa’s learning Human Services Academy standards and adds a career level Clusters: that challenges students to think ■ Human services, career pathbeyond the classroom. ways related to family and human As the Career Interest Acadneeds emies grow, the district is con■ Hospitality & tourism tinuing to focus on college credit ■ Education & training courses through advanced place■ Government & public ment, concurrent courses and Post administration Secondary Enrollment Options. ■ Law, public safety, corrections We continue to work closely with & security the business community in the Student-elective classes are Cedar Valley to show our students closely aligned to the Career the limitless choices that would be Academy they elect and their core available to them in the future. course, such as math and EngWithout the support of the busilish, which has cross-curriculum ness community we would be career infusion. Imagine being in unable to bring in all the speakers the ETM academy and one of your we have had or to go on a variety assignments is to design a Globe of field experiences that continue Theater. In your English class, you the learning outside of the classare learning about Shakespeare and room. Together we are preparing the design of the Globe Theater. In our students to compete globally another class you are the archi- and to be ready for college, career tect and have to design your own and citizenship.
2013-2014 Season
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Academy partners ACES, Allen College – Iowa Health Systems, Barmuda, Black Hawk County Extension – Iowa State Extension, Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, Cedar Valley United Way, GMT Corporation, Hawkeye Community College, Hy-Vee, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, IowaWORKS, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo, John Deere, Kaplan University, Lincoln Savings Bank, Manpower, MidAmerican Energy Conservation Services, Northeast Iowa Area Health Education Center, Omega Cabinets, Peters Construction, Power Engineering & Manufacturing Ltd., StruXture Architecture, Sturgis Falls Broadcasting, The Grout Museum District, University of Northern Iowa, Upper Iowa University, Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo Community Playhouse / Black Hawk Children’s Theatre, Waterloo Police Department and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare.
The Mayhem Poets
I Am Jack
Oct. 8, Grades 8-12
Feb. 20, Grades 3-6
The Stinky Cheese Man
The Civil War
Oct. 10, Grades PK-3
Mar. 3, Grades 3-9
Tomas and the Library Lady
The Teacher from the Black Lagoon and Other Storybooks
Oct. 14-15, Grades K-5
Mar. 4, Grades K-4
The Nutcracker
My Heart in a Suitcase
Nov. 21, Grades 3-12
Mar. 24, Grades 4-8
Stone Soup
Macbeth
Dec. 2-4, Grades K-5
Apr. 1, Grades 9-12
The Ugly Duckling and The Tortise and The Hare
Five Little Monkeys
Feb. 14, Grades K-4
Apr. 14-15, Grades PK-2
I Have A Dream
UNI’s Glee Club
Feb. 17-18, Grades 3-12
Apr. 21, Grades 6-12
GALLAGHER-BLUEDORN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER University of Northern Iowa
additional support provided by
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PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
Orange partnerships win-win relationship WATERLOO — Orange Elementary School students enjoy a busy and eventful partnership with Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, Harmony House, Hawkeye Community College, Liberty Bank, Mediacom, Orange Parent Association, South Waterloo Church of the Brethren and University of Northern Iowa Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society. This year’s activities have included: made ■ Second-graders Thanksgiving treats and place mats for Harmony House residents. ■ Fourth- and fifth-graders attended monthly respect luncheons at Hawkeye Community College ■ A 46-member chorus toured partners for Christmas. Mediacom produces public service announcement at Christmas and adopts families for the holidays. UNI-KDP teaches third- through fifthgrade girls basketball and tutors students throughout the year. Orange hosts student teachers and field experiences for Hawkeye Community College, and Hawkeye students provide child care for conferences in fall and spring and teach drama to selected fifth-graders. Third-grade and kindergarten classes made a Christmas wreath for Harmony House, and Harmony House provided water bottles for the school’s Wellness Night. The Orange Parent Association hosts numerous family events such as reading nights, movie nights, book fairs, staff appreciation meals, fall festival and spring carnival, as well as Pizza Ranch nights. “Our Partners in Education continue to generously support Orange Elementary through their gifts of time, money and talents. Classroom supplies are often filled from teachers’ wish list through our partners. Some classrooms make cards or decorations to help brighten the lives of some partners,” said Denise Bovy, third-grade teacher.
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Hoover students appreciate support WATERLOO — Hoover Middle School participates in a variety of activities through Partners in Education. Their partners are Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare, League of Women Voters, Waterloo Fareway, Craft-Cochran Inc. and RE/ MAX Home Group. Activities this year included: ■ Red Ribbon Week ■ Adopt a Family ■ Student of the month luncheons ■ Writer’s workshop ■ Music/orchestra performances ■ An essay contest on “Why it is important to vote” ■ Holiday music at Covenant, as well as student artwork and
student of the month photos on display at Covenant Wheaton Franciscan, Partners in Education with Hoover and Lou Henry, will once again host the Young Writers’ Workshop for both schools in May. “We appreciate the opportunity, the room, the great lunch and the support they provide for this great experience,” said Donna Huff, literacy coach. Seventh-grade counselor Leina’ala Clark praised the school’s partners as “a very vibrant group always looking to improve and support our school. The collaboration is first class and a valuable asset to helping, supporting and improving overall student achievement.”
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Principal Teri Trask added, “We so appreciate our Orange partnerships and consider each a win-win relationship. We have been fortunate to have opportunities that benefit our school and our partners over the years. The positive impact our partners make here at Orange extends beyond having a physical presence in the building as we provide resources and support to
each other on a daily basis. “Our monthly meetings help us communicate the needs of everyone involved and we synergize to make each piece of the partnership stronger than what it would be if we had to stand alone. We believe in the power of a true learning community and are blessed to have that concept embraced by all at Orange.”
Proud to be a partner with Cunningham School Proud to be a partner for Excellence
with Cunningham Winnebago School for Council, Excellence Boy Scouts of America
Winnebago Character doesCouncil, Count! Boy Scouts of America
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Lowell students praise in education today at Partners in Education !" WATERLOO — Lowell Elementary School students have nothing but praise for their Partners in Education. “We get to write to our pen pals and they write us back. They are nice,� Naliah Edwards said. And Cenlin Bell appreciates that partners “bring us birthday treats when it’s our birthday.� The school’s partners are Black Hawk County, Country View, Grace Brethren Church, Grainger, Horace Mann Insurance Cos., Lincoln Savings Bank, Nestle USA, Northeast Iowa Family Practice Center, First Wesleyan Church, Cornerstone Fellowship Church, Cadillac Lanes, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Activities involving partners include: ■Fall Family Festival ■Adopt-a-Family ■Family Bowling Night ■Cinco de Mayo Family Night ■Read to Ride bicycle prizes ■Uniform support ■Volunteering in classrooms ■Donations of incentive prizes
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Third-grade ELP students sort through pop can rings for the ring collection center at Lowell Elementary. for students ■Lowell Discount Card fundraising “I always appreciate when our partners provide supper for the staff during conferences. It is one less thing we have to worry about during our long hectic days,� said Amy Fleming, third-grade teacher.
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www.wcfcourier.com food and funds to the Community Thanksgiving dinner and canned food giveaway. This year, so many were served that they ran out of food. “We really enjoy our partnership with Lincoln Elementary. Our can drive, pen pal program and Hy-Vee receipt and Box Top collection programs have been very popular and have given all Principal Financial Group employees a chance to support
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Lincoln Elementary School students of the month with their VGM Partners in Education.
Strength characterizes Lincoln partnerships WATERLOO — The Partners in Education program is strong at Lincoln Elementary School with partners The CBE Group, EPICS, Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber, KBBG, Principal Financial Group, River’s Edge Christian Church, US Bank, VGM and Associates, Waterloo Black Hawks, University of Iowa, International Paper Co., Parkview Nursing and Rehab Center, Waterloo Fire Rescue and Cedar Valley Community Healthcare. The CBE Group and Principal Financial Group were pen pals with fourth- and fifth-graders, exchanging monthly letters. Students enjoyed the opportunity to complete an engaging and educational writing task and reading what partners had to say each month. Each May, pen pals meet over lunch. Partners host lunches and tours for students of the month. River’s Edge Christian Church had students over in September, October and will again in May. In November, students had lunch and a tour with the Waterloo Black Hawks, followed in December by the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber. In January, students toured The CBE Group, and in February, they visited VGM. In March and April they will be having
lunch with the newest addition to Lincoln’s Partners in Education, KBBG. “The CBE Group’s Partner in Education committee has really enjoyed hosting the Students of the Month at our facility the past couple of years. We appreciate being able to hear about each student’s accomplishments and treating them to a special lunch and also some goodies to take back to school with them,” said CBE’s Tempest Nelson. Student artwork is displayed in partners’ buildings, and partners participate in the holiday season’s Adopt-A-Family project and collect dress code clothing for the school’s closet. The CBE Group purchased many items for new families, and River’s Edge Christian Church donated hats, mittens, gloves and scarves. “We support Lincoln students
in a variety of ways, including donations of school uniforms, supplies, books and prizes for their year-end carnival. Our staff particularly enjoyed hosting a special lunch at our office to honor the December students of the month, as well as assisting a family during the holidays with the Adopt-A-Family program. Visitors and our investors also love to see the students’ artwork on display in our office. We appreciate the opportunity to support our local education system and our future,” said Sandi Sommerfelt from the Greater Cedar Valley Alliance and Chamber. For the third consecutive year, The CBE Group, VGM, River’s Edge Christian Church, Waterloo Black Hawks, Principal Financial Group and US Bank made donations of time,
SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2013 the students,” said Troy Gerst from Principal Financial Group. Partners also provide monetary gifts for classroom supplies, recess equipment, field trips, My Waterloo Days Parade supplies and raffle items. The CBE Group donates all the money they raise for their jeans days in December, and mentors and volunteers in classrooms and on family nights. Waterloo Black Hawks helped get food backs to students.
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PIE contributes to Kingsley’s educational environment WATERLOO — Kingsley Elementary School has seven Partners in Education, and their support greatly contributes to the school’s rich educational environment. Their partners are Cedar Valley Vein Clinic, Ansborough Avenue Hy-Vee, KWWL, ManorCare Health Services, MidWestOne Bank, Vanderloo Chiropractic, Westminster Presbyterian Church and
Northern Iowa Vascular Lab. “There have been so many times that each of our Partners in Education have committed their time, energy and ideas to make every day a rich environment for our students. The Kingsley staff and I would like to sincerely say a heartfelt thank you for coming along side of us,”
Principal Susan Flodeen said. August’s “Meet the Teacher Night” is sponsored, organized and staffed by partners, the school’s parent group and staff members. Upcoming events and student and staff needs are discussed at monthly PIE meetings. Birthdays are special for ele-
mentary students. Partners are assigned different grade levels and provide birthday bags to each appreciative student. Partners provide a holiday luncheon and gift bag for staff in December, and the Adopt-AFamily program brings together PIE and staff. Gifts are selected
and wrapped. Kingsley counselor Melissa Sitzman organizes and coordinates all efforts to support students and families prior to the winter break. Partners also provide healthy snacks during ITBS times to keep students energized and focused.
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Highland, partners share supportive relationship WATERLOO — A back-to-school social, books for students during the holidays to encourage reading and student-of-the-month honors are among activities involving partners with Highland Elementary School. Partners are Nazareth Lutheran Church, John Deere Waterloo Works, Lincoln Savings Bank, Petersen & Tietz Florists and Greenhouses and Omega Cabinetry. Partners also participate in the My Waterloo Days parade, with students learning a dance routine to follow the float. Staff dinners took place during conferences, with Nazareth Lutheran Church providing food and volunteers. Fourth-graders correspond with their pen pals who help translate writing lessons from the classroom to real life. Golden Eagle awards are presented monthly to staff, including a gift card and traveling trophy, and carnation sales are available for parents and students to send a carnation and handmade card to a person of their choosing. PIE also supports a free activity at the UNI Wellness Center for Highland families.
We Salute Our Partner In Education Kittrell Elementary
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STEM preparing students for 21st-century careers By ANGELA FRANCIS Waterloo Schools STEM Coordinator
A popular acronym buzzing around education and getting national attention is STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. STEM education is a crosscurricular approach to teaching and learning that integrates the content and practices of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In Waterloo Schools, this means an emphasis on problem solving, creativity and inquiry over acquisition of obsolete facts. With a focus on STEM education, Waterloo seeks to prepare students for success in the 21st century workforce. The demand for STEM jobs is growing. A report from Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workplace predicts that Iowa will need to fill approximately 72,000 STEM-related jobs by the year 2018. With many Baby Boomers retiring and fewer students pursuing college or advanced training in STEM, the pipeline of qualified workers is drying
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up. In the Cedar Valley, jobs in manufacturing, logistics and information technology go unfilled due to a shortage of STEM-skilled workers. One way in which the Waterloo Community Schools have addressed this need for careerready students is through the creation of Career Interest Academies at both East and
West High Schools. All of the academies from Engineering, Technology and Manufacturing and Arts, Communication and Business to Health and Human Services have the potential to lead students into STEMrelated careers. Even when a student’s interest lies outside STEM, critical thinking and problem-solving skills gained through STEM programming will serve them well. STEM is also a strong component of the middle-school curriculum in the Waterloo Schools. Due to generous support from the Waterloo Schools Foundation, all four middle schools have STEM labs that utilize Synergistic Learning Modules. Working in pairs, students use multimedia software and hands-on equipment to interact with the seven-day modules. Each module addresses a different topic and the topics are quite varied from forensic science and video production to breakfast nutrition and flight simulation. The STEM labs serve as applied learning centers where students must combine content and skills from science,
Poyner’s partners step up with supplies, support EVANSDALE — Poyner Elementary has enjoyed long-lasting Partners in Education relationships. J.C. Penney is the longest at 23 years, followed by John Deere Foundry (23 years); Tyson Fresh Meats (22 years); cities of Evansdale and Elk Run Heights (18 years); Tyson Prepared Foods (17 years); and First Security State Bank (12 years). Also Barnes and Noble Booksellers (9 years); Crossroads HyVee (7 years); Service Roofing Co., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and St. Mark’s United Methodist (5 years); Countryside Vineyard Church (3 years); and Evansdale Economic Development Corp. (2years).
Partners’ activities include school supply donations; providing classroom volunteers; donating hats and mittens’ donating healthy snacks for testing; prizes
and funding for the PBIS incentive program; May baskets for students; volunteer at the Holiday Store; and the adopt-a-family program.
math, language arts, and technology in order to complete the modules activities. At the elementary level, STEM programming happens in a variety of ways. One example is the LEGO WeDo robotics curriculum. Using the curriculum, students build LEGO models with working motors and sensors and then program these models to move and respond to the environment. The curriculum reinforces math and science concepts and helps students develop problem-solving skills. Students work much like real engineers do, as a team, to build their robots and accomplish tasks. Another example of STEM curriculum is Engineering is Elementary. Students read storybooks and are then challenged to solve a problem similar to the ones encountered by the storybook characters. As a team, students use inquiry and creativity skills to design, create, and improve possible solutions to an engineering design challenge. The Waterloo Schools also
support a wide variety of afterschool STEM opportunities, including FIRST Lego League, FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST Robotics teams. FIRST is a non-profit that sponsors a variety of programs and competitions designed to inspire young people to become science and technology leaders. Another program, supported through a scale-up grant from the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Board, allows Waterloo students to learn multimedia, game design and cyber defense. Effective STEM education relies on partnerships and collaboration between schools, community groups, businesses and higher education. In recent years, Waterloo Community Schools have established partnerships with a variety of stakeholders to further the goals of STEM in our community. Special STEM events, tours, guest speakers and grants have strengthened the connection between STEM in the classroom and its application in the working world.
Partners in Education Orange Elementary School
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Cunningham students find inspiration through partnerships WATERLOO — The Dr. Walter Cunningham School for Excellence has enjoyed lengthy partnerships with their Partners in Education. They are the city of Waterloo, Boy Scouts, KBBG, AFFINA, Community National Bank, Jesse Cosby Neighborhood Center, Unity Neighborhood Association, St. Timothy’s United Methodist Church-Cedar Falls, Gates Park Optimists Club, Hellman Associates, Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church and Martin Luther King Center. Activities include partner support of the Cunningham 5K Run/Walk, parent/teacher conference phone-a-thons, acting as guest readers and mentoring students. The pen pal program matches students with PIE representatives and written entries are made to their journals on a regular basis. They also meet for lunch. Third-grader Mia Robinson says she likes writing to her partner, Sandie, who is the city of Waterloo Traffic Operations superintendent. “She inspires me. Maybe someday I will work for the city of Waterloo.” Partner Brian Rowe-Barth, team leader/trainer for Operations HGS, noted, “I enjoy having a partnership with a local school and students to help make them successful in the community, and watching them grow into strong pillars of the community.” Partners sponsor and prepare pancakes for the Shining Stars Breakfast monthly in honor of students nominated as shining stars who have consistently demonstrated safety, trustworthiness, A+ attitude and respect. They also support roller skating, ice skating, bowling and field trips, and purchased items for celebrating the 100th day of school. “It is indeed a great pleasure to volunteer our time and energy to such a great school as Cunningham,” said Mr. and Mrs. Capps, members at St. Timothy’s UMC. PIE members assist with plan-
ning a holiday celebration for students and faculty, providing everyone with goodie bags. Businesses and organizations adopt needy families during the holidays, and students visit Partners to sing carols. PIE provides raffle prizes, cakes and volunteer for the spring carnival, and provide materials and volunteer time and labor to construct a float for the My Waterloo Days Parade. They also collect Hy-Vee receipts, Box Tops, Milk Moola, printer cartridges and assist with various fundraisers. “As the African proverb closely states: ‘It takes a village to make a positive impact in the life of a child.’ Thank you for being a part of our Cunningham Village,” teacher Kim Archie said. COURTESY PHOTO
A Cunningham fifth-grader takes time to write her Partners in Education pen pal a letter.
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East PIE volunteers make difference in school WATERLOO — East High School shares an enthusiastic partnership with Bethany Bible Chapel, Regions Bank, Elks Lodge No. 290, John Deere Drive Train, Division, Storey Kenworthy and Prairie Lakes Church. This year East High School partners assisted with fall student registration and provided refreshments. The office staff really appreciated the help with registration. “It made it a much smoother process, and I think the parents enjoyed the change as well,” Becky Bracken said. The first Alumni Homecoming Tailgating event proved successful, and partners provided breakfast for the spirit rally. Dinner was provided for the pep rally and students preparing cheers for the district playoff at Cedar Falls. “Being part of East High’s Partners in Education and getting to celebrate all the wonderful students and staff we have is a highlight of my job,” explained Maggie Mnayer, East’s PIE representative. “Our partners are not only committed to East High in name, but in actions. They are hands-on and make a huge difference in the community of our school. Whenever we call on them, they are always willing to step in and fill the gap. They are proactive in seeking ways to meet the needs of our students and staff and impact our schools in ways that are impossible to measure. I am so thankful for them.” The staff member of the month receives a plaque and gift cards, while students of the month are recognized at lunch receptions and award presentations. Jeremiah Harrison, 2015, a January student of the month described the event as “fun. It was nice having people notice me,” and December’s student of the month Kyla Owens, 2014, said the event “made me feel important, they really make it nice.” A grandparent, Mrs. Schildroth, whose granddaughter Lindsey Schildroth, 2014, was a
“Being a Partner in Education with East High gives you an opportunity to get past the realm of perception and opinion, and gets you in touch personally with the students themselves. It reminds you that we have some great kids and some great parents in our community. I’m so
grateful that we get a chance to encourage these families, and be encouraged by their example,” said Jesse Tink, who represents Prairie Lakes Church. Recently PIE members made 30 homemade pies to donate to the East High School music department fundraiser.
Tyson Foods is proud to partner with Poyner Elementary.
Tyson Foods, Inc. COURTESY PHOTO
Partners in Education members Jesse Tink, Dennis Anderson and Lisa Etringer present student of the month plaques and awards. January student of the month said, “We had a wonderful time at the Elk’s Lodge. It was a pleasure from start to finish.” Partners volunteer and run concession stands to support various activities and clubs. Additionally, they help clean up school grounds prior to homecoming and other high traffic events. Many PIE members
individually mentor myriad students, and have their own fundraisers to benefit students and staff. “Meeting the students from East High always inspires me. Their stories and their accomplishments always leave me encouraged,” said Lisa Etringer, John Deere Drivetrain Operations, and PIE representative.
©2013 Tyson Foods, Inc. Tyson is a registered trademark and Making great food. Making a difference. is a trademark of Tyson Foods, Inc.
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Irving beneďŹ ts from PIE activities WATERLOO — Irving Elementary School partners with Bethel Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church, GMAC Mortgage, Ravenwood Nursing and Rehab Center, Struxture Architects, Trinity American Lutheran Church, Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Wells Fargo Bank,
Church Row Historical Neighborhood Association and CUNA Mutual Group. Partners are involved in the e-pals program, corresponding with ďŹ fth-graders, donate school supplies, serve as mentors and provide support for monthly family gatherings and PBIS celebrations to recognize students.
VGM Group, Inc., is proud to work with
Lincoln School , our Partner In Education. COURTESY PHOTO
Central students have fun with words.
Central enjoys long-term PIE involvement WATERLOO — For 23 years, Central Middle School has been Partners in Education with John Deere Product Engineering Center. Other lengthy partnerships are Upper Iowa University, 19 years; Payne AME Church and Family YWCA, 14 years; Heartland Vineyard Church and University Avenue Hy-Vee, 11 years; BankIowa, ďŹ ve years; and Cadillac Lanes, three years. “The work our partners do for our students is greatly appreciated. The opportunities and incentives all our partners bring to the students at Central enrich the total learning environment. We are proud of our students’ successes and appreciate the partners’ efforts in recognizing their hard work, “ said Kimberly Latusick, the school’s PIE chairperson. All of the partners are PBIS supporters. John Deere PEC hosts a book fair with proceeds going to Central, and volunteers make a presentation to seventh- and eighth-grade students during National Engineer Week. Various school music groups perform at John Deere during lunch. The Family YMCA recognizes students of character, and Upper
Iowa University provides a pizza party for recipients of the honor. Payne AME Church assists with these student of character recognitions and provides school supplies.
Hy-Vee recognizes students of character a monthly family award dinner, while BankIowa provides the Adopt-a-Family Christmas project and Learn to Save program.
We enjoy
Have a great rest of the school year! Your partners at VGM
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Carver Academy students thrive through partners WATERLOO — Kyle Klingman of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum describes the partnership with George Washington Carver Academy as a “platform for us to meet the needs of the area, which is a crucial part of our mission. Staying connected means being involved. The best relationships are the ones that continue to grow, and our continual relationship with Carver Academy has led to growth for our organization.” Other partners with the school are Allen Hospital, Allen College, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Antioch Baptist Church, Logan Avenue Hy-Vee, Wartburg College, Gates Park Neighborhood Association, Advantage Screen Print & Embroidery and National Wrestling Hall of Fame Dan Gable Museum. “Our youth are our future, and we hope that we can complement the hard work that educators put in every day. Most importantly, we want everyone within the walls of the school to know that we are there for them, and that is always a good feeling to know when someone has your back,” said Sailu Timbo, Logan Avenue Hy-Vee store director. Activities include etiquette luncheons for eight-graders at Allen College, where they are
joined by Carver staff and Partner volunteers; Star Receptions, quarterly honor roll assemblies hosted by Allen College; monthly character luncheons hosted by Allen Hospital for six students (two from each grade) who have demonstrated the Six Pillars of Character, selected by their teachers; and holiday support to provide better Christmases for several Carver families. “The generous holiday support from Allen Hospital was awesome. It warms my heart to know that there are people in our community who are willing to lend a helping hand to those in need,” said guidance counselor Kisha Smith. “Our families were very grateful and overjoyed with the many gifts provided by Allen Hospital employees. Allen employees were able to support four families with 12 children and four adults.” St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is inspired by teacher and staff commitment and “then to see the students gain and grow under their guidance. Knowing what kind of energy it takes to run our small Sunday school program and youth group, we always are in awe of those who guide students as a full-time long term career, and want to support them in any way we can,” Carver students work on computers. said the Rev. Sheryl Campbell.
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Kittrell Elementary School, partners have strong bond WATERLOO — There is a strong link between Kittrell Elementary School students and their Partners in Education. They have enjoyed long-term partnerships with Veridian Credit Union since 1989, Target since 1993 and Optimist Club since 1996. Other partners are InVision, Olive Garden, Ridgeway Place, American Cancer
Lou Henry fourth-graders use newspapers in the classroom. COURTESY PHOTO
Partners provide support for Lou Henry students WATERLOO — At Lou Henry Hoover Elementary, the Partners in Education help with a variety of programs. Their 10 Partners are Advanced Diagnostic Imaging, Cedar Valley Community Church, Cedar Valley Hospice, Central Christian Church, Farmers State Bank, Gordman’s, Lowe’s Home Improvement,
Oakridge Realtors, DenHerder Veterinary Hospital, Shorts Travel and Northeast Area Music Teachers. Partners take turns hosting student of the month lunches, assist in family and staff events, as well as holiday adopt-a-family projects and provide support for a variety of activities for students and staff.
Society, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, The Other Place, Old Navy and Hammond Avenue Brethren Church. Volunteers visit Kittrell monthly to read to classes. Partners serve as pen pals with students, and recognize students on their birthdays. Perfect attendance students are also recognized.
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Partners take more active role with Becker students WATERLOO — Fred Becker Elementary is involved in active memberships with WaterlooCedar Falls Symphony, Waterloo AMVETS No. 19, USPS Letter Carriers, Century Link, Department of Correctional Services, Friendship Village, the University of Northern Iowa, MidAmerican Energy, Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, Staples and Maple Lanes. “Our partners are very involved in many aspects at our building. This year they wanted to take a more active role with our students, which we were very excited about. We like to see as much interaction as possible with our students and positive people in our community,” said Jan Wolf, an instructional strategist for second grade. Partners are pen pals with
and received books through a book drive. Families in need were adopted by partners, as well. The WCFSO brought their instrument petting zoo to the Fun Fair, and a percussion quartet performed for 150 fourth- and fifth-graders. A
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students, and this year volunteered at family events such as the fall and winter carnivals. They also stock shelves with games for indoor recesses, provide books for monthly leader
lunches, provide school supplies, uniforms and extra hats and mittens. Students have participated in hosted events, such as the African-American Read-In at UNI
Partner pen pals important at Bunger EVANSDALE — Bunger Middle School Principal Andy Miehe describes the school’s Partners in Education as “fantastic. I truly appreciate all that Bunger’s partners in education have done for our building, our students and our staff.” They are partnered with First Congregational United Church of Christ, Peters Construction Corp., The Other Place (Evansdale) and The Kinder Agency (Farmers Insurance). “Even though I may not work with kids on a daily basis, knowing our time and efforts to put new programs or special lunch times impact them positively is very fulfilling,” said Tara Kinder from the Kinder Agency. Greg Holt from First Congregational United Church of Christ agrees. “Our youth is a resource far more precious than we can even imagine, and Partners in Education is a program that understands. Partnering connects students to their community and allows area businesses to mentor our future leaders. It
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Bunger students participate in STEM classes. is a joy for our church to work in partnership with Bunger Middle School.” “A group of seventh-graders are writing pals with members of the First Congregational Church. The students and their pals exchange letters about once a month. They write about books, their interests, friends and family. Twice a year the First Congregational
Pals go to Bunger to meet and visit with their Bunger friends. This program has been going for several years. The students and pals love it,” said Pat Brown, seventh-grade literacy teacher. The Other Place hosts student of the month luncheons, and volunteers help with the My Waterloo Days parade, Meals on Wheels and serve as pen pals.
new fundraising effort in conjunction with WCFSO Lollipop concerts, “Buck a Book for Becker,” included dollar for dollar matching offer from donor. Artistic director Jason Weinberger also provided a pre-concert talk for students attending youth concerts.
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Holmes shares beneficial partnerships CEDAR FALLS — Holmes Junior High has partnered with Cedar Falls Community Credit Union for 14 years. “Our partnership with the Cedar Falls Community Credit Union has been a win-win experience for all involved,” Principal David Welter said. The dynamic partnership continues this spring when the school and credit union work together to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network with fundraisers May 16 and 17. “We’ve always believed in financial education and through PIE, we’re able to provide that. We’ve taught classes through the years, and when the school needs us to participate in something, we’re there for them. It’s been very rewarding for the credit union, and a terrific partnership,” said Helen Pierce from CFCCU. In addition, Welter, the school and credit union received the 2012 Champion Award for their advocacy and collaboration regarding the Holmes ECHOES After School Program. The program has emphasized financial literacy “hands-on” activities for students. The focus has been for teachers and students to use a reward system of “token currency,” which may be exchanged for real goods and services. This
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program has been designed to help students develop budgeting and savings skills to help reach their objectives, and will also provide 21st-century jobtraining skills for student tellers at the Tiger Branch. “Our goal at Holmes has been to understand how, when and where young people learn. Education isn’t just what happens in school; it’s taking place after school, in the summer, on the job and in the community. Whether we are teachers, parents, business leaders, members of the community or elected officials, we all have a role to play in that learning,” Welter explained. “We have built our ECHOES
After School program around that role, connecting it with real-world applications and learning opportunities in the classroom ensuring that young people have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in college and the workforce. We have also carried that goal into community service, allowing our students and staff the opportunity to help those who may be in need in our community.” Service projects sponsored by Student Council have included holiday fundraisers for the Adopt-a-Family project, assisting 12 families with gift certificates, candy cane sales and the Salvation Army’s Toys for Kids Drive.
Partners offer ongoing support to Cedar Heights CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Heights involves partners who support coats, boots, mittens and assisElementary School receives the PTA by providing items for tance for students and family ongoing support from their Part- the event. who need help, Principal Jon R. ners in Education, Lattin PhoThey also help provide winter Wiebers said. tography, Struxture Architects and Next Generation Wireless. Partners read to kindergarten, TODAY’S STUDENTS first-, second- and third-gradTOMORROW’S ers and serve as ambassadors CEDAR VALLEY and mentors to students at the school. Partners meet with students throughout the school year and arrange a variety of activities to share. In addition, partner and second-graders are paired up as pen pals. ALLIANCE & CHAMBER The annual Fun Fair in May www.cedarvalleyalliance.com
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Southdale students, PIE an active bunch CEDAR FALLS — College Square Hy-Vee, Wells Fargo and Texas Roadhouse are Partners in Education with Southdale Elementary School. “All of our PIE have been very generous to our students and staff. They have sought out ideas to enrich our relationship and make events educational for students. I would like to personally thank all of their staffs and management for truly understanding the importance of our educational relationship,” says Principal Matt Brummond. Wells Fargo provided snacks for third- and sixth-grade students during ITBS testing. They also donated savings bonds as prizes for the May carnival raffle and a savings bond for the school’s outstanding citizen of the year award. Hy-Vee provides items at reduced costs for special events, particularly the school carnival. Teachers receive one order of printing school pictures at no
cost. Gift certificates were provided for raffle ticket sales. HyVee also served a breakfast during American Education Week for the staff, district administrators and retired Cedar Falls Community School employees. Students walked to Hy-Vee for a tour and did a craft and activity with the help of employees. Twice a year, Texas Roadhouse provides a meal for the staff during the evening of parent-teacher conferences. They also provide peanuts, bread and coupons for the Student Council to sell as a fundraiser. Third-graders participate in a Mother’s Day writing contest for prizes, and letters are displayed in the restaurant’s lobby. Fifth-graders spent time at the restaurant learning about the jobs needed to run the business. “Seeing our decorations on the wall, providing us with a wonderful meal and teaching the ins and outs of the restaurant provide an amazing opportunity for our students,” Mrs. Remmert said.
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Volunteers help students learn, grow at Lincoln in C.F. CEDAR FALLS — Lincoln Elementary School is partnered with First United Methodist Church and the city of Cedar Falls police and fire departments, library, parks and recreation and Hearst Center for the Arts. The school has established a strong volunteer program, utilizing volunteers from First United Methodist Church who have helped with providing child care for family events at Lincoln, including Family Literacy Nights for first- and second-graders and the Lincoln Kindergarten Parent Information Meeting. Volunteers also provided Christmas gifts for Lincoln families and helped sell tickets and supervise games during Wacky Winterfest. They also help in classrooms as tutors for reading, math and spelling. Cedar Falls city volunteers support numerous student activities. The Hearst Center provided face painting and hair “feathers” at Wacky Winterfest. Police and firefighters serve as guest readers and provide safety lessons for students.
Mrs. Witt and Mrs. Mounce. Jim Larsen and Christina Keller from UMC help with student’s math needs, while Isabelle Green’s mom, CC, works with a math problem-solving group. Drew Campbell’s mom, Sally, Mason Lutjen’s mom, Ashley, and Jefferson Roberts’
mom, Susan, assist with spelling group activities and help with publishing letters and poetry. Madelyn Wood’s mom, Shelly, helps correct and organize rocket math along with Kendra Schoonmaker’s mom, Jeanna. She also plans and organizes class parties.
Proud sponsor of bright ideas. COURTESY PHOTO
Partner in Education volunteer Jim Larson works with a student at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls.
“Our volunteers are a vital part of student success.” Mrs. Witt and Mrs. Mounce second-grade teachers
“Our volunteers are a vital part of student success. They provide individual help for a number of students who have specific math needs. The stu-
dents enjoy 1-1 time with the tutor and develop positive relationships with adults who support our school community,” agreed second-grade teachers
Cedar Valley Catholic Schools receives community support WATERLOO — Although the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools system no longer has a Partners in Excellence program, it doesn’t mean the schools lack involvement. “Instead, we have nearly 100 businesses and institutions that have continually supported all five of our buildings within our system, thus benefiting the nearly 1,200 students in our system,” said Jeff Frost, CVCS director of education. The school system doesn’t assign businesses and organizations to specific schools. These supporters are relied on as partners in excellence in all of the schools — St. Edwards, Blessed
Sacrament and Sacred Heart elementary schools, Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta Middle School and Columbus High School, “helping us to continue to meet the needs of all students in our Catholic/Christian system,” Frost said. He described the organizations and businesses as “vital.” “Instead of naming all of these organizations and potentially miss one, we want to thank all of them for their long-term, continued support of the Cedar Valley Catholic Schools. This has allowed us to remain a strong, vital educational system within the Cedar Valley. Thanks to all of you,” he said.
Bertch is honored to partner with I.C./St. Joe’s in Gilbertville & Raymond
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Partners support academics, citizenship at Hansen CEDAR FALLS — Sartori Hospital has been partnered with Hansen Elementary School since 1990. First National Bank and 93.5 The Mix joined in 2000, and Martin Brothers became a partner in 2007. All of these partnerships are important to students. “Hansen has a rich tradition of excellent partnerships with the community. We have been fortunate to have great Partners in Education over the years and their contributions to our school, staff, and mostly our students have been outstanding. We wholeheartedly thank our Partners in Education for their support and commitment to Hansen Elementary,” Principal Tara Estep said. PIE supports both academics as well as helping to prepare
youth to be productive citizens by building character. “Through PIE, Hansen’s first-graders are given the chance to learn about the fun of helping their community. Each year students practice for weeks learning holiday songs, and then share their efforts by singing carols throughout the halls of Sartori Hospital. They also bring cheer to patients by creating festive favors for meal trays,” said first-grade teacher Mrs. Lawrence-Richards. PIE is very involved with sixthgraders from the career fair to the year-end picnic. From the career fair to the endof-the-year picnic, sixth-graders enjoy the various opportunities that partners provide. Jared Pirkl, sixth-grade teacher is impressed.
“Our sixth-graders are exposed to additional adult role models that many other students at this age don’t have the opportunity to experience. They also have the opportunity during the career fair to see how classroom learning links to the workplace, important for students as they begin their transition to middle school and high school.” First National Bank donates practice checks to students in sixth grade. Students learn about decimals and money in a fun, interactive way by utilizing these checks. Student artwork is displayed at the bank and Sartori. First-graders carol through the halls of the hospital during the holidays, and the fifth-sixth grade choir and orchestra per-
forms for staff. Art students decorate a tree for the annual Sartori Festival of Trees. Each partner adopts a Hansen family in need and provides gifts, food and baskets of goodies for them. In conjunction with the counselor’s unit on careers, a career fair for sixth-graders is sponsored by First National Bank and 93.5 the Mix. Speakers represent various careers. In addition, sixth-graders and their teachers are bussed to Sartori for a Career Fair in health care. Partners host an annual end of school picnic for the sixth-graders and their families in Sartori dining room, with food furnished by Martin Brothers and Sartori. First National Bank provides a
Robotics, technology at core of C.F. High partnerships CEDAR FALLS — Cedar Falls High School students receive technological education and experiences through partnership with John Deere, John Deere Waterloo Operations, PTC, Rockwell Collins, NCK Software, Viking Pump, Iowa State University College of Engineering, DISTek Integration, DENSO and the University of Northern Iowa Physics Department. During the year, the school hosted a STEM open house, primarily directed at informing and gaining interest of junior high families in Cedar Falls’ STEM programs. The school also started a new class within Project Lead The Way called Computer Integrated Manufacturing, which teaches CAD, robotics and CNC machining. In addition, a new robotics team participated in the First Tech Challenge through US First. This team participated in numerous activities, including competitions, helping Lego League robotics competitions an open house and collaboration with other FTC teams. “Through our partner support, both financially and also time spent in the school by our
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Students work in robotics at Cedar Falls High School. partners, we have given stu- automation, design, and skills dents experience in technical such as assembly, soldering, plasareas where we badly need more tic forming, and collaboration,” people. said math teacher/robotics coach This includes manufacturing, Ron Hoofnagle.
Karaoke machine and the Mix provides the DJ. At the last day of school assembly, First National Bank gives a good citizenship award, 93.5 The Mix gives a communication award, and Martin Brothers donates a gift certificate to a parent or parents who made a deserving contribution to the school. “Hansen’s Partners in Education have generously helped provide holiday gifts and baskets of food each year to families who might be struggling in our school. We continue to be impressed with how giving our partners are. We, along with the families who receive help because of their gifts, are truly thankful,” counselor Jen Alexander said.
Bertch, Bosco System ‘Partners in Excellence’ GILBERTVILLE — The Bosco System Immaculate Conception and St. Joseph Centers in Gilbertville and Raymond are “Partners in Excellence” with Bertch Cabinet Manufacturing. Bertch and the Bosco System share many activities throughout the school year. “It is a wonderful opportunity for us at the Bosco System to be partnered with Bertch Cabinet Manufacturing. Together we act creatively to develop goals and activities unique to our partnership,” says Nancy Bolick of the Bosco System-St. Joseph Center. Bertch representatives create back-to-school welcome banners for each of the buildings, provide pencils for students during testing, provide birthday gifts to students at the St. Joseph Center and birthday cards to Immaculate Conception Center students. Bertch employees bake cookies for I.C. and St. Joseph centers open-house nights, help set up the auditorium for the Christmas program and arrange for Santa to visit kindergarten through secondgraders. Interested families are presented with tree seedlings from Bertch on Arbor Day, and the company supplies lunch to teachers and staff during National Teacher Appreciation week. Bosco System students create birthday banners and seasonal decorations for Bertch, and perform Christmas carols at Bertch offices. Eighth-graders serve cookies and juice at Bertch’s annual blood drive. Volunteers from Bertch and the Bosco System work at the food bank as a special service project, as well as work together to promote fitness and health at February’s wellness assembly.