Greetings -

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Fall Blast Off last night, and thanks to our PTO for bringing back this fun event for our school community! It's a busy time of year, but that didn't prevent a great turn-out. The parking lot was full of cars, the gym was full of people, and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Check-out some of the pictures that were captured from the event, below.

Also of note:

• We did it! We met our PBIS goal for the month of October. Students have earned over 10,000 PBIS Rewards points by respecting self, others, and property. As a result, on Friday, November 1st, we will celebrate with a Mismatch Day! You are encouraged everyone to wear your craziest, wackiest imaginable outfit to school on 11/1. However, this should NOT include any Halloween costumes.
• Installation of the new playground on the east side is almost ready; it should be ready for us to use, soon. Thank you for your patience.
• If any families have any outgrown and/or gently worn pants to donate, our health office is in need. In particular, we are looking for boys and girls leggings and sweatpants (preferably sizes 5-10).

Thanks, and have a great weekend!

- Eric Ewald
Principal, Van Allen Elementary

• Monday, October 28th
• Schedule your appointment here
• The public clinic will run from 3:15 to 5:00pm
  
• For more information, see the District Messaging portion of the newsletter, below

• Thursday, October 31st
  
• Tuesday, November 5th
• Friday, November 22nd

Are you looking for coverage on days we don’t have school?

Van Allen BASP is offering an all-day program on Oct. 31, Nov. 5, and Nov. 22 from 7:30am – 5:30pm at Van Allen with field trips, special events, and games during the day! These dates are open for any ICCSD elementary age student. Please reach out to Erica Eichhorn to inquire about these no school days at eeichhorn@coralville.org.

• We are preparing these in hopes that they will be ready to share on Friday, November 1st!
• Conferences are scheduled for Wednesday, November 13th from 3:10 to 7:10pm, Wednesday, November 20th from 3:10 to 7:10pm, and Friday, November 22nd from 7:40am to 3:40pm

We are seeking to hire a 3.5 hours/day (7:40am - 11:10am) special education paraeducator for the 2024/2025 school year. For more information and/or to apply, please visit the link that is inserted below.

Any questions can be sent via email to ewald.eric@iowacityschools.org.

Please share this information with others who you think might be interested in either of these opportunities. Thanks!

Stay up-to-date on all things PTO, and join our 'VA Rockets PTO 2024' Facebook group! There are screening questions to ensure the group is limited to VA Parents joining.

The Direct Ask Campaign launched on September 23rd and will run through November 15th; we plan to hold our annual Coin War during the final week (November 11th-15th).

• Tuesday, October 29th, 6:30pm at Van Allen (in the library)

Digtal!

Get the app and collect money for Van Allen! It’s easy.

1. Download the Free App: Box Tops for Education
2. Register and select James Van Allen as your school.
3. Scan or take pictures of your receipts within 14 days of purchase.

Use the referral code INLK3WN8 when you sign-up and you’ll get 25 Bonus Box Tops when you scan your first receipt now through 05/31/2025, while supplies last!

Once again this year, the Iowa City Community School District is excited to offer Influenza vaccine clinics in our schools. We’re pleased to announce a new partnership with Towncrest Pharmacy to provide this service. You can find the full clinic schedule on our district website. To schedule your vaccine appointment, please follow the link and instructions provided below:

1. Click the following link: https://cornerstoneimmunize.as.me/?calendarID=10676666
2. Please select the “BOOK” button to the right for the school where you will receive your vaccine.
3. Select the time you would like to receive your vaccine.
1. Elementary School Clinics
1. Begin at 2:15 pm for school staff only
2. The public clinic will run from 3:15 pm-5:00 pm
2. Middle School & High School Clinics
1. Begin at 3:15 pm for school staff only
2. The public clinic will run from 4:15 pm-6:00 pm.
4. Fill out all information and upload a picture of your pharmacy insurance card.
5. Select CONFIRM APPOINTMENT at the bottom of the page.

The day of your vaccine appointment:

1. Arrive at the school on the selected date and time of your appointment.
2. Please bring your pharmacy insurance card.
3. All children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

If you have any questions regarding the influenza vaccine or need assistance scheduling, please call Towncrest Pharmacy at (319) 337-3526.

Our District is deeply committed to ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for all our students. In response to the rising concerns about food allergies and childhood obesity, we've made adjustments to our District's Wellness Policy concerning classroom snacks, birthday treats, and classroom celebrations. Please be aware that some elementary schools have chosen to celebrate birthdays without food, so we recommend checking with your child's school to learn about their specific practice.

When food is served to students in the classroom for snacks, birthday celebrations, or classroom festivities, we follow these guidelines:

1. Only fresh fruits/vegetables or store-bought items with clear ingredient lists are permitted (homemade foods are not allowed).
2. Foods served must align with the Healthy Food Guidelines/Smart Snacks (with the only exception being food related to District-approved curriculum lessons).
3. Foods containing peanuts or peanut butter, or those produced in facilities with potential cross-contamination, are not allowed.
4. Any food items that do not meet these guidelines will be sent back home.
5. We will provide parents and teachers with a list of approved foods (Healthy Food Guidelines/Smart Snacks) at the beginning of the school year.

These measures are designed to promote the health and well-being of our students while maintaining a positive and inclusive learning environment. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in supporting our commitment to their safety and health.

• Find all the information here www.IowaCitySchools.org/Securly.

Our District cooperates with approved community partners by posting eflyers online and distributing them electronically through our service provider, Peachjar. As part of our efforts to be more environmentally friendly, embrace innovative technology, and maintain fiscal responsibility, we have transitioned from paper to electronic flyer delivery.

• Listing of Van Allen Elementary's Current Peachjar Flyers

We’re now taking nominations for the 2024-25 Shine Awards! This is your chance to recognize employees who go above and beyond for our students and schools. Shine Award honorees inspire, make a positive difference, and leave a lasting impact in our school community.

Please consider the teachers, paraeducators, secretaries, nutrition services workers, student & family advocates, counselors, librarians, nurses, custodians, tradespeople, support staff, administrators, and more throughout our District who have had an exceptionally positive impact on students. Nominations can be submitted by completing the form at the following link: Shine Award Nomination Form. If preferred, you can also copy and paste the following link into your web browser: https://bit.ly/3QeTeUP.

Thank you for considering this opportunity to recognize the outstanding contributions of our team, especially those who have made the biggest impact on your family.

Sincerely,

Kristin Pedersen
Director of Community Relations
Iowa City Community School District

Students, Families, and Employees - The Ombuds Office is here to help! Visit https://www.iowacityschools.org/services-supports/ombuds to learn more!

We are continuing to embrace the HRS framework at Van Allen and throughout the ICCSD. Please see this linked form (also inserted, below) that helps us achieve Leading Indicator 1.6, "Students, parents, and the community have formal ways to provide input regarding the optimal functioning in the school."

This will be a standing item in our newsletter. Please note that submitting an idea to this form does not ensure that it will be implemented. Once we have a collection of responses to share, we will plan to include a recurring section within our newsletter dedicated to providing feedback and/or any response in regards to the different ideas that we have received from this form.

We use these platforms (below) to highlight our accomplishments (including pictures) and share relevant announcements and reminders.

Email: ewald.eric@iowacityschools.org
Website: https://vanallen.iowacityschools.org/
Location: 170 Abigail Avenue, North Liberty, IA, United States
Phone: (319)688-1185
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JVANorthLiberty/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanallen_iccsd

X: @VanAllen_ICCSD

It is the policy of the Iowa City Community School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status in its educational programs, activities, or employment practices. There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy, please contact Eric Howard, Director of Equity and Employee Relations, 1725 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52245, 319-688-1000, howard.eric@iowacityschools.org.