February 7, 2025

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Friday Focus 

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has had a great week and that you have been able to stay away from the flu bug that is going around.

New Child Care Career Pathway Grant

I'm excited to announce that our school has been awarded a $75,000 Credentials to Child Care Careers grant. This funding will enable us to establish a career pathway program leading to the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, opening new opportunities for our students interested in early childhood education.

The grant provides comprehensive support including:

  • Course curriculum aligned with Iowa Health and Human Services requirements for licensed child care centers
  • Student stipends for internship hours
  • CDA exam fees and course materials
  • Textbooks
  • Licensed child care partner stipends
  • Additional resources to remove participation barriers

PASS Plans Update

As we begin the new semester, I want to clarify our policy regarding PASS Plans. Teachers may continue using a student's previous semester's PASS Plan if it proved effective - meaning their grades showed improvement from the time the plan was implemented through the end of the semester. However, if a student's grades declined or remained stagnant, a new PASS Plan will need to be developed if they are at risk of failing any classes.

Study Hall Assignments

Mr. Moss has reviewed current grades and adjusted student schedules accordingly. Students not meeting grade requirements have been moved from open periods to study hall. Similarly, Mrs. Hill and Mr. Kopperud have placed students who are not passing online college classes into study hall. Students can earn back their open periods at the quarter's end by meeting grade requirements.

Important Upcoming Dates

February

  • February 17: No School
  • February 24: End of Trimester 2
  • February 27: Final shelter drill (1:45 PM) and Trimester 2 grades due (8:00 AM)

April

  • April 12: PASS Plans deadline

May

  • May 9: Seniors' last day of regular classes
  • May 12-13: Senior semester tests (complete by 1:00 PM on May 13)
  • May 14:
    • Senior grades due (8:00 AM)
    • Senior breakfast and graduation practice
    • Awards night (6:30 PM)
  • May 16: Last day of regular classes*
  • May 19-21: Semester exams for grades 9-11*

*Note: These dates may be subject to adjustment depending on potential snow days.


Enjoy your weekend!
Mark

Assistant Principal's Happenings

Things to Remember:
Midterm is a good time to review the number of tardies that students have for your class periods.  If you have a student that has already exceeded 5 tardies, but you haven't issued classroom consequences yet ("5th Offense" below), we must start at that point.  1st hour and 5th/6th hour coming back from lunch are usually the most common tardy times.  Please see me if you have any questions.


Consequences

1-4 Offense – teacher warning

5th Offense – Staff assigned detention 

6th Offense – Staff assigned detention with conference with student/phone call to parents– takes semester test in that class

7th Offense – Office assigned detention – 2 hours- These tardy detentions will be made up during 2-hr. early-out days. 


Things to Be Thankful For:
*Thanks again to the SSFC for organizing today's Super Bowl Potluck, and for everyone that contributes and participates!  Enjoy the food and festivities.

*We are nearing "championship season" for winter sports and activities.  
Thank you to:
A) all of our sponsors and coaches.  We watch you pour your heart into your programs.  Our kids get awesome high school experiences because of your efforts.  Thank you.
B) our entire teaching staff that supports these kids.  It is a lot of work to help kids get caught up when they miss class.  Thank you for your extra efforts.

Best wishes to all in the coming weeks!


Grateful for our team, 

Moss


Upcoming Activities


Friday, February 7
12:30 pm Boy/Girl Varsity Bowling @ Lynx Bakers Bash - CB AL
4:00 pm Boy/Girl JV Basketball vs. SC West
5:30 pm Boy Freshman Basketball vs. SC West
5:30 pm Girl Varsity Basketball vs. SC West
7:00 pm Boy Varsity Basketball vs. SC West

Saturday, February 8
8:00 am State Large Group Speech @ Spencer
12:00 pm Boy Swimming @ Johnston - Districts

Monday, February 10
1:00 pm Boy/Girl JV/Varsity Bowling @ Plaza Bowl - MRC Championships
5:30 pm Boy JV/Freshman Basketball @ Lewis Central
7:00 pm Boy Varsity Basketball @ Lewis Central

Tuesday, February 11
4:00 pm Boy/Girl JV Basketball vs. CB TJ
5:30 pm Boy Freshman Basketball vs. CB TJ
5:30 pm Girl Varsity Basketball vs CB TJ
7:00 pm Boy Varsity Basketball vs CB TJ

Thursday, February 13
HS - Northern Festival of Winds @ UNI

Friday, February 14
HS - Northern Festival of Winds @ UNI
4:00 pm Boy/Girl JV Basketball vs. Spencer
5:00 pm Boy Swimming - State Meet @ Iowa City
5:30 pm Girl Varsity Basketball vs. Spencer
7:00 pm Boy Varsity Basketball vs. Spencer

Saturday, February 15
HS - Northern Festival of Winds @ UNI
12:30 pm Boys Swimming - State Meet @ Iowa City

Monday, February 17
NWIBA District Jazz Band Contest - Le Mars
6:00 pm Boy Freshman Basketball vs. SC West @ North High
7:30 pm Boy Freshman B Basketball vs. South Sioux City @ North High

Tuesday, February 18
6:00 pm Honors Program Meeting for Class of 2028 - Little Theater
7:30 pm Jazz Band Concert

Wednesday, February 19
7:00 pm Girl Varsity Basketball - TBD

Thursday, February 20
TBD - Boy Freshman Basketball - Sioux City Tournament
7:30 pm Band Concert

Friday, February 21
9:00 pm HS Winter Dance

Saturday, February 22
8:00 am Large Group Speech All-State Festival

Sunday, February 23
2:30 pm Dance Team Expo

Friday, February 28
7:30 pm HS Vocal Concert 

Saturday, March 1
Crimson and Black - Heelan Show Choir Competition
8:00 am IE District Speech @ Lawton Bronson




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