English Valleys Community School District

december 2016

211 S. College Street 319-664-3634 North English

PBIS News on page 4 & 8 Cubby Hole on page 9 Student Council News on page 12 Math News on page 13

By Jody Prell

The English Valleys 8th Grade Exploratory Class just completed their American Gothic projects. First we discussed the painting “American Gothic” by Iowa artist Grant Wood. We looked at lots of examples of Grant Wood’s art, including paintings, wooden carvings, and sculptures. We discussed his “Regionalist” style that showed images which represent the Midwest and farm life. Then we talked about the house in the painting “American Gothic” and the fact that it is located in Eldon, Iowa. We discussed how popular the painting became because it showed honest, hardworking, religious farmers during a time when the country was at a low point during the Great Depression. The painting was seen as an image of hope and reminded Americans to keep working and stand by their morals and they could overcome the difficulties they were facing. The students were then asked to create their own version of “American Gothic” with different characters and painted them with watercolors. I was pleased with the 8th graders’ creativity and attention to details with this project. EV News

ENGLISH VALLEYS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

American Gothic

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English Valleys Community School District P. O. Box 490, North English, Iowa 52316-0490

Deep River • Kinross • Millersburg • North English • South English • Webster Superintendent’s Office 211 S. College Street Phone: 319-664-3634 FAX: 319-664-3636 Junior/Senior High School 765 West Broad Street Phone: 319-664-3632 FAX: 319-664-3670 Elementary School 211 S. College Street Phone: 319-664-3638 FAX: 319-664-3636 Superintendent Donita Joens Jr/Sr High Principal Heather Lightfoot Elementary Principal Curriculum Director Amy Andreassen Board Secretary/Treas. Wendy Ayers Athletic Director Alan Ling Board of Education President Terri Riegel Vice President Alan Ackerman Andrew Axmear Don Banning Tammy Stanerson

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EV News

From the Desk of ... Donita Joens, EVCSD Superintendent

Smarter Balanced

Beginning in the 2017-2018 school year, Iowa students will soon be assessed using a new statewide tool called Smarter Balanced. It is a new name and new future assessment; who can argue with the name, as we all want to be smarter and live a more balanced life, right? Let’s hope this is the outcome for the students of Iowa. Most of us probably grew up taking Iowa Assessments, ITEDs, or Basic Skills. Most of the test questions were simply multiple choice-type questions, selecting one of four responses listed. Smarter Balanced assessments will be formatted differently for a variety of reasons. Smarter Balanced assessment will hopefully do the following: • Better reflect what is taught in the classroom • Showcase mastery of skills in a more detailed manner with immediate results • Challenge the thinking process for solving real-life problems • Require deeper thinking and responses • Provide accurate information about whether students are on track • Assure that students are more “future ready” Because Iowa raised the expectation bar, Smarter Balanced will be added beginning next year if legislators work through the funding issues, as they are more costly than previous types of assessments. Parents are encouraged to take the Smarter Balanced practice tests by visiting: www.smarterbalanced.org/assessments/practice-and-training-tests. As we all know, Smarter Balanced should be used in combination with teacher observations, grades, ability to problem solve, skills to work with others, and creative thinking strategies to develop a true picture of a student’s progress. We hope the state’s new assessment tool will boost student achievement and give us a better “picture” of what students know and are able to do.

Welcome to the

EV

News

The English Valleys Newsletter - Issue 233 - is delivered to over 1400 boxholders in the English Valleys Community School District and over 200 readers outside the district. To be on the EV News mailing list, please contact the English Valleys Elementary School in North English, IA 52316 (Phone 319-664-3638).

Equity Statement

It is the policy of the English Valleys Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.). There is a grievance procedure for the processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact the District’s Equity Coordinator/ Elementary Principal, 211 South College Street, PO Box 490, North English, Iowa, 52316, phone 319-664-3638; the Director of Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Des Moines, Iowa at 800-4574416; or the U. S. Dept. of Education - Office for Civil Rights at: U. S. Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights - Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, Telephone: 312-730-1560, FAX: 312-730-1576; TDD: 877-5212172 Email: [email protected]

Asbestos Plan at EV

The English Valleys Community School District is continuing to comply with the EPA AHERA guidelines for its asbestos control program. We have employed a private business to take care of necessary inspections and record keeping. The asbestos management plans are available in the superintendent’s office and also the administrators’ offices in each building. If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact Superintendent Donita Joens at 319-664-3634.

Want to be more involved?

If you would like to participate on the School Improvement Committee, please contact Superintendent Donita Joens at 319-6643634, Elementary Principal Amy Andreassen at 319-664-3638, or Jr/Sr High School Principal Heather Lightfoot at 319-664-3632.

Volunteers Welcome!

Volunteers are always welcome in the English Valleys School District. Duties vary and can include office work, student and classroom support. If interested, please contact Superintendent Donita Joens at 319-664-3634, Elementary Principal Amy Andreassen at 319-664-3638, or Jr/Sr High School Principal Heather Lightfoot at 319-664-3632.

Annual Notifications

Go to www.evbears.com Click on the box at the bottom of the homepage that says “Annual Notifications: Click here to visit the Iowa Department of Education website” It will link to: https://www.educateiowa.gov/sites/files/ed/documents/AnnualNoticesForBoth 2012-08-01.pdf Parents/Guardians in the English Valleys Community School District have the right to learn about the following qualifications of their child's teacher/paraprofessional: state licensure requirements for the grade level and content areas taught, the current licensing status of your child's teacher/paraprofessional, and baccalaureate/graduate certification/degree. You may also request the qualifications of an instructional paraprofessional who serves your student in a Title I program or if your school operates a school wide Title I program. Parents/Guardians may request this information from the Office of the Superintendent by calling 319664-3634 or by sending a letter of request to the Office of the Superintendent, 211 S. College, North English, Iowa 52316. The English Valleys Community School District ensures that parents will be notified in writing if their child has been assigned, or has been taught by a teacher for four or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not considered highly qualified. EV News

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PBIS

Teaching and modeling positive behavior

At the Elementary School ... by Meredith Holm

With the start of a new month, it brings a PBIS Assembly. On Wednesday, Nov. 2 we had our PBIS Assembly to honor and recognize the students that were selected as the respectful students of the month for October. One student from each section was chosen to be recognized as the most respectful student from each class. There are many different ways to be respectful around the school. Ways to be respectful in the hallway is to use a #0 voice during learning times, and a #1 voice at all other times, use silent greetings, and open and close lockers quietly. In the playground students can be respectful by following game rules and playing fairly, using kind words with others, and sharing. By keeping your area clean and neat, using table manners, sitting in line order, and using a #0 voice in line and a #2 voice at the table are ways to be respectful in the cafeteria. Ways to be respectful on the bus is to listen to the bus driver, keep your legs out of the aisle, and to use a #2 voice. Lastly, the ways to be respectful in the bathroom are to be quick, be quiet, keep your personal space, and use a #1 voice. All of the students showed great improvements in being respectful. On Nov. 12, we will be focusing on being successful. Make sure to take a look next month to see who was selected to be the successful students of the month!

The respectful students for the month of October are front row, left to

right: Luke Montross, Meika Spies, Connor Sparks-Hanna, Brodey Flander, Tyler Lortz and Mallory Koehn. Back row: Blake Murphy, Phoenix Sorden-Spies, Christy Knapp, Declan Patterson, Hannah Grimm, Landen Montross, Mallory Moyer, and Treyton Shaw.

The Golden Lunch Tray winners for the month of October were Mrs. Koehn’s class! Congratulations! 4

EV News

EV

WINTER SPORTS nglishalleys 2016-2017

Varsity Basketball

Dec 2 Iowa Valley Dec 6 Sigourney - Quad Dec 9 Belle Plaine Dec 12 Cedar Valley Christian Dec 13 Keota Dec 15 Iowa Mennonite Dec 17 Lisbon - Girls Dec 20 North Mahaska - Quad Dec 22 Colfax-Mingo - Quad Jan 2 Moravia Jan 3 HLV Jan 6 Montezuma - Quad Jan 10 BGM - Quad Jan 13 Lynnville-Sully Jan 17 Tri-County = Quad Jan 20 Iowa Valley Jan 24 Sigourney - Quad Jan 27 Belle Plaine Jan 31 Keota Feb 3 Girls Crossover Feb 6 North Mahaska Feb 10 Boys Crossover

Varsity Wrestling Home Away Away Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home

Junior Varsity Basketball Dec 6 Sigourney - Quad Dec 15 Williamsburg - Girls Dec 17 Lisbon - Girls Dec 19 Iowa Valley Dec 20 North Mahaska - Quad Dec 22 Colfax Mingo Jan 6 Montezuma - Quad Jan 10 BGM - Quad Jan 12 Keota Jan 13 Lynnville-Sully Jan 17 Tri-County Jan 24 Sigourney - Quad Jan 30 Belle Plaine Feb 3 Girls Crossover Feb 6 North Mahaska - Quad Feb 10 Boys Crossover

Away Away Away Away Away Home Away Home Home Away Home Home Away TBD Home Home

6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 7:00 4:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 TBD 6:00 TBD

Dec 1 Meet at Sigourney Dec 2 Tourney at BGM Dec 3 Tourney at Wapello Dec 10 Tourney at Tri County Dec 13 Meet at HLV Dec 17 JV Tourney at English Valleys Dec 22 Meet at Williamsburg Jan 3 Meet at English Valleys Jan 5 Meet at Colombus Jan 7 Tourney at Coon Rapids Bayard Jan 12 Meet at Montezuma Jan 14 Tourney at WACO Jan 19 Meet at Colfax-Mingo Jan 21 Tourney at Alburnett Jan 26 Meet at Wilton Jan 28 SICL Tourney at North Mahaska Feb 4 Sectional Tourney at Montezuma Feb 11 District Tourney at Hudson Feb 16 State Tourney at Des Moines

6:00 6:00 4:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 4:30 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

Junior High Girls Basketball

Good Luck Bears! For the most updated schedule of events be sure to check: southiowacedarleague.org and the calendar link at: evbears.com

Junior High Wrestling Dec 2 Dec 6 Dec 9 Dec 12

Dec 2 Dec 5 Dec 12 Dec 16 Dec 19 Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 12 Jan 13 Jan 17 Jan 26

at Montezuma at Iowa Valley at PCM at Eddyville/Blakesburg

Tri-County Sigourney BGM Tri-County Keota HLV HLV Keota Belle Plaine Iowa Valley Iowa Valley

6:00 TBD 10:00 10:00 6:00 10:00 5:00 6:00 6:00 10:00 6:00 10:00 6:00 9:30 6:30 10:00 TBD TBD TBD

4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15

Home Away Away Away Away Away Home Home Away Away Home

4:15 4:15 4:15 4;15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15

Junior High Boys Basketball

Jan 13 Belle Plaine Jan 17 Lynnville-Sully Jan 19 Montezuma Jan 23 Tri-County Jan 26 Iowa Valley Jan 27 BGM Jan 30 Tri-County Feb 2 HLV Feb 6 Keota Feb 9 Sigourney Feb 13 Keota Feb 14 Iowa Valley

Home Away Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Home

4:15 4:00 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15 4:15

EV News

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December 2016

Breakfast: $1.60 daily

Menu subject to change without notice English Valleys is an equal opportunity provider

Breakfast

Nov 28-Dec 2 Breakfast

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Sausage egg muffin Breakfast wrap w/ or whole grain cereal, salsa or whole grain fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Pancake on a stick or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Bagel w/toppings or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 485; Sodium - 423; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.2%

Dec 5-9 Breakfast

Monday Whole grain cereal, yogurt, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Biscuit and gravy or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

French toast w/syrup Cinnamon roll or or whole grain cereal, whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 467; Sodium - 458; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.3%

Dec 12-16 Breakfast

Monday Muffin, whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Breakfast wrap w/ salsa or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Pancakes w/syrup, sausage or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Bagel w/toppings or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 500; Sodium - 458; % of calories from saturated fat - 5.2%

Dec 19-23 Breakfast

Monday Whole grain cereal, yogurt, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Biscuit and gravy or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Cinnamon roll or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Breakfast pizza or whole grain cereal, fruit, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

NO SCHOOL

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 467; Sodium - 458; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.3%

Dec 26-30 Breakfast

Monday NO SCHOOL

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL

NO SCHOOL

Friday

NO SCHOOL

BREAKFAST: PLEASE NOTE: Milk choice includes a choice of non-fat (flavored or unflavored) or 1% milk (unflavored). Fruit juice choice includes any 100% juice LUNCH: PLEASE NOTE: Milk choice includes a choice of non-fat or 1% milk. Reduced fat dressing is served with salads and fresh vegetables. Fruit choices and alternate entrees are not included in the analysis. (9-12) or (7-12) means that those grades only get that extra item. As you can see, the menus are based on calorie and sodium intake. As your child gets older the more he or she will get to make a balanced diet.

Equity Statement

It is the policy of the English Valleys Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, gender, disability, religion, age, political party affiliation, or actual or potential parental, family or marital status in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code sections 216.9 and 256.10(2), Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. § 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S.C.§§ 1681 – 1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S.C. § 794), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).

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EV News

December 2016 Lunch

Nov 28-Dec 2 Lunch

Monday Cheese breadstick, marinara sauce, lettuce salad, orange wedges, peaches, milk

Chicken patty on a bun, sweet potato fries, green beans, pears, mixed fruit, milk

Lunch

Monday Pulled pork, baked beans, cole slaw, pears, pineapple, milk

Lunch

Hamburger w/bun, potato chips, lettuce salad, apple slices, peaches, milk

Chicken nuggets, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, corn, peaches, apple slices, milk

Lunch

Monday Taco soup, tortilla chips, peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, apple slices, mixed fruit, milk

Lunch

NO SCHOOL

Chicken & noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, peaches, mixed fruit, milk

Mac & cheese, meatballs, bread & jelly, peas, pears, pineapple, milk

Pork patty w/bun, lettuce, tomato, green beans, banana, peaches, milk

Sack Lunch

NO SCHOOL

Friday NO SCHOOL

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat -7.9% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 8.2% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.7%

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

NO SCHOOL

Friday

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 5.6% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 5.8% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 5.6%

Ham, mashed potatoes w/gravy, baked beans, applesauce, mandarin oranges, cookies, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1164 Sodium (mg) - 1179 Sodium (mg) - 1206

Friday

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.9% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 8.2% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.7%

Super Nacho, refried beans, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh carrots, pineapple, pears, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1066 Sodium (mg) - 1113 Sodium (mg) - 1162

Cheesy bear rite, oven fries, corn, peaches, mixed fruit, milk

Monday

Cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, seasoned potato chunks, mixed fruit, fresh banana, milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 648 Grades 6-8: Calories - 678 Grades 9-12: Calories - 768

Dec 26-30

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.0% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat -6.9% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 6.5%

Chili, pepper strips, cucumbers, carrots, cinnamon roll, fresh banana, peaches, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1164 Sodium (mg) - 1179 Sodium (mg) - 1206

Friday

Cheese pizza, carrots, Corn dog, oven fries, cauliflower, broccoli, corn, pineapple, peaches, mixed fruit, peaches, milk milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 645 Grades 6-8: Calories - 692 Grades 9-12: Calories - 788

Dec 19-23

Meatball sub, celery, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh banana, pears, milk

Sodium (mg) - 857 Sodium (mg) - 893 Sodium (mg) - 966

Crispito w/salsa, tortilla chips (7-12), lettuce salad, orange wedges, pears, milk

Monday

Menu subject to change without notice English Valleys is an equal opportunity provider

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 648 Grades 6-8: Calories - 678 Grades 9-12: Calories - 768

Dec 12-16

P - 6 $2.40 daily 7 - 12 $2.50 daily Milk/juice = 40¢ Milk, fresh fruit and vegetables served daily

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 637 Grades 6-8: Calories - 663 Grades 9-12: Calories - 784

Dec 5-9

Lunch:

NO SCHOOL

Friday NO SCHOOL

EV News

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PBIS

Teaching and modeling positive behavior

At the High School ... by Jane Bruns

PBIS Performers for the month of October During the month of October, the faculty and staff chose a junior high and high school PBIS Student of the Month. The students chosen exemplified the honorable characteristics of respect, responsibility, safety, and success.

maria van dee

bryson grove

The English Valleys High School PBIS Student of the month is junior Maria Van Dee. Maria is the daughter of JD and Gwen Van Dee of Deep River. She has a younger brother, Easton, who is in the 7th grade. Throughout her three years of high school, Maria has been involved in band, volleyball, softball, and has been a basketball manager. Her favorite subjects in school are band, chemistry and college comp. Her advice to her peers is, “follow the quote, ‘the meaning of life is to give life meaning’ and chase after your dreams no matter how crazy they are.” In her spare time she likes to go hunting, watch movies, and do things with her friends. After high school, Maria has an interest in doing something with conservation or becoming a DNR officer. One thing you might not know about Maria, is that when she was little, her mom left the room for just a minute, and when she came back, she found Easton with a pink bow on his head. She put the bow on his head because she wanted a little sister.

Bryson Grove, son of Dan and Jennifer Grove, is the Junior High PBIS Student of the Month for October. Bryson and his three brothers, Nolan, Myles, and Cael, live on a farm east of South English. While in school, Bryson is involved in band, choir, TAG, cross-country, basketball and track. His favorite classes are F&CS, reading, geography, and chorus. His advice to other students, is “if you don’t know if you want to do sports, or chorus, or other activities, you should try it…..you might like it.” Outside of school, you can find Bryson playing piano, drawing, painting, watching TV, and being outside. When he gets older and graduates, he would like to be an architect. Something you may not know about him is that he got 12th place in the State Cross Country meet in 1A. Both 1A and 2A ran together, and he received 30th altogether. There were over 100 boys running the race!

High School

Junior High

Congratulations to Maria Van Dee and Bryson Grove! 8

EV News

Holiday edition

Welcome to ....

The Cubby Hole

By Jane Bruns The Cubby Hole is a newspaper put out by the 8th grade students of English Valleys with the following goals: 1.  Use technology, including the internet, to produce and publish writing and present the relationships between information and ideas efficiently, as well as to interact and collaborate with others. 2.  Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data or conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation. 3. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (W 8.4) Please feel free to comment about an article, or praise the students via email to [email protected], or through social media on the English Valleys Junior High/High School page on Facebook!

What is Snowboarding? By: Drake Beardmore Snowboarding is an amazing sport in my opinion. I myself am a snowboarder. It is one of my favorite things to do in the winter. Snowboarding is like skateboarding but on snow and with way more control. The main thing that you will need for snowboarding is of course a snowboard. If you are going to a resort or a ski place, they require you to have goggles, boots, snow pants, coat, gloves, and a snowboarding helmet. If you want to snowboard, you shouldn’t start on a mountain or a resort - you should start at home. Snowboarding can be very hard and it can be very easy. You mainly just need to know how to turn, stop, and how to land if you do a jump. It will be pretty hard when you start, but you will get really good after awhile of practice. After you learn the basic controls, then try to set up a few obstacles for you to try to master your turning skills. Then you will be able to go to a resort and know that

you should be fine. Oh and don't forget that you should try to get a wooden snowboard and snowboard wax for your board, The wax is to make it so you go faster on your snowboard. That's how to snowboard and what it is hope it helped.

EV News

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The Cubby Hole

Holiday edition

HOLY COW!......

By Liberty Lightfoot and Clara Mews Do stores decorate too early for the holiday season? You are about to find out! Many stores around the nation are putting up Christmas decorations as early as the end of summer…..trees fully decorated, candy, ornaments, and trees on the shelves…..even Santas and snowmen! Some stores put Christmas stuff up early to bring in their customers….. but are they forgetting about Halloween and Thanksgiving? Hobby Lobby puts out Christmas décor 207 days before Christmas! That is before the 4th of July!!!!! Macy’s opens their holiday store on September 5th! Is it too early? We think stores should wait at least until October.

Just Clowning Around… or Are They? By Cole Stephensen I think the killer clowns that have just randomly started appearing in America and some other countries in 2016, are going too far. It's one thing when they just pop out and scare people, but when they carry weapons, chase people and jump onto and into their cars, it's a little too much. Here are what others think about this subject: Preston Decker - I think that they are going to far. I heard that one killed someone. They will catch you when you’re not expecting it and scare the living day lights outta you! Liberty Lightfoot - I also think they are going to far. They have killed people and people have killed them. They are luring kids into the woods and beating them with sticks. I think that they are going to be done now since Halloween is over and it’s November. Chase Widmer - I think that they are going to far because they are harming people and if they do, then that is wrong and they need to be scared, too. 10

EV News

THE CUBS WIN!!! By Brayden Mikesell

The World Series is always something to watch. This year’s World Series match up was the Cleveland Indians and the Chicago Cubs. The Chicago Cubs are the 2016 World Champions and they came back from 3-1 to beat the Indians. Game seven was the most historic game in World Series history. It went to 10 innings and covered 5 hours with a rain delay. Since game 6, the Cubs stepped up their game. Even though in the movie “Back to the Future” says the Cubs were supposed to win the World Series last year. They haven’t won a World Series in 108 years. A while ago people started this rumor about the billy goat curse. People say it is when one Cubs fan had a goat with him in the stands. He was kicked out of the game because the goat smelled. He said, “The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more!” People didn’t think much of it at first but then the next year they didn’t win. People started thinking about this old man and said it was a curse. The Cubs have now broken this curse and won the 2016 World series. The World Series MVP was Ben Zobrist who lead the team in hits this post season. The Cubs have ended a 108 year drought and won the 2016 World Series.

Holiday edition

The Cubby Hole

Christmas Presents

By: Megan Shannahan, Kailey Jackson, and Hannah Marsh Christmas is a time of year where people love to celebrate and show each other kindness by getting each other gifts. We went around and asked some teachers and students what the best present they ever got was, and these were their responses: Mr. Lewis said his first jersey was his favorite. Mrs. Bruns said her Barbie camper. Mrs. Flander said her kitchen island refurnished out of a seed cleaner. Mrs. Burdick said New Kids On The Street concert tickets. Ms. Lopez said her flight ticket to Spain and back. Mrs. Nachtman said her Donny and Marie play set. Mandy said her purple bike she got when she was little. Ms. Horras said a bright shiny red bicycle to ride in RAGBRAI. Coleen said her mother’s ring.

Mr. Hester said his Dino Might t-shirt made by his brother. Mr. Caster said his Game Boy. We also decided to ask some students what their opinion was too. Megan Glandon said her big nail polish holder. Ashley said her stuffed dog. Hayden said his Xbox One. Clara said her family's MacBook. Liberty said her phone. Katie said her clothes. Raif said his Xbox 360. Brayden said his Xbox. Hannah said her hamster. Kailey said her green ukulele. Megan Shannahan said her kindle. Some of those I haven't even heard of, but I hope you enjoy your Christmas! Happy Holidays!

Holiday Recipes Pink Fluff 1 can cherry pie filling 1 small can crushed pineapple 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 8 oz container cool whip 2 cups miniature marshmallows ½ cup pecans or walnuts (optional) Mix pie filling, pineapple, and sweetened condensed milk together. Add marshmallows and cool whip. Fold in nuts if you wish.

Festive Corn and Mac 1 can creamed corn 1 can whole kernel corn (do not drain) ½ cup melted butter 1 cup macaroni 8 oz shredded or cubed Velveeta 1 cup diced ham (optional) Mix all ingredients together, and bake at 350 for an hour. You my also cook in a crockpot. I suggest stirring midpoint of baking, and if necessary, add ¼-1/3 c milk to keep it moist. EV News

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Student Council News ... The English Valleys Student Council is off to a strong start this year. This year’s student council consists of 16 members that meet weekly to plan and organize service projects and fundraisers and learn leadership skills. The EV Student Council started the 2016-2017 school year with its annual summer meeting in August. At the summer meeting, the student council looked at what the group accomplished last year and set several goals for this year. Plans were made for seventh grade orientation night and for Homecoming 2016. Several goals were set including fundraisers, participating in a student council exchange with another school, taking an active part in this year’s state project entitled “Iowan’s Helping Iowans,” hosting a blood drive, and improving school spirit and pride in our school. Our first major project was Homecoming 2016. This year's opponent was the Iowa Valley Tigers and the theme was “Tackle the Tigers.” The highlights of the week were homecoming spirit days, the three homecoming pep rallies and the parade. Class competitions included male volleyball, powder puff football, a balloon relay and scooter races. The homecoming dance featured great music provided by the “Sound Machine.” On October 30 and 31, 2016, the EV Student Council attended the annual Iowa Student Leadership Conference at the Iowa Events Center in downtown Des Moines. This year’s keynote speaker was Scott Backovich, a nationally-known motivational speaker. Backovich’s message centered around the idea of being a catalyst for change in our schools. He encouraged 12

EV News

us to go out of our way to help every student feel important and that they are a valuable member of our school community. During the general session, the student council was named an honor council with meritorious distinction for 2016. This is our council’s 14th honor council award. English Valleys is one of only 28 middle and high schools in the state of Iowa to be recognized as an honor council this year. The month of November included the student council's annual Holiday Food Drive. Each high school student was asked to bring four or more non-perishable food items so that our goal would be reached. The food was donated to the North English food pantry where it went to help several needy families and individuals during the holidays. On December 19, the student council will sponsor a blood drive in the high school cafeteria. Last year the student council surpassed its goal of 27 units. During the remainder of the school year, the student council will be working on achieving the goals it has set for itself this year. These include winter homecoming, a trip to the EV Care Center and planning several spirit rallies. The members of the 2016-2017 student council are seniors Zach Axmear, Jac Barney, Austin Galarza, and Jeff Montgomery; juniors Christina Berrier, Autumn Higdon, and Anthony Moxley; sophomores Isabella Fisher, Isabel Schneider, Madison Trimpe and Chase Widmer and freshmen Alaina Allen, Elizabeth Barney, Brooke Coffman and Abby Garringer. The student council president is Morgan Bruns. Their advisor is Mr. Chuck Nachtman.

Math Department ... In April 2016, English Valleys received a STEM grant from the Governor’s Stem Advisory Council to implement a new math program called PowerTeaching Math for the 2016-2017 school year. Developed by the Success for All Foundation, PowerTeaching Math is an instructional approach that links Common Core, state standards, and school curricula to research-proven instructional strategies and classroom resources that promote rigor and student engagement. PowerTeaching Math empowers students to work together to improve their understanding of mathematics concepts, and encourages them to take ownership of their learning during multiple opportunities for practice and evaluation. With over 25 years of research, PowerTeaching has been demonstrated to increase academic success by establishing a student-centered classroom through the use of compelling concept presentations, assessments for learning, and student learning teams. Students participate in active instruction guided by Mrs. Nachtman. Next, students work on practice problems to reach team mastery while Mrs. Nachtman acts as a facilitator to each group. Students find it valuable and enjoyable to work in learning teams.

“It helps because then you can be provided with multiple solutions to the problem. If you can’t figure out the answer maybe someone else can,” said Hannah Marsh, eighth grader. “I like that there are several ideas to go around and we can help and correct each other,” said Liberty Lightfoot, eighth grader. “If I can’t get the answer on my own, my team can help me and tell me how to find it,” commented Cole Stephenson, eighth grader. “You can help each other with questions. The people in your group work together and at the same pace so everyone understands how to find the answer, “ said Katelyn Hofmaster, seventh grader. “More thinking is involved in group work. I think because people are encouraging you, you think more and go farther,” commented Madison Hanna, seventh grader. “We can all share ideas to find a reasonable answer. We all may know different ways to find the right answers,” said Marissa Allison, seventh grader.

EV News

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EV Online

www.evbears.com

District Events Calendar......for the latest ongoings in & around school District Calendar.....for Holidays, Dismissals, Early-outs for Professional Development Athletics Calendar....for Events for Varsity, JV & JH teams SICL Calendar....for all South Iowa Cedar League Events.... PLUS click on NOTIFY me & set up

alerts to your computer & phone..... This will give you up-to-the-minute changes about games. School Alerts....Set your computer & phone to get alerts about Closings & Cancellations due to weather

Attention Parents: Click on Parents for:

School Dining Account to check on your child’s balance Powerschool to check on your child(ren) grades, attendance There’s LOTS of online information at your fingertips, but also please don’t hesitate to call with questions, comments or concerns: Superintendent Donita Joens & Board Secretary Wendy Ayers @ 319-664-3634 Elementary Principal Amy Andreassen & Secretary Jane Ackerman @ 319-664-3638 JH/HS Principal Heather Lighfoot, Athletic Director Alan Ling & Secretary Jamie Hall @ 319-664-3631

Yearbooks NOW ON SALE! $55.00

Contact Mrs. Baumfalk at the EV High School, 319-664-3631

CLIP AND SAVE!

Boosters Quarterly Can Drive: Dec. 10, 2016 March 11, 2017 June 10, 2017 at Cox's Sanitation from 8 a.m.- Noon

Remember to visit the Elementary Library web page at http://www.evbears.com/library.html for educational links & library news! 14

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CLIP AND SAVE!

December 2016

DECEMBER English Valleys2016 Activities

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For the most updated schedule of events be sure to check: southiowacedarleague.org and the calendar link at: evbears.com

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Clothing Closet open 1-3pm

PK-2nd Music Program, 6:30pm

JH Wrestling at Iowa Valley, 4:15pm

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JV/V BB at Sigourney, 6pm

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JH Wrestling at Eddyville, 4:15pm

JH Girls BB at BGM, 4:15pm Varsity BB at Cedar Valley Christian, 6pm

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Student Council Blood Drive, 2:30-6:30pm

Wrestling Meet at Sigourney, 6pm 3-6th Music Program, 6:30pm

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JH Girls BB at Sigourney, 4:15pm

Wrestling Meet at HLV, 6pm

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JH Girls BB vs TriCounty, 4:15pm Varsity BB vs Iowa Valley, 6pm Wrestling Tourney at BGM, 6pm

JH Wrestling at PCM, 4:15pm

Early Dismissal, 1pm

Wrestling Tourney at Wapello, 10am

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Booster Club Can Drive at Cox’s Sanitation, 8am-12pm Wrestling Tourney at Tri-County, 10am

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JV G BB at Wburg, 6pm

JH Girls BB at Tri-County, 4:15pm

JV Wrestling Tourney at EV, 10am

Little Bear Wrestling Tourney, 5 p.m.

JV/V Girls BB at Lisbon, 4 p.m.

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School Board Meeting, 6:30pm

Varsity BB at IMS, 7pm

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Early Dismissal, 1pm

JV/V BB at North Mahaska, 6pm

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Varsity BB vs Keota, 6pm

Wrestling Meet at Wburg, 5pm

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JV/V BB vs Colfax Mingo, 6pm

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November 2016 S M T W Th F 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 10 11 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 27 28 29 30

Printable Calendars by Vertex42.com

Wrestling at 2 JH 3 Montezuma,

Varsity BB at Belle Plaine, 6pm

JV BB at Iowa Valley, 6pm

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JH/HS Music Program, 6:30pm

JH Girls BB at Keota, 4:15pm

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January 2017 M T W Th F 2 3 4 5 6 9 10 11 12 13 16 17 18 19 20 23 24 25 26 27 30 31

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http://www.vertex42.com/calendars/printable-calendars.html

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Notes:

EV News 15 © 2013 Vertex42 LLC. Free to print.

English Valleys Community Schools PO Box 490, North English, Iowa 52316

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North English, IA 52316 Permit No. 2

Student Support Program ... Here for You It’s hard to admit that we need assistance. Maybe we feel we can still pull through with more time or by working just a little harder. And, sometimes, it means getting a little extra help. That extra is here for you in the form of the Student Support Program. The program at the Junior/Senior High School is offered from 2nd period through 7th period all five days during the school week. Some students come in and out as needed and some students set up a regular schedule of attendance. We start off by getting to know your child and determining what it is they are truly hoping to achieve. From there we move on to working on the subjects for which the student is most in need of assistance. Individual and group projects and organization are also addressed. The teacher’s support to this program is essential and outstanding - most coming in on a moment’s notice to answer questions and get students working and performing. The biggest roadblock is students seeking out assistance and their fear of the appearance of not “looking smart” if they need help. All of us, as parents and teachers, can give them the encouragement to ask for direction and help. Knowing when to ask for assistance is a skill in itself. It does not have to be a permanent commitment but just a boost to get students back on track. If you want your daughter or son to receive that boost, please tell them to stop by and talk to Mrs. Francis or you can contact her via email. 16

EV News

Elementary Christmas Program (3rd-6th) Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m.

Elementary Christmas Program (Pk- 2nd): Monday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Junior High / High School Christmas Program: Thursday, Dec. 8 at 6:30 p.m.