April 2009 Newsletter
by Tori Creger
April 06, 2009
April 2009
SENIORS
The last day for seniors will be Friday, May 15th. Seniors colors
are silver, yellow, and dark blue. Flower is the yellow rose.
Graduation is Sunday, May 17th, at 12:30 p.m.
PROM
The junior-senior prom will be held Saturday, April 18th, at the
Clinton Country Club beginning with the meal at 7:00 p.m. The dance
will follow from 8:00– 11:30. After prom will be held in the East
Central gym from 12:00-4:30 a.m. After-prom permission slips and
more information will be sent home to parents. If any parents would
like to volunteer to help at prom/after prom or make a donation,
please call the school. The after-prom games will be lots of fun
this year…bigger and better… and will require extra parent help. If
you enjoy fun and can stay up late- JOIN US!! Call Pam Koch or Tori
Creger at the school. Thanks!
We would like to invite everyone in our communities to a promenade
and photo opportunity in the high school gym at 4:00 p.m. This will
give everyone a chance to see the students in their formal wear,
and to take as many photos as you wish. The senior slide show will
be shown, and the court crowned. Come join us for this inaugural
event and bring your cameras!
REPORT CARDS
High School report cards were handed out to students on Thursday,
March 19th.
THE EAST CENTRAL NEWSLETTER/ISSUE NUMBER148/148
Published irregularly by the East Central Community School
District, P.O Box 367, Miles, IA 52064
Model United Nations Thirty-three high school students will be
members of the East Central delegations that represent the
countries of Spain and United Kingdom at UNI on April 16 and 17 for
the Spring MUN Conference. They will serve as diplomats and
attaches during regular sessions of United Nations committee
meetings, discussing and voting on international issues. Mr.
Meisner and Mrs. Briegel serve as advisors.
SPECIAL FRIENDS DAY
Sabula Elementary students will celebrate Special Friends Day on
Wednesday, April 23. A parent note will be sent home with further
information.
Miles Elementary has scheduled Special Friends Day for Wednesday,
May 6. A parent note will be sent home with further
information.
CONFERENCE QUIZ BOWL TEAM East Central was represented at the
Conference Quiz Bowl on March 17, at Olin High School by the
following: Captain Skyler Klemme, Kayla Archer, Trent Mussmann,
Evan Parker, Barb Anderson, Kaitlyn Abernathy, Paige Schmidt and
Taylor Keeney. Congratulations, and thank you for representing East
Central well!
Annual Middle School Quiz Bowl
Fifty-two of the students in seventh and eighth grades joined
together to form teams and compete in the annual Middle School Quiz
Bowl during January and February. The teams played round robin in
the regular rounds. The undefeated champions of the eighth grade
regular rounds were the Dark Knights: Catrina Jargo, Jacinta Jargo,
Matthew Hoffmann, and Kyle Christiansen. The Team Beef (members
were Jarrett House, Ethan Christiansen, Garrett Moeller, and Alex
Poll) became champions of the 7th grade by defeating The Purple
Penguins(members were Peyton Gray, Brittany Bratcher, Kylee
Shoemaker, and Tara Klemme) in an extra play-off round. They then
faced The Dark Knights at the middle school assembly on February
25. The Dark Knights prevailed and their names will be inscribed on
the Quiz Bowl plaque that hangs in the Middle School. They were
also the Grand Champions in 2008.
Individual statistics were recorded throughout the tournament, with
those students who scored highest being designated as All Stars for
the school. Many students assisted Mrs. Briegel with the conduct of
the tournament rounds. They were recognized for their contribution
to this annual event. Following the Championship Final, two teams
of East Central faculty competed, to the delight of the
audience.
SPRING PROGRAM
At their final performance of the year, elementary music students
in both buildings will present music with a toe-tapping beat. They
will be under the direction of Mrs. Briegel. Sabula students will
present “Music in Motion,” with the fifth grade band opening the
concert under the direction of Ms. Horst. Miles students will
present “Rhythm Is Everywhere!” The matinee performances will be
our final dress rehearsals. Grandparents, parents, and others who
will not be able to attend the evening performances are invited to
attend the matinees.
Sabula Gym Thursday, April 23 Matinee 1:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 23 Concert 7:00 p.m.
Miles Gym Tuesday, April 28 Matinee 9:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 28 Concert 7:00 p.m.
From the Desk of the Counselor…
Just some quick notes this month for high school juniors and
seniors…
Seniors
Scholarship deadlines vary, from about the first of the month to
the 15. Please watch deadlines!
*Please make sure to double check all information required of the
applications so they are complete. Also, it is always nice to jot a
thank-you note to those who provide you recommendations. It is a
nice gesture of appreciation and it gets you practicing for all
those thank-you notes you will write in the future such as for
graduation gifts, scholarship committees, and job interviews in the
near future. It is a good time to be in school or college right now
so look forward to that!
On April 7th we will have a “How to Succeed in College” session for
college-bound seniors presented by a member of the Iowa College
Access Network. Time and place will be in the announcements.
* I am repeating myself from last year, but seniors, you didn’t
think about all of this last year! For seniors entering the
workforce straight out of high school, start developing a plan of
action if you haven’t done so already. This may include making
phone calls, filling out job applications, creating a resume, etc.
A mixture of overwhelming feelings when all of the celebrations are
done and over sometimes follows all the hype of graduation and
excitement that comes with it. These feelings can be a bit
confusing, depressing, and at the same time exhilarating so having
a plan can help work through the already huge transition you will
be experiencing. Good luck with all of that!
Some notes concerning employment that I learned from some business
people in the Clinton area: HR managers strongly encourage
volunteer work in the economic downturn. It looks excellent on your
resume, and might get you a foot in the door, once business and
industry start hiring again. You also gain many transferable skills
in the process. Remember, there are many applicants for the jobs
out there- what will set you apart from the person next to you?
Juniors
*Just a reminder there is an ACT test date of June 13th that you
must register for by May 8th. It is time to take this test if you
are considering a four- year college, and many times students take
this at least twice (once as a junior and possibly again the fall
of senior year). Sometimes the higher the score means more money
your educational institution may offer you, so it is worth it!
Some academic resources for college bound students below:
http://www.number2.com
http://4tests.com
http://testprepreview.com
http://www.studyguidezone.com
http://kaptest.com/practicetest
http://petersons.com/freepracticetests/
*A big thank you to all the juniors who attended the College
/Career Fair at CCC on March 18th. Hopefully the seed has either
been planted or tended to in regards to ideas for your future.
Please remember that all teachers, administration, and parents are
trying to prepare you for a realistic life experience when you
leave high school, so heed warning when you feel you are being
nagged. Someday you will “get it!” Hopefully you have been taking
notes of the seniors this year about what you will do and not do to
prepare you for your last year of high school next year. It is just
around the corner!
Some Middle School/Elementary News:
The East Central Middle School and Sabula Elementary had a
successful fundraiser for “Water for the World” – providing clean
drinking water for those who need it. April 22 is Earth Day and The
plans are in the works for the students to present the donation and
have a little fun at the same time. Tune in to find out when some
pies will be thrown in the face of a certain elementary/middle
school principal and ask your kids about the “Teacher Swap” day
they will experience very soon. The kids will benefit from this
creative activity as well as faculty! Some great rewards for
students who know how to show their care for others!
Happy April!
Mrs. Friedrichsen
PUBLIC HEARING, MARCH 16, 2009
The Board met for the public hearing for proposed change of the
2009/10 school calendar at 7:00 P.M. Members present were Andrew
Naeve, Warren Koch, Sharon Marshall, Steve Gendreau, and Charles
Jargo.
Taxpayers were heard for or against said proposed change-starting
date of school. Sharon Marshall moved and Warren Koch seconded to
approve the proposed change with starting date of August 17, 2009.
Roll Call Vote – Naeve-yes - Marshall-yes - Koch-yes - Gendreau-yes
- Jargo-yes. Motion carried.
BUDGET HEARING, MARCH 16, 2009
The Board met March 16th at 7:15 p.m. for the Budget Hearing.
Members present were Steve Gendreau, Charles Jargo, Warren Koch,
Andrew Naeve, & Sharon Marshall.
Taxpayers were present for or against said budget estimate. Charles
Jargo moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to adopt the 2009-10 budget
as follows: General (Operating) - $1,159,953 - (Cash Reserve
Levy-Other) - $64,666 - Management - $100,626 - Schoolhouse
(Physical Plant & Equipment) $33,207 - Tax rate $13.49998 per
thousand. Roll Call Vote – Naeve-yes - Koch-yes - Marshall-yes -
Jargo-yes - Gendreau-yes. Motion carried.
REGULAR MEETING, MARCH 16, 2009
The Board met in regular session March 16th at 7:30 P.M. Members
present were Charles Jargo, Sharon Marshall, Warren Koch, Steve
Gendreau and Andrew Naeve.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read for approval. Warren
Koch moved and Sharon Marshall seconded to approve the minutes as
read. Roll Call Vote - Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes –
Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes. Motion carried.
The financial reports were presented for discussion. Andrew Naeve
moved and Warren Koch seconded they be approved as presented. Roll
Call Vote - Naeve-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes - Jargo-yes -
Marshall-yes. Motion carried.
The monthly bills were presented for discussion. Charles Jargo
moved and Warren Koch seconded they be approved as allowed. Roll
Call Vote - Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes – Koch-yes –
Gendreau-yes. Motion carried.
Warren Koch moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to approve the agenda
with no additions. Roll Call Vote – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes -
Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes. Motion carried.
Administrator's Report was as follows:
(a) Fire Marshall’s report update by Mr. House;
(b) Report by Mr. Gray on Kindergarten roundup numbers;
(c) Update by Mr. House about sewer problem at Miles
Elementary;
(d) Update by Mr. Gray on preschool count/grant money;
(e) Report by Mr. Gray, Ms. Horst, & Mrs. McKone on the
inservice days.
The Board decided to leave the board president’s term of office as
is.
Warren Koch moved and Sharon Marshall seconded to approve Rick
Meisner’s resignation as head varsity boys basketball coach and
Andrew Naeve’s resignation as assistant boys basketball coach. Roll
Call Vote – Koch-yes – Marshall-yes – Naeve-abstained – Jargo-yes –
Gendreau-yes – Motion carried.
Warren Koch moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to approve Trisha
Shannon as Jr. High softball coach. Roll Call Vote – Koch-yes –
Naeve-yes – Marshall-yes – Gendreau-yes – Jargo-yes.
Motion carried.
Warren Koch moved and Sharon Marshall seconded to approve Kyle
Miller as varsity summer baseball coach. Roll Call Vote – Koch-yes
– Marshall-yes – Gendreau-yes – Jargo-yes – Naeve-yes. Motion
carried.
Charles Jargo moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to approve Kip Opheim
as assistant summer baseball coach. Roll Call Vote – Jargo-yes –
Naeve-yes – Marshall-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes. Motion
carried.
After much discussion Warren Koch moved and Sharon Marshall
seconded to approve Andrew Naeve as head varsity boys basketball
coach. Roll Call Vote – Koch-yes – Marshall-yes – Gendreau-yes –
Jargo-did not cast a vote – Naeve-abstained. Motion carried.
Andrew Naeve moved and Warren Koch seconded to adopt the resolution
proposing the disposition of a track of real estate and setting a
public hear for April 20, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Vote –
Naeve-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes – Jargo-yes – Marshall-yes.
Motion carried.
Sharon Marshall moved and Charles Jargo seconded to approve Aubrie
Kruse’s request for open enrollment for 2009-10 school year from
Northeast CSD. Roll Call Vote – Marshall-yes – Jargo-yes –
Naeve-yes – Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes. Motion carried.
Charles Jargo moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to accept Logan
Cram’s bid of $5.00 each for wooden doors. Roll Call Vote –
Jargo-yes – Naeve-yes – Marshall-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes.
Motion carried.
Being there was no further business to discuss or act upon, Sharon
Marshall moved and Warren Koch seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call Vote – Marshall-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes - Naeve-yes
- Jargo-yes. Motion carried.
THE MISSISSIPPI BEND AREA EDUCATION AGENCY
Classrooms aren't places of learning by accident. Dedicated
teachers provide nurturing environments where high levels of
learning take place. But who supports teachers? Who provides
professional development and on-going support? The Mississippi Bend
Area Education Agency.
When teachers succeed, students achieve. Contact the Mississippi
Bend Area Education Agency for support and assistance.
MARK THOSE CALENDERS!!!
East Central Music Boosters will be hosting two fundraisers with
Pizza Ranch in Clinton. Pizza Ranch will donate 10% of the total
sales during that evening. 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. we will also get
100% of the tips received. Come eat and witness five hard working
students each night who will be there to carry your tray, refill
your drink, bring extra napkins etc…etc…etc. Monday March 9th and
Monday April 13th.
SCHOOL DENTAL SCREENING MANDATE
Beginning this school year, Iowa law requires that any child who is
entering kindergarten, ninth grade, or is an out-of-state transfer
student must provide the school with proof of dental check-up. For
kindergarten the screening must be completed between the ages of
3-6. For ninth graders and transfer students the screening must be
within one year prior to enrollment. The purpose of this law is to
improve the oral health of Iowa’s children.
Good oral health is a big part of your child’s overall health. Poor
oral health may result in needless pain and poor learning. Healthy
teeth make it possible for your child to eat, speak, learn, and
feel confident smiling.
A dental certificate form has been included in the newsletter to be
completed by your Dentist.
Thank you for your cooperation and please call if any
questions.
Alice Althoff
School Nurse
WENDY’S GET TOGETHER NIGHT
Is the 4th Monday of every Month (January 26th, February 23rd,
March 23rd, April 27th) from 5:00-7:00p.m. 10% of the total sales
during this time slot is donated each month to the East Central
Music Boosters. THANK YOU for your continued support!!
2008 DRIVERS EDUCATION
Anyone interested in Drivers Education for the summer should fill
out a registration form; see Tori in the Miles building or Cindy in
Sabula for a form. A student enrolling will pay $340. A family that
qualifies for the reduced lunch program will be asked to pay $115.
A family that qualifies for the free lunch program will be exempt
from the fee. Payment and registration should be mailed to the
Mississippi Bend AEA. Students must be at least 14 years of age and
have their Iowa Instruction Permit to register for class. Class
schedule: June 9-July 17 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 7-9
a.m. In addition, students will be scheduled one driving lesson a
week. Students will be notified of schedules by mail.
East Central Community School District is an Equal
Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer, and does not discriminate
in its educational programs and activities’ on the basis of race,
national origin, color, religion, sex, age, or handicap
REGULAR MEETING, FEBRUARY 17, 2009
The Board met in regular session February 17th at 6:30 P.M. Members
present were Charles Jargo, Sharon Marshall, Warren Koch, Steve
Gendreau and Andrew Naeve.
The minutes of the previous meetings were read for approval. Warren
Koch moved and Charles Jargo seconded to approve the minutes as
read. Roll Call Vote - Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes –
Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes. Motion carried.
The financial reports were presented for discussion. Sharon
Marshall moved and Andrew Naeve seconded they be approved as
presented. Roll Call Vote - Naeve-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes
-Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes. Motion carried.
The monthly bills were presented for discussion. Warren Koch moved
and Sharon Marshall seconded they be approved as allowed. Roll Call
Vote - Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes – Koch-yes –
Gendreau-yes. Motion carried.
Andrew Naeve moved and Charles Jargo seconded to approve the agenda
with no additions. Roll Call Vote – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes -
Naeve-yes - Jargo-yes - Marshall-yes. Motion carried.
Administrator's Report was as follows:
(a) Report by Mr. McDonough, Mr. Gray, and Mrs. Rickords on the
Ron Clark Academy visit;
(b) Ia. School Leadership Conference report by Mr. House;
(c) Weight equipment grant report by Ms. Bailey and Mr.
Jenkins;
(d) Update report by Mr. Gray on preschool/Kindergarten
roundup;
(e) Calendar Hearing rescheduled for March.
There was no old business to discuss or act upon.
Charles Jargo moved and Andrew Naeve seconded not to approve a
request for 12 month payment by a 9 month employee. Roll Call Vote
– Jargo-yes – Naeve-yes – Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes – Marshall-yes.
Motion carried.
The Board tabled action on the length of the board president’s
term.
The Board had the first reading of the recess policy.
Charles Jargo moved and Sharon Marshall seconded to approve Nolte,
Cornman & Johnson of Newton for the school’s auditors for the
next three years at a cost of $4,000 (1st), $4,200 (2nd) and $4,400
(3rd). Roll Call Vote – Jargo-yes – Marshall-yes – Naeve-yes –
Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes. Motion carried.
Charles Jargo moved and Andrew Naeve seconded to accept Jeff
Daniels’ resignation as summer baseball coach. Roll Call Vote –
Jargo-yes – Naeve-yes – Gendreau-yes – Koch-yes – Marshall-yes.
Motion carried.
Warren Koch moved and Sharon Marshall seconded to approve a open
enrollment request from Stephanie Ries from Clinton CSD. Roll Call
Vote – Koch-yes – Marshall-yes – Naeve-yes – Jargo-yes –
Gendreau-yes. Motion carried.
Being there was no further business to discuss or act upon, Sharon
Marshall moved and Warren Koch seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Roll Call Vote – Marshall-yes – Koch-yes – Gendreau-yes -Naeve-yes
- Jargo-yes. Motion carried.
