Important Dates
Spring Semester Classes
Complete Google Form by Nov. 1st PE Waivers Due Nov. 8th Final Drop Date for Spring Classes Jan. 10th
FAFSA Night 2/27
Parents will be able to make appointments with staff to learn more and complete the FAFSA. Sign up Genius will come at a later date. It will be held from 3:30-7:00.
8th Grade Parent Night 2/25
Senior Decision Day 5/1
Iowa Central Upcoming Events
Career Discovery Days
Nov. 12th: Business & Accounting, Computer Networking, STEM
Feb. 27th: Culinary, Music & Theatre, Digital & Visual Arts
Mar. 25: Transportation, Ag/Turf Grass, Building & Trades, Manufacturing
Triton Academy Visit Days
Triton Academy Visit Day: Feb. 12th
Misc. Dates
IC Scholarship Due- Mar. 31st
Competition Day: Apr. 4th
Testing Information ACT Testing Dates
Need to take the ACT? The ACT is required for admission for some, but not all colleges. Taking the ACT can also be beneficial as it opens you up to more scholarship opportunities. The ACT registration fee ranges from $68-$93. Below are the dates for the test.
Test Date Registration Deadline
Dec. 14 Nov. 8
Feb. 8 Jan. 3
Involvement Opportunities
As the new principal, I am committed to exploring multiple ways to foster parent collaboration and gather feedback for the administration. My aim is to implement open forums, surveys, and regular meetings to actively engage parents in the decision-making processes regarding their children's education. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, I will seek to strengthen the partnership between the school and parents, ultimately benefiting the entire school community.
Mr. Maury Ruble Middle School/High School PRINCIPAL
“The moment I have realized God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in him - that moment I am free from bondage, everything that binds vanishes, and I am free.”
~Swami Vivekananda
As I come to the end of my first quarter serving as principal of St. Edmond Catholic High School, it is impossible for me to feel anything other than incredible gratitude for the opportunity that has been afforded me to lead this school. I am continually impressed by the intelligence, kindness, and positive energy of our students. I feel it important to also note that our staff and faculty are absolutely committed to the development of our students, and that commitment goes well beyond academics. It is evident at St Edmond that our teachers are adamant about developing the whole student, academically, emotionally, and spiritually.
My own son, Kilian, a 4th grade student in Mrs. Doster’s class is flourishing in his new environment, and my wife and I are so grateful for that! The support, guidance, and love that he receives from our elementary school teachers and staff have made his transition to a new school so seamless and comfortable.
We look forward to many more years as Gaels!
Policy
As we begin already looking ahead to next year, the counselors and administration are reviewing policies regarding course selection, and concurrent enrollment classes. it's important as our students seek postsecondary opportunities for coursework, that there is a very clear set of criteria to be met in order to ensure the greatest chance of success for students as they undertake college-level coursework. Some of the metrics by which eligibility will be determined are: ISASP proficiency cut scores and performance levels, course grades, minimum GPA, and teacher recommendation.
We are also making an adjustment in the process for obtaining a waiver for physical education classes. At the beginning of the school year it was discovered that of Saint Edmond Catholic High School's 150 students, only 47 were enrolled in physical education classes. This is not an acceptable nor appropriate use of the human resources of our school. There are also very clear criteria outlined by the Iowa Department of Education for a student to earn an excusal waiver from physical education classes. The changes will be implemented at the beginning of the 2nd semester in January of 2025. The details of this policy change will be outlined in a separate communication sent to parents through the Infinite Campus messenger system.
Safety
We continue to examine a number of ways to ensure the safety of our building, staff, and students. The Administration has had the opportunity to meet with city officials, first responders, Iowa Central Community College, and Fort Dodge Public Schools in an effort to discuss procedures and practices that can benefit us all should we find ourselves in the midst of a situation that could place the physical safety of our students and staff in danger.
It is important that our students accept their role in ensuring the security of our building and campus. We emphasize the importance of reporting incidents where students may be engaging in dangerous behavior or where other persons may be acting in a suspicious or unsafe manner.
We have had some fantastic opportunities for our Saint Edmond students during the first quarter of the school year! On October 16th our middle school students attended the Fall Play at Iowa Central Community College. The students were very enthusiastic and enjoyed the performance. A select group of 7th and 8thgrade students were accompanied by Counselor, Samantha Harms to the NCC Leadership Conference at Lake Cornelia to collaborate with and learn from other students in the North Central Conference. Mr. Szalat took his senior, Government students to the State Capitol in Des Moines on October 15th as a culmination of their studies on the legisl
On Wednesday, October 22nd, our high school students were treated to a unique event. At Mr. Ruble’s request, ThinkFast Interactive brought its performance crew to our varsity gymnasium to entertain and engage our students while discussing the very serious topic of teen driving safety. With a DJ, large video screens, and interactive technology, Alan Weimers and Tobias led our students and staff through an educational presentation designed in a competitive gaming environment. The event was sponsored by the Governor’s Transportation Safety Bureau. .
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT:
Mrs. Samantha Harms, Middle/High School Guidance Counselor
What are your top 3 favorite movies?
Legally Blonde Now and Then Stepbrothers
If you weren't a school counselor, what would you be doing?
If I were not a school counselor, I think I would be a mental health therapist. I love working with people one on one and trying to help teach new skills. I love working with people and helping them through their hardest moments. There is such a need for mental health professionals in the community and I would like to be able to help those in need.
If you had to choose one food to eat for the rest of your life what would it be?
Tacos- I love Mexican food.
Why St. Edmond?
I chose St. Edmond because it allowed me the opportunity to work with middle school and high school students. I love that St. Edmond is K-12 and it allows students to make so many connections in one place throughout their education. I believe St. Edmond works on developing the whole student emotionally, spiritually, and educationally. It also allowed me the opportunity to be with my own child and be more present in her education.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love getting to know the students and helping them through whatever they may need. Every day is different and offers variety in my work day. I also help students with their social and emotional needs, as well as help them prepare for their future.
The St. Edmond fall sports teams have celebrated huge successes to start the school year. Gael Football secured its first 8-man playoff berth in school history. Gael Volleyball completed its best season in recent history, finishing 19-12 and bowing out in the regional semifinals. Gael Cross Country kept up its historic run this fall with successful seasons on the course for both the boys and girls teams. The boys will compete at the state meet on Saturday. St. Edmond Cheer will also compete at the state contest on Saturday and look to continue their championship run.
We have also had students try out for all state music, compete in quiz bowl competitions, and participate in show choir rehearsals. Preparations for speech and the Spring musical are in the works, and middle school winter sports started this week as well. Go Gaels!
Mr. David Flattery
Activities Director
QuarterlyNewsletter|November2024