CLARION-GOLDFIELD-DOWS Community School District COWBOY CHRONICLES From the Desk of Superintendent Joseph Nelson JANUARY 2021
HAPPY NEW YEAR! From the Twitter-verse...
It is my delight and privilege to visit our three schools each week to see teaching and learning thriving in our school district. I never take for granted the kindness I see our students show each other in our classrooms and hallways. Sure we’re not perfect but from my perch I sure love the way our students support and help each other as they navigate their school day in each of our three buildings. How our students treat each other goes a long way toward continuing the positive cultures we enjoy across our District. None of this would be possible without high expectations from ALL CGD staff members. I’m grateful every day to work with staff, students and families that value kindness!
“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward!” - Dr. Martin Luther King
My best, Mr. Nelson
Welcome new student teachers:
Miss Pollock Miss Helgevold Elementary Student Teacher Elementary Student Teacher COWBOY CHRONICLES School District News January 2021 January Lunch Menu
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1
New Years Day
4 5 6 7 8
Chicken Soft Taco Chicken Drumstick Chili & Chz Stick Beef & Bean Burrito Sausage Pizza Lettuce/Cheese Mashed Potatoes Green Salad Lettuce/Cheese Cucumber Slices Salsa Mixed Fruit Applesauce Salsa Peaches Refried Beans Milk Milk Red Grapes Milk Blueberries Milk Milk
11 12 13 14 15
Chicken Tenders Mr. Ribb Mandarin Chicken Turkey Sandwich Chili Crispito Corn Baked Beans Rice Pilaf Tri Taters Lettuce/Chz Coleslaw Celery Sticks Glazed Carrots Broccoli Florets Salsa Pears Mixed Fruit Sliced Apples Strawberries Pineapple Chunks Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk
18 19 20 21 22
Chicken Sandwich Corn Dog Maid-Rite on Bun Pepperoni Pizza Popcorn Chicken Sun Chips Baked Beans Tater Tots Cucumber Slices Mashed Potatoes Baby Carrots Green Salad Cauliflower Florets Cut Melon Whole Fruit Red Grapes Orange Wedges Applesauce Milk Milk Milk Milk Milk
25 26 27 28 29
Quesadilla Wedge Hamburger on Bun Teriyaki Beef Super Nachos Grilled Chicken Refried Beans Lettuce/Tomato Rice Pilaf Lettuce/Cheese Sandwich Lettuce/Salsa Sun Chips Baby Carrots Salsa Lettuce/Tomato Grape Tomatoes Mixed Fruit Blueberries Refried Beans Tater Tots Milk Milk Milk Applesauce Peaches Milk Milk
*Menu subject to change without notice COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Wild Kingdom!
VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP The 2nd grade had the opportunity to participate in a Zoom virtual field trip with Wild Kingdom En- counters through Mutual of Omaha. Mrs. Odland’s brother, Luke TerHark, works for Mutual of Omaha and submitted Mrs. Odland’s name in a drawing for the experience. Having been selected as a winner of the drawing, the second grade classes of CGD enjoyed a “wild” adventure. Each class “Zoomed in” to the presentation from their own classrooms. The students were introduced to six different animals. They met an alligator, armadillo, boa constrictor, tarantula, a “dancing’’ macaw and a serval (wild cat). The armadillo was curled in a little ball. The serval was an amazing leaper. The macaw was a colorful dancing machine. He rocked out to a song and the students had a blast watching him. The presenter did a wonderful job explaining the habitats of the animals presented and answered the kids’ many questions. COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Congratulations!
VFW WRITING CONTEST WINNERS Congratulations to our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who participated in the VFW Writing contest this fall around Veterans Day. Each grade was given a topic related to veterans and our freedoms. Thank you to Imogene Wigg and the VFW for their support of this contest. The CGD Elementary winners are as follows: (in no particular order) Olivia Myers, Reese Hennigar, Eliza Junech-Arzudia, Addyson Green- field, Reed Campbell, Vivian Johnson, Harper Nerlien, Ella Chavez, and Raleigh Rieck. COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Virtual Concert
HOLIDAY CONCERT Due to Covid-19 restrictions, elementary students were able to put on a virtual holiday concert this year. The kids began practicing their music in early October and presented their virtual concerts to a crowd of students. While performing, Mr. Katz recorded the performance and created a full concert video that is still available for friends and family to view. If you have not yet watched, go to www.clargold.org and press the link to the concert or simply use this link https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=bM1JJbxt2_4&feature=youtu.be. Thank you for watching and supporting our students. They did an excellent job singing and love to hear your encouragement! COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Virtual Concert COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Virtual Concert COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary School News Virtual Concert COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary & Middle School Art News
WHAT’S UP IN THE ART ROOM? by Kaira Downing Big news!!!! We finally finished! Natalie Greving was the winner of the mural contest last year but be- cause of Covid, we were unable to create it. So this year we took on the task and it was well worth it. This huge mural took 33.5 hours to complete and is a great addition to our school. We want to also thanks those who helped: Gabby O, Candy S, Kadence M, Carly Jones, Mrs. Klaver, Mrs. Dahlgren, and Mrs. Anderson. Also, big thank you to our custodial staff who helped prime/prep the wall and assist with finding paint and materials to make things go smoothly! 7th grade just completed their awesome clay tikis. It is a review on hand building techniques with a fo- cus on slab. Each student had to find creative ways to incorporate a coil, slap, a headpiece, and some type of carving. I love how they each have the same challenges but all come up with different ideas/ answers. They turned out great. 6th grade also just wrapped up their holiday still life and are about to start their color wheel Mandalas. Each student got to make their own arrangement and used watercolor to help show value and make things appear 3D. 4th grade just finished a big printmaking unit. They created symmetrical image they traced on to a foam board. Students then used paint to stamp the image in a circle, creating their central design. Some printed on watercolor paper they created to amplify the circular design. 2nd grade completed their Winter Self Portraits and they look awesome. We talked about the propor- tions of the face and adding detail so people would know it was them! They then used oil pastel and watercolor to complete a resist painting. Kindergarten did a great job on their printmaking unit. We looked at photos of real snowflakes and talked about how each point was the same. Students used different objects to stamp/print the shapes in the same spot on each line to create their snowflake. I love how beautiful they turned out. COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary & Middle School Art News COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary & Middle School Art News COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary & Middle School Art News COWBOY CHRONICLES Elementary & Middle School Art News
COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle School News Fun Times at CGD
We had a rockin’ time on Elvis Day at the middle A BIG thank you to Mrs. Downing and Natalie school! for their dedication and talented work!!! The wall mural looks fantastic!!!!
A big thank you to Mr. Lindaman as he brought the holiday spirit to the circle drive of the middle school today. The CGD staff and the Charlie Brown cast wish all of you a wonderful holiday!!! COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle School News Congratulations!
Clarion Goldfield Dows Middle School Tri 1 Honor Roll 2020/2021
Mr. Haberman, Clarion Goldfield Dows Middle School Principal, is proud to recognize the following students who attained the honor roll for Tri 1 of the 2020/2021 school year. Congratulations on a job well done. Students on the A Honor Roll have maintained a grade point average of 3.67 or higher. Students on the B Honor Roll have maintained a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.66.
8th grade A Honor Roll: Madeline Askvig, MaKayla Beisel, Jordyce Duncalf, Elliot Ennis, Logan Frantz, Jorja Fulk, Justin German, Christopher Greenfield, Natalie Greving, Madison Ingebritson, Kennedy Jackson, Tate Jackson, Bryce Lindaman, Gabrielle Oppman, Ethan Russell, Caleb Seaba, Owen Sweeney, Jacob Wharton, Dietrich Woodley.
8th grade B Honor Roll: Randi Rae Anderson, Sharisse Ayala, Graclyn Bremmer, Addison Carlson, Delainey DeHate, Natalie Hiveley, Coleton Johnson, Emmalee Johnson, Indy Johnson, Hannah Marsh, Kadence Mossman, Jonathon Pulido, Christopher Revolorio, Alejandra Robles Camacho, Abigail Samson, Hunter Smidt, Makenna Van Wyk, Shelby Warnke, Miguel Zapata, Lizeth Zenon, Brandon Zigrang.
7th grade A Honor Roll: Kiernan Bremmer, Ruby Coldiron, Ethan Hasty, Kayla Hasty, Tristan Kakacek, Claire Kirstein, Hayleigh Larson, Mason Linn, Tessa Waddingham, Teagan Webb, Tess Wibholm.
7th grade B Honor Roll: Adrian Carrillo, Josiah Conlon, Angel Cortes Hinojosa, Meah Cramer, Nicolas Curry, Marcelo Espinoza, Dane Friesleben, Selvin Gonzalez, Morgan Goodell, Kolton Hefti, Tiffany Hiveley, Linkon Hobart, Matthew Hurt, Jacquelin Kirstein, Christopher Matul, Madeline Mejicanos Lopez, Kaitlyn Nelson, Teresa Ordonez Gomez, Daniela Rodriguez Puac, Jairo Santis, Amya Schaffer, Cole Schnittjer, Brandon Stein, Jasmine Teran, Kali Wharton.
6th grade A Honor Roll: Blaire Askelsen, Alyna Barrera, Calvin Barrett, Yaquelin Bobadilla, Quinn Brooks, Charles Campbell, Lucas Cayler, Madison Durham, Greydon Frantz, Madison Hiveley, Adelynn Howell, Chazden Lane, Silas Lantzky, Kyrstin LaRue, Logan Legleiter, Jordyn Linn, Nazaria Matul, Jillian Mews, John (J.D.) Morrical, Landon Munoz, Rebecca Nebbe, Emily Sandoval, Savana Savov, Ashlynn Smith, Jada VanDeWalle, Mason Warnke, Lexi Youngman.
6th grade B Honor Roll: Jaden Boyken, Angelita Camey-Lopez, Kenna Chapman, Calder Creason, Ella Engstrom, Autumn Gardalen, Josue Hernandez Ordonez, Adam Hodson, Blayne Hoyt, Huxley Lingenfelter, James Lopez, Christopher Madrigales, Rosa Matul, Braden Meier, Ronaldo Meza, Ricardo Noh Mejia, Jaxun Pohlman, Elideth Santiago, Matheu Solis, Jallen Stewart, Amaya Torres, Logan Torsell, Jace Weets-Morris, Junia Woodley. COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle School News STEM
MIDDLE SCHOOL STEM CHALLENGE Mrs. Jensen, K-12 TG Instructor What can you build with 20 gumdrops, 10 toothpicks, and a timer running for 10 minutes? The stu- dents were given these rules and the winner was determined by the tallest structure that could stand on its own for one 15 seconds. STEM challenges at their best. Check out these creative designs! COWBOY CHRONICLES TG News Holiday Spirit
IT’S ORNAMENTAL! 3rd Grade 8th Grade Brecklynn German Makayla Beisel Mrs. Jensen, K-12 TG Instructor 4th Grade Thanks to all who participated Rileigh Rieck and made it a fun activity! Congratulations to the following people who won the 5th Grade Ugly Sweater Contest winner: ornament contest: Quincy Watts Rebecca Nebbe 1st Grade 6th Grade Congratulations to our creative Gabe Rosenkilde Addy Howell TG students! 2nd Grade 7th Grade Kendyl Langfitt Hayleigh Larson
COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle & High School News Music Department Notes
CAROLS “OUTSIDE” THE CAF CGD HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS FINDS WAYS TO REACH THE ELDERLY For several years, the CGD High School Cho- rus, under the direction of David Ackerman, On Monday, Dec. 21, the HS Chorus sang car- have performed for the HS students and staff ols outside the windows at the Clarion Well- at lunch right before winter break. “It has ness and Rehabilitation Center. “I contacted been a tradition for many years, and the HS the activity director at the center, and she was Chorus members seem to enjoy the opportu- excited that the students were going to per- nity to sing to the entire high school student form for the residents. Fortunately, we sang body.” On Friday, Dec. 18th, because of at the front entrance under the awning. It was COVID, we tried singing outside the cafeteria, cold and windy that day, but the HS Chorus but it was extremely cold and windy that day, members were poised to perform, and the and it was hard to be heard through the cafe- weather didn’t dampen their spirits. I had told teria windows (even with the windows slightly the HS Chorus that we need to find a way to opened). We eventually moved to one end reach the elderly during this pandemic, and of the cafeteria, and the performance contin- singing carols was a way to reach them, even ued,” commented David Ackerman. Thank if we have to sing outside,” remarked David you to Paul Hansch and Erin Halverson for al- Ackerman. lowing this to happen. COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle & High School News Music Department Notes
CGD HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT SET FOR FEB. 22 The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows High School Mu- sic Department will present their concert on Monday, February 22nd at 7:00 p.m. in the CGDHS gym. Featured groups are the high school concert band and the high school jazz band. The band will wear their concert band outfits, and the band students should report to the band room for tuning of instruments at 6:30 p.m. The HS Chorus is trying to schedule their Va- riety Show in early March so they will not be performing at this concert. As of right now, the concert will be virtual because of the Wright County Public Health mandates. If any county mandates change, we will definitely On Tuesday, Dec. 22, the HS Chorus sang let parents and the public know. carols outside the Meadows. “I contacted the activity director at the Meadows, and she CGD MIDDLE SCHOOL CONCERT SET FOR was elated that the students were going to FEB 23 sing for the residents. She stated that the The Clarion-Goldfield-Dows Middle School best place to sing was in the middle of the Music Department will present their concert courtyard because that way the residents on Tuesday, February 23rd at 7:00 p.m. in the could look out their windows to see and hear CGDHS gym. Featured groups are the 6th the carols. Again, it was cold and windy that grade chorus, 6th grade band, middle school day, but the HS Chorus members were resil- select choir, middle school jazz band, 7th/8th ient and had a great time. Pauline Turner, a grade chorus, and the 7th/8th grade concert resident at the Meadows, came up to the HS band. All students are reminded to wear dress Chorus and started talking with us. Pauline clothes for the concert. (no t-shirts and jeans, said how much she enjoyed the carols. I let please.) All middle school students involved the HS Chorus know that Pauline’s daughter, in the concert should be at the high school Mary, had been a member of the HS Chorus at 6:30 p.m. for vocal warm-ups and tuning and HS Band. All in all, it was a great day for of instruments. As of right now, the concert the HS Chorus and the Meadow residents. I will be virtual because of Wright County Pub- am so proud of the students and how they lic Health mandates. If any county mandates conducted themselves,” stated David Acker- change, we will definitely let parents and the man. public know. COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle & High School News Music Department Notes
MR. ACKERMAN’S UPCOMING RETIREMENT Mr. Ackerman has entered his final years of teaching at the Clarion-Goldfield- Dows School District. He has spent the majority of his teaching career at CGD, starting in 1994, and has been here ever since. Mr. Ackerman is both the high school and middle school choir teacher, but spends most of his time at the high school. Things have definitely changed since the ‘90’s with new technology being introduced and figuring out how to deal with COVID. Students are required to wear a mask at all times and online students learn through Google Meet. “I told the students that we were just going to make beautiful music together and cherish the memories from this year,” Mr. Ackerman proclaimed. He hopes his students continue to be the best they can be and to keep expressing themselves through music. Some of Mr. Ackerman’s favorite highlights here at CGD include attending honor choirs at Wartburg College, Luther College, and NIACC plus having the annual Carols in the Caf in which choir students sing carols in the cafeteria during lunch. Additionally, he has taught numerous large group and small group contest Division I winners. During his time here, he has had five students selected for All-State: Sarah Chipman, Eric Alberts, Kelly Huisinga, Paul Maxheimer, and Elizabeth Lockwood. A goal of his is that the next teacher will carry on some of the traditions he started, as in private vocal Carols in the Caf. COWBOY CHRONICLES Middle & High School News Music Department Notes
lessons and student participation in honor choirs, large group contests, and solo/small ensemble contests. Mr. Ackerman’s plans for retirement are to get organized. After his parents passed, he inherited many of their belongings. After he sorts things out at home, he wishes to start Congratulations Mr. Ackerman! writing music and performing again along with teaching privately and helping kids better Thank you for the years of service! themselves in music. Mr. Ackerman has made a definite change in many students’ lives, as well as the school itself. “Music is such a powerful thing,” he stated. “It helps us in so many ways such as therapy, celebration, sympathy, and overall joy.”
Carols in the Caf. COWBOY CHRONICLES High School News FFA Holiday Fun!
THE FFA SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER The FFA surprised the Kindergarten classes with new masks for Christmas! They have fun pictures on them like cows, pigs, and corn. A big thank you to Paige German and the rest of the FFA. We can’t wait to wear them! COWBOY CHRONICLES High School News FFA Holiday Fun! COWBOY CHRONICLES High School News AG Education
ZOOMING INTO NATURAL RESOURCES It has been difficult to invite others to join us in person in the classroom as Agriculture Education is proud to do in many of our classes in the past. The current restrictions left us to think outside of our box. The students this past quarter have had the opportunity to Zoom with members in the Iowa DNR and the Montana Bureau of Land Management. Members had the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speakers and see the many opportunities in the state of Iowa and the opportuni- ties on a national level. The neat part of thinking of new options was also looking outside the state of Iowa and having the opportunity to hear about pathways of education and how to get involved in the protection of land management.
We sincerely hope you had a wonderful holiday break, and that all our CGD families have a safe and healthy new year!