November 7, 2025

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Friday Focus

Happy Friday, everyone!

I hope you've all had a wonderful week. I have to admit—I'm still adjusting to the time change! Getting dark so early definitely takes some getting used to.

End of Trimester Reminder

The end of the trimester is just around the corner! This only affects a couple of you, but if you're one of them, please make sure your grades are updated by Monday, November 17 at 8:30 am so I can store them. Thank you!

Targeted School Workshop – Tuesday

On Tuesday, several of us will be attending an all-day workshop for schools designated as targeted. Joining me will be Jodi Richey, Kasie Schindel, Shane Hessenius, Liz Anderson, Kelly Collins, and Kurt Van Kley. Together, we'll develop an action plan focused on helping our special education students grow in ELA and Math. We're looking forward to this collaborative work and will share what we learn with all of you.

AI Guidelines – Your Input Matters

A couple of weeks ago, Mr. Moss sent out a survey about AI usage, and we appreciate those of you who responded. We're now working on developing district-wide AI guidelines, and we know there are strong feelings on all sides of this topic.

I'd like to bring us back to our district's mission: "The mission of the Le Mars Community School District is to guide every student in achieving the highest possible education by teaching the basic skills, developing good character, and promoting life-long learning, all through an aggressive partnership with students, families, school, and community."

The phrase "teaching the basic skills" really stands out to me here. Regardless of how any of us personally feel about AI, the reality is that it's here to stay. Those of you who have been in education for a while might remember similar conversations when the internet became widespread. The AI we're using today will be the least advanced version we'll ever see—it's only going to improve from here.

If we want our students to be competitive in future job markets, they need to know how to use AI correctly and ethically. I believe that's one of the basic skills we're called to teach. As we continue developing these guidelines, we may reach out for additional input, and we genuinely value your perspectives.

Have a restful weekend, and thank you for all you do for our students!

Key Dates to Remember

  • Nov. 12 - Inservice
  • Nov. 14 - End of Trimester 1
  • Nov. 14 - Midterm of Q2
  • Nov. 14 - Last day to do a PASS Plan for S1.
  • Nov. 26-28 - No School
  • Dec. 3 - Shelter Drill @ 2:50 pm
  • Dec. 10 - Inservice
  • Dec. 17-19 - Semester Exams
  • Dec. 19 - Grades due 3:30 pm

Mark

Assistant Principal's Happenings

Things I'm Thinking About:

A quote from Simon Sinek:
 "Community -- A group of people who agree to grow together."

This Thanksgiving season, I'm thankful to be surrounded by people that also wish to grow.  Let's keep striving for growth, and growing together.

Moss


Upcoming Activities


Tuesday, Nov. 18
4:00 pm Girl Wrestling @ Western Christian

Thursday, Nov. 20
TBD - All State Music Festival
3:30 pm Girl Bowling vs. SBL, West Sioux, and MMCRU

Friday, Nov. 21
TBD - All State Music Festival

Saturday, Nov. 22
TBD - All State Music Festival
10:00 am Girl Wrestling @ West Monona

Monday, Nov. 24
3:00 pm Boy/Girl Bowling vs. Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln

Tuesday, Nov. 25
5:00 pm Boy Swimming vs. Spencer @ SC West
5:30 pm JV Girl Basektball vs. Lewis Central
7:00 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. Lewis Central

Monday, Dec. 1
3:30 pm Bowling vs. Sioux City West

Tuesday, Dec. 2
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. Spirit Lake
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. Spirit Lake
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basektball vs. Spirit Lake

Thursday, Dec. 3
5:30 pm Boy/Girl Wrestling vs. SC East & Council Bluffs Lincoln
6:30 pm Swimming @ Spencer

Friday, Dec. 5
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ SBL
5:15 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ SBL
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basektball @ SBL
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Wrestling @ Viborg-Hurley (South Dakota)
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ SBL
7:30 pm Madrigal Dinner

Saturday, Dec. 6
10:00 am Varsity Boy Wrestling @ Long Lines
10:00 am JV Boy/Girl Wrestling @ SC North
7:30 pm Madrigal Dinner

Monday, Dec. 8
5:00 pm JV Girl Wrestling @ Long Lines Sioux City
5:00 pm JV Boy Wrestling @ MOC

Tuesday, Dec. 9
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. SC East
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. SC East
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball vs. SC East

Thursday, Dec. 11
3:30 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Bowling vs OABCIG
6:30 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Wrestling vs. Okoboji and Sioux Center

Friday, Dec. 12
11:00 am Varsity Boy/Girl Wrestling @ Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs
12:30 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Bowling @ Bowlero Bowl, Council Bluffs
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. Heelan
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. Heelan
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball vs. Heelan

Saturday, Dec. 13
9:30 am Varsity Boy/Girl Wrestling @ Mid-America Center, Council Bluffs

Monday, Dec. 15
1:30 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Bowling vs. SBL
4:30 pm JV Boy Wrestling @ SBL
5:30 pm Swimmng vs. Carroll @ SC West
7:30 pm HS Holiday Concert

Tuesday, Dec. 16
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. CB Lincoln
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. CB Lincoln
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball vs. CB Lincoln
5:30 pm JV/Varsity Boy Wrestling @ MVAOCOU

Thursday, Dec. 18
6:00 pm JV/Varsity Boy Wrestling vs. Heelan

Friday, Dec. 19
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ SC North (Boys @ North Middle School)
5:00 pm JV Boy Wrestling @ Spencer
5:00 pm Varsity Girl Wrestling @ Fort Dodge
5:30 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ SC North (North Middle School)
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ SC North
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ SC North

Saturday, Dec. 20
10:00 am Varsity Boy Wrestling @ Spencer
11:00 am Swimming @ Ames

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