All 3rd - 5th grade students at Van Allen will take the ISASP during the week of April 7, 2025. Makeup testing will begin on Friday, April 11th and continue through the week of April 14th. The testing schedule for our school is pictured, below.

To ensure that your child is fully prepared to take these assessments, you can assist with the following:

• Please make every attempt for your child to be on-time and present during these test administration dates/times.
• All students will test using their fully charged, school issued Chromebook.
• As a result, Chromebooks will be kept at school starting on Friday, April 4th through the duration of testing; please make sure that your child has their Chromebook and their charger at school. Charging locations and storage will be in each student's classroom.
• No other electronic devices will be allowed during the test administration time including cell phones, smart watches, tablets, etc.
• If students have these items on them, they will need to be turned-in during testing.
• Please talk with your child to make sure that they have working earbuds/headphones that are also comfortable to wear and available to them at school.
• As always, please encourage your child to bring a water bottle with them to school.
• Help ensure that students get plenty of rest the night before each test.
• Along the same lines, making sure that your child eats a good, healthy breakfast each morning is another key.
• Talk to your child about the test. Encourage them to do their best; we want students to take the tests seriously, but we don’t want them to feel overly anxious as a result.
• You may assist your child in a practice assessment which can be found online at iowa.pearsonaccessnext.com, under the “Test Preparation” tab.

As always, thank you for your support.

We are excited to share that, for the first time, the USDA is allowing students who are fasting for Ramadan to take their meals off-site at the end of the school day. Our Nutrition Services Department is working with each school to ensure that students requesting this option receive both breakfast and lunch in a convenient grab-and-go format.

If your child would like to participate in this program, please reach out to the school’s main office at (319) 688-1185 or contact the Nutrition Services Department at (319) 688-1021 for more details.

• No School on Monday, March 17th through Friday, March 21st

Due to weather-related schedule changes, we will cancel the one-hour early release scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, to recapture the required time and meet either a minimum of 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction for the year. At this time, the only change to the calendar is the cancellation of the early release on June 5, 2025.

Thanks, take care, and have a great spring break!

- Eric Ewald
Principal, Van Allen Elementary

We are starting to use this space to spotlight different staff members each newsletter.

Hello Van Allen Elementary,

My name is Ms.Moreno and I will be a student teacher in Physical Education with Mrs.Hildebrand. I will be here at Van Allen Elementary school for my final 7 weeks of student teaching. After this I will be graduating from Cornell College in May, with a degree in Physical Education and Health Education.

A little bit about myself, I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. I have 3 brothers and a Belgian malinois German Shepherd mix dog named Chula who is 8 years old. I played soccer at Cornell and am now currently part of the women’s lacrosse team.

I am excited about these next 7 weeks. I've heard a lot of good things about Van Allen and its students.

• Monday, March 31st: Eid al-Fitr

Girls on the Run is returning to Van Allen this Spring! Tentatively, practices will be on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3 to 4:15pm; beginning the week of March 31st. We are still seeking one or two additional coaches so please reach-out if you are interested.

Join us as we honor area elementary school student artists at our annual Kids' Art Open House! Artwork from more than 800 area students will be on display during this open house. Everyone is welcome. Light refreshments will be served.

Thursday, April 3rd

5:30 - 7:00pm

102 S. Clinton Street in Iowa City

Run Club is an alternative to Girls on the Run that is available to both boys and girls, after-school on Tuesdays (April 8 - May 13), at Van Allen. Questions can be directed to choun.alisa@iowacityschools.org

• Wednesday, April 16th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm at Van Allen Elementary

We’d love to welcome your little one to our preschool family! Our teachers are certified in both general and special education, and we offer free half-day programming for 4-year-olds in all of our elementary schools, with full-day options also available.

Online preschool registration for the 2025-26 school year is open!

We are currently seeking to hire the following positions:

• 3.5 hours/day paraeducator, AM only - this position is considered part-time and does not include benefits
• 6.5 hours/day paraeducator - this position is considered full-time and does include benefits

For more information and/or to apply, please visit the appropriate 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.

• Tuesday, April 1st, 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!

To our community:

In conversations about education, a phrase you will hear a lot these days is “school choice.”

For those of you who are already part of our school district family: Thank you for choosing us. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your loyalty.

For those of you considering us as the education home for your family, here is the big thing we want you to know: Simply put, Iowa City Community School District is your best choice.

We provide students with comprehensive and unique offerings, no matter their passions, needs, or goals— from preschool through high school graduation. And one of the best parts is that the Iowa City Community School District will always be tuition-free and accessible to all.

Our community sets a high standard: the very best for every student. We take that responsibility seriously. The outstanding quality of an ICCSD student experience is highlighted through:

Outstanding Schools

• City High, Liberty High, and West High are ranked in the top 10 high schools in Iowa by the U.S. News and World Report. This year, West High ranked first in the state of Iowa. No other school district in Iowa appears more than once on the top ten list. All three of our comprehensive high schools are accounted for. Additionally, each school is rated in the top eight percent nationally. There is no better place in Iowa to attend high school.
• We prioritize high-quality early childhood education by offering full-day and half-day preschool programs in all of our elementary schools. Every preschool teacher is certified in both general and special education, ensuring comprehensive support for all students.
• Our school facilities are top-notch – just step inside any of the following:
• Elementary schools, including new buildings and fully renovated original campuses.
• Newly expanded middle school buildings.
• High school facilities that lead the state include music wings, performance auditoriums, athletic competition and training spaces, common areas, and fully furnished art and technical education rooms.
• ICCSD leads the state in teacher pay. We diligently work to make our schools the best employers for the best educators.
• Our public schools serve all students with a profound commitment to special education.

Unmatched Academic Excellence

• Our high school students have access to over 25 in-person AP courses taught by content-expert, AP-certified teachers. AP courses are college-level courses developed by the College Board to help high school students earn college credit. We are proud to claim the most comprehensive AP offerings in Iowa.
• The AP Capstone program is available to our high school students. This two-year diploma program is the highest AP offering, allowing students to research and publish academic work over two years. We are one of two districts in Iowa that offer AP Capstone at multiple high schools. Just three percent of U.S. high schools offer AP Capstone.
• Beyond AP, students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses offered in partnership with Kirkwood Community College and the University of Iowa. For example, Project Lead the Way classes introduce students to concepts in engineering, applied sciences, and STEM to earn college credit.
• We have the most comprehensive career and technical education offerings in Iowa, featuring interconnected shop and construction electives culminating in a year-long home build.
• Our college admissions and alumni network are unmatched. ICCSD diplomas mean something to elite colleges and universities. Recent graduates have attended Ivy League universities, U.S. Service Academies, top public universities such as UCLA, UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan, and other premier institutions such as the University of Oxford and Stanford University. Our graduates work across thousands of industries. Nobel Laureate biologists, film and television writers, Major League Baseball executives, and tech entrepreneurs all hail from our community.

Exceptional Student Experiences

• Excellence in athletics is a crucial part of our story. Competing at the highest division in Iowa, our schools combine for well over 100 team state championships, the most in the state. Numerous professional athletes, high-profile coaches, and Olympians have passed through our halls. From facility upgrades to recent successes to elite competition environments, we are pleased to report that the winningest days are still ahead for the Little Hawks, Bolts, and Trojans!
• Music programs in our District consistently lead the state in terms of individual accolades, ensemble achievements, and unique experiences. This year, our district had over 100 All-State Music honorees, the most in the state. In recent years, our ensembles have performed around the world in places such as London, Rome, Prague, and at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
• Advisory times, elective offerings, and Makerspaces allow students to explore learning, from digital music to 3D printing to filmmaking.
• Our dance, debate, journalism, robotics, and mock trial programs all compete for state and national championships. Whether through clubs, courses, or co-curriculars, our students are able to learn and contend at the highest level.

In these areas —and countless others—we are committed to providing the highest quality education, countless opportunities, and the best experience for our students.

Every day, students from all walks of life come together within our schools. They learn. They grow. They achieve. And they leave our schools prepared to make their mark on the world.

Public education is our community’s most treasured, time-honored tradition. It brings us all together. >From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for supporting our work. Thank you for supporting the best students. The best educators. The best schools. The best district.

Beginning in 2019, the Iowa legislature determined that all students in Iowa would be assessed each spring using an online test called the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). This assessment was developed by Iowa Testing Programs at the University of Iowa and delivered and supported by Iowa-based Pearson for the state of Iowa. The assessments are aligned with the Iowa Core standards and provide a clear and accurate assessment of student learning outcomes. Student growth, proficiency, and readiness indicators are reported.

All students in grades three through eleven are required to take this assessment. This year, there is no option for a remote administration of the test, so all students, including OLP students, will need to attend school on-site to complete this administration. The state does not allow parents to opt their children out of participating.

All 3rd - 11th grade students will test during the week of April 7, 2025. More specific information will be provided by the school principals as the date nears. Makeups can begin the week of testing and continue through the following week. Students will take the following tests: Reading, Language/Writing, and Math; additionally, students in grades 5, 8, and 10 will take a Science test.

To ensure that your child is fully prepared to take these assessments, please assist with the following:

1. It is very important that your child be present during these test administration dates.
2. All 3rd through 11th grade students will need to have their fully-charged, school-issued Chromebooks for all days of the testing. The assessment cannot be taken on a personal device.
3. No other electronic devices will be allowed during the test administration time, including cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc.
4. Students should get plenty of rest during the week of the assessment and eat a good breakfast each morning.
5. You may assist your child in a practice assessment which can be found online at iowa.pearsonaccessnext.com, under the “Test Preparation” tab.

If you have any questions about these assessments, please contact the district curriculum office at (319) 688-1000.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate the winter season and its impact on our school schedule. While we hope the worst of the weather is behind us, we also recognize that spring can bring additional challenges.

As a reminder, Iowa law requires school districts to meet either a minimum of 180 days or 1,080 hours of instruction each year. Our school calendar is built with additional time to account for weather-related schedule changes, but after last week’s cancellation, we are now one hour short of the required instructional time.

To address this, we will cancel the one-hour early release scheduled for Thursday, June 5, 2025, to recapture the required hour.

If additional instructional time is lost due to future weather-related disruptions, we will evaluate further adjustments, including the cancellation of additional Thursday early releases as needed. At this time, the only change to the calendar is the cancellation of the early release on June 5, 2025.

We appreciate your patience and flexibility as we work through these adjustments. We truly understand the heavy impact schedule changes can have on families, and we don’t take these decisions lightly. If any further changes are necessary, we will communicate them as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

As part of our commitment to student safety, we kindly remind you to review and/or update your contact information in Infinite Campus. Ensuring your details are current is a vital part of our comprehensive school safety plans.

Please take a moment to verify:

• Your personal contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses.

• Emergency contact details, ensuring they are accurate and up-to-date.

• Approved individuals who can pick up your child from school.

This information helps us contact you promptly and ensures proper procedures are followed, especially in the event of an emergency.

You can access Infinite Campus and update your details here: Infinite Campus Parent Portal.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school’s main office.

I wanted to remind you about the Ombuds Office as a resource for all Iowa City Community School District students, parents/guardians, and employees. The Ombuds Office plays an important part in the District's efforts to raise awareness of concerns, promote a civil, equitable, and inclusive organization, and improve organizational culture.

The Ombuds serves as an informal concern and conflict resolution resource regarding school and district-related matters. For example, if you don’t know who to talk to or what to do, the Ombuds provides a safe space to discuss options for resolving your concern or conflict.

Ombuds Guiding Principles

• Independence: Operates independently of other District departments.
• Impartiality: Does not take sides. Works collaboratively with all parties involved.
• Confidentiality: Communications with Ombuds are confidential to the extent permitted by law.
• Informality: A voluntary, supplemental resource; does not participate in formal processes, investigations, or complaints.

You may contact the Ombuds by phone at (319) 688-1312 or by email at ombuds@iowacityschools.org. For more information on the Ombuds role, please visit www.iowacityschools.org/Ombuds.

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.