Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Board Briefs for Monday, December 11, 2017 Regular Session.

The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District met in regular session on Monday, December 11, 2017 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Board Members president: President Tammi Drawbaugh, Directors John Dabeet, Toby McCarter, and Mary Wildermuth. Directors Tim Bower, Aaron Finn, and Nathan Mather were absent. Also present were Superintendent Jerry Riibe, Assistant Superintendent Mike McGrory, and Director of Finance Tom Anderson.
  1. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Visitors and media representatives were welcomed.
  3. MHS Student Council representatives provided an update.
  4. December’s Outstanding Employees were recognized: Andrew Dobek, Jennifer Haag, Kelli Pedersen, Steve Preston, and Bret Woodward.
  5. No one spoke during Citizens Speak.
  6. An update on the Fine Arts program’s was given. 
  7. Various metrics the district uses to determine its progress toward meeting board goals were presented.
  8. Approved the consent agenda which included:
    1. The minutes of the November 13, 2017 Regular Session.
    2. Employment Recommendations of: 
      1. New Hires – Certified Staff 2017-18: Allyson Jungwirth – Special Education Teacher at Mulberry Elementary and Jordan Buster – Gifted and Talented Teacher at McKinley Elementary.
      2. Resignations – Certified Staff: Bobbi Whitlow – Kindergarten at Franklin, effective at the end of the 2017-18 academic year.
      3.  New Hires – Schedule C: Austin Kinsey – MHS Assistant Girls’ Soccer.
    3. Bills and Claims Against the District dated December 11, 2017.
  9. The district’s Teacher Leadership Compensation (TLC) program was discussed.
  10. Upcoming changes to activity accounts and student field trips was discussed.
  11. Muscatine Community School District Foundation's board was discussed.
  12. A second reading was held on the following policies:
    1. 504.6 Participation in Athletic Events (Student Attendance) – delete
    2. 505.3 Communicable Diseases
    3. 506.4 Graduation Honors
    4. 601.25 Homework – delete
  13. The October financials were shared.
  14. Announcements of Meetings/Events:
    1. December 21, 2017 – 2-hour early dismissal
    2. December 22 – January 2, 2018 -  Holiday/Winter Break
    3. January 2, 2018 – Teacher Inservice
    4. January 3, 2018 – First Day of Second Semester
    5. January 8, 2018 – Board Regular Session; 7 p.m.; City Hall
  15. The meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m.

To see this meeting's board book: Board Book for December 11, 2017
To watch a recording of this meeting via You Tube: MCSD  YouTube Channel

Friday, December 8, 2017

This Week in Our Schools: December 4 - 8, 2017

Select the image below to see what our students and staff have been doing This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:

  • District-wide Students: CMS and WMS Rock Orchestra Students.
  • Parents as Teachers: Snow Globes and Bell Ringing.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Yahn's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Read by 3 Program.
  • Grant Elementary: Leadership Lab.
  • Grant Elementary: Preschool Students Rehearse for Holiday Performance.
  • Grant Elementary: Miss Dindinger's Begindergarten Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Grant's 3rd Grade Girl Scout Troop.
  • Grant Elementary: Student Leadership Team Fundraiser.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mr. Loos' 3rd Grade Science Classes.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Klein's 5th Grade Math Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Jefferson's Holiday Concert Finale!
  • Madison Elementary: Freezing for Food Drive.
  • Madison Elementary: Student Leadership Team Helps Others in Need.
  • Madison Elementary: Ms. Holder's 2nd Grade Art Students.
  • Madison Elementary: Mrs. Poppe's 4th Grade Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Evans' Kindergarten Class.
  • Central Middle School: Superhero 6th Graders!
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Mulliken's eLEMONaters.
  • West Middle School: Students Visit Capri College.
  • West Middle School: Mr. Yerington's 6th Grade Science Class.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Choir Students.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Orchestra Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Key Club Coat Drive.
  • Muscatine High School: Welding Career Academy.

This Week in Our Schools: November 20 - December 1, 2017

Select the picture below to see what our students and staff have been doing This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:

  • District-Wide Students: Gifted/Talented Future Problem Solvers.
  • District-Wide Students: 8th-9th Grade Orchestra Students.
  • District-Wide Students: Middle and High School FFA Students.
  • District-Wide Students: CMS/WMS Robotics Team.
  • Parents as Teachers: Home Visit Fun!
  • Colorado Elementary: Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Hines' Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Student Leadership Team.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Sitzmann's and Mrs. Paul's Kindergarten & 4th Grade Classes.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Dusenberry's 1st Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Paul's 4th Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Rocco Receives Recognition!
  • Jefferson Elementary: 2nd Grade Pajama Day.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Ms. Story's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Ugly Sweater Wednesdays!
  • Madison Elementary: Miss Yetter's Class.
  • Madison Elementary: Student Leadership Team's Buddy Bench Fundraiser.
  • McKinley Elementary: Ms. Pedersen's 2nd Grade Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Green's Kindergarten Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Kindergarten-Third Grade Thanksgiving Feast.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Miss Blaesing's 4th Grade Class.
  • Central Middle School: 6th-7th-8th Grade Ag Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Mrosko's Class.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Duran's ESL Class.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Soy's 6th Grade Math Class.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Bloomquist's 6th, 7th, 8th Grade Library Classes.
  • West Middle School: 8th Grade Girls Basketball Team.
  • West Middle School: Mr. LeClere's PLTW Design & Modeling class.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Matteson's Home Room Students.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Matteson's 6th Grade Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: All State Musicians.
  • Muscatine High School: Ms. Christensen's Geometry and Pre-AP Algebra 2 Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: Ms. Reade's World Language Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Ag 1 Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Paul's Animal Nutrition Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Mrs. Huot's English 12 Classes and Mr. Smith's Economics Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Day's Ag Students.
  • District-Wide Staff

Saturday, November 18, 2017

This Week in Our Schools: November 13-17, 2017

Click the image below to see our students and staff in action This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:

  • Parents as Teachers: Discovery Center Fun!
  • Colorado Elementary: Kindergarten Classes Thanksgiving Project.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Hines' Kindergarten Class.
  • Colorado Elementary: Ms. Schumaker's Kindergarten Class.
  • Colorado Elementary: Second Grade Classes.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Yahn's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Colorado Elementary: World Diabetes Day Guest Speaker!
  • Franklin Elementary: Meet Frankie!
  • Grant Elementary: 5th Grade Math Count Fast 24.
  • Grant Elementary: Leadership Lab Weekly Update.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Jefferson' 1st Quarter Perfect Attendance!
  • Jefferson Elementary: World Diabetes Day Special Guest Speaker!
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Randleman's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Story's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Annual Family Science Night.
  • Madison Elementary: Family Math Fluency Night.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Christmas Came Early Celebration!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Veteran's Recognition.
  • Mulberry Elementary: PBIS Lunch!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Green's Kindergarten Class.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Acker's ELL Class.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Beatty's 6th Grade Social Studies Class.
  • Central Middle School: 32nd Honor Opus Choir Attendees.
  • Central Middle School: Band News.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's 7th and 8th Grade Ag Classes.
  • West Middle School: Mr. Yerington's 6th Grade Science Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Muscatine FFA.
  • Muscatine High School: Key Club Blood Drive.
  • Muscatine High School: Mrs. Mueller's AP Research Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Student Council Reps Visit Merrill Hotel.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Band, Orchestra, Choir Prepares for All State Festival.
  • This Week in Muskie Sports
  • MHS Physical Education Building Update

Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Board Briefs for Monday, November 13, 2017 Regular Board Meeting

The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District met in regular session on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. Board members present: Tammi Drawbaugh, Tim Bower, John Dabeet, Aaron Finn, Nathan Mather, Toby McCarter, and Mary Wildermuth. Also present were Superintendent Jerry Riibe, Assistant Superintendent Mike McGrory, and Director of Finance Tom Anderson.
  1. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Visitors and media representatives were welcomed.
  3. MHS Student Council representatives provided an update.
  4. November’s Outstanding Employees: Beckie Anderson, Bob Baillie, Nancy Foxen, Amy Justus, David Svensen were recognized.
  5. No one spoke during Citizens Speak.
  6. Teale Burford and band/orchestra/choir students presented on the Fine Arts Department's successes and upcoming events.
  7. Becky Wichers, Director of Teaching and Learning, updated the board on current FAST scores.
  8. Mike McGrory, Assistant Superintendent, updated the board on first quarter chronic absenteeism.
  9. The consent agenda was approved which included:
    1. The minutes of the October 9, 2017 Regular Session and the October 23, 2017 Work Session.
    2. Employment Recommendations of:
      1. Resignations – Classified Staff: Cindy Miller – Administrative Assistant to the Director of Finance and Budget.
      2. New Hires – Certified Staff 2017-18: Kristin Hazelett - .75 FTE Art at Franklin Elementary (revised); Rebecca Nettz – Home School Teacher (.5 FTE) at Administration Center.
      3. New Hires – Schedule C: Luke Turelli – Assistant Basketball – MHS; Rebecca Stogdill – MS Mock Trial – CMS; Emma McCreary – MS Yerbook – CMS; Jeannine Mullikin – MS First Tech Challenge – Robotics – CMS; Brandon Welsch, Assistant Girls Golf – MHS; Brendan Nagel – MS Girls Basketball – WMS; Andrew Dobek – MS Boys Basketball – WMS.
    3. Student Teaching Agreement with Western Governor’s University.
    4. Policies:
      1. 501.2 Attendance Policies with Administrative Regulations
      2. 505.3R Communicable Diseases Administrative Regulations
      3. 601.7 Foreign Study
      4. 601.10 Technology and Instructional Materials
      5. 602.3R Use of Information Services Administrative Regulations
    5.  Bills and Claims Against the District dated November 13, 2017.
  10. Approved administration authority to seek modified supplemental amounts from the School Budget Review Committee (SBRC) for Open Enrolled Out not in Fall 2016 and ELL served beyond 5 years.
  11. Approved establishing an early retirement program for FY-18 and setting the deadline of January 3, 2018 with presentation for board approval in January 2018. 
  12. Approved the contract with Team Services for construction testing and inspection services in the amount of $13,116 for the new MHS Physical Education building.
  13. Approved the following policies:
    1. 401.15 Personnel Records (moving from 705.3) 
    2. 803 Disposal of School Equipment 
    3. 805 Crisis Management and Response Plan 
    4. 806.1 Buildings and Sites Long Range Planning – NEW 
    5. 806.2 Buildings and Sites Surveys – NEW 
    6. 806.3 Educational Specifications for Buildings and Sites – NEW 
    7. 806.4 Site Acquisition – NEW 
    8. 807.1 Maintenance Schedule – NEW 
    9. 807.2 Requests for Improvements – NEW 
    10. 807.3 Emergency Repairs – NEW 
    11. 807.4 Buildings and Site Adaption for Persons with Disabilities – NEW 
    12. 807.5 Vandalism – NEW 
    13. 807.6 Energy Conservation – NEW 
    14. 808 Lease, Sale or Disposal of School Buildings and Sites – NEW 
    15. 900.1  Tobacco/Nicotine Free Environment – DELETE 
    16. 900.2 Releases to News Media – Internal Unit News 
    17. 900.5 Visitation by Students, Adults, Groups, or Agencies to the MCSD 
    18. 900.10 News Conferences and Interviews – NEW
    19. 900.11 Live Broadcast or Videotaping – NEW 
    20. 900.13 Advertising and Promoting – NEW
  14. MCSD's role as it pertains to the Muscatine Ag Learning Center was discussed.
  15. The MCSD School Foundation structure was reviewed.
  16. First reading on the following policies was held:
    1. 504.6 Participation in Athletic Events (Student Attendance) – Delete
    2. 505.3 Communicable Diseases
    3. 506.4 Graduation Honors
    4. 601.25 Homework – Delete
  17. The October financials were presented for review.
  18. The following meeting/important dates were announced:
    1. November 15-16, 2017 – IASB Convention
    2. November 22, 2017 – 2-hour early dismissal
    3. November 23-24, 2017 – Thanksgiving Break
    4. December 11, 2017 – Board Regular Session , 7 p.m., City Hall
  19. Meeting adjourned at 8:27 p.m.

To see this meeting's board book, go to: Board Book - November 13, 2017
To watch the school board meeting:







Friday, November 10, 2017

This Week in Our Schools: November 6 - 10, 2017

Select the image below to see what our students and staff have been doing This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:
  • Parents as Teachers: Sensory Play Day!
  • Colorado Elementary:  Honoring Veteran's and Service Members.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Smith's Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: First Grade Classes Help Muscatine Pollinators.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Week's 5th Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Miss Dindinger’s, Miss Holly’s, and Miss Michelle’s Classes.
  • Grant Elementary: Leadership Lab Update.
  • Grant Elementary: 3rd Graders - Diabetes Busting Program.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Schliesman's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Stars and Stripes Leader.
  • Grant Elementary: Honoring Veterans.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Honoring Veterans.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Miss Mary's Preschool Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Ms. Wester's 2nd Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: 2nd Grade Recess Fun!
  • McKinley Elementary: Ms. Pedersen's 2nd Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mr. Schroeder's 5th Grade Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Lowe's Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. McDonald's 5th Grade Class.
  • Central Middle School: 6th Grade Avengers SuperHeroes of the Week!
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Acker's EL Students Celebrate Veteran's Day.
  • West Middle School: Veteran's Day Assembly.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Matteson's 6th Grade ELA Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Mighty Muskie Marching Band.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Schmelzer's Work Experience Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Bags of Blessings.
  • Muscatine High School: National Honor Society Inductees.
  • Muscatine High School: Students of the Quarter and Service Leaders!
  • Muscatine High School: Speech and Debate Update.
  • Muscatine High School: Miss Goodale's Intro to Computers Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Ag 1 and Ag 2 Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: Vocal Music Fundraiser!
  • Muscatine High School: This Week in Muskie Sports!

This Week in Our Schools: October 30 - November 3, 2017

Select the image below to see what our students and staff having been doing This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:

  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Calderon's Kindergarten Students.
  • Franklin Elementary: Preschool and Kindergarten Classes.
  • Franklin Elementary: Halloween Fun!
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Henderson's 2nd Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Week's 5th Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Calderon's and Ms. Meyer's 4th and 5th Grade EL Students.
  • Grant Elementary: Miss Dindinger's Begindergarten Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Celebrating "WIGs" Wildly Important Goals!
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Dusenberry's 1st Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Randleman's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Manjoine's 5th Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: 5th Grade Conflict and Perspective Lesson.
  • Madison Elementary: Halloween Walk!
  • Madison Elementary: 4th Grade Reading Goal Achievers!
  • Madison Elementary: Ms. Connor's 5th Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Luna's 1st Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Bloomquist's 3-5th Grade Library News!
  • McKinley Elementary: 2nd Grade Test Talks.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Green's Kindergarten Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Halloween Visit to Bickford!
  • Mulberry Elementary: German Exchange Student Visit.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Beilke vs. Silly String!
  • Central Middle School: 6th Grade Super Heroes of the Week!
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's 7th Grade Ag Class.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's 8th Grade Ag Class.
  • West Middle School: 8th Graders Attend International Day.
  • West Middle School: Bear Necessities for Lunch!
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Bloomquist's 6th Grade Library Helpers.
  • Muscatine High School: Journalism Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Woodward's Academy Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Ms. Reade's German Students and Visitors.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Kitzmann's Principle of Engineering Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Muscatine FFA News.
  • Muscatine High School: Mrs. Joslyn's AP Physics Students.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Drama Presents "Twelve Angry Jurors."
  • This Week in Muskie Sports
  • District Staff: November's Outstanding Employees, MHS, CMS, Colorado, Jefferson, District TLC.

Friday, October 27, 2017

This Week in Our Schools: 10/23 - 10/26, 2017

Select the image below to see ours students and staff in action This Week in Our Schools!

Featured this week:

  • Colorado Elementary: Colorado's Running Club.
  • Colorado Elementary: Fall Festival Fun.
  • Colorado Elementary: Meet Vanilla Bean!
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Hines' Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Eichelberger's PK Class and Mrs. Whitlow's Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Miss Harder's Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Ms. Eggert's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Arceo's Kindergarten Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Kulland's 1st and 2nd Grade P.E. Classes.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Dusenberry's 1st Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Jefferson and Central Middle School Reading Buddies.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Annual Fall Harvest Celebration!
  • Madison Elementary: Ms. Holder's Kindergarten Art Classes.
  • Madison Elementary: Mrs. Skidmore's Kindergarten Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Bloomquist's 2nd Grade Library Lesson with Ms. Pedersen's Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Ms. Pedersen's 2nd Grade Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: PBIS Dance Party!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Principal for 120 Minutes!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Stars and Stripes Leaders with Central's Flag Team.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Green's Kindergarten Class.
  • Mulberry Elementary: 1st Quarter Extra Recess - SOAR!
  • Central Middle School: Justice League Heroes of the Week!
  • Central Middle School: Sixth Grade Penny Wars Challenge!
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Larson-Walgren's 6th Grade ELA Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Beatty's 6th Grade Social Studies Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's Agriculture Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Kinsey and Mrs. Ruckles ELA Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Larson-Walgren's and Mrs. Beatty's 6th Grade ELA Classes.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Duran's 6th Grade ESL Class.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Hazelett's Combined Art Class (Mrs. Fick's and Mrs. Week's Classes).
  • West Middle School: Ms. Duran's 6th Grade ESL Class.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Schroeder's 8th Grade Robotics Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Speech and Debate Team.
  • Muscatine High School: Muskie Orchestra: Iowa All-State Music Festival.
  • Muscatine High School: Ms. Phillip's English Language Development Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Schmelzer's Work Experience Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Model United Nations.
  • Muscatine High School: FFA National Convention.
  • Muscatine High School: Mrs. Hovland's Essential Algebra II Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: Drama Rehearsals for "Twelve Angry Jurors."
  • This Week in Muskie Sports
  • District Staff: Grant Elementary Honors Custodian "Mr. Dan"