Friday, May 25, 2018

This Week in Our Schools: May 21-25, 2018

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

Featured this week:


  • District-Wide Students
  • Colorado Elementary: Field Day.
  • Franklin Elementary: Special Visitors.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Hepker's Class.
  • Grant Elementary: 4th Grade MPW Poster Contest Winners.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Jefferson's Special Visitors.
  • Madison Elementary: Kindergarten Gum Ball Goals.
  • Madison Elementary: Step Up Day.
  • Madison Elementary: Quidditch!
  • Madison Elementary: 4th and 5th Grade Harry Potter Lunch Clubs.
  • Madison Elementary: MCC - Madison Quidditch Teams.
  • Madison Elementary: Mrs. Godden-Alloway's Kindergarten Students.
  • Madison Elementary: 4th Grade Classes.
  • McKinley Elementary: School-wide Reading Challenge.
  • McKinley Elementary: 5th Grade Rocket Launch.
  • McKinley Elementary: 4th Grade MPW Poster contest Winners.
  • McKinley Elementary: 5th Grade Graduation!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Voegler's and Mrs. Mergen's 1st Grade Classes.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Ms. Blaesing's and Mrs. Lowe's 4th Grade Classes.
  • Mulberry Elementary: PBIS Spring Picnic.
  • Central Middle School: Gifted/Talented Passion Projects.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Acker's 7th Grade EL Students.
  • West Middle School: Mr. LeClere's Step Up Day Activity.
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Day's Horticulture II Class.
  • Muscatine High School: Hutton/Galoso - First to Finish MHS Scholars Program!
  • Muscatine High School: Mr. Schmelzer's Work Experience Students.

Monday, May 21, 2018

This Week in Our Schools: May 14 - 18, 2018

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

Featured this week:


  • Parents as Teachers
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Hines' Kindergarten Class.
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Yahn's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Wolf's 1st Grade Classes.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Wolf's 1st Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Henderson's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: 4th Grade End of Year Field Trip.
  • Franklin Elementary: MPW Poster Contest Winners!
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Calderon's 1st Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.
  • Grant Elementary: Lip Sync Battle.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Musser Library Visit.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Story's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Class.
  • Madison Elementary: PBIS Celebration!
  • Madison Elementary: Mr. Stewart's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Madison Elementary: Mrs. McGill's 3rd Grade Class.
  • Madison Elementary: Ms. Connor's 5th Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Spratt's Kindergarten Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Stych's 2nd Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Ms. Pedersen's 2nd Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Family Night!
  • McKinley Elementary: FAST Superheroes!
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Green's Kindergarten Class.
  • Central Middle School: 6th Grade Superheroes!
  • Central Middle School: Ms. Pautz's Science Class.
  • Central Middle School: 7th and 8th Grade Pre-AP ELA Classes.
  • Central Middle School: GT Central Community Connection.
  • West Middle School: 6th Grade Gold House.
  • West Middle School: Ricochet II.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Lopez's Geometry Students.
  • Muscatine High School: AP Testing.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS A cappella Choir.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Treble Choir.
  • District-Wide Staff

Friday, May 18, 2018

Board Briefs for Monday, May 14, 2018

The Board of Education of the Muscatine Community School District met in regular session on Monday, May 14, 2018 at 7 p.m. at City Hall. President Tammi Drawbaugh called the meeting to order. Directors Tim Bower, John Dabeet, Nathan Mather, Toby McCarter, and Mary Wildermuth were present. Director Aaron Finn was absent. Also present were Superintendent Jerry Riibe and Director of Finance Tom Anderson.
  1. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Visitors and media representatives were welcomed.
  3. Student Council Representatives Samara Perkins and Kendra Eller provided an update.
  4. MHS Earth Science students presented their Human Impact Study on the MHS Pond.
  5. Muscatine Community School District’s May Outstanding Employees were recognized. They are: Monica Chavez, Jeff Othmer, Jamie Pugh, Mike Sterner, and Dorene Wagler.
  6. The school board members were recognized for their dedication to the students of Muscatine Schools as part of IASB’s School Board Recognition Month.
  7. No one spoke during Citizens Speak.
  8.  Board Targets/Goals Report: Dan Stein presented information on the CountFast math pilot program that was introduced to the district’s fifth grade students this year.
  9. The consent agenda was approved and included the following:
    1. The minutes of the April 9, 2018 Regular Session and the April 23, 2018 Work Session
      1. Employment Recommendations of:
        1. New Hires - Certified Administrators: Julie Stoneking, Principal Franklin Elementary; Leslie Bennett, Assistant Principal McKinley Elementary; Candace Steel, Principal Jefferson Elementary.
        2. Resignations - Certified Administrators: Jared Smith, MHS Principal.
        3. Resignations - Classified Professionals: Brian Brock, District Student Accounting Manager.
        4. New Hires - Certified Staff: Sara Baker, 9th Grade Science; Maureen Beran, MHS Guidance Counselor; Alison Failor, Jefferson 4th Grade; Matthew Hennes, MHS Science; Jacob Huebener, MHS Science; Shannon Iskowitz, McKinley 5th Grade; McKenna Lybbert, Franklin 5th Grade; Mary Nietzel, Jefferson 4th Grade; Taryn Niehaus, Franklin/McKinley TAG; Catherine Sarrazin, Mulberry Guidance; Warren Snook, MHS Math; Dawn Thompson, Grant 1st Grade; Emily Wolf, Franklin 1st Grade.
        5. Resignations -  Certified Staff: Trista Bryant, Jefferson 4th Grade; Laura Christensen, MHS Math; Micaela Haight, CMS At Risk; Matthew Havemann, CMS SPED; Elizabeth Hirschfield, MHS Math; Amy Justus, WMS Instructional Coach; Faye Lindsey, Jefferson Vocal Music; Jonie Lopez, WMS Math; Margaret Milani, MHS Guidance; Grant Stewart, Madison 3rd Grade; Kerri Tharp, WMS Instructional Coach; Denise Thorson, Jefferson SPED; Meredith Truitt, McKinley SPED; Allison Wolfgram, Mulberry SPED.
        6. TLC - Instructional Coach Resignations: Julie Stoneking, Middle School CPDL; Leslie Bennett, McKinley; Stacy Emrich, Colorado; Lindsay Welsch, Madison.
        7. New Hires - Schedule C: Nicholas Swanson, MHS Assistant Baseball; Randy Rosa, MHS Assistant Baseball; Konnie Hurlbut, MHS Assistant Softball.
        8. Resignations - Schedule C: Sarah Martin Allen, MHS Head Pom; Matthew Havemann, CMS Team Leader SPED; Kailyn Kaiser Stumpf, CMS Volleyball; William Flowers, CMS Track; Dakotah Sommer, WMS Volleyball; Kaylea Rusch, MHS Softball; Chris Lary, WMS Football; Joe Bartling, WMS Football; Heather Clark, WMS Curriculum Coordinator SPED; Margaret Milani, CMS Volleyball; Alan McDonald, MHS Assistant Basketball; Tristan Tolle, WMS Stage and Drama; Rebecca Zahradnik, MHS Assistant Girls Basketball; Gary Belger, MHS Head Boys Basketball; Micaela Haight, MHS Assistant Volleyball and Assistant Girls Track; Lynette Larson, WMS ELA Curriculum Coordinator; Elizabeth Hirschfield, MHS Math Curriculum Coordinator; Matthew Rivera, WMS Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator.
      2. Bills and Claims against the district dated May 14, 2018.
      3. Student Teaching Agreements with Western Illinois University and St. Ambrose University.
    2. Board policy 401.5 Family and Medical Leave was approved.
    3. The tentative list of graduates for the Class of 2018 was approved.
    4. The recommended salary adjustment for administrators and non-union classified professionals to follow Chapter 20 guidelines as of May 1, 2018 (1.75%) was approved.
    5. The Collective Bargaining Agreements between Muscatine Community School District and Local 1560, Council of AFSCME for the Secretarial, Clerical, Aide, and Paraeducator Unit, Bus Driver Unit, Food Service Unit, and Custodial/Maintenance Unit was approved.
    6. Approved the following budgeted PPEL expenditures:
      1. the purchase of musical instruments and furniture not to exceed $918,247 in a one year time period.
      2. the purchase of MHS Physical Education Facility Equipment up to $400,000.
      3. the purchase computer replacements up to $500,000. 
      4. the purchase of the following transportation vehicles: a) Activity Van (1) - $28,564; b) Micro Bus (1) - $58,101; and c) Propane Buses (8) - $759,376 with 8 trade-ins.
    7. Melissa Tiedemann with Stanley Consultants updated the board on the MHS Science/STEM Feasibility Study.
    8. Superintendent Riibe discussed long-range planning for facilities as it pertains to declining enrollment.
    9. Director of Finance Tom Anderson presented the March financials.
    10. The following announcements of upcoming meetings and events were announced:
      1. May 23: Seniors Last Day
      2. May 27: Class of 2018 Graduates
      3. May 28: Memorial Day
      4. May 30: Student’s Last Day; 2-Hour Early Dismissal
      5. May 31: Retirement and 30 Year Employee Celebration
      6. June 11: Regular Board Meeting; 7 p.m.; City Hall
    11. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m. 

Board Agenda with Supporting Documents
Board Meeting via YouTube

Monday, May 14, 2018

This Week in Our Schools: May 7 - 11, 2018

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

Featured this week:

  • Race for the Schools
  • District-Wide Students
  • Colorado Elementary: Race for the Schools!
  • Colorado Elementary: Mrs. Hines' Kindergarten Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Mrs. Hepker's Class.
  • Franklin Elementary: Ms. Week's 5th Grade Class.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Mrs. Manjoine's 5th Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Miss Dindinger's Begindergarten Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Dusenberry's 1st Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Foxen's 2nd Grade Art Classes.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Doane's 4th Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: Mrs. Paul's 4th Grade Class.
  • Grant Elementary: 4th Grade River Bandits Game.
  • Madison Elementary: Family Reading Night.
  • Madison Elementary: Red Nose Day.
  • Madison Elementary: 4th Grade Field Trip.
  • McKinley Elementary: Mrs. Penzkoffer's 1st Grade Students.
  • McKinley Elementary: Ms. Pedersen's 2nd Grade Class.
  • McKinley Elementary: Winnie The Therapy Dog.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mrs. Lowe's, Miss Wolfgram's and Mrs. Gabriel's Students.
  • Mulberry Elementary: 5th Grade Field Trip.
  • Central Middle School: Mock Trial.
  • Central Middle School: Mr. Edkin's 8th Grade STEM Class.
  • Central Middle School: Mrs. Moeller's Pre-Ap Math Class.
  • Central Middle School: Flash Mob.
  • West Middle School: Ricochet.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Matteson's 6th Grade ELA Classes.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Matteson's 6th Grade Pre-AP ELA Classes.
  • West Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's 6th Grade Ag Classes.
  • West Middle School: Mr. Yerington's 6th Grade Science Class.
  • West Middle School: 7th Grade Student Recognition.
  • West Middle School: 7th Grade Choir.
  • West Middle School: Mrs. Schroeder's 8th Grade STEM Class.
  • West Middle School: Ms. Wiebe's 8th Grade Ag Class.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS FFA and Ag Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: Mrs. Hirschfield and Mr. Zabransky's Geometry Classes.
  • Muscatine High School: MHS Choir Students.
  • Muscatine High School: Ms. Ruesch's Essential Biology Classes.
  • District-Wide Staff

This Week in Our Schools: April 30 - May 4, 2017

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

Featured this week:

  • District-Wide Students
  • Parents as Teachers
  • Colorado Elementary: Ms. Schumaker's Kindergarten Class.
  • Colorado Elementary: Environmental Ed Day.
  • Grant Elementary: Miss Dindinger's Begindergarten Class.
  • Grant Elementary: 4th Graders Say Goodbye to Mr. Ortiz.
  • Jefferson Elementary: 5th Grade CountFast Math Teams.
  • Jefferson Elementary: Book Battle.
  • Jefferson Elementary: STEAM Club.
  • Madison Elementary: Family Reading Night.
  • McKinley Elementary: Kindness Group.
  • McKinley Elementary: 4th-5th Grade Career Fair.
  • Mulberry Elementary: PBIS Fancy Lunch Guests.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Bike Safety Program.
  • Mulberry Elementary: 5th Grade CountFast Math Teams.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Tattoo Parlor Opens for Business.
  • Mulberry Elementary: Mississippi Bend AEA Sumdog Math Competition.
  • Mulberry Elementary: WMS Students Help Mulberry Eagles.
  • Central Middle School: CMS Bands at Five Seasons Honor Band.
  • Central Middle School: Beyond High School.
  • Central Middle School: Ms. King's AP ELA Class.
  • West Middle School: 7th Grade Quality Student Recognition Awards.
  • West Middle School: 6th Grade Ag Students.
  • West Middle School: 7th Grade Day of Caring.
  • Muscatine High School: Academic Awards Assembly.
  • Muskie Sports