JCSD E-Connection
Board updates, news, and events from the around the district
Week of December 12, 2022
All attempts are made to be as accurate as possible at the time of publication. Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to the JCSD Communications department at jcsdcomm@johnston.k12.ia.us.
District News and Announcements
Bolar named delegate to U.S. Senate Youth Program
JHS senior Esha Bolar was named one of two Iowa delegates to the prestigious United States Senate Youth Program, which comes with a $10,000 scholarship and an all-expense-paid, weeklong trip to Washington, D.C. Bolar will join Andrew Dong from Iowa City’s West Senior High School in representing Iowa at the 61st annual United States Senate Youth Program Washington Week, to be held March 4–11, 2023. Read more.
Johnston show choirs debut to an enthusiastic crowd
An enthusiastic crowd packed the JHS auditorium to see the Innovation, Synergy and Bella Voce show choirs perform for the first time in 2022-23. Those attending were asked to bring socks to donate to Joppa for the homeless. Thank you for all the love! This video on JCSD Facebook has been shared 70 times, has reached more than 220,200 people and has more than 2,200 reactions in the past few weeks! Watch the video and see more photos.
Middle school students win 2022 mock trial state championship
Team Dragon is the 2022 Iowa Middle School Mock Trial State Champions! Johnston beat Regis Middle School of Cedar Rapids in the final round, making Johnston first of 128 teams. Team members include 7th graders Aditi Pandey, Srihari Kumaresan, Ryan MacFarland, Keely Koenigs and Audrey Sullivan; and 8th graders Ethan MacFarland, Colton Pierce, Maya Keshwani, Quinnlyn Schulte and David Shi. Read more.
Third graders see the Nutcracker and "Storytelling through Movement"
Johnston Varsity Dance Team brings home trophies from state competition
Impact and Sound Advice show choirs get dressed up for a preview show
Bowling season kicks off
Johnston welcomes new HVAC team
Wrestling season well underway
Wrestling season is underway! Johnston placed third and had several individual wins at the Newton Cardinal Classic. The team then hosted 14 wrestling teams from around the state last weekend at JHS for the 2022 Frank Baltzley Invitational. Johnston placed fifth at that event. Follow Johnston Wrestling on Facebook.
JHS Madrigal combines tradition with humor
Pep Band debuts this season
Staff wears purple on National Special Education Day
Mock interviews help Johnston students prepare for their future
Students in Johnston High School’s new iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America's Graduates) program took part in mock interviews to help prepare for their future. Several Johnston school board members, the superintendent, a school counselor and other administrators visited the class to help with the interviews. Read more.
Friday night lights replaced with Friday night hoops
Timber Ridge donates 1,000+ pounds of food
Johnston students perform at Drake University Honor Band Festival
Spreading holiday joy around the community
Scavenger hunt collects 850 pounds of food
Coaches of the Year recognized by school board
Johnston students attend masonry career exploration event
Katie Fiala and Alicia Clevenger re-elected to lead school board
Board Highlights from December 12, 2022
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Superintendent Laura Kacer shared an update on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and five new Instructional Specialists in our elementary schools — Andrea Poe at Lawson, Erin Koch at Wallace, Sarah Fisher at Timber Ridge, Christy Willis at Beaver Creek, and Betsy Burkhardt at Horizon.
REPORTS
- 2023-24 Academic Calendar
- 2023-24 Staffing Update
ACTION ITEMS
- Approval of Additional ELL Teacher (approved)
- Approval of 1 FTE Special Ed Teacher and 4 Nurse FTE (approved)
- Director District #5 Seat on IASB Board (approved)
- Approval of Resolution for a Conveyance of Real Property (approved)
- Resolution Setting Hearting on Disposition of Real Property (approved)
- Approval of Policy 208.2 Standing Committees (approved)
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Board meetings are held in person at the District Office, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston. All public comments must be read in person. The board meetings are livestreamed and available on demand at https://team1sports.com/johnston/. The next board meeting will be held January 9, starting at 6 p.m.
CONTACT THE BOARD
Persons are encouraged to send questions, comments and suggestions to our board members. Each board member can be reached by email: Katie Fiala; Dr. Alicia Clevenger; Jennifer Chamberland; Deb Davis; Clint Evans; Soneeta Mangra-Dutcher; and Derek Tidball.
Johnston Community School District
JCSD Non-Discrimination Statement
It is the policy of the Johnston Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the district’s Associate Superintendent, Dr. Nikki Roorda, 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, Iowa 50131, (515) 278-0470, nikki.roorda@johnston.k12.ia.us.
Email: lynn.meadows@johnston.k12.ia.us
Website: johnstoncsd.org
Location: 6510 NW 62nd Ave, Johnston, IA, USA
Phone: 515-278-0470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnstonCSD/
Twitter: @johnstoncsd