PROMOTING EXCELLENCE IN ACADEMICS, ARTS, AND ATHLETICS
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
MUSTANG DISTRICT NEWS
JANUARY 2015
A Magical Time of Year
E LV E S V I S IT
PRESCHOOL
Elves of all sizes and ages poured into Mrs. Nowak’s preschool
classroom to help prepare for the holidays and share a li le cheer.
Grandparents and special friends worked with the preschoolers
to make cards, wrapping paper, and gi s for the children’s
families. A highlight was decora ng cookies and sharing
them for snack. The classroom was just as bustling as
Santa’s own workshop and a er everyone had their
fill of cookies, carols were sung and a holiday story
shared.
Read about more magical moments on
page 4
Gingerbread Day
The kindergarten teachers and students would
like to thank WETAP for helping fund the annual
Gingerbread Day. There are numerous supplies
needed to make this day complete, and it could not
be done without WETAP or the wonderful volunteers
who come on this day.
Thank you for making Gingerbread Day
one to remember!
IN THIS ISSUE
Elves Visit PreSchool ...................................................... 1
Gingerbread Day............................................................ 1
Mustang Legacy Society ................................................ 2
“Hot Jobs” ..................................................................... 2
Hard Surface Routes ...................................................... 2
RC RAIL Survey............................................................... 2
MV Robo cs Club .......................................................... 2
Late Start Reminder....................................................... 2
MS Fitness Group .......................................................... 2
Iowa Assessments ......................................................... 3
Cornell Tutors ................................................................ 3
Congratula ons ............................................................. 3
Post Season Football Honors ......................................... 3
School Breakfast Survey ................................................ 3
Middle School Clothing Drive ........................................ 4
Magical Night Art & Caroling Fest ................................. 4
Giving Parents, Staff and Community ............................ 4
MS Quiz Bowl Takes First .............................................. 4
Hour of Code ................................................................. 5
Middle School Ski Trip ................................................... 5
Washington Elementary Chorus Club ............................ 5
Night of the Notables .................................................... 5
Orchestra, Concert Choir and Band Performances........ 5
January Breakfast & Lunch Menu .................................. 6
Archery Update ............................................................. 6
First NASP Archery Tournament .................................... 6
Reminder for Cold Weather .......................................... 6
Mount Vernon Fine Arts Associa on ............................. 7
Cold Weather Delays, Cancella ons or Changes ........... 7
WETAP ........................................................................... 7
Classroom Cash ............................................................. 7
Free or Reduced Price School Meals ............................. 7
Photo Thank You............................................................ 7
January Ac vity Calendar .............................................. 7
Upcoming So ball Fundraiser ....................................... 8
High School Girls Track Parent Mee ng ........................ 8
Signing Day .................................................................... 8
Reminder....
January 1 - 2: No Classes - Winter Break
January 5: Classes Resume
January 19: Early Dismissal - 12:30 pm
M
C
D
V
S
525 Palisades Road SW
Mount Vernon, IA 52314-1761
Non Profit Organiza on
U.S. Postage
P A I D
Mount Vernon, IA
Permit No. 3
2
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
-ALUMNI QUOTEJean Pavelka LiƩs from the Mount Vernon High
School class of 1953 started driving the bus for
Mount Vernon schools when her daughter was 14.
At that Ɵme Jean drove the handicapped bus, and
she has conƟnued to this day driving regular routes
morning and nights. She currently drives a van to
pick up special needs students.
Jean says “she loves helping people, and this
way she helps the student, the parents, the teachers,
and the man at the bus barn.” One slippery day her
boss at the bus barn, Denny Gross, spread ice melt
from where her school van was parked all the way to
her car. He said “I didn’t want anything to happen to
her!”
-DISTRICT NEWSThis district newsle er is published 10 mes per year for
parents and residents of the Mount Vernon Community
School District. Addi onal copies may be obtained by
calling 319-895-8845. Views are those of the authors. Any
ques ons about educa onal programs or school events
should be directed to the Superintendent’s office. Ar cles
can be submi ed via email or CD. Materials due by the 15th
of every month. No permission is necessary to reproduce
contents unless otherwise noted. Clearly label the material with your name and phone number and send it to the
Administra ve Office by email or drop if off to the district
office to: Amy Weber 319-895-8845 or
[email protected]
Mount Vernon Community School District
-DIRECTORYADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Superintendent Office ................................. 319-895-8845
525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Superintendent: Dr. Gary O’Malley
[email protected]
Superintendent Secretary: Amy Weber
Bookkeeper: Tasha Whitman
Business Manager: Ma Burke
Alumni Associa on: Kathy Staskal
Founda on Director: Ben Brannaman
FOR ALL BUILDINGS ........................................895-8843
Grounds & Buildings: Roger Pitlik
Technology & Website Admin: Sean Flockhart
Systems Administrator: Tim Larson
Nurses: Melissa Hauser & Linda See
School Lunch Program: Marcia Purington
Transporta on: Dennis Gross (895-6205)
Homeless Educa on Program Liaison: Jason Pershing
Equal Opport. & Level I Inves gator: Bldg. Principals
MVCSD FOUNDATION
INTRODUCES THE
MUSTANG LEGACY
SOCIETY
Is the tradi on of the Mount
Vernon Schools experience
meaningful to you? Have you ever
considered leaving a legacy that
will benefit future genera ons of
Mount Vernon students? The Mount
Vernon Community School District
Founda on is proud to introduce the
Mustang Legacy Society.
Ben Brannanman
Founda on Director
The Mustang Legacy Society
will serve to recognize individuals
who elect to include the Mount Vernon Community
School District Founda on in their estate plans. There
is no minimum amount required – any deferred gi
that benefits the Mount Vernon Schools through the
Mount Vernon Community School District Founda on
will qualify you for membership.
The Mount Vernon Community School District
Founda on was established in 1987 as a nonprofit
501(c)(3). The founda on’s mission is to partner
with alumni, businesses, parents, and friends of the
Mount Vernon community to support a higher level of
educa onal excellence and opportuni es to prepare
Mount Vernon School students for the challenges of
global opportuni es.
Contribu ons to the founda on support the
Mount Vernon School District in a number of ways,
from student scholarships and teacher grants, to
facility enhancements and other specific ini a ves.
The founda on is commi ed to working alongside
the school district to con nue to uphold a top-notch
student experience for today’s graduates as well as our
youngest Mustangs.
If you have already included the Mount Vernon
Community School District Founda on in your estate
plans, or would like addi onal informa on, contact
Founda on Director Ben Brannaman at
[email protected] or
(319) 693-9520.
The Founda on would be happy to welcome you
into the Mustang Legacy Society!
On Mount Vernon!
“HOT JOBS”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Main Office/A endance ......................................895-6251
615 5th Ave SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Principal: Kate Jones
[email protected]
Building Secretary: Denise Havill
Building Secretary: Lori Arnold
School Counselor: Heidi Hassen
ELP: DeAnn Scearce
Early Childhood: Erin Whitehead & Jo NowakThompson
Media Center: Mary Priske
Kids Club: Jennifer Ruth/Teresa Hines .........560-2958
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Main Office/A endance ......................................895-6254
525 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Principal: Bob Haugse
[email protected]
Building Secretary: Chiara Burke
Building Secretary: Pa y Mote
Athle c Director: Aaron Trui
ELP: DeAnn Scearce
School Counselor: Jennifer Holub Tischer
Media Center: Suze e Kragenbrink
Kids Club: Jennifer Ruth/Teresa Hines .........560-2958
HIGH SCHOOL
Main Office/A endance ......................................895-8843
731 Palisades Road SW, Mount Vernon, IA 52314
Principal: Steve Brand
[email protected]
Assistant Principal & Ac vi es Director: Ma Thede
[email protected]
Ac vi es Secretary: Val Binsfield
Building Secretary: Stephanie Timm
Registrar & Building Secretary: Vicky Wieseler
School Counselor: Kathryn Baron
Media Center: Suze e Kragenbrink
Alterna ve Educa on: Jason Pershing
Transi on Center Director: Brandi Viter-Pitlik
BOARD OF EDUCATION
DR. MARK WELDON, President
LORI MERLAK, Vice President
DARRIN GAGE, SHERRY GRUNDER, TARA BROKOVICH,
VIRGINIA ROUDABUSH, SHANNON AMUNDSON, Members
MATT BURKE, Secretary Treasurer (319-895-8845)
“Promoting Excellence in Academics, Arts, and Athletics”
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
RC RAIL SURVEY
In just 5 short minutes parents can make
a difference in the lives of their student(s) by
comple ng an RC RAIL Coali on survey. RC
RAIL has put together a short survey addressing
community needs and substance use. By you
par cipa ng in this survey, it will help us be er
understand how RC RAIL can create a posi ve
environment for youth in Mount Vernon.
Please follow the link:
h ps://www.research.net/s/6C6YHZJ to complete
this survey. Contact Kassy Rice at
[email protected] with any ques ons.
The next RC RAIL coali on mee ng will be
held January 22, 2015 at 5 pm at the Microtel Inn
and Suites in Marion.
Please join us to support RC RAIL and keep our
students substance free!
MV ROBOTICS CLUB
By Mount Vernon Junior Isaiah Exley-Schuman
Whirrs and clicks and cks can be heard around
the laboratory, muffled by the sound of circular saws
and grinding gears in the background as a group of
eleven people huddle around a whiteboard figh ng
for the best idea. This is a standard evening at the
robo cs lab.
The laboratory, located uptown in the a c of the
First Presbyterian Church, is a hub of ac vity between
3:30 and 5:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. “We o en
stay up here for days at a me when compe on rolls
around.” Nate Barnhart says jokingly, although the lab
has been open to students seven days a week on some
occasions.
What
requires so
much me and
effort from
students? One
robot. Every
year a game
is announced
in which a
robot (made
to certain specifica ons) is built to compete alongside
another bot against two others in a series of matches.
With three teams, these students have a lot to be busy
about.
When asked about his involvement as a team
leader, Nate Barnhart said “It’s very challenging. It
tries my pa ence some days.”
Robo cs can be difficult, but Nate also states he
has enjoyed a lot of this year. One of the mentors this
year, Dave Keller, says that the best part of robo cs is
“Watching you guys win lots of matches!”
So, even a er a rough season so far, the MV
teams are showing their stripes as pioneers in their
field. If you would like to join a team or learn more,
contact Mr. Scearce at Mount Vernon High School.
Above: Front row, second from le - Mount Vernon Junior Josh
Hanson
Josh Hanson, Mount Vernon High School junior,
took advantage of a Workplace Learning Connec on
job shadow recently learning about “Hot Jobs” in
Advanced Manufacturing such as Design, CNC, EDM
(Electric Discharge Machining), and Fit/Assembly.
Josh, along with 7 other area high schoolers, are
one step closer to a very successful future by taking
the ini a ve to job shadow at a business during
high school. MSI Mold Builders hosted this group of
students.
To learn more about how
to get involved with this type
of learning ac vity, go to the
high school guidance office
or log on to:
www.workplace-learning.org.
HARD SURFACE ROUTES
Messy winter roads are just around the corner
so be prepared for those days when our buses may
only run on Hard Surface Routes. Hard Surface
Routes will only be in effect for the morning pick up
of students. A ernoon drop off will be normal bus
routes. If weather condi ons warrant hard surface
routes for a ernoon drop off, a SchoolMessenger
communica on will be sent to all parents and
guardians. Hard surface route maps are distributed by
bus drivers each year. Addi onal ques ons regarding
hard surface routes may be directed to Transporta on
Director, Denny Gross at (319) 895-6205.
LATE START REMINDER
As winter is upon us, here is a reminder: Please
note that when a 2-Hour Delay is announced, there
are NO HIGH SCHOOL EARLY BIRD CLASSES AND 1ST
PERIOD WILL BEGIN AT 10:20AM. The following full
day of school will then start with the Early Bird day
that was missed. Example: If we have a late start with
no "A" Early Bird, then the next full day of school will
begin with "A" Early Bird.
MS FITNESS GROUP
Middle School Fitness Group will meet on
Tuesdays and Thursdays star ng on Tuesday, January 6
through February 27. Fitness group will run from 3:15
pm - 4:30 pm in the MS wrestling room.
It is open is open to all 5th - 8th grade students
and is under the direc on of Jeremy Ellio and run by
various Mount Vernon Middle School staff members.
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
IOWA ASSESSMENTS
The Iowa Assessments standardized tests are designed to provide a measure
of a student’s general educa onal development, regardless of the specific courses
taken. The State Department of Educa on requires each high school to report the
Iowa Assessment achievement scores from “Iowa Core” content areas, specifically
in the areas of Reading, Mathema cs and Science. This year, Mount Vernon High
School administered the Iowa Assessments on November 4 and 5. All students in
grades 9, 10 and 11 were tested.
The tests can show how Mount Vernon High School students compare with
other students in that grade in the na on and in Iowa. This informa on can be very
helpful to teachers in planning/revising curriculum and to students in planning for
a meaningful high school experience that gives the best prepara on for life a er
gradua on.
In the graph below are this year’s Mount Vernon Iowa Assessment results.
Na onwide, all schools aim to have their students 100% proficient in Reading,
Mathema cs and Science.
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
3
POST SEASON HS FOOTBALL HONORS
RETURN PLAYER OF
THE YEAR
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF
THE YEAR
Mickey Hines
Josh Hof
2014 ALL-DISTRICT TEAM
1st TEAM
Connor Herrmann
Mickey Hines
Josh Hof
Luke Maddock
Johnny See
Tristan Wirfs
CORNELL TUTORS
Currently, Cornell tutors have and are currently volunteering in the Middle
School A er School Success Lab on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:10 to 4:30 pm.
This group se ng is free to all Mount Vernon Middle School students.
In addi on to the A er School Success Lab, Cornell tutors are also available
for one-on-one sessions with any grade level of students. They can assist students
with daily and/or weekly organiza onal, academic assignment/project comple on,
study skills, or specific supplemental or intensive skill sets. The stated rate is $20.00
per hour.
If you are interested in having your student meet with a Cornell tutor on a
one-on-one basis, please contact Jennifer Holub Tischer or Kim Steele at the Middle
School. They will share the list of Cornell students contact informa on with you.
Mount Vernon Middle School - (319) 895-6254
Kim Steele
Jennifer Holub Tischer
[email protected]
[email protected]
ext. 3008
ext. 3006
2nd TEAM
CONGRATULATIONS
• Thank you Mount Vernon Archery Club for a successful start to the Children's
Charity Tournament series. They raised $270 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital. See full details on page 6.
Jack Cochrane
Hunter Hormann
HONORABLE MENTION
• Thank you to the Middle School Caroling Club for providing
fantas c music for elementary students. Carolers included Sadie
Player, Derek Jordan, Lauren McCollum, Ben Hopkins, Colter
LaFallo e, Maddie Dickson, Macy Eskelsen, Megan Baumler,
Isabelle Krapfl, and Kayla Wallace.
• Congratula ons to the following middle school students
selected for the Marion Junior Honor Band. In sixth grade: Leah Kaminsky,
Emma Rodman, Sage Boe cher, and Megan Baumler. In seventh grade: Danielle
Homrighausen, Karly Connolly, and Sean Pitlik. And in eighth grade, Caden Eskelsen.
• Thank you to the High School Concert Choir. They took a service trip to the
University of Iowa Hospital where they performed. Par cipa ng students were:
Alex Abresch (11), Ben Alger (11), Blaise Anton (9), John Arians (10), Leah Arnold
(11), Jordan Axtell (10), Aaron Barnhart (10), Nathaniel Barnhart (11), Trevor Baty
(12), Kate Baumler (12), Mar n
Benesh (9), Jenna Brannaman
(11), John Butz (9), Becke
Christensen (9), Hannah Clark (11),
Riley Clark (11), Cody Connolly
(9), John Cooper (11), Bryce Cox
(11), Chris an Cripe (11), Lily
Dahlstrom (11), Raina David (11),
Jaylee DeLancey (11), Kelsi Dhondt
(12), Jack Dietsch (9),Isaiah ExleySchuman (11), Jordan Greif (11),
Theresa Gruber-Miller (10), Chloe
Guillaume (10), Jordan Hicks (11), Ethan Hill (10), Adam Holcomb (11), Charlie
Hunter (11), Stacey Jaeger (10), Brooke Kelley (10), Renny Klein (12), Mitchell
Kragenbrink (11), Sam Krapfl (10)
Aubrey Lyon (12), Sara Lyon (12), Nicole Margheim (11), Kenzie Maurice (12), Elijah
McInnis (9), Cian Meier-Gast (9), Elizabeth Minor (12), Rory McCollum (10), Luke
Moran (10), Grace Niehaus (12), Shaunna Palmer (11), Dylan Pi s (12), Jacob Pra
(10), Sydney Pra (12), Hali Rawson (11), Elijah Recalde (9), Ian Reid (10), Jenna
Reimann (11), Rehanna Rexroat (11), Marissa Roe (11), Annelise See (11), Kyler
Shannon (11), Taylor Sherman (11), David Taylor (11), Ethan Wenz (10), Jack Young
(10).
• The Middle School Spelling Bee will be Friday, January 9. Congratula ons to the
following students who will be par cipa ng:
5th grade parƟcipants: Jaden Houghtaling, Madelyn Plotz, Kael Dimmer, Liz
Dougherty, and Rafe Pisarik.
6th grade parƟcipants: Kai Yamanishi, Keaton Dennis, Katy Edwards, Emrys
Yamanishi, Lauren Ryan, and Sydney Jones.
7th grade parƟcipants: Max Siders, Lily Cripe, Kaylia Wirfs, Evan Tvedt, Luke Wade,
and Sophie Klotzbach.
Ryan Ackerman
Ryan Muller
GOLDEN AWARD
Andy DeCamp
SCHOOL BREAKFAST SURVEY
Parents! We want your thoughts on the most important meal of the day—that’s
right, breakfast! Help us improve school breakfast at Mount Vernon Community
Schools by taking a few minutes to fill out a short online survey from the Iowa
Department of Educa on. The purpose of the survey is to be er understand what
parents like you think about the school breakfast program. Your input will be used to
help the Iowa Department of Educa on understand why breakfast par cipa on is so
low in Iowa schools and how schools can be er meet you and your child’s needs at
breakfast!
Fill out this short online survey from the Iowa Department of Educa on at:
h ps://uiowa.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_doOCIRjrSUETC3r
If you have any ques ons about the survey, please contact Natoshia M.
Askelson, MPH, PhD ([email protected]; 319-335-6867).
The Iowa Department of Educa on and the University of Iowa need your help
to make school breakfast at Iowa schools the best it can be!
Thank you in advance for you input!
4
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
MS Clothing Drive
Sixth grade student Emrys Yamnishi had a
great idea....A winter apparel drive to help
families in need. She took her idea to the
Middle School Student Ac vi es Team (SAT)
and the drive was on! Pictured below is
Emrys with some of the clothing that was
collected.
Magical Night Art &
Caroling Fest
Washington
Elementary art
students created circle
garlands and decorated
lanterns crea ng a
large fes ve holiday
environment in the
First Street Community
Center gymnasium.
Middle school art
students made and
presented a fes val of
short animated films as part of the art ins lla on.
The evening featured over 50 Elementary Magical Night Carolers
singing in the fes ve environment and music played by high school
band members.
The Mount Vernon Fine Arts Associa on provided and served
over 700 cups
of hot chocolate
to community
members.
Linda See, Middle School and
High School nurse and Missy Hauser,
Elementary School
nurse would like to
thank parents, staff and
community members
for all the wonderful
support the district has
received for the Kids in
Need program throughout
the school year and this
Christmas season. The nurses have
been humbled by the generosity and
though ulness of so many people.
Giving has come in so many forms:
clothing, money, me, food, and gi s.
All are equally important and all are
equally appreciated. The Kids in Need
program would not operate without
the generosity of parents, staff and
community members. We bring thanks
and extreme gra tude this holiday
season for all of the dona ons.
Interview with Emrys Yamanishi
6th grade
Class of 2021
Q: What inspired you to want SAT to do
a winter apparel drive?
A: All the unused winter clothes at my
house. I’d rather give them to people in
need than have them pile up in closets. So,
I men oned it to the SAT coordinators and
they said okay.
Q: What did you learn in this process?
A: I learned that it’s pre y easy to have a
drive and that people are suppor ve of
you. They are ready to help as soon as you
are ready to start.
High School staff gets in the holiday spirit on Ugly
Sweater Day
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
Above and
le : The Grinch
and Whoville
residents visited
Washington
Elementary
Orchestra students provided holiday music for
elementary students
At le : 4th
grade students
celebrated with
cocoa and carols
MS QUIZ BOWL TAKES 1ST PLACE IN IOWA
Students from all over the state of Iowa, competed Wednesday, November 19th in the Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl
academic compe on. The students used a computer and worked together to answer 100 challenging ques ons from
all curriculum areas. Sixth grader Kai Yamanishi said, “In the middle of the compe on the computer crashed.” The
computer was able to recover and the team started where they le off. Seventh grader Keaton Wenz commented, “I
learned that Hunger Games trivia is a 100% relevant topic!”
A team of 14 sixth and seventh grade students from Mount Vernon Middle School competed. Sixth grader Anna
Nydegger commented, “It is fun to meet kids older than you and to learn new things.” The team scored 1,130 out of
1,500 possible points. That was an improvement of over 100 from last year’s score. The team answered 88 out of the
100 ques ons correct and got 77 of them correct on the first try. “It’s so intense wai ng for it to load in silence and
Above: 6th grade QB members - Front row: Jayden
then rejoicing when the team gets it right,” said sixth grader Megan Baumler. “When you have to wait and see if you Meeker and Lillie Hawker
Back row: Megan Baumler, Aliya Keaton, Anna
got the ques on right the suspense is crazy!” added Aliya Keaton, sixth grade.
Nydegger, and Kai Yamanishi
Seventh grader Caroline Voss said, “I think we worked together well and had fun!” Students on the team
included: Team Captains – Megan Baumler, Mandy Morrical, Chris Banwart, and Sean Pitlik. Readers – Sadie Player,
Kai Yamanishi, Lillie Hawker, and Aliya Keaton. Keyboarders – Jackson Brus, Jayden Meeker, Keaton Wenz, and
Caroline Voss. Sta s cs – Aliya Keaton, Mya Reyhons, Anna Nydegger, and Mandy Morrical. The sta s cs people
keep track of how many ques ons the team answers within 5 seconds, giving the team full bonus of 15 points each
me. The team got 35 full bonus out of the 100 ques ons, 15 of those occurred during the first 25 ques ons. Chris
Banwart, seventh grade commented, “I feel like old school, ge n’ points and takin’ names! # MVMS.” Sean Pitlik,
seventh grade added, “Every year we do be erer and be erer!”
Academic coach DeAnn Scearce commented, “I really was pleasantly surprised that we got first place in the
contest. Last year was the first me we tried this par cular compe on. Our hard work paid off.” The team
received a trophy and ribbons for their efforts.
Sixth grader Lillie Hawker, who was a bit late for the contest said, “It’s a CRIME to forget the Quiz Bowl like I
7th grade QB members - Front row: Mandy Morrical,
did!” Seventh grader Mya Reyhons said, “Quiz Bowl is a unique experience and I am sad that this was my last one.” Above:
Keaton Wenz, and Sadie Player,
Back row: Jackson Brus, Caroline Voss, Mya Reyhons, and
Chris Banwart. Not pictured Sean Pitlik
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
NIGHT OF THE NOTABLES
HOUR OF CODE
We live in a world surrounded by technology. We know that whatever field
our students choose to go into as adults, their ability to succeed will increasingly
hinge on understanding how technology works. But only a ny frac on of us are
learning computer science, and less students are studying it than a decade ago.
That’s why the en re Mount Vernon Middle School joined in on the largest
learning event in history: The Hour of Code. The Hour of Code was held during
Computer Science Educa on Week (Dec. 8-14.) Last year, 15 million students
tried computer science in one week. This year, MVMS joined students worldwide
to reach 100 million students!
What is the Hour of Code?
Hour of Code is a global movement reaching tens of millions of students in
170+ countries. It is a one-hour ac vity during which students of all ages can
choose from a variety of self-guided tutorials on computer coding. Hour of Code
is a spark to keep students learning computer science. Once students see what
they have created electronically, they are empowered to keep learning.
The Hour of Code is a statement that Mount Vernon Middle School is ready
to teach these founda onal 21st century skills.
Thank you to Susan Maurice, Ross Sowell (Cornell College) and Nanne e
Gunn for planning this event.
Above: Mrs. Maurice works with 7th grade
students on coding a smiley face.
Below: Students work diligently during
thier Hour of Code.
5
At le : Cornell student
Wint Hnin talks to 8th
grade students about
coding.
Below: 8th grade students work on coding a
sun and clouds.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SKI
The middle school ski trip to Chestnut
Mountain in Galena, IL will take place on Friday,
January 16, 2015, a regular school day. Informa on
and permission slips were sent home with
students in early December. The purpose of this
trip is to con nue to build posi ve rela onships
between staff, students, and community members.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. that morning, 5th
and 6th grade students will dismiss to the charter
buses and leave for the ski resort. 7th and 8th
grade students will follow around 9:30 a.m.
Students not a ending the ski trip will remain at
school under the supervision of a teacher un l
3:05 p.m., our normal dismissal me. 5th and 6th
grade students will return to the middle school around 5:30 p.m. with 7th & 8th
grade students returning around 6:30 p.m.
The price of the trip includes chartered bus transporta on, ski or snowboard
rental, lesson, li cket, and lunch at the ski resort. Bo led water and fruit on the
bus ride home will be provided by PRIDE, our parent group. ALL students will use
Chestnut Mountain equipment and will be fi ed for skis/snowboards at the middle
school on the a ernoon of Monday, January 12. ALL students must also ride the
buses to Chestnut Mountain but may return from the trip with a parent or friend
only with parental permission that is arranged with the middle school office no
later than Wednesday, January 14th.
Students a ending the ski trip must
return the signed permission form in
the provided envelope to the middle
school office by Wednesday, January
7, 2015. A separate permission form
with all sec ons completed must be
returned for each child but all forms
can be returned in one envelope. The
cost of the trip is outlined below.
*Checks payable to Mount Vernon
Community Schools*
Middle School Student Skiers – $49
Middle School Non-skiers
(transporta on/meal) – $30
Parents are welcome to accompany us on the trip. Limited seats are available
on our buses. The cost is $55 to ski and ride the bus (space permi ng-first come
first served) or $30 to ski only (providing your own transporta on). If the cost of
this trip is a financial burden for your family, please contact Chiara Burke at (319)
895-6254 and a empts will be made to help with expenses. We are excited about
our ski trip and believe it will be an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Tuesday, December 9 was the Night of the
Notables performed by the sixth and seventh
grade Extended Learning Program students.
A er doing extensive research on a notable
person from history and crea ng a learning
center, the students became their person for
the night in character and dress, mingled with
the audience, revealed themselves through
a riddle about their person, and served
refreshments that had something to do with their notable. Seventh grader Mandy
Morrical (Sally Ride) said, “The Night of the Notables was a very educa onal night,
not only for the people who came, but for the presenters.” Lillie Hawker (Mother
Teresa), sixth grade added, “This was an amazing experience where I learned a lot
about Mother Teresa and others. I would love to do this again!”
Here are some comments from par cipants about the different parts of the
program:
The Grand March“The Grand March was pre y cool because we all had snazzy poses.” commented
sixth grader Aliya Keaton (Cleopatra). Seventh grader Caroline Voss (Dr. Suess) said,
“It worked well as a group because we all knew when to pose, mingle, sit and recite
our poems.”
MinglingMya Reyhons (Pope John Paul II), seventh
grade said, “ Something that went well
for me was answering ques ons during
mingling because not many people knew
who I was.” Seventh grader Chris Banwart
(Michael Jackson) commented, “I loved
never breaking character, and being able to
answer ques ons correctly. It was great!”
Sixth grader Jayden Meeker (Roberto Clemente) said, “A lot of people knew who I
was, and some even googled me.”
Costumes“I will take up any opportunity to wear a
suit!” remarked seventh grader Keaton Wenz
(Johnny Carson). “The straight jacket was fun
but I sure am glad I didn’t have to dislocate
my shoulder to get out of it!” said seventh
grader Sean Pitlik (Harry Houdini).
RiddlesAnna Nydegger (Amelia Earhart) sixth grade,
commented, “ One thing that went well is that
I didn’t forget my lines or mess up.”
The Extended Learning Program would like to thank Cornell College Librarians
Paul Waelchli and Grace Chamberlain, who started us on this research journey. We
would also like to thank Barb Shepley who helped us on many of the costumes, and
Sherene, Laura and Clarissa Player who were the make up ar sts for the evening.
Finally, we would like to thank videographer Richard Scearce, who provided us with
a video that will be record of the fun and educa onal event.
Sixth grader Megan Baumler (H.A. Rey) commented, “It’s fun stepping
into someone’s life and seeing all of the challenges they had to face and
accomplishments they made.” Kai Yamanishi (Hora o Nelson) sixth grade, said “We
have worked on this for a long me so I’m
glad people enjoyed it.” A er the intense
event, Jackson Brus (John F. Kennedy)
seventh grade, said, “My head kinda hurts.”
Seventh grader Sadie Player (Madame
Curie) summed it up for many when she
said, “It was a TON of work ge ng the
informa on and pu ng the tri-folds,
costumes, and the riddles together, but the
end result was awesome!”
ORCHESTRA, CONCERT CHOIR AND BAND
PERFORM
December 14 was a day full of beau ful music in the District Auditorium. The
8th - 12th grade Concert Choir performed. This performance was followed by the
high school band and high school orchestra concert.
8TH GRADE CHOIR
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
WE CHORUS CLUB 2014ǧ15
Washington Elementary Chorus Club is coming soon! Rehearsals will start
Monday, January 12. The par cipa on form is linked on the Elementary page of the
website for any interested 3rd or 4th grade student.
HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA
6
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
JANUARY BREAKFAST & LUNCH MENU
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
1
FRIDAY
2
NO
SCHOOL
5
6
7
BREAKFAST: Sausage Patties
Chocolate Muffin
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza
Yogurt
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Hot Dog
Potato Triangle
Green Beans
Pears
LUNCH: Chicken Strip Wrap
Lettuce-Tomato-Shredded Cheddar
Fresh Baby Carrots
Fresh Strawberries
Apricots
MS & HS Alt: French Dip Sandwich
HS Alt: Beef & Noodles
12
13
BREAKFAST:
Pancake Wrapped Sausage
Chocolate Muffin
Fruit, Juice, Milk
19
14
LUNCH: Beef/Bean Nachos
Tortilla Chips
Cheese Sauce
Black Bean & Corn Salsa
Beets
Green Grapes
Peaches
MS & HS Alt: Chicken Panini
20
BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza
Yogurt
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Breaded Pork Pattie
Sandwich
Baked Beans
Steamed Broccoli w/Cheese
Peaches
HS Alt: Chicken Fried Rice
12:30 early dismissal
LUNCH: Chicken Gravy w/ Biscuit
Peas
Steamed Carrots
Fresh Strawberries
Pineapple
MS & HS Alt: Corn Dog Muffins
27
BREAKFAST: Sausage Patties
Chocolate Muffin
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza
Yogurt
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Chicken & Bean Burrito
Refried Beans
Mexican Rice
Red & Green Pepper Strips
Pineapple
HS Alt: Fish Tacos
LUNCH: Sub Sandwich
Ham-Turkey-Cheese
Lettuce-Sliced Tomato
Sun Chips
Fresh Baby Carrots
Red Grapes
Pears
MS & HS Alt:
Chicken Caesar Wrap
9
BREAKFAST: Combo Bar
Bagel w/cream cheese
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST: Fruit Pastry
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Orange Chicken
Brown Rice
Steamed Broccoli
Steamed Carrots
Fresh Pineapple
Mandarin Oranges
Snickerdoodle
HS Alt: Cheeseburger Soup
LUNCH: Spaghetti w/ sauce
Meatballs (on side)
Lettuce w/ Spinach
Tomatoes
Applesauce w/strawberries &
bananas
Bread Stick
HS Alt: Chili Crispito
15
16
BREAKFAST:
Sausage-Egg on a Bagel
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST:
French Toast Sticks
Bagel w/cream cheese
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Cheese Pizza-ES/MS
Cheese, Sausage, or Chicken
Pizza-HS
Romaine Lettuce
Fresh Baby Carrots
Applesauce
No Alt at HS
LUNCH: Chicken Nuggets
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Steamed Asparagus
Cantaloupe
Pears
Dinner Roll
HS Alt: Salisbury Steak
21
BREAKFAST: Waffle Sticks
Chocolate Muffin
Fruit, Juice, Milk
26
LUNCH: BBQ Pork Sandwich
Oven Roasted Potatoes
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Fruit Slushie Cup
HS Alt: Chicken Cheese
Quesadilla
BREAKFAST: Breakfast Pizza
Yogurt
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Breaded Chicken
Sandwich
Chili Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Steamed Cauliflower
Pineapple
HS Alt: Meatball Sub
8
BREAKFAST: Western Omelet
Quesadilla
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
22
BREAKFAST:
Oatmeal Muffin Square
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: French Toast Sticks
Sausage Links
Potato Triangle
Scrambled Eggs-HS Only
Tomato Juice OR Orange Juice
Applesauce
No Alt at HS
28
BREAKFAST: Pancakes/Syrup
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Sloppy Joe
French Fries
Fresh Vegetable Salad
Citrus Fruit Salad
HS Alt: Grilled Cheese
ARCHERY UPDATE
Mount Vernon Archery warmed up on November 25 with a charity tournament
to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By the end of the month, 18
schools from Alaska, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Texas and
West Virginia had par cipated in the na onal online tournament.
The Mount Vernon Club raised $270 in support of St. Jude’s children. In NASP® we
are “Changing Lives one arrow at a me.” NASP® and St. Jude Children’s Research
Hospital are joining forces in an on-line charity archery tournament to expand our
influence to “Saving Lives one arrow at a me.” For more informa on about St. Jude
Children’s Research Hospital: www.stjude.org
Both the middle school and elementary teams placed 1st in their division.
In the middle school division (6-8th grades) the top five finishers were all from
Mount Vernon: For the boys, Conner Meyers - 1st, Nick Flynn - 2nd, Colton Hof - 3rd.
For the girls, Kayla Wallace - 2nd, Caroline Voss - 3rd.
High school (9-12th grades) archers at the top were Sara Lyon 1st, Chris an
Tanberg 2nd.
Top finisher for the elementary team (4-5th grades) was Quinlan Denes 2nd.
For more scores go to www.nasptournaments.org.
Three archers shot their unofficial personal records: Max Siders, Masen Pelley
and Quinlan Denes.
Mount Vernon Archery club begins the Iowa State NASP League season with a
tournament two-day opener at the First Street Community Gym in uptown Mount
Vernon on December 16 and 18. Visi ng schools include Alburne , Solon, Marion
and Springville. Visit the club website at www.mvtraparchery.org for more event
informa on.
Individual archer scores: Adam Vig 224, Aden Grudzinski 246, Adrian Dale 203,
Alex Deeb 247, Anna Nydegger 245, Aryn Siddell 78, Asher Eichhorn 97, Ashton
Pirrie 137, Ben Crock 142, Ben Merlak 145, Benjamin Nydegger 154, Caroline Voss
246, Chris an Tanberg 282, Cian Meier-Gast 225, Clark Younggreen 181, Cody
Connolly 234, Colton Hof 268, Connor Myers 276, Cooper Becthold 233, Dallas
Olberding 171, Derk Keller 247, Elizabeth Meier-Gast 210, Elizabeth Barns 159, Ellie
Barkalow 159, Emily Friedman 265, Ethan Hall 124, Ethan Stanerson 181, Ethan
Kesterson 49, Evan Tvedt 233, Evere Thompson 256, Gus Andrews 80, Hannah
DeWi e 188, Henry Steine 140, Isabelle Krapfl 221, Jacob Russell 180, Jacob Cannon
89, Jaden Houghtaling 207, Jaegen Becthold 211, Jake Kadlec 223, Jake Stanerson
190, Jakob Hunter 227, Jensen Meeker 146, Jessica Belding 187, Josie DeLancey
168, JP Hoagland 147, Kael Dimmer 202, Kaiden Shannon 164, Kailey Shannon
232, Kari Tanberg 247, Kayla Wallace 249, Kennedy Hunter 81, Korina Schoon 175,
Kyler Shannon 208, Lance Eriksen 225, Lily Cripe 122, Logan Eriksen 141, Maddox
Rollinger 79, Mae Owen 223, Mandy Morrical 228, Margaret Player 52, Mark Liberko
192, Masen Pelley 174, Ma Morrical 266, Max Siders 229, McKenzie Rentschler
136, Naomi Flynn 155, Nathan Woods 186, Nevaeh Exley-Schuman 101, Nick Flynn
272, Noah Exley-Schuman 220, Noah Guillaume 248, Poppy Klein 111, Quinlan
Denes 248, Quinn Alles 129, Renny Klein 251, Ryan Naeve 185, Ryder Bunch 136,
Rylan Bu erbaugh 200, Sadie Player 192, Sara Lyon 271, Sydney Benn 62, Tori
Hoagland 194, Trenton Pitlik 150, Tryston Locke 258, Walker J. Holmes Bilden 170.
NO
SCHOOL
BREAKFAST: Fruit Pastry
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Lasagna Cheese Roll Up
Green Beans
Celery w/ Sunbutter
Mixed Fruit
Chocolate Muffin
MS & HS Alt: Taco Soup w/ Fritos
23
BREAKFAST: Cheese Omelet
Bagel w/cream cheese
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST: Fruit Pastry
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Fajita Chicken Wrap
Lettuce-Shredded Cheddar
Salsa & Sour Cream
Black Beans
Corn
Watermelon
Pears
HS Alt: Maidrite
LUNCH: Italian Pasta
Romaine Lettuce
Tomatoes & Cucumbers
Mandarin Oranges
Bread Stick
MS &HS Alt:
Broccoli Cheese Soup
29
30
BREAKFAST: Combo Bar
Bagel w/cream cheese
Fruit, Juice, Milk
BREAKFAST: Fruit Pastry
Cereal
Fruit, Juice, Milk
LUNCH: Hot Turkey Sandwich
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Glazed Carrots
Honey Dew Melon
Peaches
HS Alt: Cuban Sandwich
LUNCH: Macaroni & Cheese
Meatballs
Peas
Lettuce w/Spinach
Fruit Slushie Cup
Chocolate Chip Cookie
MS & HS Alt: BBQ Rib Sandwich
FIRST NASP ARCHERY TOURNAMENT
Mount Vernon was able to host the first
official tournament of NASP’s eastern Iowa
league the week of December 15. The Eastern
Iowa NASP (Na onal Archery in the Schools
Program) league is challenged this year by a
record number of par cipa ng schools and
archers. With over 900 archers now registered
in Eastern Iowa, the league is having difficulty
fielding tournaments so that all archers are
able to par cipate in the minimum number Le - Right: Brandon Lochner & Derk Keller
of shoots required to qualify for the state
tournament. Coach Tom Wilkinson believes that this is a great problem to have,
but it does require some pa ence from the archery families as the schedule gets
established. In order to accommodate more archers, Mount Vernon’s December
tournament was held both Tuesday and Thursday evenings, December 16 & 18,
at the First Street Community building. In this venue, each 60-minute round of
shoo ng was open to 24 archers. Mount Vernon invited par cipants from Solon,
Anamosa, Marion Independent Schools, and Alburne . Only Mount Vernon and
Alburne fielded full teams of 24 archers each. Mount Vernon’s team scores were:
Elementary, 2817; Middle school, 3244; and High School 3246.
Individual rankings are as follows: For the 4th and 5th grade elementary
school level, 72 archers par cipated. Mount Vernon’s top 3 girl archers were
Quinlan Denes, Mae Owen and Jaegen Becthold. For the elementary boys division,
Mount Vernon’s Aden Grudzinski and Aden Locke took the top two spots while an
archer from Solon placed third. In
the middle school division, there
were 85 par cipants. Mya Reyhons
and Sydney Ulch took the top two
spots for the Mount Vernon girls
while Connor Meyers and Logan
Kelly were the leaders for the boys.
The high school division had 46
par cipants. Mount Vernon siblings
were the leaders for girls and boys.
Kari Tanberg placed first with a score
of 276 and Chris an Tanberg placed
Le - Right: Aden Grudzinski, Mandy Morrical, Alex
second place in the boys division
Deeb
with a score of 287.
REMINDER FOR COLD WEATHER
Please send your child to school with a warm coat, snow pants or at least long
pants, hat, gloves, boots and/or athle c shoes so they can con nue to have a great
me on the playground as well as to and from school. Thank you for your help.
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
MOUNT VERNON
FINE ARTS
ASSOCIATION
Mount Vernon Fine Arts Associa on met
Tuesday, December 9, 7:00pm in the High School Library. A endees
included teachers, a school board member and parents.
Each teacher present had exci ng news to discuss. Mr. Stephens
is inves ga ng procuring a “Square,” a small electric a achment for a
phone or tablet that allows for credit card charges. It would be used
at plays when patrons are unable to pay by check or cash – this is
s ll being researched and considered. The fall play, Our Town, went
very well with many students involved. The spring musical will be
Footloose.
A new high school class begins in January to teach direc ng and
producing theatre. Teaching and learning will take place in both a
classroom se ng and through par cipa on in the spring play.
Mrs. Rodenberg is pleased to have the new middle school tuba.
Quotes are being reviewed to buy new chairs for band and orchestra
performances.
Mrs. Fitzgerald reported that Magical Night at the First Street
Building was very well a ended, with 700 cups of hot chocolate
served. There were fes ve decora ons, stop-ac on and computer
movies, and more than 50 kids singing.
MVFAA members con nue to apply for corporate funded grants,
matching and mul plying funds. However, general dona ons are
down, and it would be disappoin ng if MVFAA couldn't cover cri cal
expenses.
Next mee ng will be back on the regular date, the first Tuesday
of the month, January 6, 7:00 pm in the high school library.
THEATRE UPDATE
On November 14 & 15, 21 high school students a ended the
Iowa Thespian Fes val in Cedar Falls. Seven students competed in
4 individual events at the state level. The Improv team of Trevor
Baty, Ma Banwart, and David Taylor received a top overall ra ng
of ACCOMPLISHED and winning first place. They subsequently
performed in the IE Showcase in front of 900 fes val delegates.
Pictured above L - R: Ma Banwart, Trevor Baty and David Taylor
MVFAA is currently planning several upcoming events. Mr. So llo
and Mr. Stephens will co-teach a new class in the spring, Theatre
Design & Produc on. The 0.5 credit elec ve course will introduce
students to all aspects of theatre including ac ng, direc ng, design,
and produc on.
Audi ons will be held February 3 – 5 for the spring musical,
Footloose. MVFAA will host a free showing of the Kevin Bacon film
in the district auditorium in late January to get students excited for
the produc on. RNH.com describes the show, "When Ren and his
mother move from Chicago to a small farming town, Ren is prepared
for the inevitable adjustment period at his new high school. What
he isn't prepared for are the rigorous local edicts, including a ban on
dancing ins tuted by the local preacher, determined to exercise the
control over the town's youth that he cannot command in his own
home. To the rockin' rhythm of its Oscar and Tony-nominated top 40
score (the soundtrack album reached number one on the Billboard
charts and has sold over 15 million copies!) and augmented with
dynamic new songs for the stage musical, FOOTLOOSE celebrates the
wisdom of listening to young people, guiding them with a warm heart
and an open mind."
Registra on opens in February for the Interna onal Thespian
Fes val, held June 22-27 in Lincoln, NE. At the week-long event
students will have the opportunity to see outstanding full-length
plays and musicals and chapter select one-act plays from across
the county, a end workshops taught by theatre professionals,
audi on for college and Thespian scholarships, audi on for Thespian
Playworks, par cipate in Fes val's Got Talent, Tech Challenge, or
student leadership seminars, and much more. For more informa on,
contact Mr. Stephens at [email protected] or online
at h p://www.schooltheatre.org/thespianfes val2015/home/
Twi er: @mvhstheatre
Web: h p:// ny.cc/mvhstheatre
WEATHER DELAYS,
CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES
Decisions concerning early dismissals, delays and school
closings are made in the interest of the health and safety of
students. Closings will be reported to the media as early as
possible. Freezing rain, fog, dri ing or heavy snow, extreme
cold or heat, and ability of the country crews to clear roads
are all factors in the decision to close school.
MEDIA NOTIFICATION
The following radio and television sta ons are called when
school will be delayed, dismissed early or canceled: KCRGTV-9, KGAN-TV-2, KWWL-TV-7, KZIA-102.9 FM, KDAT-104.5
FM, WMT-600 AM, and KHAK-98.1 FM
WETAP
MUSTANG
PARENT GROUPS
Washington Elementary
Teachers & Parents
The December WETAP mee ng recapped much of what WETAP
has been able to accomplish and provide the first months of the
school year, while focusing on ac vi es for the month and what is to
come in the new year.
• WETAP agreed to move forward with the purchase of 10 iPads with
cases for Kindergarten classrooms.
• Instead of “giving wreaths” for elementary teachers as had been
done in the past, WETAP collected ideas from teachers for specific
items, and encouraged parents to support local businesses in their
purchases.
• WETAP supported the local Kids in Need program.
• There are plans for a family ac vity night in late January, with
details s ll to be determined.
• The annual WE Ski Trip will take place Feb. 26.
• WETAP is exploring the development of a Career Day to take place
in the spring in coordina on with local businesses and the MVCSD
Founda on.
A reminder of general WETAP mee ngs taking place the first
Monday of each month, at 6:30 pm at the elementary school.
CLASSROOM CASH
Would you like to earn
money for Mount Vernon
Community School District each
me you make a purchase?
Hills Bank has a program that
will do just that. Classroom
Cash is a program that
empowers you to earn money
for Mount Vernon Community
School Dis ct each me you
make a purchase with your Hills
Above: Dr. Gary O’Malley receives Classroom
Bank debit card. With every
Cash check from Hills Bank Vice President,
purchase , the bank will make a Office Manager, Brenda Langenberg and
dona on to the school. There HIlls Bank First Vice President, Commercial
Banking Mike Turner.
is no cost to you. It’s a great
way for Hills Bank to make a difference in our community schools together.
Since the program began, $30,603.23 has been donated to the
Mount Vernon Community School Founda on and over $730,000 to
all schools in the program. The funds are used to support programs
and services which enhance student educa onal experiences.
To enroll in Classroom Cash if you are already have a Hills
Bank debit card you need to fill out an applica on at any Hills Bank
loca on or online at www.HillsBankClassroomCash.com. If you
are not a HIlls Bank customer simply visit a Hills Bank loca on and
apply for a checking account with a HIlls Bank debit card. You can
even show school spirit by selec ng your school’s card design or
school colors. Once you have your debit card you can begin making
purchases and earning money for your school.
Make a difference in your community with Classroom Cash.
Choose Mount Vernon Community School District today!
FREE OR REDUCED PRICE
SCHOOL MEALS
Applica ons for free or reduced price school meals are
available online or in any of the building offices. Applica ons can be
submi ed at any me throughout the school year. Please contact
Amy Weber at (319) 895-8845 or
[email protected] with any ques ons.
ELIGIBILTY GUIDELINES
Free Meals
Household
Size
1
2
3
4
Reduced Price Meals
Yearly
Monthly
Twice
a
Month
Every
two
weeks
Weekly
15,171
1,265
633
584
292
20,449
25,727
31,005
1,705
2,144
2,584
853
1,072
1,292
787
990
1,193
394
Every
two
weeks
Weekly
900
831
416
1,213
1,120
560
1,526
1,409
705
3,677
1,839
1,698
849
51,634
4,303
2,152
1,986
993
59,145
4,929
2,465
2,275
1,138
66,656
5,555
2,778
2,564
1,282
74,167
6,181
3,091
2,853
1,427
7,511
626
313
289
145
Yearly
Monthly
21,590
1,800
29,101
2,426
36,612
3,051
44,123
Twice a
Month
495
597
5
36,283
3,024
1,512
1,396
698
6
41,561
3,464
1,732
1,599
800
7
46,839
3,904
1,952
1,802
901
8
52,117
4,344
2,172
2,005
1,003
For each
additional
family
member
add:
5,278
440
220
203
102
7
THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who donated picutures
for the January 2015 edi on of the district
newsle er: Jo Nowak-Thompson, Steve Brand,
Jennifer Holub Tischer, Kate Jones, DeAnn Scearce,
Sarah Fitzgerald, Mark Benesh, Laurie Keller, Laura
Deininger, Claire Pe nger, Nolan Teubel, Cheryl
Wery, Brenda Langenberg, Halverson Photography,
and Workpalce Learning Connec on.
W.E.T.A.P
Contact: LeAnn
Briesemeister, President
lbriesemeister@
yahoo.com
(319) 231-0526
All parents, future
parents, and
guardians of
Washington
Elementary students,
as well as teachers and
school staff of the
Washington
Elementary School are
members of WETAP.
WETAP meets on the 1st
Monday of each month.
Next Mee ng:
January 5, 2015
6:30 pm
Washington
Elementary Art Room
FINE ARTS ASSOC
Contact: Karla SteffensMoran
Steff[email protected]
(319) 895-2383
Provides support for all
fine arts programs in
Mount Vernon schools.
MV Fine Arts Assoc.
meets on the 1st Tuesday
of each month.
Next Mee ng:
January 6, 2015
7 pm
High School Library
P.R.I.D.E.
Contact: Jackie Morrical
[email protected]
(319) 895-6135
Promotes the posi ve
aspects of Middle School
life.
All parents of Middle
School students and staff
are members of P.R.I.D.E.
P.R.I.D.E meets on the 3rd
Monday of each month.
Next Mee ng:
January 19, 2015
7 pm
Middle School Library
BOOSTER CLUB
Contact: Kent Streicher
strikeforce921@yahoo.
com
(319) 560-7081
Offers financial and
volunteer support for
all athle c programs
at Mount Vernon High
School and Middle
School.
The MV Booster Club
meets on the 1st
Wednesday of each
month.
Next Mee ng:
January 7, 2015
7 pm
High School Commons
Pres - Kent Streicher
VP - JennyKaye Hampton
Sec - Tom Wieseler
Treas - Becky Whitman
8
Mount Vernon Community School District JANUARY 2015 NEWS
SUN
Mustang JANUARY 2015 ACTIVITY Calendar
MON
TUES
WED
4
5
• WETAP Mee ng, ES
Art Room, 6:30 pm
11
12
• HS Dorian
Honor Choir
@ Luther
College,
select
students
• HS Dorian Honor
Choir @ Luther College,
select students
• HSW - JV, Center
Point-Urbana, T, 5:30
pm
• School Board Mee ng,
HS Library, 6:30 pm
18
19 EARLY
26
FRI
SAT
2
3
NO SCHOOL - WINTER BREAK
SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
6
• HSGB, VintonShellsburg, H, 9th @
4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSBB, VintonShellsburg, T, 9th @
4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• MVFAA Mee ng, HS
Library, 7 pm
13
• 7BB, Benton
Community, T, 4:15 pm
• 8BB, Benton
Community, H, 4:15 pm
• HSGB, Solon, H, 9th
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSBB, Solon, T, 9th
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
20
• MS/HS Orchestra
Metro Audi ons, Harding
OUT
School, 3:30 pm
12:30 pm Middle
• HSGB, West Delaware
Dismissal @ Manchester, 9th @
• 7BB, Solon, T, 4:15 pm 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Vars y to follow
• 8BB, Solon, H, 4:15
• HSBB, West Delaware,
pm
• WAMAC Large Group H, 9th @ 4:30pm, JV @ 6
pm, Varsity to follow
Speech Contest @
Central City, 4:30 pm
• P.R.I.D.E Mee ng, MS
Library, 7 pm
• 7BB, Clear CreekAmana, H, 4:15 pm
• 8BB, Clear CreekAmana, T, 4:15 pm
THURS
1
• 7BB - 7th Grade Boys Basketball
• 8BB - 8th Grade Boys Basketball
• 9BB - Freshman Boys Basketball
• HSGB - High School Girls Basketball
• HSBB - High School Boys Basketball
• HSW - High School Wrestling
• JV - Junior Varsity
25
www.mountvernon.k12.ia.us
27
• HSGB, Western
Dubuque, H, 9th @
4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSBB, Western
Dubuque @ Epworth, 9th
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
SAVE THE DATE:
Support the High School So ball Team
by joining them for a Soup Supper
Fundraiser. Then cheer on the Mustang
basketball teams as the girls and boys
take on the Maquoketa Cardinals
WHEN? January 30, 2015
TIME? 5 - 8 pm
WHERE? High School Commons
WHAT’S TO EAT? Soup, Mac &
Cheese, Veggies, Cinnamon Rolls,
d
and dessert!
Softball
Fundraiser
7
• Booster Club Mee ng,
HS Commons, 7 pm
14
21
28
8
9
• HSW, Western
Dubuque @ Epworth,
6:30 pm
• HSGB, Beckman
@ Dyersville, 9th @
4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSBB, Dyersville
Beckman, H, 9th @
4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
15
16
• HSW - Varsity @ MV, 6 • HSGB, DeWi , H, 9th
pm - Senior Night
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSBB, DeWi , T, 9th
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
• HSW - JV, Western
Dubuque @ Epworth,
5 pm
22
• 7BB, Marion, T, 4:15
pm
• 8BB, Marion, H, 4:15
pm
• HSW - Varsity,
Anamosa, T, 6 pm
29
• 7BB, DeWi , H, 4:15
pm
• 8BB, DeWi , T, 4:15
pm
• HSW - Varsity, Solon,
T, 6 pm
• 9GB, Maquoketa, T,
6 pm
• 9BB, Maquoketa, T,
7:30 pm
HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS TRACK
PARENT MEETING
23
• HSGB, Anamosa, H,
9th @ 4:30pm, JV @ 6
pm, Varsity to follow
• HSBB, Anamosa, T, 9th
@ 4:30pm, JV @ 6 pm,
Varsity to follow
30
• HSGB - JV, Maquoketa,
H @ MVMS, 4:30pm,
• HSBB - JV, Maquoketa,
H @ MVHS, 4:30 pm
• So ball Fundraiser
Soup Supper, HS
Commons, 5 - 8 pm
• HSGB- Varsity,
Maquoketa, H, 6 pm,
• HSBB - Varsity,
Maquoketa, H, 7:30 pm
• 9BB, Lone Tree, H,
12 pm
• HSW, Lisbon, T, 4 pm
• HSGB, Dubuque
Hempstead, H, JV @ 6
pm, Varsity to follow
10
• MS/HS District
Orchestra Fes val,
select students
• NEIBA Honor Band,
select students
• Archery Tournament
@ MV
• HSW - Varsity, LinnMar, T, 9 am
17
• Archery Tournament
@ Washington High
School
• MS Honor Band,
Marion, select
students
• HSW -Varsity,
Cascade, T, 9 am
• HS Speech Showcase,
District Auditorium,
7 pm
24
• HS Speech Large
Group Districts,
• Archery Tournament
@ Bellevue High
School
• HSW - Varsity,
Clinton, T, 9 am
• HSW - JV, CR
Jefferson, T, 9 am
31
• HS Meistersinger
Honor Choir @
Wartburg College,
select students
• HSW - Varsity,
Western Dubuque @
Epworth, 10 am
• HSGB, Cedar Rapids
Prairie, T, JV @ 5 pm,
Varsity @ 6:30 pm
SIGNING DAY
Mark your calendars for the upcoming
Mount Vernon High School Girls Track Parent
Preseason Mee ng.
Monday, February 9, 2015
7:00 pm
MVHS Commons
Contact Coach Maggie Willems with
quesƟons:
[email protected]
Seniors Morgan Mechert (pictured above) and
Lizzie Adams (pictured below) will don purple and
gold next fall as both have signed le ers of intent.
Morgan will a end McKendree University to play
volleyball and Lizzie Adams will a end University of
Northern Iowa for swimming. Both are shown with
their families and Ac vites Director Ma Thede.
Congratula ons ladies!