Winter Edition Achieve

Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo We are pleased to present this Winter 2021 edition of our “Achieve” Magazine for our school district neighbors in Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent! Thanks to our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and their support, we publish this news magazine to connect with you Eighth graders Alex Valdez-Perez, left, and Myah Wright share a and share some of moment during Dr. Murillo’s recent visit to Kirn Middle School. the stories of our wonderful students and staff members.

In this Winter edition, we share successes of students, feature outstanding staff members, provide insight into the latest success and additions to our Diploma Plus One Pathways, and feature the creative ways teachers are showcasing student talent when large gatherings are not possible. We have also included information on how all community members can learn about the progress on our district’s Strategic Goals, and provide input for our upcoming strategic goal setting process.

In my visits to school since students returned to Onsite learning after the winter break, it is evident that students have been enjoying a more typical school experience. I am grateful for the extra efforts of all teaching and support staff to make this possible.

Students are demonstrating our motto of Together We Can by wearing their masks to keep each other healthy. Many other health and safety protocols remain part of our everyday routines as well.

Even though we have much left to accomplish this school year, we are already planning for next year. All parents with children who will be at least 5 by September 15, 2021, are invited to participate in Kindergarten Roundup on March 23 and 25 at their elementary school. All first-time Kindergarten parents are also invited to participate in an in-person First Time Parent Informational Session in the Longfellow Elementary School auditorium on February 25 at 6 pm. I encourage you to tell soon-to-be kindergarten parents about these important events.

Thank you for your interest in and support of our school district.

Please consider sharing our stories with your friends and family members.

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Editor’s Note Welcome to the fourth issue of Achieve: the Council Bluffs Community School District 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 Tuesdays 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 Council Bluffs Community School District’s YouTube channel.

President Chris LaFerla

Vice President David Coziahr

Troy Arthur

Kyle McGlade

John Minshall

Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress

Jill Shudak

COVER PHOTO: Kindergarten teacher Natalie Bantz and her student Cheyene Telford of Rue Elementary School share the joy of reading together. Read more on Kindergarten Roundup on page 4.

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 4 | Winter 2021

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

STRATEGIC GOAL SETTING

Community Invited to Participate in Shaping Future

Residents from throughout the Council Bluffs, Carter Lake and Crescent communities accepted Superintendent Dr. Murillo’s invitation in late January to participate in an online, interactive ThoughtExchange survey.

This survey was designed to gain feedback and insight from staff, parents and community members as the Board of Education begins to set the strategic goals for the future. Four Strategic Goals and measurable action steps were adopted in 2019: • Academic Achievement • Future Ready Graduates • Modern and Safe Facilities • Social Emotional Wellness

An overview of the progress on the current four goals, and a summary of the ideas and thoughts shared in the online survey will

be presented in two Community Town Hall sessions, presented live online.

Virtual Community Town Hall Meetings February 16 — 6:30 p.m.

March 2 — 6:30 p.m.

Information on how to access the meetings will be available on the district’s website at www.cb-schools.org. Details will also be shared on social media. (Find a list of those social media channels on page 16.)

The meetings will also be recorded and then posted for those interested who cannot participate live, but who want to learn about the Strategic Goals and provide their input or seek more information.

REMEMBERING YESTERDAY

Time Capsule Offers Glimpse Into Community’s Past

Unboxing videos are popular these days, which might not surprise the former students of Mathew A. Tinley School.

Tinley students filled a time capsule for the school’s cornerstone in 1953. It was sealed at the building on the corner of Avenue G and North Eighth Street during a ceremony with over 200 teachers, students and community members. Last November, the time capsule was salvaged from the former school.

A video showing the unboxing of the time capsule and featuring its contents was shared by the school district. An exhibit of some of the more than 200 items inside was held at the Council Bluffs Public Library thanks to the support of the CB Alumni & Friends Network.

Find the video at www.cb-schools.org or on the district’s social media channels.

Among the various items found in the time capsule were student drawings, photos, newspaper articles and other school and school district memorabilia students and staff chose to secure in the capsule, such as an American flag, a flashlight, kindergarten crayons, and a school pennant.

The items were gathered from both Tinley School and the Eighth Street School.

Tinley has been part of our school district’s story and history for nearly 70 years. The memories of school days will live on in the former students who attended school in this building. Some shared their stories with local news media, reflecting back on the 57 years since they were in elementary school.

Above, a collection of items taken from a time capsule. Below, the site where the capsule was found.

“It just made me feel happy that I’m actually still alive when everything was opened,” alumna Sharon Stapleton told KMTV. Stapleton told The Daily Nonpareil – a copy of which was the first item removed from the time capsule – that she belonged to a Girl Scout troop based at Tinley School.

She said she made some lifelong friends at Tinley and has worked with a couple of them planning reunions for their graduating class at Abraham Lincoln High School. She has fond memories of her time at Tinley.

“I loved all the teachers,” she told the paper. “They were so good and so nurturing.”

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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ROUND ‘EM UP!

Reaching Out to the Families of the Class of 2034

We are excited to meet all of our new students who will be in the Council Bluffs Class of 2034! All parents of children who will be at least 5 years old by September 15, 2021, are invited to enroll their child in Kindergarten for the 2021-22 school year.

Upcoming Events First-Time Kindergarten Parent Meetings February 25, 6 to 7 p.m., Longfellow Elementary, 2011 S. 10th St. (March 4 is the backup date if canceled due to weather) All parents who will have their first child entering school are invited to participate in this special session to learn about what to expect in kindergarten and to gain insight into the Council Bluffs Schools. This is the first step in your child’s educational journey and a wonderful way for parents to become active in the Council Bluffs Schools community.

Kindergarten Roundup Open Houses Tuesday, March 23, for families with last names starting in A-K, and Thursday, March

25, for families with last names starting in L-Z. Families may plan to arrive at any time between 4:15 to 6 p.m. to participate.

FOCUS ON ACHIEVEMENT

Monitoring Student Growth to Adjust Instruction

Through the ups and downs of this past year, with Remote, Hybrid and Onsite learning, the Council Bluffs Community School District has remained dedicated to the academic success of all students. It is as important as ever to regularly measure student progress on grade-level learning goals in math, reading and science so that teachers can target instruction for each student or groups of students regardless of how far above or below they are from their grade level. The MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Assessment, taken by students in K-11, is a valuable tool used three times each year. Reports then include realistic learning goals by subject areas so that, through a teacher’s guidance, students can individually see their progress and be inspired to set goals and take charge of their own learning. Parents also have the opportunity to review the reports and discuss them with their children and teachers.

The Fall and Winter MAP 4

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assessment reports provided insight related to the district’s academic achievement efforts to continue to improve: 1) percent of students scoring in the average, high average and high

bands on math and reading, 2) percent of students achieving individual growth targets on math and reading, and 3) percent of students demonstrating growth in math and reading.

In January, students completed the Winter MAP Assessment. The strong gains in achievement prior to COVID-19 closure, combined with significant teacher involvement and the distribution of curriculum materials during voluntary learning, helped mitigate learning loss prior to the Fall assessment. However, COVID-19 interruptions in learning during the first semester slowed the momentum of growth in student learning. In mathematics, students in K-11 showed a slight improvement in proficiency, increasing 0.25% since the last assessment in September. Reading proficiency dipped slightly by 0.49% compared to Fall.

Students will continue to receive the support they need to accelerate their learning moving forward. The strategies will include providing differentiated small group instruction, extra instructional time in after school 21st Century Learning Center programs, and expanded summer learning opportunities.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

BRIGHT FUTURES

Students Take Advantage of Plus One Pathways

The future is bright for Council Bluffs Community School District students preparing for next steps in their college and career journey.

“We are providing more opportunities for our students to be successful in high school and beyond,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said. “They have more choices than ever before to gain experience and earn credentials that will save them time and money as they pursue their college and career goals.”

Through no-cost college credit courses in our high schools, students have multiple opportunities to earn college credit through the College Credit Acceleration Program.

Early College Academy students attend classes on the Iowa Western campus and earn an associates degree while in high school. Through our TradeWorks and Certificate Advancement Programs, students are securing the foundational skills and industry-recognized credentials and certifications needed for careers in specialized fields.

“We are excited to continue to provide pathways that will meet the interests and needs of our students while preparing them for college and the workforce. In fact, new for next year will be a Welding Apprenticeship and a CNA Apprenticeship that allow students to learn on the job and take giant steps toward a career,” Murillo said.

College Credit Acceleration Program: Many high school students are earning concurrent credit and are able to earn 24 or more credits while in high school. Many refer to this as completing Year 13 of school, or the first full year of college. A new STEM concentration is now available, allowing students to earn up to 70 college credits in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. A new Information Technology Pathway will launch in the Fall of 2021 to focus on web design, programming, networking and cybersecurity, which are all high-demand fields.

Certificate Advancement Program: We are pleased that 76 students are now in the Health Science pathway; 32 students are earning their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential program; and 17 in Culinary Arts. A NEW Early Childhood Education Pathway will be available at IWCC in the Fall of 2021, opening new doors for young people interested in a career in education.

Early College Academy (ECA): This year, 51 junior and senior students are enrolled in ECA on the Iowa Western campus. Collectively, they earned 694 college credit hours the first semester, and all 26 seniors are on track to graduate with an associates degree this May. TradeWorks Academy: Nearly 350 freshman and sophomore students are enrolled in hands-on courses in the Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh Learning Facilities at each high school. Each student learns the foundational skills in five skilled trades and earns the industry-recognized certification from NCCER. TradeWorks at IWCC: A total of 44 students have continued the trades pathway by gaining more experience and concurrent high school and college credit on the college campus in the areas of welding, construction, diesel, automotive and industrial technology.

The Plus One Pathways provide Council Bluffs students with more choices, more opportunities, and more ways to achieve more!

This is where my passion became my major.

With more than 80 areas of study, including online and hands-on courses, discovering your career is easy at Iowa Western.

BeYouAtIW.com / 712.325.3277

Zoe, Student

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Students Have Fun on Court, Mat, Lane & Stage

Featured Abraham Lincoln High

School students, from left to right: Girl’s Basketball – Baylie Girres •

Boy’s Basketball – Josh Dix • Girl’s

Bowling – Annalese Ramirez • A.L. Marching Band • Boy’s Bowling – Bennet Olsen • Wrestling – Jose

Avalos Ceballos • Dance – Abygail

Holcomb • Cheer – Kelsey Wathen • Swimming – Tayden Blair

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Featured Thomas Jefferson students: Girl’s Basketball – Grace Strong •

Boy’s Basketball – Austin Schubert •

Boy’s Bowling – Chandler Scott • T.J.

Robotics • Girl’s Bowling – Mackenzie Harstad • Wrestling – Alex Navarrette • Cheer –Lana Brannen, Riah Davis

and Madison Davis • Dance – Jayde Kraft, Larisa King and Jazlynn Sanders • T.J. Orchestra

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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THE SHOW MUST GO ON

Fine Arts Gets Creative to Showcase Student Talent

The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a challenge for the Fine Arts Department about how to continue their activities safely. It was a challenge they creatively faced so that the show could go on.

To avoid large gatherings at performances of art shows, teachers found innovative ways to showcase the artistic and musical talents of students.

Dan Black, guitar teacher at Kirn Middle School and orchestra instructor at Abraham Lincoln High School, explored new ways for students to create and present their music.

Instead of a traditional December concert, Black’s students released 10 albums of their work through a student-developed website.

With the support of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, Black’s students were able to utilize an online digital audio workstation called Soundtrap to create new music.

Bloomer Elementary School music teacher Linnetta Jones created a virtual holiday celebration video featuring Bloomer students singing “Seasons of Hope” from their laptop cameras, and Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools both successfully held socially distant band, orchestra and choir concerts in December.

The Thomas Jefferson High School Drama Department received special permission to be filmed performing the play at the Joslyn Castle in Omaha. Tickets will be sold for the public to receive the show’s online performance, March 26-28.

Art students showcased their projects using a virtual flip book on the district website, in place of the traditional art showcase at the district’s Educational Service Center.

“These evenings are always packed with families celebrating their young artists’ accomplishments,” Hill said. “We wanted to continue this celebration, but needed to do so in a new way. The responses to the flip book were very positive, and we are proud to have presented our second showcase in January, which can be found on the district website.”

Another tradition, the March Youth Art Month Banner Celebration, is set to continue with 36 new student artists to be featured along Broadway’s 100 Block, beginning in March.

New safety measures and programs were also implemented inside the classroom for students practicing music and art.

Elementary schools transitioned from the classic fourth grade recorder lesson to barred instruments to decrease aerosol emission in the classroom and ensure safety while still teaching students how to compose, read and 8

Winter 2021

Franklin Elementary School fourth grade students learn to play the glockenspiel.

Kirn seventh graders learn the guitar.

T.J. Drama students visit the Joslyn Castle.

perform pitches of an instrument.

Additional violins were also purchased to reduce the number of students sharing instruments during class, and to safely deliver the orchestra unit to all fifth grade students.

Wilson and Kirn Middle Schools also began offering guitar classes as a music elective this year. Guitars were assigned to each student, along with a book and case that they were able to take home so they could continue lessons on their remote days during the Hybrid phase.

Middle and high school band students received fabric band masks and nylon horn covers for instruments to practice in person safely. Middle and high school choir students also received fabric masks to ensure they had an appropriate mask available for singing in choir class.

“The teachers have collaborated to learn new technology, shared their learning with their colleagues, celebrated their successes, and problem-solved to find solutions,” Hill said of the safety measures.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

STUDENT STARS

Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond Thanks to the sponsorship of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, outstanding students receive Student Star Awards, and are recognized by Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo and the Board of Education.

All-State Iowa Speech Contest Awards A.L. Senior Molly Higgins for Original Oratory A.L. Junior Kadance Burhenne for After Dinner

2020 DAR Essay Contest State and National Awards Anna Newby, National Award Anna entered the High School Division for the Christopher Columbus Essay Contest last spring. She advanced from the local chapter, state, and divisional contests to win the National Contest sponsored by Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Italian American Foundation.

She was supposed to travel to Washington DC in October to present her essay at the Christopher Columbus Day celebration, but it was canceled due to COVID. She won a $1,200 cash prize for her essay.

T.J. Junior Macy Wilson was recognized by the IHSSA State Office as an Outstanding Performer in poetry. Macy performed a self-written piece entitled “Angel in the Pink Sweater.” Also recognized were 2020 graduates Sarah King, Hannah Gibson and Emma Shields

Emily Newby, State Award Now an A.L. freshman, she won the Middle School American History essay contest for her essay on the 2020 topic of the Mayflower Voyage. Emily won the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter and State of Iowa contest.

Presidential Scholar Program Candidate A.L. Senior Braden Mohr U.S. Department of Education Presidential Scholars Program candidate

Iowa All-State Music Honors Members of the 2020 All-State Choir and Orchestra: T.J. Sophomore Hailey Carlson, Violin A.L. Senior Rolando Martinez Rico, Baritone Saxophone A.L. Junior Alvaro Peraza, Violín

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission In October, Rue Elementary Staff prepared for the official celebration of their National Blue Ribbon School designation from the U.S. Department of Education for the school’s overall academic performance or progress.

To commemorate the national honor, Council Bluffs Mayor Matt Walsh proclaimed November 13, 2020 as Rue Elementary School Day.

September: Denise Allmon, Kirn Middle School math teacher

September: Lisa Simonetti, Carter Lake Elementary paraeducator

November: Julie Miller, Hoover Elementary fifth grade teacher

November: Jackie Schroeder, Hoover Elementary K-5 paraeducator

December: Kari Means, Longfellow Elementary behavior consultant

December: Renita McCloud, Carter Lake Elementary nutrition manager

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

INSPIRED: O’Shea Creatively Designs T.J. Yearbook

For Teagan O’Shea, thinking outside the coloring box was a no brainer when designing Thomas Jefferson High School’s yearbook this year.

O’Shea, a senior at T.J., designed the yearbook to feature mandala designs and coloring pages for the reader to color in order to reflect this year’s theme, “You Should’ve Seen It In Color.” The cover and pages have a matte finish so they can be colored.

Black and white pages are mixed with full color pages. Each yearbook comes with a small box of six colored pencils.

“I wanted it to be a little more advanced, but still simple enough so that way people could see the words — basically an adult coloring book,” O’Shea said. “It really brought the yearbook together when the pencils were added at the end.”

The design concept was developed over time as O’Shea went through many drafts to get the perfect cover.

“I had many doubts,” O’Shea said. “There were many rough draft copies before the final one that is pictured. I drew one that was center-aligned and one with the T.J. Jacket logo; however, they didn’t really capture the idea of a coloring book. The final design was the better choice out of all of them.”

O’Shea performs a true balancing act in the journalism field. Along with helping create the yearbook, she is also a reporter for Thomas Jefferson’s Jacket Journalism, and SwarmTV, the student-produced news show

produced for its website.

“I would like to go into media management and production,” O’Shea said.

With a passion for not only broadcasting and journalism but also theater, it will be all worth the effort in the future.

O’Shea gives credit to the journalism opportunities T.J. provided to help her pursue her future career goals.

“I learned how to edit, record and produce shows throughout the entirety of the four years I’ve been in journalism,” O’Shea said.

“At the end of my sophomore year, and

into the beginning of my junior year, I was producing and editing 10-minute shows for SwarmTV. People would submit their stories, and it was my job to edit them together.

This helped me learn management skills, productivity, and deadlines.”

As her senior year wraps up this spring, O’Shea looks forward to life after graduation.

“I want to be a director or a producer in the future, whether that be in the field of television and movies, or a news show,” O’Shea said. “I look forward to what the future holds, and what I can become.”

DETERMINED: Fitch Accomplishes Academic Goals

Academic success comes naturally for Daniel Fitch.

The Abraham Lincoln High School senior was named a semi-finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program, an academic competition for recognition and scholarships that began in 1955.

“This is a great honor for Daniel to be one of the 16,000 semi-finalists,” said Sarah Steinmetz, Fitch’s TAG program teacher.

“Daniel has a love for learning. He is very driven and likes to challenge himself.”

Fitch also achieved a perfect ACT score in reading and science sub-tests, and is a National Advanced Placement (AP) Scholar, a rare accomplishment for dedicated students who achieve a score of 4 or 5 on at least eight AP exams after taking the college courses in high school.

“The National AP scholar recognition is the accomplishment that means the most to me,” Fitch said. “It took a lot of extra work to achieve it.”

This academic standout also devotes his

Daniel Fitch pictured with his parents David and Katrina Fitch after receiving his student star at a Board of Education Meeting.

time to multiple extra-curricular activities.

Fitch is the president of National Honor Society and is a member of DECA, band, and Student Council. When asked what his secret to success was, Fitch gives credit to Steinmetz and her ability to give him and other students opportunities for academic success.

“Mrs. Steinmetz has been very helpful in

signing me up for all the tests, figuring out how to study for them, and giving me a place where I can prepare,” he said.

“It is exciting to see kids like Daniel reach goals and see success,” Steinmetz said. “He is going to continue to see success in the future as he leaves Abraham Lincoln High School. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him.”

After high school, Fitch plans on studying chemical engineering.

He has applied to the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Michigan. As for now, Fitch is enjoying life at A.L. and wants to continue to make the most of his high school experience.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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ON TRACK: Muehlig Reflects Upon Coaching Career

You can’t say Doug Muehlig’s name without someone having a story to tell. Muehlig might as well be considered a household name for Thomas Jefferson students and alumni.

The longtime coach, former teacher and role model to many community members was honored at the Council Bluffs Community School District’s Board of Education meeting in November. The board voted to name the Thomas Jefferson High School practice track, the Doug Muehlig Track and Field.

“So many others during the time I have coached and taught at T.J. and before my time there were certainly worthy of such an honor. It was hard to believe I would even be considered,” Muehlig said.

Muehlig began his career at Thomas Jefferson in 1972, where he was hired as a journalism teacher and newspaper advisor.

Although he was hired right after graduating from Midland Lutheran College after playing four years of football as an offensive tackle, coaching was not discussed.

However, it didn’t take long for that to happen. Muehlig began coaching football,

(Courtesy Erin Keller)

and soon added “track coach” to his career.

“I put in 10 years of football coaching.

Then, in the spring of 1976, Bob Nielsen let me volunteer to coach the track boys which eventually became an official job,” Muehlig said. “What a tremendous experience that has been. This spring will be my 46th season of being out there with the track kids.”

In 1985, Muehlig was offered the cross country jobs for both the T.J. boys and girls teams. Last fall was his 36th year of coaching cross country – which he called “one of the best decisions of my life.”

Muehlig retired from teaching in 2010. But retiring from coaching was not part of the game plan. He continues as the head coach T.J.’s boys and girls cross country team and as assistant coach the T.J. boys track team.

“The relationships are the biggest reasons to continue coaching,” Muehlig said. “Getting to know the athletes and trying to help them become better people is the most important outcome of my 49 years of coaching.”

As Muehlig looks at his tenure at Thomas Jefferson, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“I couldn’t have found a better place to teach and coach than Thomas Jefferson,” he said. “The students are as good as it gets. The staff has been great to be part of.”

New signs will commemorate Doug Muehlig as the new namesake of the track and field, and an official ceremony will be scheduled in the near future.

NEW ENTRANCE: Renovation Continues at Wilson Anyone driving by Wilson Middle School will notice the transformation of the main west entrance and the south entrance used by the public attending events at the school.

Many interior improvements are also well underway. The major renovation of Wilson was made possible by the community’s favorable vote to secure bonds to fund the project.

Once complete this summer, the addition at the main entryway, shown at left, will include a safety vestibule, the administrative office and student

service areas. Improvements to the existing 130,000 square feet building will include updates to the old gym, making it a multipurpose room for lunch, PE and performances. Other updates include colorful walls and floors in flexible classroom spaces, grade-level learning commons spaces, and modern wireless technology and natural daylight.

Significant safety and security upgrades will take place as well along with plumbing, mechanical and electrical improvements.

Wilson will welcome back staff and students in fall 2021.

THE TIME HAS COME: Bloomer Unveils New Clock

Cheers and noisemakers warmed the winter air on Dec. 11 as Bloomer Elementary School students celebrated the reveal of Bloomer’s new clock, which replaced the original clock from 1924.

Americlock workers braved the cold temperatures to replace the clock earlier that morning. One of the workers removed the 4-foot circle of plywood, painted with a clock face, and placed the new clock in, while standing on the ledge of the building with a safety rope tied around his waist.

Despite the wind and rain, Principal Kim Kazmierczak made her way to the top of the building to support the workers.

“I wanted to see it through and to support those men who were working on installing it,” Kazmierczak said. “Frankly, it seemed like a dream and I wanted to see it finished.”

The new clock is 4 feet in diameter and has a back-lit face with Roman numerals inside a black aluminum case. The clock’s control system ensures the time is always accurate, and long-lasting lights illuminate the face.

Once the clock struck 1 p.m., it was show time. Anticipation was high as students, staff and administration counted down from 10.

Everyone’s excitement was worth the wait.

“There are many times in children’s lives when we talk about a big goal but they don’t get to see it come into fruition,” Kazmierczak said. “The clock project was talked about for several years but it was only in the past seven months were we able to get it accomplished.”

To fund the installation, Bloomer launched a “Save the Clock! It’s Time!” fundraising campaign in October 2019. The Bloomer

PTO set the bar with a $5,000 donation. The Mid-Day Optimist Club donated $2,500 and HGM Associates donated $1,000. Bloomer students also donated around $500.

“I was proud to receive each and every dollar,” Kazmierczak said. “I found such pride because it proved value to the cause despite the amount. That was the case for large donations also. They had assumed pride in the project and wanted to see it finished.”

A BIG FAMILY: Longfellow Community Shows Support

James Lafferty, a Longfellow Elementary School third grader, has overcome more than most people do in their lifetime.

At 3 years old, James was diagnosed with a heart valve defect when extra tissue was found at the bottom of his aortic valve, causing blood to flow too fast.

On December 1, the now 8-year-old – pictured at right wearing an orange coat – underwent a 4-hour open heart surgery at Children’s Hospital & Medical Center to prevent more damage.

When the Longfellow school community found out about the surgery, they couldn’t sit back and wait while their fellow Lion recovered.

On December 16, assistant principal Chris Douglas, teacher Amanada Cool and math instructional coach Morgan Thompson presented to James and his family a $1,133 check, presents and gift cards.

“It was an incredibly special day, not only for the Lafferty

family, but for us as a Longfellow family,” Douglas said.

To raise money for James, the Longfellow staff wanted to go above and beyond. This led to a candy cane fundraiser to include students.

“This seemed like the perfect opportunity to offer our students and staff members a way to truly live out our mission by rallying behind one of our students in a time of need and supporting his family during the holiday season,” Cool said.

The fundraiser brought sweet results, with candy canes sold by

the minute.

Students bought candy canes daily, some even for their whole class. When the fundraiser ended, Longfellow staff raised $1,133 from selling 2,266 candy canes at 50 cents each.

“As our team rolled out our action plan, I figured $300 in sales was definitely doable, but $500 would be amazing,” Cool said. “After Monday’s total was announced, it was clear that this was turning into something really special. Every day, we kept marveling at the total in disbelief.”

Students and staff weren’t ready to stop there. Tim Penne, a custodian at Longfellow, donated a $200 gift card to Walmart.

Virtual Academy students who had yet to step foot in the building all year, called asking how they could donate. Staff decided to start an Angel Tree for the Lafferty family, collecting James’ and his sister’s holiday wish list and clothing sizes.

“What makes Longfellow special can’t really be quantified with one word or phrase,” Douglas said. “Staff are always quick to do whatever they can to help anyone — fellow staff members, students, families — in need. This can be rallying like we did for this family or simply stepping into a classroom to help when needed.”

Tears filled the eyes of James’ family as they were given the check and presents from the Longfellow team. The phrase, “South End Pride” was said by everyone, as they agreed Longfellow was much more than a school, but also a family.

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SHARE YOUR STORY

Alumni & Friends Network Looks to Expand Reach

The Alumni & Friends Network, a program run by the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, aims to engage with alumni and friends of Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln by connecting them back to their alma mater.

Alumni & Friends brings together Council Bluffs Schools alumni, families and neighbors through reunions and activities. It also serves as an information exchange on current happenings and exciting news in our Council Bluffs Schools community.

To further engage alumni, the Network recently hired two high school interns, Kylee Koenig and Jordan Kreft, to gather stories, update records, host events and more.

Kylee is a junior at Abraham Lincoln High School. Kylee is a staff member with the Air Force JROTC and is also involved in journalism and robotics. Kylee is currently in the Early College Academy, and has plans to continue onto a four year college to earn a degree in cybersecurity.

“I’m excited to be working for the Alumni & Friends Network,” Kylee said. “This position will help me in gaining experience in being a

Kylee Koenig

leader and engaging the community.”

Jordan is a junior at Thomas Jefferson High School. Jordan is involved in journalism, National Honors Society and on the poetry team. She is also currently involved in Early College Academy with plans to go on to a four year college after graduation. Jordan plans on earning a degree in education with a concentration on English/language arts.

“I’m excited to be working for the Alumni & Friends Network because it allows me to learn new skills in leadership and communication,” Jordan said. “This internship will allow me to

Jordan Kreft

build on the skills I’ve learned in journalism to further my writing abilities and communication with others.”

In an effort to gather stories, and update contact information, we’re inviting alumni to complete the Alumni & Friends survey.

The survey serves as a mechanism for alumni to update contact information, career information, share stories from school, and address any role they’d like to play in connection with your alma maters.

You can complete the survey by visiting www.cbsf.org/alumni-and-friends.

ALUMNI SHARE THEIR STORIES

Animal Researcher, MLB Coach & Global Traveler

Kaitlyn Murphy Abraham Lincoln, 2014 Her high school classmates knew her better as “Kitty”, her infamous nickname that even coaches called her. But these days, Kaitlyn Murphy is known as the biomedical and animal physiology guru at Auburn University.

As a Lynx, she was a member of the varsity volleyball team that made it to the semi-final round of the state tournament.

She attended Iowa State University, where she coached youth volleyball and volunteered to manage the ISU women’s volleyball team.

She studied abroad in Tanzania to research Masai giraffes and African elephants.

Murphy graduated from ISU after three years in 2018 and went on to begin her Ph.D. at Auburn. She teaches biomedical and animal physiology labs where students perform live animal surgeries to enhance their understanding of the mammalian body.

Murphy plans to become a professor and run her own research lab to mentor students, just like her teachers at A.L. – Sarah Steinmetz, Mr. Brian Moritz, Mrs. Traci Stoop, Dr. Beth Rips, Mrs. Larella Rangel and Coach Brittany Swindoll – mentored and inspired her.

Brandon McDaniel Thomas Jefferson, 2002 Brandon McDaniel won a World Series ring last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

McDaniel was an all-state performer at T.J., and he also participated in powerlifting as well as track and field. He attended the University of South Dakota on a baseball scholarship, but the program was discontinued in 2004 and he ended up finishing his colleague baseball career at Wayne State College.

The 2007 Wayne State graduate was promoted this past season to the director of player performance with the Dodgers, where he’s worked since 2012.

He initially joined the Dodgers as AAAlevel strength coach. He was promoted to the Major League Baseball club in 2013 and was head strength and conditioning coach from 2014 to 2018, at which point he became director of athletic development and performance.

Ray Rhodes Abraham Lincoln, 1962 Ray Rhodes was involved in ROTC, track, wrestling, choir, debate and drama as a student at Abraham Lincoln.

His favorite teacher was Mrs. Susan Raymond, the debate coach. With her help, the A.L. debate team won the Iowa state debate contest in 1962.

Rhodes went on to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1968 and spent almost a quarter century in the U.S. Army. During his military career, he served in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Malaysia and India. Afterwards, he earned a Ph.D. in political science.

Rhodes served as international security manager for ExxonMobil for 16 years living all around the globe. He now lives in Houston, Texas, and owns his own security consulting firm. Rhodes has been married for 43 years and has two sons and three grandchildren.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Winter 2020

15

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

CB Schools welcomes students to open enroll into the District by March 1 2021. Learn more on our website today!

Join the CB Class of 2034!

First-Time Kindergarten Parent Meeting

Kindergarten Roundup at Attendance Area Schools

February 25th, 6:00-7:00 P.M. Longfellow Elementary School 2011 S. 10th Street

Tuesday, March 23rd Open house 4:15-6:00 P.M. Families last names A-K

Make up date: March 4th, 6:00-7:00 P.M. in case of severe winter conditions.

Longfellow Elementary School

Thursday, March 25th Open House 4:15 pm-6:00 P.M. Families last names L-Z

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

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