Achieve Magazine: Fall 2021 (Issue 7)

Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo Hello!

The 2021-22 school year is well underway, with students engaged in the classroom and on the courts, stages, courses, pools and fields. This school year, we are seeing so many of our students pursuing their paths to a high school diploma and a second credential. Our entire staff is rallying around students to ensure they’re on track to success. The journey is beginning for students as early as preschool. Students in elementary grades can stay on track by attending school at least 95% of the time, and performing well on the MAP assessment three times each year.

When students meet these expectations, we can advance their learning, and partner with parents on their child’s success.

In middle and high school, students are on track when they attend school regularly, earn C’s or better in their classes, and perform well on the MAP assessment. To help ensure regular attendance, our schools are focused on engaging students in and out of the classroom. We are providing more opportunities than ever before for students to join a club, a team, the band, and participate in many other activities that meet their interests.

I am so proud that we launched E-sports teams at Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson for those skilled in gaming, and am encouraged by the interest in this new varsity sport.

It is gratifying to see so many students earning their second credential by participating in pathways that will lead them to a meaningful career in a high-paying job or to post secondary college experiences in their fields of interest. Our recent College and Career Weeks at our high schools emphasized the many opportunities available to our students, and allowed students to explore their next steps toward their futures. We appreciate the dozens of employers and college representatives who helped make the event a success.

We take our job seriously to prepare students for their futures and a successful life, hopefully staying and working in our community for many years to come.

Thank you for your interest in our schools, our students, and their success. Enjoy this issue of our Achieve Magazine, presented to our community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Vickie Murillo, Superintendent 2

Fall 2021

Editor’s Note

Welcome to the seventh issue of the award-winning Achieve magazine! We are excited to share the story of our District’s amazing students, teachers, staff and our generous community with you. We would appreciate any feedback you have on this publication, or suggestions for a future story. Please email us at communications@cb-schools.org.

This publication would not be possible without the generous support of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and community donors. We extend our most sincere appreciation for their continued support of our mission.

Council Bluffs Board of Education The Council Bluffs Board of Education meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are held one Tuesday per month in June, July, August and December.

Meetings are held at 6:30 p.m. in the Educational Service Center, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, and they are aired live on Cox Channel 18 and the District’s YouTube channel, youtube.com/c/ CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict.

Chris LaFerla Board President

David Coziahr Board Vice President

Troy Arthur Board Member

Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress Board Member

Jill Shudak Board Member

Teresa Hardiman Interim Board Member

Erin Johnson Interim Board Member

COVER PHOTO: Bloomer Elementary first grader Isabella Winchell stops at her locker as she excitedly prepares for the first day of school.

ABOUT: Achieve Magazine is proudly published by the Council Bluffs Community School District, with generous funding from the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and advertisers. A digital version of this publication can be accessed online at www.cb-schools.org.

The content of this publication can be accessed through Google translate online.

To request another copy of this publication, submit story suggestions, or place an advertisement, please call 712-328-6514 or email communications@cb-schools.org.

MISSION STATEMENT: The mission of the Council Bluffs Community School District is to guarantee that every student graduates with the knowledge, skills and character to become a responsible citizen and to succeed in a changing world by creating a leading-edge, inclusive educational system, which provides challenging expectations, diverse experiences, engaging curriculum and innovative teaching within a collaborative, caring community.

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT: It is the policy of the Council Bluffs Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, (for employment), national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, (for programs), socioeconomic status (for programs), physical or mental disability, religion, creed, genetic information, ancestry, geographic location, citizenship, political party preference or belief, familial status or any other protected attribute, in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator, Tim Hamilton, 712328-6423, thamilton2@cb-schools.org, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT, 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600, Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Achieve Magazine | Issue 7 | Fall 2021

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

ON TRACK TO DIPLOMA +1 Focused Effort Begins in Elementary School

The entire Council Bluffs Community School District team of educators, support staff members and administrators is dedicated to helping ensure all students are future ready. The vision for having each student graduate with their high school diploma and a second credential has come to life, with the Diploma +1 Pathways.

Through a growing number of opportunities, students can access a variety of career and college credentials that they can then build upon after high school. This year, the Council Bluffs Community School District has created a system for monitoring progress on three key indicators that predict whether students are on track to Diploma +1. If students are meeting expectations in Attendance, Class Grades, and MAP Proficiency, they are considered to be “On Track to Diploma +1.” This begins at the elementary grade levels, with the establishment of good school attendance.

Attendance Students who attend school at least 95% of the time are more likely to perform at higher levels and stay on track to graduate with a second credential. School leaders, counselors, teachers and graduation coaches are monitoring attendance regularly to provide support to students who are not attending school every day.

Engagement in the classroom, connections with caring adults and peers, and involvement in school activities are key ways to ensure regular attendance. In many of the elementary schools, students can participate in before and after-school 21st Century Clubs that bring students together around an area of interest. Research shows students who are in the clubs attend school more regularly and form new friendships. The middle school 21st Century clubs, as well as fine arts and athletic programs, increase engagement in school. Students who attended 21st Century programs 30 days or more last school year had a school attendance rate that was 4% higher than their non-attending peers.

Grades in Math and English/ Language Arts Courses At the middle and high school levels, earning an A, B, or C in math and English/ Language Arts core classes indicates a student is on track to graduate with a second credential. Students who remain engaged in their classroom assignments, complete homework and do well on course tests demonstrate they have the skill and mindset to succeed in their academics. Classroom and Advisement teachers work closely with

Attendance Attendance

*Attending school 95% *Attending school 95% of the time of the time

GradesGrades

*C or better-Math & Reading *C or better-Math & Reading in and middle high school in middle highand school

MAP Proficiency MAP Proficiency

*Proficiency (Average *Proficiency (Average and High Average and High Average Band)-Math & Reading Band)-Math & Reading

students so they do not fall behind. With PowerSchool access, parents can remain informed about assignments and grades, and are encouraged to connect with the teacher or a counselor if they have questions.

MAP Proficiency When students score in the average, high-average, and high bands on the MAP assessment, they are considered on track to achieve a Diploma +1 credential. This assessment is taken three times each year by students in grades K-11, and monitors progress on student academic growth in both math and reading. Students set growth targets based on their performance, and each student is expected to meet personal growth targets on the following test.

Students who demonstrate proficiency on these assessments are more likely to be on track for earning a high school diploma and second credential.

Directing attention to these key indicators throughout the year will enable students, parents, classroom teachers, support staff and leaders to dedicate support where it is most needed. When students are on track to Diploma +1, they are not only succeeding in the classroom, but they are also preparing for a future filled with endless possibilities.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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PATHWAYS: Students Pursue Variety of Credentials

Diploma +1 Opportunities Opportunity

Second Credential

TradeWorks Academy

NCCER Certificate

Early College Academy

Associates Degree

TradeWorks at Iowa Western

Certificate or Diploma

Certificate Advancement Program

Certificate or Diploma

College Credit Acceleration Program

24+ College Credits

Transition Alliance Program (TAP)

Work-Based Learning Certificate

WorkKeys Assessment

National Career Readiness Certificate

Spanish Advanced Placement (AP) Exam

Seal of Biliteracy

TS Bank Internship

American Bankers Association Certificate

Diploma +1 Pathway enrollment this school year is strong, indicating the next several graduating classes will be on track to earn their second credential. With 419 students in the TradeWorks Academy in the Dr. Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation Learning

Facilities at AL and TJ, this is the largest area of enrollment in the pathways.

The other enrollment totals, some of which have limited capacity at this time, include: • TradeWorks at Iowa Western: 78 • Health Science: 97

• Culinary Arts: 41 • Early Childhood Education: 18 • Computer Science: 26 • Early College Academy: 50 • Iowa Western College Credit Acceleration: 70

GEARING UP: Business Supports High School Welders

Omaha Standard Palfinger donated dozens of canvas tool bags filled with welding gear to the Council Bluffs high school students in the TradeWorks at Iowa Western welding program and their college counterparts.

The gear for students to use in their on-the-job duties included welding helmets, gloves, jackets, as well as protective eyewear.

In the photo shown at left, Iowa Western President Dr. Dan Kinney, CB Schools’ former Chief of High Schools Ruben Cano, and Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo join in thanking Palfinger Council Bluffs as students opened their new welding equipment bags in the welding lab at the college in August. The Council Bluffs Schools appreciates the support of the business community.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

SHOWCASE OF TALENT

Marching Bands Perform for Council Bluffs Community

The Thomas Jefferson Monticello Regiment and Abraham Lincoln Marching Lynx performed their 2021 marching shows to the Council Bluffs Community on September 25th at the Gale Wickersham Stadium for an evening of music and marching before kicking off their competitive season. As both bands marched to the beat, community members cheered and watched in excitement as the bands executed different formations, used different props and spotlighted the color guard students. Pictured at top left is Landon Williams of AL, at top right is Adam Wilson of TJ, at bottom left is Bella Pilger of AL and at bottom right is Thomas Poole of TJ.

APPRENTICE: A.L. Junior Learns Teaching Profession

Mia Vodicka, a junior at Abraham Lincoln High School, knew she wanted to pursue a career in education from a young age.

“I’ve always worked with kids,” Mia said. “I grew up babysitting and I’ve always loved helping them with homework, so I knew I wanted to be a teacher.”

Now, Mia is the first Early Childhood Education Apprentice for the Council Bluffs Community School District. The District expanded their Diploma +1 Pathways by installing the new registered apprenticeship this fall. It allows high school students who are interested in a career in education to gain real life experience

working with children at an established early childhood facility, and is the only early childhood apprenticeship available for high schoolers in Iowa.

Mia is an apprentice at Kids and Company, a state-licensed child care program that offers convenient and affordable programming before and after school, during out of school days, and during the summer.

“The program allows me to work with a lot more kids so it gives me a better idea of how to manage groups of children,” Mia says. “I also get to learn about all different elementary ages instead of just one age group in particular.”

Mia is already looking ahead towards the future for potential colleges. She attended the college fair during College and Career Readiness Week to talk to recruiters and find out what opportunities are in store.

“The college fair was awesome because I not only got to talk to the colleges I’m interested in, but other schools as well to see

what everyone offers,” Mia said.

Mia’s advice to students interested in the Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship is to go for it no matter what.

“Even if you end up finding out that this isn’t what you want to pursue, it’s a great experience because you did it and now have a clear idea of what this path is, which could end up leading you to the career you want.”

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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CULTURAL CONNECTION

School Latino Clubs Celebrate Students’ Heritage

Latinos Unidos (Latinos United) at Wilson Middle School and Abraham Lincoln High School, and Latino Leaders at Thomas Jefferson High School are student clubs that celebrate Hispanic culture. They advocate and educate their classmates on Latin American heritage, and provide a community where students can participate in conversations that are relevant to their heritage and connected to their life. Through trivia events, food sales and performances, the clubs invite the student body to learn more about their heritage and to celebrate among them.

“Our club members support each other emotionally and academically by encouraging students to strive towards being role models everywhere they go,”Ayin Morales, a teacher at Wilson and one of the club advisors of Latinos Unidos, said.

The club leaders guide the meetings by brainstorming events or initiatives that can be done throughout the month to engage members. The conversations that take place are focused on academics and opportunities to gain leadership skills through activities or guest speakers. Morales, along with teachers Megan Coppola (AL) and Gema Ramirez (TJ) advise club members.

“We work directly with the student leaders so that the student leaders can invest in the

members,” Morales said.

Recently, the club celebrated Noche Latina at the Gale Wickersham Stadium. Club members had the opportunity to perform a dance they choreographed to highlight many well-known songs in Latin culture and dance moves from Mexico. Members also sold Mexican Hot Chocolate and Pan Dulce (freshly baked sweet bread).

The club has college visits scheduled for this semester, and will also be participating

in leadership training. Members are currently planning a Christmas event to share how the holiday is celebrated in Latin America.

“Students are passionate about sharing their heritage with the student body and want to be role models to other Latinx students who may feel as if they don’t belong,” Morales said. “They understand that together they can do so much more, and are passionate about keeping up the momentum!”

ESPORTS: Connecting Students Through Competition

New this school year, the school district joined the Iowa High School Esports Association. Both Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson formed varsity teams and began competition in September.

More than 200 students tried out for the 10-person teams. This level of interest is prompting the purchase of additional computer equipment to expand the teams.

Congratulations to Abraham Lincoln High School’s Eric Dofner for winning the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors College and High School Player of the Month Award for September 2021!

It is our hope that Esports will grow at both schools and possibly into the middle schools in the near future. Research has shown that Esports helps to keep students engaged and boosts both grades and attendance.

Esports is a growing field, with college scholarship opportunities and professional jobs for those interested in this field.

Learn more about Esports at iahsea.org.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

PLANNING AHEAD

Preparing Now for Future College Plans and Careers

The Council Bluffs Community School District is ensuring students are future ready by asking them to start planning for where they want to study after graduation and what career field they want to enter.

Throughout the fall, students have been invited to meet with career and college representatives to learn about options for the future. In addition to preparing for the ACT and completing their graduation requirements, students are also expected to know what they plan to do once they toss their cap into the air at graduation.

Achieving More Through Preparation Students at Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln recently were invited to participate in College Crossroads and Career Readiness Week in early October.

The events included college and career fairs, scholarships and FAFSA assistance, as well as tours of Iowa Western Community College.

TJ senior Alysa Arthur said it was important for underclassmen to learn about their options. She’s planning to study biochemical engineering.

“It is really important for the younger students to see how many different careers there are,” Arthur said.

Even if you know what you want to do, AL senior Lillian Mass said the fairs can be helpful.

“I know what I want to do but I want to get a feel for the different paths I could take. It’s interesting seeing what different companies offer and what their culture is like,” Mass said.

The atmosphere of the college and career fairs is low-pressure. It’s not like a career fair for adults where you’re potentially interviewing on the spot.

“It’s really cool to be here and see all these different people that you could eventually follow,” TJ senior Lexi Smith said. “There is such a wide range of careers here that you can explore and find something that you might not otherwise have known about.”

Take Steps to Be Prepared Not sure how to go about planning for college and future careers?

Start with your school’s counseling center, which can help provide personalized support and a variety of resources.

High schoolers can watch for upcoming school visits and similar opportunities, such as scholarship and FAFSA assistance events. The Diploma +1 Pathway program also offers support on how to pursue post-graduation plans.

Many resources are available from ICAN at icansucceed.org, including monthly calendars suggesting what families of high schoolers can do throughout their freshman through senior years.

In November, for example, freshmen can discuss their future plans.

Sophomores should explore college admission requirements. Juniors should review college promotional materials, make sure they’re ready for the college application process. Seniors should use free tools to search for scholarships and financial aid opportunities.

No matter where a student is on their journey, what’s most important is having a plan and working toward realizing it.

It is not too late to chart a path forward, but there are more doors open to those who start planning sooner, especially given the variety of opportunities presented by the Diploma +1 Pathways.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Excitement Abounds for Jackets, Lynx in Fall Activities

Featured TJ students, from left: Student Section • Alexis Gil •Jazlynn Sanders • Austin Schubert • Roi Soriano • Orchestra • Kendall Bell

Photo Courtesy Jacket Journalism 8

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Featured AL students, from left: Luciana Gruber • Student Section • Eli Lusajo • Steven Stangl • Azaria Green • Cheerleading Team • Etinne Higgins • Chorus

Photo Courtesy Elizabeth Escobar/AL Journalism ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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CELEBRATING 30 YEARS

Council Bluffs Schools Foundation Builds a Legacy

The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is celebrating its 30 year anniversary.

To commemorate the occasion, Mayor Matt Walsh was invited to present a proclamation at the Foundation’s board meeting on Friday, September 24, 2021.

The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

Founded in 1991, the Foundation opened to offer before and after school programming for students in the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Since then, the Foundation expanded to include Council Bluffs Alumni & Friends Network, the STARS Scholarship Program funded by Iowa West Foundation, and a fundraising component which includes three major funding areas: Educational Excellence, Student Enrichment, and Area of Greatest Need.

Today, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation provides resources to the Council Bluffs Community School District to achieve its vision of improving student success and ensuring all students graduate with a diploma and second credential.

You can learn more and view the latest annual report at cbsf.org.

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Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh, center, with CBSF Executive Director Chris LaFerla, left, and CBSF Board President Ashley Kruse, following the presentation of a mayoral proclamation on Friday, September 24, 2021.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

EARNING GOLD

Abraham Lincoln Grad Medals at Tokyo Paralympics

By Grace Schoening Co-Editor, AL Echoes Newspaper Three-time Paralympic medalist and AL graduate Josh Turek hit the court one last time in the 2020 Tokyo Games, ending his wheelchair basketball career with another gold medal to add to his collection.

Being able to compete in the Paralympic Games for Team USA isn’t a possibility without determination, grit, and countless hours of practice, though. When preparing to compete in one of the largest athletic events in the world, practice time is comparable to a full-time job.

“Once we selected the team we were moving back and forth from Colorado Springs and the Paralympic training center in Lake Placid, New York,” said Turek. “When we are doing that we are usually on the court about six hours a day, it’s usually two sessions of three hours.”

Turek is not a novice to the Paralympic experience, though. He also competed in the 2012 and 2016 games, which immensely contrasted with the 2020 games due to the global pandemic.

“The 2020 games couldn’t have been more different,” said Turek. “We weren’t allowed to leave at all.”

Not only were the athletes unable to explore Tokyo due to the necessity for confinement, but both the Olympic and Paralympic Games were also held without any spectators.

“It was very odd, almost eerie to play in these enormous stadiums with no one around,” Turek said. “It kinda takes away from the grandiose nature of the sport.”

Although having the opportunity to compete on Team USA is a commendable achievement in itself, Turek felt he could have performed better.

“In terms of my personal performance, I

was disappointed,” said Turek. “In the final game, I didn’t score at all.”

Despite the disappointment Turek experienced in the way he played in his final Paralympics, he admires the rare culture the team has established.

“Nobody really cared who played, nobody really cared who scored,” said Turek.

“Especially at an Olympic or paralympic level, that almost never exists.”

The positive team environment Team USA created surely had a significant impact on the way the athletes performed and their ability to achieve success.

“Part of the great secret of our success is that we genuinely love each other on and off the floor,” said Turek. “I think what was our greatest savior is we are just such a veteran group, we just never got rattled.”

Turek has dedicated the great majority of his life to the sport of wheelchair basketball.

In terms of future plans, though, his athletic goals greatly differ from the rigorous training required to be a professional athlete.

“I’ll probably do half marathons and marathons,” Turek said. “There will be things that pique my interest, but nothing to the intensity and time that it took for wheelchair

basketball.”

In retirement from his sport, Turek has big plans for potential future career paths.

“Outside of basketball, I’m really interested in politics,” said Turek. “I’m giving real serious consideration to running for grassroots level politics within the state of Iowa or within Council Bluffs, I’d like to do something a bit more meaningful that you can actually adopt through change.”

Despite the challenging year and a half the world has had to face because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Turek expressed his pride in the team considering the circumstances the team has encountered.

“In terms of personal performance, it’s hard to separate,” Turek said. “I’m so proud that we won gold under how difficult it was.”

SPECIAL OLYMPICS: Southwest Iowa Bowling Meet Council Bluffs Schools students participated in the Special Olympics Iowa bowling event for southwest Iowa youth and adult athletes at Thunderbowl in Council Bluffs on Oct. 12. The southwest region serves athletes in Pottawattamie, Mills, Harrison, Fremont and Shelby counties.

Pictured at left is Mady Honig of Franklin Elementary and at right are AL student athletes.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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TRANSFORMATION COMPLETE

Smiles Fill the Halls as Wilson Middle School Reopens

Students and parents began touring the newly renovated Wilson Middle School in the days prior to the start of the school year.

With a new entryway and safety vestibule, the addition of learning commons for each grade level, and the transformation of the small gym into a multipurpose room, it was fun for everyone to see the new spaces and learn their way around the school.

The enhanced learning environment includes updated floors, paint, lockers and classroom furniture. Many other improvements made over the past year were behind the walls to update the security system, electrical service, as well as the plumbing, heating and cooling systems for enhanced energy efficiency.

“Our community showed its dedication to young people when they voted to approve a bond to invest in the renovation of our middle schools,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “More than 2,000 students will benefit each year for many years to come.”

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

SERVING THE COMMUNITY

School Board Members Past, Present and Future

The Council Bluffs Board of Education is a volunteer board of district residents who are elected to serve four-year terms.

This summer, the Board accepted the resignations of two board members. Former board member John Minshall, who was elected in 2017, moved to a home outside of the district boundaries.

Former board member Kyle McGlade, who was also elected in 2017, moved out of the state.

Two new members were appointed by the remaining board members to fill these two short-term vacancies through early November, when newlyelected members will begin their four-year terms. The board selected candidates who weren’t running in the election for a full term on the board.

The two interim school board appointees are: Teresa Hardiman Ms. Hardiman is part of a five generation family that attended Council Bluffs Schools. She,

her four children, and her five siblings all attended Roosevelt, Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson.

Throughout the years, she has been involved in the PTOs of all levels, and served on several school district committees for the district.

Erin Johnson Mrs. Johnson is the Director of Human Resources at TS Banking Group. Erin and her husband Blake have two children who attend College View Elementary.

She has been an active member of the Council Bluffs Schools

Foundation, currently serving as secretary. She is a volunteer with the Council Bluffs Chamber of Commerce, and is also a member of Rotary and the Rotary Foundation Board. Erin is a lifelong Council Bluffs resident.

School Board Election On November 2, voters were asked to choose among five candidates for three open seats on the school board, including those of Minshall, McGlade and Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress.

Dr. Ogg-Gress was a member of the Board of Education for

eight years, and served a portion of her term as Vice President of the board. She chose to retire from the board.

The candidates on the ballot were Cynthia Daniels, Lauren Myers Young, Patrick Peters, Robin McDaniels and Jarred Trip This magazine was printed prior to the election.

The newly-elected members will be sworn in on November 9th during the 6:30 p.m. meeting. All school board meetings can be viewed on YouTube or watched on Cox Cable Channel 18.

STAYING FOCUSED: Relief Funds Used Toward Goals

About $27.8 million in federal dollars will help the Council Bluffs Community School District recover from the financial impact of COVID-19 related expenses.

Based on feedback from parents, teachers, staff and administrators, the money from the federal Elementary & Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund and American Rescue Plan Act will be spent on District priorities over the next three years.

“We are confident these efforts will allow us to continue the focus on our strategic goals and provide the best possible opportunities and education for every child,” said Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo.

The funding categories include: • Strengthen universal instruction • Support struggling learners • Enhance Diploma +1 Pathways • Launch and implement Virtual Academy • Improve access to instructional technology • Respond to the system-wide COVID-19 disruptions to operations • Support students’ social and emotional well-being

Among the investments planned by the District is $1.4 million in instruction, including the purchase of a math curriculum and $500 grants to teachers.

Another $3.5 million will go toward hiring additional staff and expanding summer learning to help struggling learners.

To expand Diploma +1 opportunities, about $1 million will be used to add a computer science pathway and provide enhancements to the TradeWorks Academy.

Additional funding was set aside for the

continuation of the Virtual Academy.

To maintain learning facilities, the District will spend $1.7 million on HVAC upgrades and $2.7 million on instructional technology, including Chromebooks and the BLink free community Wi-Fi network.

To address the impact of the pandemic, $2.7 million will fund 10 additional therapists and two social workers over three years to provide mental health and crisis intervention and advocacy to benefit the students and families of the Council Bluffs Schools.

RECOGNITION: District Honored for Music Ed

For the second year in a row, the Council Bluffs Community School District is proud to be named one of the nation’s “Best Communities for Music Education.”

The program recognizes the outstanding efforts made by teachers, administrators, community

leaders, students and parents who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.

This prestigious designation was awarded to only 686 schools and districts in the United States that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING

Nelson Foundation Celebrates Three CB Teachers

The Nelson Family Foundation awarded its Excellence in Teaching Awards to three teachers from the Council Bluffs Community School District.

The winners are Joanna Drummey-Weber of Rue Elementary School; Jane Hanigan-Kinney of Abraham Lincoln High School; and Deb Hernandez of Kirn Middle School.

Drummey-Weber has been with the District since 2014 and is currently a teacher in Rue’s specialized autism program.

“I do not expect things like this to happen while doing this job,” Drummey-Weber said. “I have always admired teachers that have received the Nelson Family Foundation Teaching in Excellence Award and to now to be one of them is such an honor.”

She holds a bachelor’s degree in special education and general education from the College of St. Mary and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from Doane University. She also holds an Instructional Strategist II endorsement to work with students with moderate to severe disabilities from Morningside University, where she is currently pursuing an endorsement for Special Education Consulting.

The Nelson Family Foundation award recipients celebrated with district leaders at the award presentation. Left to right: Abraham Lincoln High School Principal Bridgette Bellows, Kirn Middle School Principal Amanda Jens, honorees Deb Hernandez, Joanna Drummey-Weber and Jane Hanigan-Kinney, as well as Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo and Rue Elementary Principal Casey Moran.

“My favorite part of teaching is seeing how much my students progress throughout the year.

I’m lucky in that I typically get to teach my students for a few years. I love watching how much they grow from when I first started teaching them,” she said.

Hanigan-Kinney’s first job as a teacher was with the Council Bluffs Schools following completion of her degree from Creighton University, and she has continued to work in various assignments within the District for the past 25 years Currently, Hanigan-Kinney is in her fifth year teaching as part of the Language Arts Department

at Abraham Lincoln High School, where she instructs courses from ACT preparation to composition.

She said the highlight of the Nelson award was hearing from former students. One of them, who nominated her, said his mother died two months before he graduated high school, and she offered honest advice that helped him move forward.

“She is one of the good ones, one of the greats, and her legacy is more than teaching, more than essays and grammar and split infinitives, but one of love, acceptance and the realization that we must carry the torch, even in the darkest days,” the

student said of Hanigan-Kinney.

Hernandez has been with the Council Bluffs Community School District for 32 years, and she has taught a variety of grades and subjects, including math, science, and social studies. She also served as Kirn’s teaching librarian. After working as a technology coach for the district, she returned to Kirn, where she has been teaching science.

Hernandez completed her undergraduate studies at University of Northern Iowa and earned a master’s degree from Drake University and a certification in library science from University of Iowa.

“It is an honor and quite humbling to be receiving this recognition,” she said. “Over the past 32 years I’ve had the opportunity to work with and learn from amazing teachers, students and families. All of these things have made me the teacher I am today. The thing I enjoy most about the work that I do is watching the excitement of my students as they learn, create, and share their learning with others. I also love the fact that the relationships I build with students and their families go beyond the year that I teach them.”

EXTRA MILE: District Recognizes Summer Standouts Tamara Hibbert (pictured at left) Licensed Staff Member of the Summer Tamara Hibbert was a teacher at the Middle School Camp Summer Explore program. She is an inclusive person that is always willing to listen or lend a helping hand. She regularly practices trauma-informed practices while providing authentic learning experiences.

Luci Almazan (pictured at right) Support Staff Member of the Summer Luci Almazan was the administrative assistant for the summer high school credit recovery program. She is the ultimate team player, highly organized, and always thinks about the well being of others. She was a cheerleader as they pursued needed credits.

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Fall 2021

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

FUN FACTS Thomas Jefferson High School is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. A dedication ceremony was held on January 21, 1922.

The school opened its doors two days later to 716 students in grades 7 to 10. A celebration is planned for the spring of 2022.

IMPORTANT DATES Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org

The Trailblazers of the Heartland graciously donated pumpkins for elementary school students again this year!

Thanksgiving Break: November 24-26, 2021

The Council Bluffs Downtown Kiwanis Club donated over 100 filled backpacks for elementary students to start the school year.

With 800 Diploma +1 enrollments this school year, AL and TJ students are taking advantage of a wide variety of opportunities to gain their second credential. The largest pathway, with 419 students in the Dr. Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Foundation Learning Facilities at AL and TJ, is the TradeWorks Academy. The other enrollment totals, some of which have limited capacity at this time, include: 78 in TradeWorks at Iowa Western, 97 in Health Science; 41 in Culinary Arts, 18 in Early Childhood Education, 26 in Computer Science, 50 in Early College Academy and 70 in Iowa Western College Credit Acceleration.

Winter Break: December 20, 2021 to January 3, 2022 End of First Semester: January 14, 2022 Spring Break: April 15-18, 2022 Graduation Ceremonies Abraham Lincoln: May 20, 2022 at 7 p.m.

Thomas Jefferson: May 21, 2022 at 10 a.m.

Last Day of School: May 27, 2022

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Fall 2021

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COUNCIL BLUFFS COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT 300 W. Broadway, Suite 1600 Council Bluffs, IA 51503

Council Bluffs Community School District challenges learners at every level to achieve more by delivering more choices, more opportunities and more ways to succeed.

www.cb-schools.org Download the district’s free mobile app available for Apple and Android devices

712-328-6446

communications@cb-schools.org

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