May 2017
From the Desk of Tom Wood,
Superintendent
Standardized Assessment Scores
Among many things that happen every spring is the return of
our Iowa Assessment scores. Now more than ever schools,
teachers, and students are under pressure to perform well on
standardized tests. What exactly are they used for, and what
do they mean? These questions have complex answers beyond
the expected, “They tell us what kids know.” That answer
alone is debatable.
The best answer is that standardized tests give us one snapshot
of student achievement. They are a measure of how students
do on one given day. They do not tell us what students know.
They do not give us a measure of intelligence or a predictor
for success. Standardized tests do have value. They can be an
early warning sign in some instances. We use them to analyze
skills and concepts that were problematic for many students.
This can help us change teaching strategies and inform
curricular decisions. As a school we are continually looking
for ways to improve, and standardized tests are one data set
we use to drive that improvement effort.
However, too often we get caught up in how the scores
compare to others. Iowa actually promotes this practice with
the concept of the State Report Card. Again, there are so many
factors that influence these scores that any kind of comparison
needs to be taken at face value. These comparisons tend to
lead us to focus on negative scores as well. This month I
wanted to share with you some of our most recent results on
the Iowa Assessments. All scores will be shared in various
formats in the future, including the spring SIAC meeting, but
for now I want to show you the most impressive scores from
our students. Iowa Assessments are given in grades 2-11.
We had several grade levels do very well this year, and the
scores below represent only the highest percentages of student
proficiency by grade level and subject:
Reading
2nd Grade: 88% 3rd Grade: 85% 9th Grade: 93% 10th
Grade: 85%
Math
3rd Grade: 85% 4th Grade: 87% 6th Grade: 88% 7th
Grade: 81%
8th Grade: 81%
th
9 Grade: 84% 10th Grade: 85% 11th Grade: 80%
Science
3rd Grade: 88% 4th Grade: 94% 8th Grade: 96%
Please contact one of the building principals for further
information on Iowa Assessments.
Thank you for your continued support.
From the Desk of Josh Moser,
Secondary Principal
“It can hardly be argued that either students or teachers
shed their constitutional rights
to freedom of speech or expression at the schoolhouse gate.”
-US Supreme Court Justice Abe Fortas, in the majority
opinion for Tinker v. Des Moines
This quote from Justice Fortas has become a mantra for use in
matters related to freedoms of press and expression in the
school setting. There is a time and place for what can be
considered “political” speech – those topics of widespread
interest and debate that impact many aspects of day-to-day
life. Recently, there was a situation involving posters used as
part of a senior countdown to their days until graduation that
challenged the limits of freedom of speech in schools. The two
posters in question propagated a message of support for the
LGBTQ+ community at MStM and beyond. The result was a
great deal of discussion, from all sides and all perspectives of
the issue that ultimately ended with all of the senior
countdown numbers being removed. That’s the abbreviated
version of events.
I have to remain objective in my decision-making, regardless
of my personal beliefs and preferences. I have to operate with
no agenda in mind or in practice, and I have to do so with
relative transparency. To that end, I am going to delineate my
thinking and decision-making processes in this matter, for no
reason other than the intended message of the posters is one of
personal, local, national, and international importance: civil
rights and freedom of expression.
In order to perform this explanation, I have included the policy
adopted by the Martensdale-St. Marys Board of Directors
related to freedom of expression in school settings. Board
policy is the guidance for all decision-making and policy
creation, and thus must be a fundamental part of this
explanation. Furthermore, the portions in bold, italicized
letters are those parts of the policy that were taken into
consideration, and the subsequent numerated points offer the
interpretation and application of the policy when making the
decision to remove the signs:
Code No. 502.3: FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION
Student expression, other than student expression in
student-produced official school publications, made
on the school district premises or under the
jurisdiction of the school district or as part of a
school-sponsored activity may be attributed to the
school district; therefore, student expression must be
responsible. Student expression must be appropriate
to assure that the students learn and meet the goals of
the school activity and that the potential audience is
not exposed to material that may be harmful or
inappropriate for their level of maturity (1).
Student expression will not, in the judgment of the
administration, encourage the breaking of laws,
defame others, be obscene or indecent, or cause a
material and substantial disruption to the education
program (2). The administration, when making this
judgment, will consider whether the activity in
which the expression was made is school-sponsored
and whether review or prohibition of the students’
speech furthers an educational purpose (3).
Further, the expression must be done in a
reasonable time, place, and manner that is not
disruptive to the orderly and efficient operation of
the school district (4).
(1) The location where the posters were displayed (the
cafeteria) is a space shared by both elementary and
secondary students. There were parents concerned by
the posters’ placements and the inevitable questions
they evoked. Parents and guardians have both a right
and a responsibility to answer those questions when
posed to them, but in their own time and own
manner.
(2) The posters did not, in any way, contain obscenity,
defamation, indecency, or illegal elements. That
being said, the messages the posters contained were
the subject of a great deal of otherwise off-topic
discussion in classrooms (which, by its nature,
detracted from the focus of students’ courses and
intended
learning
activities)
and
parent
communication expressing the appropriateness of the
posters’ locations, which is referenced in the previous
decision point. The phrase “material and substantial
disruption” is borrowed from the Tinker v. Des
Moines Supreme Court case referenced at the top of
this article. The other part of the disruption came
from what was certainly an unintended consequence
of the posters’ messages. For the week that the
posters were up, I was given reports of an uptick in
defamatory language directed at the LGBTQ+
students in our school as well as allies of these
students.
(3) From its inception, the senior countdown was meant
to serve as a fun reminder of the number of days left
in the senior class’s high school career. In and of
itself, it was not part of the educational program as it
was not a requirement for students to participate in
creating numbers for the countdown, let alone a
requirement to graduate from high school. Therefore,
it cannot be considered part of the educational
program.
(4) This fourth point is a culminating statement related to
the prior three, in terms of the placement of the
posters and the messages contained therein.
While there was no formal discipline or reprimand for the
creators of the posters, their removal may be perceived as
such. Additionally, the outpouring of questions – and in some
cases statements of outrage, disappointment, and fear – I
received following the posters’ removal indicated there was
not only overwhelming support for the students represented,
but also a need to continue a message of support.
The act of taking down the senior number posters was neither
a denial of rights nor a denunciation of identity. It was not an
attempt to minimize or suppress support of the LGBTQ+
students in our community. Instead, it launched a weeks-long
discussion of appropriate time and place for sharing and
displaying such messages. The intended messages of the
posters are certainly worth sharing and reiterating throughout
the school year. Moving forward, all items posted throughout
the school will need to be approved by an activity/club
sponsor or the principal. This is to ensure a) the posting
contains a clear and accurate message; and b) the
administration is in a position to answer questions and support
the message if/when those questions are raised.
In spite of any real or perceived controversy raised by two
posters in a school cafeteria, this is the reality: All students
have a right to a safe learning environment – safe from
ridicule, safe from harassment, safe from violence, and safe
from actions or speech that would make them feel less than a
human being. After talking with the students who created the
posters, it became clear their intent is to promote the
aforementioned positive message of acceptance and tolerance.
The sheer number of responses from current students,
graduates, and parents I received in the days following the
posters being taken down gives me hope, but also gives me
pause to recognize the need to offer more frequent and ageappropriate educational opportunities. One particular phone
call from a community member accused the posters of
“promoting the gay lifestyle,” which is an anachronistic
concept at best. Many understand that being LGBTQ+ is not a
“lifestyle” choice, thus illustrating the need for more education
and opportunity to understand. Furthermore, I received pleas
from recent alumni to spread the messages of tolerance,
acceptance, and education because of what they endured at
MStM as a gay, lesbian, or transgender student.
While there are many gray areas that are open to interpretation
when it comes to freedom of expression in schools, there are
some parts of this that are very clear. There are certain types
of speech and actions that are not permitted by either Board
policy or state law. The portion of the Student Handbook that
outlines this component reads as follows:
The board prohibits harassment, bullying, hazing, or
any other victimization, of students, based on any of
the following actual or perceived traits or
characteristics, including but not limited to, age,
color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital
status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity,
physical attributes, physical or mental ability or
disability, ancestry, political party preference,
political belief, socioeconomic status, or familial
status. Harassment against employees based upon
race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national
origin, religion, age or disability is also prohibited.
Regardless of where one falls in the oft-debated elements of
this topic, here are some statistics – not beliefs, not
assumptions, not preferences, but statistics of and about
LGBTQ+ youth in America:

42% of LGBTQ+ youth say their community is not
accepting of them

LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely to be physically
assaulted as their peers
 92% of LGBTQ+ youth report hearing negative
messages about them from school, the Internet, and
their peers
 LGBTQ+ youth are twice as likely as their peers to
suffer from depression and other mental health
concerns
 LGBTQ+ youth are 2-3 times more likely than their
peers to attempt suicide
 34% of LGBTQ+ youth who attempt suicide succeed
in completing the act
 20% of the homeless youth in Iowa are LGBTQ+
What makes any school community truly great is not what
makes us all the same; it comes from the diversity of those
who create the community. We may not all come from the
same backgrounds, have the same beliefs, share the same
values, and agree on all the same things. What we do have in
common is best spelled out in our mission statement: “Provide
a safe and progressive learning environment to enhance
student growth.” This has been and will continue to be the
driving force behind my work, and I hope that as a whole
community, we can continue toward this common goal.
Together.
Resources:
Human Rights Campaign (2016). “Growing up LGBT in
America.”
http://www.hrc.org/youth-report/view-and-share-statistics
NoBullying.com (2016). “LGBT bullying statistics.”
https://nobullying.com/lgbt-bullying-statistics/
Safe Schools Coalition (2015). “Homeless LGBT youth and
LGBT youth in foster care.”
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/RG-homeless.html
StopBullying.gov (2015). “Bullying of LGBT youth and those
perceived to have different sexual orientations.”
https://www.stopbullying.gov/atrisk/groups/lgbt/lgbtyouthtipsheet.pdf
From the Desk of Randy Folkerts,
Secondary Counselor
Commonly Asked Questions
Parents and students often ask some of the same questions
which I am glad to answer. This article tries to address a lot of
commonly asked questions in regard to college planning.
1. When should my student take the ACT?
There is no magic time to take the ACT. My usual
response is to take the ACT during the junior year but
it can be taken earlier. A good rule of thumb is to
take the ACT when a student is enrolled in Algebra
II. There is a lot of geometry and algebra on the ACT
and sometimes it is helpful to take the ACT while
enrolled in Algebra II. For sure, a student who is
applying to a four year college/university should take
the ACT at least during their junior year so they will
have an ACT score to use to apply to four year
colleges in the fall of their senior year.
Should a student take the ACT more than once?
ACT reports that 55% of students that take the ACT a
second time raise their score. Realize that it
obviously benefits ACT monetarily for students to
take the test multiple times. But the 55% figure is a
reasonable expectation. Students should do some type
of preparation prior to taking the test. The most
beneficial preparation is just doing practice tests.
3. If a student takes the ACT a second time, does that hurt
the student’s chance of admission to a college?
No. Colleges will take the highest score.
4. What is the score that a student should get on the ACT
to be admitted?
A 20 composite score is commonly seen as a major
indicator of four year college success. It actually
varies college to college. Some colleges have higher
admission standards so the ACT score requirement
will be higher. Other colleges may have lower
admission standards. To be sure, check the college
website and click on admissions for the freshman
admission requirements. Or call the admissions office
and speak to a college admissions representative.
5. How Can I find more information about college and
career choices for my son/daughter?
The state of Iowa has provided an excellent resource
for all schools called Choices Planner. It is a web
based college and career information center that has a
great deal of information about colleges and careers.
The website is administrated through the Iowa
College Student Aid Commission. Go to:
www.ihaveaplaniowa.gov Click on “First Time
User” to establish a new electronic portfolio or
“Returning User” to check and add to your existing
portfolio. Choices Planner has an interest inventory, a
skills assessment, a values sorter, and many other
resources available to help students and parents in the
career/college search process.
SUMMER 2017 – What Juniors can do to Prepare for
College Planning
1. Attend Iowa Private College Week, July 31 st - August 4th,
2017 (See article below)
2. Put together a portfolio of information to be ready to fill out
college applications. Accumulate information in regards to
activities, honors and awards, volunteer and community
service accomplishments. This makes it easier to complete
scholarship applications and college admission applications.
3. Volunteer in service opportunities and then list them on
applications for scholarships.
4. Spend time surfing college web sites to learn about
prospective colleges and narrow your list to 3-5 colleges.
Class of 2018: Plan College Visits for Fall, 2017
The fall is a busy time with start of school, fall athletics, fall
music and speech activities. Now is a good time to begin to
think about scheduling college visits to prospective colleges. It
is best to go in the fall before snow blankets the campus. It is
important for parents to arrange time off from work to go on
the visit. Check college web sites or call college admission
offices for individual and group visit days. The campus visit is
the single most important factor in deciding which college to
attend. Planning ahead and coordinating school and work
schedules can be tricky, but looking ahead can give you a day
that will work well for students and parents.
Iowa Private College Week: July 31st - August 4th, 2017
For five days, Iowa’s private colleges and universities are
inviting you and your parents to explore campuses, visit with
professors, meet coaches, hear what current students have
to say, and learn about all academic and social
opportunities. Variety is the spice of life, so check out up to
ten different colleges during the week, compare notes and
decide which college fits you. Tours are schedules twice each
day at each campus: 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Iowa Private
College Week 2017: July 31st - August 4th. Go to
www.thinkindependently.com to register for this summer.
From the Desk of Dana Smith,
Elementary Counselor
Neiderheiser with her flute solo, Anna Ohman with her flute
solo, and Tim Hornback with his saxophone solo.
I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to
the families of Martensdale St. Marys. I have chosen to leave
at the end of this school year to explore other options. I have
really enjoyed getting to know your students as well as their
families. It has given me the opportunity to learn a lot about
meeting the needs of students and expecting the best from
them. These past 2 years have helped me become a better
educator and a better advocate for students. Thank you again
for sharing your most precious gift with me.
Chorus students who earned a #1 Superior rating are Katelyn
Amfahr with a solo, Kailyn DiCesare with a solo, and the
Early Bird Trio of Tim Hornback, Dominick DiCesare, and
Ethan Christensen. Chorus students who earned a #2
Excellent rating are Hope Hamilton with a solo, Jessica Doster
with a solo, Jena Wenck with a solo, Alanna Kiene with a
solo, and Tim Hornback with his solo.
Thank you to all these fine students for representing MStM
with such positive performances!
Music! Music! Music!
From the Desk of Amy Sowder
Yearbook
Gold:
Warren Town & County News
Fareway of Norwalk
Clark Agency-Farm Bureau
Farmers and Merchants Banks
City State Bank of Norwalk
Lane Insurance Agency
Southtown Chrysler
Gannett Publishing Services
Indianola Record Herald
Wiegert Disposal
Our high school band and chorus will be participating in the
Iowa High School Music Association Large Group Festival on
Friday, May 5th at the Winterset high school. Band will
perform at 4:30 p.m. and chorus will be performing at 6:00
p.m. There is a small entry fee into the festival to watch the
performances.
The next day, Saturday May 6th, our band and chorus students
in grade 5-8 have the opportunity to prepare and perform
music before a judge here at school in the music room.
Silver:
Our high school spring concert is Tuesday, May 9 th in the high
school gym at 7:00 p.m. Both band and chorus will be
performing, as well as the students who performed well at the
IHSMA Solo/Ensemble Festival. We will recognize and honor
our senior music students at this time.
All Creatures Small
BB&P Feed & Grain
Norwalk Veterinary Clinic
Monday, May 15th is the junior high band and chorus concert
here at school at 7:00 p.m., as well as solo or group ensembles
that performed well on that Saturday, May 6 th festival.
From the Desks of Susan Gabbert-Clark,
K-12 Music & Randy Olson,
5-12 Band
Congratulation to the high school band and chorus students
that participated in the Iowa High School Music Association
Solo/Ensemble festival on Saturday, April 8th!
These students and their ratings are for band: Percussion
Ensemble #1 Superior rating with Michael Darr, Tim
Hornback, Logan Majors, Essa Johanson, and Ethan
Christensen; Saxophone Ensemble #1 Superior rating with
Tim Hornback, Katelyn Amfahr, Alisha Kauten, and Ethan
Christensen; and Ethan Christensen with his saxophone solo,
#1 Superior rating. Band students who received a #2
Excellent rating are Michael Darr with a drum solo, Emma
Tuesday, May 16th, all high school band and chorus students
will be recognized at the Awards Night program. Certificates
of Participation along with earned Letters will be award to
those deserving students.
That same week on Thursday, May 18th, our 4th grade recorder
students along with the 5th and 6th grade bands will
demonstrate and perform the music they have learned this
spring!
The following day, our own 5th and 6th grade honor choir will
perform the National Anthem at the elementary Fun Run.
Sunday, May 21st, both the high school band and chorus will
perform at Graduation. This ceremony is at 2:00 p.m. in the
high school gym.
Monday, May 22nd, our 5th and 6th grade students will be
performing at the annual Talent Show at 2:00 p.m. in the high
school gym.
On Friday, May 26th, the junior high and high school band and
chorus are planning a trip to Adventureland!
Please mark these on your calendar to come and support all of
our fine young musicians!
5th & 6th Grade Honor Choir, back row left to right:
Mrs. Clark, Caden Cozad, Priscilla Palacios, Ava Oberender,
Aria Volz, Emma Giles, Autumn Ackerson, Megan
Dorenkamp and Jaysee Ameigh.
Front row left to right:
Leah Wolff, Carolyn Amfahr, Kai Smith, Avery Schad, Julian
Huston, Johnnie Cassady, and Cordelia Fluharty
commands, verbs that are irregular in the “I” form, the two
verbs that mean to know, one of the past tenses. They have
learned vocabulary about household chores, the body and
taking care of one’s self, sports, celebrations, and technology.
The students will start to learn about daily routines and
reflexive verbs.
Spanish 3 and 4 have learned about direct and indirect object
pronouns, the past tenses, progressive, commands for the
formal you.
They have expanded their vocabulary on
camping, sports, food, and are currently learning about movie
vocabulary and informal commands.
In 7th grade Spanish we are learning about clothing, numbers,
and colors. Mrs. Sowder and I will be collaborating with the
clothing vocabulary, and Ms. Merhi and I plan to collaborate
with Spanish-speaking artists.
¡Muchas gracias!
Señora Sorter
Seniors and the Changes They are Thinking About by
Hope Hamilton
From the Desk of Ashley Sorter,
Spanish
¡Hola!
This has been a very busy year for me as it is my first year
here at Martensdale-St. Marys.
In Spanish 1 we are learning how to conjugate all kinds of
verbs. We’ve started with some common verbs like to have,
to like and to be. We’ve continued on with learning how to
conjugate verbs that end in ar, er, or ir. We continue to learn
about different kinds of verbs like stem-changing verbs. That
is when there a spelling change in the middle of the verb.
Spanish 1 has a learned a variety of vocabulary like food,
clothing, emotions, family, weather, numbers, introductions,
dates, classes, class objects, descriptions, and more! Currently
the students are expanding their food vocabulary.
Spanish 2 students are learning more about the Spanish
grammar, vocabulary and culture. They have learned about
stem-changing verbs. There are three different kinds, “e→ ie,
o→ ue, and e→ i. They learned about direct object pronouns,
Change is a word that fills some people with excitement,
others with dread. What changed for us seniors when we
started coming to our small school of Martensdale-St-Marys?
Maybe it’s the friends we made, the memories, the good or the
bad things that have happened, and losing a friend
unexpectedly. When I think about all these seniors, I see a lot
of change coming in our near future as well, because most of
them are going to college, some are going to work, and some
traveling.
Senior Bret Barnett used to go to Indianola but became a Blue
Devil as a freshman. He has more friends here and hangs out a
lot more than before. The move has impacted Barnett because
now he’s more sociable, gets to play more sports, experiences
less hallway traffic, and he has earned more college credits
than he would’ve at his previous school. Our small school has
offered Barnett the change that really improved his teenage
life.
Senior Brooke Young has been at Martensdale-St-Marys since
pre-school, so her perspective is broad. In elementary, Young
remembers lots of group activities, but the change to high
school lead to more independent work, which isn’t always the
best route for her. She realizes policies have changed over the
years, all in an effort to keep everyone safe. The biggest
change that has happened to her is the birth of her son, Max.
Being a teenage mother has forced changes to her free time
and work time. And now she will be getting her own house
upon graduation.
A new senior, Kevin Duncan, transferred from Valley High
School and a lot of things have changed for him here. He has
to get up earlier to get to school, and on a positive note, he
feels like he builds more relationships here because he sees his
friends more often than at a school with more than 3,000. The
move has impacted him socially. He likes it better here
because he knows the kids who sit in his classes, gets his own
computer, doesn't have to walk very far to class, and he
actually uses his locker.
We are preparing to leave our small school with a big heart
and become adults. Change is a comin.’
From the desk of Diane Merhi,
PK-12 Art
I am so glad to be working with all my new art students at
Martendsale! Already students are creating great works of art
because there are a great deal of incredibly talented students in
the district! I find almost every student has a great attitude, is
willing to experiment with new materials and projects, and
enjoys participating in art.
Spring in elementary art has students busy working with
paintings, collage, mobiles, printmaking, collaborative group
art pieces and more. In high school pottery, students are
creating ceramic sculptures on the Potter’s Wheel, in addition
to slab, and hand building techniques. I have been quite
impressed with the quality of the ceramic sculptures I have
seen students create so far. In two-dimensional design,
students have created paintings, drawings, tie-dye, origami
inspired paper Kirigami, and more.
I have truly enjoyed this year teaching at Martendsale, and I
am excited to have the opportunity next year to continue to
help students learn and grow as artists and individuals!
Left to right: Austin Rudich, Blake Clark, Andrew Shutt,
Hope Hamilton and Courtney Gehringer.
Incoming 7th and 12th grade students
Alene Kirvin, PK-12 Nurse
Next school year will come with some changes in
Vaccination Requirements for students entering the seventh
grade and for seniors.
For students entering the seventh grade and born after
September 15, 2004, you will need to have proof of one
dose of the meningococcal vaccine. Seventh grade also
requires a booster for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis also,
so make sure you have had both of them done prior to
school starting.
Students who will be seniors and born after September 15,
1999, must have proof of two doses of the meningococcal
vaccine; or 1 dose if it was given on or after the student’s
sixteenth birthday.
The meningococcal vaccine will protect against meningitis,
which is a very serious, life threatening infection that can
infect the brain, blood and spinal cord.
The state is not allowing us to give you extended time to
get these vaccinations done. That means that they need to
be done before school starts!!! If you do not have the
vaccination at that time your student will be required to
have a medical or religious exemption on file.
If you have questions please call me at school. I just want
you to be aware so you have the summer to get this
completed.
From the Desks of Joe Franey and Jodi Noga,
6th Grade
6th Grade DARE Graduation
On April 25, 2017 our sixth grade students celebrated the end
of their DARE program with a graduation ceremony,
reception, and dance at the school. DARE stands for Drug
Abuse Resistance Education. The students met with Deputy
Cameron VanZante from the Warren County Sheriff’s Office
once a week for fourteen weeks to learn about the dangers and
risks associated with drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and bullying.
The students participated in whole class, small group, and
individual instruction and hands-on activities to learn positive
ways to deal with peer pressure and learn some tools to make
good decisions. The DARE decision making model, or
DDMM, can assist the students in making good choices using
steps associated with the acronym DARE. The D stands for
define; what is the challenge, problem, or opportunity? The A
means asses; what are the possible choices? The R stands for
respond; make a choice. The E means evaluate; review the
choice you made to see if it was a good one. At the end of the
program, students wrote essays and created posters to share
what they had learned during the DARE program. The
following students received awards from Deputy VanZante at
the graduation ceremony for their essays and posters:
Overall
Justin
essay
Wenck, 6N
winner
1st place
Braelynn
essay
Long, 6N
winners
2nd place
Emery
essay
Gibson, 6N
winners
1st place
Jenny
poster
Wilson, 6N
winners
2nd place poster winners
Congratulations to the gymnasts from SCI energizers
that competed at the USTA state gymnastics competition
in Marshalltown this weekend. We have 4 nationals
qualifiers from MStM: Lilly Minor, Alena Oberbroeckling,
Rylie Fugate and Riley Kentfield. These girls will compete
in June at USTA Nationals in Madison Wisconsin!
Great job Girls! Congratulations!
Kailey Phinney, 6F
Eric Reines-Schmidt, 6F
Andrew Dunahoo, 6F
Megan
Dorenkamp,
6N
Jaysee
Ameigh, 6F
Rylie Fugate
Alena Oberbroeckling
The students enjoyed their time learning about resisting drugs,
alcohol, and tobacco and all successfully graduated from the
DARE program. Congratulations to the graduates and best of
luck to our sixth graders as they move on to junior high next
year!
Lily Minor
Riley Kentfield
Through generous donations our school received a grant from Connecting Kids and Culture this year. We were able to use this money
to bring Opera Iowa to our school. On April 4th students were treated to an opera performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. Prior to the
performance students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades had the opportunity to attend workshops. These workshops gave students a bit deeper
understanding of opera. It was a great opportunity to expose students to another type of performance.
Brain Teasers/Riddles in Library
Submitted by David Simpson, Library Associate
As the year winds to a close, students can continue to test their wits with the Brain Teasers/Riddles on the Library/Media Center
door. Here are some recent ones:
1.) What happened when Independence Hall told a joke to the Liberty Bell?
2.) Which side of the house gets the most rain?
3.) Tuesday, Sam and Ben went to a restaurant for lunch. After eating, one of them paid. But neither Sam nor Ben paid.
Who did?
4.) In a 10 K foot race, Joseph beat Sage by 20 meters and Evan by 40 meters. If Sage and Evan were to run a 10 K race,
and Sage gave Evan a 20-meter head start, who would theoretically win?
1: It cracked up
2: The outside
3: Tuesday
4: Sage would win. He was 20 meters ahead of Evan in the first race. If Sage gave Evan a 20 meter head start, the race would be even 20 meters from the end.
But in the final 20 meters, Sage, who was faster, would have pulled ahead and won.
Answers:
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING MARCH 20, 2017
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in regular session, pursuant to law on March 20,
2017.
Members Present:; Vice President, Dean Furness; Ralph DiCesare, Dawn Reeves and John Ralls together with Superintendent Tom
Wood; Principal, Josh Moser; Principal, Beth Happe; and Business Manager, Jill Gavin.
Absent: President, Nicole Bunch
I.
Welcome – Board President
Mr. Furness called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and welcomed all guests.
II.
Consent Items
A. Approval of Minutes – Board President
B. Approval of Agenda – Board President
C. Approval of Bills and Secretary’s Report – Board President
D. Approval of Hot Lunch and Activity Reports – Board President
Mr. Furness motioned to approve the consent items, seconded by Mr. Ralls. Roll call: 3 ayes.
III.
Celebrations
Mr. Wood met with the marketing committee recently about finding ways for more publicity and more recognition of our students and
the school. We are seeing more in the Indianola Record Herald for the recent PBIS Assembly and the Variety Show. We are urging
staff to continue to submit to the paper as this is an easy way to get our name out to the public.
Mr. Moser congratulated the boys’ basketball team for their successful season. The team was very exciting to watch and proud of the
boys and their character. Mr. Moser congratulated the Speech team as they qualified for state contest and congratulated the Music
Department for the successful variety show. We have a lot of talent here!
IV.
Public Comments -none
V.
Old Business
A. Reports
1) MStM Music Booster Minutes - minutes from February 13, 2017
2) MStM Athletic Booster Minutes – minutes from February 8, 2017
3) MStM PTO Minutes – minutes from February 20, 2017
B. Presentations
1) Facilities Report
Mr. Christensen
Due to unplanned circumstances, a demo on the security cameras will take place at the April board meeting.
2) Principal’s Report
Ms. Happe
Ms. Happe presented to the board the Strategic Action Plan to address PK-6 literacy. She went over long range and annual goals. All
students will attain high levels of academic achievement throughout their school career. Elementary students will have access to 60120 minutes of instruction time scheduled and protected for Universal Tier literacy learning. PK students will have 60 minutes
embedded through the day.
3) Principal’s Report
Mr. Moser
Mr. Moser presented to the board the Strategic Action Plan to address secondary literacy. He went over long range and annual goals.
All students will attain high levels of academic achievement throughout their school career. Students in grades 7-12 will demonstrate
measurable improvement in College & Career Ready Growth and Annual Expected Growth as defined by the Iowa School Report
Card. College & Career Ready Growth is defined as a percentage of students who are on a trajectory to be college and career ready by
the end of high school. A composite is created using reading and math growth across the prior two years to provide a stable view of
the percent of students growing toward college and career readiness. Current efforts toward improvement include planned data access
and analysis time for teachers, identifying key goal areas for action planning, development of secondary multi-tiered system of
support, focus on college and career readiness, increasing rigor and implementing data-driven instructional improvement and
providing all staff with legislative updates.
4) Superintendent’s Report
Supt. Wood
Mr. Wood discussed Chapter 20 changes. The only required piece of bargaining to be done now is base salary. Items that were
considered to be permissive or mandatory are now illegal or permissive. Many of the other outcomes are likely to be settled in court
cases. Our teachers are very grateful that we settled for a 2 year contract prior to the Chapter 20 changes.
There is other education legislation could allow more flexibility for local school district spending and loosen up some of the
regulations on what categories some items can be spent through. This could be especially beneficial for us when enrollment is not
growing.
VI.
New Business
A. Approve Publication of Proposed 2016-2017 Budget Amendment
Supt. Wood
Mr. Ralls motioned to approve the publication of the proposed 2016-2017 Budget Amendment, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4
ayes.
B. Approve Budget Guarantee Resolution for 2017-2018
Supt. Wood
RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District, will levy property tax for fiscal
year 2017-2018 for the regular program budget adjustment as allowed under section 257.14, Code of Iowa. Mrs. Reeves motioned to
approve the Budget Guarantee Resolution for 2017-2018, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
C. Approve Publication of Proposed 2017-2018 Budget
Supt. Wood
The Board agreed to publish the tax rate of 15.64 for the 2017-2018 school year. This is the amount that will be published in the
Indianola Record Herald on March 29, 2017. Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the publication of the proposed 2017-2018 budget,
seconded by Mr. Ralls. Roll call: 4 ayes.
D. Approve Weight Room Upgrades Recommendations
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the recommended upgrades to the weight room from Power Lift, Jesup Gym and Rogue Fitness to
be paid out of Capital Projects and General Fund, seconded by Mr. Ralls. Roll call: 4 ayes.
E. Approve Softball Scoreboard
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to purchase a new softball scoreboard to be paid out of PPEL with a donation from the Athletic Boosters to
cover the installation, seconded Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
F. Approve Timberline Billing Service Contract
Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the Timberline Billing Service contract for the term of July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2020,
seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
G. 1st Reading Policy 401.13
Supt. Wood
H. Discuss/Approve Policies 200.1R1, 210.2, 411.2, 701.3
Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve Policies 200.1R1, 210.2, 411.2, 701.3 with the recommended changes, seconded by Mrs. Reeves.
Roll call: 4 ayes.
I. Approve Personnel Resignations
Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the resignations of Dana Smith, Elementary Counselor; and Chaniese Crowe, Wrestling Cheer
Coach, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
J. Approve Personnel Recommendations
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve Dylan Gibson and Miler Hatcher, Volunteer Golf Coaches; and Aaron Sewell, Assistant Boys Track
Coach, seconded by Mr. Ralls. Roll call: 4 ayes.
K. Discuss/Approve Foreign Exchange Students 2017-2018
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the request for a foreign exchange student for the 2017-2018 school year, seconded by Mr.
DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
L. Discuss/Approve Bus Driver Increase 2017-2018
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the increase for the bus drivers for the 2017-2018 school year, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call:
4 ayes.
M. Confirm – Next Meeting Dates
The next school board meeting will be held on April 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m.
Supt. Wood
VII.
Adjournment
Mr. Ralls motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes. Time: 5:54 p.m.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING MARCH 20, 2017
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District met in special session followed by the regular
session by, pursuant to law on March 20, 2017.
Members Present: Vice President, Dean Furness, Ralph DiCesare, John Ralls and Dawn Reeves and together with Superintendent
Tom Wood and Business Manager, Jill Gavin.
Members Absent: President, Nicole Bunch
II.
Welcome – Board President
Mr. Furness called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and welcomed all guests.
II.
Public Comments -none
III. New Business
A. Budget Workshop
Mr. Wood and Mrs. Gavin presented to the Board the Certified Budget Preview for 2017-2018. They covered key unknowns that the
district needs to continue to monitor which included supplemental state aid, enrollment trends, property valuations, legislation
changes, salary settlements, open enrollment and other expenses. They discussed the importance of our solvency ratio, staff costs, and
spending authority; which is the most important measure for a school district. This is the total amount of spending authority
remaining at the conclusion of a fiscal year. If this measure starts to trend down and goes negative for two years in a row, the district
would be subject to close. Historical information on supplemental state aid was shared. An increase of only $73 per student is being
provided to the district for fiscal year 2017-2018. The impact of new money, budget guarantee and regular program funding levels
were discussed. The district’s tax rates and levies were compared to area school districts. Property values for 2017-2018 were shared
with the Board. Enrollment trends were presented. Key assumptions used to project a 5-year budget for the district was presented.
The district is considering not replacing 1.5 FTE positions for the 2017-2018. The district settled on a 1.75% increase in salaries but
received an 8% increase in health insurance premiums. The 5-year projections provided showed a decrease in enrollment, decrease in
state aid, decrease in the solvency ratio, and a gradual decrease in our unspent authorized budget. This information is used to direct
the district in making some tough decisions in staff and future one-time purchases.
Mr. Wood shared with the Board the start-up and sustaining costs it would take to create a new Vocational Agriculture program that
has been requested by several families. Mr. Wood shared the 5-year annual costs in salaries and a budget for supplies, technology and
equipment necessary to possibly start a new program. The Board’s concerns included the perception and justification of not replacing
1.5 FTE to save on salaries but creating a new program. They discussed the lack of space for a new program and the possible changes
to the CTE requirements that are being discussed by the legislation. New guidance regarding the CTE redesign, including the change
to regional academies, may prevent any new CTE programs being added by any schools. This change would include vocational
agriculture programs which fall under the umbrella of CTE. The option to have students go to an existing FFA program at Central
Campus was discussed and the Board members were very impressed with this program. Students are also allowed to enroll in the FFA
program at Interstate 35 or Indianola. The district would consider transporting students if there is an interest. The Board asked if we
had seen the results of the survey that was given to students and parents. The district has not seen the results. The families have
requested to present at the April board meeting.
VII.
Adjournment
Mr. Ralls motioned to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes. Time: 6:54 p.m.
Martensdale-St Marys
May, 2017
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
4:00pm TrackB/Varsity East Union vs.
Multiple Schools @ Wayne
High School
4:00pm TrackG/Varsity East Union vs.
Multiple Schools @ Wayne
High School
7
8
9
7:01am-8:01am FCA
Meeting @ Room 216
7:00pm HS Spring
Concert @ HS Gym
15
7:00pm JH Spring
Concert @ HS Gym
21
16
22
29
23
End of 4th Quarter
Last Day of School
End of 2nd Semester
1:00 Dismissal
6:00pm BaseballJV Coon Rapids
Bayard @ Coon
Rapids Bayard
8:00pm BaseballVarsity Coon Rapids
Bayard @ Coon
Rapids Bayard
30
6:00pm BaseballNo School
JV Pleasantville @
6:00pm BaseballMartensdale-St.
JV Earlham @
Marys
Martensdale-St. Marys
6:00pm Softball8:00pm BaseballJV Pleasantville @
Varsity Earlham @
Martensdale-St.
Martensdale-St. Marys, St.
Marys Jr Sr High
Marys-Baseball Field
School, Softball Field
Friday
10
1:00 Dismissal
12:35pm NHS
Meeting @ Mr.
Hansens Room
11
4:00pm TrackG/Varsity Earlham
@ Earlham High
School
4:00pm TrackB/Varsity Earlham
@ Earlham High
School
17
24
Professional
Development
3:45pm Baseball
-JV Des Moines
North @ Des
Moines North
5:30pm BaseballVarsity Des
Moines North@
Des Moines North
31
6:00pm BaseballJV Madrid @
Martensdale-St.
Marys
6:00pm SoftballJV Des Moines
Christian @ Des
Moines Christian
School
7:30pm Softball7:30pm SoftballVarsity Pleasantville Varsity Des
@ Martensdale-St.
Moines
Marys Jr Sr High
Christian @ Des
School, Softball Field Moines Christian
8:00pm BaseballSchool
Varsity Pleasantville 8:00pm Baseball@ Martensdale-St.
Varsity Madrid @
Marys
Martensdale-St.
Marys
Saturday
4
4:15pm TrackJH Martensdale-St
Marys vs. Multiple
Schools @
Martensdale-St.
Marys Jr Sr High
School
7:01am-8:01am FCA Last School Day
Meeting @ Room 216
for Seniors
6:00pm6:30pm National Honor
Society Induction @ JHHS Media Center
6:30pm8:00pm Academic &
Fine Arts Awards
Night @ Elem. Gym
9:51am-10:23am JH Awards
Assembly @ HS Gym
2:00pm 4th gr recorder, 5/6
band, 5/6 talent show @ HS
Gym
6:00pm Baseball-JV AdairCasey / Guthrie Center @
Adair-Casey Junior-Senior High
School
8:00pm BaseballVarsity Adair-Casey / Guthrie
Center @ Adair-Casey JuniorSenior High School
28
Thursday
3
7:01am-8:01am FCA
Meeting @ Room 216
9:00am GolfVarsity Lenox @ Lenox
High School
9:00am GolfVarsity Central
Decatur @ Central
Decatur
4:15pm TrackJH Interstate 35 @
Interstate 35 High
School
PTO Meeting
4:00pm Golf-Varsity Central
Decatur @ Central Decatur
4:00pm School Board
Meeting @ Supt. Office
4:30pm TrackG/Varsity Martensdale-St
Marys vs. Multiple Schools @
Martensdale-St. Marys, Blue
Devil Stadium
5:00pm TrackB/Varsity Nodaway Valley @
Nodaway Valley High School
6:00pm Music Booster
Meeting @ Music Room
14
2:00pm
Graduation
Ceremony @
HS Gym
Wednesday
2
18
TBD TrackG/Varsity IGHSAU
@ Drake Stadium
TBD TrackB/Varsity IHSAA @
Drake Stadium
25
Professional
Development
6:00pm SoftballJV Wayne @ Wayne
Community
6:00pm BaseballJV Oskaloosa @
Martensdale-St.
Marys
7:30pm SoftballVarsity Wayne @
Wayne Community
8:00pm BaseballVarsity Oskaloosa @
Martensdale-St.
Marys
5
6
IHSMA Large Group
Band/Chorus
Festival @ Winterset
HS
4:00pm GolfVarsity Winterset
vs. Multiple
Schools @ Winterset
High School
12
13
7:45am8:15am Muffins for
Moms @ Elem. Gym
19
20
TBD TrackG/Varsity IGHSAU @
Drake Stadium
TBD TrackB/Varsity IHSAA @
Drake Stadium
10:00am Graduation
Rehearsal @ HS Gym
26
Professional
Development
6:00pm BaseballJV East Union @
East Union
6:00pm SoftballJV East Union @
East Union
7:30pm SoftballVarsity East
Union @ East Union
8:00pm BaseballVarsity East
Union @ East Union
27
9:00am SoftballVarsity Ogden @
Ogden High School
6:00pm BaseballJV Twin Cedars
Community
Schools @
Martensdale-St.
Marys
8:00pm BaseballVarsity Twin
Cedars
Community
Schools @
Martensdale-St.
Marys
In addition to the
breakfast items
listed, yogurt,
breakfast bars
and fresh fruit are
offered daily!!
Monday
5/1
Tuesday
Day 4B 5/2
Wednesday
Day 5A 5/3
Thursday
Day 6B 5/4
Friday
Day 1A 5/5
Day 2B
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Egg/Cheese Biscuit
Milk & Juice
Pancakes/Sausage Pattie Donut
Milk & Juice
Milk & Juice
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Cheeseburger w/g Bun
Potato Wedge
Carrots
Applesauce
Milk
Spaghetti
Lettuce
Broccoli/Pineapple
Bread HS
Milk
Orange Chicken
Rice/Carrots
Asian Veggies
Peaches
Milk
Macaroni & Cheese
Peas/Broccoli Normandy
Mixed Fruit
Bread HS
Milk
5/8
Day 3A
5/9
Day 4B
5/10
Turkey Burger w/g Bun
Cheese
Green Beans
Baked Beans/Pears
Milk
Day 5A 5/11
Day 6B 5/12
Day 1A
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Egg/Toast
Milk & Juice
Sausage/Cheese Biscuit Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Milk & Juice
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Chicken Nuggets
Broccoli
Mixed Vegetable
Mixed Fruit/Bread
Milk
Sloppy Joes w/g Bun
French Fries
Carrots
Peaches
Milk
BBQ Meat w/g Bun
Baked Beans
Green Beans
Applesauce
Milk
Meat
Broccoli Normandy
Carrots
Pineapple
Milk
5/15
Day 2B 5/16
Day 3A 5/17
Breaded Pork Pattie
Mashed Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Pears/Bread HS
Milk
Day 4B 5/18
Day 5A 5/19
Day 6B
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Egg/Toast
Milk & Juice
Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Cheese Pizza
Corn
Broccoli
Peaches
Milk
Meatball Sub w/g Bun
Lettuce
Green Beans
Pineapple
Milk
Meat
Carrots
Potato Wedge
Applesauce/Bread
Milk
Z-Rib Pattie w/g Bun
Baked Beans
Coleslaw
Mixed Fruit
Milk
Cold Ham/Cheese Sand.
Carrots
Celery
Fruit
Milk
5/25
5/26
5/22
Day 1A 5/23
Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Cook's Choice
Milk & Juice
Popcorn Chicken
Veggie
Fruit
Bread
Milk
Meat
Vegetable
Fruit
Bread
Milk
5/29
5/30
Day 2B 5/24
5/31
Grades 4-12
have a fruit and
vegetable bar
available to
them.
**** THIS MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ****
Non-discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. "In accordance with Federal law and U.S.
Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or
disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington,
D.C. 20250-10410, or call toll free (866)632-1010102 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA
through the Federal Relay Service at (800)877-83310; or (800)845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
It is the policy of the Martensdale-St. Marys 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 Equity
Coordinator.
MStM’s Equity Coordinator is Josh Moser, secondary
principal. His address is MStM Community School, 390
Burlington, Martensdale, Iowa 50160. His phone number is
641-764-2686
and
his
email
address
is:
[email protected]
The Martensdale-St. Marys District Newsletter is
published by the last day of the preceding month.
The newsletter is available for pickup in the
Superintendent’s office, Post Office and the Jiffy station, all
are located in Martensdale.
You may also view it on the http://www.MStM.us website.
Questions or concerns may be addressed to:
Mrs. DePauw
Martensdale-St.Marys
Elementary Office
390 Burlington Ave.
Martensdale, Iowa 50160
or by email
[email protected]
Office: 641-764-2470
Fax: 641-764-2100