BULLDOG BRIEF
PERSONALIZED. INNOVATIVE. GLOBAL.
US News and World Report Rankings
US News and World Report Rankings are based on the following six factors:
- College readiness, based on the proportion of 12th grade students who took and earned a qualifying score on at least one Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate exam (30% of ranking).
- State assessment proficiency, based on aggregated scores on state assessments that students may be required to pass for graduation (20%).
- State assessment performance, based on whether performance on state assessments exceeded expectations given the school's proportion of underserved students (20%).
- Underserved student performance, based on how Black, Hispanic and low-income students performed on state assessments compared with those who are not underserved in the state (10%).
- College curriculum breadth, based on proportions of 12th grade students who took and earned a qualifying score on AP and/or IB exams in multiple content areas (10%).
- Graduation rate, based on the proportion of students who entered ninth grade in 2017-2018 and graduated four years later (10%).
Van Meter ranks 3rd in the state overall. We were also tied for #1 in the country in the percentage of proficient students. Learn more here.
Revenue Purpose Statement
50% of voters +1 would need to vote yes for the district to be able to use SAVE funds in the same manners as PPEL up to 2050. A sample ballot is below:
Community Informational Meeting
This will be the first of three meetings that we will have here at the school. We will also have one on Wednesday, November 1. Times will be determined as we get closer to the dates.
For the G.O. Bond election to take place a petition with at least 200 signatures needs to be presented to the school board by Wednesday, September 20. If you reside in the district and are interested in signing the petition, you can do so at the school, or contact Joe Herman or Adam Carper.
We will also send information out via mail and you can find out more information at https://www.vanmeterbond.org/. If you have any questions about the project and are unable to attend any of the meetings, feel free to contact me at deron.durflinger@vmbulldogs.com
Conceptual Drawing
Facilities Plans Update
- classrooms (enough for 5 sections of each elementary grade level, elementary art, music, etc.)
- secure entrances/office space
- performing arts/gym space
- parking lots
- concession/restrooms/seating at the track/football stadium
- fitness/PE space
- maintenance facility to house equipment
- land purchase for future growth
The district's plan is to keep the construction costs in the $18-$22 million range, but if approved by voters, the district could have the authority to get up to $31 million. With project costs beyond construction costs being in the 20-25% range, the district believes the project can be completed for $25-$27 million. Part of the project would be funded with a G.O Bond (up to $18 million) and part of the project would be funded by borrowing against 1% Sales Tax funding (up to $13 million). $31 million is the current maximum we could borrow between the combined funds. Because the school board has been thoughtfully paying ahead on our current debt, we are in a good position financially to take on another project that will keep our facility operating in a K-12 format. This project would serve the district for up to 120-125 students per grade level and the district would look for property to purchase for future building projects.
The bond referendum vote would take place on Tuesday, November 7. However, there are still several steps that need to occur before that language would be on the ballot. Be looking for more information later this fall, but we plan on having our first community learning session at Fan Fest on Friday, August 18. It is an exciting time to be a Van Meter Bulldog!
Good Samaritan Food Pantry
The Good Samaritan Food Pantry sponsors a program called Backpack Meals which provides meals to students on the weekends. Confidentially and discreetly, school personnel will place meals and snacks for the weekend into the student's backpack at the end of each week.
If you would like to sign up your child for weekend Backpack Meals, please contact our school social worker, Jayci Kuhns, at any point this school year at: <jayci.kuhns@vmbulldogs.com> and/or 515-441-0023
No proof of income is required.
Handle With Care
If your family is experiencing difficulty at home, we would like to provide additional support at school as needed. We understand that you are not always able or desire to share details and that's okay. If your child is coming to school after a difficult night, morning, or weekend and you would like them to have extra support, please email your counselor "Handle With Care" and enter your children's names. Nothing else will be said or asked. This will let us know that your child may need extra time, patience, or help during the day.
Please let your counselor know if you would like to request a check-in with your child.
Sara Cook: sara.cook@vmbulldogs.com - Elementary School Counselor
Jennifer Wagner: jennifer.wagner@vmbulldogs.com- Secondary School Counselor
Jayci Kuhns: jayci.kuhns@vmbulldogs.com - K-12 School Social Worker
Advertising on the Video Board
deron.durflinger@vmbulldogs.com
All of the commercial spots are filled, but there is room for the two levels identified below. We'd love to have your support for our programs.
Options for supporting our programs are in the image below.
School Board Election
Aug. 28: Candidate filing begins.
Sept. 21: Candidate filing deadline by 5 p.m.
Sept. 26: Candidate withdrawal deadline by 5 p.m. (last day for candidates to withdraw by filing a written request with the school secretary).
Nov. 7: School election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m.–8 p.m.
If you are interested, more information can be found at https://www.ia-sb.org/school-board-elections
Get Involved
Van Meter Education Foundation- Contact Luke Haverstick at lhaverstick@hotmail.com
Van Meter Elementary Parent Committee Contact Katie Gionet at vmepc01@gmail.com
Van Meter Performing Arts Boosters Contact Scott Prickett at prickettsd@gmail.com
Van Meter Athletic Boosters Contact Jason Pleggenkuhle at vmathleticboosters@gmail.com
Athletic Website and Schedules
Contact Us
Email: firstname.lastname@vmbulldogs.com
Website: www.vmbulldogs.com
Location: 520 1st Avenue, Van Meter, IA, USA
Phone: (515) 996-2221
Facebook: https://facebook.com/VanMeterSchools/
Twitter: @vanmeterschools