MMS trio selected National History Day alternates
Ellen Podhajsky, Hannah Stone, and Susie Pratt
Three Miller Middle School students were named National
History Day alternates at the state contest, placing them in a position to possibly represent Iowa at the national level.
The alternate team of Ellen Podhajsky, Hannah Stone, and Susie Pratt would travel to University of Maryland at College Park June 12-16 if the national qualifying team was unable to attend. Monday night the Board approved the out of state trip.
Lacinda Gillen, Miller Extended Learning Program teacher, said the girls worked tirelessly on research and writing to create a 10-minute presentation on the role of women in the Civil War. Monday night they performed the introduction for the Board.
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Board, MEA reach contract agreement
The Board approved a total package increase of 3 percent for the Marshalltown Education Association Monday night.
The package includes $190 on the BA base salary and a $500 one-time supplemental payment (from a Federal grant) for two added professional development days added to the 2011-2012 calendar.
Next year a new teacher will be paid a minimum salary of $34,261, a $221 increase over 2010-2011.
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Acceleration policy meets the needs of advanced students
Challenging high-achieving students with rigorous, engaging learning opportunities is the goal of an acceleration policy presented to the Board Monday night.
District Extended Learning Program teachers Susan Fritzell, Lacinda Gillen, Karen Roessler and Marcia Plett told the Board about the policy developed to create a standard practice for accelerating students showing advanced knowledge beyond their chronological grade level.
Acceleration can occur for an entire grade level or just for certain courses, the teachers said, and the policy will allow teachers and parents to come together to decide what is best for these students.
“All students need to be able to know and understand what it takes to accelerate,” said Lisa Glenn, director of special services.
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CPMI named Roundhouse Project Manager
CPMI of Des Moines will serve as project manager for the renovation, refurbishing and expansion of the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse.
CPMI was recommended by the Design Advisory Committee, which includes Board members and administration. The Committee said they talked to people who have worked with the company before and they received glowing reviews.
CPMI was project manager for the Carnegie Library project in downtown Marshalltown. The City and the sub-contractors who worked with CPMI on the project told Superintendent Marvin Wade they had a very positive experience.
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Welker awarded Miller security, life safety project
Welker Construction of Marshalltown will complete the security and life safety upgrades at Miller Middle School.
The project includes new security doors, frames and hardware; new hardware on existing doors and new emergency exit lighting and lighted exit signs.
The project will cost $35,795.
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MHS student heads to forensics nationals
Freshman Abby Snyder will represent Marshalltown High School at the National Forensics Tournament June 13-18, 2011, in Dallas, Texas.
Snyder earned the privilege Saturday, April 2, at the East Iowa Forensic District Tournament in Iowa City, where she was voted the top debater in the Legislative Debate.
MHS senior James Lindgren also qualified for the tournament, but will not attend as he was recently selected for a prestigious World Food Prize internship.
The Board approved allowing Abby to travel out of state for the event.
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Notes from the Superintendent
By Dr. Marvin Wade, Superintendent of Schools
This evening, as part of School Board Recognition Week, Director of Communications Jason Staker gave each board member a certificate of recognition in appreciation of their service to the students, parents and staff of MCSD.
Serving on the Board requires each board member to work hundreds of hours every year without pay; to attend many meetings and school functions; to study a large number of agendas, proposals and reports; to make difficult decisions; and to have ongoing discussions with members of our community.
I appreciate the vision, accountability and support provided by the seven members of the Marshalltown Community School District Board of Education: President Kay Beach, Vice President Jay Merryman, and Directors Richard Hessenius, Scott Lothe, Anne Paullus, Larry Schrum and Jennifer Wilson.
I hope others will join me in thanking our current and former board members for their valuable contribution to the children and youth of our community.
I also want to remind everyone about the Marshalltown Education Association/Board Recognition Tea that will be held from 4:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, May 18. I hope you will join us at Dejardin Hall on the Marshalltown Community College campus to honor retirees, MEA scholarship winners, the Friend of Education Recipient, and staff with 35 and 25 years of service.
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Notes from the Board
By Kay Beach, Board President
The travel requests which the Board received tonight were further demonstrations of the outstanding work that some of our district’s students are doing. Three Miller 8th graders (Ellen Podhajsky, Hannah Stone, and Susie Pratt) enacted a portion of the presentation which resulted in their being chosen as Iowa’s alternate entry in the National History Day finals at the University of Maryland in June. These young ladies were poised, articulate, and authoritative in the delivery of their findings regarding “The Role of Women in the Civil War.” And we also met Abby Snyder, an MHS freshman, who won the right to represent Iowa in the category of Legislative Debate in national forensics competition in Dallas this summer. I would not want to get in an argument with this young lady! Congratulations also to senior James Lindgren, who won the state forensics competition in Extemporaneous Speaking. And thanks to the coaches and sponsors for nurturing the exceptional gifts of these fine young people.
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Personnel
Retirements
Janet Smith, Lenihan food service, effective June 3, 2011.
Resignations
Sarah Albaugh, Hoglan Preschool, effective at the close of the 2010-2011 school year.
Connie Gardalen, MHS Learning Supports Specialist, effective June 30, 2011.
Cindy Jones, MHS assistant girls basketball coach, effective April 29, 2011.
Beth McMahon, Woodbury paraeducator, effective June 6, 2011.
Appointments
Salaries to be determined by the 2010-2011 salary schedule.
Sierra Herring, MHS assistant girls basketball coach.
Erica Malloy, MHS biology teacher. Ms. Malloy graduated from Iowa State in 2004 with a BS degree and received her post-baccalaureate certification in secondary education from Buena Vista University in 2010. She completed her student teaching in the West Marshall School District. Start date: Aug. 16, 2011. Salary: BA Step 5.
Bruce Vopava, assistant seventh grade volleyball coach.
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Policy
Initial Review
903.2 Public Examination of School District Records, initial review (new policy), helps clarify what records are confidential, specifically about security, emergency preparedness, etc.
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The Board Report 