District Teacher and Support Staff Member of the Year Announced
For the first time in history, the District honorees are from the same school. They will be honored at the Board of Education meeting Tuesday night, May 13th, at 6:30 p.m.
Teacher of the Year
Ann Dea, Media Specialist,
Woodrow Wilson Junior High School
Ann Dea, left, receives a standing ovation from her peers as she is surprised with the announcement Monday morning.
Nomination excerpt:
Ann Dea is professional, hard working, committed to excellence, forward thinking, student centered, results driven, and leader. These qualities only begin to describe the habits and traits Ann possess and utilizes to positively impact the love of reading for the students at Woodrow Wilson Junior High School.
Mrs. Dea has challenged students to increase their independent reading by developing a school wide program, called Woodrow Wilson Independent Reading, that sets a goal for students to read more books. Her efforts have almost doubled the percentage of students reading. She takes the lead in preparing student certificates, recognition assembles, and she displays the name of every student who has read 6 or more books.
Every Wednesday during the summer Mrs. Dea opens the Woodrow Wilson Library for our students for four hours for Summer Reading Rocks. During that time students can earn rewards and prizes for books read during the summer.
In th Reel to Reel after school club, Mrs. Dea assists students in creating story boards, using digital cameras and editing software, developing informative short movies on topics like bullying, as well as interviewing professionals in the media field such as local TV news people.
Th Pizza and Pages program is designed for students and their parents/guardians. The program utilizes a “Literature Circle” format. The parent and student will choose a book form several available to take home. Parents and their student read their book together and discuss it informally with their group based on book choice they have in common.
These are only a few of the clubs and activities that Mrs. Dea has initiated to assist our students and to improve their love for reading.
Ann is also an active member of the Wilson Leadership Team and has attended numerous conferences and workshops to improve her own personal practice and assist our staff in addressing the needs of students.
Support Staff Member of the Year
Lyle Cain, Head Custodian,
Woodrow Wilson Junior High School
Superintendent Martha Bruckner shares why Lyle Cain was selected as Support Staff Member of the Year.
Nomination excerpt:
Lyle Cain has been the head custodian at Woodrow Wilson Junior High for the past 5 of years. During that time he has not only maintained the “new” appearance of the building’s 1998 renovation, he has enhanced the appearance of the building. Lyle has achieved this accomplishment through his great work ethic, pride in his work, leadership of his staff, and willingness to go the extra mile to make whatever the task is not only happen but be something he and our staff can be proud to see.
Lyle’s contributions to Wilson go far beyond the products of his labors. He is the model professional behavior for all staff through his patient and positive interactions with students, staff, and the public. It is very common to hear positive comments from visitors to our building about the appearance of the building and if they have interactions with the custodial staff to comment on how cooperative they were in meeting their needs while at Wilson.
His passion for the community is supported in his involvement in the Westend Optimist Club, service on the Westfair Board and passionate support our local troops.
The impact of his leadership and work is one of the single biggest reasons that Woodrow Wilson Junior High is considered by many to be among the cleanest, best maintained, friendliest buildings in the Council Bluffs Community School District.
Bloomer Educator Earns Grant for Summer Study
Bloomer Challenge Center teacher Gail Kenkel was awarded two National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) history grants for summer study. Two 5-day summer programs in New York will include the topis of "Immigration, Religion, and Culture on New York's Lower East Side" and "FDR and the World Crisis, 1933 to 1945." It takes place at Hyde Park, New York, FDR's birthplace. She will utilize the information from the coursework with her students.
A.L. Student Wins Top Honors in Poetry Competition
Abraham Lincoln student Angie Miller received first place honors out of 60 entries at the Midland Lutheran College poetry workshop and poetry contest. The judge was Midlands' poet-in-residence, Marjorie Saiser, a published poet who also taught the workshop. She received an award and recognition at the workshop, and her poem is featured on the Midland Lutheran College website.
Her Poem:
"Emaciated Life Map"
by Angela Miller
“I tried to get in jail the other day!”
It came from brown, worn pants
And a coat that we gave him
“They sent me right back where I started!”
Yet another cage
Brick, metal, sidewalk,stone
Like the cells of all the business men
Computer screens like prison bars
Only with a lunch break
“Savor your freedom”
I say to the wind-blown face
Wondering, goalless through cities
And highways like mazes encircling the lost
“Sign right here! You’ll get money back!”
A man pays his taxes
Through another advertised from a billboard
Screaming, “Let me show you the way!!”
“I been sleepin in the park three days now”
He goes back to his bed
Mattress of wooden planks, blankets of newspaper
“Can I just have a dime?”
He begs to watch-checker briefcase man
Searching for a place to buy lunch
“I have nothing to give you”
He’s right
Just a block of skyscrapers
Full of microwave meals
T.J. Students Featured in Community Concert
The Thomas Jefferson High School Choir, under the direction of Travis Walker, was featured in the "World Music Celebration II" presented by the Omaha Symphonic Chorus on April 25th at the Iowa Western Community College Arts Center. The concert also featured the Iowa Western Community College Concert Choir and the St. Albert High School Choir.
Thomas Jefferson Chamber Orchestra Earns Top Honors at State Festival
The Thomas Jefferson High School Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of instructor Brenda Copeland, received a Division I "Superior" rating and the coveted "Best At Center" recognition at the recent State Solo/Ensemble Festival. This is an honor reserved for only one group or soloist at the annual competition. This year marks the 7th consecutive year the Chamber Orchestra from T.J. has received a Division I rating, but this is the first time it has received the "Best At Center" honor.
The Chamber Orchestra is composed of twelve students: Violin 1: Jeff Livengood, Brianne Arnold, Lacey Bray, and Amber McKeeman; Violin 2: Alyssa Brock, Jessica Wendt, Cassie Schupp; Viola: Jeff Harris and Max Boettger; Cello: Chris Keefer and Sam Emerine; and Bass: Josh Jones
Thomas Jefferson Music Students Earn Superior and Excellent Ratings at State
Thomas Jefferson music students earned superior ratings at the recent State Solo/Ensemble Festival. Earning "Superior" ratings were the T.J. Chamber Choir, under the direction of Travis Walker, as well as instrumental soloists Kevin Von Kampen and Jeff Harris and vocal soloists Jazzi Johnson, Andrea Bentzinger; Rosa Marie Walkingstick, Darci Goldsberry, Brad Chapin, Ndzi Taute.
"Excellent" ratings were earned by The T.J. Madrigal as well as instrumental soloists Lacey Bray and Chris Keefer and vocal soloists Rusty Sutton, Stormie Hillers, Ashly Johnson and Stephanie Bryen.
The State Solo/Ensemble Contest includes choirs and bands as well as the orchestra. All participating students are to be congratulated.
Thomas Jefferson Announces April PRIDE Recipients
Craig Larsen and Shawn Baker have been selected to receive the April TJ PRIDE Award. The PRIDE program rewards students for demonstrating achievements in the five areas of Participation, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Effort.
Hundreds Support Tee Jay Activities at 2nd Annual Jacket Backer Night
Jacket Backer committee members included students, parents and staff members.
Hoover Elementary Students Place in AEA 13/ Holmquist Math Day at Iowa Western
Ten Hoover Elementary students participated in AEA 13/Holmquist Sixth Grade Math Day on March 18th. John Cooper earned a second place finish and a trip to the State Math Day. Libby Burgher earned 14th place overall out of the 160 students from Southwest Iowa who participated in this event. Other Hoover participants included Shelby Knauss, Vicky Krohn, Alex Barrett, Sarah Bertrand, Felicia Roppe, Chelsea Eret, Emma Preston and Ember Groover. Doug Johnson is the Hoover Challenge Center math teacher.
Students Libby Burgher and John Cooper earn honors at Math Day.
Hoover 1st Grader's Artwork Featured on Billboard
Hoover first grader Blair Caskey's artwork is larger than life! Her artwork is currently featured on the Joslyn Art Museum Association's (JAMA) Youth Art Month billboard on Broadway at 21st Street in Council Bluffs.
Blair Caskey and art teacher Pat Stevens at Hooover.
Blair's artwork was selected from more than 200 pieces submitted to JAMA from Southwest Iowa for this year's contest. All of the artwork can also be seen on display as part the Youth Art Month exhibit at the Council Bluffs Public Library through mid-April.
Thomas Jefferson Students Earn First-Ever "PRIDE" Awards
Four students have been awarded the first-ever TJ PRIDE Awards. PRIDE is new program at TJ to reward students for demonstrating achievements in the five areas of Participation, Respect, Integrity, Dedication and Effort.
Honorees Jeannine Hess, Danielle Renshaw, Erica Christensen and Ai-Hsien Alice Lee.
Jefferson Show Choirs Place at Competition
The hard work and dedication paid off for the members of the Thomas Jefferson Show Choirs at the recent Viking Cup Show Choir invitational. Thomas Jefferson's "2nd Edition" received 3rd place in the Prep division. "Jefferson Edition" receive 4th place in the Varsity division and advanced to finals for the first time in Thomas Jefferson's show choir history at this invitational. Choir Director Travis Walker notes the leadership and hard work from Senior members: Brad Chapin, Stormie Hillers, Heidi Moosmeir, Heather Mace and Rusty Sutton.
Earlier, the Thomas Jefferson's Jazz Choir, "Jefferson Jazz", received 2nd Place in their Jazz choir competition at the Lewis Central Show Choir invitational.
All-City Orchestra
Students share their talents at the All-City Orchestra Event March 6th at the MidAmerica Center. Orchestra teacher James Giles was among the conductors for the event.
"Foo Fighters" Donate Music Scholarship to Wilson Student
Wilson Junior High student Nick Taylor received the first annual Mid-America Center $500 “Get Your Rock On” scholarship dedicated to a deserving metro area music student. The Grammy® Award winning Foo Fighters donated $500 to the initial cause. The scholarship was presented to Nick prior to Thursday night’s sold out concert at the Mid-America Center by MAC General Manager Charles Schilling.
Taylor, a 14-year old string bass player, sits principal bass in the school’s orchestra. He is a member of the All-City Orchestra, the Omaha Area Youth Orchestra and his school’s Jazz Band, where he was named Musician of the Year. “I don’t know of a more deserving young man and his family for this honor,” said Wilson orchestra director James Giles.
A.L. Jazz Bands Earn Top Ratings at Contests
The ALHS Jazz Bands under the direction of Terry Hanzlik, PhD, have recently completed the first half of their jazz band competition season.
At the Iowa High School Music Association State Jazz Band contest, Jazz Band I received its 9th consecutive Division 1 rating in a row. The band received three "one" ratings from all three performance judges and they also received a Division 1 in sight reading.
ALHS Jazz Band II received a Division II rating at the Iowa High School Music Association State Contest. They received a Division I from 1 judge and Division II from two judges. They also received a Division I from the sight reading judge.
Both bands also participated in the Southwest Iowa Bandmasters District Jazz Band Contest at Iowa Western Community College in Council Bluffs on February 26. ALHS Jazz Band I won 1st place in Class 4A in the district contest for the 8th consecutive year. Jazz Band II received 3rd place in Class 4A for the 2nd consecutive year.
Jordan Fry, drummer, was voted by the judges as the outstanding jazz musician for Class 4A at the competition.
A.L. Jazz Band Performs at Girls State Basketball Tournament
The Abraham Lincoln High School Jazz Band I and II, under the direction of Terry Hanzlik, PhD, performed at the state girls basketball tournament Saturday, March 1st. The band was invited by the Iowa High School Athletic Association to perform at the Class 3A and Class 4A games based on their fine performances at other basketball games.
Students in the jazz band include: Tessa Brow, Ali Abshier, Allison Goldapp, Krystin Albertus, Brianna Myre, Wyatt Seals, Patrick Peters,
Jordan Zimmerman, Adam Rutledge, Sara Peters, Shantel Turner, Zoe
Petersen, Jordan Fry, Matt Dickinson, Ashley Cross, Conner Snyder,
Luke Thallas, Emily Waugh, Emily Mintle, Jordan Kinney, Hannah
Zimmerman, Jordan Stanley, Taylor Matuzeski, Zach Williamson, Alex
Cleaveland.
Lynx Wrestlers Compete at State Tournament
Congratulations to the four Abraham Lincoln HS athletes who competed at the State wresting tournament!. Junior Luke Harm placed 8th in the State!
Front Row: Senior Brian Sievers (41 wins-4 losses during the season) and Senior Charles Bell (31-9) Back row: Sophomore Jake Harris (33-10) and Junior Luke Harm (29-8).
Longfellow Teachers Chosen to Receive Iowa Space Grant
Longfellow teachers Chris Boldt (Talented and Gifted strategist) and Barb Schmid (1st grade teacher) have been selected to participate in the Iowa Space Grant Consortium. This program is partnered between NASA and I.S.G.C. This program will provide the teachers the opportunity to attend a workshop at Florida’s Kennedy Space Center this summer to tour the facilities, interact with NASA scientists and engineers and potentially view the Shuttle Launch.
The teachers will then share their experiences with Longfellow students and with colleagues across the district.
A.L.'s Tessa Brow and Jonathan Prosser Named Candidates for the 2008 Presidential Scholars Program!
Abraham Lincoln High School seniors Tessa Brow and Jonathan Prosser have been named candidates in the 2008 Presidential Scholars Program. Semi-finalists and finalists will be named in April and May.According to the U.S. Department of Education, this is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities.
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