Achieve Magazine Fall 2020 (Issue 3)

Message from Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo

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

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

Council Bluffs Board of Education

I hope you enjoy this Fall edition of our “Achieve” Magazine!

We carefully plan the contents of each of these quarterly publications to provide insight into our schools and to share the stories of our students and staff. As a school district, we have so many success stories to share. We value the opportunity to stay connected with community members throughout Council Bluffs, Carter Lake and Crescent.

The Council Bluffs Board of Education meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of September, October, November, January, February, March, April and May. Meetings are the fourth Tuesdays of the 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 David Coziahr

As you know, the 2020-21 school year is significantly different than other years, and has presented new challenges. However, through thoughtful planning and the dedication of everyone in the school district, we have successfully re-opened our schools to ensure every child can be engaged in learning in a safe environment.

In the first six weeks of school, our students followed a Hybrid schedule, attending school 2-3 days per week to lower the number of students in our schools and classrooms on a daily basis. As of October 12, parents have the option to have their children attend every day. After hearing that many parents were satisfied with the health and safety protocols in place, I wanted to provide the opportunity for a voluntary shift to Onsite learning for those who chose to do so.

It is exciting to see more students in our schools on a daily basis, and to see them meet our expectation that they wear their masks, keep their hands clean and physically distance as much as possible. We are proud of our students who participated in our Together We Can campaign to positively influence their peers to wear masks to keep each other and our families safe.

In this Fall edition, we share successes of students, feature outstanding staff members, provide insight into the latest Measure of Academic Progress assessment results, and showcase our efforts to create a safe and enriching learning environment during this pandemic.

We are grateful for the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation for the financial support to produce this publication for our community. Thank you for taking the time to read about our school district. We hope you will share our stories with your friends and family members.

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Vice President Chris LaFerla

Troy Arthur

Kyle McGlade

John Minshall

Dr. Jill Ogg-Gress

Jill Shudak

COVER PHOTO: From right, first grader Ledger Mailey of College View Elementary, second grader Liam Chioco of Roosevelt Elementary and second grader Leon Chioco of Roosevelt Elementary pose with their masks. Read more on the Together We Can campaign on page 8.

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 3 | Fall 2020

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

SUCCESSFUL START

2020-21 School Year Begins in Hybrid Phase; District Provides Choices to Parents and Students

The Council Bluffs Community School District is where every student experiences more choices, more opportunities and more ways to succeed.

That has been especially important during this pandemic that prompted educators to reimagine how to engage students in their education while staying safe.

The district began the 202021 school year in the Hybrid phase of its Return to Learn Plan. Students were assigned to Group 1 or 2 based on last name. They attended school onsite for two-three days a week, and participated remotely from home the other days. Some families opted to enroll their students in the district’s new Virtual Academy, providing a completely online environment to access the same high-quality curriculum and learning as other students.

“Starting in a Hybrid phase was the best way to demonstrate to parents we could implement the Return to Learn plan effectively and return to school safely,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murrilo said.

The start of the school year was a success due to the hard work of district educators and staff in preparing for students to return.

An important safety and risk mitigation strategy was to expect the use of face masks at school.

A Together We Can campaign, featuring district students, families, staff and community members, raised awareness of the importance of masks.

Schools experienced a low number of COVID-19 cases in the first weeks of school with no evidence of spread from person to person in school, which prompted the consideration for having more students attend class five days per week. Starting in mid-October, students began to return to five-day schedules in schools, although families

had the option to remain in a hybrid approach or continue with the Virtual Academy. The decision to return to on-site learning followed the success of the mitigation protocols as well as surveys and feedback from parents, educators and the Pottawattamie County Health Department.

About 59% of students chose to return to daily on-site learning, while 26% remained in the hybrid phase as of mid-October.

An additional 15% continued full-time virtual learning in the Virtual Academy.

“We know together we can weather this,” Murrilo said.

“Thanks to the hard work and innovation of our teachers, with the support of everyone inside the school district, our students are learning every day, whether it’s in class or virtually.”

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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WINNING A BLUE RIBBON

Rue Elementary Joins List of Elite Schools Across U.S.

Rue Elementary School joined an elite group of schools across the country recognized for their top academic performance and the progress shown by students.

The U.S. Department of Education named Rue as one of its National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2020, a designation achieved by only five other schools in Iowa and 317 public schools in the entire nation this year.

“It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said about Rue and the other 2020 Blue Ribbon schools.

Rue had been awaiting word of the final announcement, made in late September, since last spring, when the school was nominated for the recognition by the Iowa Department of Education, said Principal Casey Moran.

“Our Rue team strives for excellence every day,” he said.

“This recognition honors the hard work and dedication of our outstanding staff and students with the support of our parents.”

Under Moran’s leadership, the staff at Rue Elementary focuses on continuous improvement in their teaching to help every student achieve, Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said.

“This designation shines a spotlight on their efforts, as well as on our school district and c o m m u n i t y,” she said. “I am so proud of the work by our entire school community to enhance student achievement.”

Moran has been recognized for his leadership by being named the 2019-20 Principal of the Year for Council Bluffs Community School District. He says many of the school’s staff consider Rue to be a “hidden gem” and he gives 4

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credit to the school’s educators for striving every day to achieve their student-focused mission.

“The mission of James B. Rue Elementary is the attainment of Academic Excellence for ALL students. The needs of the whole child will be met through supportive and rigorous learning environments resulting in ALL students making expected growth and closing achievement gaps,” according to the school’s mission statement.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award, now in its 38th year, affirms the hard work of educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

The award is given to schools for being either high performing on state assessments or for their work closing achievement gaps.

Rue was nominated by the Iowa Department of Education for the Exemplary High Performing School category. According to the state, Rue is among the top 15% of Iowa schools to demonstrate sustainable academic growth in English/language arts and math.

“This nomination is evidence of the district’s focus on high quality instructional practices, an engaging curriculum, and the practice of holding all students to high standards,” Moran said.

Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo congratulated Rue and the other Blue Ribbon schools for “ensuring all students are engaged and learning.”

“These schools are making sure their students are poised to meet the challenges of the future,” Lebo said.

Rue Elementary has provided high quality learning experiences for students since 1950, and it has more than 380 students.

“Many staff members remain at Rue for their entire educational careers, and serve multiple generations of our families,” the U.S. Department of Education

says on its Blue Ribbon Schools website.

Family engagement is a major priority for the school. Parent workshops connect parents and guardians to the classroom to experience real time learning and instruction, allowing them to better understand math and literacy lessons for application in the home setting.

“The Rue staff goes above and beyond to engage students in a safe and rigorous learning environment,” according to the U.S. Department of Education.

In the school’s application for the award, district officials said that Rue relies on community partnerships and the support of many outside organizations.

“The staff at Rue Elementary takes a collaborative approach with our community to remove the roadblocks for academic excellence,” the school says.

Crescent Elementary School was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2012.

Additionally, Wilson and Kirn junior high schools received the recognition in the 1980s.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

FOCUS ON ACHIEVEMENT

Students Show Growth Despite Loss of Learning Time

The Fall MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Assessment was taken by students in kindergarten through 11th grade in September.

Data from the MAP is used to determine progress on the District’s academic goals in the following areas: 1) percent of students scoring in the average, high average and high bands on math and reading, 2) percent of students achieving individual growth targets on math and reading, and 3) percent of students demonstrating growth in math and reading.

Despite the closure in mid-March of last year, with the loss of 10 weeks of required participation in school, the percent of students in District K-8 grade-level student groups meeting the first goal in math held steady, with only a –0.8% difference from last Fall. In reading, the percent of students in District K-8 grade-level cohorts meeting the first goal grew slightly, with a +1.3% difference from last Fall.

The COVID-19 closure impacted student achievement but not to the extent feared.

The MAP results show that elementary

student achievement was affected more than achievement levels at the middle and high schools. Achievement by subgroups was not significantly or disproportionately affected.

Finally, the strong gains in achievement prior to COVID-19 closure, combined with

significant teacher involvement and the distribution of curriculum materials during voluntary learning, helped mitigate learning loss.

The next MAP Assessment will be taken by students in January.

We don’t expect students to have all the answers.

Alexa Hoy, Admissions Advisor & Recruiter

Discovering the right career is easier when you have an advisor who asks the right questions and offers support. Meet yours today, at Iowa Western.

BeYouAtIW.com / 712.325.3277

SHOWING DETERMINATION

Students Adapt and Excel in Fall Sports, Activities

TOP LEFT: Abraham Lincoln’s Greg Chinowth and Chase Richie celebrate a touchdown against Denison-Schleswig High School on Sept. 28. The Lynx beat Denison-Schleswig 28-21. • TOP RIGHT: Abraham Lincoln Senior Lennx Brown calls out the play to his teammates resulting in a touchdown against Thomas Jefferson on Oct. 2. • MIDDLE LEFT: Cheerleaders Bella Pilger, Chloe Roane, Rylee Bradley and Raquel Hawley perform a stunt for Abraham Lincoln’s crowd during senior night against Sioux City North on Sept. 25. The Lynx beat Sioux City North 43-6. • MIDDLE CENTER: Makhia Bonczky pumps up Thomas Jefferson’s student section with a signature cheer during the city rivalry game against Abraham Lincoln High School on Oct. 2. The cheer team sported pink T-shirts to promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month. • MIDDLE RIGHT: Jaxon Boro and the rest of The Lynx prepare for the rivalry game ahead against Thomas Jefferson on Oct. 2. • BOTTOM LEFT: Thomas Jefferson’s Austin Renshaw and RJ Hankenson prepare for defense against Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 2. • BOTTOM CENTER: Abraham Lincoln’s student section celebrates a touchdown against Thomas Jefferson on Oct. 2. • BOTTOM RIGHT: Thomas Jefferson’s Konner Stanfill fights through Abraham Lincoln’s defense on Oct. 2.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Council Bluffs Community School District students were able to compete this fall despite the pandemic by following social distance guidelines during sporting events. Although fan sections were smaller to protect others, the energy remained high as athletes rallied against the competition. TOP LEFT: Samara Alcaraz swings for the kill in the first set against Sioux City West High School on Sept. 29. The Yellow Jackets put up five sets on senior night. • TOP RIGHT: The Council Bluffs Swim Team, made of students from both Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson, celebrates their win against Atlantic on Oct. 6. • MIDDLE TOP LEFT: Thomas Jefferson’s Zach Clevenger swings his driver at the first hole during the Varsity Boys Golf Invitational at Dodge Riverside Golf Course on Oct. 1. • MIDDLE CENTER: Thomas Jefferson dance team members Hannah Tilley, Marissa Byrd, Izzy Dickinson, Alexis Gil, Andria Stanfill, Rose Ferris, Danny Galan, Hannah Kuehnhold, Regan Gant and Nehirin Lemus are all smiles after performing their crowd-pleasing hip hop dance during halftime of their home game against Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 2. • MIDDLE TOP RIGHT: Ethan Leinen is the first Lynx to cross the finish line at the Missouri River Conference Meet held on the campus of Iowa Western Community College on Oct. 15. • MIDDLE BOTTOM LEFT: Abraham Lincoln’s Molly Romano serves up an ace against city rival St. Albert Catholic on Sept. 29. The Lynx swept The Saints in three sets. • MIDDLE BOTTOM RIGHT: Thomas Jefferson’s Hunter Ryba maintains a steady pace during the Varsity Cross Country Conference Meet at Iowa Western on Oct. 15. • BOTTOM LEFT: Abraham Lincoln dance team members Madi Pitzer, Leah Johnson and Aubrey Stark promote mask wearing at the Oct. 9 homecoming game. • BOTTOM RIGHT: Jaymeson Vander Velde takes a swing for the Abraham Lincoln golf team on Oct. 1.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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TOGETHER WE CAN

Campaign Promotes Wearing Masks at School and In Community to Keep Everyone Healthy and Safe

With the help of funding from the Iowa West Foundation and Pottawattamie County Community Foundation, the Together We Can campaign was born.

The campaign was created to encourage the use of masks in our schools and community with the goal of influencing school-age children to wear masks to protect themselves and others.

This multi-media campaign featured students, employees and superintendents from seven school districts in Pottawattamie County. Lewis Central, AHSTW, Riverside, Underwood, Tri-Center and Treynor Public Schools joined in to create awareness of the benefits of wearing a mask, while also influencing their school communities to wear their masks.

“Being together is what we’re made for,” says a video released to promote the campaign. “The bottom line is we want to get back together, and what we do right now matters.”

Wearing a mask means that, the video continues: “Together we can high five again. Together we can keep our teachers and classmates safe. Together we can help our grandparents. Together we can help our brothers, sisters and parents. Together we can keep learning and stay in school.

Together wee can actually go places again.

Together we can see our friends smile again.

Together we can keep our teams safe.”

Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murrilo credited the Together We Can campaign with helping to transition the Council Bluffs Schools from a Hybrid phase to Onsite learning.

“We knew that wearing masks was a key safety measure as part of our overall riskmitigation strategy, and wanted to set the stage for students to meet this expectation at school,” Murrilo said.

The county-wide campaign was followed by county-wide results. Students, teachers and administration from all participating schools joined the movement on social media platforms to encourage the community to wear masks at extracurricular activities by using “#TogetherWeCan” and “Wear A Mask” in tweets. Students and spectators also remained socially distant at all times during fall events.

So what’s been the result? During the first quarter of the school year, less than 1% of students have tested positive for COVID-19, and there has been no evidence of spread within our schools.

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ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

WE

OUR TEACHERS

Celebrating Teachers During Appreciation Week

The Council Bluffs Community School District recognized teachers and all staff for their hard work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic by celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week the week of Oct. 12.

All district teachers received surprises each day in appreciation of their adjustments to virtual and hybrid learning. One surprise was placing yard signs at every school building stating, “We Love Our Teachers, Today and Everyday.”

“Each of our teachers are balancing the stress of family and concerns about health and well-being along with all the changes they experience at work,” Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo said announcing the week of celebration. “The community, school families and I are grateful for each of them.”

The appreciation event coincided with the return to five-day, on-site learning by many of the district’s students.

Some families chose to remain on a hybrid schedule, and others are using the district’s new Virtual Academy.

“During this week especially, teachers should take time to reflect on how much they have grown over the past several months,” Murillo said. “I hope they take great pride in their personal and professional accomplishments.”

The district encourages all members of the community – regardless of what week it is – to take time to thank a teacher for their willpower and passion.

STUDENT STARS

Recognizing Students Who Go Above and Beyond

The Council Bluffs Schools Foundation partners with the district to present Stars to students who excel in academics or activities.

2020 National AP Scholar – score of 4 or higher on 8 exams Daniel Fitch 2020 AP Scholar with Distinction – score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of

3 or higher on 5 or more exams Daniel Fitch Molly Higgins Rolando Martinez-Rico Andres Valdez Perez

2020 AP Scholar with Honor - score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on 4 or more exams Ethan Leinen

Aliceyn Smith Caitlyn Weber Desrei Arbolente Karagin Ruff

2020 AP Scholar – scores of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams Bailey Christensen Mia Richardson

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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SUPPORTING TEACHERS

CBSF Opens Classroom Grant Applications Early

As teachers settle into an unprecedented school year and navigate the uncharted territory of learning during a pandemic, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation is prepared to help.

Each year, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation partners with the Council Bluffs Community School District to provide classroom grants. Classroom grants provide certified staff with up to $1,000 to enhance learning in the classroom.

“With the support of the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation and their classroom grant program, we were able to create a recording studio at Carter Lake Elementary,” teacher Erin Smith Schoening said. ”The grant included funding for an iPad, microphones and a ring light. This type of experience is empowering, memorable, purposeful and would not be possible without the support of the Council Bluffs Schools

Foundation,” she added.

To respond quickly to teachers’ needs, the Council Bluffs Schools Foundation opened the classroom grants application early. The Foundation began accepting grant applications in September and is continuing to do so on a rolling basis.

Additionally, the Foundation doubled its grant funding to $50,000 this year.

“Two things I have learned from the COVID-19 pandemic is that we need to be flexible, and we need to respond urgently to identified needs,” said Chris LaFerla, Council Bluffs Schools Foundation Executive Director. “These changes to our Classroom Grants Program are important, given the uncertain circumstances our teachers are facing this year.”

Carter Lake student Justina Myre prepares to present in front of the green screen using equipment purchased with Council Bluffs School Foundation classroom grant funds.

For more information, or to make a donation, visit cbsf.org or call the Foundation at 712-3228800.

The Council Bluffs Schools

Foundation’s mission is to provide financial resources and support to benefit the children, families, and staff of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

MAKING MUSIC: Wilson Student Credits Chorus for Her Ability to Stay Focused During School Day

Brianne Hanson loves music.

The Wilson Middle School eighth grader is part of her school’s band, chorus and show choir, and she plays the flute at home daily.

Brianne says she started her music career at Franklin Elementary, and she is following in her family members’ footsteps.

“My nana sang in high school,” Brianne says. “Mom sang in different groups.”

Her siblings also participated in choir while in high school, and Brianne plans to continue the family tradition next year.

“I’ve enjoyed singing for a long time. It’s a big part of my life, from my family and from when I was younger in elementary school as well,” Brianne says.

While at Franklin, Brianne participated in an after school club where students could sign up – without having to audition – to sing in a choir. The group performed the national anthem at several community events in the metro area, including Lancers hockey and Storm Chasers baseball.

Brianne has played flute since sixth grade, with her sister’s help, and she taught herself guitar while in elementary school.

At Wilson, Brianne works on her mastery of musical theory and her singing technique – even though that’s a little bit harder due to the masks worn by her and her classmates.

“When you practice singing and

everything, it’s pretty weird and annoying, because we have to sing louder because we have to sing through the mask,” Brianne says.

The mask can make diction a little harder, but it doesn’t keep them from singing.

Her teacher picks songs that everyone in the class can understand, and the goal is both to work on performances while also having fun and appreciating the music.

“Brianne has been in the music department throughout her time at Wilson,” says teacher Ms. Krista Wilson “She is an active member of band and show choir and we are so proud to

have her represent Wilson in our ensembles and the community. She has an amazing work ethic and is always going above and beyond which makes her an excellent leader in choir, band, and all her classes!”

Even without the concerts, Brianne looks forward to class every day.

She says that choir offers a “calm, peaceful environment” that helps take her mind off the rest of her day.

When the piano starts playing, she said you have to focus on the music instead of whatever else you might have going on.

“Your mind can’t really disappear at all,” Brianne says. “You have to keep focused while you’re singing.”

But that’s not the only benefit of music.

“It’s also really good for you,” she says. “If you either sing or do an instrument, it’s going to make you smarter.”

Her mom, Jessica Hanson, says Brianne will dance around the house all day working on her show choir routine, and her daughter looks forward to her music lessons.

“It’s a behavioral thing, too,” Jessica says.

“The attitudes and the behaviors that go with it are surreal compared to when some of the children aren’t involved in things like that.”

Brianne says that she can’t imagine going to a school without music.

“Choir has impacted my life a lot,” she says.

LEARN MORE: Sessions to Share Info on Early College Academy

The Early College Academy provides highly motivated Council Bluffs Community School District juniors and seniors the opportunity to simultaneously earn a high school diploma and either a postsecondary degree or a certification from Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) at no cost to the student or family. High school sophomores who maintain high academic standards and pursue a rigorous course load, including Advanced Placement and college-level classes with at least 3.0 weighted cumulative GPA are eligible to apply to the program.

In the 2019-20 school year, juniors and seniors accumulated nearly 1500 credit hours from IWCC. Fifteen students earned a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall, another 16 earned a 4.0 GPA during the spring, and

eight students finished the entire 2019-20 academic year with a 4.0 GPA at IWCC. In total, 24 seniors earned an associates degree from IWCC in May, and the seniors received more than $5 million in college scholarships for the upcoming academic year.

Interested sophomores and their parents are invited to attend the information sessions at Thomas Jefferson High School on November 9 at 6 p.m. or at Abraham Lincoln High School on November 10 at 6 p.m. In addition, a virtual session will be held over Google Meet on November 11 at 6 p.m. (use code ibe-nrxk-mzh to join).

Find more info on Early College Academy at cb-schools.org/earlycollegeacademy or contact Dr .Spencer Mathews by email at smathews@cb-schools.org.

AMONG STATE’S TOP EMPLOYERS Forbes and Statista named the Council Bluffs Community School District its #15 best-in-state employer in Iowa based on an independent survey of more than 80,000 U.S. employees working for organizations employing at least 500 people in their operations. The surveys are representative sample of the workforce across the country.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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TRANSFORMATION: Kirn Updated, Wilson Underway

Thanks to the support of Council Bluffs Schools residents who voted to support a general obligation bond in September 2018, significant improvements are being made to the security, safety, accessibility, energy efficiency and the learning environments at the middle schools.

Since that time, the school district created a Madison Campus to be the temporary home of the middle schools during renovation of the main buildings, and Kirn Middle School was remodeled. The renovation of Wilson Middle School is currently underway.

Kirn Middle School was transformed, beginning in May of 2019, and re-opened its doors to students in August for the current school year. The most visible change on the outside is the new main entrance and entryway lobby to welcome students, staff and visitors. Inside, more energy-efficient systems and updated floors, paint, lockers and classroom features provide an enhanced environment for learning. Students are enjoying grade-level common areas that serve as collaborative educational spaces.

Renovation of Wilson Middle School project started earlier than expected due to the closure this past spring. Wilson students now attend classes at the Madison Campus.

The Wilson project includes an updated main entrance and office with full security features. While many improvements will be behind the walls in plumbing, electrical and heating/cooling upgrades, students will benefit from the updated classrooms, gradelevel learning commons, and renovated multi-purpose gym-cafeteria. The hallways and classrooms will have fresh paint, carpeting and lighting.

The project is on track to be completed in the summer of 2021. Wilson Middle School is expected to reopen to students in August.

TOP: Council Bluffs Community School District officials, including Superintendent Dr. Vickie Murillo at far right, review construction plans at Wilson Middle School. • CENTER LEFT: Wilson Middle School’s entrance is taking shape. • CENTER BOTTOM RIGHT: The new front entrance to Kirn Middle School. • BOTTOM LEFT: The seventh grade commons at Kirn Middle School. • BOTTOM RIGHT: Kirn Middle School students collaborate in a renovated classroom.

INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

Appel named State Journalism Teacher of the Year

Gerry Appel doesn’t want the journalism program at Abraham Lincoln High School to be just another elective.

Appel, who was just named the Iowa High School Press Association’s journalism teacher of the year, runs his journalism room as newsroom-slash-office, where students for the most part work on different tasks.

“There’s a lot of balls in the air,” Appel says.

“It’s basically one giant group project.”

The students put in a lot of energy, effort and passion into reporting, editing and then sharing stories, both in print and broadcast formats, for the school and larger community.

Appel says his classroom involves a lot of one-on-on instruction. He fosters a culture centered around collaboration and kindness.

It’s important, he says, for students to write good headlines, edit strong video, and create compelling stories – but not at the expense of their mental and emotional well-being.

“None of that is important if we’re not being kind, if we’re not helping each other,” Appel says. “They’re always there for each other. If someone needs help, they’re there.”

Appel’s “energy is contagious,” according to the Iowa High School Press Association, which presented Appel with the association’s Rod Vahl Teacher of the Year Award during a virtual convention in October.

“Gerry Appel is one of the most enthusiastic advisers in the state of Iowa,” according to his nomination letter. “His passion for journalism shines through in any conversation that you have with him. He has the ability to develop an instant rapport with students that helps build the trusting relationship necessary among a staff and their adviser.”

Bailey Peabody, a former A.L. journalism student who was co-editor-in-chief for her junior and senior years, says Appel is a special teacher, one of the school’s best.

“He genuinely cares about his students,” Peabody says. “He’s a wonderful listener. He kind of gives you that push that you need sometimes when you’re having a hard time.”

“They really showed that they cared about me as a person, and I know they would do that not just for their teacher, but for each other, too,” Appel says.

The pandemic has been rough for students in the journalism program, who have had to rely on email interviews and collaborating at a distance – including with virtual peers.

“It’s quite a bit different when we’re not here together,” Appel says. “The kids, they haven’t really complained – they understand.

Their attitude about it is great.”

Of course, the pandemic has also provided opportunities for stories about how it impacts their school and the broader community.

Appel says one thing many people don’t realize is the journalism his students produce is aimed at fellow students, but “they’re still producing content that can be enjoyed and understood by the community at large.”

Appel’s students are alongside professional journalists during the Iowa caucuses and for other major events, and they’re out in Council Bluffs reviewing businesses as well as writing features about community members.

The program, as tailored by Appel, seeks to make students more professional and help them better communicate in the workplace.

“It’s helping them become productive citizens in society,” Appel says.

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

Sanders Named State P.E. Teacher of the Year

Wilson Middle School physical education teacher Billy Sanders was named the 2019-20 Iowa Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance’s Teacher of the Year.

Sanders was one of three recipients of the award.

“I have the opportunity to work with a wide range of students,” Sanders said. “From the athletes in the building, to students with challenging behaviors, to students with significant disabilities. This opportunity has pushed me to think outside the box. It has pushed me to look at the curriculum and truly understand what skill is being focused on and what that might

look like for this wide variety of students.”

IAHPERD awards Teacher of the Year to teachers who conduct a comprehensive and diverse physical education program, utilize a range of teaching methodologies and instructional practices, plan innovative and diverse experiences to meet the all students’ needs and who are advocates for the profession.

The association also considers professional involvement, distinctive leadership and distinguished service.

“Billy makes sure his lessons are fun, engaging and able to be attempted by all students,” said Michael Naughton, Principal of

Wilson Middle School. “Through his engagement and constant movement students have

developed their ability to exhibit responsible behaviors in his classes and show their creativity during units where they are able to design games and exercises.”

Sanders has worked for the Council Bluffs Community School District as a physical education teacher since 2014. He is also the head coach for football and assistant coach for basketball, as well as the activities director at Wilson Middle School this year.

Sanders completed his bachelor’s degree in physical education and coaching in 2011 from York College, and then earned a master’s degree in administration from Concordia University in 2014.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

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GOING THE EXTRA MILE

Departments Thanked for Helping Students Return The Council Bluffs Community School District recognized the Nutrition Department (right), Facilities, Maintenance, and Custodial Services (FMCS) Department (bottom left) and Technology Department (bottom right) at the September school board meeting.

Nutrition served over 200,000 meals during the spring closure and throughout the summer, teaming up with local volunteers and organizations to provide weekly meal packs for families in need. It is providing to-go meals for students who are remote learning.

FMCS innovated safety equipment and created enhanced cleaning protocols, including installing hundreds of hand sanitizing stations and producing dividers for student lunch tables. It also replaced hand towel dispensers with touchless devices throughout the district.

Technology provided connectivity through the replacement and service of 1,500 older Chromebooks for preschool-1st grade students. It also installed 550 Owl cameras across the district and put in new tech at the renovated Kirn Middle School. Masks were removed briefly for these photos.

BLINK MARKS FIFTH YEAR Free Wi-Fi Network Serves Community

As schools across the country continue to scramble to provide internet access to their students to support virtual learning, residents of Council Bluffs are reaping the benefits of an investment started five years ago to bring free wireless internet to the community.

The BLink Wi-Fi network was first launched in 2015 as an expansion of the City of Council Bluffs’ original free community WiFi, offered in the downtown area, the sports complex and Tom Hanafan River’s Edge Park.

It marked its fifth anniversary in October.

The Council Bluffs Area Wi-Fi Consortium brought together partners in the Council Bluffs Community School District, the city and Google, alongside the Iowa West 14

Fall 2020

Foundation, Charles E. Lakin Foundation, CB Area Chamber of Commerce, CB Channel 17, Echo Group, emspacegroup, MidAmerican Energy, Miller Electric, Ruckus Wireless, SmartWAVE Technologies, UNITE Private Networks, and Bluffs Electric.

In 2017, Council Bluffs was named an AllAmerica City in large part due to the vision shown by the BLink network.

“Our students and families are fortunate to be part of a truly connected community. We value this unique BLinkpartnership to make Internet services available so our students can use their Chromebooks to access their learning materials and connect with their teachers and classmates while at home,” said Dr. Vickie Murillo, Superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District.

“With each new phase, our community can proudly say that we are removing barriers so that students will continue to thrive in their learning.”

Find more about BLink, including how to use it and a coverage map, at blinkwifi.org.

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

FUN FACTS Graduates in the Class of 2020 earned the highest average ACT sub-test and composite scores in the past nine years!

There are 2,500 enrollments in concurrent high school/college courses, which represents an increase of 308% in college credits earned in these courses over the last 10 years.

Local organizations, such as the CB Downtown Kiwanis Club and the Western Iowa Labor Federation, generously donated school supplies and backpacks to CB Schools students.

More than 300 students are choosing to enroll into the CB Schools from other districts, including an increase of 37 students over the past two years.

TradeWorks at IWCC welcomed its first 45 students, and 329 are enrolled in TradeWorks 1 & 2 in the Dr. Behrouz & Christiane Rassekh Foundation Learning Facilities at the high schools.

IMPORTANT DATES

Please check the official calendar at cb-schools.org

November 13 Rue National Blue Ribbon Virtual Award Ceremony November 25-27 Thanksgiving Vacation December 21 – January 1 Winter Vacation January 15 End of Semester 1 January 18 Staff Work Day – All Students No School January 19 Start of Semester 2

ACHIEVE: The Magazine of the Council Bluffs Community School District

Fall 2020

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

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

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

712-328-6446 communications@cb-schools.org CouncilBluffsCommunitySchoolDistrict

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