Attached is a presentation shared with the Board at a work session earlier this year. Please use the pause button if you need longer to view a slide.
Monday, November 8, 2010
November K-8 Newsletter
Gladbrook – Reinbeck K-8 Newsletter
November 5, 2010
Mr. Parker’s News and Notes
Thank you to everyone that attended conferences last week. If you couldn’t attend, please remember that you can call, email, or set up an appointment with any of the teachers to discuss your child and his/her progress at any time. We had an outstanding first quarter and I know that there were many parents happy with how their child had done grade-wise. I was also pleased with our student’s behavior and how they took care of business doing the right thing.
Mrs. Eckhoff and Mrs. Hagedorn led their students in an awesome concert on October 21. The junior high band and choir sounded outstanding. The Gladbrook campus Winter Concert is on December 6. The K-2 and 5th/6th Concert will begin at 6:30 pm with the 7th/8th Grade Concert to follow at 7:30.
We have been working this past week on doing the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. We have placed our focus on trying to do our best work and have reduced the test down to focus on the reading, math, and science components that are reported to the state and federal governments. We have seen the students working more carefully and trying to do the best they can. We hope that this will show in our scores when we get them returned.
The second quarter brings with it our winter sports of basketball and wrestling. Add in the concerts, holidays, and all the other family events that occur make second quarter one of the most difficult for students to stay on task. Please help us by helping your child find that necessary time to keep up with their schoolwork in November and December.
Reminder: it’s a great time to check the batteries on your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide testers. I heard that last part on the radio while driving to work.
Have a GReat month.
Mr. Kuehl’s News and Notes:
Hopefully everyone has been enjoying this fabulous fall weather. Personally, I’m hoping that it is a precursor to a mild winter, but time will tell.
Parent – teacher conferences went well this fall. Reinbeck Elementary enjoyed a 97% attendance rates. If you were unable to attend your child’s teacher should have contacted you via telephone or email. If you haven’t had a chance to visit with your child’s teacher, please contact them. We know that support for your child’s learning both at school and home is very beneficial to student learning. Thank you for all you do to ensure your child’s success.
The third and fourth graders completed the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills last week. We’ll be doing make-up tests for students that were absent last week and then submitting the tests for scoring. These are the tests used by the Iowa Department of Education and No Child Left Behind to determine how well our school is performing. We think that the students put forth a solid effort and are looking forward to getting the results.
The Winter Concert for Reinbeck Elementary students is on December 20th, at 7:00 p.m., in the High School. The students will be looking forward to the opportunity to perform for their family and friends.
Recently many of our classes have been utilizing on on-line math program, iXL.com. This program allows students to practice math skills at their individual level and gives out detailed reports on student progress. Since it is an on-line program, students can work on it at home. Currently teachers are using a trial membership/license for their students. So far, the program has been very well received by teachers and students. I anticipate purchasing licenses for the elementary classrooms and possibly the middle school in the very near future. I encourage you to visit with your child about this program, and have them demonstrate it for you if possible.
Please feel free to contact your child’s teacher, or me, any time you have a question, or concern.
Go Rebels!
November / December 2010 Calendar
Nov 11 Veteran's Day
Nov 14-20 American Education Week
Nov 15 School Board Mtg. Reinbeck at 6:30pm
Nov 17 Education Support Professionals Day
Nov 18 National Parental Involvement Day
Nov 19 Substitute Educators Day
Nov 21-27 National Family Week
Nov 24 No School
Nov 25 No School - Thanksgiving
Nov 26 No School
Dec. 6 GB Campus Winter Concert
6:30 K-2 & 5th/6th
7:30 7th/8th Grades
Dec. 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
Dec. 8 12:35/12:45 Early Dismissal
Teacher In-service
Dec. 20 Reinbeck Elementary Concert 7:00 pm
Dec. 23 Winter Break Begins
G-R Happenings 11-8-10
G-R Happenings
In our current world technology seems to be revolutionizing nearly everything, from the ways we communicate (remember bag phones?), to industry, and education. Currently the G-R Schools are exploring the possibility of implementing 1:1 computing at the high school in the fall of 2011. 1:1 computing involves each student having a laptop to use, as their own, during the school year. As we continuously work to better prepare our students to be successful after their experience at G-R we realize that they do, and will, use technology in nearly every aspect of their lives. We believe that 1:1 computing will help us to improve the educational experience of our students and better equip them for success throughout their lives.
The G-R administrative team and technology directors have been exploring 1:1 computing for many months. The Board of Education, along with administrators and technology directors, have visited schools currently utilizing 1:1 computing. Schools visited include BCLUW, Newell-Fonda, and Van Meter. These schools have all experienced success with their implementation. A board member from Van Meter noted that their lease on the computers would expire in two years and he couldn’t imagine not having 1:1 anymore.
The G-R Board of Education has discussed 1:1 at several regular meetings and work sessions. Their will be further discussion at the November 15 regular Board Meeting, the December 1 Work Session, and the December 16 regular Board Meeting. It is anticipated that a decision will be made at the December 16 meeting. We encourage interested patrons to attend the meetings and/or visit with a Board Member, Mr. Kuehl, Mr. Teckenburg, Mrs. Luehring, or Mr. Bixby about any questions they might have.
Educationally yours,
Tim Kuehl, Superintendent
Monday, October 18, 2010
G-R Happenings, 10-18-10
G-R Happenings!
On Friday, October 15, G-R teachers, along with nearly 1,000 educators from around the North Iowa Cedar League, spent the day at UNI for professional development. Dr. Scott McCleod was the keynote speaker. You can see Dr. McCleod’s blog at this link: http://dangerouslyirrelevant.org/. Dr. McCleod challenged educators to adapt and modify what we ask students to do at school in order to prepare them for the global society/economy in which we now live. Utilizing technology to transform the school experience was a component of his presentation. Primarily Dr. McCleod advocates a shift from asking kids to memorize and recite back basic information, to asking kids to really think about information and engage in meaningful tasks, sharing their thoughts publicly, interacting with others about material, generally working toward become deep, creative thinkers. This changes the role of educators from putting forth facts and serving as the “keepers of knowledge”; to having teachers facilitate learning experiences for their students. The classroom becomes a place where kids are thinking and actively working with content vs. receiving content. This sort of transformation does not happen quickly, or easily, but it is something that the educators at G-R, and around Iowa and the Nation, are working toward.
During the past year our educators have participated in professional development that has shown them ways to integrate technology into their classrooms in ways that facilitate this shift to kids engaging in higher levels of thinking about content. We are fortunate to have a strong teaching staff that is constantly working to improve their own craft for the betterment of students. A financial challenge arises as teachers discover these tools and begin to utilize them, we need more technology; software, access to the internet, more machines, lcd projectors, etc. all become critical to moving forward. Our district has taken some positive steps in this direction. We have computer labs accessible in all our buildings, have purchased lcd projectors for many classrooms and have them available for use in classrooms, our high school and middle school have robust wireless connectivity, and have committed to professional development for staff. All of these things help to move the education of our students forward. We are no longer preparing most of our students to perform jobs that require repetitive physical or mental work. Our students will need to be able to think creatively, problem solve, and adapt to a variety of requirements in their adult lives.
The administrative team and Board have been discussing the possibility of implementing a 1:1 laptop environment at the high school next fall in order to further this work. Each student having access to a laptop computer at all times would provide a tremendous amount of flexibility in the educational environment. Students would all have the same access to tools in order to create projects for school, communication between students and teachers would be even greater, and communication with other schools, industry, or experts around the world would be at everyone’s fingertips. Utilizing on-line learning resources would be even more accessible for our students. While the advantages of each student having their own laptop are considerable, the cost is a hurdle. The Board and administrative team are currently working to determine if G-R can afford this step. We anticipate utilizing the dollars from our Physical Plant and Equipment Levy, along with dollars generated by the State $.01 sales tax. However, we need to make sure we still have flexibility in those funds for emergency repairs that arise, and to fund renovating heating systems in the buildings.
These are exciting and challenging times in education and the world in general. The Board of Education and staff at the G-R schools are committed to providing an exemplary education for each of our students.
Go Rebels!
Tim Kuehl, Superintendent
Sunday, October 17, 2010
October Newsletter
Gladbrook – Reinbeck K-8 Newsletter
October 2010
Mr. Parker’s News
On Friday, October 1st several football players and the G-R Cheerleaders led a pep rally for the K-2 and 5-8 students in the Gladbrook building for Homecoming. The students were also driven into frenzy by the music of the junior high band led by Mrs. Hagedorn. The picture above shows the K-2 students sharing a moment with the cheerleaders and players after he pep rally.
The Gladbrook Elementary and Middle School students have been hard at work this September on collecting Box Tops for Education. In September we collected 1,901 box tops, more than the total collected for all of last year. We are continuing to collect Box Tops so please keep you eyes out and continue sending them in to the school. They can be found on many things that you already buy so please help us in this worthwhile endeavor.
The month of October has been chosen nationally as the month to recognize the many people other than teachers that play an important part in your child’s educational experience. October 2 was National Custodian Day, October 11 is National School Lunch Week, and October 18 begins National School Bus Safety Week. We could not do the things we do without the excellent work of our custodians, cooks, and bus drivers. Please thank them for their hard work. We will also be celebrating National Fire Safety Week and Red Ribbon Week this month.
The first quarter is rapidly approaching its end on October 20th. Report cards will be given out at Parent – Teacher Conferences on Monday, October 25th and Thursday, October 28th. Cards that have not been picked up at conferences will be mailed out on Monday, November 1st. We had a very small list of students on the midterm report, which was outstanding. Usually the first mid-quarter report is rather large with fifth graders receiving grades for the first time and seventh graders having to accommodate time for extra-curricular activities and studies. Please remember you can monitor your child’s progress online with the JMC program and that anytime you have questions you can contact your child’s teacher through email or with a phone call.
On Monday October 18th, there is a joint IMPACT/PTO meeting in GB at 7:00 pm. Remember, there is no membership fee and we welcome everyone to become a part of the parent groups that do so much for our students and staff.
Junior High Football, Volleyball, and Cross-Country seasons are quickly coming to an end this month. All of the teams have been very successful and have worked hard on learning the fundamentals and teamwork necessary for success in future years. If you have a chance, please thank the coaches that have given their time to work with our athletes.
We are finding that this fall has been very difficult for students with breathing issues such as asthma. Hopefully as the frost comes in, some of the pollen and things in the air will disappear making it easier for them. We have also seen several cases, or suspected cases, of strep throat already. We did a great job last year of working together to keep the flu bug under control by keeping sick kids at home and not passing the germs along to others. Please continue to follow the policies on fevers and such and if you have questions please call and talk to the school nurse when needed.
Mr. Kuehl’s News:
Homecoming was a great week at G-R. The students and staff enjoyed showing their spirit via the dress-up days and Friday was awesome with all the Rebel Blue.
Report cards are going home on October 22, with conferences on the 25th and 28th. If you aren’t sure of your conference time, please check with your child’s teacher. Conferences are a valuable time to visit with your child’s teacher about their progress at school.
A few reminders:
- If you are eating lunch with your child, please bring correct change for the meal. Adult price is $3.10. It’s always good to see some parents in eating with their child, the kids LOVE it.
- Payschools: You can pay online to keep your lunch account current. There is no charge for utilizing on-line payment. Simply click the PaySchools link on the right side of the district website and it will take you through the process. www.g-r.k12.ia.us
- Parking lot procedures:
- Please do not drive through the horseshoe area in front of the school.
- Please do not pickup/drop off students in the actual parking lot area. This practice creates a lot of congestion in an already congested area.
- Please do drop your student(s) off on the west or east side of the horseshoe. This allows the student to exit the vehicle directly to the sidewalk, eliminating the need for students to cross the street.
The year is off to a fantastic start. The students enjoyed and learned from a presentation from the Reinbeck Fire Department on Thursday. A special thank you to the fire fighters who were able to spend time working with our students that day.
Any time you have questions or concerns, please contact your student’s teacher and/or me.
GO REBELS!
Mr. Kuehl
Calendar of Events
Oct. 6 Early Dismissal @ 12:35 shuttle; 12:45 other students
Teacher In-service
Oct. 7 Fire Prevention Assembly at RB Elem. 9:00 am
Oct. 8 Fire Prevention Activities at GB Elem.
Oct. 15 No School – Teacher In-service
Oct. 18 IMPACT/PTO Meeting @ GB ICN room 7:00 pm
Oct. 21 School Board Meeting @ GB ICN room 6:30 pm
7th/8th Grade Fall Music Concert at GB 7:00 pm
Oct. 25 Early Dismissal 2:25/2:35 pm
Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Oct. 28 Early Dismissal 2:25/2:35 pm
Parent-Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 pm
Oct. 29 No School
Nov. 1 - 5 ITBS and ITED Testing (Grades 3-11)
Friday, October 1, 2010
Homecoming!
This week is homecoming week at G-R. Thursday night was Homecoming Happenings, with the crowning of Tanner Hulst as Homecoming King and Sonia Beichley as Homecoming Queen for 2010. Congratulations to all members of the Homecoming Court.
On Friday we have pep rallies in Gladbrook and Reinbeck for the younger students. Below is a picture from the Gladbrook Rally. Check out all that Rebel Blue!
Homecoming is a great time for our students, past and present, to celebrate G-R and all the great experiences that happen within our schools.
GO REBELS!
On Friday we have pep rallies in Gladbrook and Reinbeck for the younger students. Below is a picture from the Gladbrook Rally. Check out all that Rebel Blue!
Homecoming is a great time for our students, past and present, to celebrate G-R and all the great experiences that happen within our schools.
GO REBELS!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
New Staff at G-R
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| Front Row: Ashley Caslavka, special education, Reinbeck Elementary; Kyla Kiburis, EAGLE; Jen Feldpauch, Early Childhood Special Education, Reinbeck Elementary Back Row: Melissa Laughlin, High School Special Education Associate; Karen Eggers, Gladbrook Campus Cook; Brenda Snider, Early Childhood Special Education Associate; and Keith Reynolds, High School Instrumental Music |
We are excited to have these new staff members at G-R. They were welcomed by the Board of Education at the September meeting. Please take the time to introduce yourself and welcome them to our school when you have the opportunity.
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