Summer Achieve Issue 6

Editor’s Note Welcome to the sixth 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 Council Bluffs Community School District’s YouTube channel.

President Chris LaFerla

Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo Thank you for your interest in our Council Bluffs Community School District. We are pleased to share this “Achieve” Magazine with our school community. In this edition, we share successes of students from this past year, feature outstanding staff members, celebrate our Class of 2021, and provide insight into our new Strategic Goals and the new school year.

Vice President David Coziahr

Troy Arthur

Kyle McGlade

John Minshall

Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress

Jill Shudak

We are so proud that more than half of our 589 graduating seniors in the Class of 2021 earned at least one additional credential beyond their high school diploma, demonstrating how they have embraced the opportunities provided through our unique combination of Diploma +1 Pathways in the CB Schools.

This coming year, we are introducing even more new experiences to students, including enhanced work-based learning. We are so fortunate to have partners in our business community that are providing real-world access to careers for our high school students.

This summer, we were selected to partner with the Governor’s office and the Iowa Department of Education on a project to provide universal access to preschool for our young learners and offer unique infant and toddler care. With significant funding from the state, we are now in the planning phase to open an Early Learning Center in the fall of 2023.

We remain focused on providing each child more ways to succeed, and we cannot wait to see our students at all grade levels excel in ways that prepare them for a bright future.

Our entire Council Bluffs Schools team is eager to welcome students and families to the 2021-22 school year!

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COVER PHOTO: Chloe Alley celebrates along with the class of 2021 at Thomas Jefferson High School’s graduation ceremony on May 22, 2021.

See more photographs on pages 6–7.

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 6 | Summer 2021

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

WORK-BASED LEARNING

Students Gain Experience and Insight Into Careers

The Council Bluffs Community School District is focused on preparing students to be future ready.

Work-Based Learning provides a variety of options for students to gain skills and credentials that employers are looking for in their high-demand, good-paying workforce.

Through these experiences, students gain insight into the connection between classroom learning and potential careers, and can make informed decisions about their further education and training.

Future-focused opportunities across grade levels include classroom career speakers, career fairs, field trips and tours, as well as job shadowing opportunities and cooperative work experiences for older students.

However, high school students can also take advantage of formal work-based learning experiences through internships, pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships.

The list of Work-Based Learning opportunities continues to grow as the District forges new partnerships and receives feedback from students, families, educators and employers. Some of the current opportunities include:

Internships: • Banking and Fundamentals at TS Bank • Student Data Center • Computer Programming & Software • Summer Internships in a variety of fields Pre-Apprenticeships: • Auto/Diesel Mechanics at McMullen and Woodhouse • Electrical at Amped and Hearty • Plumbing & HVAC at Jefferis and AireServe • Welding at Owen Industries

Registered Apprenticeships: • CNA at Northcrest Living Center • CNA at Midlands Living Center • CNA at Prairie Gate Living Center • Welding at Owen Industries • Welding at Lozier • Early Childhood Education at Council Bluffs Community School District • Early Childhood Education at Council Bluffs Schools Foundation Kids & Company Each new school year brings more choices for students as the Council Bluffs Schools partner with local businesses to provide hands-on and real-world access to career exploration.

Interested business leaders who would like to explore a WorkBased Learning partnership and connect with future members of the workforce are encouraged to contact D’Lisa Ware, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at dware@ cb-schools.org or 712-325-3223.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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STATE PARTNERSHIP: Grant to Boost Early Learning The Iowa Department of Education will invest $7 million to launch a Childcare and Early Learning Exploratory Project to be administered by the Council Bluffs Community School District.

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said the funding will support the district’s planned learning center to be located on the site of the formerTinley/Kanesville building at Avenue G and North 8th Street.

The center will support an expanded preschool program and in-school childcare for 200 infants and toddlers (ages 0-3).

“Council Bluffs will implement an innovative program that blends child care and early learning models,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said. “It leverages public-private partnerships and serves as a demonstration

site for other Iowa schools.”

“We are fortunate to have the confidence of Gov. Reynolds as we prepare to implement

2021-2024

universal preschool and demonstrate the effectiveness of high-quality early childhood programming on the kindergarten readiness of students,” Dr. Murillo said.

The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is working to secure private donations for the center that will open in the fall of 2023.

“This is yet another example of our community joining together to benefit children and families,” Dr. Murillo said.

“The Dr. Behrouz and Christiane Rassekh TradeWorks Academy Learning Facilities and our Gale Wickersham Athletic Complex are two recent examples. Both projects are sources of pride and were completed thanks to the vision and hard work of the school district, partners and community-minded, generous donors.”

Diploma +1

LOOKING AHEAD: Goals Guide Future Achievement STRATEGIC GOALS With input from the school community, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo the following Strategic Goals to the Board of Education Superintendent Dr. presented Vickie Murillo in July. These goals will guide the work in four important categories:

GOAL ONE

Improve academic achievement.

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80% of students will score in the average, high average or high band on MAP in Math and Reading.

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60% of students will achieve individual growth targets on MAP in Math and Reading.

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100% of students will demonstrate growth as measured by the MAP in Math and Reading.

GOAL TWO

Guarantee each graduate is future ready.

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60% of seniors in the class of 2022 will earn a high school diploma and second credential.

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80% of seniors in the class of 2023 will earn a high school diploama and second credential.

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100% of seniors in the class of 2024 will earn a high school diploma and second credential.

GOAL THREE Improve and maintain learning facilities.

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All buildings with identified HVAC system upgrade needs will be updated with the allocation of ESSER/ ARP funds.

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All classrooms will be equipped with updated technology through the allocation of ESSER/ARP funds.

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All classrooms with identified needs will be updated with classroom furniture that allows flexibility and enhances the safety of the instructional environment through the allocation of ESSER/ARP funds.

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Projects in the approved Facility Master Plan will be completed as prioritized to maintain the investment in high-quality learning facilities.

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An Early Learning Center will be opened to provide universal access to preschool in the Council Bluffs Schools.

Summer 2021

GOAL FOUR Ensure each student is supported and connected.

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80% of students will report a positive self perception of social and emotional competencies.

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80% of students will have an average daily attendance of 95%.

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85% of students will report that they like school.

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100% of students will report that they have at least one caring adult at their school.

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Office referrals will reduce by 10%

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75% of secondary students will participate in extra/ co-curricular activities.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

GETTING READY

Focus on Routine Now for Back to School Success

Going back to school is an exciting time. It is a chance to see old friends, meet new ones, and find out what’s to expect for the year.

But those first days of school can also bring anxiety and a mix of other less-than-positive feelings. Parents and guardians can support their children and assist them in having a fun and successful school year. Here are some tips for how to lend a helping hand: Establish a Routine Starting the day off right helps set the table for a successful day. Families should practice their routine and be sure to stick with it beyond the first few days of school..

Kirn Middle School Counselor Marti Drake recommends preparing everything that’s needed for the next day the night before.

“Try not to have an argument with your child before heading to school,” Drake said.

“That can set them up for a bad day.”

Homework should be part of the routine, and Drake said it should be the top priority.

For young children, Carter Lake Elementary School Principal Teresa suggests establishing a regular reading time before bed that can be used if there’s not homework to do.

Pay Attention to Feelings As school resumes, parents should be ready to have their child act a little differently — and perhaps act out — as new routines are established and feelings are processed.

Hamilton said students feel a range of emotions when they start coming back to school, so their caregivers may see changes.

“So they might see a difference in their behavior or in the way that they’re communicating their needs,” Hamilton said.

“They might be feeling nervous or anxious or overly excited or confused — it is very normal to have a wide range of emotions.”

Children need to know that it’s OK to ask for help and that they should expect not to know everything. It might be uncomfortable at first as they settle back into school.

To help ease concerns, Hamilton suggests writing a list of what they enjoy about school or people who they could go to if they have a problem. They could also work on breathing or other strategies to reduce stress.

Students should focus on effort, not grades, Drake said. Parents should be realistic about their child’s capabilities and talk about how they can connect them to the school setting, such as through extracurricular activities.

Talk About Face Coverings While much has returned to normal, there the pandemic isn’t over. Hamilton recommends discussing masks with students before returning to school so they know what

to expect and are respectful of other people’s decisions. Children should know they may see peers wearing masks, or not wearing them, and that things may still be different from how they were before the pandemic.

“Going over what the family values are is going to help them when they get to the school day,” Hamilton said.

Communicate Early and Often Parents need to know the expectations that their children’s teachers and schools have so they can help their children meet them.

Download PowerSchool to keep track of grades, assignments, tardies and absences. If you have questions, reach out and ask.

Schools can also provide access to help for a wide variety of issues. Families should feel welcome to reach out to teachers or school

administration if they have any concerns.

“Even if we don’t have the staff member that can answer the question for them, we can provide them with information about the resource,” Hamilton said.

Perception Is Realty Showing an interest in a child’s studies and activities is a signal of its importance, so don’t take “nothing” for an answer.

“Ask about what your child is learning, how they are progressing, and how you can help support their efforts,” Drake said.

If there’s a problem that needs addressed, though, stay positive and, if necessary, reach out to the school for a resolution in private.

“The parent’s perception is what the kid will then pick up on,” Hamilton said. “Portray a positive attitude in front of the child.”

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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GRADUATING WITH PRIDE

Class of 2021 Celebrates Achieving More Together

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: Roth Follows Father’s Footsteps

Deana Roth, 2015 Abraham Lincoln High School graduate, recently began her journey as a police officer for the Council Bluffs Police Department.

It has been her dream to be an officer in the city where she was raised.

“It is nothing short of a great honor to be able to protect and serve the people of Council Bluffs,” Roth said. “Being part of the impact the Department has on this city is amazing. This city has so many wonderful people in it and they make my job worth it.”

Roth graduated from the University of Iowa in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in criminology. Roth then began her 16week training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy in May where she completed training and testing. She was sworn into the Council Bluffs Police Department on September 17, 2020.

“I have relationships with so many of the citizens here, so there’s no city I would rather serve,” Roth said. “On the job I interact with people I maybe haven’t seen since I was a kid or went to high school with, and it can be very refreshing to see familiar faces.”

Roth credits the Council Bluffs Community School District for the opportunities she received to explore more career choices during her high school career.

“Council Bluffs Schools largely helped me by exposing me to a vast array of career options,” Roth said. “The District gave me more insight into what I wanted to become, which led me ultimately to law enforcement.

That exposure allowed me to grow into the person I needed to become to be effective at my job.”

During her time at Abraham Lincoln, Roth was involved in National Honor Society, basketball, softball and volleyball. Her favorite memory is making it to the semifinals at the Iowa High School State Volleyball Tournament in 2014.

Roth also credits Mrs. Hallagan, one of her high school teachers, for impacting her future and guiding her to achieve more.

“She was a fantastic teacher and softball coach and really helped me understand how much more there is to life,” Roth said. “She definitely led me down the most constructive path for my future. She was always that person who was quick to jump to assist a student who needed help.”

Roth’s inspiration to become a police officer came from her father, Ben Roth, who was also a police officer in Council Bluffs.

In 2016, Ben Roth lost his battle to cancer.

Ever since then, Deana Roth has felt a strong drive to make an impact — just as her father

had on the community.

“I heard so many stories of the good my dad was able to do and I’ve always felt the need to do the same,” she said. “You could say law enforcement is in my blood because my grandpa Jerry Roth was also a police officer in Council Bluffs. Just watching how much the two of them loved their jobs made me want to follow in their footsteps.”

FORE A GOOD CAUSE: Outing Boosts Alumni Group

The inaugural Alumni & Friends Golf Outing, held held July 16, included 18 holes of golf, prizes, lunch and a ton of fun. The friendly competition had teams representing Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson high schools. When the scores were tallied, orange powder exploded from the golf ball to signify the T.J. alumni teams prevailed.

The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation would like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers, and alumni. The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation Alumni & Friends Network hosts events throughout the year to bring alumni and the school community together.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

SUMMER LEARNING

Elementary, Middle Schoolers Explore Community

This summer, 620 students participated in the Summer Learning Program offered by Council Bluffs Schools this year. These programs include Camp Explore, LYFT, and REACH. The goal of the programs is to raise student achievement, as well as provide engaging learning experiences for students.

Camp Explore ranges from Elementary to Middle School students.

This summer, students participated in activities at Hot Shops Art Center, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Lauritzen Gardens, Hitchcock Nature Center, Fontenelle Forest, the Rose Theater, and Sanders Martial Arts Studio.

LYFT ­­­— short for Leveraging Youth on the Freshman Team — and REACH are offered to High School students.

The LYFT program includes tasks that would ease their transition and engage students in thinking about the importance of their high school career. This includes hearing from teachers and staff at their new high school, as well as learning about careers from local community partners.

The goal of REACH is to provide the opportunity for students to graduate future ready by reteaching and supporting students in earning credits.

Hot Shops Art Center

Hitchcock Nature Center

Lauritzen Gardens

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Summer 2021

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BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Lynx and Jackets Student Athletes Hit the Diamond

Featured athletes, from left: Jayden Hargrave (AL) • Bennet Olson (AL) • Carson Schaa (AL) • Madeline

Morain (TJ) • Emma O’Neal (AL) • Hunter Ryba (TJ) • Hunter Kennedy (TJ) • Carley Steinspring (TJ)

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

MAKING A PROMISE

Fifth Graders Practice for High School Graduation

The Council Bluffs Schools hosted the annual Promise to Succeed ceremonies for all elementary schools at the end of the school year. Parents were invited to witness their fifth grade students prepare to advance to middle school and pledge to graduate with their classmates in 2028.

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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.

Junior ROTC National Drill Competition

National History Day Dean Pope (Kirn)

Dean Pope, one of 15 Iowa students at the National History Day National Contest, finished sixth in the Junior Individual Performance category with “Setting a Precedent for Presidents: Radio’s Role in Uplifting a Nation.”

State Tennis Qualifier Dalton Pregron (AL)

Air Force Junior ROTC cadets excelled in the all-services drill competition that included the most elite teams in the Untited States. Cadet Grace Conant (far left) commanded cadets Gideon Welsh (second from left), Aliza Frieze (center) and Jacqueline Bunten (second from right) on the color guard team, with cadet Garret Foster (far right) as an alternate, leading them to an eighth place finish. Cadet Frieze brought home an individual drill down gold medal out of more than 300 top-ranked cadets nationwide.

State Soccer Qualifiers — Abraham Lincoln

State Track Abby LaSale (AL)

Abby LaSale finished eighth in the 400 meter hurdles at the state track and field meet.

Write Touch Magazine

The Write Touch is published annually by the Council Bluffs Community School District in cooperation with the Council Bluffs Optimist Club. The goal of the publication is to share original written and artistic works with the patrons and citizens of the Council Bluffs community.

Students in the Council Bluffs and Lewis Central schools, along with Saint Albert Catholic Schools, Heartland Christian School, Children’s Square U.S.A., and Iowa School for the Deaf, were all invited to submit entries.

Find this year’s issue of Write Touch at www.cb-schools.org/writetouch.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

GOING THE EXTRA MILE

District Names Employees, Principal of the Year

TERRENCE McGURREN

BRIDGETTE BELLOWS

TODD AUFFART

Thomas Jefferson High School Licensed Staff Member of the Year

Abraham Lincoln High School Principal of the Year

District Network Specialist Support Staff Member of the Year

Mr. McGurren has been instrumental as a TradeWorks instructor in the successful launch of the program. From working on curriculum to hosting donors, the media, future students, industry partners, and even Gov. Kim Reynolds, he has demonstrated his keen investment in students and their success after high school. Mr. McGurren has co-taught at T.J. with Nate Clausen, crafting lessons for the academy’s 5 areas into seamless learning experiences. Mr. McGurren also works with students after school on their SkillsUSA projects, and shows his belief that the leadership and technical skills taught through this program will make students marketable in the industry.

Mrs. Bellows is a true leader who walks the walk. She has a large knowledge base and is able to not only share information, but also model and teach it. She is collaborative, caring and is an engaging colleague, able to establish and maintain quality relationships with students, staff and families. Mrs. Bellows is both empathetic and realistic. With her high expectations, she works to ensure students and staff have what they need to be successful. She is an advocate who always supports students and staff in their personal growth. Mrs. Bellows is trusted and solution-focused, and she always keeps students and their success at the center of her work.

In the buildings, Mr. Auffart is known as the “go to person” for phones, bells and security cameras. He is a problem solver and a trouble shooter. Mr. Auffart also works behind the scenes to ensure the district’s technology is working. On Christmas Eve, A.L. experienced a power outage where one of the main internet connections in the district is located. Mr. Auffart spent the next 12 hours — yes on Christmas Eve — securing the building and getting generators up and running.

He also was part of the heroic efforts of our district staff during the pandemic and assisted the security camera contractors who worked on the Kirn and Wilson remodeling projects.

RECOGNIZING 2021 MILESTONES IN SERVICE 5 Years of Service: Rebecca Andersen, Bret Bazer, Amanda Beckman, Nicole Belt, Amanda Biller, Crysta Brewer, Allycia Campbell, Hannah Church, Kimberly Clark, Jennifer Clark, Carolyn Corwin, Lori Cupit Stott, Amy Dahmke, Heather Davis, Paula Egner, Charles Fedoris, Heather Feierstein, Lisa Fisher, Jordan Ford, Amber Fritze, Rachelle Garcia, Lya Gillott, Robin Goldapp, Jessica Greco, Darcy Hansen, Lucas Harm, Manda Hastie, Rebecca Haynie, Scott Hazen, Karrie Hughes, Denise Iverson, Kimberly Kafonek, Caronna Kinney, Heidi Klement, Angela Koenig, Kathleen Kyprianos, Vicky Lanegan, Kristi Lenz, Laura Lincoln, Tyler McGee, Nicole McGlade, Vanessa Meyer, Allison Meyer, Taylor Morton, Tammy Nielsen, Jennifer Nielsen, Carrie Nixon, Kenneth Novak, Bethany Palser, Teresa Paulsen, Amy Peterson, Christine Petry, John Prudhome, Robert Reichart, Marcia Richardson, Sasha Rindone, Barbara Robertson, Catelin Santon, Kayla Scheidle, Derek Schloesser, Jann Schnoor-Strutzenberg, Emily Sears, Suzanne Smith, Kaelan Stone, Sara Stopak, Dan Strutzenberg, Kim Stuart, Melissa Teague, Kayla Thomas, Hannah Trobaugh, Audrey Wadzinski, Machelle Weatherill, Sherri Weimern, Tracey

Wohlers, Melinda Wredt, and Michael Yauney.

10 Years of Service: Cassie Benak, Raymond Chase, Emily Downs, Valerie Hallagan, Megan Howard, Amanda Johnston, Michael Lichtenberger, Kirsten McCready, Lindsay Ruckman, Yulia Schamel, Michelle Smith, Andrea Smith, Lisa Stewart, Meaghan Sweeney, Jeff Vacek, Mary Villarreal, Corey Vorthmann, Cassandra Wall, Nina Wilson, and Debra Young.

15 Years of Service: Patrick Anderson, April Balm, Bridgette Bellows, Melanie Clapp, Mary Elliott, John Fuller, Deborah Gerjevic, Kelly Gillespie, Amy Glime, Amanda Hedin, Jason Isaacson, Amanda Jens, Christopher Kowal, Stephen Mandelko, Deborah McDermott, Kelly McGreevy, Debbra Michael, Brian Moritz, Julisa Novotny, Heather Olson, Catherine Parker, Ryan Petersen, Wendy Punteney, Martha Rose, Kristine Rush, Rachel Schatzberg, Zachary Scherb, Mariah Schroder, Sarah Sealock, Sarah Waterman, Melissa Wilkins, and Michael Wilson.

20 Years of Service: Brant Anderson, Penny Ankenbauer, Jennifer Autera, Dawn Bonsall, Sarah Buckholdt, John Burhenne, Elizabeth Busch, Shauna Cihacek, Lynne Clark,

Sharon Crawford, Julie Danker, Lisa Davis, Mark Dillehay, Robert Dittmer, Brooke Doner, Diane Duschanek, Melissa Etter, Rinda Evans, Penny Farrell, Melissa Gorman, Kathy Hart, Erin Hochstein, Katherine Livingston, Angela Martin, Peter McNeal, Nicholas Moore, Lisa Moreno, Stephen Plummer, Jeanne Preston, Teresa Reif, Mindy Richardson, Erin Schoening, Holly Sharp, Karen Stein, Sarah Steinmetz, John Stile, Shelley Struebing, Anne Vetter, and Richard Wettengel.

25 Years of Service: Christopher Budwell, Daniel Fee, Andrew Gregersen, Jane Hanigan, Robert Hansen, Cheryl Kermoade, Robert King, Robin Luedtke, Amy Murray, Jennifer Nettles, Jeffrey Novotny, Debra Pierson, Randall Pomrenke, Carrie Pope, Amy Rallis, Chad Schaa, Nicole Vetter, Travis Walker, Rebecca Witte, and Barton Witte.

35 Years of Service: Mary Bladt, Earl Conyers, Leah Cross, Marty Fetch, Debra Fetch, Amy Hawthorne, Denise Jennings, Donnette Kremke-Bastian, Peggy Moore and Rex Rector.

40 Years of Service: Joann Cooper Holt and Brenda Copeland.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Summer 2021

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TAKING THE REINS

Administrators Appointed to New Leadership Roles

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo has announced updates to the Council Bluffs Schools administrative team for the 2021-22 school year. These changes were prompted by several retirements and departures.

“We are fortunate to have a dynamic team of administrators, past and present, who are dedicated to staff, students and families,” Dr. Murillo said.

Mr. Ruben Cano Chief of Schools — High School Mr. Cano joined the Council Bluffs Schools on July 1.

He supports high school leadership teams and oversees district career and technical education including programs at Iowa Western Community College, Work-Based Learning and the Certificate Advancement Program. He has served in school leadership roles in the Omaha Public Schools since 2008 including as principal at Omaha South High School and most recently at Nathan Hale Middle School.

Mr. Mark Schuldt Chief of Schools — K-8 Mr. Schuldt has been serving as the District’s Chief of Elementary Schools since 2017, and now will support six elementary schools as well as the two middle schools. He jointed the district in 2007 and served as principal at both Gunn and Roosevelt.

Dr. Tracy Mathews Chief of Schools — PK-5 Dr. Mathews’s role has expanded from preschool to PK-5 after she became part of Dr. Murillo’s Executive Cabinet.

She joined the CB Schools in 2007, and previously served as summer school administrator and as principal at Lewis & Clark and Crescent.

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Mrs. Lori Durand Director of Special Education Mrs. Durand had been the assistant director of special education.

Previously, she had been a summer site supervisor and held various roles in the District, including school psychologist, as an AEA employee.

Mrs. Teresa Hamilton Principal — Carter Lake Mrs. Hamilton had been the principal of Lewis & Clark since 2017.

Prior to that, she served as a counselor in the Omaha and Papillion La Vista districts. She began her career as a first grade ESL teacher in 2001.

Ms. Joanna Letz Principal — Lewis & Clark Ms. Letz has been an assistant principal at Thomas Jefferson since 2018. Prior to that, she served in the same role at Wilson for two years.

Ms. Lets also has been a teacher and District Literacy Program Leader.

Mr. Rene Molina Assistant Principal — Kirn Mr. Molina has been principal of Longfellow since 2019 and was an elementary principal and high school math coach in Arizona.

Mr. Rob Lindquist Assistant Principal — Abraham Lincoln Mr. Lindquist joined the CB Schools in 2009, and has served as an English teacher and Journalism Adviser at Thomas Jefferson.

Mrs. Kourtney Abbotts Assistant Principal — Thomas Jefferson Mrs. Abbotts joined the CB Schools in 2018 as an English/ language arts teacher. She taught in the AHSTW and Audubon districts.

Mrs. Sarah Sealock Assistant Principal — Kirn Mrs. Sealock had been Kirn’s IB coordinator for the past four years. She joined the Council Bluffs Schools in 2006 as a science teacher at Wilson.

Mrs. Brittany Hettrick Principal — Longfellow Mrs. Hettrick had been principal of Hoover since 2016. She previously was a sixth grade language arts teacher and a middle school mentor. Before joining the Council Bluffs Schools, she taught in Blue Springs, Missouri.

Ms. Carly Gates Assistant Director of Teacher & Learner Supports—Literacy & MTSS Ms. Gates leads elementary literacy curriculum, reading intervention, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support and summer learning. Since 2010, she has been a middle school Language Arts teacher and instructional coach, and the Coordinator of K-12 Summer Programs.

Mrs. Amy Anderson Principal — Hoover Mrs. Anderson was the District K-5 English language arts curriculum specialist. She had been a literacy strategist for eight years and taught at Carter Lake and Roosevelt. This is her first administrator role.

Mrs. Mariah Schroder Assistant Director of Teacher & Learner Supports—Math Mrs. Schroder, principal at Crescent, adds this new role leading elementary math curriculum development and implementation. Mrs. Schroder will remain principal at Crescent.

She joined the CB Schools in 2006 as a teacher and later served as a math coach.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

FUN FACTS Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High School students participated more than 2,934 times in clubs and extracurricular and co-curricular activities in the 2020-21 school year.

Varsity Esports Teams will be launched this school year and will compete as part of the Iowa High School Esports Association The Council Bluffs Schools Nutrition Services team served more than 168,143 summer meals to children and families.

That’s an average of 2,600 meals served each day this summer!

TOGETHER WE CAN: District Mask Campaign Wins State Recognition

The Iowa School Public Relations Association presented a Blue and Gold Communications Award to the Council Bluffs Community School District for the Together We Can campaign that inspired students to wear masks during the 2020-21 school year. The multi-media campaign was made possible by a grant from the Iowa West Foundation and the Pottawattamie County Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund, in partnership with the Pottawattamie County Health Department.

Together We Can was launched as the school year began,and featured an inspiring video and stunning photographs of students, families, employees and

IMPORTANT DATES Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org August 18: Middle School Back to School Night (Last Names A-K) 5—6:30 p.m.

August 19: Elementary Back to School Night 4—6 p.m.

August 19: Middle School Back to School Night (Last Names L-Z) 5—6:30 p.m.

August 19: High School Back to School Night 6—7 p.m.

August 23: First Day of School K-12 August 26: First Day of Preschool

September 6: Labor Day Observed-No School October 22: No School November 24—28: No School

December 20—January 3: Winter Break January 14, 2022: End of Semester superintendents from seven school districts in Pottawattamie County that accepted Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo’s invitation to participate. The involvement of students to influence their peers to wear masks was a critical part of the strategy for the effective campaign.

January 17: No School

February 21: No School

March 17—18: No School

April 15—18: Spring Break

May 27: Last Day of School

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Summer 2021

15

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

S D N E I R F & I N M r annual ALU

u o R O F S U N JOI

vs

raffleS face painting

games LIVE MUSIC & More!

!

E T A G L TAI

Friday, AUGUST 27 5:00pm to 6:30pm galE wickersham stadium

FOOD donated by southwest iowa association of realtors

KID FRIENDLY! & FREE!

www.cbsf.org 712.322.8800 Like us! @cbalumninetwork

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 CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict

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