A Publication of Iowa Falls & Alden Community School Districts

Cadet Gazette A Publication of Iowa Falls & Alden Community School Districts The Iowa Falls and Alden Community School Districts do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, color, gender, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, socioeconomic status and marital status in their educational programs, activities or employment practices or as otherwise prohibited by statute or regulation.

From the Superintendent School Board Meeting Information on the Web Information about the Iowa Falls and Alden school board meetings is available to the public via the world-wide-web. Anyone who wants to review meeting agendas, explanatory notes for agenda items, and/or support documents may access this information by logging on to the following websites:

Iowa Falls: http://www.mywebschooltools.com/schools/IowaFalls/BoardMeeting/login.php Click "Public User”. Alden: http://www.mywebschooltools.com/schools/Alden/BoardMeeting/login.php. Click "Public User".

What is the Superintendent Thinking?

Those who would like to know more about what is going on in our school districts can request an electronic copy of the Monday News Line. The purpose of the Monday News Line is to provide weekly updates about the Iowa Falls and Alden School Districts from the superintendent's point of view. The news line is just one of many communication strategies designed to keep students, parents, community and employees well informed. Contact Pat OCTOBER 2014 • VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 2 Knipfel ([email protected]) to be included in the electronic mailing list. PAGE 2

Annual Progress Report on Student Academic c) SINA-1 School In Need of Improvement (Missed AYP Goal 2 Years in a Row) Performance – Part 1: AYP-NCLB d) SINA-2 School In Need of Improvement (Missed AYP Goal 3 Years in a Row) The purpose of the Annual Progress Report is to publish an extensive e) SINA-3 School In Need of Improvement (Missed AYP Goal 4 Years in a amount of student achievement information for public review. The entire Row) report will be broken down into four parts with one part published in each f) SINA-4 School In Need of Improvement (Missed AYP Goal 5 Years in a edition of the Cadet Gazette from now through the end of the school year. Row) Those who want more detailed information may contact the superinten- Family Support & Service dent’sPart office 1 of theor visitAnnual the ProgressIowa Department Report features of Education achievement Website data at forhttp:// Ad- Coordinator equatewww.iowaschoolprofiles.com/. Yearly Progress (AYP). AYP is directly tied to compliance with the federal mandate, No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Please note that this achieve- Hello! I’d like to take a moment to introduce myself to you. My name is ment data is from the 2013-14 School Year, and that NCLB now requires that Angi Herter. I have started a new position with the Iowa Falls Schools beginning Spring 2014 as the Family Support & Service Coordinator. My role is to assist parent(s)/families to: Adequate100% of students Yearly to be Progress “proficient”. (AYP) - Compliance with No • Identify and connect with appropriate services and community resources. Child Left Behind (NCLB) • Provide a process that will connect parent(s)/families with appropriate This year’s AYP decision-making process provided schools with two op- resource agencies. tions to determine whether or not AYP achievement goals were met. One • Assist in developing open and positive relationships with the school admin- option allowed schools to participate in the Smarter Balanced Assessment istrators, teachers, counselors, other school personnel and resource agencies. Field Test (instead of using the Iowa Assessments), and have their AYP des- • Build coalitions between the school and other community agencies to bet- ignation for 2013-14 frozen at the AYP designation for 2012-13. The second ter support all families. option allowed schools to stay exclusively with the Iowa Assessments and • Understand eligibility requirements and screening procedures of our re- not participate in the Smarter Balance Field Test. In doing so, their AYP source agencies. status would not be “Frozen”. Choices made by IF-A schools included: • Use agency and interagency referral tools. a) Rock Run: Participated in the Smarter Balance Consortium and had their • Systematically refer families to resource appropriate for family needs. AYP designation “Frozen”. - b) Alden: Participated in the Smarter Balance Field Test and had their AYP tion with all families. designation “Frozen”. • DevelopUnderstand creative more ways about to the communicate school system both general and specific informa c) Riverbend: Participated in the Smarter Balance Field Test and had their • Assist in acquiring effective parenting skills. AYP designation “Frozen”. • Provide strategies and skills that will enable families to play an active role d) IFAHS: Did not participate in the Smarter Balance Field Test. Consequent- in their child(ren)’s educational process. ly, their AYP designation was not “Frozen”. A Teacher or a School Personnel may identify a student/family need and e) Iowa Falls Community School District: had its AYP status “Frozen” as a make a referral to the School Nurse or Guidance Counselor that will be re- result of participation by Rock Run and Riverbend in the Smarter Balance Field Test. f) Alden Community School District: had its AYP status “Frozen” as a result beviewed sent to determineme to join the bestteam way working to address with theidentified family issues.to assist A with referral the abovemay be expectations. addressed by Somea Teacher, of the Nurse, possible or Guidancereasons yourCounselor child orfirst family or it may NCLB requires all schools to be held accountable for student achievement. come to my attention would be your child struggling academically, medical of participation by Alden Elementary in the Smarter Balance Field Test. concerns are impacting the youth or a family member that are impacting the serves students in preschool through second grade, and the Iowa Assess- mentsPineview don’t Elementary start until does third not grade. participate Since Pineview in the Iowa does Assessmentsnot participate as init the Iowa Assessments, the federal government requires the performance makingchild’s education education ability, progress, the youth’sexcessive home absences environment or tardiness is having which difficulty impact academics,(financial strain, or any parent thing thatdifficulties, may be sibling impacting difficulties, a youth etc.)that focusingis impacting and Pineview is held accountable through the use of third grade achievement their academic or social ability in school. levels.of third students at Rock Run Elementary be “back mapped” to Pineview. I look forward to the opportunities joining teams with families and school Posted below are the AYP results for the 2013-14 School Year. Interpre- working together to improve our Cadets ability to be productive citizens as tive information for NCLB Status includes: well as students! a) OK Not on the Watch List b) Watch List Missed One or More AYP Goals for the First Time PAGE 3 DATES TO REMEMBER Please check the school's website (http://www.ifacadets.net) for the most current information. Oct. 1 – NCC MS Leadership Retreat at Lake Cornelia – Clarion Oct. 28 – AldenEarly DismissalSchool Parent/Teacher for Parent/Teacher Conferences Conferences 3:30 – 7:30 PM Oct. 1 – Alden School – Fundraiser Kick-off Oct. 28 – RMSPineview Parent/Teacher Elementary ConferencesParent/Teacher 3:30 Conferences – 7:30 PM 3:30-7:30 PM Oct. 28– RMS National Mix-It-Up Day

Oct. 1 – Elementary Fundraiser Ends Oct. 31 – Alden School Fall Parties Oct. 5-11 – Fire Prevention Week Oct. 31 – Elementary Fall Parties Oct. 9 – RMS End of Exploratory 1 Oct. 1315 – IowaHS PSAT/NMSAT Falls School BoardTests atMeeting High School in RRE Board Room – 12:00 Noon Nov. 2 – Daylight Savings Time Ends Oct. 1713 – BAND-O-RAMA15 Dept. of Ed & – AdvancEd(Grades 7-12) Accreditation Site Visit Nov. 3-4 Band Candy Sales End Nov. 86 – IFARiverbend Band Boosters Middle School Meal in Fall HS Dance-7:00 Student Center PM Nov. 7 & 8- – High School Fall Musical “GROOVY” – 7:00 PM at High School Oct. 19-25 – Character Counts Week Oct 19–25 – Red Ribbon Week Nov. 1110 – AldenHigh School School Honors 6th Grade Assembly Veteran’s – 10:00 Day VocalAM Concert – 7:00 PM Oct. 20 – Riverbend Volleyball Battle Nov. 1110 – IowaNational Falls Honor School Society Board Induction Meeting inat RREHigh Board School Room – 7:30 – PM7:00 PM Oct. 20-2120 – Alden – Band School Candy Board Sales Meeting Kick Off in Bus. Ed. Room 6:30 PM Oct. 20 – Rock Run Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences by Appointment Nov. 2016-22 – High – American School Parent/Teacher Education Week Conferences-3:30-7:30 PM Oct. 21 – Fall Vocal Concert – Grades 7-12 – 7:00 PM at High School Nov. 17 – Alden School Board Meeting in Bus. Ed. Room 6:30 PM Oct. 21 – Rock Run Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences by Appointment Dec. 1 – Classes Resume Oct. 22 – Rock Run Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences by Appointment Nov. 26-28 – No School – Thanksgiving Vacation Oct. 23 – End of 1st Quarter HOME CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITES Oct. 23 - Rock Run Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences by Appointment Oct. 23 – AldenEarly DismissalSchool Parent/Teacher for Parent/Teacher Conferences Conferences 3:30 – 7:30 PM Oct. 23 – RMSPineview Parent/Teacher Elementary ConferencesParent/Teacher 3:30 Conferences – 7:30 PM 3:30-7:30 PM Oct. 6 – FB-Webster City-JV-6:00 PM Oct. 17 – FB vs. South Hardin – JV @ 5:00 PM, Varsity@ 7:30 PM(Band-o-rama) Oct. 20 – FB-South Hardin-JV-6:00 PM Oct. 24 - Rock Run Elementary Parent/TeacherHigh Conferences bySchool Appointment Nov. 25 – JV/VNews GBB vs. West Marshall-6:15 PM An upcoming event at school is the ever-exciting homecoming! Some Passing of The Torch - orating, the parade, game, and the week ends with the homecoming dance By Kayla Jaenke things students can look forward to is dress up days, float and hallway dec Recently the job of writing the principal’s part of the Cadet Corner has been passed to the newly developed journalism class. This passing of the on Saturday night. What many people don't realize is how creative people get torch has been put into place with the hope of adding student interest into It’swith a askingvery fun out time that of special the year. someone. Every year, students try to outdo each the newsletter. This newsletter will hopefully help describe the ongoings other, Another whether big it kick be signs, off will chocolate, be the start flowers, of the or “Celebratea combination My Drive”.of all three. Last from month to month and inform not only the parents, but the students as year, we won $25,000 dollars, which helped pay for the new tables in the well. One of the things going on this school year is the increase in number of senior leaders due to the large freshman class. The senior leaders' job is happen, we need to have full involvement that doesn't just end with the to mentor, tutor, and provide leadership around school. All the senior lead- students.student center. So parents, We want tell yourto go friends for the because grand prize, this will but helpin order us improve for that our to ers had to be interviewed and were given different jobs such as mentoring school and help unite our students and bring us all closer. students, talking to the younger students in the other schools, or working - ley, Kelly Cavner, Kendra Garrish, Thomas Cramer, Klarissa Price, Maeanna IFAHS Dean of Students as conflict mediators. Currently, the list of senior leaders includes, Joey Ri by: Kade Campbell Aubree Gilbreth, Austin Richards, Breanna Hanson, Carolina Leal, Desireé Around 1987 when Iowa Falls and Alden weren’t yet connected, was the Ubben, Tia Metz, Sarah Ogaard, Taylor Tachia, Jacob Sundholm, Kayla Jaenke, - last time Iowa Falls High School had a Dean of Students. Fast-forward 27 tany Fisher. years to 2014 when the high school will once again have their own Dean of Folsom, Emily Long, Jacey Redman, Kassidy Krause, Katelyn Ulrich, and Brit PAGE 4

Students. Mr. Pat Norem is stepping down from teaching math to be Iowa Falls-Alden High School Dean of Students. His main role is to make sure kids Grandparents Day are attending school. If kids aren’t in school, he will contact their parents Students from Ms. Maxwell’s room went to Heritage Care Center on Sep- and make sure the parents know where their child is and is safe. Mr. Norem also deals with discipline issues that occur outside of the classrooms, skip- and residents made fall picture frames to display the photos from their tember 4th, to help celebrate Grandparents Day. While there, the students suspensions. He misses the classroom because he was able to interact with theping kids school, more, fighting, and teaching monitoring in general open is campus,important. and “My supervising role is to make in-school sure special day together. The students that participated in this fun filled activity everyone has the best experience in high school,” says Pat Norem. were Robin Regan, April Christensen, Blake Janowski, and Joey Repp. 2014-15 Class Officers Seniors Juniors

President- Brandon Hanson President- Emilee McDaniel Vice Pres.- Kassidy Krause Vice Pres.- Caleb Smith SophomoresSecretary- Logan KrauseFreshmen Secretary- Thomas Burchfield Treasurer- Jacob Sundholm Treasurer- Micaela Choate

President- Gabby Evans President- Dayna Dodd Vice Pres.- Adam Long Vice Pres.- Rex Neely Secretary- Todd Raish Secretary- Rose Warrington Treasurer- Bret Bruflodt Treasurer- Kayla Weber

Industrial Technology

The Industrial Technology Cadet Group comprised of then Juniors: Cassie Bell, Kade Campbell, Louis Elias, Kendra Gerrish, Breanna Hanson, Dylan GroupJohnson, time Logan last Krause,school yearAinslee designing, Merklin, cutting, Andrew and Parker, assembling Joey Riley, a collection Kierstin Smith, Jayden Thelke, and Tyler Weeks spent much of their weekly Cadet was used to make the four display cases and a big Thank You goes out to Z&Zof flag Glass display for helpingcases for us thewith Iowa our Fallsproject. American The cases Legion will Postbe used 188. to Red display Oak families. a number of American flags donated to the American Legion from local PAGE 5

check in greeted us. Then we got some down time in our dorms before Kriegel's Korner we ate. After we ate, we walked a mile to opening ceremonies. That was - nounce that there will be no more schedule changes for this semester! somebody and even people from other countries were there. The room had As Wewe madeprogress it through further theinto first the yearmonth there of school!are some I am important thrilled thingsto an when I learned there were over two thousand kids there. Every state had to remember. having fun. I heard speeches that were life changing. From there the fun Freshman & Sophomore- You just completed MAP Testing! If you are neverso much stopped- energy, even happiness, in the class. and Iemotion. listened toEvery speakers person talk in about that roomhow to was be - man, only one more year to go! a sophomore,ACT Registration/Test Congratulations Dates- you In areorder officially to be registered done with for MAPS! the October Fresh nextthe best year. club I would president suggest I can going be. Weand also watching had a thedance trailer that onwas youtube. so much I alsofun. 25th ACT, you will need to register by September 19th. Late registration gotWe toalso meet got Kyrieto see Irving the movie who plays“Produce” for the and Cleveland it doesn’t Cavilers. even come The bestout untilpart period is September 20th through October 3rd. There will be a late fee charge if signed up between those dates. got to help make a difference in the world which is something bigger than me.of all So was if you being want able to tobe gosomething and make more new than friends. yourself, Even come better and than join that, Best I exam. Currently there are still ten open spots. You have to be in the top Buddies and see what we are all about. Juniors Taking the PSAT- Only 25 students are eligible to take this October 15th at 8:30am in the library. The cost for the exam is $13. 20%UNI of Collegeyour class Fair- in Theorder TRIO to take program it. The will test be will sponsoring take place a Wednesday,bus for the juniors that are part of the TRIO program. You can register at www. Did you know... iowacollegefairs.com.UNI College Fair on September 16th. This is open to ALL seniors and - son who is knowingly on school property while an act of destroying, defac- throughout the year, especially in these upcoming months. There will ing,The and/or school vandalizing district will school file criminal property trespassing is taking place.charges If aagainst person any who per is be Severalemails sent college out andrepresentatives posted on the will Iowa be Falls/Aldenvisiting the Facebook guidance page office of charged with criminal trespass is a student in the Iowa Falls Community which college will be attending and the dates/times. Please stop in the School District, then additional school disciplinary actions may be enacted. Disciplinary actions may include, but are not limited to, suspension, expul- sion, and loss of extra-curricular eligibility. If a person who is charged with office to sign up for the dates you wish to attend. criminal trespass is not a student in the Iowa Falls Community School Dis- Best Buddies: Something Bigger trict, then the school district will legally prohibit this person from entering or remaining upon any property owned by the Iowa Falls Community School Than Ourselves District for no less than one year. by Tommy Cramer Have you ever taken part in something more than yourself? I did when I got the chance to Community Health Watch: EV-D68 go to Indiana for the According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) a virus known Iowa Falls- Alden High School Best Bud- midwest, including Iowa. dies Club. I boarded as EV-D68The virus has symptoms made a widespread are similar appearance to that of aacross cold and several spreads states through in the a charter bus with close contact with an infected person. There are no medications or vaccines forty other kids from available for the virus. Most people recover on their own, however those the state of Iowa. I with compromised immune systems and existing health issues such as asth- didn't know anyone ma or a heart condition are at risk of become very ill, especially children. so I really had to IDPH recommends the following tip to help stop the spread of the virus: come out of my shell and make friends. • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. • AvoidWash handskissing, often hugging, with andsoap sharing and water cups for or 20eating seconds. utensils with people it to the campus at who are sick. IndianaWhen our State bus Univer made- • Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, espe- sity, some really nice Tommy Cramer spent a portion of his summer in Indiana at the Best Buddies Conference. cially if someone is sick. people who helped us PAGE 6

Most cases can be resolved with at home treatment: • Clean frequently touched surfaces to stop the spread the spread of the home. • Rest. • StayDrink home plenty so ofyou fluids. do not spread the virus to others. breathing should contact their healthcare provider. Parents of children with cold-like systoms that experience difficulty

River Bend Middle School News

Riverbend Middle School students and staff here at Riverbend. Again, thank you to those family and concludes fundraiser communityaware of our members need to do who well supported with our fundraisingour fundraising endeavors efforts, to andbenefit a huge our thank you to those students who made the effort to make a difference here Again this year, Riverbend Middle School held its annual fundraiser to help at Riverbend Middle School through this fundraiser. Your support, time, and raise money for the school. As of press time for this newsletter, Riverbend’s efforts are greatly appreciated. fundraiser has concluded. A big thank you goes out to all of you parents, If you still want to renew or subscribe to a magazine through Riverbend family members, and community members who supported our fundraising Middle School or purchase additional products through our fundraiser, please efforts during September. As motivation for selling magazine subscriptions and renewals as well as gift items and keepsakes, a full promotional program was developed,with the guidance of our Great American fundraising contact the school at 641-648-6430. representative Dave Rausa. On Tuesday, September 2, Dave addressed each RMS to Host Fall Dance grade at separate assemblies and kicked off the program. Incentives for selling subscrip- on Thursday, November 6, tions and renewals included students Starting at 7:00 p.m. earning money pens for cash prizes and earning their way to a movie day during the afternoon of a school day. An assembly will also be held later in AlthoughThe first this Riverbend is called aMiddle dance, Schoolthis is dancein reality of themore 2014-2015 of a middle school school year “so is- - cial,”scheduled due to to the be numerousheld on Thursday, activities November that are planned6, at Riverbend for the evening.Middle School. A disc jockey will be set up in half of the gymnasium for the dance portion of the championshipJanuary with BMX silver cycling medalist, profession a two- event. In addition, throughout the evening students can participate in kara- timeal Matt national Wilhelm. champion, Wilhelm a three-time is a world - music room, a movie in another classroom, and the student lounge will also ist on America’s Got Talent. He will beoke open and boardfor students. games Concessionsin the cafeteria, will Wii be availableGuitar Hero for andpurchase Just Dance throughout in the beX-Games showcasing medalist, his cycling and a semi-finalskills and BMX Professional Cyclist Matt the evening in the cafeteria, including Pizza Ranch pizza. The Riverbend vo- talking with the students and staff Wilhelm performing at a recent about setting and accomplishing goals. school assembly. Wilhelm will be In addition, it is also important to note that Riverbend Middle School Students who met their fundraising bringing his talents and message cal music boosters will also be selling root beer floats. - to Riverbend Middle School for an sembly: preferred seating and an op- all-school assembly in January. thedances event are without not “formal having events.” to worry We likeabout to wearingthink of newour dancesclothes as or “come dresses. as portunitygoal will get for VIP-treatment a meet and greet for thebefore as Studentsyou are” events.can choose We wantto dress all Riverbendup if they want, students but itto is feel not that encouraged they can byattend Riv- and after the show. erbend Middle School. All students are expected to follow the Riverbend Mid- During past years Riverbend has purchased some chairs, tables, books for dle School handbook dress code expectations for their dance attire: "Clothes the library and classrooms, technology, and supplies for the classrooms. At that are too tight, too short, or too revealing are not to be worn. Students this time when funding for our schools is a challenge at best, we are acutely may not wear halter tops or bare midriff styles or any apparel that reveals PAGE 7 portions of undergarments." These expectations are included on page 17 of to meet with students, parents, and guardians. Conferences really do work the student handbook included in the student planner. No strapless dress- best when the students are present to actively participate in the conference. es or "spaghetti straps" are to be worn. The teachers have been advised to adhere to a 5-minute time limit per con- Students not following these expectations should be prepared to change. In short, students if you have to ask yourself if it is ap- ference, especially if there are others in line. If five minutes for a conference propriate to wear to a dance or not, then it Thursday,is not sufficient, October you 23, can and utilize Tuesday, this Octoberconference 28. to schedule a more in-depth probably is not. Your assistance with these conference at a later time. We look forward to seeing you at conferences on expectations is appreciated. Riverbend Middle School students also RMS Volleyball Battle do not need to feel that they need to have a “date” to attend a dance. Most students The annual Riverbend Middle School volleyball battle is scheduled for Mon- come by themselves, with a friend, or with Students enjoy a Riverbend Middle School day, October 20, at the Riverbend Middle School gymnasium starting at a group of friends. Students can choose dance during the 2013-2014 school year. 3:30. This annual event is sponsored by the RMS student council. The vol- to ask someone if they want, but it is not leyball battle will pit the seventh-grade volleyball team versus a team of encouraged by Riverbend Middle School. seventh-grade boys and the eighth-grade volleyball team versus the eighth- Only Riverbend Middle School students are allowed to attend middle school grade boys. The winning teams will advance to the championship, and there dances. - The dance starts at 7:00 p.m., and ends at 9:00 p.m. for seventh- grade noon, the eighth-grade volleyball team will play a RMS staff team. All RMS students, 9:15 p.m. for eighth-grade students. The staggered ending times volleyballwill be a consolationplayers are automaticallychampionship eligible as well. to In play the in final the volleyballmatch of thebattle. after All of admission is $3 per student and a canned good (or an additional one dol- sign up will play! There will be no charge to attend this event. Parents and lar),assists for withthose the in need.flow of Glow- traffic necklaces in front willof the also building be available after atthe the dance. dance Cost for guardiansboys interested are welcome in competing to attend in the this battle event can as well.sign up in the office. All who $1 each. Our dance will be supervised by at least twelve Riverbend Middle School teachers and staff. Strong Participation in Activities

We look forward to a fun dance and social on November 6! at Riverbend Please Plan On Attending Riverbend Middle School again had nearly all of our students participate Conferences with your Riverbend in at least one activity during the 2013-2014 school year. Students at River- bend had the following co-curric- Middle School Student ular activity choices: band, cho- rus, honor band, honor choir, and Submitted by Mr. Jeff Burchfield jazz band. In addition, students Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences are scheduled at Riverbend Middle could choose to participate in the School from 3:30 – 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, and Tuesday, Octo- following extracurricular sports ber 28. Middle school students are of- activities: football, volleyball, ten quick to point out to parents and cross-country, basketball, wres- guardians that, now that they are at or near their “teen-age years,” they are and softball. Students also had thetling, opportunity cheerleading, to track participate & field, though our students are growing up, in a variety of clubs and organi- yourready involvement for more independence. is still key to Eventheir zations: dance, student council, success. Parent and guardian partici- science club, art club, girls’ group, Riverbend Middle School teachers pation in conferences communicates a will be available at conferences from commitment to your student having a Talent Search, yearbook, publi- 3:30 – 7:30 on Thursday, October positive experience here at Riverbend cations,FFA, FCCLA, book club, TRIO sign Educational language 23, and Tuesday, October 28. Above, Middle School during the 2014-2015 club, chess club, and club-not-club. seventh-grade teachers Mr. Brendon school year. In all, there were twenty-seven Riverbend Middle School “Club Not Club” McNulty, Mrs. Karen Koenig, and Ms. All Riverbend teachers will be as- activities offered at Riverbend leaders from last school year: Kennedy Camp- LaRonna Orr collaborate during the sembled at tables in the gymnasium Middle School during the 2013- bell, Autumn Schott, Taylor Vanatter, and Jade school day. Trenary with Mrs. Lisa Wiese. PAGE 8

This year the 8th graders will also be nearly four activities per student. expected to create an online portfolio to 2014 school year. Each of the 200 RMS students participated, on average, in showcase their creativity. Their portfo- with an activity interest sheet where they indicated what activities they lio will consist of various projects using areDuring interested the first in for day the of 2014-2015school this schoolyear, all year. students Research were has presented shown many different art mediums, from print- that students who are active in school activities are more connected to ing using linoleum, the potter’s wheel, school, and that students who are more connected to school do better and painting on canvas, to jewelry and in school. It is our expectation that each student be involved in at least using a soldering iron, and many other one activity; most are out for multiple. materials. The intent of the portfolio is Get involved Riverbend students! to show the artistic growth of every student, and develop skills they can use in life. Academic Eligibility for Middle The 7th graders have been equally as busy. They started the year with explor- School Extracurricular Activities ing the concept of “understanding your subject.” Students participated in an ac- Middle school students are encouraged to participate in as many extra- tivity, “Imaginiff,” where they challenged curricular activities as possible. Past research has shown that students who each other on how well they knew one are involved in activities generally achieve academically higher than students another. They took that concept and cre- who are not involved in these activities. Students who participate in extra- ated a drawing for another person in curricular activities and school-sponsored clubs and organizations will be the room based on what they learned about them. Students didn’t stop there, grades will be checked every two weeks. All graded classes are included they continued challenging their draw- undersubject this to the policy. Riverbend If a student Middle has School one Academic“F” at a grading Eligibility checkpoint, Policy: Student he/she ing skills by creating a group drawing will be ineligible for a minimum of one week. If grades are passing after one and using the right side of their brain. week, he/she will regain eligibility. If not, they remain ineligible until grades - plete, 7th graders created a poster that per week. Study tables will be from 7:45 – 8:15 a.m. and 3:15 - 3:45 p.m. All includedWith some a 3-word, drawing positive experience statement com extra-curricularare passing. While activities a student and is before ineligible, / after they school must clubsattend will four be study included tables in meant to inspire. These posters will be this policy. A student who is academically ineligible will be able to practice displayed around the school to reinforce with his/her athletic team, and even travel with the team for competition, but the positive, leadership environment in will not be able to participate in competition while academically ineligible. our school. The design process continues this exploratory by studying the art of perspective. Middle school art Perspective projects include, drawing using 1-point, and 2-point perspective, and incorporating architectural and It has been a great start to the school year in the art room at Riverbend interior designs into their work. As the year progresses, student artwork Middle School! will be displayed on the Artsonia website, and on our very own classroom The 8th graders and 7th graders have been busy working on various proj- website. Check it out! ects to develop their drawing skills and creative muscles. The 8th graders www.artsonia.com started the year with the “Marshmallow Challenge,” an activity to reinforce https://sites.google.com/a/ifacadets.net/terhark-artroom/ synergy and the importance of prototypes and planning. They moved on to the art of Zentangles. Students worked as a class to connect their drawing with another person in the room. Science Club They used different Zentangle patterns and made their own variations of Submitted by Mrs. Karen Koenig each design in their composition. From there, students applied what they un- The Riverbend Science Club has started meeting on Thursdays after school from 3:15-4:15. Throughout the year we will be doing activities such sharpie marker was used in creating the various designs. - derstoodThe year about started Zentangles with various to create drawing a selfie projects, using butvarious the class patterns. took the A black time to come up with classroom goals for the exploratory, and their own personal onas gardening,February 18, fishing, 2015. canoeing, cooking, dissecting, and doing science chal goals. Students will continue to track the progress of their goals though out lenges.Science We clubwill alsoactivities be creating have been science funded fair projectsby one fundraiserfor the RMS over science the lastfair the exploratory.

several years. We collect and recycle used cell phones, inkjet cartridges, PAGE 9 toner cartridges, laptops, and MP3 Mrs. Isaacson’s previous teaching experience phones and laptops. If you have any School, elementary special education at Martens- itemsplayers. in the We list even that accept you would broken like cell to includesdale – St. teaching Mary’s, first special grade education at Alden Elementaryand at-risk donate, please drop them off at River- at Ames, and most recently special education at bend Middle School, send them to the Northeast Hamilton. school with your student, or call us to “I love working with the students and staff at line up a collection date and time Riverbend Middle School. It is great to see teach- Those students interested in join- ers and staff working together to make our stu- ing science club who participate in dents leaders in their classrooms as well as their other after school activities, such as lives outside of school,” Mrs. Isaacson noted. sports, may join us between the sea- Ice Skating on the Iowa River across In her spare time, she enjoys making creative sons. The more, the merrier! from Riverbend Middle School was one books, frames, and memory pictures for birthday “It is great to see teachers of the science club activities during the milestones, wedding anniversaries, and other so- and staff working together 2013-2014 school year. cial events that are being celebrated. Mrs. Isaa- to make our students leaders in their classrooms as time with family and friends and playing cards. well as their lives outside of An Opportunity for Parents / Shecson also is also likes a CYCLONEto attend areafan who musicals loves andspending plays school.” – Mrs. Karla Isaa- and playing the piano and organ. cson, eighth-grade special Guardians to Provide Feedback, education teacher Direction, and Leadership

The Riverbend Parent Advisory Council will meet monthly at Riverbend Mrs. Carla Coates at noon on the second Thursday of each month. The purpose of this council is to learn about the day-to-day operations of the school, to serve as a sound- Mrs. Carla Coates joins both the high school ing board, and to open the channels of communication between the principal and middle school teaching staff as a high school math teacher and a middle school resource September 11. Council members are welcome to bring their own lunch or teacher. Her hometown is Shell Rock, Iowa, but and the parents / community. The first scheduled meeting was Thursday, she has lived in Parkersburg for the past 20 eating school lunch for the lunch count). You are welcome and invited to any years. Mrs. Coates’s educational background councilpurchase meeting school that lunch works (we fordo askyou thatand youryou RSVPschedule. that morning if you are University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls. month at 3:00 p.m., and additionally as needed. The purpose of the Parent includeMrs. Coates Wartburg previously College taught in Waverly middle and school the LighthouseThe Riverbend Team is Parentto provide Lighthouse direction Team and assistance will meet with one the Wednesday implemen a- in Fort Dodge. include painting murals and motivational quotes on our walls, helping with math and science at St. Edmond Catholic Schools- I LOVE the Leader In Me tation of “The Leader in Me” initiative here at Riverbend. Examples may - and the pleasantness I see - na,”“My stated very Mrs. first Coates. impression “She of exudes Riverbend positivity Mid in the hallways. Everyone field trips, assisting with community service projects, volunteering during anddle School excitement! was formed Her enthusiasm by meeting carries Mrs. Wubbe over to has been helpful and wel- theIf school you are day, interested … The first in participatingParent Lighthouse in either Committee or both meetingof these isor schedif you coming.” Mrs. Carla Coates, wantuled foradditional Wednesday, information, October please8, at 3:00 contact p.m. Riverbend Middle School. - high school math and mid- eryonethe staff has and been students. helpful I LOVE and welcoming,” the Leader In Mrs. Me dle school resource teacher Riverbend Middle School Coatesand the added. pleasantness I see in the hallways. Ev Something unique about Mrs. Coates is that she Welcomes: raises miniature dachshunds. She just recently drove to Kentucky to get - Mrs. Karla Isaacson pecting a litter in a couple of weeks! theirMrs. Coates’snewest familylittle “boy” consists named of her Beau. husband She hasof 24 SIX years; dachshunds her son, ageand 21,is exat- Mrs. Karla Isaacson joins the Riverbend Middle School teaching staff as an tending ISU and an airman in the US Air Force National Guard; her daughter, 8th grade special education teacher. Her hometown is Alden. Mrs. Isaacson has age 18, a senior at Aplington-Parkersburg High School; and her other daugh- - ter, age 12, a 7th grader at Aplington-Parkersburg Middle School. attended Ellsworth Community College in Iowa Falls, the University of North ern Iowa in Cedar Falls, and Buena Vista University, also in Iowa Falls. PAGE 10 Mr. Jeff Schmitt Mrs. Colette Chaplin

Mrs. Colette Chaplin is also new to Riverbend Middle School this year, joining the staff as a one-on-one para-educator. She has spent nine gradeMr. Jeff band Schmitt at RMS joins and the 5th Riverbend grade band Middle at Rock School Run. andHis years as a pre-school teacher in Story City, Iowa. Prior hometownthe Rock Run is Hampton, Elementary Iowa. School He received staffs as his 7th Bachelor’s and 8th to joining the Riverbend staff, she served as a para-edu-

Mrs. Chaplin’s hometown is Granbury, Texas. She at- Degree fromin Music the UniversityEducation offrom Southern Iowa State Mississippi. University. cator at Alden Elementary School for the past six years. He also recently finished his Master’s of Music Education- Community College. munity School District in Troy Mills, Iowa, where he “Itended love how both friendly Texas and A & encouraging M University the and students Ellsworth and Mr. Schmitt’s first teaching job was at North Linn Com staff are. It is great to start the day with a smile and a good morning greeting from everyone,” stated Mrs. “Overall, the Riverbend taught 6-12 instrumental music. Prior to coming to- staff have been very wel- Chaplin when asked about Riverbend. portRiverbend, for our he 1:1 was Chromebook the 5/6 instrumental initiative. music teacher coming and fun to work Mrs. Chaplin’s family is from Texas, but as a kid they with. It's also been awe- “Overall,at Alden Elementary,the Riverbend and staff also have performed been very technical welcoming sup lived in many different states. She was born in New ““I love how friendly and and fun to work with. It's also been awesome to be some to be able to teach - many of the same students encouraging the students able to teach many of the same students that I previ- that I previously taught at necticut, and Texas. “I loved moving and meeting new and staff are. It is great ously taught at Alden,” stated Mr. Schmitt when asked Alden.” – Mr. Jeff Schmitt, friends.York and Now went as to an schools adult (andin Virginia, thanks New to Facebook), Jersey, Con I to start the day with a middle school and Rock am still in contact with many of those classmates and smile and a good morning In his free time, Mr. Schmitt and his wife Lori (5th Run instrumental music I have friends all over the United States,” she added. greeting from everyone.” teacher Gradeabout histeacher first fewat Rock weeks Run) at enjoyRiverbend. being outside, work- She met her husband when they were in the 7th – Mrs. Colette Chaplin, seventh-grade para-educator ing in the garden, spending time with our nieces and nephews, watching Cy- grade. She has known him for over half her life! They have been married for 17 years and have two He also enjoys playing all kinds of music and is involved in several local groups. children. Kylie is a sophomore and Trey is in 8th Mr.clone Schmitt football added and thatbasketball, he and andLori helping“are both with excited the Riversto be working Edge Youth in the Group. same grade. district and living in such a wonderful community.” Miss Lakoda Kelber Ms. LaRonna Orr Miss Lakoda Kelber is a student teacher with Mr. Ms. LaRonna Orr joins the Riverbend staff as the Doug Dodd in agriculture education. She spends 7th grade special education teacher. Her hometown is Hubbard, however she spent a lot of time grade Intro to Agriculture, then the remainder of herfirst day hour is spentat Riverbend at Iowa Fallsstudent – Alden teaching High theSchool. 8th Community College and went on to the Universi- Her hometown is State Center, and she is attend- tyin ofIowa Northern Falls growing Iowa for up. her She undergraduate attended Ellsworth studies. ing Iowa State University. She received her Master's Degree through Drake Miss Kebler most enjoys, “… the positive energy University. that everyone in Riverbend Middle School has.” Miss Kelber also competes in rodeos all over the Ms. Orr previously taught eight years at Linn-Mar “I enjoy the positive energy High School in Marion, Iowa. Prior to coming to Riv- United States, in the areas of team roping and that everyone in Riverbend breakaway roping. She is also in state breakaway erbend, she was a director of a childcare center for “My experience at River- Middle School has.” – Miss director for the Iowa Rodeo Cowboys’ Association. the Heart of Iowa, ASAC program in Cedar Rapids. bend Middle School has Lakoda Kelber, middle school “My experience at Riverbend Middle School has been extremely positive. and high school agriculture student teacher been extremely positive. All staff have been very All staff have been very friendly and helpful. I have also enjoyed getting friendly and helpful. I to know the students and their families,” Ms. Orr have also enjoyed get- stated about her time here at Riverbend so far. ting to know the stu- She enjoys spending time with her children, family, dents and their families,” and friends. She also likes to cook and bake with – Ms. LaRonna Orr, sev- her children, although she admits she doesn't have enth-grade special edu- a lot of time to indulge in the activity. cation teacher PAGE 11 Rock Run School News 2014 Summer Reading Challenge: Students vs. Businesses Reading Wild About Reading Challenge

For the 3rd Annual Summer Reading Chal- - lenge, the Rock Run staff challenged incoming lenge,This set summer, to kick offat theSeptember BIE breakfast, 1st, will students put students of Rock head Run to head...orElementary book challenged to book… withlocal businessesarea participants. to get Wild Logging About minutes Reading! read, The participatingStudents vs. Businessesbusinesses Readingwill compete Chal duel. Students were given a book log to record with an assigned classroom at The Rock. Minutes read will be score boarded at Rock third, fourth, and fifth graders to a reading Run, so students and businesses can keep tabs on who’s ahead. The challenge will wrap up in May...just in time for the Teachers to issue a challenge of their own. titlethe minutesto read for they that read grade over level) the tosummer. read over Each the student also received a United Book (a specific this fall, they received a bookmark and pencil. summer. When students turned in a book log Hailey Copeland winner of the donation to Third Grade Thankfulness Green Belt Human Society. toThen, win for prizes every such 60 minutesas: a tablet, students an iPod, read, a theycomfy reading chair, being a banker for a child has a small notebook that they are recording anything they are thankful for. They daywere at able Iowa to Falls fill out State a raffle Bank, ticket presenting for a chancea donation to the Greenbelt Humane Society are Thirdencouraged grade tostudents think of are at beginningleast 2 things their that day they with are their thankful thankful for eachjournals. day. MostEach sponsored by Green Belt Bank & Trust, and a pizza lunch with Mr. Swartzendruber. students have easily gone beyond that expectation. Their goal is to get to 100 items.

excited about getting a new bed. Of course, they are thankful for their computers and wouldAn receiveassembly a freewas bookheld thechoice first in Friday the next of theclassroom school yearbook toorder. draw Studentsfor the prizes that read and Students are asked to think beyond material items. Even though one student was very announce other surprise rewards. Students that read over 600 minutes learned they studentsTV's. shared how another student in the class had been kind to them. They also are aover “Readers 1,200 Areminutes Leaders” received cinch a bag,certificate along withand learneda traveling they trophy soon wouldto display be receiving proudly in a thankfulOn Wednesdays for their families we have and been their sharing pets. the items they are writing down. Several theirspecial homeroom. “Wild About Reading” t-shirt. The top reader from each grade level also earned - dents are noticing things in their environment as well. On hot days we can be thankful But after all was said and done, perhaps the most motivating part for the students for Weshade have trees. talked They about seem even to beon thankful a bad day for we their have nice so muchplayground, to be thankful their school for. Stuand their teachers. Students also have been thankful for their basic needs like food, clothes of about 10 staff members, with the reward being not only bragging rights but also a popcornwas the chance party. toThis beat year’s their totals teachers proved again. that Each every grade minute level counts,of students especially faced a ingroup 4th siblings and vacations. Children are now sneaking their notebooks out to record yet grade! Here are the results: and a bed to sleep in. We also use this as a time of celebration for big things like new

another thing they are thankful for. We all have so much to be thankful for! 3rd Grade 4th Grade Collecting For Education -

Teachers: 31,245*Teachers minutes won! Teachers:*Students 36,000 minutes won! It’s time once again to start collecting Hy-Vee receipts for the Shop Smart for Ed Students: 23,006 minutes Students: 36,035 minutes ucationGeneral program.Mills products. Save yourCut out receipts the small from Box our Tops local rectangles Iowa Falls and Hy-Vee send themand send to school. them 5th Grade School Totals to school. Rock Run also collects Box Tops for Education, located on a multitude of Teachers: 30,970 minutes Teachers: 98,215 to donate to the Ronald McDonald House. These can be sent to school with your child Pizza Ranch Wagons (off of pizza boxes), are also collected. Pop tabs are also collected *Students won! *Students won! Students: 49,619minutes Students: 108,660 theseor dropped sources off enablein the mainus to office.provide Saving books, these resources items andand sendingmaterials them for tostudents school onlythat As you can see, 5th graders were able to crush their competition, and 4th graders wouldcost you not your otherwise time, but be possible.provide us Thanks with much for your more support. than that. Each year funds from squeaked out a narrow victory. They will both be joined by 3rd grade teachers for a popcorn party. As a school, we met our goal of 200,000 minutes again by reading a Elementary Fund Raiser to become better readers. Nothing beats the “summer slide” like reading all summer - long.total ofCongratulations 206,875 minutes! to students We are whovery participated proud of our in students the Summer and Readingtheir commitment Challenge tober 3rd. Family and friends again had the opportunity to purchase Chip Shoppe food and read over the summer! itemsThe from annual Rock Elementary Run and Pineview Fundraiser students. kicked off The on fundraiser September money 17th and will ended be used on Ocfor technology, curriculum, student activities & rewards. The delivery date is November

5th from 4-6 pm. PAGE 12

Rock Run Computer Students an animal. The image they chose had importance for each individual student since it was their own personal representation of hard work. Explore AEA Online Resources 3rd graders will continue the year by looking at different elements of art such as line and color and artists who use those concepts in their own art, explore the concept By Lisa Heiden of symbolism and learn about art that was created by other cultures. 4th grade students continued the discussion of goals by incorporating them into their own self-portrait. Portraiture will all students The students free of at charge. Rock Run The Elementary students are have given been time exploring in class the to manyexplore uses each of sitethe be a huge part of art for these students. Students learned about Iowa AEA Online Databases in computer class. These educational tools are available to- facial proportion when they created their own self-portrait. Their amples of how each site could help students with different tasks throughout the school self-portrait included the goals that they want to accomplish this yearin hopes and ofeven becoming scenarios an for“expert” how it at might locating help information. them at home. We Sohave far also student discussed favorites ex their own voices. Students will record their voice stating their - goalsyear. Alongand why with those this goalsproject, are studentsimportant will to createthem. Studentsa QR code will of wordinclude: are Britannica available fromOnline, the Culture school). Grams, and Learn360. Your students can access the continue the year by learning about other artists that create por- AEA resources from the following site: www.iowaaeaonline.org (username and pass traits and their unique styles. 5th grade students took goal setting in a different direction. Let the Creativity Begin! more things to worry about. Students learned about how other cul- turesWith ageuse comes art for more emotional responsibility. needs. GuatemalaWith more createsresponsibility, worry comedolls art. Students started the year with digging into a discussion of what they want to get out Studentsof art this at yearRock and Run developed Elementary classroom have put goalson their and thinking their own caps personal and got goal. down Stu to- tell their worry doll their worries before they go to bed. The legend dents will track the progress of their personal artistic goals throughout the year. Goal isto themeet doll these will needs. worry Whenin the aperson’s person hasplace, a lotallowing on their them mind, to havethey setting served as a perfect transition for each grade level project. form their own character. This year, the 5th graders will focus on The 3rd graders began the year with becominga good nights better rest. artists Students by learningused a clothespin, and using embroidery the elements floss and to making a Daruma. Darumas are an artistic principles of art, and work on developing their drawing skills. symbol of good luck and perseverance from student artwork throughout the year on Artsonia and our classroom website. around their plastic egg form, and designed www.artsonia.comThis year is going to be a great year, filled with learning and creativity! Check out theirJapan. Daruma Students as used themselves, papier-mâché a character to wrap or https://sites.google.com/a/ifacadets.net/terhark-artroom/ Pine View School News Off to a GREAT Start in Preschool Excited for an AWESOME Year in Preschool is off to a great start! Mrs. Barnhart and Mrs. Schreck visited all K-Prep three-year-old preschool students and new afternoon four-year-old students K-Prep is very excited about this before school started. This eased the transition from home to school - and has continued to be a memora- citingschool adventures. year! Everyone One of is our happy focuses and ble moment for those students. Our forready K-Prep to learn. is learning We will about have the many "Lead ex- beginning of the year theme is All er in Me". K-Prep will learn about the About Me! The children have been 7 Habits through stories, songs and fun learning many new centers, including arts and crafts, literacy, toys and on Habit 1, Be Proactive, Habit 2, Begin games, cars and blocks, sand table, activities. We will concentrate mainly discovery, writing, dramatic play, and First Things First. As the year progresses we will send home ideas and activi- Ipads. The preschoolers who attend tiesWith for The each End family In Mind, to do and at Habithome. 3, Put - eat lunch at school. This has been an exciting adventure for many of the municate. Remind101 is a free service. It is a one-way service for teachers to children!school all day on Wednesdays get to sendK-Prep out quick is going reminder digital! texts We toare parents. excited K-Prepto offer is two also new on Facebook.ways for us This to com will allow us to post information on the exciting things going on in our classroom. PAGE 13

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off to Subject Spotlight on Writing Kindergarten We Go! This year the second grade students are switch- - ing classes in the morning garten! Some faces have been in Pineview for 30 minutes of work on before butWe many are off faces and are running new so in we Kinder have different subjects. In Mr. been spending the last few weeks learning about our new friends, new class routines, focusing on writing. This and learning about being a leader using Cov- yearJohnson’s the students room they will arebe to be leaders at recess, in theey’s lunchroom, 7 Habits! We the have hallways, been practicing how schoolfocusing year on thewill 6-Traits focus on of oneWriting. of the Each traits. month This ofmonth the we are working on some introductory writing also getting ready for Open activities just to get back in the mode of writing at school. This week the and in the classroom. We are kids wrote about their summer. In October we will focus on Ideas and Con- are very excited to show our tent. In November we will focus on Organization where kids will make sure familiesHouse on everything September we 16 have and their stories have beginnings, middles, and endings. In December we will started learning about this year! This year in Pineview we added an art teacher, focus on Word Choice where students will be challenged to use strong verbs and interesting adjectives. In January we will focus on Sentence Fluency have had the opportunity to needwhere to students use formal will andwork informal on varying language sentence and length use different and fixing writing run-on styles. and enjoyMs. Sufi, 40 minutes so our a studentsweek of Inrumbling March sentences.we will focus In February on Conventions. we will Thefocus rest on ofVoice the whereschool students year will will be art class and creating art projects. It’s going to be a fun year in art and in spent working on perfecting our writing skills by writing creative stories. Be Kindergarten! sure to check your child’s Leadership Notebook for the exciting stories they will be writing this year! 1st Grade Rotations What Is Reading Recovery? In First Grade, the students have started Rotations, which consist of Sci- ence, Social Studies and Health/Nutri- every Reading Recovery teacher’s dream. It is the goal of the Reading Re- tion. In Health/Nutrition, the students covery“Just program give me tothat develop book. strategicI can read independent it myself.” readers.Hearing thoseIowa Fallswords has is have been learning about My Plate endorsed this philosophy through the Reading Recovery Program for the and the types of food we need to have last eighteen years, serving 259 students. The district has three Reading on our plate each time we eat. They Recovery teachers: Miss Adams, Mrs. Hastings, and Mrs. Hunt. They not learned they need vegetables, fruits, only use this training with Reading Recovery students but also to effectively dairy, grains, and proteins to be healthy and grow strong. The students went to the Pineview Garden and picked fresh reach Title I Reading students in kindergarten, first and second grade. tomatoes, cucumbers and green beans earlyReading reading Recovery and writing is an individualizedstrategies. During program each for lesson selected the first student graders. re- to taste test and voted on which vege- readsEach child familiar receives books, a thirty-minutelearns how words one-on-one work, lessonwrites designedsentences to about work the on table was their favorite. They also had books he/she reads or happenings in their lives, and reads a new book that a special visitor, Tracey Sauke, the Hy- is slightly more challenging. Through running records and observations, teachers form teaching points to direct a student’s learning. Teachers en- grade classes about My Plate and then theyVee Dietitian,played a game who spokesorting to the our foods first writing.courage rereading, Students build learning up aword writing chunks, vocabulary and checking of known the wordspicture. and Within learn tothe stretch lesson, through students new work words on theyfluency want and to flexibilityuse in their in writing. both reading and from the fivePineview food groupsgarden forand My learn Plate. even more how we can eat healthy! Parents are a vital part of this program. Daily home reading practice is We continue to harvest our vegetables PAGE 14 essential for the student’s success. Classroom teachers and Reading Recov- ery teachers work closely to help the students make progress. A student self-portrait needed to include all parts of the face is ready to be discontinued (graduated) from the program when he/she is andfew colorshad to tobe create colored their in using“silly” the self-portraits. colors that theirEach independently reading and writing at the average of their class. The goal class was assigned. is for the child to have a self-extending system that allows him/her to read Here, you can see samples of our self-portraits - egies taught in the Reading Recovery program are good for all children. The from a different grade (top left: kindergarten, top techniquesincreasingly taught difficult in textthe Readingas he/she Recovery continues program through are school. the same Reading strategies strat right:in each 1st of grade,the colors bottom we two:used. 2nd Each grade). image I willcomes be that are taught in the classrooms. They are just selectively taught, as a child displaying our beautiful self-portraits in the gym at needs them in an individualized manner. Since all of us become better read- Pineview to create a rainbow of faces! Be sure to ers by reading and reading often, it is important for all students to practice stop by next week to check it out! reading books at his/her reading level every day. If you have any questions about reading to or with your children, please feel free to call one of the Reading Recovery teachers at Pineview, 648-6410. Pineview Mentors Needed

The Pineview Mentoring program is looking for a few good mentors to Coming up in art class our preschool and kindergarten-prep will be creating “All About Me” books to showcase themselves. First graders will read still have several children who need mentors for this school year. Pineview the book The Rainbow Fish. Students will then learn what the difference work with children in grades kindergarten through second for this year. We is between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional. They will demonstrate their needing support in their academics or in learning important social skills. mentorsA mentor serve might as role read models with a forchild children one-on-one, who areplay currently a game together, identified work as graders are learning about the different parts of a landscape (background, on writing skills, talk, or enjoy working on math problems. Currently, our middlenewfound ground, knowledge and foreground). of 3-dimensionalism They are in bythe creatingprocess of a 3Dcreating fish. Seconda land- mentors work with students in the areas of reading, math, writing, and social skills. on perspective. If you are interested in becoming a Pineview mentor or are thinking that scapeLast, scene but ofcertainly a field of not poppy least, flowers I just wanteddemonstrating to thank their ALL new of youknowledge for the you might enjoy this role but have questions, please feel free to contact Kate incredibly warm welcome! It is such an honor to be a part of the Iowa Falls Community School District. Being an art teacher has been my goal since I was four-years-old, so the whole process of starting an art program at Hornung at Pineview Elementary, 648-6410. Pineview and bringing art into the classrooms is really a dream come true! I We Need Your Help!! couldn’t have asked for a more warm and welcoming community! Go Cadets! and General Mills box tops and turn them in to the school! The school re- ceivesAll youmoney have from to doeach is ofsave these your receipts Hy-Vee or receipts, box tops. Pizza Last Ranchyear the Wagons, school

$100 from Pizza Ranch. Thank you in advance for your help with this great fundraiser!!redeemed approximately $1000 from Box Tops, $600 from Hy-Vee, and over turned in for the Dollars For Scholars program, as well as a volunteer to Pineview is in need of a volunteer to add the Hy-Vee receipts that are questions or if you are interested in helping us out. count and bag box tops. Please contact Melanie in the office (648-6410) with Pineview Students Learn About Dot Day A Rainbow of Faces at Pineview! By Lisa Heiden in honor of International Dot Day on September 15, 2014. They kicked off the Theweek students in library at Pineview class with Elementary a reading learned of The aboutDot by “making Peter H. their Reynolds. mark” TheMiss start Sufi: of Pineview the school Elementary year has been Art offTeacher to a phenomenal start at Pineview! All of Pineview has been hard at work in art class. Students started out the itThe takes story you.” is about The girla young slams girl her named marker Vashti down who on the isn’t paper very andconfident makes in a her artistic skills. Her teacher tells her to “Just make a mark and see where school year by learning what a self-portrait is. Each class was assigned a PAGE 15 splatter. The teacher then asks her to sign her artwork so she can hang it on The Pineview students talked about all the ways they could “make their mark” in our school, at home, and in the community. Then the students were creating various dots of all shapes and sizes. The end of the book shows us given time to create their own original artwork. Some classrooms used the the wall. This small act of encouragement turns Vashti into a budding artist, CoLAR Mix app on the iPads to make the dots appear 3D. Dot Day was so helps him begin his artistic journey. much fun this year, that we are already making plans for Dot Day 2015!! Vashti interacting with another student in need of encouragement and she Alden School News Go! Fight! Win! Cadets! 2. No make up—no time to apply 3. No weapons - PK Students: *Only 4-5 year olds will bring costumes and will join K-5 students in the parade andWhat in life, if itwe is were important ALL able that to when win?! we Obviously, work with there others, is a wetime can and all place ‘win’ forif we compe have tition—on the volleyball court or football field for example. However, in the classroom Through the 7 Habits, we learn a lot about ourselves and our relationships. Habit an abundance mentality. What is an abundance mentality? Title 1 Reading and Math K-6 everyone. All students can be leaders, ‘all belong, all succeed,’ are just examples that Alden has a Title 1 program for both reading and math. Title 1 is a federally fund- can4 is impact‘Think Win-Win’how we interact which stemswith one from another. the paradigm As shared that on there’s StephenCovey.com: plenty out there for ed program designed to improve educational opportunities for students who meet the criteria for supplemental instruction. The program at our school is designed to provide requires that you be both. It is a balancing act between courage and consideration. To reinforcement of reading and math skills and strategies already being taught in the Many people think in terms of either/or: either you're nice or you're tough. Win-win regular classroom. not only have to be considerate and sensitive, you also have to be brave. To do that--to Students are selected for assistance based in part on recommendations made by achievego for win-win, that balance you not between only have courage to be and empathic, consideration--is but you also the have essence to be ofconfident. real maturi You- the classroom teacher, as well as classroom performance data, local assessments, and ty and is fundamental to win-win. standardized assessments. Parental requests for Title 1 assistance are also considered for their child to participate in the program. The goals of our Title 1 program are to: increase math and reading achievement, Parent/Teacher Conferences support the classroom instructional reading and math programs, develop positive atti- tudes toward reading and math, to help transfer reading and math skills and strategies to other content areas, to develop functional, literate readers and mathematicians and an open house format, with times running 3:30-7:30 PM, on October 23 and 28. Mrs. to develop independent study skills and work habits. McDanielWe look will forward be scheduling to 100% K-5 attendance conferences for with fall notesconferences coming this home year! by the 6th middle grade ofis If you have any questions regarding the program in Alden, please contact Kim Nel- October. If those dates do not work for your schedule, please let us know so we can

son or Katy Jensen. set up an alternate time. 6th Grade conferences are a come and go format. However, Preschool News progressif you wish and to fall meet assessment with teachers, scores. we will schedule individual appointments. We are also available before or after school as well. We are excited to share your child(ren)’s “Let’s Go! Let’s Go! Let’s Go! Preschool Rocks” This is a chant you will hear in our Fall Fundraiser

classroom everyday and we believe it! Alden Preschool is filled with leaders (just look- fundraiser. This year we are selling food items, including cookie dough, pizza, and orfulat our shoes, leader groovy chart) buttons and fun and (playdough even drives is oura school number bus. 1 Thechoice). students We havelove tocelebrated listen to muchAll more! PK-6 students Orders will will be bring due homeOctober information 15 and items on Octoberwill be delivered1st, about the our week school of histhe storiesfirst few and weeks do literacy, of school math by readingand science “Pete activities the Cat” around books. the This books. groovy In cat the has words col - of Pete the Cat…”It’s all good” in Preschool! nology items. November 16. Our goal is to raise $5,000 this year to support our purchase of tech Iowa Youth Survey Fall Parties

PK-5 students will have the opportunity to wear their costumes on Friday, October - 31, for our annual fall parties and costume parade. The parade will begin at 2:30 PM. poseOur and 6th goals grade of thestudents anonymous will again survey: be participating in the Iowa Youth Survey this Sixth grade students will have an alternate activity that day, based upon the Social fall.The A letterpurpose was of sent the surveyhome within is to collect the first information few weeks about of school, Iowa youth explaining so we thecan purbet- ter understand their beliefs, values, and decisions about what makes them feel secure, folders in regard to their expectations. A reminder to parents of the costume areas to strong, and safe in their communities, schools, and families. In addition, information is avoid:Studies and Language Arts curriculum. Information will be sent home in Wednesday collected about their ideas on alcohol, tobacco, drugs, bullying and harassment, and vi- 1. No masks (not safe when going on our parade up/down steps) olence prevention. The information collected will help the state planning agencies, our PAGE 16 schools, and local community task forces put together valuable future programming. It is important to ask children to tell us what is good and working about their life in Iowa, Upcoming Dates and what needs improvement, in their eyes. Parents were then invited to alert the school if they preferred their child NOT participate in the survey. If you did not alert the school, please do so immediately. OctoberSeptember 23 25:& 28: PK-6 1 hourOpen early House, dismissal, 6-7:30 PM P/T Conferences Veteran’s Concert October 1:31: PK-6 K-5 FallFundraiser Parties Kick-Off

- - November 10: 6th Grade Veteran’s Concert, 7 PM an’sOur Concert Alden on Elementary Monday, November School Sixth 10 Gradeat 7 p.m. Band in andthe ChoirAlden invite School all gymnasium. family and comThis November 26-28: No School, Thanksgiving Break munity members, especially those who have served in our armed forces, to our Veter selections by both band and choir, as well as students narrating the program. year’s concert lifts up the service and sacrifice of our veterans. The concert features those veterans who are family or friends. To be included on the veterans wall, please sendAdditionally, the following the information,Veterans Wall either gives bycommunity returning members this form an or opportunity e-mailing koliver@to lift up ifacadets.net by November 5.

Veterans Name______Branch of Military and Rank______Two Iowa Barnstormers visited Alden El- ______ementary earlier in September. Students DatesAny interesting of Service fact(if known)______about their service (if desired) asked questions about their careers, lead- Teachers assumed their super hero identi- ership, and more! Relationship to student______ties in a special school wide assembly.

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We look forward to seeing you at this year’s concert! Students wrote thank you notes to Back to School with First Grade Walmart for new books and other classroom supplies due to Walmart's generous First graders in Ms. Richards’ class are ex- Students in 2nd grade synergize to com- donation of gift cards! cited to be back to school to see their friends plete a math assignment! we will focus on The Leader in Me and incor- poratingand learn leadershipnew things. notebooks. This year in In first math, grade, we are very excited for the hands-on approach to - ing the Daily 5 while our teacher works with guidedEvery Day reading Math. groups In reading, and in we Science, have been we aredo learning all about balance and motion. It’s going to be a FANTASTIC year! Leader in Me Gallup Student Poll - sure the three key indicators shown to drive student achievement, future employment Our fifth and sixth grade students will participate in a 10-minute survey to mea Mrs. Wiese has a 'spy' theme for her class- and leadership skills: 1) student hope for the future, 2) engagement with school, and Students are learning about classroom ex- room this year. Our learners are focusing 3) well-being. The poll is a part of our Leader in Me efforts and will be anonymous. pectations and working hard to start the in on details and making sure they com- year! prehend all they read!