January 16, 2026

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Friday Focus

I hope everyone has had a productive week! I want to start by thanking you for your hard work during Wednesday’s inservice. Our CIA team has done an excellent job all year providing professional development that is both meaningful and easy to implement in the classroom.

Recognizing Excellence

The Le Mars Foundation is currently seeking nominations for Employee of the Month. We have an incredible team here; please take a moment to nominate a colleague who goes above and beyond. You can find the nomination form here.

ISASP Testing Changes

This year, we are returning to a familiar format for ISASP administration: testing will take place in advisories at the start of the school day. To ensure a smooth and secure testing environment, please note the following:

  • Training: All staff—including senior advisory teachers and any paras who will be in the room—must complete the ISASP test security training. Senior advisory teachers are included in this requirement so we have a flexible pool of staff for sub coverage or breaks.
  • The Video: The training video is approximately 42 minutes long and includes built-in checks for understanding.
  • Practice Exams: Content teachers, please carve out time in class for practice exams. It is vital that students are comfortable with the digital format and the specific tools available for each test.

Fire Inspection & Safety Reminders

We received our report from the fire inspection conducted over break. To keep our building compliant and safe, please address the following in your classrooms:

  1. Window Access: If your room faces 3rd Ave SW, ensure the tops of shelves in front of emergency escape windows are completely clear.
  2. Electrical Safety: We were cited for "daisy-chaining" (plugging surge protectors into other surge protectors). Additionally, appliances like microwaves and fridges must be plugged directly into wall outlets.
    • Need a longer cord? If you need a surge protector with a longer reach to reach a wall outlet, please let me know and I will help you find a solution.

🎓 Concurrent Enrollment & WITCC Policies

We’ve had several questions regarding online college classes through Western Iowa Tech (WITCC). As a reminder, per our handbook and Iowa’s Senior Year Plus (22.2(2)) code:

  • Proficiency Requirements: Students must demonstrate proficiency in Reading, Math, and Science via the most recent Iowa Tests to be eligible for AP, Concurrent, or PSEO courses.
  • Alternative Measures: If a student is not proficient on state tests, we use alternative measures:
    • Special Education: Progress is tracked via the IEP Performance Rubric.
    • General Education: Scores on the WITCC Placement Test, ACT scores, or passing scores on locally developed semester tests.
    • Note: These requirements apply to core subjects (English, Math, Science, History), while CTE courses may be taken without meeting these specific proficiency markers.
  • Study Hall Policy: Students are not automatically assigned a study hall for online classes. However, we monitor WITCC grade reports; if a student’s grade falls below a C-, they will be placed in a study hall until their grade improves.

Board Retreat

On Monday, the School Board will hold their annual retreat. I want to extend a huge thank you to the following staff members for representing our building and presenting on our vital programs:

  • Mrs. Tentinger & Mr. Bork: Success Center and Alternative School updates.
  • Mrs. Schindel, Mrs. Klingbeil, & Mr. Hessenius: Special Education program highlights.

Key Dates to Remember

Jan. 19: Board Retreat
Jan. 28: Inservice
Feb. 4: Midterm (3rd Quarter)
Apr. 1: PASS Plans due (Trimester 3 and Semester 2)

Have a great weekend!
Mark

Assistant Principal's Happenings



Moss


Upcoming Activities


Friday, Jan. 16
4:00 pm Girl Wrestling - Le Mars Invite

Saturday, Jan. 17
8:00 am HS Show Choir Clinic and Showcase
8:00 am JV Boy Wreslting vs. Sioux Center
10:00 am Boy Wrestling - Le Mars Invite
10:00 am Swimming @ Fort Dodge

Monday, Jan. 19
1:00 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Bowling vs. SC East

Tuesday, Jan. 20
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. SBL
5:30 pm Freshman Boy Basketball vs. SBL
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. SBL
6:00 pm Varsity Girl Wrestling @ MOC
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball vs.SBL

Thursday, Jan. 22
6:30 pm Boy Swimming @ Spencer

Friday, Jan. 23
TBD - Iowa Lakes Jazz Band Contest
12:30 pm Boy/Girl Bowling @ Council Bluffs
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ SC East
5:00 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ SC East
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ SC East
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ SC East

Saturday, Jan. 24
8:00 am District Large Group Speech @ TBD
8:00 am Varsity Boy Wrestling @ Heelan
9:30 am Boy Swimming @ Lewis Central
10:00 am Varsity Girl Wrestling @ SBL

Monday, Jan. 26
1:00 pm JV/Varsity Boy/Girl Bowling @ MRAC Tournament - Council Bluffs
4:00 pm State Jazz Band Festival - Middle School Auditorium
6:30 pm 8th grade parent registration night - Competition Gym

Tuesday, Jan. 27
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ Heelan
5:15 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ Heelan
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ Heelan
6:00 pm Boy Wrestling @ West Sioux
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ Heelan

Wednesday, Jan. 28
8:00 am Iowa Lakes Vocal Jazz Festival

Thursday, Jan. 29
8:00 am NWI HS/MS Honor Orchestra Festival @ Northwestern
4:00 pm Boy Wrestling - MRAC Confernce Meet @ SC North

Friday, Jan. 30
TBD - High School Honor Band - USD
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ CB Abe Lincoln
5:15 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ CB Abe Lincoln
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ CB Abe Lincoln
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ CB Abe Lincoln
7:00 pm Girl Wrestling Regionals - TBD

Saturday, Jan. 31
TBD - USD Honor Band
TBD -  State Jazz Choir Festival - Le Mars
9:30 am Boy Wrestling @ Kinsley-Pierson
10:00 am Boy/Girl Wrestling - Le Mars Invite

Monday, Feb. 2
TBD - High School State Show Choir
5:00 pm JV Boy Wrestling @ MOC

Tuesday, Feb 3
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball vs. SC North
5:30 pm Freshman Boy Basketball vs. SC North
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball vs. SC North
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball vs. SC North

Wednesday, Feb. 4
TBD - HS Jazz Band Festival @ Morningside
TBD - HS Girl State Wrestling

Thursday, Feb. 5
3:30 pm Boy Bowling @ Sweet 16 Lanes
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basketball @ Western Christian
5:30 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ Western Christian
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ Western Christian
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ Western Christian

Friday, Feb. 6
TBD - Cyclone Honor Band
4:00 pm JV Boy/Girl Basektball @ SC West
5:15 pm Freshman Boy Basketball @ SC West
5:30 pm Varsity Girl Basketball @ SC West
7:00 pm Varsity Boy Basketball @ SC West

Saturday, Feb. 7
12:00 pm - Boy District Swimming @ Waukee
TBD - Cyclone Honor Band
8:00 am State Large Group Speech @ Cherokee

Monday, Feb. 9
TBD - State Jazz Choir - Spirit Lake 
4:00 pm Freshman Boy Basketball vs. Lewis Central
5:30 pm JV Boy Basketball vs. Lewis Central

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