1. Art and Diseño

February 1, 2015
From the Desk of Tom Wood,
Superintendent/Elementary Principal
The following is a Rural Schools Advocates of Iowa
publication regarding the Iowa Legislature and the Governor’s
proposed budget. Your help and advocacy can make a change.
RSAI Call to Action
State Cost per Pupil Must Be Adequate and Set Timely
In the 2015 Legislative Session
The Issue: The Legislature should follow the law to set the
cost per pupil within 30 days of today’s release of the
Governor’s budget. The RSAI is calling for immediate action
this Session to set the per pupil cost for FY 2015-16 ASAP, no
lower than 6%, and the per pupil cost for FY 2016-17 by Feb.
12, 2015, no lower than 6%.
Old News: During the 2014 Legislative Session, the Senate
affirmed a 6% increase in the cost per pupil multiple times,
but no action was taken in the House. Iowa Code 257.8
requires action within 30 days of the release of the Governor’s
budget. The Legislature is out of compliance with Iowa law
to prioritize education by setting the rate nearly 18 months
in advance of the budget year (FY 2016 decision was due
Feb. 12, 2014). For a complete history of Iowa’s per
pupil increases, see today’s Education Coalition Fact
of
the
Week
found
here:
http://us5.campaignarchive1.com/?u=e0acb6236d9a5dbd136a38ef4&id=c51a617
4b7&e=aaa80af2d0 RSAI has joined the Public Education
Coalition and encourages all to attend the Joint Legislative
Reception on Jan. 26 in Des Moines following the IASB
Legislative Conference. Click here for more information.
News Today: Neither the Governor’s Condition of the State
Address today nor his Program and Budget document mention
a specific rate of increase. However, the LSA Preliminary
Summary Governor’s FY 2016 Budget Recommendations
provides the following information on page 6:
“State Aid to Schools: The Governor is recommending a
General Fund appropriation of $2,950.3 million for State Aid
to schools in FY 2016. No State percent growth rate is
specified by the Governor, but this amount reflects an
estimated State percent of growth rate of 1.25%. The
recommendation represents a net increase of $84.8 million
(3.0%) compared to the FY 2015 funding level. The increase
includes: $50.2 million for the Teacher Leadership and
Compensation System, $5.5 million to extend the Property
Tax Replacement Payment (PTRP), and a reduction of $15.0
million in State Aid to Area Education Agencies (AEAs). The
recommended AEA reduction maintains the State aid
reduction applied in FY 2015 and previous years.
The Governor is also recommending a General Fund
appropriation of $3,091.8 million for State Aid to schools in
FY 2017. No State percent growth rate is specified by the
Governor; however, this amount reflects an estimated State
percent of growth rate of 2.45%. The recommendation
represents a net increase of $141.5 million (4.8%) compared to
the FY 2016 recommendation and includes: $51.1 million (for
a total of $101.3 million) for the Teacher Leadership and
Compensation System, $10.7 million (for a total of $16.2
million) to extend the PTRP, and a reduction of $15.0million
in State Aid to AEAs.”
TALKING POINTS: This Legislature must set the 2015-16
cost per pupil at 6%.
 Iowa ranks 35th in the nation in per pupil funding,
$1,612 below the national average per student in
expenditures. Our schools haven’t recovered from
the economic downturn and record low funding rates
of the last several years. For rural schools in
particular, suffering declining enrollment, record low
increases mean staff layoffs and program reductions,
despite ongoing efforts striving for sharing and
efficiency.

In the 44-year history of the formula, in only two
instances has the per pupil increase been lower than
the Governor’s recommendation that came out today
for FY 2016 and FY 2017. World-class schools take
something more than third-class funding.

Iowa’s economy is strong, state coffers are full.
Although we can never be certain about the future,
we are certainly well positioned to sustain any
significant economic challenge in the next several
years. Iowa ranks 9th in the nation in reserve funds
on hand, has the 12th highest growth rate in gross
domestic product nationally, and ranks 9th in growth
of per capita personal income nationwide.

Iowa Code requires legislative action within 30 days
of the governor’s budget (the deadline for FY 2016
passed 11 months ago.) Schools should already be
working on budgets, analyzing staffing needs to
meet student needs, planning for education reform
changes in staffing and practice, and determining
pay increases with teachers and other staff, but since
the per pupil rate for the school year starting July 1,
2015 isn’t known, this work today is all hypothetical.
School timelines require more than a few months’
notice to be good stewards of over $4 billion in
combined state and local funds.


Education is the priority and worthy of action within
the timelines set in current law. If this legislature can
plan ahead to meet property tax reductions over
several years, it can plan ahead to adequately fund
the education of our children.
Increased costs typically run 3-3.5% annually, just to
keep doing the business of school, such as keeping
on the lights, meeting expectations in the Iowa core
curriculum, paying staff, covering increased costs of
insurance, transportation, retirement, books and
programs. Facing enrollment declines or increased
route miles for busing further magnifies the impact
of low funding for rural schools.
Cedar Rapids Gazette editorial on why the Legislature
should follow the law and set school funding in advance. Read
it, share it, and send it to your legislators and others. This
editorial (http://thegazette.com/2014/02/06/lawmakers-shouldfollow-laws/) explains why education funding should be set
before the rest of the budget:
“The not quite 20-year-old state law directs the Legislature to
set state per-pupil funding two years in advance, and within
30 days of receiving a governor’s budget. The goals are pretty
simple. Make school funding a top priority, give school
districts ample time to plan ahead and make it less likely that
critical school bucks will get tangled up in all the budgetary
horse-trading that happens late in a session.”
Ask all of your legislators, both Senators and Representatives,
in both parties, and the Governor to follow the law and
prioritize funding for educating Iowa’s children.
Parents, grandparents, staff and neighbors, you can help!
Call or email Gov. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Reynolds and your
legislators and leave a message that schools need sufficient
school funding, at least 6% per pupil, determined this session.
Office of the Governor: State Capitol | 1007 East Grand Ave.
| Des Moines, Iowa 50319, Phone: 515.281.5211 | Contact Us
(https://governor.iowa.gov/contact/)
To reach members of the Iowa House and Senate:
 Find your legislator here:
https://www.legis.iowa.gov/Legislators/find.aspx
 Email your legislators.
[email protected]
 Call the House Switchboard. Leave a message for
your representative at 515.281.3221
 Call the Senate Switchboard. Leave a message for
your senator at 515.281.3371
Write a letter to your local newspaper explaining the
information above in this call to action or sharing details from
the education coalition funding fact of the week.
From the Desk of Josh Moser,
Secondary Principal
“The key to success is to keep growing in all areas of life –
mental, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical.”
-Julius “Dr. J” Erving
As you may know, the Martensdale-St. Marys School District
underwent an accreditation site visit with the Iowa Department
of Education in late January. It is a process focused on
systemic improvement in all facets of a school organization.
Part of the preparation process involves collecting documents,
uploading data, and a litany of other tasks. Throughout this
preparation process, I have been able to analyze a great deal of
data about our school. One set of data required for the site visit
team is “…students participating in extra-curricular or cocurricular activities.” These activities include performing arts
and athletics provided in the school setting. While I know
MStM has a proud tradition of excellence in all extracurriculars, and we have a high percentage of students
participating in them, I have never really dug into these data to
see what they say. Below are data from the last two full
academic years:
2013-2014
Total 7-12 Enrollment
# of 7-12 Students in Activities
# of 7-12 Students Not in Activities
% of 7-12 Students in Activities
# of 7-12 Students in Multiple Activities
% of 7-12 Students in Multiple Activities
250
207
43
82.8%
159
63.6%
2012-2013
Total 7-12 Enrollment
# of 7-12 Students in Activities
# of 7-12 Students Not in Activities
% of 7-12 Students in Activities
# of 7-12 Students in Multiple Activities
% of 7-12 Students in Multiple Activities
253
215
38
84.9%
153
60.5%
More than 80% of our students in the junior high and high
school are in at least one school activity. What’s more is that
we have more than 3/5 of our student body involved in at least
two extra-curricular activities? That is outstanding! When you
combine the talent and drive of our athletes and artists with the
sheer numbers of participation, it is no wonder MStM students
do as well as they do so often and so thoroughly.
Academics and Extra-Curricular Activity
There is a great deal of reliable research that indicates students
perform better academically when they have a strong
connection to school. For example, a report from the Iowa
High School Athletic Association found “Average daily
attendance ranked third and although
average letter grades contributed the smallest level of
correlation, non-athletes earned a
2.72 GPA while student-athletes earned an overall 3.01
respectively. The results of every academic success category
demonstrated student-athletes achieving greater than
nonathlete.” This speaks to the value of having school
activities as a regular part of a successful educational
experience. Of course at MStM, this comes as no surprise,
given the traditionally high levels of academic success we
Blue Devils enjoy year after year. We are one of the few
school systems in the state not to be designated a School in
Need of Assistance (SINA) or District in Need of Assistance
(DINA). We continually show growth and improvement in
nearly all of our academic areas as measured by Iowa
Assessments. We have more students accelerating in math
than ever before. We have more students taking dualenrollment coursework through DMACC than most previous
years. Out students are driven to be successful, in the
classroom and field alike.
To read more about this in Iowa, you can access this report
from the Iowa High School Athletic Association (IAHSAA):
http://www.iahsaa.org/resource_center/Academic_Assistance/
2013_Slashing_Sports_DrTuPrice_Results.pdf
From the Desk of Randy Folkerts,
Jr. High/Sr. High Guidance Counselor
As a student, you hear a lot of advice about what it takes to be
successful.
 Get involved in different activities.
 Plan for the future.
 Achieve high grades.
 Challenge yourself with harder classes.
 Be responsible.
 Study hard.
 Go out and have some fun.
 Earn some money.
So how do you manage those all at the same time? The key is
balance. Think of ways to work some of these ideas in with
others. For example:
 To balance classes, take some courses that you know
you can get high grades in, a couple of harder classes
that will challenge you, and one or two electives that
let you explore new options each year.
 To balance activities, get involved in different
organizations that let you have some fun and give
you opportunities to be a leader and work as a team.
 To balance the present with the future, take a parttime job that helps you earn money for the future,
shows that you're responsible and gives you
experience you can use later.
Success in high school leads to success later in life, whether
you choose to continue your education or pursue a career. Find
the balance that works for you to start achieving success now.
Recommended Courses
Which is better: Taking a class you know you'll get a high
grade in or choosing one that will challenge you but won't
guarantee you an A?
Good grades look great on a college or job application, but a
4.0 GPA isn't everything. Colleges look at the courses you
take as well as the grades you earn. They prefer students who
don't always go for the easy A. Besides, a different or more
challenging course may change your outlook on life or help
you determine what you want for your future.
Colleges also require that you take and pass certain classes in
high school. How do you know which ones you should take?
You'll need to take the classes your school requires for
graduation, of course. For additional planning, consider these
points:
If...
You already
know where
you want to
go or what
you plan to do
after high
school
Then...




Use the college or program's admissions
requirements as a guideline.
If you plan to go to Iowa State
University, the University of Northern
Iowa or the College of Liberal Arts and
Sciences at the University of Iowa, use
the Iowa Board of Regents Admission
Index (RAI) at the following web site:
http://www2.state.ia.us/regents/RAI/
as a guideline. This scoring system
includes SAT® or ACT® scores, high
school rank, GPA and number of high
school courses completed in core subject
areas.
For electives, choose courses that
reinforce your interests.
Even if you change your mind, you'll
have a good foundation.
If you're not
so sure of
your plans
after high
school



Talk to your counselor about your career
interests and what classes may fit those
interests. If you decide that you might
want to go to college, ask your counselor
about the recommended courses.
Since every college's admission
requirements differ, you can use the RAI
as a guideline for required courses. You'll
qualify for automatic admission to Iowa's
three state universities and create a good
foundation for admission to most fouryear colleges in Iowa.
Once you do choose a college or course
of study, be sure you find out what the
admissions requirements are and change
your course plan as necessary.
Challenge Yourself
Besides giving you greater confidence and a better idea of
what you might like to do in life, advanced courses have
additional benefits:



Honors or Advanced Placement® (AP) classes are
usually given more weight in the college admissions
process because they demonstrate your desire to
learn.
Some high school courses may allow you to earn
college credits at the same time. Ask the counseling
office about dual-enrollment classes that are
available.
9th and 10th grade TAG students, Juniors and Seniors,
you are eligible to start taking college classes through
Post-Secondary Enrollment Options Act (PSEO).
PSEO encourages high school students to take
advantage of this opportunity to enroll in college
courses while still in high school. For further
information contact the counseling department.
Expand Your Horizons
You'll have the chance to choose courses that aren't required,
called electives, during high school. Choose classes that fit
your interests and your goals for life after high school. These
classes might help you discover your true calling or get some
needed experience.
Blue Devil Drama
The Blue Devil Drama Club would like to thank everyone for
participating in the Scentsy Fundraiser. A total of $336.00
was raised for the Drama Club.
From the Desk of Mrs. Sowder,
Talented and Gifted/Yearbook
Yearbooks ($47.00) are for sale through the school or
online. If paying Mrs. Sowder at the school, please make the
checks out to the school. Purchase your yearbooks by the end
of April. The deadline for placing senior ads has passed.
From the Desk of Mr. Foell,
Jr. High & HS Science
7th grade:
The 7th graders are fully entrenched in a chemistry unit. They
are studying chemical reactions and will soon be completing a
chemistry lab involving several chemicals and a student
favorite, fire. They have been practicing balancing chemical
equations along with describing what type of equation reaction
is taking place. I have been very impressed with their hard
work.
8th grade:
This group of very talented scientists is spending time
developing their knowledge of electrical circuits. They are
designing and building parallel and series circuits to help
answer scientific questions about current and voltage. They
have studied information about magnets and will soon be
combining both of these concepts to gain an understanding of
electric motors and generators.
Natural Physical Science:
This section is starting to focus on physical science standards
by reviewing Newton’s laws and the description of motion.
They have been creating graphs to describe speed and
acceleration and are looking at careers that involve physics.
Students will begin looking at atomic structure and theory and
use this information to better understand elements and
compounds.
From the Desk of Mrs. Clark
Vocal Music
Music at MSTM
Coming up is the 5th and 6th grade winter concert on Thursday,
February 12 at 7:00pm in the high school gym. Students in the
elementary band should be in the band room for warm-ups by
6:30pm and students who are singing only should be in the
cafeteria by 6:45pm and check in with their home room
teacher. Students should wear nice clothes that are school
appropriate. Families are asked to bring one dozen cookies or
bars for the Music Booster reception after the concert. A freewill donation will be taken at the door with all proceeds going
to help the music department.
The annual Variety Show will be Friday, February 27 at
7:00pm in the elementary gym. Instruments, singers, and
acrobats will be performing! Admission is $5 for all ages. No
activity passes will be allowed. Come early for a good seat! 
The preschool students have been learning about the music of
“Peter and the Wolf.” Kindergarten and first grade are
preparing for their concert on March 31st. Second grade
students are learning about the four instrument families. Third
graders are beginning their unit on Rossini and opera. Fourth
grade students are earning stickers and strings as they progress
on their recorders. Fifth and sixth are putting the finishing
touches on their music for their concert on February 12. Junior
high chorus has begun preparations for Honor Choir on March
2nd at Perry high school. High school chorus is preparing for
the Variety Show with old and new pop songs.
From the Desk of Mrs. Connor
HS Science
Ms. Connor High School Science
Here is what a few of our students have to say about their
science classes so far this year.
Physics -Jack Murphy and Brendan Langloss
As we start this second semester we realized all the interesting
topics we learned about in the preceding months. We’ve
learned many new equations and formulas and Ms. Connor
has taught us how to apply these equations to real life
situations. Probably our favorite part of being in this class is
learning how physics is related to everything we do and see in
the real world. Physics is all around us at all times with
simple and complex examples that we’ve never really taken
into consideration before. As well as many real life word
problems, we had the opportunity to do some really cool
projects like our mousetrap car project. We were able to take
matter into our own hands, literally, and use the ideas we
learned in class to build our own self-propelled mousetrap and
that is just one example of many neat things we had the
opportunity to learn and participate in through taking this
class.
Chemistry – Magen Andrasko and Gabe Haupts
As we hit the half way point in Chemistry it is becoming
evident how much we have learned, but as many know the
more you learn the more you realize you don’t know. In
Chemistry we have learned many things, but some were more
fun to learn than others. Chemistry has taught us about the
smallest particles that make up everything in our world, which
blew our minds! We also learned about the elements on the
periodic table which all things we know can be broken down
into. Finally, to finish out the semester we used a little bit of
chemistry and some holiday spirit and made crystal
snowflakes!
Biology – Kallie Gibson
In Biology we have learned material ranging from the seven
characteristics
of
life,
cellular
structure,
and
photosynthesis/respiration. Using study aids have helped us to
better understand the material. Not only have we covered
Biology material, but also learned how to study. The study
skills we’ve learned have been very useful.
Thank You from the Kirvin’s
The Kirvin Family would like to extend our very sincere
thanks for everyone that participated in the soup supper
fundraiser for us. I cannot begin to tell you how much
support we have felt from everyone in the MStM
community….from the staff and students and their families,
to our neighbors and friends, to people we really do not even
know, there has been an outpouring of kindness and concern
that has warmed our hearts. We really could not have made
it this far without you all and we are so thankful and grateful
to each and every one of you.
From the Desk of Ms. Brinkman,
Elementary Guidance Counselor
Next month the Elementary will begin taking the Iowa
Assessments in 2nd -6th grades. These tests will be covered
over 2 weeks, with the students taking approximately one 3045 minute test a day in the morning. In these grades, students
have started to learn different study and test taking skills
during their Guidance classes. These tests will begin Monday,
February 2nd and go through Friday, February 13th. Please help
your students prepare for the tests by making sure they get a
good night’s sleep and eat a good breakfast prior to the tests
during those two weeks.
Also next month, starting Monday, February 16 th, we will start
our annual collection for the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society. Instead of doing Pennies for Patients as we have done
in years past, we will be doing Pasta for Patients which is the
same concept but the classroom who raises the most money
will win a pasta party from Olive Garden. We will collect
pennies/money for 3 weeks, ending Friday, March 6 th. Each
student will bring home a box for change that they collect over
the next few weeks.
From the Desks of Mrs. Meier and Ms. Nickel
3rd Grade
In Reading, the stories have centered around various themes
such as the current unit called “Determination”. We have
enjoyed leveled readers and a variety of genres in the first
semester. You may have noticed that our spelling and
language lessons are integrated with our stories and share a
common thread. We also use the Daily 5 system to organize
our reading block.
In Math, we just finished our Geometry unit. The class found
it challenging, but lots of fun.
In Social Studies, much of first semester was spent exploring
Native American cultures and other early communities. In
Science, we have been studying the earth and changes that
take place on our planet. In December, students enjoyed
visiting the stars in Starlab, the portable planetarium.
Looking ahead, Iowa Assessments are at the beginning of
February. We have been doing some goal setting to prepare,
but you can help at home by making sure your child is well
rested and by stressing the importance of doing his/her best.
Also please check and see if your child has two #2 pencils and
an eraser. Pencils and erasers have been a little scarce
around here lately! We will have the Valentine parties on the
13th of February. Your child should design a box at home for
his or her valentines. Thanks for all you do!
Ms. Nickel and Mrs. Meier
II.
Consent Items
A. Approval of Minutes – Board President
B. Approval of Agenda – Board President
C. Approval of Bills and Secretary’s Report – Board
President
D. Approval of Hot Lunch and Activity Reports –
Board President
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the consent items, seconded
by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4 ayes.
II.
Presentation – Midwest Field and Turf
Mr. Wood introduced to the Board, Mr. Corey
Curnyn, from Midwest Field and Turf. He observed
the football field today with Mr. Lynch, which was
installed in 2009. He stated that the field is in great
shape and the fibers and still standing straight up.
The fibers are starting to bend and the wear and tear
is starting to show in the center due to the high usage
and due to the players entering onto the field on the
north end. Mr. Curnyn suggested having the football
staff rotate their activities and practices on the field.
There was concern from the Board that the rubber is
being washed away during heaving rainfalls. Mr.
Curnyn was confident that there is little run off
during these incidents and that the depth
measurement of 1 ¾ is the optimal depth all over the
field surface. He also stated that it is a very clean
field and that the maintenance staff is doing a good
job of keeping it clean. The average life of the
football field is 10-15 years if you take care of it and
rotate activities. The Board thanked Mr. Curnyn for
his presentation.
III.
MINUTES OF BOARD MEETING
December 10, 2014
The Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys
Community School District met in regular session, pursuant to
law on December 10, 2014.
Celebration
Mr. Wood congratulated the Music Department for
the elementary concert held on November 18th. He
noted that the new sound shells that were purchased
this year definitely made a difference in their
performances. Mr. Wood invited the Board to join
the elementary during their holiday events next week.
There will be an elementary dance and a holiday sing
along.
Mr. Moser commended the Drama Department for
their recent production of Charlotte’s Web. The
students totally delved into their characters and he
was so impressed with their work in such a short
period of time. Congratulations to Mrs. Grafft and
the rest of the Drama Department.
Members Present: President, Nicole Bunch; Vice President,
Wade Gibson, Ralph DiCesare, and Dawn Reeves together
with Superintendent Tom Wood, Principal Josh Moser and
Business Manager Jill Gavin.
IV.
Public Comments - none
Members Absent: Dean Furness
VI.
Old Business
A. Reports
1) MStM Music Booster Minutes - none
2) MStM Athletic Booster Minutes - none
3) MStM PTO Minutes - none
I.
Welcome – Board President
Mrs. Bunch called meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and
welcomed all guests.
Due to extracurricular
activities, we moved the meeting from December 8 th
to December 10th.
B. Presentations
1) Facilities Report
Mr. Wood informed the Board that the
Facilities Committee met recently and
prioritized our immediate needs.
The
committee agreed that several projects will
need to be put on hold due to the unexpected
cost of replacing the kitchen roof. We are
still waiting to receive an initial quote and
start the bidding process. The committee
did settle on three items; the kitchen roof,
the track resurface, and updating the 1:1
laptop initiative. Fisher Track is holding on
to the quote that was provided to us last year
and we can move forward on this project in
the summer of 2015. Mr. Moser has
provided a quote of $40K to purchase
Chrome Books. Discussion was also made
about the weight room and adding air
conditioning to eliminate the humidity and
possibly help with the condensation that we
see in the gym. Mr. Furness is also working
on a quote to dispose of the old equipment,
add new equipment, a new floor, and
additional items. The committee agreed to
wait to purchase a new bus until the bids
come in for the kitchen roof.
and there is an increase in the number of
minority students in grades 9-12.
2) Principal’s Report
3) Superintendent’s Report
Programs experience most growth over a
three-year period include Computer
Technology, Science, Business/Marketing
and Foreign Language. Program experience
least growth over a three-year period include
Industrial Technology, Fine Arts, Health
Occupations and Family and Consumer
Science.
Implications of the data include publicize
and recruit for CTE courses, encourage
gender variety in course selection, increase
emphasis on multiculturalism and diversity
awareness and examine individual course
enrollment trends to determine teaching
assignment and schedule.
The students are scheduled to take the IA
Assessments and the NAAP testing for
reading and math. This is done online.
Teachers have wrapped up two of their three
book studies and reflective essays for
professional development.
Mr. Wood
Supt. Wood
Mr. Wood informed the Board that Ms. De
Waard, preschool teacher and preschool
director, will be conducting a survey to
assess the needs of a half day program and a
3-year old program. The results will be
shared once they are complied. This survey
will also address one of the requirements for
QPPS.
3) Principal’s Report
Mr. Wood presented the first draft of the
2015-2016 school calendar. He will be
sending it out to staff members soon to get
their feedback. The calendar is based on
this year’s calendar, with a start date of
August 24th and an end date of May 25th. It
will have one early out a month and 1:00
dismissals for holidays.
The calendar
adheres to the 1080 hours while maintaining
180 days. The start date is common with
other area schools, which allows us to begin
after the Iowa State Fair.
A
recommendation for approval on the
calendar will be made in January.
Mr. Moser
Mr. Moser has been preparing for the
upcoming site visit and reviewed data
related to program and course enrollment
data. The data focused only on courses for
students in grades 9-12. We increased
course offerings for the JH students and
offered a new Computer Technology course
for the 2014-2015 school year. Most of the
increase in program enrollment can be
attributed to the size of the freshman class.
The DE Site Visit will be January 27-29.
Mr. Wood presented the questions for the
board members. Mrs. Bunch and Mr.
DiCesare will represent the school board.
VII.
Highlights of the enrollment data include
industrial
technology
and
computer
technology
course
enrollments
are
predominately male. Family and Consumer
Science and Health Occupations course
enrollments are predominately female.
Students with IEPs tend to enroll in fewer
math and foreign language courses. More
female students are enrolling in higher-level
math courses. There is a decrease in the
number of students with IEPs in grades 9-12
New Business
A. Approve 2015-2016 Modified Supplemental
Application for Dropout Prevention
Supt. Wood
Mr. Gibson motioned to approve the 20152016 Modified Supplemental Application
for Dropout Prevention under Iowa Code
Section 257.38-.41 with a modified
allowable growth request of $95,316,
seconded by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes
B. Discuss/Approve Technology Purchase –
Capital Project FY14
Supt. Wood
Mr. Moser provided the results from a
survey he presented to 17 core teachers
about the 1:1 laptop initiative. The top four
features they felt important in a student’s
device was for research, using word
processing, sharing documents and email.
Due to the feedback, Mr. Moser’s
recommendation is to move forward with a
Chrome Book model which has better
processing rates, no moving parts and less
likely to contract viruses. He feels this
would be the best option. We will still have
laptops available for PSEO classes. We will
also need to purchase Wi-Fi ready printers
necessary to print from the Chrome Books.
Discussion was made on BOYD (bring your
own device) policy.
Mr. Moser will
continue to look into a policy like this. Mrs.
Reeves motioned to approve the purchasing
150 Chromebooks and additional printers
for a total of $40,000 for fiscal year 2015
funded by Capital Projects, seconded by Mr.
Gibson. Roll call: 4 ayes.
seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 4
ayes.
H. Discuss/Approve
Override
JH
Girls
Basketball
Supt. Wood
Mrs. Reeves motioned to approve the JH
girls’ basketball overload for Manda Gibson,
seconded by Mr. DiCesare. Roll call: 3
ayes. Mr. Gibson abstained from voting.
I.
Confirm – Next Meeting Dates
Supt. Wood
1/7/15 – Agenda subcommittee by
e-mail
1/12/15 – 4:00 p.m. Board Meeting
VIII.
Adjournment
Mrs. Reeves motioned to adjourn the meeting,
seconded by Mr. Gibson. Roll call: 4 ayes. Time:
5:50 p.m.
C. Discuss/Approve Track Resurface – Capital
Projects FY15
Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the track
resurface project for the summer of 2015 to
be funded out of Capital Projects, seconded
by Mrs. Reeves. Roll call: 4 ayes.
D. Discuss/Approve Weight Room Air
Conditioning Project – PPEL FY15
Supt. Wood
Mr. DiCesare motioned to approve the
weight room air conditioning project for the
summer of 2015 to be funded out of PPEL,
seconded by Mr. Gibson. Roll call: 4 ayes.
E. Discuss Site Visit
F.
It is the policy of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School
District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, gender, disability, religion, creed, age (for
employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation,
gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its
educational programs and its employment practices.
There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of
discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this
policy, please contact the district’s Equity Coordinator.
MStM’s Equity Coordinator is Josh Moser, secondary principal. His
address is MStM Community School, 390 Burlington, Martensdale,
Iowa 50160. His phone number is 641-764-2686 and his email
address is: [email protected]
Supt. Wood
Discuss/Set
Board
Workshop
on
Staffing/Negotiations 2015-2016
Supt. Wood
The Martensdale-St. Marys District Newsletter is
published by the last day of the preceding month.
The board agreed to meet on January 7th at
4:00 for a board workshop to discuss
staffing, negotiations and financials.
The newsletter is available for pickup in the Superintendent’s office
and the Jiffy station, both are located in Martensdale. You may
also view it on the http://www.MStM.us website.
G. Discuss/Approve Personnel
Recommendations
Supt. Wood
Mr. Gibson motioned to approve Tami Orta
as a 1:1 special education associate,
Questions or concerns may be addressed to:
Mrs. DePauw, Martensdale-St.Marys CSD, Elementary Office, 390
Burlington Ave., Martensdale, Iowa
50160 or by email
[email protected]
Office: 641-764-2470
Fax: 641-764-2100
In addition to the
breakfast items listed,
yogurt and fresh fruit are
offered daily!!
Monday
2/2
2/3
SNOW DAY
2/9
Day 6B
Tuesday
Day 2B
2/4
Wednesday
Day 3A 2/5
Pancakes-Sausage
Milk & Juice
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Meat Gravy
Mashed Potatoes
Mxd. Veg
Mxd. Fruit/Bread
Milk
Chicken Pattie w/g Bun
Baked Beans
Green Beans
Peaches
Milk
Rotini
Romaine Lettuce
Carrots
Pineapple/Bread
Milk
Tacos Softshell
Lettuce/Cheese cups
Broccoli
Applesauce
Milk
2/10
Day 1A
2/11
Day 2B
Milk & Juice
Milk & Juice
Corn Dog
Corn
Baked Beans
Pears
Milk
Meat
Vegetables
Carrots
Pineapple/Bread
Milk
Beef Gravy
2/17
Mashed Potatoes
Green Beans
Mixed Fruit/Bread
Milk
Day 6B
2/18
Day 1A
2/12
Day 3A
2/13
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Chicken Noodle Soup
Tomato Soup
Grilled Cheese
Celery/Applesauce
Milk
Chicken Alfredo
Mixed Veg
Romaine Lettuce
Peaches/Bread
Milk
2/19
Day 2B
2/20
Egg Taco
Milk & Juice
Pancakes-Sausage
Milk & Juice
Bagel
Milk & Juice
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Cheeseburger Mac
Carrots
Vegetable
Pineapple/Bread
Hot Ham & Cheese
Vegetable
Broccoli
Applesauce/Bread
Mac & Cheese
Peas
Celery
Mixed Fruit
Milk
Chicken Pattie w/g Bun
Carrots
Baked Beans
Pears
Cheese Pizza
Green Beans
Lettuce
Peaches
Milk
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Milk
Day 4B 2/24
Day 5A 2/25
Milk
Day 6B 2/26
Egg Pattie w/Sausage/Tst Sausage Gravy Biscuit
Milk & Juice
Milk & Juice
Crispitos w/Cheese Sauce Cold Lunch Meat Sandwich Z-Rib Pattie w/g Bun
Day 4B
Bagel
Milk & Juice
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Milk
2/23
Day 5A
Egg Omelet/Toast
Milk & Juice
Egg Pattie/Sausage Biscuit French Toast-Sausage
Day 5A
Friday
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
Cereal or Toast
Milk & Juice
2/16
Thursday
Day 4B 2/6
Day 1A 2/27
Bagel
Milk & Juice
Breakfast Pizza
Milk & Juice
Green Beans
Iceberg Lettuce
Pineapple/Corn
Lettuce
Onion Slices
Strawberries
Baked Beans
Broccoli
Peaches
Chili
Carrots w/Ranch Dip
Celery/Applesauce
Cinnamon Rolls
Fish Shapes
Coleslaw
Corn
Mixed Fruit
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
Milk
Day 3A
Day 2B
Grades 4-12
have a fruit and
vegetable bar
available to
them.
**** THIS MENU IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE ****
Non-discrimination Statement: This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly. "In accordance with Federal law and U.S.
Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 2025010410, or call toll free (866)632-1010102 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the
Federal Relay Service at (800)877-83310; or (800)845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer."
Martensdale-St Marys
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
1
Wednesday
2
4:00pm Wrestling-JH @
Southeast Warren High
School
Thursday
3
5:30pm WrestlingV@ Martensdale-St.
Marys Jr Sr High
School - HS Gym
6:00pm Basketball-B/JV @
Clarke Community High
School
February, 2015
6:15pm BasketballG/V @ Central
Decatur High School
6:15pm BasketballB/JV @ Central
Decatur High School
Friday
4
1:00 Dismissal-
NAEP Assessment8th Grade- @ JH-HS
12:35p NHS Meeting- Media Center
@ HS Gym
4:15pm Wrestling-JH
6:30p Post Prom
@ Pleasantville High
Meeting- @ JH-HS
School
Media Center
6:15pm BasketballB/JV @ MartensdaleSt. Marys Jr Sr High
School - HS Gym
7:45pm BasketballG/JV @ Central
Decatur High School
Saturday
5
6
6:15pm BasketballG/V @ Lenox High
School
7
12:00pm Wrestling-V
@ TBA
7:45pm BasketballB/V @ Lenox High
School
7:45pm BasketballB/V @ MartensdaleSt. Marys Jr Sr High
School - HS Gym
7:45pm BasketballB/V @ Central
Decatur High School
8
9
10
11
12
4:00p School Board
Meeting- @ Supt. Office
6:15pm BasketballG/V
6:00pm Wrestling-V
@ TBA
TBD Basketball-G/V
@ TBA
6:30p Music Booster
Meeting- @ Music Room
6:15pm BasketballG/JV @ Interstate 35
HS
7:00p Athletic
Booster Club
Meeting- @ Mr.
Hatcher's Room
4:15pm Wrestling-JH
@ Corning High
School
7:00pElementary(Grades
5-6) Concert- @ HS Gym
7:45pm BasketballB/V
Regional Girls
Basketball – 7pm
Vs. Melcher-Dallas
13
6:15pm BasketballB/JV @ MartensdaleSt. Marys Jr Sr High
School
14
12:00pm Wrestling-V
@ TBA
7:45pm BasketballB/V @ MartensdaleSt. Marys Jr Sr High
School - HS Gym
7:45pm BasketballB/JV @ Interstate 35
HS
15
16
17
TBD Basketball-B/V @ TBA TBD Basketball-G/V
@ TBA
18
TBD Wrestling-V @
Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines
6:00p PTO Meeting@ JH-HS Media
Center
19
20
TBD Basketball-B/V
@ TBA
TBD Basketball-G/V
@ TBA
TBD Wrestling-V @
Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines
TBD Wrestling-V @
Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines
Regional Girls
Basketball – 6:00 &
7:30 vs. TBA
21
TBD Wrestling-V @
Wells Fargo Arena Des Moines
07:00a10:00pScrapfest- @
Cafeteria
07:00a10:00pScrapfest- @
Commons
07:00a10:00pScrapfest- @
HS Gym
22
23
24
TBD Basketball-G/V @ TBA TBD Basketball-B/V
@ TBA
25
26
TBD Basketball-B/V
@ TBA
27
7:00p HS Variety
Show- @ HS Gym
28
TBD Basketball-B/V
@ TBA
$10
Scarves and Order forms available in
Elementary Office
Checks Payable to Music Boosters
(Proceeds to be used for Music Activities/Trips)
Name: ______________________________________
Number of Scarves: ____ x $10 = $________
Saturday, February 21, 2015
9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Martensdale – St. Marys High School Gym
Registration is $25 non refundable
Free Will Offering for lunch and dinner
Please reserve your seat by February 13th
(Cash or Check payable to MSTM Post Prom due at the time of registration)
Name: _______________________________
Email: __________________________
Please list name(s) of anyone you would like to sit with:
Are you bringing a Cricut or a laptop?
Yes_____
No_____
Please mail your registration form and payment (payable to MSTM Post Prom) to:
Wendy Hill * 8598 20th Ave * Norwalk IA 50211 * Questions? Call 515-210-8301
Raffles!! Door Prizes!! Much More!!
Don’t Miss Out!!
Various Vendors will be present such as: Maple Street Memories, Scentsy, Premier Jewelry, Celebrating
Home, Thirty-One, Close to My Heart, and more!