School Board Presentation and Overview
Last night, Superintendent Risner and District leaders presented an overview of the District’s Return to Learn (RTL) plan that is due to the Iowa Department of Education on July 1. The multi-faceted plan includes contingencies for the following conditions: On-Site Delivery – A full return of students and staff to school buildings. This delivery model will be done in buildings with face to face delivery of instruction for all students given application of mitigation steps described in the plan. Required Continuous Learning – This delivery model will be done via remote learning, either online or packet-based, in the event that schools remain closed due to the pandemic. Opportunities to interact with staff and students would occur virtually. Hybrid 1 Learning (state-mandated) – This delivery model will be done by alternating students between on-site and remote learning. Using appropriate mitigation steps while on-site, most students will attend school 2 days per week and engage in remote learning each week on other days. This model would be used if the state-mandated that schools operate at 50% capacity, for example. Hybrid 2 Learning (family choice) – This delivery model will closely mirror the on-site model for most students. However, some families may choose to have children remain in a required continuous learning model for personal safety reasons.
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Panorama School Climate Survey Results 2020
In March of 2020, the Ames Community School District surveyed students, staff, and families using the Panorama Culture and Climate Survey. The survey included questions around social and emotional learning, school satisfaction, and staff and family engagement, among others. New to this year’s student 6-12 survey were questions related to equity and inclusion. The purpose of the survey is to gather perception data from key stakeholders as a way to set and continue the evaluation of specific goal areas around the District’s Purpose and Priorities.
Read moreDepartment of Education Releases Reopening Guidance
Within the past week, we have received competing recommendations from two entities that we look to for guidance. Today, the Iowa Department of Education (DE) released guidance for reopening schools. Within that guidance, the DE cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that schools do not need to screen students and staff upon entering the building. They also said that requiring face coverings for all staff and students is not recommended.
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Jessica Sharp named as new Edwards Elementary Principal
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Jessica Sharp as the new principal of Edwards Elementary School. Sharp is currently a Behavior Strategist in the Ames Community School District, a position she has held since 2019. In this position, she provided support across the District in the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support and oversaw the District’s Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
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Book Giveaway Initiatives with Community Partners
The ability for Ames Community School District students to have high-quality reading materials in their homes was an early concern in the COVID-19 school closure period. To meet student’s needs for reading materials, critical for continued learning, elementary staff in each building set to work. Two separate book giveaway initiatives helped students and families get books into their home.
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Baseball and Softball Begin Practice June 1
Last week, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds announced that high school summer athletic baseball and softball seasons may begin with practices starting June 1st. Both the IGHSAU Board of Directors and IHSAA Board of Control voted to approve resuming the 2020 summer seasons under Iowa Department of Education guidelines.
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Harrison and Brittany Barnes Donate for Upgrades to Ames High Gymnasium
Harrison Barnes’ legacy extends far beyond basketball as he continues to make an everlasting impact in the Ames community and youth through his Harrison and Brittany Barnes Community Fund. His most recent donation is giving back to the high school that began his basketball career. Harrison and his wife Brittany approached the Ames Community School District about donating funds for upgrades to the competition gymnasium in the new high school. The upgrades include adding student bleachers, adding a video board, upgrading the scoreboard to include player stats, lighting enhancements, and adding floor mounted “NBA” baskets. The school board approved the acceptance of the donation on May 18, 2020.
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Ames High Pride in Haiti
Senior Kerlande Mompremier is finishing her Ames High School career and fulfilling her continuous learning requirement from the island of Haiti. Over spring break, Mompremier traveled to Haiti to visit family and made the decision to remain there after schools in Iowa closed. She now works on her classes remotely and is giving back to the community through her volunteering and tutoring efforts.
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Kristi Mixdorf named as new Director of Teaching and Learning
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Kristi Mixdorf as the new Director of Teaching and Learning. She is currently the principal of Edwards Elementary School, a position she has held since 2018. Mixdorf has 20 years of experience in education as both a leader and a teacher. Prior to her position at Edwards Elementary, Mixdorf served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the North Polk Community School District. Her previous experience included being an Instructional Coach in Ankeny, and a classroom teacher in both the Ankeny and Des Moines School Districts.
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Food Drive / Student Support Fund
Since school closure, it has been our goal to find numerous ways to help families with food insecurities alleviate that stress in their lives. The Grab & Go Meals through the summer food program have provided thousands of meals a week to students, and we have supplemented that by collaborating with the Food Bank of Iowa. As food supplies around the state and from the Food Bank of Iowa decline due to high demand, we are wanting to continue to ensure that food boxes are going to those families who are in need. We have received numerous requests from community members asking how they can contribute and support our students. As a result, the Ames Community School District is providing several ways to help in our drive to ensure that no family goes without food.
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