Hello to our school district neighbors in Carter Lake, Council Bluffs and Crescent! Thank you for your interest in our schools and the successes of our community’s children. Together, with our Council Bluffs Schools Foundation, we present this quarterly magazine to keep you informed about our school district initiatives and achievements.
Inside this edition of our magazine, I hope you will enjoy seeing the proud faces of our 2025 graduates who earned a record number of second credentials through our Diploma +1 Pathways. We are pleased to share with you our plans to build a new STEM Innovation High School that would provide a unique educational experience for students and those from throughout the region who choose to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
In this magazine, we also enjoy showcasing some of our outstanding students, and some of our dedicated staff members who support the development of each child throughout their educational journey.
As we look forward to this school year, we are filled with excitement as we prepare to provide even more opportunities for more students and to attract even more families into our school community. We are preparing to open a new Council Bluffs K-12 Online School for those who are not currently enrolled in our schools and prefer an online educational experience.
We will also continue to promote our Attend Today. Achieve More Tomorrow campaign to encourage regular school attendance. Children who miss school also miss out on valuable learning with their teachers and their peers. Thank you for encouraging the young people in your life to be in school every day possible!
I am so proud of our collective efforts to ensure all of our students have every opportunity to learn to their full potential and take advantage of the wide variety of academic and extracurricular activities that elevate their school experience. Please 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!
Happy New School Year!
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.
PHOTO: Abraham Lincoln High School 2025 graduates Addyson Schmidt and Ella Schmitz celebrate together as they receive their diplomas. Find additional photos from graduation on Page 3 through Page 5.
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.
Sincerely, Dr. Murillo, Superintendent Facebook: CB Supt Murillo
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 23 | Summer 2025
ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District
COVER
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
www.youtube.com/c/
91.1% of graduates earned one or more Diploma +1 credentials before graduating high school
The Council Bluffs Board of Education celebrates more than 100 students who graduated concurrently from high school and Iowa Western Community College.
Confetti rains down upon graduates during Thomas Jefferson High School’s graduation ceremony at the Mid-America Center.
Above, friends Logan Reid and Alex Johnston shake hands. They went through the Early College Academy and plan to room together at the University of Iowa. At right, AL graduate Vallerie Clark smiles after receiving her diploma.
Abraham Lincoln honors 318 members of Class of 2025
Class Song: “Best Day of My Life” by American Others Class Flower: Tulips
“There’s a quote from Abraham Lincoln that I think about often. He said, ‘Whatever you are, be a good one.’ It’s simple, powerful, and exactly the message our world today needs.’”
— Daniel Hornberg, ‘25 commencement speaker
Class Motto
“What feels like the end is often the beginning.” — Erin McCabe
Thomas Jefferson honors 254 members of the Class of 2025
Class Song: “We are Young” by Fun Class Flower: Lily of the Valley
Class Motto
“I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” — Thomas Jefferson
“Ihave learned that we must not take any single moment for granted. It’s never too late to be a part of something. Something like a team. Something greater than yourself.
— Harry Aherns, ‘25 commencement speaker
PIONEERING INNOVATION Opportunities Await at Proposed STEM High School
Imagine a student building a robot to help monitor soil conditions to boost the yield of specialty crops like lavender grown in Southwest Iowa’s Loess Hills while her classmate uses AI to build a custom-tailored software product for a small business on Council Bluffs’ Historic 100 Block.
Now imagine that student is a high school sophomore, not an undergraduate student in college working on their capstone project.
That’s the aim of a new STEM Innovation High School, which will prepare the next generation of engineers and scientists for the metro area right here in Council Bluffs.
By using a charter model that still awards a traditional high school diploma, the school will add a multidisciplinary, project-based learning environment to expand upon the existing Diploma +1 opportunities available to students in the Council Bluffs Schools, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said.
“It’s really to provide students within the metro area with one more opportunity that’s unlike a traditional school,” Murillo said. “We know we have students who are very interested in STEM fields.”
Students will learn directly from engineers and other STEM professionals in addition to certified teachers. They will still be connected to their home school, allowing participation in athletics and other activities while immersing themselves in projects that go beyond regular classroom experiences.
The district is now selecting an architect and working on the fundraising needed to bring
the school from an innovative idea to a stateof-the-art learning center to open in fall 2027. Planning on how to deliver curriculum is also underway. Medical technology, engineering and robotics are likely areas of concentration, in addition to artificial intelligence, bioscience, aeronautics, and cybersecurity — all domains in the STEM fields that are in demand in the Omaha metro area with centers of excellence available for higher education, too.
“During
the day, the concentration and the experience will really ignite and spark that interest to continue to grow in the STEM pathways, while still being connected back to their friends and their family at their home schools.”
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo
“We have a large number of students interested in robotics,” Murillo said. “Yearly, we have students competing at the state level, national levels, and even at world level.”
A robotics laboratory is planned, and early concept art for the school envisions drones buzzing overhead and rooms that look more like workplace collaboration spaces than rows of desks facing a blackboard. Students would learn through problem solving as they tackle real-world projects.
Murillo said “the sky’s the limit” in terms of the opportunities that can be provided to students when flexibility and innovation are cornerstones of the learning environment. Over time, the school will provide a model for other districts — just as the Council Bluffs Schools has explored STEM schools across the country to blend together the best ideas with local partnerships and expertise.
“We’re in kind of a space we’ve never been before,” Murillo said. “We’re coming to a point where K-12 is going to have to really reexamine how we deliver education and start pivoting meeting kids where they are.”
Students from outside Council Bluffs will be welcomed at the school, which aims to serve the entire metro area similar to immersion programs at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
“During the day, the concentration and the experience will really ignite and spark that interest to continue to grow in the STEM pathways, while still being connected back to their friends and their family at their home schools,” Murillo said.
“The goal is for us to raise enough money like we did for the Early Learning Center,” Murillo said. “We didn’t do a bond. We didn’t take our general dollars to do that.”
Because planning is still underway, a total cost for the school hasn’t yet been determined — nor has the full scope of the impact it could have on the region by addressing workforce needs and fueling economic growth. But it’s clear the STEM Innovation High School will take student learning to the next level.
“I always say, ‘Why do you make them wait if they’re ready to do this before they graduate?’ Murillo said. “Let’s provide more opportunities for them to have experiences they never dreamed they could have. And let’s start right here in Council Bluffs.”
The proposed STEM Innovation High School will feature modern laboratory spaces, including robotics (top), biomedical (bottom left) and technology (bottom right), alongside traditional learning and collaboration rooms.
ADMINISTRATOR CHANGES: AL Welcomes Dr. Bruce
Dr. Rachel Bruce Sagert is returning to the Council Bluffs Schools after five years as an Assistant Principal at Elkhorn South High School in Nebraska. Prior to that, she was an Assistant Principal at Wilson Middle School.
“I am extremely excited to join the Abraham Lincoln staff as the Principal,” Dr. Bruce said. “AL has a rich history and legacy of success, and I hope to build upon the great work and efforts of the dedicated staff. I am grateful for the privilege to join the AL community, as I know our high school has had such a positive impact on families and the Council Bluffs Community since its inception.”
Dr. Bruce’s husband, Eric, graduated from AL and she has many other connections to the school through friends and colleagues, as well as their family members.
“Abraham Lincoln already holds a special place in my heart,” she said. “I can’t wait to get to know our students and help ensure
that each of them have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive here at Abraham Lincoln High School. It’s already really great and I can’t wait to make it the best place to be!”
As a former English Language Arts teacher, Brue has experience in Texas, New York and Nebraska. She holds a Doctorate of Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Master of Education from the University of North Texas, Denton, and a Bachelor of Science from Texas Christian University.
Other changes in administration include Bridgette Bellows, who previously served as AL’s Principal, will now lead the Kanesville Learning Center programs. Cristi Midkiff, who is a former elementary school teacher and Assistant Principal at Wilson Middle School, was named Principal at Edison Elementary.
Kourtney Abbotts and Derek Archer are both now Assistant Principals at Wilson. Jen Urlaub is an Assistant Principal at Kirn.
2025 RETIREMENTS
We congratulate and thank our dedicated staff members who retired this past school year.
Jan Smith — 42 years
Denise Allmon — 37
Deb Hernandez — 35
Debbie Wheeler — 35
Tracy Bellamy — 34
Amy Hawthorne — 34
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Michael Nuzum — 10
Kimberly Kafonek — 9
Deann Anderson — 6
Richard Heininger — 2
Julie Rice — 1
Dr. Rachel Bruce Sagert
BLOOMER PINK OUT
Penelope Ettleman was inspired by Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour bracelets to use her creativity to help a family friend at her school.
The Bloomer Elementary School student and her family made pink bracelets and sold them over several weeks to support Bloomer paraeducator Amy Parks, who has been fighting breast cancer.
“I just thought it would be a good way to help her,” Penelope said.
The effort raised $578 for the school’s penny wars fundraiser, which netted $2,133.71 in total. Penelope’s fifth class earned an extra recess.
“I’ve always just been super close to her,” Penelope said. “It felt good to do something that can actually help her other than just hugs and little messages.”
The Yellow Jackets girls basketball summer camp featured guest coach Tori Murillo (pictured above at right), head coach of Baker University women’s basketball. Girls of all ages enjoyed the two-day camp, with a special assist from Superintendent, Coach and Mom Murillo (above at left), herself a former high school coach. Stingers Up!
Nominated by the parent of one of her students, Roosevelt Elementary Preschool Teacher Nancy Rutherford was surprised this past spring with a $500 check during a visit by KMTV 3 News Now and the Pay It Forward sponsor First Interstate Bank
Middle School students enjoy our experiential two-week Summer Exploration Camps at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, focusing on literacy, math and science. The camp culminates with a Project Showcase for parents and guardians.
Trista Pitt, Reading Interventionist at Bloomer and Franklin, received funds for her project “Hands on High Frequency Words and Reading Fluency Practice.”
Record $83,000 Awarded in Classroom Grants
Each year, in partnership with the school district, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation provides Classroom Grants for materials that enhance learning and promote innovation in the classroom, and support teachers as they implement creative ideas to engage students.
“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. ”
This year, the foundation awarded over $83,000 in classroom grants to educators across the district, bringing 104 innovative, hands-on, and student-centered ideas to life.
Thanks to generous donations from community sponsors including The Lozier Foundation, Cox Communications, Google, Iowa Western Community College, American National Bank, and American Family Insurance agent John Dresher, the grants will fund projects ranging from robotics and STEM stations to bilingual books and phonics tools.
“These grants help bring educators’ creative ideas to life and enhance learning for students at all grade levels,” said Executive Director Bridgette Watson. “We’re incredibly grateful to our donors for making this possible.”
To learn more about the Foundation and our Annual Grants Program, visit cbsf.org.
Cheers for CB Schools Creates Evening of Community, Celebration, and Gratitude
During Teacher Appreciation Week, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation once again brought the community together for Cheers for CB Schools, an evening dedicated to celebrating and supporting the Council Bluffs Community School District.
Held as a free, family-friendly gathering, the event welcomed alumni, parents, educators, and friends of the district to enjoy an unforgettable night filled with connection and purpose. Guests were treated to live music from local favorite Fountains of Dane, and featured games,
pr
raffles, and plenty of opportunities to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.
fin co world Thank you for the grant and all you do to help students get an experience that's beyond just the ordinary!”
More than just a fun night out, Cheers for CB Schools highlighted the incredible impact of community support on our educators. As we honored the dedication of our educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, this event served as a powerful reminder that when we come together, whether as neighbors, graduates, or partners, we create lasting support for the students and teachers who shape our future.
Teachers receiving financial support through the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation’s Classroom Grants program pose for a group photo during the Cheers for CB Schools event in the Historic 100 Block of West Broadway on May 9, 2025.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Jackets, Lynx Athletes Hit the Diamond
Featured athletes, from top left: Carley Steinspring (TJ) • Audrey Garst (AL) • Teygan Rasmussen (TJ) • Jordan Hargrave (AL) • Haley Lang (AL) • Andrew Peacock (TJ) • McCain Becker (AL) • Seth Anderson (TJ)
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. Photo identifications are presented from left to right
All-State Basketball
Creighton Bracker
Iowa Governor’s Scholar Program
Sonia Fitch
Makena Kramer
Abigail Lassek
Grace Veit
SkillsUSA
Nixon Hart, Brayden Harker, Sawyer Lorenz, Joseph Bothe (not pictured) and Adam Solon (not pictured) with instructors Nate Harm and Jake Driver
Matt Ocshner, Hunter Harmsen, Lexi Van Riper with instructors (pictured below) Amanda Sill, David Harruff and Ryan Higgins
TJ instructor Rhoda Zuehlke; Brianne Hanson — state qualifier, prepared speaking; and Ella Ferrer — 1st place, prepared speaking
Wilson instructor Kiley Sellars, Alaynnah Wilson and Terrence Washington — 3rd Place, iJAG Career Development Conference
Olivia McCallan — 4th place, home health aide; Kloey Quicke Milligan — 1st place, forensic science; Maryanna Collins — 1st place, forensic science; and instructor Patty Pettit
Instructor Deb Robinson, Leopold Mbuyi, Andrew Johnston, Daniel Cannon, Lucas Johnson and Sean Moritz
Instructor Dirk Waller, Maxine Colgrove — TV News, Kinnick Driscoll — TV News, C.J. Hanson — Acting, Eliot Powers — TV News and Radio News Announcing, Joanna Kerns (not pictured) — Radio News Announcing and Original Oratory, and Kathryn Sanchez (not pictured) — TV News
Coach Tom Aldmeyer, Elijah Cudd, Makenna DeBolt, Madison Lowe, Connor Andersen, Zander Banik and Nash Aldmeyer with Arbor Hamilton (not pictured) and Trenton Peirce Savage (not pictured)
RUE ELEMENTARY
Micah Taylor, Varon Rector, Alex Persinger, Gabby Roman, Anthony Perez, Ellie Witzke and coach Sara Large
HOOVER ELEMENTARY
William Ragsdale, Jack Harter, Alexia Jacobs and Jensen Farson with Ryden Kruse (in back) and staff member Katie Smith
LONGFELLOW ELEMENTARY
Maximus May, Liam Ives, Hayden Fender, Aldo Macias Perez, Gracelynn Napier,Emmaline Grossoehme, AJ Thury, Fernando Perez Garcia, Ethan CarsleyPeters, Louis Nguyen and instructor Kira Moore
HOURS
THOMAS JEFFERSON: Alan Arthur, Abigail Sharp and Jazmin Large with Casey Moore (not pictured) and instructors Andrea Galloway and Shannon Dunlop
THOMAS JEFFERSON: Kayleigh Mericle, Alexis Franks, Alex Wunderlich and Larissa Farris with instructors Shannon Dunlop and Andrea Galloway
GOING THE EXTRA MILE
District Recognizes Staff Members of the Year
Teresa Hamilton Principal of the Year Carter Lake Elementary School
Hamilton exemplifies what it means to be a transformative leader. Under her guidance, Carter Lake Elementary achieved remarkable academic growth measured on both the MAP and state assessments.
She empowers others to lead, building the capacity of her staff and fostering a school culture rooted in collaboration, trust, and high expectations. She frequently recognizes others’ hard work and accomplishments, and she is deeply involved in the community.
Her exceptional leadership was recognized by the Lozier Foundation and MOEC through recognizing Hamilton with the 2024 LIGHTS Outstanding Elementary Principal Award.
Robert Tellgren
Licensed Staff Member of the Year Lewis & Clark Elementary School
As a fifth-grade teacher, Tellgren exemplifies dedication, compassion, and excellence in education. He inspires his students to believe in themselves and consistently fosters an environment where achievement and growth are expected and celebrated.
Tellgren is also a leader and mentor, and his collaborative spirit, positive attitude, and instructional expertise uplift both students and staff. His classroom is a model of engagement, innovation, and high expectations, where students thrive academically and personally.
He is committed to building a positive, inclusive school culture by leading activities, volunteering, and modeling kindness.
MARCH
Amber Plambeck Support Staff Member of the Year Wilson Middle School
Plambeck has made a lasting impact on students, staff, and school culture through her deep commitment to building genuine, positive relationships with students.
Whether they are part of the program she supports or not, she takes the time to get to know each child by learning their interests, celebrating their growth, and offering a steady, caring presence in their daily lives. Her ability to connect with students through kindness and empathy is truly extraordinary.
Her thoughtful nature is evident in the way she constantly seeks new ways to engage students in learning and personal growth. She brings joy and calm to the school.
MARCH SUPPORT STAFF: Diane Niedermyer Special Education Paraeducator, Lewis & Clark Elementary
LICENSED STAFF: Jen Hudson Kindergarten Teacher, Roosevelt Elementary
From left, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo, Amber Plambeck, Teresa Hamilton, Robert Tellgren and Board President Jared Tripp
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT Updates From Our Social Feeds
The Yellow Jackets baseball team is demonstrating growth under Coach Shea Patterson and staff, including a combined no hitter on June 10 by Garrett Denman and Nate Anderson against conference opponent Sioux City West. Denman threw 89 pitches over six innings including six strikeouts, while Anderson faced three batters in the seventh inning with one strikeout in the 7-0 win.
Aidan Perez earned a national title at the 2025 USA Weightlifting National Championships, the top Olympic weightlifting contest in the country. The AL graduate swept all three golds: Snatch — 133 kg (293 lbs), Clean & Jerk — 171 kg (377 lbs) and Total 304 kg (670 lbs) — 1st Place. Perez attends East Tennessee State University.
Beckie Stangl captured this photo of a wild cat at AL in July. The Iowa DNR says the state is home to both bobcats (Lynx rufus) and Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis). The word “lynx” comes from a Greek term meaning “to shine,” referring to its reflective eyes.
Edwards Continues Driven to Teach
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,” Edwards coowner Brett Edwards said. The Council Bluffs auto dealership plans to continue its Driven to Teach program for the 2025-26 school year.
Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo is one of the Education Insider Magazine’s ‘Top 10 School Superintendents 2025’. This recognition is based on peer nominations, readership input, and the magazine’s thorough evaluation. The honor was given to celebrate her outstanding contributions and strategic leadership in driving impactful educational initiatives.
Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org
Back to School Nights
Elementary: Aug. 21, 4-6 p.m.
Middle School: Aug. 21, 5–7 p.m.
High School: Aug. 20, 5:30–7 p.m.
First Day of School Aug. 25
Early Learning Center
Back to School Night Aug. 27, 4–6 p.m.
Preschool First Day Aug. 28
Student Art Feature: Summer Flowers
Council Bluffs Community School District challenges learners at every level to achieve more by providing more choices, more opportunities and more ways to succeed.
Oliver Lanegan, 2 Grade nd Roosevelt Elementary School
