Abraham Lincoln and Kirn Students Named Finalists in State History Competition
Abraham Lincoln Journalism Students Place at UNO Competition
Abraham Lincoln Student Honored by United Way of the Midlands
Classes of 2015 and 2016 Promise to Succeed
Crescent Holds Family Nature Night
Crescent Student Wins Bookmark Contest
Edison Elementary to Hold Career Day
Edison Kindergarten Classes Hold Publisher Party
Franklin Holds Family Nature Night
Four Council Bluffs Teachers Named Nelson Award Recipients
Longfellow Students and Staff Dress Up as Characters from Their Favorite Books
Kirn ASTRA Club Decorates Cafeteria and Donates Books to Jennie Edmundson Hospital
Kirn Student Honored By American Red Cross as a Hero Among Us
Kirn Students Participate in Health and Fitness Fair
Staff Health Insurance Information Makeup Meeting May 5
Swine Flu Information
The Community Education Foundation Holds Saturday Night Lights Event
Thomas Jefferson Student Artwork Featured in Exhibition from the Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts
Wilson Students Get Active
Four Council Bluffs Teachers Named Nelson Award Recipients
Four Council Bluffs Teachers were 2009 winners of the H.H. "Red" and Ruth H. Nelson Family Foundation Excellence in Teaching Award. These teachers include Christy Boldt who teaches at Longfellow, Pusey, and Washington, Terry Hanzlik from Abraham Lincoln, Barbara Schmid from Longfellow, and Joann Tews from Walnut Grove. Clay Cunningham from the Lewis Central School District was the other 2009 Award recipient. The honorees receive $5,000, a commemorative trophy, and $250 in Burger King gift certificates. Information about the four Council Bluffs recipients is listed below.
Christy Boldt- Christy started with the District in 1979 after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is a Talented and Gifted Student Strategist. She is described as a teacher who has always gone the extra mile.
Terry Hanzlik- Terry is the Abraham Lincoln Band Director and began with the District in 1999. He graduated from Wayne State College in 1976 and has been teaching since. Those who nominated him say he teaches that the arts are important, but also teaches the students to achieve in their other studies.
Barbara Schmid- Barbara teaches first grade and began with the District in 1999. She graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1997. She is described as being able to make dreams turn into reality and knows the importance of making connections in the community where students live.
Joann Tews- Joann began with the District in 1970 after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and teaches sixth grade. Nominators say her leadership shows when other teachers seek her guidance and knowledge and she is a dedicated individual with a gracious manner and quick wit.
Thomas Jefferson Student Artwork Featured in Exhibition from The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts
Thomas Jefferson has two students, sophomore Rachel Johnson and freshman Maureen Davis participating in The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts mentoring program. On Friday May 15th from 6:00-9:00 p.m. artwork from the students and mentors will be featured in No Restraints on Imagination. No Restraints on Imagination is the spring semester exhibition for The Kent Bellows Studio and Center for Visual Arts mentoring program and is held at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts at 724 South 12th Street in Omaha. The show highlights the work of 34 artists and their mentors. Investigating private ruminations on intrigue, vagary and invention, the Kent Bellows student-artists once again enchant their public with agile and emotive voices. The exhibit boasts a multitude of clever 2D, sculptural and installation pieces celebrating and commending the efforts of only the second four-month studio semester offered by this non-profit organization's mentoring programs. Rachel Johnson has worked very hard curating this show and also has a piece of her own work in it. Maureen has several pieces that she will be showing. After the opening, the exhibit will continue through Friday, May 22nd with gallery hours of 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Abraham Lincoln and Kirn Students Named Finalists in State History Competition
Congratulations to Hannah Zimmerman, Allison Goldapp, and Jordan Kinney from Abraham Lincoln who were finalists in the Senior State History Competition on April 17 at the State Historical Society in Des Moines. Their project, Glenn Miller: A boy, A Golden Trombone, and A Dream, was one of the top 6 in the state in the Senior Group Division. Deb Masker is also their sponsor.
Left to right are Shelby Knauss, Natalie Carlon, and Megan Frush
Congratulations also to Kirn students Shelby Knauss, Natalie Carlon, and Megan Frush who were finalists in their State History Competition on May 5th.
Shelby Knauss was one of the top six individual performances in the state and received the Best of Iowa Award for her play Amelia's Bloomers. Natalie Carlon received the Outstanding Agricultural History and Rural Life Award for her individual web site on Henry Agard Wallace. Megan Frush received the Country School House Award for her Indivudal Exhibit on Jessie Field Shambaugh the Mother of 4-H.
Swine Flu Information
(updated May 1, 2009)
State and local public health officials have increased monitoring for illness from a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus (commonly known as swine flu) that is making people sick in several states, including Iowa. Despite probable cases of novel influenza A (H1N1) in Iowa, we believe students can safely attend classes, thus schools should remain open at this time.
At this time, the state and local health departments have advised us that students can continue to come to school, as long as they are not sick and do not think they have flu symptoms. Flu-like symptoms include: fever (over 100 degrees F), cough, sore throat, runny nose, or stuffy nose. Additional symptoms may be experienced with novel influenza A (H1N1), including muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea. If your child is experiencing even mild symptoms they should be kept at home and not sent to school or be out in other community or public settings for 7 days and 24 hours fever free. Please be aware that if your child develops symptoms while at school the school will be contacting you to immediately take your child home for 7 days and 24 hours fever free.
Flu spreads easily. If you suspect your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she does not attend school or go anywhere else—such as group childcare, the mall, or sporting events—where other people could be exposed to flu germs. It is also important to teach your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and protect others from infection.
- Teach your children to wash their hands often. Washing with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds is ideal (that’s about as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice).
- Teach your children the proper use of hand sanitizer. Gels, rubs, and hand wipes all work well, as long as they contain at least 60% alcohol. Hand wipes must be disposed of properly. Always read and follow label instructions when using hand sanitizer.
- Teach your children to keep their hands away from their face and avoid touching their mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve—not your hands!
- Help your children to learn these healthy habits by setting a good example and always doing them yourself.
If we all practice these simple prevention measures, public health officials believe we can limit the spread of the novel influenza A (H1N1) virus in our school and community. We are consulting with local health officials regarding best cleaning practices for infection control in our buildings.
While the current situation does not warrant school closure, if novel influenza A (H1N1) continues to spread and more students become ill, it may become necessary to close schools for a period of time. We are working with our local public health officials to monitor the situation in Iowa and will make all decisions in consultation with local and state officials. We will inform parents immediately if the situation changes and it becomes necessary to close schools.
If schools are closed, please do not make arrangements—such as sending children to a friend’s home or group childcare—that will put them in close contact with other children. They would need to stay home, so it is important to plan ahead. Have a family discussion now to consider options in advance of the event of a school closing.
Click here to find information about swine flu. If you would like more information, you can call 1-800-447-1985 or go to the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy.
Longfellow Students and Staff Dress Up as Characters from Their Favorite Books
Longfellow Elementary promoted literacy awareness in a rather creative fashion during spirit week. The staff and students were encouraged to dress as a favorite book character. This activity generated much classroom discussion about what a character was, who the character was, and details about the way a character looked and acted. Pictured is kindergarten teacher Trisha Schmitz dressed as Viola Swamp, the main character of the book Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard. She did this to educate her students and teach the reading comprehension strategy of text - to - text. The class has been reading several of the Viola Swamp books this year.
Kirn Students Participate in Health and Fitness Fair
Kirn students recently participated in a Health and Fitness Fair. Teacher Debra Stephenson held the fair as a first of many projects she plans using a grant from the Midwest Dairy Council to promote a healthy lifestyle. During the Health Fair students participated in self defense lessons offered by Council Bluffs Police officers and listened to presenters, including former biggest loser contestent Marty Wolff, on health related issues. The goal is to create healthy active kids and to keep the students active for more than the one day.
Wilson Students Get Active
On May 1st, to celebrate Go the Distance Day, the Physical Education department at Wilson Junior High hosted a cross-country race. A total of 160 students and six teachers participated in the 1.75 mile race. All other teachers and students participated in a .75 mile walk. Go the Distance Day helps celebrate the reason to be physically active.
Former Biggest Loser contestant Marty Wolff congratulates the top three finishers from each grade:
8th graders: Jeff West 2nd, Dominic Wilson 1st, Michael Davison 3rd
7th graders: DaQuan Berry 3rd, Matt Powders 1st, Brian Collinson 2nd
8th graders: Carly Williamson 1st, Emily Dickerson 2nd, Haley Harrill 3rd
7th graders: Sam Arnold 1st, Adrianna Duarte 3rd, Makenna Robinson 2nd
Edison Elementary to Hold Career Day
On Monday May 14th Edison elementary students will hold a career day. There will be professionals talking to the students about their jobs. Each professional will present to four groups of students, for about 30 minutes each. The mayor of Council Bluffs, Air Force representatives, nurses, news anchors, and several other professionals are scheduled to talk with our students.
Staff Health Insurance Information Makeup Meeting May 5th
If you have not yet had a chance to attend one of the insurance meetings, here's another opportunity. On Tuesday, May 5, there will be a make-up meeting in the Board room at ESC beginning at 4pm.
This will give you the opportunity to learn about the changes in the insurance plans available to you due to the District's switch to United Healthcare for next year. The switch was recommended by the District's insurance committee and approved by the board this week. The enrollment paperwork will be due by May 22nd, so this is the time to start considering the options available to you. Representatives of the insurance company and the District's Benefits Specialist Kristine Hunt will be present at the meeting to assist you. Several meetings have already been held.
Click here for the presentation slides.
Please direct your questions regarding insurance to Kristine Hunt, Benefits Specialist, khunt@cbcsd.org.
Crescent Holds Family Nature Night
On Monday, April 20th the Hitchcock Nature Center hosted Family Nature Night at Crescent Elementary. The event welcomed students and families with activities and investigative lessons in the areas of birding/binoculars, making tracks, fishing, and much much more. Crescent Elementary's partnership with the Hitchcock Nature Center has played an instrumental part in the delivery of authentic science lessons throughout the school year. Crescent looks forward to continuing this partnership this fall.
The Community Education Foundation Holds Saturday Night Lights Event
Saturday Night Lights, presented by the Community Education Foundation, took center stage at Kirn Jr. High this Saturday, featuring a variety of fun activities, including games provided by Family Fun Center and high school students. The games included a variety of video games, athletic games, and indoor games for all ages. This year’s proceeds will go to support the high school activities departments and participating elementary schools, and will help fund Advanced Placement exams for high school students. The Foundation’s mission is to support Council Bluffs School District projects that benefit students and staff. Sponsors and supporters of the event include Wal-Mart, Family Fun Center, Pay-Less Office Supplies, Rasmussen Mechanical Services, BCDM Architects, Ahlers & Cooney P.C., and Bushman Floor Coverings.
Abraham Lincoln Journalism Students Place at UNO Competition
Congratulations to the following Abraham Lincoln students who placed at the University of Nebraska at Omaha High School Journalism Competition.
Rose Daugherty- Best News Story, Third Place
Dan Hopper- Best Sports Story, Second Place
Nicole Paulson- Best Yearbook/Magazine Layout, Second Place
Quinn Powell- Best Newspaper Two Page Layout, Third Place
Kayleigh Sabo- Best News/Feature Photo, Third Place
Franklin Holds Family Nature Night
Franklin held a Family Nature Night on Thursday, April 23. Johnny Lynn Williams, their Art teacher, worked with Pottawattamie County Conservation to arrange this for our school. There was a great turnout and students enjoyed making a variety of nature related items.
Kirn Student Honored By American Red Cross as a Hero Among Us
Kirn Student Carl Schnackel, from Crescent, Iowa was named by the American Red Cross as one of the Heroes Among Us. Carl is a Boy Scout with Troup 3, and has earned the Arrow of Light Award which is the highest award given to a Cub Scout. Carl was named an Extra Mile Hero because he used his Red Cross First Aid training and his strong leadership skills to assist injured scouts after the tornado at the Little Sioux Scout Ranch in June 2008.
Crescent Student Wins Bookmark Contest
Julia Gibler, a 4th grade student from Crescent Elementary was the winner of the Council Bluffs Public Library Bookmark Contest. Winners were chosen by "Friends of the Library" based on the criteria of use of color, overall neatness, and connection to reading/literacy. Copies of her bookmark are currently available for pickup at the circulation desk.
Kirn ASTRA Club Decorates Cafeteria and Donates Books to Jennie Edmundson Hospital
The Kirn Junior High ASTRA Club donated 600 Adult and Children’s books to the Family Resource Center at Jennie Edmundson Hospital. These books will be delivered by the Jennie Volunteers to waiting rooms, doctor’s offices and provided to anyone who wants a book while visiting Jennie Edmundson Hospital. The ASTRA Club also decorated flower pots to be used as centerpieces on cafeteria tables at Jennie.
Abraham Lincoln Student Honored by United Way of the Midlands
Ashley Vanderpool, an Abraham Lincoln student, was honored at the United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Awards Luncheon. Ashley originally started volunteering at the Phoenix House in September of 2008. She needed to complete 10 community services hours by the end of the semester for a class she was taking. By the end of the semester she had already completed over 16 hours. She has now completed almost 40 hours of volunteer work. Ashley has the amazing quality of being consistent. She goes to the Phoenix House every Thursday night from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and helps with the children staying in their shelter as well as children from the community while their moms attend a support group. Ashley is great with the children and has the flexibility that is needed in working with children.
Classes of 2015 and 2016 Promise to Succeed
Abraham Lincoln 2008 graduate Jacob Long shares advice and encouragement with Washington Elementary fifth and sixth graders during the Promise to Succeed Celebration in early April.
This year’s fifth and sixth grade students have been pledging their intent to succeed as part of the first-ever Promise to Succeed celebrations being held at all elementary schools in the district. Students are taking part in events to celebrate their education, and pledge their intent to graduate with their peers. During the Promise to Succeed Celebrations, students are receiving Class of 2015 or Class of 2016 buttons as well as personalized certificates signed by a member of the Board of Education, Superintendent Martha Bruckner, their principal, teacher, parent and other supporter of their choice. The events focus on success and future and bring together parents, staff members, members of the Board of Education, middle and high school administrators and at least one high school student and/or graduate to show their support of the students on their journey to graduation.
Edison Kindergarten Classes Hold Publisher Party
On March 26th Mrs. Tuttle and Mrs. Pruss's Kindergarten classes invited family and friends to Edison Elementary's first ever Publishers Party. 16 students presented their own writing that they published using the Step Up to Writing process. Students chose to write about their family or about the book "If I Built a Car" written by Chris Van Dusen. Everyone was impressed with their accomplishments and more students will be presenting at future Publisher Parties.
