NFV Update

I hope the 2023-2024 school year has gotten off to a great start for your family.

It's hard to believe the first quarter is nearly over! This means it's Parent-Teacher Conference time. Conferences are scheduled for October 24th and 26th. Our goal is to visit with each family. If you are not able to make it to school on these dates, please visit with your student's teacher to find a day and time that works for both of you.

Several weeks ago, families received an email from me sharing the student handbooks. I have linked this letter below in case you missed it. There is a survey included, please be sure to fill that out showing that you received the respective handbooks for your students.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pyLZICnr4fFGYm--9olITl4wchRCFPGOlgs2Fw4GCa0/edit?usp=sharing

School funding in Iowa is determined by the number of students in attendance at an individual school district. After many years of having consistent declines in student enrollment, followed by a couple of slight increases over the past two years, the 2023-2024 school year numbers indicate a decrease in students. As we all know, small rural communities for the most part are experiencing a decrease in population. Schools mirror this population decrease.

For comparison, the 2000 Certified Enrollment for North Fayette and Valley was respectively 1167.5 and 617.5 students (1785.5 students). The 2023 Certified Enrollment for North Fayette Valley is 1106 students.

North Fayette Valley has been working to keep our fiscal matters in order. With over 80% of school funding allocated to support the staff who educate our students, it should be no surprise that we have reduced staffing levels over the past few years. This coupled with a teacher/staff shortage has been a challenge as we have worked to both maintain and recruit employees.

The NFV Board of Education and Administration have worked diligently to be fiscally responsible and providing the best education will continue to be a top priority.

Joe Griffith, Superintendent

The North Fayette Valley website is the hub of communication for our district. Lunch menus, school calendars, and activity schedules are just some of the information you will find at your fingertips.

One of my favorite features is the parent access to Infinite Campus. By accessing this site a parent can monitor a student's academic progress, attendance, and whether or not assignments are turned in on time. The Infinite Campus parent access link is on the bottom left section of the district webpage. If you need help accessing this information please get in touch with the secretary at your child's school.

Our website can be accessed via this link: https://www.nfvschools.com/

Over the past few years, North Fayette Valley has used online learning if school was closed due to bad weather. This year we are moving away from online learning as an option on snow days.

We have planned online professional development activities for staff for the first 3 days school may be canceled. Students will get to enjoy a good old-fashioned snow day!

If we have more than 3 days canceled, the days will be made up at the end of the school year. The last day of school is scheduled for May 21, 2024. As you make plans, keep in mind that school may be extended depending on what Mother Nature brings us this winter.

North Fayette Valley uses SchoolMessenger as the system used for school closures and district-wide schedule changes. We encourage all families to sign up for these notifications.

https://asp.schoolmessenger.com/nfayettevalley/subscriber/

Community members who wish to receive communication from SchoolMessenger can sign up on the NFV website, under the Alerts Sign-up button. You don't need to sign up again unless your contact information has changed.

Email: jgriffith@nfv.k12.ia.us
Website: https://www.nfvschools.com/
Location: 600 North Pine Street, West Union, IA, USA
Phone: 563-422-3851