April 27, 2015
The E-Connection
A bi-weekly publication of the Johnston Community School District
Johnston Community
School District
www.johnston.k12.ia.us
BOARD OF
EDUCATION
Greg Dockum, President
Jill Morrill, V. President
Marci Cordaro
Mike Farrell
Deb Henry
Brad Ortmeier
Mark Toebben
Taylor Hall,
Student Representative
Dr. Corey Lunn,
Superintendent
OUR MISSION
We commit all district
resources to guide the
learning of each student,
to graduate as confident
learners with character,
knowledge and the skills to
excel in any endeavor they
pursue.
VISION
Creating a culture of
excellence where students
come first.
This newsletter is a
publication of the
Communications Office
for the parents and staff in
the Johnston Community
School District. Call 2780470 with questions or
concerns.
Series of Administrator Moves Changes
School Leadership for 2015-16
Parents and students may see new faces in their schools next year, following a series of
administrative moves announced this week.
Joy Wiebers
Mrs. Wiebers will continue to be the principal at Summit Middle School, splitting
time between that role and a new position as the district’s leader coach as part of
the Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) program. This position is paid
for by TLC state-appropriated funds (not district dollars). She will be working with
building principals to build their leadership and instructional strengths.
Tim Salmon
Mr. Salmon, who announced his departure from the Horizon Elementary principal
post earlier this year, will move to Summit to support sixth grade while also
providing support for initiatives related to the Foundation For Excellence plan,
including student engagement with integrated technology at Summit and research
into a possible in-district magnet school.
Brian Town
Assistant principal Brian Town has spent the last year splitting time between
Summit and Wallace Elementary; in the 2015-16 school year, he will split assistant
principal duties between Wallace and Timber Ridge Elementary.
Josh Morgan
Timber Ridge assistant principal Josh Morgan has split time between his
administrative duties and on special assignment to study, improve, and implement
a new district-wide safety plan. In the 2015-16 school year, he will work exclusively
on special assignment related to the Foundation For Excellence plan, studying
student engagement and integrated technology at the elementary level, exploring
fine arts and orchestra programs, leading PBIS training with the transportation
department, and continuing his work with district-wide safety training and implementation.
Lindsey Cornwell
Lindsey Cornwell has been selected as the new principal of Horizon Elementary
in the Johnston Community School District. Cornwell is the principal of Wright
Elementary, a kindergarten through fifth grade Artful Learning school in the Des
Moines Public School district. She started her education career as a fifth grade
teacher in Johnston before going to the West Des Moines Community School
District where she taught elementary Spanish for six years and third grade for one year.
Did you know?
Each issue of the E-Connection will now feature facts and take-aways from the recent parent
engagement survey. It’s a great way to learn more about our school community!
When asked what programs parents would like to see offered to students in the district,
opportunities related to orchestra/strings was a popular response. In turn, one of our district
administrators, Josh Morgan, will spend time in the 2015-16 school year exploring possible
options and implementation ideas for a orchestra program within the schools. Watch for
updates on this study at 2015-16 board meetings and in the E-Connection.
Board Highlights from April 27
Highlights from the April 27 board meeting are reported here. For full minutes, go to the eBoards portion of the district
website.
Student Report
Taylor Hall reported on a number of items happening at the high school. JHS students had the opportunity to meet and
spend time with French foreign exchange students, providing insight to cultural differences and similarities. Over the
weekend, JHS students performed “Bye Bye Birdie” as the spring musical; Taylor said it was a great show. Finally, students
have a blood drive and AP tests coming up before the end of the year.
Acknowledgements
Summit Art Showcase-presented by Art Teacher Connie Pruitt. Mrs. Pruitt explained art
education as it has evolved over her 33 years of teaching. She said art education has been
brought back to a largely creative exploration mindset, allowing students to enrich their
skills in that area, as well as creative problem solving, self-expression, and confidence.
The board room filled with sound as the JHS Innovation show choir performed their ballad
at the meeting. Saturday, February 28 wrapped up the competition season for the Innovation
and Synergy Show Choirs. Innovation capped off an undefeated season with their fifth
grand championship, in addition to Best Vocals, Best Choreography, and Best Female Soloist – Jenna Smith. Synergy took
home three top awards during their season. They also were ranked sixth in the nation! Both groups collected categorical
awards at each competition. Congratulations to the students and directors Hannah Ryan and Samantha Robilliard on their
outstanding season!
Horizon’s Positive Behavioral interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team presented by Tim Salmon and Tammy Joslin – Mr.
Salmon said Horizon and Summit were two of the 40 schools in Iowa selected for a PBIS award. This is the second year
Horizon has the PBIS system in place and for their first-year efforts, they received an Honor award. The elementary school
aligns their program with Summit so students are consistent in the expectations of their behavior and conduct.
Summit’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Team presented by Joy Wiebers – Summit was given the
Honor Plus award. Now four years into the PBIS program, they are focused on their Tier 2 students who typically have
more challenges in school.
The JHS math club recently competed in the state competition and has qualified, as a team, to head to regionals in May.
This is the first time in school history the entire team has moved on to regionals. Way to go!
Dr. Lunn gave an update on Dragon student-athlete success at the Drake relays. Stand-out performances came from a
number of students, including Ellie Roquet, Patrick Bose, Hezekiah Applegate, Jared Seay, Josh Borwick, Ben Renner,
Braden Cooper, Grant Lair, Grant Gossling, Johnny Pater, Carter Wunsch, and Gannon Svestka. Congratulations!
Six Summit Middle School and Johnston Middle School students were selected for the University of Iowa’s Belin-Blank
Summer Institute. Students who were selected from Johnston Middle School as participants for this year’s University of
Iowa’s Belin-Blank Summer Institute include the following: Will Henrichsen- Advanced Science; Katelyn Winkler- Global
and Cultural Studies; Gary Li- Math Problem Solving. Alternate for the program was Anjali Dhawa for Social Sciences.
Those from Summit Middle School who were selected include: Joe Hoffman – Social Sciences; Paxson Picken – Global
& Cultural Studies; and Karson Lee – Innovation and Inventions. Alternates for the program were Matthew Ding for
Advanced Science, Anna Janni for Creative Writing, and Madison Dunn for Performing Arts.
Ten Johnston High School students have reached the Commendation level for the National Merit Scholarship Corporation
program. This means that they are among the top 50,000 out of the approximately 1.5 million students that attempted
to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. Congratulations to Caroline Aldrich, Jessica Battani, Elizabeth
Crowley, Carissa Dobson, Adam Dostalik, Bryce Hanna, Brett Kerr, Katelyn Perkins, Caroline Quinn, and Seth Tack.
Summit TSA students had excellent performance at the state competition. Last year, they swept the competition and were
named state champions. This year was no exception, as students had outstanding demonstrations and the team took home
the state championship again! Award recipients are: Career Challenge-James Grimm, 2nd place, Challenging Technology
Issues-Joe Arthur & Owen Smith, 1st Place, Chapter Team-TEAM #1-Luke Rothmeyer, Joe Arthur, Owen Smith, Andrew
Ritchie, Hailey Higby, Noah Thompson, 3rd Place, Chapter Excellence-Shreya Shrestha, 1st Place, Communication
Challenge-Savannah Dennis, 1st Place, Community Service Video-Liz Jones & Shreya Shrestha, 3rd Place Dragster-Liz
Jones, 1st Place, Flight-Laura Paul, 3rd Place, Go Green Manufacturing-Andrew Ritchie, Noah Thompson & Trey Randall,
2nd place, Promotional Design-Nathaniel Skinner, 1st place, Prepared Speech-Prithvi Jamadagni, 1st place; Cole Clark,
2nd place, Structural Engineering (bridge)-Noah Thompson & Karshana Kalyanaraman, 1st place, Technical DesignOwen Smith & Cole Clark, 2nd place; Gordan Huand, James Grimm, 3rd Place, Technology Quiz Bowl-TEAM #1-Prithvi
Jamadagni, Cole Clark, Karshana Kalyanaraman, 1st place, Junior Solar Sprint Vehicle-Hailey Higby & Madison Schmidt,
2nd place; Laura Paul & Shreya Shrestha, 3rd Place, VEX Robotics-Chris Johnson & Sneh Mistry, 1st place; Luke South,
Nathaniel Skinner, 2nd place.
Superintendent’s Report
Construction update: Dr. Lunn reported the south loop road is about halfway finished, which is an important route for the
trucks and semis. Other work that being done includes footings on lower part of the gym floor, pouring concrete on the
second floor, and installing the roof on the auditorium.
Board President Report (Greg Dockum)
None.
Board Committee Reports
None.
Reports (New Business)
• Evaluation on the Current JHS Digital Learning Environment (Tony Sparks, Ann Wiley): Now in the third year of the
JHS Digital Learning Environment, the IT team uses surveys with students, parents, and teachers to evaluate things
that are working well, things that are not working well, and other suggestions.
The overall summary for students indicated the top four uses of the iPads are to communicate with teachers,
communicate with students, work collaboratively with other students on projects, and use specific apps related to the
class. 98% of the comments were positive. In areas students suggested for improving were loosening up filters, consider
opening YouTube after hours, and support.
Parents reported the iPads increased access to information/materials, enhances future skills, diminishes textbook
load, increases organization, and increases communication with teacher. They cited areas for improvement around
more electronic textbooks, more tech support, teachers using it in a standardized manner.
Teachers Kyla Burns (science) and Danielle Pippert (math) talked about iPad usage in their classrooms and how it has
transformed their teaching. Student Trent Wignell talked about the ways the iPads has changed his learning and overall
student experience.
•
Extended Learning Program (ELP) - Feedback and Recommendations (Kathy Paul): Kathy Paul, ELP teacher/
coordinator provided information and recommendations develop from numerous inputs. Student, parent and
teacher surveys were completed. Student and parent focus groups were conducted. Kathy provided both short term
recommendations for implementation next school year as well as improvement recommendation for future years.
•
Revision Proposal for Co-op Work Class (Bruce Amendt): High School Business teacher Kristi Volesky presented a 2
year proposal to modify Coop Work to add an additional 2 hour of DMACC credit for the course work. In addition,
increased work site observation by the teacher will be implemented. Kristi presented to Academic Affairs and provided
the details of the proposal at the Board meeting.
•
Strategic Plan Update (Bruce Amendt): Dr. Amendt shared the current state of the existing strategic plan and how
it will dovetail into the new Foundation For Excellence plan. The current plan focuses on three areas: Curriculum,
Instruction & Assessment; College and Career Readiness; and Highly qualified and effective staff. He then presented
the overlap between the current strategic plan and the new Foundation For Excellence plan, as they will be combined
in the future.
•
Iowa Assessment Report 2014-15 (Bruce Amendt): An overview of Iowa Assessments was reviewed with a three year
historical perspective. This report includes 3 years of data by school, grade and subgroups. The report provides student
proficiency rates on the reading, math and science tests. These are the reporting areas required by No Child Left
Behind (NCLB). The report includes the data from all students taking the tests. Proficiency and growth data – current
and longitudinal – will be reviewed and studied to identify areas of success/celebration and areas of needed focus/
improvement.
•
Consideration of 2015-16 Board Meeting Dates (Greg Dockum): The Board discussed meeting dates for the coming
year.
•
Plan for Reallocation and Proposed Budget Reductions (Corey Lunn): With a 0% to 2% increase next year, Johnston
Community School District will be looking at a budget shortfall of up to $300,000 for the 2015-16 school year, and
for the following 2016-17 school year, up to $350,000. To address this issue there is a recommendation of $482,250 in
budget adjustments for the upcoming school year.
This report aligns to the board’s Superintendent Focus Areas: 3D.1 – Current budget, programs and practices will be
examined and SD. 3 – Suggestions for allocating resources and budget to meet the intended outcomes and changes will
be developed and shared for input and building support.
Action Items
• Approval of 2015-16 School Calendar (Tom Mitchell): The Legislature has passed a bill restricting schools from
starting before August 23rd. The Board approved a calendar and an amendment to apply for a waiver. With the current
legislation no waivers will be accepted. A revised calendar is attached that was reviewed and discussed at the April 13,
2015 Board meeting with approval at the April 27, 2015 Board meeting. The Board approved the 2015-2016 School
Calendar as presented.
•
Approval of Administrative Contract (Tom Mitchell): At the March 9, 2015 board meeting, Ms. Joy Palmer was
approved as the District Preschool Coordinator. Ms. Palmer’s contract is presented here for final approval. The salary
will be based on the FY 16 Assistant Principal salaries, which is yet to be determined. The Board approved the contract
for the District Preschool Coordinator, Joy Duea Palmer.
•
Approval to Modify Administrative Contract (Tom Mitchell): The District has requested an amendment to the TLC
Grant. The request was submitted to allow the District to provide more administrative mentoring and coaching
to current district principals through the TLC Grant program. We have received confirmation that this request
is approved. The cabinet recommends that Joy Wiebers’ contract for FY 16 be amended to allow her to provide
mentoring and coaching to current building principals. We believe this will be a valuable use of resources provided
through the TLC grant program. With the Board’s approval Ms. Wiebers FY 16 position would be funded .4 General
fund and .6 from the TLC Grant. It is anticipated Ms. Wiebers will work in this capacity for one year. The Board
approved the request to modify Ms. Wiebers’ contract for FY 16
•
Approval of a New Student Organization, Young Atheist Club (Brent Riessen): JHS students are requesting the
formation of a new student club/organization, the Young Atheist Club. Mr. Riessen and student representatives will be
present. Students provided their proposal and information to the Board for discussion on April 13, 2015 with Board
Action at the April 27, 2015 Board meeting. The board approved the new Young Atheist Club as presented.
•
Approval of Renewal of Cooperative Program Agreements (Gary Ross): The district has been participating in
cooperative agreements with Urbandale, Dallas Center-Grimes, Woodward-Granger and Des Moines Christian
for various athletic activities. The number of students from other districts participating in cooperative agreements
remains small. All signatures are obtained electronically. The administration recommends continuation of the current
cooperative program agreements for the 2015-2016 school year.
•
Approval of the Activities Proposal (Gary Ross): Gary Ross presented a proposal for the restructuring of the activities
program. First report was given at the April 13, 2015 Board meeting with approval at the April 27, 2015 Board meeting.
The Board approved the Activities Proposal as presented.
District News and Announcements
Graduation, Last Day of School
Mark your calendar for these upcoming dates: Seniors’ last day will be Friday, May 15. Johnston High School graduation
will be held on Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at the Drake University Knapp Center. The last day for all other students will be
Tuesday, May 26. This is a full day, no early outs.
May is Board Appreciation Month
Please join us in recognizing our Johnston school board members’ dedication and hard work during School Board
Recognition Month, May 2015. In honor of our school board members, there will a display of projects by the Digikidz
group starting at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 4. Refreshments will be served before the board meeting begins at 5:30 p.m.
Thank to our board members for their leadership in the Johnston Community School District!
“MOONGIRL” Takes the Stage May 1
Johnston High School students, in collaboration with Best Buddies and students in the Experience Based Career Education
class, will be presenting the play MOONGIRL, based on the book Moonboy, by Carolyn Garcia on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
in the Johnston High School Auditorium. Best Buddies is a social organization promoting friendships between students in
special education and regular education. All proceeds go to the Dragon Art account to fund future art projects for students
with disabilities who are learning work skills and teamwork in their Experience Based Career Education class. A bake sale
will also be held at 6:30 p.m. in the commons before the play. Tickets are $5.00 and will also be available at the High School
Accounting Office or at the door, until the auditorium capacity is met.
Fitzpatrick Receives National Coaching Award
The National Speech & Debate Association is proud to announce Johnston High School teacher Jeremy Fitzpatrick as its
newest diamond coach. A diamond award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. On June
18, 2015, Fitzpatrick will receive special recognition at the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Dallas, Texas.
Printed Activity Calendar and Planner Available for Purchase
If you would like a printed wall calendar (11x 17) or planner (8.5x11) with district activities listed, you can order one
through Johnston Community Education. Wall calendars are $5 and planners are $10. Just go to Revtrak via the district
website (https://johnston.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=110). There you will find a form to print or you can
process your order online with a credit card. Forms were also sent home to PK-6 grade students the end of April. Orders
will be taken until June 12, 2015. For more information or to place your order over the phone, call 515-278-0552.
E-Flyers
Be sure to check the e-Flyers portion of the website for community organization happenings. Click on the
flyer below for more details. Contact [email protected] to submit your flyer.
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U of Iowa Past-Tense Speaking Skills Research Study
Courage League Sports Summer Camp
Polk Co. Conservation May Programs
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YMCA Summer LaCrosse Camp
Johnston Menace Youth Soccer Programs
NW Swim Club Try Outs
Community News and Announcements
Know Construction Zones in the City
Construction season is underway in Johnston and the city wants you to be fully informed of detours, closures and progress.
To stay up to date on construction, please visit www.cityofjohnston.com/CivicAlerts.
Annual Pancake Breakfast is May 2
The Johnston Lions Club will hosting its annual Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 2 in the Wallace Elementary School
cafeteria at 6510 N.W. 62nd Avenue in Johnston. Hours are 7:00 a.m. til 11:00 and the breakfast features delicious pancakes
including gluten-free pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, juice and coffee. Tickets are $6.00 at the door and kids 5 and
under are free! For more information, phone Judy Anderson at 515 278 0939.