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JCSD E-Connection

Board updates, news, and events from the around the district

JCSDE-ConnectionBoard updates, news, and events from the aroundthe district

Week of November 21, 2022

Thank you for checking out the JCSD E-Connection! In this newsletter, you will find links to Johnston Board of Education items/decisions, news, and commendations from around the district, and important information for parents/guardians.

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@jdragonmail.us.

District News and Announcements

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Varsity football team takes Johnston to the UNI Dome

The Johnston varsity football team took fans to the UNI Dome for the first time in postseason history, to play in the state semifinals. In the end, it was a tough 35-14 loss to Southeast Polk, who ultimately won the state championship in Class 5A. But what an exciting ride it was, playing in three playoff games! Such a great football season. We’re so proud of you, Dragons!
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Johnston swim team captures third at state

The Johnston girls swim team finished third at state and broke multiple records. Olivia Swalley was named Athlete of the Year and Darin Roberston was named Coach of the Year. Also: Olivia Swalley was champion in 100 yard Breaststroke and 200 yard Individual Medley. Faith Frantum was champion in 500 yard Freestyle. See full results at Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union.

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Girls wrestling makes its debut

Our middle and high school girls wrestling teams made their historic debut! We have about a dozen girls from Johnston participating in this inaugural season after girls wrestling was sanctioned by the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union (IGHSAU). Eighth grader Paige Neighbors picked up Johnston’s first-ever win at 116 lbs with an 11-6 victory. The high school team ended its first meet with 5 pins and 3 undefeated girls.
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Johnston cheerleaders perform with Honor Squad

JHS cheerleaders Shari Patterson, Emily Marshall and Ella Boes performed with the 2022 Honor Squad during halftime of the 2A and 3A state football championship games at the UNI Dome. They were selected for the honor from 250 girls statewide.
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Cross country coaches named Coach of the Year

Congratulations to Johnston girls and boys cross country coaches Patrick Hennes and Matt Jaschen for both being named 2022 Class 4A At Large Coach of the Year by the Iowa Association of Track Coaches! Both of their teams were state runners up, finishing 2nd at the state cross country meet this year. Way to go!
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JHS student athletes commit to play in college

At least 19 JHS student athletes announced their commitment to play sports in college. They include nine Johnston baseball players, as well as those swimming and playing softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and track. Read more and see photos showing which colleges they chose on our JCSD Facebook page.
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Education Support Professionals recognized

Last Wednesday was Education Support Professionals Day! Today and every day, we encourage taking a moment to thank the school bus driver, secretary, associate, nutrition worker, custodian and other caring adults who along with teachers help our students get what they need to succeed. We appreciate you. Come join our team by scanning the QR code!

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Johnston expresses appreciation on Substitute Educators Day

Last Friday, we celebrated our incredible substitutes who are always willing to jump in and save the day! Relied upon by school administrators, teachers, and students alike, substitutes seamlessly adapt to any situation with a smile. If you'd like to join us in making a difference in children’s lives, click the QR code to apply.
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A time to celebrate staff in American education

Last week was #AmericanEducationWeek, a time to celebrate the incredible staff who bring life to the public school system. Whether you are a bus driver or associate, a teacher, cafeteria worker or a part of the administrative staff, you are all essential players in our district. Thank you for all that you do! Apply to join our team at johnstoncsd.org/careers
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Johnston students perform at All-State Music Festival

About two dozen Johnston High School students qualified and performed last weekend at the Iowa High School Music Association's All-State Music Festival in Ames. Those qualifying this year included 19 choir students and six band students. Congratulations to all for this prestigious honor!
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Dance team advances to state championships

The Johnston Varsity Dance Team last weekend hosted the Dance Team Union regional competition. Johnston won the regional championship in Small Varsity Pom and took 3rd in both Small Varsity Jazz and Small Varsity Hip Hop. They advance to the ISDTA State Dance Championships, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 at the Iowa Events Center.
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JHS students play leadership role in wellness conference

Some JHS National Honor Society students — Esha Bolar, Anjali Kumar, Lily Proctor and Emily Marshall — and their advisers recently traveled to Washington, DC where they played a leadership role in the Illuminate National Conference on student well-being. Read more on the JCSD website.

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ProStart students assist in culinary competition

Four Johnston High School ProStart students were recently mentored by chefs and restaurant owners from around the state. The students assisted chefs during the Culinary Competition by making a beef cut and tofu side dish at the Grand Tasting Gala. The event was sponsored by the Iowa Restaurant Association.
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Johnston basketball players serve community

A week before Thanksgiving, members of the Johnston boys basketball team prepared meals at Meals from the Heartland to help fight food insecurity locally and around the globe. The spirit of service is strong among our students and community in the Johnston Community School District. #JohnstonServes
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Repeat champion of Combat Hunger School Rivalry

Johnston has for a second year in a row won the Star 102.5 Combat Hunger School Rivalry. Congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed! Also last week, small teams of JHS students did a scavenger hunt around town to collect food and other needed products for the Johnston Partnership. #JohnstonServes
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Mock trial teams advance to state tournament

Three Johnston Middle School mock trial teams — Team Purple, Team Dragon and Team Firestorm — will compete at the mock trial state tournament, Nov. 30 to Dec. 2 in Des Moines. Team Purple had the top score at districts and automatically qualified for state. teams Dragon and Firestorm argued at the district playoffs and advanced, as well.

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Middle school students present a murder mystery as their fall play

Johnston Middle School students recently presented two shows of "Murder at Aunt Agatha's," 2 and 7 pm on Saturday, Nov. 12. It was a great performance of a murder mystery sprinkled with a bit of humor. The JMS fall play recently made a comeback after the school did not have a play for some time. Well done, cast and crew!
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Teachers connect about gifted education

Four Johnston teachers attended the 69th annual convention of the National Association for Gifted Children, held Nov. 17-20 in Indianapolis. Molly McConnell from JMS, Nikki Paradise-Williams from Lawson, Sue Cline from JHS and Kristen Hartman from Beaver Creek connected with experts and fellow colleagues across the nation and even other countries in the field of gifted education.
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Johnston represented at IASB Convention

Johnston was well-represented at the Iowa Association of School Boards Convention. The event included learning more about school finance, catching up on the latest education laws and networking with other school district leaders.
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Next week: 43rd annual JHS Madrigal

Tickets for the general public are still available for the 43rd annual JHS Madrigal, performed by the JHS Choral Department. The event will be held next week at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30 and Thursday, Dec. 1 at the JHS Auditorium. Tickets are $15.
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Here comes Santa Claus — to the annual pancake breakfast

The annual Santa Pancake Breakfast will be held 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3 at the JHS cafeteria. The event is open to the public. Bring a free will donation or an unwrapped toy to attend. All proceeds go to the Johnston Partnership.

Board Highlights from November 21, 2022

The full agenda of the Nov. 21, 2022 Annual Meeting can be viewed here.


SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Superintendent Laura Kacer shared an update on Standard Referenced Practices.


REPORTS

  • Certified Enrollment
  • First Reading of Policies 208.2 Standing Committees, 407.1 Licensed Employee Resignation and 607.2 Student Health Services.


ACTION ITEMS

  • Election of Officers (Katie Fiala re-elected Board President; Dr. Alicia Clevenger re-elected Board Vice President)
  • Approval of Additional Associate at Ellipsis (approved)
  • Approval of Resolution for a Conveyance of Real Property (approved)
  • Resolution Setting Hearing on Disposition of Real Property (approved)
  • Approval of School Budget Review Committee Application for Modified Supplemental Amount (MSA) for Increased Enrollment, Open Enrollment Out, and Limited English Proficient Beyond 5 years of Weighting (approved)
  • Approval of SBRC for Modified Supplemental Authority for LEP/ELL Programs (approved)
  • Approval of Annual Settlement (approved)
  • Approval of Bank Depositories and Maximum Balances (approved)
  • Approval of Welding Courses for 23-24 School Year (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 710.1 School Food Program, 710.2 Free or Reduced Cost Meals Eligibility, and 710.3 Vending Machines
  • Approval of Policies 710.5 Reduction of Food Waste and 710.5R1 Reduction of Food Waste Regulation (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 203 Board of Directors Conflict of Interest and 411.2 Classified Employee Qualifications, Recruitment, Seleciton (approved)
  • Approval of Policies 605.1 Instructional Materials Selection and 605.1R1 Selection of Instructional Materials (approved)
  • Closed session under Section 21.5(1)(j) of the Code of Iowa for Discussion of the Property at 4005 SE Capitol Circle.


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 December 12, 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.

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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