Van Allen Newsletter
A Preview and an Update for Our School Community
October 11, 2024 | Volume 5
A Note from the Principal
Greetings -
Last week, all of our students (K-5) were presented with information about the opportunity to join our student council. Student council is a group of leaders from kindergarten through 5th grade who come together to make Van Allen a better place to learn. The group will create a goal for the school year on how to improve Van Allen in some way. We will create a plan to help reach our goal, and members will be responsible to report back to their classmates and teacher with updates on our goal. Student council members will reach out to classmates and facilitate their help when needed. The group will meet every other Wednesday, after-school, starting on November 6th. Applications are due October 18th!
Also of note:
- All students completed a rear door, bus evacuation drill this week
- Earlier this week, we completed our second fall fire drill
- Next week, we will complete our second fall tornado drill
Thanks, and have a great fall break!
(We're back in school on Wednesday, October 16th)
- Eric Ewald
Principal, Van Allen Elementary
Check-out these two flyers from our PTO!
More information is included within the 'Notes from our PTO' section of the newsletter.
Upcoming Dates to Know:
No School Days
- Friday, October 11th
- Monday, October 14th
- Tuesday, October 15th
- Thursday, October 31st
No School Day Programs
Are you looking for coverage on days we don’t have school?
Van Allen BASP is offering an all-day program on Oct. 14, Oct. 15, 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.
Picture Day
Van Allen's Picture Day will be on Thursday, October 24th.
Online order form is linked, here: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001135149
If ordering online, you do not need to turn in an order form on picture day (order forms will be shared closer to picture day)
PTO's Fall Blast Off
- Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 - 7:30pm
2024-2025 District Calendar
Breakfast and Lunch Menus
Join Our Team!
Employment Opportunities for the 24-25 School Year
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!
Notes from our PTO:
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.
Direct Ask Campaign
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).
Fall Blast Off!
The PTO is bringing back the Fall Fun Fair, rebranded as the Fall Blast Off! Save the Date for Thursday, October 24th.
Happy Fall Van Allen Families. Our Fall Blast off is quickly approaching and we have a few asks of you. At this event, you can expect to see a fun, fall space theme with games, concessions, raffles, and a whole lot of fun! Please check out this SignUpGenius to assist with the take off. 🚀
Next PTO Meeting:
- Tuesday, October 29th, 6:30pm at Van Allen (in the library)
WHERE HAVE ALL THE BOX TOPS GONE?
Digtal!
Get the app and collect money for Van Allen! It’s easy.
- Download the Free App: Box Tops for Education
- Register and select James Van Allen as your school.
- 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!
District Messaging to Families:
Dear Families,
We want to share some important information regarding an update to Board Policy 605.6—Internet Appropriate Use. This update requires us to provide age-appropriate training for students on safety when using generative artificial intelligence (AI) resources.
What Does This Mean for Our Students?
We have developed lessons that are tailored to different grade levels (K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12) to help students understand AI and its impact. These lessons are divided into three parts:
Lesson 01: Basics
This lesson will introduce students to the basics of AI and generative AI, helping them develop a foundational understanding.
Lesson 02: Potential
This lesson will explore the potential uses of generative AI in both education and society, showing students how this technology can be a valuable tool.
Lesson 03: Pitfalls
Students will learn about generative AI's potential downsides and challenges in education and society, emphasizing the importance of responsible use.
How and When Will These Lessons Take Place?
These lessons will be taught by librarians for students in grades K-5, while students in grades 6-12 will receive instruction from their classroom teachers. The three-part series will be delivered throughout the 2024-2025 school year, ensuring it fits into each class’s schedule at an appropriate pace.
We are committed to equipping students with the knowledge they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, and we look forward to supporting them in understanding this evolving technology.
Sincerely,
Carmen Gwenigale
Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
Iowa City Community School District
Flu Clinic Vaccine Schedule
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:
- Click the following link: https://cornerstoneimmunize.as.me/?calendarID=10676666
- Please select the “BOOK” button to the right for the school where you will receive your vaccine.
- Select the time you would like to receive your vaccine.
- Elementary School Clinics
- Begin at 2:15 pm for school staff only
- The public clinic will run from 3:15 pm-5:00 pm
- Middle School & High School Clinics
- Begin at 3:15 pm for school staff only
- The public clinic will run from 4:15 pm-6:00 pm.
- Fill out all information and upload a picture of your pharmacy insurance card.
- Select CONFIRM APPOINTMENT at the bottom of the page.
The day of your vaccine appointment:
- Arrive at the school on the selected date and time of your appointment.
- Please bring your pharmacy insurance card.
- 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.
Joint Message from the ICCSD and the ICPD
Dear Families, Students, and Staff,
We are reaching out today to address a growing concern that affects not only our community but school districts across the country—threats of school violence, particularly those circulating on social media. As we recently shared with you, there has been an alarming increase in such threats nationwide, including in our district. While, thankfully, the threats we’ve encountered have been deemed non-credible, we want to emphasize that we take each one very seriously.
It is essential to understand that making threats, even in a joking manner, is not only disruptive and causes fear in our school community but can also lead to significant consequences. These include school disciplinary actions, such as suspension, and legal consequences, which may result in criminal charges. Threatening the safety of our students and staff is a matter we do not take lightly, and law enforcement holds individuals accountable for such actions.
If you or your child become aware of a threat or concerning information, please report it immediately to the police or school officials. Please refrain from reposting or sharing these threats on social media, as doing so only increases fear and spreads misinformation. The most effective way to handle these situations is through direct reporting to the appropriate authorities, allowing us to investigate quickly and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
We are committed to keeping our school community informed with relevant information when threats are reported. It is our responsibility to thoroughly investigate all reports in collaboration with law enforcement and provide communication as promptly as possible as updates become available.
We encourage families to have open conversations with their children about the seriousness of making threats and the potential consequences. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us maintain a safe and supportive learning environment for everyone.
Sincerely,
Matt Degner
Superintendent
Iowa City Community School District
Dustin Liston
Police Chief
Iowa City Police Department
Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
Classroom Snacks & Celebrations
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:
- Only fresh fruits/vegetables or store-bought items with clear ingredient lists are permitted (homemade foods are not allowed).
- Foods served must align with the Healthy Food Guidelines/Smart Snacks (with the only exception being food related to District-approved curriculum lessons).
- Foods containing peanuts or peanut butter, or those produced in facilities with potential cross-contamination, are not allowed.
- Any food items that do not meet these guidelines will be sent back home.
- 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.
Looking for information on Securly, our web filtering tool?
- Find all the information here www.IowaCitySchools.org/Securly.
Peachjar Flyers
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.
Shine Award Nominations!
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
🚨 High Reliability Schools (HRS) Update 🚨
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.
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Van Allen Elementary School
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
Non-Discrimination Statement
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.
Principal at Van Allen Elementary in the Iowa City Community School District