Kindergarten Experience

February 9, 2012

Parents of Preschoolers, please join us Thursday, February 9, 2012, at Longfellow Elementary from 6:00pm-7:00pm for the Council Bluffs Community School District's Kindergarten Experience. Please click here for more information.

Thomas Jefferson Theater Presents

"Our Town"

Thomas Jefferson will have two presentations of "Our Town," a Pulitzer Prize Drama, December 1st at 1:00pm and December 2nd and 3rd at 7:30pm in the Thomas Jefferson Auditorium. Tickets will be $6.00 for adults and $4 for students. For more information click here to view a flier.

Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson Marching Bands Earn Awards at Loess Hills Fieldfest

Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson marching bands earned Division 1 Superior Ratings at the Loess Hills Fieldfest held October 8th in Glenwood, Iowa. Abraham Lincoln's Marching Lynx earned first place in Class 4A, and won Best Horn Line, Best Color Guard, and Best Band Overall. Thomas Jefferson' Monticello's Regiment won Best Drum Majors and Best Drumline. Congratulations to all student musicians and Band Directors Steve Moore from Thomas Jefferson and Mark Mendell from Abraham Lincoln.

Wilson Students Walk to Promote Health

Wilson staff and students took part in the "Start Somewhere Walk" on October 7th as a part of the Healthiest State Initiative.

High School Students

Help Young Learners

Read for the Record

Students in Speech and Exploring Teaching courses at the Tucker Career and College Center as well as members of the Future Educators Association from Thomas Jefferson and sponsored by Mrs. Bev Hall, spent part of their day October 6th sharing their love of reading with Preschool through 3rd graders in Council Bluffs elementary schools.  They were all part of a national Read for the Record Day, which featured the book "Llama, Llama Red Pajama."

Office Max Surprises Edison Teacher Linda Allmon with Classroom Donation

OfficeMax's "A Day Made Better" program surprised 1,000 Teachers over the country with $1 million in much-needed classroom supplies. One of those teachers was Linda Allmon at Edison Elementary. She was surprised with a large box of supplies ranging from a printer to a label maker and chair. To nominate a teacher or for more information please visit http://adaymadebetter.com

College View Girls Running Club Members Run in

Race for the Cure

About two dozen fourth and fifth grade girls from College View along with several College View teachers and parents are a part of the first official College View Girls Running Club.  The club met this Fall after school each Tuesday and Thursday (and some Saturdays) to train for the Susan G. Komen 5K Race for the Cure in Omaha on Sunday, October 2. Way to go girls!!!

Student Raises Awareness and Money for the

Susan G. Komen

Abraham Lincoln student Jocelyn Gibler raised money for the Susan G. Komen foundation. She walked in the "Race Against Breast Cancer" and raised more than $700 for the cause. Jocelyn selected this project because of her great grandmother surviving breast cancer and for her former minister's wife passing away due to breast cancer.

Abraham Lincoln Student

Alex Brown named National Merit Scholar Semi-Finalist

Alex Brown and Superintendent Dr. Martha Bruckner

The National Merit® Scholarship Program is an academic competition for recognition and scholarships. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) a test which serves as an initial screen of more than 1.5 million entrants each year–and by meeting published program entry/participation requirements. Alex will be in the running to compete for many prestigious scholarships to further is commitment to education. Congratulations, Alex!

12 Students Receive

AP Scholar Honors

From Left to Right:

1st Row: Alex Brown, Aurora Owens, Mallory Huggins

2nd Row: Olivia Petersen, Sarah Ingwersen, Katie Sillik 

Abraham Lincoln AP Scholars are seniors Aurora Owens and Olivia Petersen as well as Leah Campbell, now at the University of Iowa, Lucas Gerharter, now at Iowa State University and Ronda Longbirdsall, now at Buena Vista in Storm Lake, IA.

Thomas Jefferson AP Scholars are juniors Sarah Ingwersen, Patrick O'Brien and Katie Sillik.

Three Abraham Lincoln students received a designation of AP Scholar with Honors. They are junior Mallory Huggins, graduate Katherine Reynolds now at the University of Iowa, and Lucas Thallas at the Univeristy of Nebraska at Lincoln.

A.L. Senior Alex Brown achieved the prestigious designation of AP Scholar with Distinction.

In addition to the students recognized here, Council Bluffs Community Schools would like to applaud all those students who chose to participate in AP. Thank you all for your hard work and dedication to education!

     School Board Members Elected to Four-Year Terms

Two current School Board members have been re-elected and two new members have been elected, each to serve a four-year term on the Council Bluffs Board of Education.  They were sworn in during the September 27th school board meeting. David Coziahr and Bill Grove will continue service on the Board. District parents Troy Arthur and Joe Hotz will join the seven-member board. 

Secret of New Thomas Jefferson Buzz Mascot Revealed at Football Game

Thomas Jefferson unveiled a "leaner and meaner" Buzz Mascot, Friday, September 9th at the beginning of the varsity football game. Students and staff participated in creating a video to generate "buzz" for the new mascot's look. Click here to view video.

Google and iKeepSafe Partner with School District to Host Internet Safety Workshop for Educators and Parents

District employees and parents and students participated in free workshops on October 4th to learn that they don't have to be computer experts to keep children safe online. Co-host Google suppled dinner and Google goodies as part of this Digital Literacy outreach. Iowa Senator Mike Gronstal also attended the event. For helpful tips, visit www.iKeepSafe.org.

Tucker Center Students Place First at Metro Speech Tournament

     
Pictured left to right: 
Jason Wert, Maria Brown, Lauren Herrington, Jenna Wredt, and Amanda Santon

In conjunction with the River City Rodeo, the Douglas County Fair Commission hosted a speech tournament open to students from across the metro and surrounding small communities on Sunday, September 25. The prepared speaking theme for the event was “What Leadership Means to Me”.

At the conclusion of preliminary and final rounds of competition, Tucker Center students earned first place honors and $100 savings bonds in both categories of the speech tournament. ALHS senior Maria Brown, daughter of Joe and (district employee) Angie Brown, and ALHS senior Jenna Wredt, daughter of Randy and Cindy Wredt, were the top two sr. high division winning speakers. The afternoon’s other senior high finalist was a student speaker from Skutt Catholic High School of Omaha.

Also participating in the competition were Tucker Center students: Lauren Herrington, Amanda Santon, and Jason Wert.

Roosevelt Students Commemorate 9/11

Students paid tribute to 9/11 by constructing a flag made of cups on the fence of Roosevelt Elementary.

New Carter Lake & College View Elementary Schools Now Open

Students, staff and parents participated in ribbon cutting ceremonies at the brand new Carter Lake and College View Elementary Schools on August 16th as part of the Back to School Night Celebrations.

Free Virtual Presentation on Financial Aid

December 15th

Iowa College Aid will be hosting a Virtual Financial Aid Night, available to students and their families on December 15, 2011 from 4pm-8pm. Students or family members can log on anytime during the four hour to chat with live financial aid experts and watch presentations and videos on topics such as FAFSA 411, What to Expect from Colleges and Universities, Scholarships & Grants, and more! Students and families can register by clicking here. Please contact Iowa College Aid at 877-272-4456 with any questions.

Free Presentation on Financial Aid

November 29th - 6:30 pm

High school seniors and their parents will be able to get information on the college financial aid process during a free presentation offered by Abraham Lincoln High School and the Iowa College Access Network® (ICAN) at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, November 29 in the Abraham Lincoln High School cafeteria. Students and parents will receive answers to questions on topics like completing and filing financial aid forms, important deadlines, types of available financial assistance, scholarships, and resources. For more information, students and parents should contact Ginger Morgan at Abraham Lincoln High School by calling 712-328-6484.

All-State Music Festival Features 13 of our Student Musicians

Performance to Air on IPTV

Watch 13 of our Student Musicians in the All-State Music Festival performance to air Thanksgiving night at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, November 27th, at 5:30 p.m. on Iowa Public Television. Look for four-time All-Staters Lexi Raygor and Nick Taylor as well as Natasha Konfrst, Olivia Petersen, Kevin Roark, Brian Williams, Seamus St. Clair, Jocelyn Gibler, Caroline Seilstad, Michaela Longall, Sabrina Fox, Patrick O'Brien and Eldon Warner.

Kari Thomas Named

Star 104.5 "Teacher of the Week"

College View Elementary kindergarten teacher Kari Thomas was surprised on November 15th when a media team from radio station Star 104.5 showed up in the office. The Wilcoxen family had nominated Ms. Thomas for the "Teacher of the Week" program. The program is through the Dan Arthur & Michelle Riell show, and Ms. Thomas' name was announced on the radio and featured on Channel 3's Ready, Set, Go Action 3 Morning Show. Thank you to the families that recognize teachers who bring out the best in their students. 

Longfellow Student Council Brings Awareness to Hunger

The Longfellow Student Council held a school wide can food drive to benefit the Southside Christian Church.  The students collected about 1,000 cans of food to help support the church's food pantry. To wrap up the food drive the Student Council lead a "Walk For Hunger."  Mayor Hanafan and a representative from the local newspaper joined the students, former students, parents, and teachers from Longfellow on a walk to help raise awareness of hunger that exists in our community.

Students Named to

SWIBA Honor Band

Twenty-four 7th and 8th grade students from Kirn and Wilson Middle Schools were named to the SWI Bandmasters Association Honor Band after auditions on October 29th.

Students Claire Boes, Syvia Chavez, Taylor Jacobsen and Zach Allerton received first chair honors by recording the highest score on their instrument. 

Honor Band Members include:

Kirn:

Cody Rupp (Trombone)

Elijah Bennett (Tuba)

Tori Albertus (Flute)

Adlena McClain (Clarinet)

Nick Beck (Clarinet)

Jessica Hipnar (Alto Sax)

Paige Oamek (Alto Sax)

Claire Boes (Tenor Sax)

Gilly Hyde (Flute)

Gage Weber (Clarinet)

Makenzie Ayers (Clarinet) 

Wilson:

Kassi Meeker (Trumpet)

Bethany Olson (Flute)

Taylor Jacobsen (Bass Clarinet)

Brandi Fipps (Bass Clarinet)

Zach Allerton (Trumpet)

Sylvia Chavez (Flute)

Kaylee Ellis (Flute)

Ruby Morales (Flute)

Teayanna Leytham (Clarinet)

Haleigh Savala (Clarinet)

Maggie Gomez (Alto Sax)

Joey Mericle (Trumpet)

Marissa Zakaras (Trombone)

The SWIBA Middle School Honor Band concert on Friday, Nov. 11th featured 190 students from more than 30 schools.

Congratulations to the student musicians and instructors Bill Nanson, Leigh Ann Martic and David Carlson. 

Carter Lake is

Passionately Pink

Carter Lake showed their effort to Stand up to Cancer with a Passionately Pink Day for both staff and students, Wednesday, October 26th. The first tradition was established several years ago by Principal Kim Kazmierczak following the loss of a school counselor to breast cancer. Staff at Carter Lake routinely wears pink on Wednesdays in memory of that loss, and in celebration of those who have survivors in their families. Students were encourage to wear pink that day with a prize of earning free-day points in the gym for all those who participated. School Administrative Manager, Kate Knudsen established a Passionately Pink for the Cure team this fall and each student and staff member were given pins from the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Lynx Volleyball

Earns State Appearance for Third Straight Year!

Back Row (L to R):  Michaela Kennedy, Hannah Christensen, Olivia Leisinger, Victoria Krohn, Lauren Meeker Middle Row (L to R):  Megan Floerchinger, Delaney Bolton, Kelsey Johnson, Lauren Colpitts Back Row (L to R):  Lauren Nahnsen, Krechele Brown, Bailey Gofta, Joelle Williams, Sam Bohnet

The Lynx Volleyball Team defeated Urbandale in the Class 4-A Regional final match on November 2nd to earn a trip to the State Volleyball Tournament. This was the third straight State Tournament appearance and the fourth appearance in the past five years.

Although they were defeated during the State Quarterfinal match by Iowa City West, our community is proud of these student athletes and their accomplishments. Congratulations to the team and to Head Coach Yvonne Carson and Assistant Coaches Lyndsey Davids, Ashtyn Neill and Paige Spangenberg.  

Kirn Students Lead by Example

The Kirn Leadership Academy spent Monday afternoon on October 24th, cleaning up Kimball Park. The students chose to do this project as a way to give back to the community. They took it upon themselves to call Council Bluffs Parks and Recreation to coordinate with them, and spent the afternoon cleaning up the park, picking up debris, branches, sticks, and painted posts. They also purchased new basketball netting and installed it at the park.

Two Students Named Youth Innovation and Leadership Finalists

TJHS student, Gabriele Higgins (left) and ALHS student, Caroline Seilstad (right) have been named as finalists for the Technology Association of Iowa (TAI) awards for Youth Innovation and Leadership awards. $2,500 will be presented to the winner at the official 2011 Iowa Women of Innovation awards celebration held November 17 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines. Finalists were nominated and judged on inventiveness and accomplishments in science and technology, as well as academic achievement.

Almuni Association's

Annual Tailgate

Brings Fans Together

Lynx and Jackets alumni and fans joined together at the annual AL-TJ Tailgate prior to the football game on Friday night. Alumni Association representative Bill Ballenger presented the senior members of the winning Lynx with the newly-introduced traveling trophy following the game. Members of the marching bands entertained the fans at the tailgate.

Thomas Jefferson Students Shine at UNI Vocal Arts Festival

On October 2nd and 3rd T.J. students: (Sophomore) Brittany Allen, (Sophomore) Faye Arthur, (Senior) Brandon Brown, (Junior) Owen Bryen, (Freshman) Brianna Clapper, (Sophmore) Contessa Dalton, (Sophomore) Andrew Hansen, (Freshman) Sabrina Litton, (Freshman) Eldon Warner, were accepted to attend the University of Northern Iowa Vocal Arts Festival. At this festival students worked on the Iowa All State Vocal Music literature with Dr. Kevin Fenton, Professor of Choral Conducting and Ensembles at Florida State University. At the conclusion of the festival, the students performed these pieces with a 350-member chorus.  
Senior Brandon Brown was selected to have a lesson with the UNI vocal music faculty. Out of the 50+ students who sang for the faculty that day, Brandon was chosen as one of the top 4 Outstanding Vocalists  He received a $2,000 scholarship to UNI, and had a chance to perform his solo "Non Piu Andrai" from Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" in the beautiful Galliger-Bluedorn theater for the festival and Cedar Falls community.  In March he is encouraged to audition for the school of music and possibly more scholarship money in addition to his recent award. Congratulations to all these talented students!