EV

january 2015

English Valleys Community School District

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

New Year’s Resolutions

We hope that you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a wonderful 2016. We hope that all your New Year’s Resolutions come true!

ENGLISH VALLEYS SCHOOL NEWSLETTER

The time has come for us all to make New Year’s Resolutions for 2016. Many 4th grade students weren’t exactly sure what a New Year’s Resolution was, but came to find out that it’s a time to reflect on our previous year and set goals to improve for the year to come. The students in Mrs. Blythe and Mr. Kingland’s classes decided on their 2016 resolutions and would like to share them with you! Ty Ayers would like to study more to earn better grades. William Funk wants to make an effort to spend more time with his family. Ada Mews is going to give up time on electronics to read more after school. Tyler George wants to help his parents more around the house. Brandon Randall will improve in science by looking back at his notes. Mallory Aossey will practice for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for her sports. Jonathyn Downing will make an effort to let his cats sleep with him more. Braeden Murphy will listen to his mom the first time she asks him to do something. Myles Grove isn’t going to fight with his brothers as much. Landen Montross will practice basketball after school. Delaney Hall is going to try not to fight with Kaden so much. Brody Koehn is going to work with his calf often for his first year showing in 4-H. Jerica Roberts wants to keep making new friends at her new school. Kenzie Sanders is going to practice basketball with her mom each night. Emily Allison is going to read more outside of school. Libby Armstrong will practice her sports in her free time. Keegan Walker will spend more time with his sister by playing video games. Keegan Burdick will try and help others at school. Mia Russell would like to spend more time with her siblings. Addison Troyer is going to work on volleyball. Imigyn Stratton will practice writing songs. Halie Conrad is going to read for 30 minutes or more, once a week. William Hoylman is going try and be the best friend he can be. Ricky Heasty will read more chapter books. Ashlee Ealy is going to create new friendships. Jaidyn Rugg is going to spend more time reading at home. Jacob Straka will help his dad with chores around the house. AJ Bruns is going to practice basketball. Kennedy Axmear will read more at home. Mikayla Wullner wants to keep making new friends. Eli Marsh has a goal to read 20 books in 2016. Ethan Garrett will read a little every night. Hannah Grimm is going to keep making new friends. EV News

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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 Alan Ackerman Vice President Terri Riegel Duane Allen Andrew Axmear Tammy Stanerson

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EV News

We are English Valleys! by Donita Joens, English Valleys CSD Superintendent

ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Replaces NCLB (No Child Left Behind)

If one remains in education long enough, you will see cycles. Our nation is at the advent of a new cycle called ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act); President Obama signed it on Dec. 10, 2015. ESSA will allow for more local control, allowing the state of Iowa to use new measures to track student achievement. Accountability and authority has now been put into the hands of the states again, allowing districts to focus on improvement. ESSA will replace NCLB (No Child Left Behind), which has been in place since 2001. Although the philosophy of achieving 100 percent proficiency in math and reading in every district in the nation was an admirable goal, it was unrealistic and states did not adhere to the same achievement levels of proficiency. Also, there were high-stakes pressures for staff members to prep students for taking state assessments. The emotional roller coaster under NCLB left most staff members feeling like they were failures. Being able to focus on improvements will allow for greater flexibility, more local control, and time spent with students rather than prepping for tests. ESSA will create a balance between being accountable and building relationships with students. One timely change in Iowa that will measure student success is through a state report card that the Department of Education is rolling out this month. The report card, known as the Attendance Center Rankings, will use nine measuring tools to rank schools. A few of the areas reviewed are graduation rates, attendance, and employee turnover rates. While this means of comparison is still under debate, it helps move schools towards high quality by looking at diverse profile data as opposed to test performance alone as NCLB did.

Lesson #4 on School FinanceUAB (Unspent Authorized Budget)

The two most important key measures of the financial health of a school district are enrollment trends and UAB, unspent authorized budget, or more commonly known as spending authority. UAB is the amount of maximum spending authority left at the end of the year after deducting the general fund expenditures incurred during the year. By law, a school district cannot have a negative UAB. If this occurs, a two-year workout plan must be made with the SBRC, School Budget Review Committee, at the Iowa Department of Education. Methods of raising spending authority include: increasing enrollment, increasing miscellaneous income, decreasing district expenditures, and raising allowable growth. If a district has an ample amount of cash but limited spending authority, it cannot spend the cash that it has.

Continued on pages 4-5

Welcome to the

EV

News

The English Valleys Newsletter - Issue 226 - 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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We are English Valleys cont. ... by Superintendent Donita Joens English Valleys Community School District has leveled off with its enrollment trends. However, the UAB is declining as observed from the trend lines found below. It is still within a healthy range even though we are not as healthy with our cash funds. With the state settling at 1.25 percent last year for SSA (Supplemental State Aid) and little/no cuts in staffing or supplies over the past few years, it is causing concern when one looks at trend data. The method of doing business will force us to become more frugal than in past years. We will be working to level off the declining UAB and cash resources that have occurred over the past few years, a goal which is achievable with the help of our school community. By working together, we will increase our financial health because “We are English Valleys!”

MidWestOne Bank Donation Thanks to MidWestOne Bank for donating their time in working at the concession stand for Homecoming as well as donating 275 bags of popcorn to patrons. These donations are greatly appreciated!

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EV News

We are English Valleys cont. ... Christmas edition by Superintendent Donita Joens

Weight Room Renovation

Thanks to the efforts of coach Mike Gerard, our weight room will be getting a “facelift” over the next few weeks. Mike has worked closely with activities director, Al Ling, in designing the weight room for greater mobility, purpose, and student success. Coach Gerard will be building four new workout stations, refurbishing current racks and equipment, and purchasing some new weights. We greatly appreciate Coach Gerard’s enthusiasm and work in helping our students accomplish their goals, skill levels, and facilities. Go Bears!

Winter Holiday Cheer EV News

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Comparing a Week of Learning in the Traditional System and the SBG System By Steve Hester I was working outside the other day and a mysterious stain appeared on my shirt, “How do I get this stain out of my shirt? I bet I can find a way if I Google it!” and sure enough, I did. A student was given a homework assignment on predicting products of a chemical reaction in my class, “What are the products for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide? I bet I can do a Google search for the answer!” and sure enough, they did. Technology has completely changed our personal lives and the lives of our students in the school setting. Answers to problems are only 0.015 seconds away on Google. If I need more of a tutorial on how to fix things at home I use You Tube. Students do the same thing with problems given to them for homework. As a teacher, I believe Standards Based Grading (SBG) is the best way to address this change. I am going to present scenarios below that compare the traditional way of grading to the SBG method now being used at English Valleys.

A Week of Chemical Reactions Traditional System Monday – A lecture about types of chemical reactions is presented and each student is given a worksheet to identify reactions. The student takes notes and does the first problem in class to make sure they can do it. The student gets the worksheet out at home after practice and dinner to complete before school Tuesday. The first one is easy and then it becomes more difficult. The student has a club meeting in the morning and can’t see the teacher before class. Option 1: complete only 2 out of 20 for a 10% F on the worksheet or Google the rest of the answers for a 20 out of 20 for a 100% A+. Google wins and the student thinks they win. Tuesday – A lab is done on chemical reactions after handing the worksheet in for its grade. A summary of the lab is due on Wednesday and the teacher helps the student understand the one reaction. Teacher wins and the student wins. Wednesday – The teacher presents some examples on the board and a lengthy worksheet for practice is given to each student. There are only ten minutes of class left. The student is able to complete reactions like the lab one and still has a hard time with the others. The worksheet is taken home to complete that night. Again, some of the reactions are difficult to complete. Does the student risk a 40% F grade for a partially completed homework assignment, or let Google help out. Google wins and the student records a 30 out of 30 for a 100% A+ on the homework for another student win, right? Thursday – Homework is handed in to record as a grade. A test is given over chemical reactions. The student is able to answer some of the questions but struggles to record a 75% C on the test. The student and parent say the student does not test well. The teacher sees perfect homework and poor test scores.

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The teacher must focus on testing methods and how to prepare for tests with the students because of their perfect homework scores. They must know the material and not know how to test. The student grade for the week is totaled up. Homework is a 100% at 50 out of 50. The test is 75%. For the week, the average is 125 out of 150 for a B. What do we know about what the student understands? A grade of a B is above average and good in the traditional system. Is this grade based on what Google knows or what the student understands? What should the teacher focus on besides how to prepare for and take test? Friday – The teacher moves forward in the curriculum because they must to cover all the concepts that would be on a state-mandated standard assessment. This time the teacher will also present content on how to take tests. The student is still struggling on the reactions but must move on to the new concepts being presented. The student takes notes and is given a homework assignment from the book. This part of the curriculum assumes the student is proficient in chemical reaction identification. Proficient meaning the student understands the concept well enough to answer questions with just minor errors. The student falls further behind because they don’t understand the material from the previous units. Still, they must complete the homework. Once again, Google is the friend of this student. They complete it for a 100%. They also helped out their friend in the morning who did not have enough time to find answers to the homework by letting them copy down the last five answers. The cycle continues and the student asks for extra credit to get their grade up to a B+ or A-. What do we know about what the student understands? Does this system really work?

SBG System Monday – A lecture about types of chemical reactions is presented and each student is given a few practice problems to complete in class with the teacher and their peers. The student takes notes – and works on reactions in the classroom with periodic help from the teacher and other students in their group. The problems are not graded so there is no reason to copy the assignment or use Google for answers. The best way to get help is from the people in the room. The teacher and student win. Tuesday – A lab is done on chemical reactions modeled after the limited practice problems from Monday. A summary of the lab is due on Wednesday and the teacher helps the student understand the one reaction. Teacher wins and the student can understand the reactions even more. Wednesday – The teacher presents some examples on the board and then presents a few practice problems for the students to complete in class. The teacher reviews the lab summary of students at this time as a formative assessment to direct their own teaching methods to students that need more help. This time the teacher encourages the students to complete the problems on their own. The teacher helps students who still struggle and encourages students who understand the concept. The problems are not graded so there is no reason to use Google or copy answers. The teacher and student win. Thursday – A first assessment on reactions is given to the students. Some students do well and some struggle. The assessment is handed in and the teacher grades it and gives it back. The student is given an SBG grade on a scale of 0 to 4. Students who were not there

or did not fill in an answer received a 0, students who could not complete any part of the assessment without the teacher guiding them received a 1, students who were able to complete basic portions of the assessment but still had gaps in understanding the concept received a 2, students who got the basic ideas in the assessment but still had minor errors (or proficient students) received a 3, and the students who completely understood the concept – and were able to apply the concept to an unpredictable real world problem received a 4. The teacher and student win because the student can reassess and the teacher can see what the students know and where they are deficient. Friday – The teacher is able to identify individual and class weaknesses in subject matter that was taught. The teacher now addresses those weaknesses and reteaches the material in a different way. The teacher will reassess students next week after more practice and classroom work. The teacher wants to make sure each student understands the material before they move on. When students reassess the teacher will overwrite the prior standard grade to show their current level of understanding. If an individual student is still struggling after that assessment, they can reassess on his or her own with the teacher during guided study time (after they have competed more practice on the concept). The cycle continues and the student continues to learn and improve on their SBG grade. What do we know about what the student understands? The teacher and student both know exactly where their weaknesses are and what needs to be done to improve. What is their grade? I would rephrase that question as “What is their current level of understanding?”

Using the example presented above, you can see why teachers are excited about this new approach to assessing and teaching a student. As a teacher, I no longer hear students or parents talk about poor testing by the student. I get real time feedback from doing homework in class. Students know they can keep trying and learning until they can show they understand the concept. Scores are still dependent on student work in the classroom and how much they prepare outside of class for assessments. We are doing our best at English Valleys to make sure SBG is done well within our walls. Other schools that started SBG before us are already noticing the work that is being done by our staff. The handbook we have created and the practices we have implemented in our classrooms are steps towards creating an atmosphere of learning and collaboration in school. I am excited about our academic future at English Valleys with our implementation of SBG practices. Henry Ford has a quote that summarizes my belief in this process to a T (no pun intended)… Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.

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PBIS Winners At English Valleys Elementary, we are a PBIS school. PBIS means Positive Behavior Instructional Supports. With PBIS, students are taught common area expectations along with classroom expectations. All areas have four common themes. These themes are responsible, respectful, successful, and safe.

For the month of October, we focused on being responsible. Teachers looked for students being responsible all month long. At the end of the month, the most responsible student from each class was honored with a Responsible Award at our monthly assembly.

In November, the focus for the whole school was Respectful. Like the month of October, teachers were looking for the student that was the most Respectful throughout the whole month. Teachers were observing students’ actions and behaviors daily to help them decide who deserved this award.

Look in next month’s newsletter to see who was selected from each class for being the most successful and which class earns the Golden Lunch Tray for the month of December. 8

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Starting in the month of October was the Golden Lunch Tray. The Golden Lunch Tray was awarded to the class that followed the lunchroom expectations the best and most for the month of October. Each day every class has an opportunity to be awarded a Golden Spoon for their behavior in the lunchroom. Jane, the cooks, and Mrs. Andreassen are the awarders of the spoons. At the end of the month, the class with the most spoons is award the Golden Lunch Tray for the next month. For the month of October, there was a twoway tie for the winner of the Golden Lunch Tray. The tie was between the two third grade classes. Mrs. Hester’s class (top) and Miss Holm’s class (bottom) shared the honor of winning the Golden Lunch Tray for the month of October.

The traveling Golden Lunch Tray trophy moved in the month of November. The class that earned the most Golden Spoons for the month of November by having the best behavior in the lunchroom was Mrs. Jones’ kindergarten class. They will have the Golden Lunch Tray for the whole month of December.

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January 2016

Breakfast: $1.60 daily

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

Breakfast

Monday

Jan 4-8 Breakfast

Pancake on a stick, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Waffles w/syrup, Fruit Juice, Milk

Biscuit & gravy, Fruit Juice, Milk

Breakfast casserole, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 495 ; Sodium - 540; % of calories from saturated fat -4.1%

Monday

Jan 11-15 Breakfast

Yogurt, blueberry muffin, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Fruit yogurt parfait w/granola, Fruit Juice, Milk

Breakfast sandwich, Fruit Juice, Milk

Bagel w/toppings, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 488; Sodium - 538; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.7%

Monday

Jan 18-22 Breakfast

NO SCHOOL

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

French toast, Fruit Juice, Milk

Biscuit & gravy, Fruit Juice, Milk

Waffles w/syrup, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 485; Sodium - 540; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.1%

Monday

Jan 25-29 Breakfast

Breakfast casserole, Fruit Juice, Milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Breakfast sandwich, Fruit Juice, Milk

Yogurt, oatmeal breakfast round, Fruit Juice, Milk

Cinnamon roll, Fruit Juice, Milk

Friday

Breakfast pizza, Fruit Juice, Milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES (K-12): Calories - 495; Sodium - 540; % of calories from saturated fat - 4.1%

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.

Remember to visit the Elementary Library web page at

http://www.evbears.com/library.html for educational links & library news! 10

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January 2016

Lunch:

P - 6 $2.30 daily 7 - 12 $2.40 daily Milk/juice = 35¢ Milk, fresh fruit and vegetables served daily

Lunch

Jan 4-8 Lunch

Monday Pig in a blanket, Ranch wedges, broccoli w/cheese, peaches, pineapple, milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Chicken & noodles, whole wheat roll & honey (6-12), mashed potatoes, fresh carrots, mixed fruit, milk

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

Jan 11-15 Lunch

Monday Mini meatball sub, potato chunks, tossed salad, peaches, orange slices, milk

Lunch

NO SCHOOL

Lunch

Cheesy breadsticks w/marinara sauce, corn, tossed salad, strawberries, peaches, milk

Soft shell taco, refried beans, cinnamon puff (6-12), apple slices, mandarin oranges, milk

Taco soup, tortilla chips & salsa, fresh broccoli, strawberry gelatin, banana, milk

Cheese pizza (P-6), fresh veggies, pineapple, mixed fruit, baked potato bar (7-12), milk

Chicken nuggets, whole wheat roll & jelly, potatoes/gravy, tossed salad, pears, pineapple, milk

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 650 Grades 6-8: Calories - 685 Grades 9-12: Calories - 801

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 8.5% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 8.3% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.9%

Creamed chicken w/veggies over whole wheat biscuit, tossed salad, pears, mixed fruit, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1070 Sodium (mg) - 1083 Sodium (mg) - 1145

Friday

Macaroni & cheese, meatballs, whole wheat bread & jelly, baby carrots, green beans, apples slices, milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Super nachos, refried beans, peas, mixed fruit, peaches, milk

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%

Chili, tortilla chips (9-12), pepper strips, pineapple, peaches, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1124 Sodium (mg) - 1148 Sodium (mg) - 1222

Friday

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 8.2% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.8% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 7.4%

Biscuits & gravy, sausage patty (6-12), peas, hash browns, mixed fruit, apple slices, milk

Sodium (mg) - 1078 Sodium (mg) - 1107 Sodium (mg) - 1302

Hamburger w/bun, lettuce, tomato, oven fries, peaches, mixed fruit, milk

Monday

Spaghetti w/meat sauce, garlic bread, garden salad, green beans, mandarin oranges, pears, milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 648 Grades 6-8: Calories - 671 Grades 9-12: Calories - 834

Jan 25-29

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

Pulled pork on a bun, baked beans, cole slaw, pears, peaches, milk

Monday

Chicken wrap, Spanish brown rice, lettuce, tomato, fresh veggies, tropical fruit, pears, oatmeal cookie (9-12), milk

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

WEEKLY NUTRIENT AVERAGES: Grades K-5: Calories - 640 Grades 6-8: Calories - 654 Grades 9-12: Calories - 839

Jan 18-22

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

Crispito, tortilla chips & salsa (9-12), fresh veggies, orange slices, pears, milk

Friday

Hot ham & cheese on whole wheat bun, green beans, apple slices, pineapple, milk

Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 9.4% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 9.2% Percentage of total calories from Sat. Fat - 9.2%

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.). EV News

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If I Were the Principal...

Ms. Jensen’s First Grade Class

Morgan Schultz: If I were the principal, I would have a party every year. I would get dirt bikes for the kids to ride at recess. Landon Van Dee: If I were the principal, I would let the kids go to lunch at the Malt Shop. Wyatt Grimm: If I were the principal, I would let the kids ride bucking broncos. Jack Osborn: If I were the principal, I would let the First to Sixth graders ride four wheelers in PE class and let them spray paint. Aubrey Morrow: If I were the principal, I would give the kids 10 extra days off of school. We would go to the beach. We would have fun. Vinny Westphal: If I were the principal, I would let kids run in the hall and have recess all afternoon. Kailor Lown: If I were the principal, I would give the kids presents. I would give them more food at lunch. I would give them more recess. Clara Karr: If I were the principal, the kids could party anywhere in the school. Miles Krebs: If I were the principal, you could run in the hallway and you could go outside whenever you want. You could do whatever you want to in PE. Zola Voss: If I were the principal, I could change the rules. We could have party’s everyday. We could have four days off. Alauna Ferry: If I were the principal we would not have school on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday, but we would have school on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday or Saturday. 12

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Jackson Overy: If I were the principal, I would let the kids go to fun parties. I would let the kids go to recess whenever they want. Mallory Koehn: If I were the principal, I would let the kids have a long recess. I would let them have a party and it would be fun. Wesley Ross: If I were the principal, I would let the kids have more Art class. Destiny Peterson: If I were the principal I would give all the kids presents. Connor Stutzman: If I were the principal I would have the PBIS drawings everyday. I would let the kids chew gum.

EV

WINTER SPORTS nglishalleys 2015-2016 Varsity Wrestling

Varsity Basketball

Jan 4 Jan 5 Jan 8 Jan 12 Jan 15 Jan 19 Jan 22 Jan 26 Jan 29 Feb 2 Feb 5 Feb 9 Feb 12

Moravia HLV - Quad Montezuma - Quad BGM Lynnville-Sully Tri-County Iowa Valley Sigourney Belle Plaine Keota Girls - TBA North Mahaska - Quad Boys - TBA

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

6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 TBD 6:00 TBD

Jan 5 Jan 9 Jan 12 Jan 14 Jan 16 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 23 Jan 28 Jan 30 Feb 6 Feb 13 Feb 18

Meet at Eddyville-Blakesburg 6:00 Tourney at Coon Rapids Bayard 10:00 Meet at Washington 6:00 Meet at Colfax-Mingo 6:00 Tourney at WACO 10:00 Meet at Wilton 6:00 Meet at English Valleys 6:00 Tourney at Alburnett 9:30 Meet at Burlington Notre Dame 6:30 SICL Tourney at Montezuma 10:00 Sectional Tourney at English Valleys TBD District Tourney at Pleasantville TBD State Tourney at Des Moines TBD

Junior Varsity Basketball Jan 5 HLV - Quad Jan 8 Montezuma - Quad Jan 12 BGM - Quad Jan 14 Keota Jan 16 Belle Plaine - Girls JV Tourney Jan 18 Colfax-Mingo Jan 26 Sigourney Jan 28 Iowa Valley Feb 1 Belle Plaine Feb 9 No Mahaska - Quad

Away Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Away

6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 TBD 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00

Junior High Girls Basketball Jan 5 Jan 7 Jan 11 Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 25 Jan 28

Lynnville-Sully HLV HLV Keota Iowa Valley Montezuma Tri-County Iowa Valley

Away Home Away Away Home Away Home Away

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

Junior High Boys Basketball

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

Jan 14 Jan 19 Jan 21 Jan 25 Jan 28 Jan 29 Feb 1 Feb 2 Feb 4 Feb 8 Feb 11 Feb 16

Keota Lynnville-Sully Montezuma Tri-County Iowa Valley BGM Tri-County Belle Plaine HLV Keota Sigourney Iowa Valley

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

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

13

English Valleys Community School District Alumni Fundraiser

$20.15 in 2015

Dear Alumni: The English Valleys Community School District proudly announces its first-ever fundraising campaign, “$20.15 in 2015.” I am very proud to be the new superintendent of the EVCSD and want to continue the supportive traditions of the district. Bear pride is easily observed and the facilities are top-notch. The school community has been inviting and supportive, focused on what is best for kids. There are a couple of reasons why we are reaching out to our Bear family alumni. Our school district has not made ends meet for our activities for many years. As a result, approximately $10,000/year has been transferred from the General Fund to support our activities fund. While our district is working to increase its cash fund, we are reaching out to our alumni to assist with our dilemma. Also, many of our Bear family members are struggling during these trying economic times. We want to ensure that every student who wants to participate in an extra-curricular activity has an opportunity to join and learn the lifelong lessons that come with being a part of something bigger than themselves. We want each student to know that the Bear “family” stands behind their dreams and not let financial hardships block anyone from joining an activity that they enjoy. Your donation will be used in a variety of ways such as • Helping students attend camps for athletics, music, speech, etc. • Purchasing uniforms • Buying equipment, supplies, and materials I hope you will consider making a donation of at least $20.15, but gifts of any amount will be greatly appreciated. 100% of your gift will go directly towards the activity accounts. If you have ever thought about giving back to the English Valleys Community School District by encouraging our students to “round out” their educational experiences, now is an opportune time. Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at our ball games, concerts, plays, etc. Your gift is tax-deductible, and we will publish the list of donors on our website (newly-designed in mid-January) and in our EV Bears newsletter. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact me at [email protected], 319-664-3634, or visit with me at the office in the elementary building. Go Bears! Sincerely, Donita Joens, EVCSD Superintendent

$20.15 in 2015

Please make check donations to “EVCSD,” and send to EVCSD Alumni Donation 211 South College Street North English, IA 52316 14

EV News

January 2016

English Valleys2016 Activities JANUARY Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

1

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

3

4

5

Varsity Basketball at Moravia, 6pm

JH Girls Basketball at L-S, 4pm

6

7

New Year's Day

8

JH Girls Basketball vs HLV, 4:15pm

JV/V Basketball Quad at HLV, 6pm

Friday

Saturday

2

9

JV/V Basketball Quad vs Monte, 6pm

Wrestling at Coon Rapids Bayard,10am

15

16

Wrestling at Eddyville, 6pm

10

11 JH Girls Basketball at HLV, 4:15pm

12

13

14

JV/V Basketball at BGM, 6pm

School Board Meeting, 6:30pm

Wrestling at Washington, 6pm

17

24

18

ML King Day

19

JV Basketball vs Keota, 6pm Wrestling at Colfax-Mingo, 6pm

JH BBB vs L-S, 4:15pm

20

21

JH Girls BB at Monte, 4:15pm

NO SCHOOL

JH GBB vs Iowa Valley, 4:15pm

JV Basketball vs Colfax-Mingo, 6pm

Varsity Basketball at Tri-County, 6pm

JH Boys BB vs Monte, 4:15pm

Wrestling at Wilton, 6pm

Wrestling at EV, 6pm

25

26

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

JV/V Basketball at Sigourney, 6pm

27

28

JH BBB vs Iowa Valley, 4:15pm

JH GBB at Iowa Valley, 4:15pm JV Basketball vs Iowa Valley, 6pm

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

31

JH Girls/Boys BB at Keota, 4:15pm

Wrestling at Burlington, 6pm December 2015 S

M

6 13 20 27

7 14 21 28

T 1 8 15 22 29

W 2 9 16 23 30

Th 3 10 17 24 31

F 4 11 18 25

February 2016 Sa 5 12 19 26

S 7 14 21 28

M 1 8 15 22 29

T 2 9 16 23

W 3 10 17 24

Th 4 11 18 25

F 5 12 19 26

Sa 6 13 20 27

End of First Quarter and First Semester

Wrestling at WACO,10am

Varsity Basketball vs L-S, 6pm

JV Girls Basketball at Belle Plaine, TBD

22

23

29

30

Varsity Basketball vs Iowa Valley, 6pm

JH Boys BB at BGM, 4:15pm

Wrestling at Alburnett

SICL Wrestling at Monte, 10am

Varsity Basketball at Belle Plaine, 6pm

Calendars by Vertex42.com http://www.vertex42.com/calendars/ © 2013 Vertex42 LLC. Free to print.

2016 Calendar

2017 Calendar

EV News

15

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

Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID

First Quarter 2015-16 Golden Grizzly Award Winners

North English, IA 52316 Permit No. 2

16

English Valleys Junior High “Golden Grizzly” Award winners include: Math Clara Mews; Science - Kaden Mohror; Social Studies - Tiah Howe, and English - Hannah Marsh.

Alexis Walden received the High School “Golden Grizzly” award for CTE Business and CTE- FCS.

High School “Golden Grizzly” Award winners include: Math - Isabel Schneider; Science - Shalyn Poe; Social Studies - Kaitlyn Kinzler; English - Samantha Clark; CTE - Industrial Arts - Zach Axmear; CTE - Agriculture - Isabella Fisher; Art - Dorothy Cook; Music - Isabella Fisher, and Spanish - Rebecca Phillips.

EV News