I am proud to present another “Achieve” Magazine to our school district community throughout Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent!
The stories in this edition of the magazine showcase some of the outstanding programs in our schools that are having a positive influence on our students and community. I hope you enjoy reading about our highly-recognized early childhood education program, our award-winning robotics programs, and our new Council Bluffs Innovation & Sports Center. Throughout the magazine, you will see why we are so proud of the accomplishments of our students, our district staff members, and our alumni.
I am proud of the academic progress our students have demonstrated this school year, as well as the collective efforts to support student wellbeing. As an entire school community, we are dedicated to ensuring all students are prepared for the future. We are excited to celebrate the graduates in our Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson High School Class of 2025, and are eager to recognize them for their achievements in academics, earning state and national honors, as well as industry-recognized credentials, college diplomas and certificates.
The summer will be full of opportunities for students to participate in our Camp Summer Explore and our Summer Meals programs, and in the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation-sponsored Kids & Company camp. Throughout the summer months, we will be busy preparing for another fantastic school year of opportunities for our students to be engaged in their learning and in all of the clubs, athletics and activities that contribute to the overall educational experience.
Thanks to our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and their support that makes it possible to distribute this awardwinning magazine to our community members and partners.
We appreciate your interest in the initiatives that are making a positive impact on students and our community’s future. Please contact us, visit our website and follow us on social media to learn more or to suggest story ideas for future editions of our magazine. We would love to hear from you!
Sincerely,
Dr. Murillo, Superintendent
Achieve With Us
Do you have something you want to share with the award-winning Achieve magazine? We always appreciate story ideas, photos or anything you’d like to share with us. Please email communications@cb-schools.org with your feedback or suggestions. Thank you!
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 typically 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.
and Excellence awards and qualified for the Worlds tournament. Read more starting on Page 4. (Photo by TJ sophomore Ashleigh Ronk)
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 22 | Spring 2025
COVER PHOTO: Woodrow Wilson students Brooklyn Lafferty, Brianna Large and Charleigh Moore celebrate at the Iowa State VEX Robotics Competition where they won the Skills, Teamwork Champion
Angela Griner Board Member
Teresa Hardiman Board Member
Lauren Myers Board Member
David Coziahr Board Member
Jared Tripp Board President
Patrick Peters Board Vice President
Tracy Ozzello Board Member
READY FOR KINDERGARTEN Early Childhood Already Showing Substantial Growth
As a model for early childhood education programs, the Council Bluffs Community School District consistently demonstrates the value of high-quality early learning access in the community. The District serves more than 600 children in 43 preschool programs — including three operated in partnership with the Charles E. Lakin YMCA and Saint Albert Catholic Schools — including 33 full day and 10 partial day classes.
These children, year after year, demonstrate extraordinary growth in kindergarten readiness levels, especially when compared to statewide data collected using the My Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment. Children are assessed by teachers based on observations across multiple days.
“Even when we started lower, we had a higher percentage meeting kindergarten readiness by the winter checkpoint across every area,” Chief Academic Officer Dr. Tracy Mathews said. “I’m so proud of the work of our teachers and teacher assistants. They’re just doing such an incredible job preparing our students for kindergarten and beyond.”
While this tool is required in all voluntary statewide 4-year-old preschool programs, the progress of students in the infant and toddler programs is also measured.
The My Teaching Strategies GOLD groups 38 different early childhood learning objectives into six domains: social, emotional, physical, language, cognitive literacy, and mathematics.
For example, one objective evaluates how children learn to use numbers with the aim that they be able to count by kindergarten.
Children start by being asked to show some early counting skills: “They might say things like 1,3,8, and it’s not necessarily in order, but they’re showing some awareness that numbers have a purpose, and they’re using them,” Mathews said.
As they progress, the students are asked to verbally count to 10 in order, and be able to count objects up to five, matching the correspondence with physical objects. By the end of preschool, they should be able count out loud to 20 and count 10 to 20 objects separately, including knowing that the last number tells them how many objects are there. They should also be able to say the next number without having to count all the way through.
For infants who are just beginning the development of their fine-motor strength and coordination, Mathews said the assessment calls for skills such as reaching for, touching and holding objects purposefully.
“This progresses into refined wrist and finger movements using scissors, stringing beads, buttons, and zippers, and all of that helps strengthen those muscles for the writing skills that they will need later in life,” Mathews said.
Most of the lessons taught in early childhood classrooms are done through play.
“Learning through play is not just about having fun,” Mathews said in a presentation to the Board of Education. “It is an essential part of how children develop the skills they need for life. It supports growth in critical areas like cognitive development, social skills, emotional well-being and physical coordination. Play nurtures a child’s curiosity, creativity and resilience, providing a foundation for lifelong learning. By valuing and incorporating play
into early childhood education, educators help children develop holistically in a way that fosters a deep love for learning.”
The most recent data shows Council Bluffs preschoolers demonstrate they are more prepared on average in social emotional, language, cognitive and math. The assessment results are almost on par with the state in the physical and literacy domains.
The data indicates how the district’s preschool programs are increasing readiness, helping to ensure students are poised to be successful in school.
“I’m really proud of the intentional focus of our teachers every year to make sure that they’re moving that needle,” Mathews said.
While the state provides half funding for 4-year-olds, Mathews said officials “creatively braid some funding streams to ensure as many full day preschool opportunities for our students as possible.”
Those funding streams include a Head Start grant, Iowa’s Shared Visions Preschool grant, Title I and special education funding.
“We are also very thankful for the generous support of the Iowa West Foundation, which really provides us with generous funding to be able to expand full day preschool opportunities,” Mathews said.
Enrollment for preschool — for children ages 3 or 4 on or before September 15, 2025 — is underway. Preschool screenings are available. See the information on the back of this magazine., and contact the Preschool Department at 712-227-0098 or preschool@ cbcsd.org.
BUILDING THEIR FUTURE
Talent Pipeline Drives Robotics Teams’ Success
Council Bluffs students, from elementary to high school, are spending time outside class building their futures one piece at a time.
The Council Bluffs Community School District has built a reputation of success over the past decade in VEX Robotics, with more students involved in robotics than in any other school-based extracurricular activity.
“Robotics isn’t just about building a robot,” Thomas Jefferson coach Shannon Dunlap said. “A lot of our students are going to go into the workplace where they are going to encounter problems. ... Robotics is about how you address those problems and how you overcome those obstacles.”
The students have consistently found ways to do so, bringing home accolades each year, including Thomas Jefferson Team 2501T RoboTurtles earning an Excellence Award — the highest award presented by VEX — and the Create Award for creative design at the VEX World Championships in China last November.
Junior Alex Wunderlich is the main builder for one of TJ’s robotics teams. He visited with Achieve magazine while tinkering with his bot before the U.S. Open, a national contest held at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs.
At one level, you are working with nuts and bolts. But there’s a lot more, too, Wunderlich said.
“You get a lot of things out of it,” Wunderlich said. You get a lot of good life skills, problem solving, communication, teamwork.
Wunderlich said he wants to become a mechanical engineer when he grows up, but he recognizes that robotics teaches a lot
beyond engineering principles.
“You have to work on a team, not only like in your lab, but then you go to competitions, and you compete with and against other teams from in the state, out of the state, out of the country even sometimes,” he said. “Last year I played with a team from Mexico at worlds.”
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said the robotics program provides yet another valuable opportunity for students to be involved in a meaningful school activity in the Council Bluffs schools.
“The remarkable achievements of our robotics teams are a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of our students with the tremendous support of volunteers and coaches,” Murillo said “Their success not only showcases their technical skills but also reflects the strength of our school community in fostering innovation and future-ready learning.
Robotics got its start about a decade ago after Google awarded a grant to Abraham Lincoln to start a program, said Christy Arthur, a longtime parent in the district and an administrative assistant at TJ. AL shared its resources to help jumpstart a program at TJ, too, Arthur said.
Arthur and husband Troy, a former school board member, and others have been instrumental in developing robotics across the Council Bluffs schools, both as a volunteer and a fundraiser to support the programs.
Robotics started out as an after-school activity, “oftentimes clear until 11 o’clock at night,” Arthur said. AL had a lot of success in competitions in its first year, and TJ became “unbelievably successful” in 2016.
From there, the Arthurs started to build up momentum to bring robotics to elementary school children, despite the difficulty and expense of the effort. Federal funding through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program helped bring the program to each school.
“What these kids have to do is really hard,” Arthur said. “They have to think in totally different ways. Everything you do on a sports field — as far as teamwork and communication and effort and physical dexterity — happens in this Robotics Lab. Everything you learn
on stage or in the vocal music room about interpersonal communication, reading the room, introducing yourself, trying to make those bonds, they happen in the robotics lab. Then trying to put all of those things together while embracing STEM, coding, design, mechanical engineering — all of that together, that’s a lot to ask of kids.”
But that’s where determination comes into play. Arthur was booster president at Franklin Elementary at the time, and she started a robotics club that formed teams that then earned third place at state in its first year.
Those initial Franklin students are now high school juniors and seniors, and those students helped bring robotics to all district elementary and middle schools. Earlier this year, in the new Innovation and Sports Center in Crescent, the district had more than 100 students compete in a weekly district-sponsored league. It also sent multiple teams to the CREATE U.S. Open Tournament and the VEX Robotics World Championships at the high school level.
“That is just remarkable,” Arthur said.
Dunlap credited the Arthurs for putting “their hearts and souls into giving everybody access to robotics” along with coaches across the district who prioritize the students.
“If we did not have the elementary and middle school programs, we would not be nearly as successful,” Dunlap said.
The success that AL and TJ have at the state, national and world tournaments reflect the efforts of middle and elementary school students. Those younger students also find success in their own competitions.
“As a first year coach I have enjoyed seeing the students grow outside of the normal classroom,” said Katie Smith, the robotics club coach at Hoover Elementary School. “They have been able to let their creativity shine through as they learn teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. This year my teams have proven that VEX Robotics is for anyone who is willing to try, learn and grow as a human being.”
Dunlap said the high school programs try to help build up other programs in Iowa, too. Glenwood, for example, hosted its first tournament this year after receiving support to launch a program two years ago, Dunlap said, with the Council Bluffs schools serving as a leader in the region for robotics.
Unlike athletics, there’s no off-season for robotics. The next game is announced at the world competition, and preparations begin almost immediately for the next school year.
On top of that, Dunlap said many robotics students are involved in other activities, too.
“Most of them are in show choir or band or orchestra and all those other activities, not just robotics,” Dunlap said.
Ella Dunlap, a sophomore in Jacket robotics and the coach’s daughter, said at a recent practice that her teammates just started other sports seasons, so she was the only one working on the robot that afternoon. They often coordinate when they need to spend time in the robotics lab versus other demands on their time.
“Normally, they would be here as much as they can, because they really enjoy being here as well,” she said.
Ella is the main builder and driver for
her team, and her teammates code the bot and work on required documentation. She said they benefit from the longevity of TJ’s program in part because they have the tools and materials collected over years.
Wunderlich said each robot is built from scratch by the students, who can receive input from their coach but are self-directed in the approach they take to design and building. He uses computer animated design to plan the robot before constructing the base of the robot and beginning to tinker in an effort to find efficiencies and other improvements.
“You start your new robots even before the old school year ends, and then you practice all summer, and you normally have your first competition at the start of the next school year,” he said. “We get a lot of support from the teachers here.”
Wunderlich and his teammates give back, too, as coaches at Franklin “to hopefully give them the same opportunity I had.”
(At the elementary level) “It’s a little bit different,” he said. “It’s plastic parts. It’s a lot easier. It kind of snaps together rather than screw on or bolt on. But it’s not as much about the winning trophies side of it as it is them learning the basics of problem solving, teamwork, communication, using the design process — things like that.”
As a coach, Shannon Dunlap said she wants her students, first and foremost, to be good people.
“You may be great at building your robot or you may be really good at interviewing,” she said. “But how do you treat people when they’re not there? I want them to leave here being successful humans, not just successful programmers or coders or notebookers, and so that is a big thing that we push in our program. And I think that’s kind of what sets us above, because we’re constantly pushing them to their best in everything.”
To keep up with the latest from TJ robotics, follow the program on Facebook by liking the page at facebook.com/TJVexRobotics.
New Innovation & Sports Center Busy with Activity
Robotics is among several extracurricular activities at the center of the new Council Bluffs Community School District Innovation and Sports Center in Crescent.
The facility, located in the former elementary school building, provides much needed space for students to practice indoors.
Ella Dunlap, a student in Thomas Jefferson’s robotics program, said the center is being stocked with supplies to make repairs. Next season, she said the center will be used to host scrimmages among Council Bluffs and other area schools, including Glenwood and Iowa School for the Deaf. Before the center, there was no good place to gather in larger groups to simulate a tournament environment.
Christy Arthur said the center has already made a difference by quadrupling skill scores during a elementary age robotics league held in the new facility earlier this school year.
The Innovation and Sports Center also has state-of-the-art baseball and softball training facilities, including batting lanes and indoor turf, which will help further grow those teams.
Tyler Brietzke, AL’s baseball coach, said the center is a “really, really positive step forward” to developing student-athletes.
“It feels really, really nice to have a home,” Brietzke said. “We could not be more thrilled to have it.”
Brietzke said the center is also helping develop youth talent through a batting camp that the team was able to hold. He said the city has select teams, but the high school coaches can reach more players now that they have access to a dedicated space.
“We’re going to see more participation in baseball and softball,” Brietzke said. “It will save families a lot of money.”
The Innovation and Sports Center also features three golf simulators, which golfers can use to practice their swings. The golf teams benefit from having the opportunity to work on their game every day, whether it’s
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cold or windy or otherwise not possible.
“It’s helped me because we have a place to go during the window,” TJ golf player Alyssa Smith said. “I could go and hit whenever I needed to, and I felt like I wanted to practice.”
The center is also adding an e-sports room, broadcast media space and outdoor spaces.
“We know if we can connect kids to something outside their normal school day, they‘re going to have higher academic achievement — and research shows this — higher attendance rates and a higher sense of engagement,” said Tim Hamilton the district’s chief of student and family services.
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More than 100 parents attended the First-Time Kindergarten Parent Meeting at Longfellow to gain valuable insights into the kindergarten experience within Council Bluffs Schools, including our Diploma Plus One pathways, while their excited future kindergartners decorated Class of 2038 graduation caps. We are thrilled to partner with these wonderful families and look forward to an incredible journey ahead!
Math lessons, such as this one at College View Elementary School, have students explore mathematical concepts using visual aids and physical objects to build deeper understanding. For example, in this photo, first graders learn together how they can find the area of larger, irregular shapes by breaking them into smaller, familiar shapes.
We are proud of our students and staff who created the 21st Century Club performance of Aladdin. The Omaha Performing Arts grant made this possible, and the staff members at Longfellow were the catalysts for the success.
The annual East End and West End Parades of Bands showcased the talents of our middle and high school musicians for their parents and members of the community. The performances are an opportunity for everyone to experience the Council Bluffs Schools’ investment in instrumental music education.
The 2024 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Ann Mincks, selected the Council Bluffs Schools as one of 30 districts in Iowa to visit this year. As an English Language Learner teacher from Des Moines Public Schools, she is touring the state to gather insights and learn more about how successful school districts are supporting students who are learning English.
The Abraham Lincoln High School boys basketball team volunteered to join in the fun with Special Olympics athletes from across the city at the Southwest Iowa Special Olympics basketball competition, held January 30 at Iowa Western.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Lynx, Jackets Show Their Talents as Student-Athletes
Featured AL students, from top left: Annette Fitch • Dylan Vannier • Tori Hansen • Hailee Showers & soccer teammates • Kamryn Hamilton • Carter Wymore and Matthew Ward • Kylie Gardner • Cooper Schaa • Gavin Talla Dezza
Featured TJ students, from
Plambeck, Ethan Durham, Raymundo Zambrano
Bejarano & Leland
McKeeman • Rylee Perrine
• Ashleigh Ronk • Jada
Brown • Branaya Jarmon
• Allan Vazquez • Isaiah
Walling • Christian Hennessy (back) and Dereck Hanshaw (front) • Makenna Kramer
top left: Nam Do, Sebastiaan
cbsf.org
Classroom
The Power of Education
Grants in Action
The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is proud to support learning both inside and out of the classroom through our Annual Grants Program.
Classroom grants provide funding to teachers and staff for projects that enhance educational experiences for students and supplement or extend the classroom experience.
Trista Pitt, Reading Interventionist at Bloomer and Franklin, received funds for her project “Hands on High Frequency Words and Reading Fluency Practice.”
The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation’s annual “Education Is Everyone’s Business” Luncheon was a remarkable event that highlighted our community’s dedication to education in Council Bluffs. The luncheon featured inspiring remarks from Executive Director Bridgette Watson, who shared her vision for the Foundation and its future initiatives. Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo also addressed the audience, alongside five students representing various career pathways, demonstrating the bright future of Council Bluffs students. The highlight of the event was the keynote address presented by Maria Sotuyo, a local healthcare professional, who instilled the importance of education and how it has made an impact on her life and the lives of her four daughters.
“This grant impacts our students by increasing opportunities for fluent reading practice. Handson letter and word practice directly impacts student confidence in reading as well as reading test scores.”
Michael Yauney, teacher at Abraham Lincoln, received a $720 grant to purchase instruments for his AP labs classes.
Not only did the event provide an opportunity for the Foundation and school district leaders to update community and business partners about exciting initiatives in our schools, but also served as an opportunity to celebrate the outstanding contributions of a community member who has made a significant impact in Council Bluffs. This year, the Foundation honored Jeannie Aldredge with the
Jeannie, a lifelong resident of Council Bluffs and proud Thomas Jefferson High School alum, has dedicated over three decades to her role as Senior Executive Assistant at HUB International. In addition to her professional success, Jeannie has been a passionate volunteer, serving on numerous local boards,
With YOU, We Can!
“These funds allowed my students to carry out open inquiries, conduct statistical data, and interpret the information. They are able to practice actually presenting and reporting their findings, skills which are important to companies and upper-level jobs in the real world. Thank you for the grant and all you do to help students get an experience that's beyond just the ordinary!”
With YOU, We Can! Join
I am so thankful to the Foundation for funding my grant. These hands-on materials increased engagement while making learning fun and meaningful!
I am so thankful to the Foundation for funding my grant. These hands-on materials increased engagement while making learning fun and meaningful!
Danielle Philmon Teacher, College View Elementary
Danielle Philmon Teacher, College View Elementary
ROLE MODELS
Abraham Lincoln Adds Four Alumni to Hall of Fame
Four new members were welcomed into the Abraham Lincoln High School Hall of Fame during a ceremony March 11 at the school.
The inductees were Janice Cohen Klein, 1968, a trailblazing engineer and Harvard/ MIT professor; Dr. Richard Warner, 1970, retired dentist and local historian; Debra Lee Schwiesow, 1972, school psychologist; and Andrew Peters, 1973, award-winning artist.
Biographies were prepared by AL students. Edited excerpt of those biographies follow:
Janice Klein
Klein has been a trailblazer for not just women, but all those in math, engineering, and business. She was the first woman to get an industrial engineering degree from Iowa State University and became an esteemed professor at both Harvard and MIT.
After Iowa State, General Electric hired her to work in its manufacturing management program. She earned her MBA from Boston University and a doctorate in industrial relations at MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
Klein joined the faculty of the production and operation program at Harvard Business School and researched socio-technical systems. Klein then taught leadership at MIT, developing and teaching courses for a two-year integrated leadership program for students interested in engineering and business administration.
She published a book, “True Change: How Outsiders on the Inside Get Things Done in Organizations,” before retiring in 2013. — senior Emyleigh Bagshaw Richard Warner
Warner has left a remarkable impact on the community. For 35 years, Warner practiced as a general dentist and also served as the president of the Council Bluffs Dental Society. From 1985 to 2019, Warner ran his own successful dental practice.
Warner has received various honors, including the Arthur Effenbaum Award from the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry as well as the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award.
From a young age, science was always his favorite subject and he enjoyed working with his hands. But he’s also spent countless hours preserving the rich history of Council Bluffs and has been recognized for his efforts by receiving the Loren Horton Community History Award Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Research or Publication by the State
Historical Society of Iowa. He has written four books on Council Bluffs history.
— senior Sonia Fitch
Debra Schwiesow
Schwiesow did not plan on staying in Council Bluffs after graduation. She attended Columbia College then the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education in music therapy in 1976.
She worked in psychiatric hospitals for 10 years before completing graduate school at the University of Nebraska Omaha and becoming a school psychologist with the Green Hills Area Education Agency in 1989.
Schwiesow found her way back to AL and worked 31 years as a school psychologist.
She has served as the president of the Iowa School Psychologists Association and as the Iowa representative to the National Association of School Psychologists. She was
instrumental in training the Council Bluffs Community Schools and Green Hills AEA on the Standard Response Protocol and the Standard Reunification Method.
— senior Dean Pope Andrew Peters
Peters wants to share his passion and appreciation for nature’s beauty. He is a role model, a motivator, and a man who is devoted to uplifting his community through his pieces.
Peters graduated from AL in 1973. Since then, he has traveled the world and won numerous awards for his art, presented at several exhibitions, and dedicated his time to working with a variety of organizations in Council Bluffs and Omaha.
After graduating, he attended Iowa State and earned his bachelor degree in fisheries and wildlife biology. Peters began working as a freelance artist in 1978. From 1979 to 1982, he was the proprietor of Windriders Gallery in Omaha to showcase his bird paintings.
He had a solo exhibition at the Joslyn Art Museum in 1984, won the Bluffs Arts Council President Award in 2015 and the Prix de West Wildlife Award in 2020.
The Council Bluffs Public Library has one of his paintings, “Evening Valley,” on display.
— junior Natalie Mathre
Klein Warner Schwiesow Peters
COURTESY JOE SHEARER, COUNCIL BLUFFS NONPAREIL
From left, Debra Lee Schwiesow (1972), Andrew Peters (1973) and Dr. Richard Warner (1970) pose for a portrait holding their awards following the Abraham Lincoln High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Janice Cohen Klein (1968) was also inducted into the hall but was unable to attend the ceremony.
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 Board President Jared Tripp on behalf of the Board of Education. Students are pictured left to right.
BOYS BOWLING STATE TOURNAMENT QUALIFIERS
Anthony Wayman (TJ), Coach Kim Ferris, William Kelley (AL), Connor Knowlton (AL), Ethan Pirie (AL), Josh Shamblen (AL), Carter Schwiesow (AL), Coach Joel Nelson, Fuller Russell (AL) and, not pictured, Jordan Hargrave (AL)
IOWA
GIRLS WRESTLING STATE TOURNAMENT QUALIFIERS
: Ellie
— 100 pounds. Amaiah Brooks
— 190 pounds and Lilian Miller
— 235 pounds with coaches Tiffany
HIGH SCHOOL STATE DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
in Class VII Jazz, the highest placement in school history, as well as fourth in Class VIII Hip Hop.
and
Abraham Lincoln Dance Team placed second
Front Row: Taylor Ebertowski, Ella Schmitz, Sonia Fitch & Alli Baumbach
Back Row: Alexis Posario, Tyaisha Pauley, Anna Cozad, Maycee Levene, Paislee Parrott & Rachel Neill
Abraham Lincoln
Johnson (freshman)
(freshman)
(sophomore)
Mace (left)
Mat Daniels (right).
Thomas Jefferson: Jackie Garcia (senior) — 115 pounds with coach Colton Downing.
Ashlin McCollough
Abraham Lincoln: Braydon Tranmer — 106 pounds. Gabe Showers —113 pounds. Luis AvalosCeballos — 132 pounds. Jon Ryan —138 pounds, Kowen Dighton —175 pounds and Trenton Byers — 144lbs with coach Adam Manz (far left).
Thomas Jefferson Noah Phillips — 126 pounds (not pictured)
COMMUNITY SHOWCASE: Musical Talents Displayed
Community members gathered to celebrate the musical talents of middle school and high school students in the Council Bluffs Community School District. Show choirs from the four schools proudly performed throughout the year. The Community Showcase offered an opportunity, outside of a competitive environment, for the friends, family and public to enjoy their singing and dancing.
ALL-IOWA OPUS HONOR CHOIR
Ava Gilpin (Wilson) with teacher Leigh Ann Martic
Randi Ottesen (Wilson) with teacher Krista Walter
ALL-IOWA 8TH GRADE HONOR BAND
Kirn
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
Recognizing Educators, Staff Who Live the Mission
DECEMBER: Marla Schoening Art Teacher, Abraham Lincoln High School
JANUARY: Shelbi Klahn 4th Grade Teacher, College View Elementary
FEBRUARY: Megan O’Brien PreK Teacher, Carter Lake Elementary
DECEMBER: April Hill Media Associate, Edison Elementary
JANUARY: Rinda Evans PreK Teaching Assistant, Bloomer Elementary
FEBRUARY: Mike Larsen District Facilities Staff Member
Updates From Our Social Feeds
The Council Bluffs Noon and Centennial Rotary Clubs joined community and area business partners in helping fifth graders explore future career pathways. Both clubs place a priority on education, and the annual career fair reflects the commitment in the community to helping students.
Brandon McDaniel, who is a 2007 graduate of TJ, received a 2024 World Series Championship ring from the Los Angeles Dodgers this spring. McDaniel works as the Dodgers’ vice president of player performance and, for the 2025 season, the team’s major league development integration coach.
DRIVEN TO TEACH
Edwards Recognizes Teachers
Edwards Auto Group continues to celebrate the educators in the Council Bluffs Community School District by handing out keys to a loaner vehicle each month. “We’ve partnered with the Council Bluffs School District to recognize the great work their staff do. We’re glad to do this, but most importantly to give the recognition to the folks that deserve it,” Edwards co-owner Brett Edwards said.
Kids Eat Free!
Meals available Monday through Friday from June 9 through August 1, 2025 (closed on July 4)
Thomas Jefferson — JUNE
Lunch 11:30am — 12:00pm
Thomas Jefferson — JULY
Breakfast 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:00am — 12:00pm
Bloomer Elementary
Breakfast: 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch: 11:00am — 11:30am
Lewis & Clark Elementary
Breakfast 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:30am — 12:30pm
Kanesville — JUNE
Breakfast 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:00am — 12:00pm
Kanesville — JULY
Lunch 11:00am — 12:00pm
Wilson Middle School
Breakfast 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:30am — 12:30pm
Rue Elementary — JUNE
Lunch 11:45am-12:15pm
Rue Elementary — JULY
Breakfast 8:30am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:45am — 12:15pm
Carter Lake Boys & Girls Club
Breakfast 8:00am — 9:00am
Lunch 11:30am — 12:30pm
Charles E. Lakin YMCA
Breakfast 8:00am — 8:30am
Council Bluffs Public Library
Lunch 11:00am — 11:30am
Carter Lake Public Library
Lunch 12:00pm — 12:30pm
Pop up lunch at Council Bluffs Hydrant Parties, Cochran Park events & Fairmount Park splash pad. Find details online soon.
Council Bluffs Community School District is participating in the Summer Food Service Program. Meals will be provided to all children ages 1 to 18 without charge. Meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Meals will be available to eat on site and cannot be taken out of the meal facility. Meals will be distributed at the locations listed from June 9 to August 1. All sites will be closed on July 4. For any questions please contact Lisa Stewart, Director of Nutrition Services, at 712-328-6420. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
To view menus, please visit cb-schools.org/district/summermeals Look for the Summer Meal Banner at each meal site.
FEBRUARY: Jen Young, Thomas Jefferson
APRIL: Katie Nootz, Kirn Middle School
MARCH: Rob Boes Hoover Elementary School
COURTESY GARY VASQUEZ, LA DODGERS
Council Bluffs Community School District Challenges learners at every level to achieve more by providing more choices, more opportunities and more ways to succeed.
