Keeping kids in classroom is goal for new absenteeism laws strategies that can lower breast cancer risk
BY ROZ WEIS STAFF WRITER
The Decorah Community School District is taking steps to adjust its attendance policies in response to a recent change in state law.
“Attendance is a shared responsibility among students, parents and the school, and any absence can disrupt learning,”
Decorah Superintendent Tim Cronin and assistant Winneshiek County Attorney Charles W. Crain said in a joint letter, which was recently sent to district families. “Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s success and ensures they receive the full benefit of our educational program. It also prepares students for success in the future.”
The new law — Senate File 2435 — was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in early May after passing through both the Iowa House and Senate
on April 18 — with lawmakers voting 32-13 in the Senate and 52-43 in the House.
The Decorah School Board met in special session Sept. 18 to conduct the first reading of new board policies regarding compulsory attendance, chronic absenteeism and truancy. Cronin said chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing specific tiers and thresholds. School officials noted there is now no distinction between excused and unexcused absences under the new law.
“While Decorah Community Schools can view family trips and vacations as excused absences locally, Iowa law requires these days to be counted toward chronic absenteeism calculations,” the district’s letter to families said.
The new state law requires districts to identify students who have missed 10 percent of a given grading period. If a
student reaches that 10 percent mark, the district is then required to report the absences to the Winneshiek County Attorney’s office, and families are to be notified of the issue via certified mail. Should a student reach the 15 percent threshold, the district must create an action plan to prevent further absences and meet with the student and family on a regular basis.
“This meeting will involve the student, parents or guardians and school officials, where we will collaborate to address the reasons for the absences and create actionable steps to improve attendance,” the district told families. “Should the student and their parent or guardian not attend the meeting, fail to agree to a plan or violate its terms, the school will notify the county attorney.”
The new state law says the county attorney may then initiative a proceeding to resolve the issue — failure to participate in the meetings or violation of an agreed upon plan could be considered a misdemeanor offense, according to state law cited in the new bill, but a court would have the option to require the individual to perform unpaid community service in lieu of a fine or jail time.
Once a student misses 20 percent of school in a grading period, they are considered truant by law, again requiring a notice to the county attorney and additional certified letters be mailed to parents.
“These new policies are intended to keep students engaged and supported in their education while addressing absenteeism early,” the district said in its letter to families. “We appreciate your cooperation and commitment to your child’s education.”
Decorah School Board President Cindy Goodner expressed concern during last week’s special session as to whether the new legislation will require additional staffing and cause added expense. Cronin indicated other districts have expressed similar concerns over the costs associated with staff potentially preparing and sending the certified letters.
“It’s going to be more work,” Cronin said. “More time and more meetings.”
The superintendent said he has met with representatives of the Winneshiek County Attorney’s Office regarding the new regulations, and Cronin expects school staff could also potentially use Powerschool software tools to help generate e-mail alerts for parents if students cross the thresholds defined in the new state law
Breast cancer affects millions of individuals each year. The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women across the globe, affecting roughly 2.3 million women each year.
Despite the global prevalence of breast cancer, various organizations report high fiveyear survival rates, particularly among women whose cancers are detected in the earliest stages of the disease. In fact, a 2023 study published in the journal BMJ found that the risk for dying from breast cancer in the five years after an early-stage diagnosis fell to 5 percent in recent years, a notable improvement from the 14 percent risk of death that was reported in the 1990s.
Increased survival rates for breast cancer are welcome news for women and their families. The higher survival rates are a byproduct of the tireless efforts of cancer researchers, who also have discovered links between the disease and certain lifestyle factors. Though there’s no way to eliminate one’s risk for breast cancer entirely, the American Cancer Society notes certain variables are within women’s control. With that in mind, women can consider these three strategies that can lead to improved overall health and might help women lower their risk for breast cancer as well.
1REACH
AND MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT.
The benefits of maintaining a healthy weight include a lower risk for heart disease and stroke, and women should know that weight and breast cancer risk are linked as well. According to the ACS, increased body weight and weight gain as an adult are linked to a higher risk of developing breast cancer. That’s particularly so among postmenopausal women. A 2023 study published in the journal BMC Women’s Health found that the chances of developing
Maintaining a commitment to a physically active lifestyle throughout life can help women lower their risk for breast cancer.
breast cancer increase among post-menopausal women who are obese.
2AVOID A SEDENTARY
LIFESTYLE. Exercise is one of the ways to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, so it makes sense that being physically active can reduce breast cancer risk. The National Cancer Institute reports that a 2016 meta-analysis of 38 cohort studies found that the most physically active women had between a 12 and 21 percent lower risk for breast cancer than women who were the Strategies continued on page 3
The Decorah School Board must still hold additional readings of the proposed changes to its attendance policy before they become official — state law allows additional readings to be waived in some instances, but the school board chose not to exercise that ability at this time.
(File photo)
•
Physical symptoms of breast cancer
The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that breast cancer is the second most common cancer across the globe, and the number one cancer in women. Nearly three million new cases of breast cancer in women are diagnosed across the globe each year.
Breast cancer poses a notable threat to women’s health, but research and resulting advancements in treatment have made the disease more treatable than ever. Women also can play a part in ensuring better outcomes in relation to breast cancer by educating themselves about the disease, including its warning signs. The MD Anderson Cancer Center notes that most changes to the breast are a byproduct of hormonal cycles or conditions that are not as formidable as breast cancer. So women should not jump to any conclusions when spotting such changes. However, the MDACC recommends women visit their physicians if they notice any of the following signs and symptoms of breast cancer.
LUMP: The MDACC notes that a lump in the breast or armpit is the most common symptom of breast cancer. Echoing assertions made by the MDACC, the American Cancer Society notes that most breast lumps are not cancerous. The ACS
indicates a lump that is a painless, hard mass with irregular edges is more likely to be cancer, though cancerous lumps also can be soft, round, tender, or even painful. The lack of uniformity regarding cancerous lumps is one reason why it pays for women to be extra cautious and immediately report any abnormalities in the shape and feel of their breasts to their physicians.
SWELLING: The ACS notes that some women with breast cancer will experience swelling of all or part of a breast even if they do not feel a lump.
DIMPLING: The MDACC reports that women with breast cancer may notice dimpling or puckering on the breast. According to the ACS, the dimpling can sometimes make the breast look like an orange peel.
NIPPLE RETRACTION: The National Cancer Institute notes that nipple retraction occurs when a nipple turns inward into the breast or lies flat against the breast. Though nipple retraction can be a sign of breast cancer, the NCI notes that’s not necessarily the case for all women. Some women experience nipple retraction due to aging, breastfeeding, injury, infection, surgery, or certain conditions of the breast.
CHANGES TO THE SKIN AROUND
THE BREAST: The ACS notes some women with breast cancer experience redness on the skin around the breast or on the nipple. Additional changes may include dry, flaking or thickened skin around the breast and nipple.
DISCHARGE FROM THE NIPPLE:
The Mayo Clinic notes that it’s normal to experience discharge from the nipple while pregnant and during breastfeeding. However, fluid coming out the nipple when a woman is not pregnant or breastfeeding could be a symptom of breast cancer.
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS: The MDACC notes scaliness on the nipple that sometimes extends to the areola is another warning sign of breast cancer. The ACS also reports that swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone can indicate that breast cancer has spread even before the original tumor in the breast has been felt.
Breast cancer is a formidable yet treatable disease. Women who recognize any signs and symptoms associated with breast cancer are urged to contact their physicians immediately.
Officials with the MD Anderson Cancer Center note that the link between alcohol consumption and breast cancer risk is low. However, the MDACC notes that alcohol can contribute to unwanted weight gain, thus
increasing cancer risk. In addition, alcohol can increase levels of estrogen and other hormones associated with breast cancer. It may be impossible to completely prevent breast cancer. However, women can embrace strategies that improve their overall health in ways that lower their risk for breast cancer.
Learning outside the classroom
Decorah’s
the School of the Wild — a program developed by the University of Iowa’s College of
and
with meaningful
for the
a rope representing the Earth’s history above. The
DINING GUIDE
The Allamakee County Veterans Services Office is seeking volunteer drivers to transport area veterans to the Iowa City VA Hospital, using the Iowa City VA van. A special license is not required, and drivers do not need to be a veteran to volunteer for driving services. A state driver’s license and good driving record are required as well as proof of insurance on a personal vehicle to show you can be insured. New volunteers will make their first trip to the Iowa City VA is with another driver who will explain the process. New volunteers will also
undergo a free physical with a VA doctor during that visit. A Volunteer Services Officer will provide an orientation and take information for a background investigation. Volunteer drivers can anticipate starting their day as early as 4:30 a.m., waiting for veterans to complete their medical care returning as late as 5:30 p.m. Drivers receive a meal ticket for breakfast and, in some cases, lunch. Volunteers are compensated for their time at a rate of $60 per day. Please call Allamakee County Veteran Services at (563) 568-6135 for additional information.
Thunder Rode, a therapeutic horsemanship program serving participants from Allamakee, Howard and Winneshiek Counties in northeast Iowa, is having a benefit dance and small silent auction from 2-5 p.m. Oct. 6 at Pulpit Rock Brewing Co. The featured band will be Joe Sweeney and The New Toe Tappers. A free will donation will be accepted at the door. Thunder Rode provides three services – sports therapy, which is for individuals with special needs, ranging from cerebral palsy to Down syndrome; Iowa Thunder Youth Empowerment, which helps youth with ADD, anger management and depression; and Tri-state Thunder Vets, which is a program in which veterans assist veterans.
Cherry Grove Cowboy Church Oct. 6
The once-a-month Cherry Grove Cowboy Church service will be held Sunday, Oct. 6 with music and singing at 5:30 p.m. and the service at 6 p.m. This service marks the 17th anniversary of Cowboy Church. Cowboy Church is nondenominational and another way of spreading God’s message through music. The service includes a mix of country, Christian country, cowboy and southern gospel and Bluegrass music. Musicians are welcome should contact Cindy Seabright at seabright.cindy@gmail.com or 507-272-1682 one week prior to the first Sunday-of-themonth service. All are welcome for fellowship after the service. The Cherry Grove United Methodist Church is located at 18183 160th Street, in the small community of Cherry Grove, rural Spring Valley, Minnesota. Cherry Grove Church is handicap accessible.
Influenza season is approaching, and officials at WinnMed
Decorah First UMC to celebrate building’s 150th anniversary Oct. 6
The Decorah First United Methodist Church, the oldest congregation in Decorah, will be celebrating the 150th anniversary of their current church building. The celebration will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. All community members and friends of the church are invited to attend. The celebration will include a worship service led by Rev. Cat Stokes. The service will be followed by a potluck luncheon in the
fellowship hall. Attendees are asked to bring a side dish, salad or dessert to share. The congregation was originally founded in 1851. It built its first church building, a small white frame building, in 1855. It was the first church building in Decorah. The present brick church building was constructed in 1874 under the leadership of Rev. E. L. Miller. The building has undergone many changes, modifications and updates
over the years. The congregation is currently celebrating a “Strong Walls, Open Doors” campaign to improve the building, including tuckpointing on the church’s exterior walls.
The church has been observing the anniversary of the building throughout the year, with various posters, presentations and publications on the history of the church. Attendees at the celebration on Oct. 6 will be able to see some of these historic materials.
Driftless Region Angus joins American Angus Association
Walking for awareness
American Angus Association, visit www.angus. org.
Members of Team Ace leave Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health’s parking lot Saturday morning during the Decorah nonprofit’s 10th annual Step Up Reach Out walk for suicide awareness. All proceeds raised during the event go to purchasing a variety of suicide awareness resources in NEIBH’s five-county region, such as QPR — Question, Persuade, Refer — training. About 50 walkers participated in this year’s event. (Decorah Leader photo by Zach Jensen)
Luther College energy sustainability class brings improvements to campus
An environmental studies class about household energy has turned into a practical energy-saving project for the Luther College campus, thanks to the generosity of two parents of Luther alumni. The class, titled “Bringing Sustainable Energy Home,” was designed and taught by Professor Laura Peterson. The J-Term course not only attracted students from several graduating classes but from various course studies. The students received a basic overview in home energy systems over the 3.5-week course to understand concepts, such as home heating and how solar panels work. Peterson directed students to talk with their parents about their utility bills and home heating appliances, so students could get a family perspective on the factors
which contribute to energy costs.
“Most students have never paid an energy bill before, so this was a chance to introduce them to real-world concepts,” Peterson said.
Once students understood the basics of home energy, they dove into analyzing some specific campus housing. Students were divided into teams to examine the campus houses. One team looked at basic energy efficiency, analyzing campus houses for improvements in insulation and weatherization. Another team looked at the potential for solar panels on the roofs of the houses. The third team looked at switching from natural gas appliances to electric heat pump appliances as a way to reach carbon neutrality. After assessing different
factors, such as cost effectiveness and student comfort, the class made several basic recommendations, including a proposal to switch from a natural gas water heater to an electric heat pump water heater and install rooftop solar panels.
Leon and Linda Gregg of Rochester, Minnesota, donated the funds necessary for the class’s budget and project.
“We are grateful to the Greggs, who are willing not only to invest in the future of Luther students but the future of Luther itself,” said Mary Duvall, Luther’s vice president for development. “Leon and Linda have supported sustainability efforts at Luther in the past, so this class seemed like the perfect opportunity for them to see the direct impact of their generosity.”
College officials indicated the student recommendations could be implemented and help Luther attain its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.
“We like to help students,” Leon Gregg said. “We want
kids to get practical experience and support energy efficiency, so this class seemed like a good use of our gift.”
The Jefferson House received a new electric heat pump water heater and a new roof this summer to enhance
energy efficiency.
“I’m so grateful for the donation because it lended that air of reality to students,” Peterson said. “Luther can actually implement the recommendations thanks to the generosity of the Greggs.”
From left to right: Linda Gregg, Laura Peterson and Leon Gregg. (Photo submitted)
NMP announce cast for ‘How the Camel Got Its Hump’
The New Minowa Players and director Rick Scheffert recently announced a cast of 19 children ages 7-12 for the upcoming children’s show, “How the Camel Got Its Hump.”
The show will be performed at 7 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 26 as well as 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at the New Minowa Players Theatre at 906 South Mill St. in Decorah.
“‘How the Camel Got Its Hump’ is a musical about the
beginning of time, when the animals are first starting to work for the people,” Scheffert said. “But one animal, the camel, refuses to work.”
The script was written by Rick and Sheryl Scheffert and is based on the Rudyard Kipling story of the same name. The music and lyrics were written by Sheryl Scheffert.
Cast members include Taylor Vick as the Camel, Clara Garcia-Pratts as the Djinn, Au-
briana Molokken and Marlee Klimesh-Oblander as the people. Horses will be played by Aubrey Groth, Izzy Michels, Valentina Muños-Campos, Aurora Musser-Dreaming, Elizabeth Snitker and Campbell Tripp. Dogs will be played by Holly Hurst, Yannalexi Jens, Josie Mann and Tessa Round. Oxen will be played by Mariella Molokken, Harper
ONLINE AUCTION
Food pantry diaper drive underway
The Decorah Community Food Pantry is sponsoring a community-wide diaper drive Oct 1-15. In-kind donations of diapers, unopened wipes and ointment can be dropped off between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the food pantry, 110 Railroad St. in Decorah. Other collection sites are the Decorah Fareway store and First Lutheran Church during office hours or Sunday mornings. Monetary donations can be mailed to the Decorah Community Food Pantry, PO Box 26, Decorah, IA 52101, or online at decorahpantry.org/ give. “Food Pantry clients are given one package of diapers each month, but it has been a long time since we have had any in stock,” said director Matt Tapscott.
Last year nearly 25,000 clients made use of the pantry, with 60 percent coming from Winneshiek County. For more information contact the Food Pantry at 563-202-0872 or director@decorahpantry.org.
SUNDAY, OCT. 6 - 10 a.m. Coin Auction at the Protivin Community Center, Protivin. Richard Shindelar Auction Service LLC, 563-569-8235.
SATURDAY, OCT. 12 - 8:30 a.m. The Late Carleton “Corky” Kittleson Collection & Others. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www. sweeneyauctionservice. com
THURSDAY, OCT. 17 - 6 p.m. Real Estate Auction, 1017 Division Street, Decorah. Midwest Property Connections, 319-2409984.
TUESDAY, NOV. 19Sweeney Machinery Consignment Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-568-2464. www. sweeneyauctionservice. com
SATURDAY, NOV. 30 - Guns & Sporting Good Auction. Sale held at Sweeney Auction Center Waukon, Ia. Sweeney Auction Service Waukon. 563-5682464. www.sweeneyauctionservice.com
