Virgil Grissom Weekly Newsletter

Winter Break

No school Dec 23rd - Jan 3rd

It has been a great year at Virgil Grissom! We wrapped up the year with Classroom parties and Lancer Leaders. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

It has been a great year at Virgil Grissom! We wrapped up the year with Classroom parties and Lancer Leaders. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

WHERE: Virgil Grissom Elementary

WHEN: January 13-17, 2025

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Each grade has their own coin container for collecting money located in the office. ADD POINTS to your container by adding pennies and dollar bills. SUBTRACT POINTS from other grades by adding silver coins to their container.

All funds raised will go toward the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. The winning class will be announced on January 22nd. For more information, please get in touch with Student Council and Mrs. Kinzenbaw (andrea.kinzenbaw@north-scott.k12.ia.us)

The CLASS with the most points wins an Extra Recess!

Just a quick reminder with the new State Attendance Policy in effect and cold/flu season approaching.

If your child is gone from school it is a Medically Excused absence if:

- You provide a Doctor’s note for the days/time missed (please do this for appointments also, this time out adds up)

OR

-The school nurse sends them home from school. If they go home with something they have to be home for "24 hours free" (fever free with no meds, vomit free or diarrhea free). The excuse would count for the days until this happens also.

If you have any questions please call or email me.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Kathy Rolf, BSN RN

kathy.rolf@north-scott.k12.ia.us

phone 563-285-3502

fax 866-943-2549

We are starting to experience cooler weather as we make our way through November. We encourage families to regularly check the weather in the morning to make sure students bring appropriate layers for recess. If you are in need of coats/jackets or hats and gloves, please reach out to Mrs. DeBourcy, Mrs. Rolf, or our front office, and we will be happy to assist in getting students what they need.

Save The Date for VIP Day at Virgil Grissom on April 17th time TBD

Purchase your NS Tumbler from VG PTO for just $20!

The North Scott Community School District believes that good attendance is essential for students to fully benefit from the educational opportunities available to them. Frequent absences can hinder students' ability to develop important skills, impacting their success in academics and beyond. Unfortunately, students in this situation may struggle to achieve their full potential, and some may even drop out of school.

Please click this link to access Mr. Stutting's video explanation.

With the passing of Senate File 2435 and changes to Iowa Code Chapter 299 Compulsory Education, we want to provide you with our updated procedures for responding to student absenteeism.

• 5 days of absences (5% of a semester): A courtesy letter will be emailed to inform caregivers of excessive absences.

• 9 days of absences (10% of a semester): The state defines this 10% mark as "chronically absent." An email and certified letter will be sent to caregivers to notify them of "chronically absent" status and the county attorney's office will be notified.

• 14 days of absences (15% of a semester): The school will contact caregivers to schedule a required School Engagement Meeting, where an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created.

• 18 days of absences (20% of a semester): The state defines this 20% mark as "truant." The school will notify the School Resource Officer, who will consult with the county attorney's office. Truancy charges may be filed.

What Parents/Caregivers can do to foster good student attendance?

• Establish consistent daily routines for your student, including having dinner, completing classwork, getting a good night's sleep, and eating a healthy breakfast.

• Discuss with your student the importance of attending school every day and how regular attendance positively impacts their well-being.

• Whenever possible, schedule nonessential appointments outside of school hours to avoid disrupting their learning.

• Encourage your student to participate in meaningful after-school activities, as this can boost their engagement and sense of connection to the school community.

• Maintain open communication with the school to understand attendance policies and seek support when needed.

• Support your student's mental and emotional health, and collaborate with the school to address any concerns.

• Remember, school is about more than academics; regular attendance helps students develop social skills and access valuable resources.

Purchase your Virgil Grissom 24-25 Yearbook now! Orders due April 1, 2025!!

Students are discouraged from bringing cellphones and smart watches to school. If it is necessary to bring a cellphone or smartwatch, they must be off and kept in the student's locker at all times. If it is not in a locker or not turned off, the phone or watch shall be turned over to the teacher or principal.

Please join us in donating in March so we can raise money for the school!

https://login.bloodcenter.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/132223

Saturday, March 29, 2025

07:00 am - 11:00 am

Boll's Community Center

428 River Drive
Boll's Community Center
Princeton, IA 52768

Virgil Grissom and the rest of the North Scott schools are looking for people to sub as teachers, aides, and nurses. If you have any interest in learning more about how to become a sub, please contact Deana Sorensen at 563-285-3102. We would love to have your support when our staff is out of the building.