The WILDCAT REPORT Maquoketa Valley Community School District's newsletter Web Site: http://www.maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us June/July 2014 Maquoketa Valley Community School District Ensures High Levels of Learning to Empower All Students For Lifelong Success. Administration Office Doug Tuetken, Superintendent 112 3rd St., P.O. Box 186 Delhi, IA 52223-0186 Phone (563) 922-9422 Fax (563) 922-9502 M.V. High School Doug Tuetken, Prinicipal Kevin Kudrna, Dean of Students 107 South Street P.O. Box 186, Delhi Phone (563) 922-2091 Fax (563) 922-3026 M. V. Middle School Delhi Elementary Tracy Morrison, Principal 112 3rd St., Box 186 Delhi, IA 52223 Phone (563) 922-9411 Fax (563) 922-9502 Earlville Elementary Brenda Becker, Principal 226 Prospect Street Earlville, IA 52041 Phone (563) 923-3225 Fax (563) 923-3305 Johnston Elementary Ann Norton, Principal 131 Culver Road Hopkinton, IA 52237 Phone(563) 926-2701 Fax (563) 926-2093 Board of Directors Donna Kunde - Area 1 Doug Dabroski - Area 2 Chris Huber - Area 3 Mike Feldmann - Area 4 John Zietlow Area 5 DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT As our school year begins to wind down, I wanted to share with you some of the progress our district has made this past year as it relates to curriculum and professional development. Response to Intervention A large contingent of our instructors and administrators (Brenda Becker, Rachel Bonert, Ann Norton, Melissa Bush, Jackie Moorman, Jane Mesch, Jill McDermott, Tracy Morrison, Ken Hart, Marla Wulfekuhle, Ellen Martin, Michelle Grimm, Sue Goldsmith, and Tiersa Frasher) have been working to develop the underlying structure of a system that provides support to our students who may need additional support beyond our regular or “core” instruction. The RTI (Response to Intervention) framework has been developed. This multi-tiered approach to early identification and support for students will provide quality information on our students to allow us to monitor and “diagnose” their progress and possible areas of need throughout the year. This group of instructors has also developed a bank of intervention strategies in the areas of literacy and math for all of our K – 8 instructors. Next year, select members of this team will be participating in Positive Behavioral Instructional Supports (PBIS) training, which will help to strengthen the behavioral side of this support system. This will be a 3-year commitment for our K – 8 Team. Iowa Core Our district continues to make gains with our Iowa Core work. All of our 6 th – 12 th grade teachers continue to be working with the Iowa Core Standards to integrate literacy into their respective content areas. The literacy and math teams have finished interpreting and defining, or what educators like to say, “unpacking” these standards. Due to the number of standards, teachers continue to identify those standards that are most essential and have begun their unit planning. Unit planning, like a compass, provides a common direction for all students at a grade level by focusing on what will be learned and is less likely to change from year to year, as opposed to a lesson plan which is the path students will follow that varies each year depending on the needs of a particular group of students. The goal of unit planning is to assure that what our instructors intend to teach is what actually is taught and also assessing what is actually taught. This will allow us to look for gaps and excessive overlaps in instruction K-12. (continued on next page)
Transcript
The WILDCAT REPORT Maquoketa Valley Community School District's newsletter Web Site: http://www.maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us June/July 2014
Maquoketa Valley Community School District Ensures High Levels of Learning to Empower All Students For
Lifelong Success.
Administration Office Doug Tuetken, Superintendent112 3rd St., P.O. Box 186Delhi, IA 52223-0186 Phone (563) 922-9422Fax (563) 922-9502 M.V. High SchoolDoug Tuetken, PrinicipalKevin Kudrna, Dean of Students107 South Street P.O. Box 186, Delhi Phone (563) 922-2091 Fax (563) 922-3026 M. V. Middle School Delhi Elementary Tracy Morrison, Principal 112 3rd St., Box 186Delhi, IA 52223 Phone (563) 922-9411Fax (563) 922-9502 Earlville Elementary Brenda Becker, Principal226 Prospect Street Earlville, IA 52041 Phone (563) 923-3225Fax (563) 923-3305 Johnston Elementary Ann Norton, Principal131 Culver RoadHopkinton, IA 52237Phone(563) 926-2701 Fax (563) 926-2093 Board of Directors Donna Kunde - Area 1Doug Dabroski - Area 2Chris Huber - Area 3Mike Feldmann - Area 4 John Zietlow Area 5
DISTRICT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
As our school year begins to wind down, I wanted to share with you some of the progress our district has made this past year as it relates to curriculum and professional development.
Response to Intervention
A large contingent of our instructors and administrators (Brenda Becker, Rachel Bonert, Ann Norton, Melissa Bush, Jackie Moorman, Jane Mesch, Jill McDermott, Tracy Morrison, Ken Hart, Marla Wulfekuhle, Ellen Martin, Michelle Grimm, Sue Goldsmith, and Tiersa Frasher) have been working to develop the underlying structure of a system that provides support to our students who may need additional support beyond our regular or “core” instruction. The RTI (Response to Intervention) framework has been developed. This multi-tiered approach to early identification and support for students will provide quality information on our students to allow us to monitor and “diagnose” their progress and possible areas of need throughout the year. This group of instructors has also developed a bank of intervention strategies in the areas of literacy and math for all of our K – 8 instructors. Next year, select members of this team will be participating in Positive Behavioral Instructional Supports (PBIS) training, which will help to strengthen the behavioral side of this support system. This will be a 3-year commitment for our K – 8 Team.
Iowa Core
Our district continues to make gains with our Iowa Core work. All of our 6th – 12th grade teachers continue to be working with the Iowa Core Standards to integrate literacy into their respective content areas. The literacy and math teams have finished interpreting and defining, or what educators like to say, “unpacking” these standards. Due to the number of standards, teachers continue to identify those standards that are most essential and have begun their unit planning. Unit planning, like a compass, provides a common direction for all students at a grade level by focusing on what will be learned and is less likely to change from year to year, as opposed to a lesson plan which is the path students will follow that varies each year depending on the needs of a particular group of students. The goal of unit planning is to assure that what our instructors intend to teach is what actually is taught and also assessing what is actually taught. This will allow us to look for gaps and excessive overlaps in instruction K-12.(continued on next page)
(continued from front page)As our instructors are completing the unpacking, determining what is essential, and devising unit plans, they have also been focusing on Assessment for Learning, which is one of the five Characterist ics of Effective Instruction. Assessment for Learning begins by focusing on what students need to know and be able to do, how to know precisely where students are in their learning, and how we can help our students move to the next level of understanding. This piece not only fits into the RTI concept, but also our Professional Learning Communities (PLC). All instructors have been engaged in conversations that centered on formative assessments. Time was allotted to discuss descriptive feedback and what specific, clear, and related goals descriptive feedback will do to enhance student achievement.
Our K – 6 elementary instructors continue to grow within their implementation of our guided reading and have become very adept at using the data gathered during guided reading. Our instructors are doing a better job of identifying the specific instructional levels of students, are better able to monitor each and every child’s growth and in turn use this information to make instructional decisions for each student as well as better inform parents on the progress of their child. Initial data from our Iowa Assessments have shown growth.
Math is no exception. Our K-8 math team has also been working to align our math curriculum and assessments to the Iowa Core Math Standards. They have studied the content standards and the practice standards, which identifies how students approach and think about math problems. They have investigated the shifts in math instruction required to meet the standards as well as the required balance needed for deeper understanding of concepts, procedural mathematical skill/fluency, and the application to real-world problems. With our changes in the delivery of our math and literacy we will be holding a math and literacy informational meeting this fall to discuss those changes, answer any questions and also disseminate information and strategies with parents to help their children achieve.
Standards Based Grading
Our elementary and secondary assessment teams have been studying assessment practices. At the kindergarten and first grade levels next year we will be changing our current grading and reporting practices. They will be moving to one that lists key standards for our content areas and then notes for each standard if a student has met expectations, is making progress towards expectations, or isn’t quite there yet. This will give parents more specific information about what their child is able to do or needs to work on. The secondary will continue to study how pieces of standards based grading could possibly work at their respective level.
The work that our instructors and administrators are involved with has been difficult. But each and every one of us knows that we have an obligation to continue down this path because the work that is being done is creating a systemic approach to meet each and every one of our students needs.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Middle School Cleans Up
On Friday, April 11th the 7th and 8th grade students spent the afternoon raking leaves and preparing various grounds for spring. Students went to several homes in the community to rake the leaves, along with the track at the school, the grounds at the school, Hobb's Park, and Veteran's City Park. The students gathered and bagged leaves for pick up while spending the part of the day in the sunshine!
Have a GREAT summer!See you in the fall!
The Maquoketa Valley FFA recently hosted Farm Safety Day on Wednesday April 23 for kids in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. There were 7 stations total. The station consisted of: falling objects, tractor safety, fire safety, pinch points, lawnmowers, seat belts, and 911. The kids favorite part of the day was when the FFA members hosted the famous puppet show and animal crackers served with milk, handed out by dairy princess, Emily O'Connell. The whole day consisted of having 225 kids from Earlville, Hopkinton, and Delhi. It was a great day to showcase the ag department and teach many kids the safety and dangers of agriculture.
Rising Star AwardThe Rising Star Award recognizes students’ strengths in employability skills necessary to be successful in all aspects of life such as working well with others, being prepared for class, and taking responsibility for their own actions. This award may also recognize students that demonstrate strong civic responsibilities. We are proud of these students who have demonstrated these important life long skills! Congratulations!
Brielle Kuhns Michael Schaul Jackson Wagner Jocelyn Kelchen Nolan Honkomp Lukas Chesnut Willow Shroyer Breanna McShane Jaric Brandenburg Landyn Haas Alexis Halverson Jordan Hatfield Kain Krogmann Tyler Mineart Nicholas Otting Bianka Ronnebaum Caden Ries Kenyon Baker Meleah Burr Caden Ronnebaum Eric Schollmeyer Emma Gilles McKayla Weber Preston Salow Charlie Schultz Colin Smith Keylee Cole Haley Ronnebaum Noah Ingles Logan Long Trysten Mullis Dannielle Burkle Peyton Aldrich Shea Burcham Jaxson Kramer Allison Nefzger Kriya Atwell Matthew Brehm Mianna Gosche Anthony March Devin Smith Ben Snyder Jeremy Weber Gabe Halweg Mason Rowan David Vandepol Kaelynn Clark Skyler Achenbach
Regular Board MeetingMay 19, 2014
The regular meeting of the Maquoketa Valley Board of Education was called to order by President John Zietlow at 7:00 p.m. in the Middle School Conference Room in Delhi, Iowa. All motions carried unanimously unless otherwise noted. Four board members were present. There were six staff and one visitor present. The agenda and the consent items were approved.
The school libraries will be open weekly in June and July to allow students to check out books and take Reading Counts quizzes.
The school improvement advisory committee meeting was held on May 7th. The 2014-2015 committee recommendations were reviewed by the board.
The Board approved the permissible situations for district out-of-district transportation.
The Board approved the request for several students to attend the FFA Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Board approved the membership to Iowa Association of School Boards for the 2014-2015 school year.
Supt. Tuetken presented the Board with “Action Priorities” from the Iowa Association of School Boards. Further discussion of these priorities will take place and the June and July meetings.
Supt. Tuetken presented the Board with a projected list of PPEL and SILO projects and costs for the 2014-2015 school year as well as a list of projects that will be organized for the summer and throughout the year.
At 7:44 p.m. the Board entered into closed session for the purpose of discussing strategy in matters relating to employment of employees of the school who are not covered by collective bargaining agreement as provided by Iowa Code 21.9. Roll call vote was answered all ayes.
At 8:23 p.m. the Board entered into open session. Roll call vote was answered all ayes.
The following salary adjustments were approved:
Classified Staff: Step on salary schedule and an additional $.10/hour
allowance to salaryCurriculum Strategist - $7,500/year increase (sharing
agreement)Elementary Principal - $1,250/year increase Delhi Elementary/Middle School Principal: - $1,250/
year increase Dean of Students - $1,250/year increase Business Manager - $2,988/year increase (sharing
agreement) – additional ten days of vacationHS Principal – $1000/year increase
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Special Board MeetingMay 7, 2014
The special meeting of the Maquoketa Valley Board of Education was called to order by President John Zietlow at 7:30 a.m. on May 7, 2014 in the Middle School Conference Room in Delhi, Iowa. All motions carried unanimously unless otherwise noted. Three board members and two staff were present. The agenda was approved.
The following personnel recommendations were approved: Marla Wulfekuhle – resignation as Elementary Teacher Diane Temple – employed as Speech Coach
The Board as well as Supt. Tuetken expressed their appreciation to Mrs. Wulfekuhle for her dedication to the Maquoketa Valley Community School District.
The Board approved Human Resource Sharing Agreement between Maquoketa Valley and North Linn, Springville, Center Point and Alburnett.
The meeting adjourned at 7:41 a.m.
For 2014 -2015 School Year
Using E-Registration and Online Payment of Fees
Once again the parents will be able to pay their 14-15 school year student fees, submit lunch money and update contact and emergency information on Powerschool. Student registration will take place August 5 and August 6, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Parents may do the registration from home or welcome to come to the school on the dates listed to complete registration and pay all fees. Parents are also being encouraged to pay all student fees using an online payment system. Student fees and hot lunch deposits may be paid this way, charging fees using debit or credit accounts. School personnel will be on hand to assist with the registration process or assist with E-Registration. The E-Registration has been updated that you may now update information in one child and will transfer to all children enrolled in school. It is important for parents to update e-mail addresses, as notices are sent via email notifying parents of early dismissals, makeup information, etc.
A link is located on the school website for payment of registration fees and the Powerschool link to update student information. These will be active beginning August 4, 2014.
More information will follow in the August newsletter.
2014-15 School SuppliesJust a reminder to parents that the list of school supplies needed by all M.V. students in all grades for next school year will be in the August newsletter.
Big Night at SchoolParents and students: please mark your calendars for Wednesday, August 13, 2014 and plan to be at MV - it will be a BIG night for the school with these important events happening.
Again this summer, Maquoketa Valley will be opening all of their elementary libraries to our current K-5 students on four days during June.
While visiting the library, students may check out a book as well as take Reading Counts quizzes. Students can use whichever library is most convenient for them as they can now access Reading Counts from any school computer.
There is no registration required for this program and we hope all students will participate as much as possible!
We encourage students to continue to visit their town libraries and participate in the excellent reading programs provided each summer!
The school libraries will be open on the following Wednesdays from 4:00 - 6:00 pm:
All centers - June - 4, 11, 18, 25
Earlville only - July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
Reading throughout the summer helps children be better prepared for their next school year! We hope to see you this summer!
Here are some common whole grains you can choose to add to your snacks and meals!
Popcorn (choose plain, air popped) Brown rice, quinoa, barley, or oatmeal Whole wheat cereal Whole wheat bread Whole wheat crackers
Make the Most of Summer!
IOWA PRIVATE COLLEGE WEEK 2014 - AUGUST 4th THROUGH AUGUST 8th
A quick assignment before you play.
While you’re scouring the city for a summer job,
consider blocking out August 4-8th to work on
your future.
For one exclusive week, Iowa’s 28 private
colleges and universities roll out the red carpet
for you and your family to show you all the
benefits colleges and universities offer.
They have:
Loads of majors with great post-college job
placement.
Smaller campuses that keep the focus on you.
Active campuses that entertain you in your free
time.
Professors that want to train you for your future,
not trick you on tests and homework.
Scholarships and tuition grants that make
tuition ultra competitive with public institutions.
Sports programs that actually put you in the
game.
On-campus employment opportunities.
Community-minded campuses that encourage
volunteering and involvement.
Study abroad and enrichment programs to
power you with experience.
G e t R e g i s t e r e d t o d a y a t www.thinkindependently.com…then go enjoy your summer!
See you at Iowa Private College Week!
Iowa’s Private Colleges…
Where You Matter!
Summer Weight Room Schedule for Football
Varsity - Monday/Tuesday/Thursday - 6:00-7:00amJV - Monday/Tuesday/Thursday - 7:00 - 8:00amTuesdays - Individual Work for QB/WR/RB after weight sessions.Thursdays - Individual Work for Lineman after weight sessions.
7 on 7 SessionsJune 18th - 5:30pm at DelhiJuly 23rd - 5:30pm at DelhiJuly 30th - 5:30pm at Delhi
Football Camps - All camps are $35 and include a T-shirt3rd-8th Grade Camp - August 4th-7th - 5:30-7:00pmHS Camp - July 29th - August 1st 8:00-11:00am August 4th-7th - 6:30-9:00pm
Email Coach Wilson for a form or stop in the office to pick one up.
British
Soccer Camps 2014The camps will be held June 16th - 20th, 2014, at
the West Delaware High School practice soccer
fields. They will be offered for 3 year olds up to 18
The Maquoketa Valley Athletic Boosters are looking for members who would like to be involved in helping organize and run our events. The Athletic Boosters meet the first Wednesday of every month (except July) at 6:30 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Please consider sharing your time & talents so that we may continue to provide the needed assistance to our athletic programs.
Considering that sun damage is the primary environmental factor in skin aging and skin cancer, we highly recommend that you start by reading this section.
In this article, we provide the summary of basic guidelines and principles to help you jumpstart your sun protection strategy. You can start here, but don't stop here - learn more to optimize your sun protection.
The very basicsHere are the key UV-protection measures adapted from the recommendations of the American Academy of Dermatology:
• Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10 am and 4 pm.•• Avoid tanning beds.•• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.•• Sit in the shade whenever possible.•• Wear protective, tightly-woven clothing.•• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on
cloudy days.•• Use a water-resistant sunscreen if exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating.•• Apply sunscreen 20-30 min prior to exposure and reapply frequently.
Note: Please keep in mind that children tend to spend more time in the sun and need extra protection.
In addition to the basic AAD recommendations, many experts consider a number of steps worthwhile, especially for people who wish to minimize skin aging:
• Chose a comprehensive UVA+UVB blocking sunscreen with well-matched UV blocking agents and low risk of adverse reactions. If you have sun-sensitive skin, use SPF 30 or higher for UVB and similarly strong UVA protection (see our article on choosing the right sunscreen.)
•• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can
increase your chance of sunburn and skin damage.•• Do not neglect UV protection when indoors or driving. (See our article on indoor UV protection).•• Ensure vitamin D status safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don't seek the
sun. (See our article on how to minimize the downside of low sun sxposure)•• Make sure your sunglasses protect from both UVA and UVB and, ideally, cover as much of your face as
possible.•• Consume diet (and possibly supplements) rich in nutrients that may reduce the severity of UV damage
Benefits- Get bigger, faster & stronger- Stay fit, get toned & keep in shape- Learn proper weight training techniques
- Build yourself into a compete athlete to better your performance in all sports and prevent injuries- Build team spirit and community togetherness & have some fun
while exercising- Opportunity for all students and community members, not just
athletes
- Positive influence and qualified assistance at all time- Chance to lift and walk or run on track afterwards
Fitness Room6:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Thursday, closed Friday's
FEE
There is NO FEE to use these facilities Donations towards
the upkeep and maintenance of the weight room would be
accepted.
Take advantage of our great facilities - and
equipment!!
Please park in the Middle School parking lot and enter through the Middle School front entrance. (facing north).
Hours of operation for public use of facilitiesWeight RoomMonday - Thursday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Summer Hours The Maquoketa Valley Administration will be working throughout the summer. Hours will be 8:00 AM until 4:00 PM each week, Monday through Thursday. The school office will be CLOSED on Fridays during the summer. This will begin the week of June 2nd and run until the week of August 4th.
Next School Year2014-2015
The Maquoketa Valley school calendar
for next year is now available on our
website at :
http://www.maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us.
The first day of school for 2014-2015 is
August 14th, 2014
Report Cards
Report cards for students in grades 7-12 will be available to students or their parents beginning June 9th. You may pick these items up from the Administration at the Delhi Elementary / Middle School Building. If you do not wish to take the time to come to school or do not wish to drive to Delhi, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the school’s address (P.O. Box 186, Delhi, IA 52223) and the report card will be mailed to you after June 9th. This is the best way to get your child’s report card.
FINE ARTS UPDATE
The Next Fine Arts Booster meeting is August 11th, at 5:30 in the High School commons.
If your child is in Speech, Drama, Music-choir or band you are a member – please help us make the decisions that affect your children.
Summary of Calendar Days in classroom: First Semester . . . . . . . . . . 88 Second Semester . . . . . . . . 92 TOTAL CALENDAR DAYS 180
CALENDAR LEGEND Quarter Holidays Vacation Days Full Day PD Early Out PD HOLIDAYS: Labor Day (9/1) Thanksgiving Day (11/27) Christmas Day (12/25) New Year’s Day (1/1) Easter Sunday (5/5) District Office (563) 922-9422 High School Office (563) 922-2091 Delhi Elementary (563) 922-9411 Earlville Elem. (563) 923-3225 Johnston Elem. (563) 926-2701 www.maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us PO BOX 186 Delhi, IA 52223 Snow Make-Up Days: December 23 May 20, 21, 22, 26, etc.
Date Events Aug. 8 New Teachers Begin Aug. 11 All Teachers Start Teacher PD/Workday Aug. 12 Teacher PD/Workday Aug. 13 Teacher Workday Aug. 14 Begin 1st Semester Aug. 27 1:05 Dismissal – Teacher PD Sept. 1 Labor Day – No School Sept. 22 No School – Teacher PD Oct. 3 Homecoming Oct. 17 1:05 Dismiss - End 1st Quarter Oct. 20 No School – Teacher PD Oct. 27 1:05 Dismiss PT Conferences 3:00 – 7:00 Oct. 30 1:05 Dismiss PT Conferences 3:00 – 7:00 Oct. 31 No School Nov. 12 1:05 Dismiss – Teacher PD Nov. 26 1:05 Dismiss Nov. 27-28 Thanksgiving Holiday (No School) Dec. 1 No School – Teacher PD Dec. 22 1:05 Dismissal Dec. 23-31 Winter/Christmas Break Dec. 25 Christmas Jan. 1 New Year’s Day – No School Jan. 2 Teacher Workday Jan. 5 Begin 2nd Semester Jan. 19 No School – Teacher PD Martin Luther King Day Feb. 4 1:05 Dismissal – Teacher PD Feb. 16 Presidents’ Day Feb. 20 No School – Teacher PD Mar. 6 1:05 Dismiss – End 3rd Qtr. Mar. 17 1:05 Dismiss PT Conferences 3:00 – 7:00 Mar. 19 1:05 Dismiss PT Conferences 3:00 – 7:00 Mar. 20 No School Apr. 2 1:05 Dismissal – Spring Break Apr. 3 No School - Good Friday Apr. 5 Easter Apr. 6 No School – Teacher PD (If TQ Funded) May 2 Prom May 6 1:05 Dismissal – Teacher PD May 13 Graduation – 7:30 May 19 Dismiss 1:05 – End 2nd Semester May 25 Memorial Day
