Whiting CSD Summer Newsletter

Whiting CSD Newsletter

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4 May 21, 2015

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Whiting is now in the Nebraska Frontier Conference!

Superintendent Mssg

2

Principal Perspective

3

Elementary Highlights

4

MS / HS Highlights

5

Greetings from the Superintendent

Music / NHS / Business

6

~ Jeff Thelander

Fine Arts

7

Prom

8

Graduates

9

Retirees

10

PRE-K

10

Jr High Track

11

High School Track

12

State Track Participants

13

Baseball / Softball

14

BB/SB Sports Schedule

15

2015-16 School Calendar

16

Special Points of Interest:  Nebraska Frontier Conference  Bronze Medal School  Sports Complex Improvements  State Track  Retirees  2015 Graduates  2015-2016 Calendar

It is hard to believe that the school year ended this week. What a WONDERFUL year it has been and as you will note in the information below, several very exciting things have happened within the district in just the past month. We will have a community and parent meeting Wednesday, August 19th at 6:00 PM to kick off the 2015-2016 school year and to review the vision of Whiting Community School. School will begin on Monday, August 24th, and a complete 20152016 calendar is included in this newsletter. And, if you have not “LIKED” Whiting’s Facebook page yet, please do so. We have 400 followers since launching the page in February. Special thanks to Josh Weece for his design and launching of the Whiting Facebook Page! Be sure to encourage your friends and family to follow our Facebook page as we put several updates on it per week. We have a goal of starting the 2015-2016 school year with 500+ followers. To follow, all you have to do is hit the “LIKE” button!

And now, here is a review of everything that has happened since the last quarterly newsletter:

Whiting to Join Nebraska Frontier Activities Conference Next Year!

At the time of this writing, Whiting Community School has been “unofficially” invited to join the Nebraska Frontier Activities Conference. This conference is currently made up of six small private schools in the Omaha Metro Area, two small private schools in Lincoln, and one small public school (Cedar Bluffs) that is just north of Omaha. I use the word “unofficial” only because the official letter of invitation is on the way this week. Whiting is now is in the Nebraska Frontier Conference!

Whiting will join the conference for volleyball, girls’ and boys’ basketball, and girls’ and boys’

track and field. Furthermore, this conference affiliation will open doors for Whiting’s Fine Arts programs and Academic groups to participate in annual festivals, including band, vocal music, art, quiz bowl, speech, and one act plays. Whiting will be offering ALL of these activities beginning with the 20152016 school year.

Activities are critical to school spirit and student involvement.

They are important extensions of a school’s overall academic program. Affiliation in this conference will place Whiting High School in a conference with schools similar in enroll-

ment, schools with strong cultures that emphasize the highest standards for student expectations, and schools who have strong academic traditions. It is a perfect fit for our district and our students. Whiting Community School will begin playing in conference athletic tournaments possibly next year and Whiting will participate in all of the fine arts festivals and quiz bowl tournament next year as well. Then, in 2016-2017, Whiting will play all of the athletic regular season schedules.

Nebraska Frontier Conference (continued) What about travel? The distance to Omaha is actually less than the furthest schools of other conferences we explored, and no other conference offered the balance of similar-sized schools.

Whiting already played two of these conference schools this season in basketball, and we have added more to our regular season schedule next year.

Whiting will play in the conference tournaments in 2015-2016, so that is

something to which our players and families can look forward. Broader activity opportunity was a huge point of need entering this school year, and we have worked hard to arrange more extra -curricular and academic opportunities for Whiting students. This fall, Whiting will have its own cross country team, and over 25 students are already signed up to run. We are looking forward to a very exciting fall.

Broader Activity Opportunities

Bronze Medal School 2015 Whiting Community School chosen as a Bronze Medal School for 2015 by U.S. News and World Report. Congratulations to our high school for being chosen as one of 117 Iowa High Schools to garner a Silver or Bronze Medal Recognition this year.

Criteria for selection includes student/ teacher ratio, college preparedness indicators, and reading and math proficiency scores. This is a great honor for our students and staff!

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT Good News Received

Teacher Leadership and Compensation Grant This May, Whiting Community School was chosen by the Iowa Department of Education to receive an annual Teacher Leadership and Compensation Grant.

This grant, which begins in 2016-2017, will provide over $50,000 annually to the district to implement a teacher leadership structure in the school dis-

trict. This was a signature piece of Governor Branstad’s education reform package in 2013 and this will be a guaranteed funding stream for years to come now that Whiting has secured this grant. Most importantly, this grant provides a mechanism to enact structural changes that will benefit student achievement!

As you can see, it has been a very busy year at Whiting Community School with many exciting things to come in 2015-2016 and beyond. On a personal note, I want to thank all of our parents and the entire Whiting community for helping make this a truly outstanding school year.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

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When you come to the baseball and softball games this summer, you will see a lot of much needed improvements to the Whiting field complex.

When finished, this project will really bring a lot of beauty to our athletic fields. New crows’ nests, some new fencing, and a new sound system on each field will really make our fields

look first class! Special thanks to Dana Kirby, Kurt Neldeberg, Skip West, Bob Haack, Larry Teel, and Lori West for their work in helping make this happen. From mowing, to moving items, to donations, many people have helped make this happen. Check the baseball and softball

schedules in this newsletter and come out and support the Whiting Warriors! And, congratulations to Coach Steve Snyder, Dennis Parsley and Jason Bird! Dennis (110 m High Hurdles and 400 m Hurdles) and Jason (Shot Put) qualified for the 2015 State Track and Field Meet!

WHITING CSD

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Principal’s Perspective Time flies, but remember you are the navigator! When you focus on the moment and concentrate on the work at hand, the next thing you know it is May and we are talking about the end of the school year. Before we switch our attention too quickly to next year, I would like to pause and reflect on the people who have made 2014-2015 a special year.

We began the year in August with a keynote address from our superintendent to the staff that focused on having an attitude of gratitude as we learn to build lasting relationships and serve others in our lives.

Perhaps the greatest example of serving others lies in the work of our devoted certified teaching staff. Day after day, they arrive at school doing some of the most important work in the world – imparting knowledge to today’s youth.

From our elementary and core curriculum teachers to elective teachers, from physical education to music, our teaching staff helps define the culture of our school. A rigorous academic curriculum is taught in a manner that respects students and leaves room for some smiles and laughter. Together with a phenomenal team of incredible counselors, instructional aides, a media specialist and a special education staff, I am grateful for the work of these dedicated professionals. I encourage all parents to communicate their thanks to our teachers before the school year slips away.

Our office staff also exemplifies the high level of service we seek from our adults on campus. They track down students to deliver messages, organize field trip lists and process purchase orders in a timely fashion. When you call our school, you actually talk to a human being, which is becoming a lost benefit in this age of voice mail, email and text messages. We are proud to have Andrea and Lori be your first point of contact with our school. Both ladies make my job a lot easier and very enjoyable. Our school nurse does a yeomen’s job taking care of the medical needs of our student body. Not only is Michelle knowledgeable, but she is compassionate and understanding. Her professional and caring manner make her a joy to work with.

Together, our mission is to prepare students to become responsible citizens in today's world.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to our lunch ladies, Sharon, Deanna and Connie, for always serving our students and staff with a positive attitude and a smile.

Your outstanding work in the lunchroom has not gone unnoticed and your care for our students and this school is quite admirable. Our custodial staff of Dale and John takes care of the little details that reflect a true concern for

Al Laboranti, PreK-12 Principal

our school. Their work is greatly appreciated. Also, thanks to Skip, Pat, and Rick for keeping students safe on our buses while driving our students to and from school.

What makes Whiting unique are those individuals whom we serve – the students. Their energy is both boundless and contagious. The parents of Whiting Community School have given us their greatest gift – the honor of working with their children. For this, we are most grateful.

During the next school year, we will continue to link our school with the homes and the community as we strive to continually improve student achievement. As the year comes to an end, I would like to thank each of you who have shown so much support of Whiting Community School. If we can be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you and your child.

WARRIORS going the Extra Mile Did you know in addition to student academics and extra-curricular activities, Warrior students are actively helping others!

This year Whiting students have been involved in the following:

      

Clover Kids Peer mentoring, 4- H Food Drives Blood Drives Food 4 You distribution Meals on Wheels distribution.

“Doing the work . . .”

It's always a good day to be a Warrior.

Circus, Circus, Circus

Chicks Hatch

PreK-5th Grade: Preschool through 5th grade went to the circus. A great time was had by all in attendance.

Kindergarten:

In Kindergarten, we hatched 10 chicks in the classroom during our science unit! The kids had fun learning all about chicks and watching them grow over the span of three weeks! We have also been learning a lot about shapes in math, and have been working on writing sentences.

Heritage Day: Fifth Grade went to Heritage Day in Onawa. Students were given tours through the various buildings at the museum site.

“Educational Experiences”

STARRS Program Students That Are Respectful, Responsible, Safe STARRS began second semester of the 2014-2015 school year. This behavior program was created by the elementary staff. Each week the students earn stars based on their behavior. On Friday of each week a drawing is held for PK-5 and 7 winning students received a prize. At the end of each month all the stars are combined and 7 students are selected to have a pizza party with Mr. Laboranti.

Mrs. Vicki Winterlin, Librarian, created a jingle for STARRS and the students chant the jingle each week after the drawing. We have had posters made with the STARRS acronym and they are hanging in elementary classrooms and hallways.

We have been teaching the students how to be respectful, responsible and safe in the classroom, in the hallways, in the lunchroom and at recess. The elementary staff feels that this behavior program has been very successful and looks forward to continuing STARRS next year.

Health Smart Program By Burgess Health Center Second graders have been busy this quarter! In Health, Second graders participated in the Health Smart Program sponsored by Burgess Health Center.

We continue to work on our fluency and comprehension skills in Reading. In Science, we have been studying insect life cycles with our mealworms and butterflies. How better to learn about life cycles than to observe it! In Math, students have been studying 2 dimensional and 3 dimensional shapes. At the right students are shown with their marshmallow and toothpick 3D shapes!

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The First Grade students have also been learning about healthy bodies. We discussed important parts of our bodies and their functions. They were able to create models of themselves and add the brain, the heart, stomach, lungs and kidneys to their models.

The first graders wrapped up their math for the year with learning about three-dimensional shapes, and creating composite shapes. They had fun exploring how to make different objects with tangrams. They have been studying map skills. They learned their cardinal directions, and were able to read and follow simple directions using a map. The students were able to create maps of their rooms, their school, and the town.

We also discussed and defined communities. The students can recognize that communities are alike and different. The student’s explored important jobs that people have in our community, and interviewed some community helpers.

WHITING CSD

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Books, Books, and More Books Middleschool: Miss Cain and Miss McQueen were able to purchase 100 new books for their classrooms at the Scholastic Book Sale in Sioux City this spring. They used the funds raised from two middle school dances to enhance their libraries. Thanks to all students who attended and to parents who donated.

Street Law Goes to Trial, Thank You, Steve Pratt On May 5, 2015 the Street Law Class journeyed to the Monona County Courthouse to watch a criminal trial. The defendant at the trial was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (OWI). The class was able to observe part of the two -day trial. Students witnessed the arresting officer and the defendant take the stand. They also talked to the county attorney and trial recorder. They were unable to observe day two of the trial,

but Steve Pratt informed the class of the split decision. Watching the trial allowed the class to see how our court system runs. The class previously had their own mock trials and could compare what they did to what actually happens in court. Mr. Hubert and the class would like to say thank you to Steve Pratt for going with them to the trial and sharing his knowledge of the judicial system.

Joslyn Art Museum and The Botanical Gardens The Whiting 6-8 grade students went on a field trip May 5th. They visited the Joslyn Art Museum and the Botanical Gardens. They were able to learn about Renaissance art work, native American beadwork, and tropical and native plants, to name a few.

It was a fun and educational trip!

Music Director Notes Roses Concert: The Roses Concert was held on April 30th. High school/Middle school band and choir students performed their last big concert of the year. The band played three selections, one of their favorites being "Tambora." High school students performed their contest solos and duets for the crowd. The choir sang three selections. To end the concert we honored our seniors that have participated in band and choir for four years. Great job students on all of your fabulous concerts this year, and a huge thank you to parents for all you do to help encourage your children and keep them involved in music!

July 4th Reminder: Parents, please do not forget about our annual 4th of July Parade this year. I sent home yellow sheets with band students asking them if they would be available to play in the parade again this year. I am looking for about 20 people to sign up so that we can fill up our trailer. I will take high school students first and work my way down the list until I have 20 people. If we do not get 20 signed up we may not be able to play in the parade, so please check your schedules and let me know by filling out your yellow sheets. I will be sending home more information about the parade and rehearsals this summer.

Please fill out the yellow sheet even if you cannot play in the parade so that I know who to send information out to. Thank you for your help with this.

National Honor Society The National Honor Society has had a positive impact this year. Together with the student body they have run three successful blood drives, volunteered at the Food 4 You monthly

distributions, peer tutored middle school students, sold May baskets with the proceeds going to a toddler with cancer, and positively represented their school and what it means to be a Whiting Warrior!

“Educational Experiences”

Taking it to the Board Room Partnering with Kirby’s Corner Market Marketing students final assessment was project based utilizing technology.

Students devised a ’mock’ business plan and presentation for 6-12th grade Honor Roll and Behavior Incentive. The students’ central idea was “Coupons.”

Students talked with local business Kirby’s Corner Market and surveyed the 6-12th student body and faculty, and reviewed their pros and cons, competitors (current programs in place), how to make improvements, etc.

The majority of students, as well as faculty, were in favor of a ’coupon’ behavioral incentive program. Students dressed for success and presented in a board room setting. Each group did a fantastic job.

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Thank you Dana Kirby for all you do for our school, faculty, and community. Your continued support is a valuable component for fostering partnerships between Whiting students education and our community.

Presenters pictured: Natasha Lamb, Delaney Turner, Raina Hoffman, and Chloe Brown

WHITING CSD

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Harvest Magazine Publishes Whiting Artists Congratulations to Whiting artists for being selected for publication in Harvest! Harvest is an annual compilation of students' writing and artwork coordinated and produced by the Northwest AEA. Writing and art capture the culture and climate of the time period.

In addition, it provides an inkling of what was important to students.

Work is selected by teachers across Iowa, and is then selected by jurors.

All of the artwork submitted to Harvest was chosen this year!

Congratulations to the following :

Whiting Foundation Supports First Year Photography Whiting's first year of Photography class would like to thank the Whiting Foundation for their contribution and help in extending students' exposure to the fine arts. Four students ventured into photography and have done amazing work.

Here is a sampling of photographs taken by students.

Jellyfish by Jason Bird Water Tower by Gavin Martindale Donuts by Rose MacClure Sunset Landscape by Abby Menke

Cayden Roberts Cole Bethune Avery Turner Sapphire Bennett Avery Turner

Raina Hoffman Kysa Pierick Jessica Fitzmaurice Nathanael Ince

PROM—Viva Las Vegas Style

Prom was May 2nd. The theme this year ~ "Viva Las Vegas."

The Juniors worked hard decorating, and the gym looked great for Grand March. The dance followed in the school cafeteria where students danced, took photos with photo props and even got to play roulette and craps. After prom followed and students loaded onto a charter bus and took a trip to Papillion to Papio's Fun Plex where they were able to ride rides, play games and be entertained by a hypnotist.

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WHITING CSD

Congratulations Class of 2015 .

Graduation

Left to Right: Kourtney Methvin, Gavin Purgett, Edgar Lozano, Maggie Grell, Abby Menke, Jason Bird, Kelda Gigarao, Cade Cooper, Nathanael Ince, and Rose MacClure.

Whiting High School held its commencement ceremony on Saturday May 16 at 1:00 p.m. The Class of 2015 graduated 10 Seniors. Cade Cooper gave the Valedictorian speech and Rose MacClure was the Salutatorian. We would like to wish the Class of 2015 a bright future and much success.

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WHITING CSD

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Retirements

Congratulations to Sharon Thelander for 17 years of service and to Karen Day for two years of service to Whiting Community School.

These two ladies will be missed! They touched the hearts of so many students throughout the years. Their kindness, laughter, and smiles will always be remembered. Congratulations ladies on your retirement!

Happy Nurses Week Whiting's pre-K wished Michelle Hanner, school nurse, Happy Nurses’ Day. The students greeted her with smiles, hugs, and a handmade card. Michelle is much more than a nurse to the students. She greets them for breakfast and lunch on a daily basis, fixes all their ailments, and gives them the reassurance to get back to class! Soon we will see Michelle at every baseball game keeping them running smoothly. If you see Michelle thank her for all she does here at Whiting CSD, she is much more than the nurse. It’s a great day to be a Nurse at Whiting!

Junior High Track Season Ends Successfully!

Whiting Junior High Track Season Ends Successfully. The Warriors had a successful season this year. Many athletes rounded out the team breaking school and meet records, trying new events, and improving personal best times.

Team members and their events: Front Row L to R: Olivia Brown: Long Jump and Sprinter Jason Hanner: Long Jump and Sprinter Nicholas Ethier: Long Jump and Sprinter Kennedy Cooper: Long Jump, Hurdles, Sprinter, and broke both open hurdle records Back Row L to R: Keith Richardson: Sprinter and Distance runner Kayla Brenden: Thrower and Sprinter Semia Aldrich: High Jump, Distance Runner Marissa Labno: Thrower and Sprinter Landon Christensen: Long Jump and Sprinter Nolan Pauley: Injured Congratulations to Coach Hubert and Coach Steele and the 2015 JH track team!

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WHITING CSD

Whiting Warriors Track & Field!

Whiting High School Track Season Ends Successfully. Many athletes rounded out the team breaking school and meet records, trying new events, and improving personal best times. Jason Bird and Dennis Parsely finished 1st at Districts and are on to State. Great Job. The Warriors had a successful season this year.

Proud to be Warriors! Coached by Steve Snyder and Bryce Warner.

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WHITING CSD

Whiting Warriors Track & Field State Bound!

Jason Bird and Dennis Parsley who finished 1st at Districts are on to State! Whiting High School held a send-off assembly, lead by Athletic Director Dan Steel, for our track athletes and coaches as they prepare to compete at the state track meet. Thank you Coach Snyder and Coach Warner for your time and dedication given to the Warrior Track Team! Jason Bird throws the Shot Put. Dennis Parsley runs 110M hurdles and the 400M hurdles.

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WHITING CSD

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

Baseball Summer 2015

Back Row L to R: Coach Scott Hanner, Ben Martian, Gavin Martindale, Aaron Stokes, Evan Christensen, Dennis Parsley, Nate Bonham, Jordan Gage, Coach Jakob Hanner.

Front Row L to R: Marcus Croker, Landon Christensen, Jason Hanner, Dylan Butler, Nick Ethier, Clayton Nelson, Clayton Yingst.

The Whiting Warriors high school baseball team has started their 2015 season. Official practice started on Monday, May 4th. This year, we have 14 total players! We have a Junior Varsity and a Varsity team. We are looking forward to another excellent baseball season. Please like Whiting

Baseball on Facebook for updates throughout the season. Come on our and support the Warriors!

There are 19 total games this year, including Districts.

Lady Warriors Return Seven Lettermen Softball Summer 2015 Dan Steele will be the Whiting Warrior Head Softball coach for the third season and will be assisted by third year coach Paige O’Neal. Whiting’s roster includes 16 players with 3 juniors, 5 sophomores, 4 freshman, and 4 eighth graders.

The warriors have seven returning letterman from a squad that went 108 last year which includes: juniors Kaylee Kirkpatrick, Kalie Bell, Brooke Butler; sophomores Kysa Pierick, Jocelyn Murray, Karisa Leinen, and Kayli Carpenter. Sophomore Jayden Keenen and freshman Maya Gigaroa will provide some much needed experience at both the JV and varsity levels. Seven newcomers round out

the roster are freshman Delaney Turner, Caley Boock, Emma Carlson; and eighth graders Semia Aldrich, Kennedy Cooper, Marissa Labno, and Kayla Brenden.

Whiting’s strengths will be speed and game experience. Areas looking to improve upon from a year ago will be team defense.

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VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4

WHITING WARRIORS 2015 SCHEDULE DATE

(B-Boys/G-Girls)

OPPONENT

LOCATION

TIME

5/27

Wednesday

B/G

Westwood

Sloan

6

5/28

Thursday

B/G

Kingsley

Whiting

6

6/1

Monday

B/G

West Monona

Whiting

6

6/2

Tuesday

GIRLS ONLY

Boyer Valley

Whiting

6

Thursday

BOYS ONLY

Missouri Valley

Missouri Valley

6

Thursday

GIRLS ONLY

Charter Oak-Ute

Charter Oak

6

6/4 6/8

Monday

B/G

Fremont-Mills (JV/V)

Whiting

5:30

6/9

Tuesday

B/G

Adair-Casey (V)

Adair

5:00

6/10

Wednesday

B/G

River Valley

Correctionville

6

6/11

Thursday

BOYS ONLY

ArWeVa (JV/V)

Whiting

6

6/12

Friday

GIRLS ONLY

Westwood

Whiting

6

6/15

Monday

B/G

Kingsley-Pierson

Kingsley

6

6/16

Tuesday

B/G

Audubon (JV/V)

Audubon

6

6/19

Friday

GIRLS ONLY

Missouri Valley

Missouri Valley

6

Saturday

BOYS ONLY

WH Tournament

Mondamin

Saturday

GIRLS ONLY

Eagle Grove

Whiting

6

6/23

Tuesday

GIRLS ONLY

West Harrison

Mondamin

6

6/24

Wednesday

B/G

West Monona

Onawa

6

6/25

Thursday

B/G

East Mills (JV/V)

Malvern

5:30

6/27

Saturday

GIRLS ONLY

Westwood Tournament

Sloan

TBA

6/29

Monday

B/G

River Valley

Whiting

6

6/30

Tuesday

B/G

Woodbine

Woodbine

6

7/2

Thursday

B/G

Anita CAM

Anita

6

7/3

Friday

BOYS ONLY

ArWeVa (JV/V)

Westside

6

7/6

Monday

GIRLS ONLY

Districts (V)

TBA

7/7

Tuesday

BOYS ONLY

West Harrison (JV/V)

Whiting

7/13

Monday

BOYS ONLY

Districts (V)

TBA

6/20

TBA

TBA 6 TBA

2015-2016 SCHOOL CALENDAR

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WHITING CSD

“Thank You to our Parents and Community!

Because of you “everything is possible” . . . YOU are OUR . . . #1 FANS & BIGGEST SUPPORTERS!!

WARRIORS

Whiting CSD 606 West Street Whiting, IA 51063 Phone: 712-455-2468 Fax: 712-455-2601

BOXHOLDER

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

https://www.facebook.com/WhitingCommunitySchool

We’re on the Web www.whitingcsd.org

It is the policy of the Whiting School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), religion, national origin, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status (for programs) or disability in its educational programs and its employment practices.

Any person having inquiries concerning the school district’s compliance with discrimination is directed to contact: Al Laboranti, Whiting Secondary Principal; 606 West St., Whiting, IA 51063, (712) 455-2468 or at alaboranti@whitingcsd.org.

Mrs. McCrea’s Kindergarten class graduation was held on Wednesday, May 20th at 1:00 p.m. Warriors proudly graduated 15 students.

Presenting . . .

Warrior Class of 2027!