The E-ConnectionA biweekly publication of the Johnston Community School District

October 23, 2017

Johnston Community School District

www.johnstoncsd.org

BOARD OF EDUCATIONGreg Dockum,

PresidentJill Morrill,

Vice PresidentJustin AllenDeb Henry

Steven HopperJeanie Kerber

Matt StahrDr. Corey Lunn,

Superintendent

OUR MISSIONWe commit all district resources to guide the

learning of each student, to graduate as confident learners with character,

knowledge and the skills to excel in any endeavor they

pursue.

VISIONCreating a culture of

excellence where students come first.

This newsletter is a publication of the

Communications Office for the parents and staff in the Johnston Community School District. Call 278-

0470 with questions or concerns.

Mark Your Calendars: Early outs, Conferences, and No School DaysNov. 2: Three hour early out for all schools (JHS dismiss @ 11:25 a.m.; JMS/SMS dismiss @ 11:45 a.m.; Elementaries dismiss @ 12:35 p.m.)Nov. 2: Grades 6-12 Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-5 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 3: NO SCHOOL. All-staff PD and work day

Nov. 14: Grades PreK-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:30-8 p.m. (No PreK all day)Nov. 16: Three hour early out for all schoolsNov. 16: Grades PreK-5 Parent-Teacher Conferences 1:30-5 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m. (No PreK all day)

Nov. 22-24: NO SCHOOL for Thanksgiving Break

Kreg Tool Donates New Equipment to JMS Woods LabAs part of the Johnston Community Schools Foundation grant program, more than 200 Johnston Middle School students now have additional state-of-the-art equipment in the Woods lab.

On Wednesday, October 26, representatives from Kreg Tool (Huxley, IA) donated a new Kreg router table triton router to JMS teachers Damon Staker and Joe Huebbe. Staker and Huebbe wrote a grant requesting the new piece of wood shop equipment and through the Kreg Cares Foundation, the grant was fulfilled.

“We love getting out in the schools and seeing students learn new skills using our equipment,” said Shane Rourke, Kreg Vice President of Sales & Marketing. “Kreg Tool is a strong supporter of students receiving education in skilled trades and we were pleased to make this donation.”

With 215 students in the Woods 1 course, a single router table – and the time it took to change router bits and the table set up – wasn’t efficient. Students use the router for keyhole slots on picture frames, the backs of shelves, decorative edges, and profile shapes, and frequently lost production time as they waited for one another.

The addition of a second Kreg router table eliminates the bottleneck that had been occurring during production. It also offers students flexibility to expand on projects that use the router for other tasks, such as cutting specialized joints.

“We appreciate the second router table and are looking forward to the added capacity it will bring to Woods 1 and our Technology Student Association club,” said Staker.

Good luck, Dragons! We’re wishing all of our Dragon student-athletes, coaches, and supporters the best in regional playoff and state competitions. It’s been a great fall season for our teams!

• The Dragon football team takes on Southeast Polk on Friday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. in Johnston• The Girls Swimming team competes in districts on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Johnston• The Boys and Girls Cross Country teams will run for the state title on Saturday, Oct. 28 in Fort

Dodge• The Lady Dragon volleyball team heads into regional finals against Cedar Rapids Jefferson on

Monday, Oct. 30

Highlights from the October 23 board meeting are reported here. For full minutes, go to the eBoards website.

Superintendent’s ReportAcknowledgements: A representative from MidAmerican Energy awarded the Johnston Community School District the Excellence In Energy Efficient Design award for achieving extraordinary energy savings at the new Johnston High School.

Dr. Lunn gave kudos to the Johnston IT department - Tony Sparks, Wesley Bresson, and their team of in-school coordinators for their work over the past few weeks to ensure the district servers and information systems are secure.

Construction Update: At Wallace and JELA, walls are being installed and sheetrock is going up. It’s starting to look like defined spaces in there. Building leaders are now selecting furnishings for the new learning environment. Visioning meetings are now complete in the ARC design process; the next step is seeing the architect’s ideas in sketches.

ReportsEdLeader21 Conference Sharing (Tom Bartello, Chris Billings, Ann Wiley, Leigh Goldie, Emily Johnson, Janice Arthur): Two principals, two coordinators, and two instructional coaches recently attended an EdLeader 21 conference. This experience strengthened and affirmed current district practice regarding the instruction, assessment, and learning experiences supportive of a Portrait of a Learner.

Enrollment Report (Bruce Amendt): Dr. Amendt provided a summary report of October 2, 2017 enrollment. Enrollment was certified on October 13, 2017. He reviewed students served by grade level and building. There are 7119 K-12 students; 294 in the 4-year-old preschool programs; total district enrollment PreK-12 is 7,413 students.

Make up Day from October 2, 2017 (Laura Kacer): Per state requirements, we report length of the school year in hours vs. days. The minimum requirement of school hours per year is 1,080 hours. We currently report 1,146 hours. The board indicated preference for waiting to see if we close or delay due to winter weather before making a decision on an additional student day. • The length of school contact day does vary minimally from each level. We use 6:45 for reporting the longest student contact day. • minus 1 day at beginning of year for Capturing Kids Hearts at JHS and JMS • minus school closure on October 3rd • minus two hour for late start• Total hours missed = 15:30 • 1146 - 15:30 = 1130:30 hours• JEA and JESPA contract days with employees = 189 days (180 student, 3 pre-service and 6 holidays)

Transportation Update – Response to public Comments on 9/25/17 (Laura Kacer, Katie McBride, Sharla Lyons): As a response to the concerns shared at the September 25 Board meeting, Laura Kacer and the STA staff outlined six possible scenarios for the board to consider in response to the various concerns. The board selected scenarios 3 and 6 to take a closer look at student impact, more exact costs, and time changes.

Action ItemsSpeech and Debate Team Request for Out of State Travel (Jeremy Fitzpatrick): The Johnston High School Speech and Debate students are requesting out-of-state travel to four different locations to compete against other top flight speech and debate students from around the country. They also have the opportunity to use this as a resume builder for college applications and financial aid opportunities.• Northbrook, Illinois for JHS Speech and Debate Team on November 17 through November 22, 2017.• Minneapolis, Minnesota for JHS Speech and Debate Team on December 15 through December 17, 2017.• Marshall, Minnesota for the JHS Speech and Debate Team on January 26 and January 27, 2018.• Omaha, Nebraska for JHS Speech and Debate Team on February 16 through February 18, 2018.The board approved all four out-of-state travel requests.

Approval of Policy 210.10 Order of the Regular Board of Director’s Meeting (Greg Dockum): The Board President and Superintendent, recommended the revisions to Policy 201.10 Oder of the Regular Board of Director’s Meeting. The first reading was at the October 9, 2017 Board meeting. The Board approved.

Board Highlights from October 23

Approval of Additional Staffing for Special Education Associates (Laura Kacer, Vickie McCool): Due to increased enrollment and Individual Education Plan needs, several associate positions are requested for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year. Horizon 1 SE associate 8:30-3:45 6.75 hours (.87 FTE) Lawson 2 SE associate 8:45-3:45 6.5 hours (.84 FTE) Wallace 1 S & P associate 11:30-3:30 4 hours (.5 FTE) Summit 1 SE associate 7:45-3:00 6.75 hours (.87 FTE) 8/9 MS 1 SE associate 7:30-2:45 6.75 hours (.87 FTE) HS 1 SE associate 7:30-2:45 6.75 hours (.87 FTE)The Board approved the 4.82 FTE special education associate positions as outlined above.

Approval of Additional Time for Nutrition (Laura Kacer, LaRae Doll): Horizon breakfast participation has increased over the last three years, from FY15 at 16,653 total or 92 per day to FY17 24,969 total or 139 per day. This year, breakfast numbers are already at about 162 per day. About 90 students are arriving from the bus between 8:30 AM–8:40 AM. The total number of breakfasts is predicted to increase to about 180-190 during winter months. Currently, there is only one person on staff to cook, serve and run computer. The additional 45 minutes of staff time would help with breakfast meal service at Horizon. Horizon Breakfast Participation FY15 FY16 FY17 Total Breakfast Meals Served 16,653 20,131 24,969 Average Breakfast Meals per day 92 112 139 The Board approved the additional 45 minutes of staffing to help support breakfast service at Horizon.

Approval for 2017-2018 Calendar Committee (Laura Kacer): A total of 31 people (parents, teachers, administrators, and a board representative) have agreed to serve on the calendar committee. The primary focus will be to develop a draft of the 2018-2019 school calendar(s) for the board to consider. The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2017. The board approved the committee as presented.

Approval of Change Order #19 from Frevert Ramsey Kobes for New High School Project (Jan Miller Hook): The following change order for the New High School Project was reviewed by the Owners Committee and recommended for approval:Stahl Construction: $4,580.00 (Power to overhead coiling doors, dryer vent in kitchen, and wall at stage spiral stair). The Board approved Change Order #19 Stahl Construction for $4,580.00.

Approval of Resolutions for the Sale of $8,235,000 General Obligation School Capital Loan Notes, Series 2017 (Jan Miller Hook): The Board has approved the sale of $8,235,000 General Obligation School Capital Loan Notes, Series 2017. In order to issue the notes and to comply with state and federal law regarding the notes, the following resolutions and approvals need to take place:• Resolution Appointing Paying Agent, Note Registrar, and Transfer Agent, Approving the Paying Agent, Note Registrar and Transfer Agent Agreement, and Authorizing the Execution of Same• Approval of form of Tax Exemption Certificate• Approval of Continuing Disclosure Certificate• Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of $8,235,000 General Obligation School Capital Loan Notes, Series 2017, Levying a Tax for the Payment Thereof, and Authorizing the Execution of a Loan Agreement.The board approved.

The next board meeting is November 6 at 6 p.m. at the Johnston Administrative Resource Center.

• Arts & Entertainment• Booster Club & PTO Events• Camps & Scouts• District Events

• Educational Opportunities• Sports & Activities• Volunteering & Fundraising

Digital BackpackBe sure to check the digital backpack portion of the website for community organization happenings. Click on the category links below for more details. Fill out this online form to submit a flyer or event.

Accolades

Competition Cheer Squad Takes Home Top HonorsThe Johnston Competition Cheerleading Squad took home the top title at the University of Iowa’ Spirit Spectacular on Sunday, October 22nd at Hawkeye Carver Arena in Iowa City. The team took home first place in their division and was also crowned “Grand Champions”, with the highest overall score among all teams in all divisions at the competition. The team will compete at the Triton Challenge in Fort Dodge on October 29th and the Iowa High School State Championships on November 4th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds before traveling to Dallas, TX for NCA High School Nationals in January. The team is made up of fifteen athletes, including two seniors, two juniors, four sophomores and seven freshmen. They are the reigning 4A Iowa High School State Champions. The team is coached by Marcus Walker, Kate Safris, Alex Andre and Kelsey Kramer.

JHS Student Sanjaya Amatya Nominated for Tech AwardJohnston student Sanjana Amatya has been named a finalist in the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) 10th annual Iowa Women of Innovation Awards Presented by Workiva. The awards recognize and celebrate women in business, government and academia who are leaders in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Amatya, who is a junior at JHS, is a finalist in the Youth Innovation and Leadership award. Award winners will be announced at a dinner on Monday, Nov. 13. Read more ...

Boys Cross CountryAll-Conference Honors went to Tom Altier, Luke Perman, Sam Schmitz, Aaron Koopal, Joe Schaefer, Waleed Yual, and Hunter Briggs at the recent CIML meet. The team captured the District title at the state-qualifying meet on Oct. 19 and punched their ticket to the state meet for the sixth straight year. The team will run in Fort Dodge at the state cross country meet on October 28.

Girls Cross CountryCongratulations to the Johnston Girls Cross Country team for winning both the JV & Varsity competitions at the CIML Iowa Conference Championship, held at Marshalltown Community College on Thursday, October 11th. All seven members of the Varsity team were named to the All-Conference team (Jessica McKee-1st; Paige Horner-2nd; Brooke McKee-3rd; Bella Heikes-9th; Lindsey Batkiewicz-12th; Taryn Swaim-13th; Clara Toot-14th). In addition, Mackenzie Laughlin (senior) was individual champion of the JV race in a time that would have also placed her on the All-Conference team. Special congratulations to senior Jessica McKee for repeating as individual Conference

Champion! The Lady Dragons qualified for the state meet and will run in Fort Dodge on October 28.

Girls SwimmingThe Girls Swimming and Diving Team competed at the CIML conference on Thursday, Oct. 19 in Fort Dodge. They placed second behind Dowling. Congratulations!

Golf Honors for Taylor SedivecJohnston’s Taylor Sedivec has been named the Iowa PGA Junior Tour Player of the Year! Congratulations!

Don’t Hang Up - It’s the Dragon Scholarship Fund!The Johnston High School National Honor Society students will conduct the annual Dragon Scholarship Fund phone-a-thon on November 5, 6, 12, and 13 between the hours of 6 and 8:30 p.m. The students will be phoning to ask for pledges from DuPont Pioneer – who generously permit the Dragon Scholarship Fund to utilize their phone-bank for this giving campaign. As many families now have Caller ID and are curious about unexpected calls coming in from a Pioneer number on one of those nights, please take the time to answer the call. If you do not want to be on the calling list in future, please use that opportunity to ask that your name be removed from the list.

For more information, contact info@dragonsf.org or visit www.dragonsf.org.

JHS After-Prom Needs Your HelpJHS After-Prom planning is underway and parent help is needed. This year’s event is set for April 28, 2018. • After-Prom is a FREE event for JHS juniors, seniors and their guests• Students do not need to attend prom to come to this event• We rely 100% on good will of parents and businesses to provide the food, prizes and activitiesNearly 1000 kids attended this safe, fun event last year. It takes volunteers and donations to make this happen. Donations are not a price of admission. Regardless of your ability to give, all are welcome and we encourage your junior and senior children to attend. If you are able to give, please know your donations are needed and appreciated regardless of whether you have a child attending. We thank you for your support! How to donate:• Based on last year’s results, the recommended donation amount is $40. We appreciate any amount you are able to give.• The recommended method of donation is via RevTrak at https://johnston.revtrak.net/. • We will have a donation table at the high school during parent-teacher conferences on Nov 2 and Nov 9 and will be accepting debit/credit card payments there.

Volunteers Needed for the FIRST® LEGO® League Regional Qualifier in Johnston, Dec. 17Do you want to inspire Iowa kids in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math? Individuals and companies are encouraged to join the volunteer team for the FIRST® LEGO® League Regional Qualifier on December 17 (approx. 8am to 3 pm) in Johnston at the new Johnston High School!

Sign up now! FIRST has a system for volunteer registration that will allow you to see all events in Iowa. Login or create an account in the FIRST Volunteer Registration System and look for “Johnston Regional Qualifier” under “Volunteer Registration” to volunteer on December 17. Go here to get started: my.firstinspires.org/AccountManager/Account/Register.For more detailed notes on how to apply, please go to www.isek.iastate.edu/fll/volunteers/registering-to-be-a-volunteer/.

District News & Announcements