Le Mars Community School District
Monthly Newsletter February 2024
Social Media
District Calendars
Superintendent's Comments --- Dr. Steve Webner
The month of February is a busy time for the Le Mars Community School District. Our winter sports season is starting to get ready for tournament time and our music and speech programs are participating in many different competitions. All of these programs are representing the community of Le Mars in great fashion; exhibiting hard work, strong character, and great success! It won’t be long until we will be getting ready for spring activities.
Le Mars Community School District Infrastructure Update
The LCSD Board of Education held a special board meeting on January 29 to begin prioritizing the district's infrastructure needs based on the ISG facility study. After reviewing the facility study data reporting needs of our students, infrastructure, and community, the board expressed the desire to investigate two options for our failing and outdated elementary building structures, which would cost an estimated $27.8 million to renovate to necessary levels. These options to investigate include: 1) the construction of one new elementary building to house all elementary students, and 2) utilizing and renovating the Kluckhohn Elementary building as a lower elementary building and constructing a new upper elementary building. The board will continue to prioritize other infrastructure needs around the district, as well. The next step in the process will include the development of a stakeholder task force that will explore and prioritize facility study options. The community will then be provided the opportunity for input into these priorities. A master plan will then be developed.
This is an exciting and critical time for our infrastructure needs, as these decisions will impact the quality of our childrens' education now and for generations to come. These decisions will also play a crucial role in the supporting the communities within the Le Mars Community School District and their growth and development. I encourage you to view the facility study on our website. We will keep you up to date on our infrastructure progress.
Thank You, Bus Drivers!
I would like to take this time to thank a group of people who work behind the scenes to make sure our students can get to school safely throughout the school year. Their job can be extra difficult during the winter season. The Le Mars Community School District bus drivers do an outstanding job of transporting our students. They have a tremendous responsibility to keep our children safe, and they do so during snow, rain, ice, and darkness. Our drivers are safe, courteous, friendly, and professional. Thank you, bus drivers!
Le Mars Community School Foundation Scholarships
The Le Mars Community School District Foundation's scholarship campaign is currently underway. The Foundation, which formed in 1991, has partnered with generous contributors to award over $1.3 million in scholarships to date. Last year alone, 59 donors awarded 131 scholarships totaling $94,205. A special thank you goes to all who contributed last year. I also want to thank the members of this year's scholarship committee: Kristin Koerselman, Rosalie Ellefson, Debra Ahlers, Terri Martin, Toby Sullivan, Kay Michaelson, Michelle Connor, Julie Hurt, Joann Johnson, and Zach Lancaster.
If you would like to establish a scholarship or contribute to the general scholarship fund, any Foundation member or Lisa Eisma (712-546-4155 or lisa.eisma@lemarscsd.org), can assist you in getting started. If you are interested in creating a legacy with an endowment fund, please contact your investment advisor. Thank you for your support!
Go Bulldogs!
2 Hour Early Dismissal for Teacher In-Service
February 14, 2024
February 28, 2024
Nurse Notes
Note to Parents:
Reminder:
The Northwest Area Education Agency will be conducting hearing screenings at the middle and high school on March 11 and 12, 2024. All 8th grade students, those with known hearing loss, and any student new to the district will be screened. Also any student in the LCS district currently being home schooled may call to set up a time to be screened. These services are provided at no cost to you. If you do not wish for your child to receive these services, please notify Erin Rolling, MS/HS nurse at 546-4153.
Note to Parents:
7th graders need Tdap & Meningococcal vaccination and seniors need a 2nd Meningococcal vaccination by the start of the school year. If this hasn't been done already or an exception form completed, please do so ASAP.
All freshmen need to show proof of a dental exam within the last year. If you need a form, have your student stop by the office to grab one. Otherwise, one can be found at any dental office. This can be dropped off to the office or faxed to 712-548-4450.
Breakfast and Lunch Menus -- February
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
Nominations are sought for the 2024 LCSD Distinguished Alumni. Anyone may nominate a Le Mars Community graduate.
The non-monetary award was established in 2012 by the LCSD Alumni Association and Education Foundation as a way to honor Le Mars Community School graduates for their outstanding achievement and contributions to society following their graduation. 2013 we had our first recipient, Norman Barker, class of 1939. To date we have had 14 individuals receive this distinction.
Criteria for candidates are they must have graduated at least 15 years prior from the Le Mars Community School District, which includes Le Mars High School or Merrill High School. They also must show an exemplary manner of contributing to society, wherever they live. The award is given for achievement in various fields of service, whether profession or other significant area of achievement.
A printed form is available in the Superintendent’s office or a pdf version on the home page of the Alumni Association website – lemarsalumni.org.
Nominations are due to the Alumni Association office, 335 1st Ave SW, Le Mars or can be dropped off at the Plymouth County Museum by Friday, February 16, 2024.
Past Distinguished Alum:
2013 – Norman Barker (1939)
2014 – Glada Reichert Koerselman (1947) and Dr. Paul Summerside (1976)
2015 – Dr. Tom Starzl (1944)
2016 – Mary Lou Schulz Fisher (1962)
2017 – Keith Renken (1953)
2018 – Dr. Gary Warnock (2963) and Kevin Petersen (1969)
2019 – Richard Schultz (1946)
2020 – Gayle Albert Vonk (1973) and Dr. Steven Collins (1969)
2021 – Alan Marty (1974)
2022 – Kevin Westhoff (1982)
2023 – David Lorenzen (1975)
2024 - ????
The 2024 recipient will be honored at the annual LCSD Foundation banquet on April 24, 2024.
Teacher of the Year
The Le Mars Community School District Foundation and the Le Mars Community School Alumni Association are seeking nominations for “Teacher of the Year” to represent the many great teachers who exemplify our school district and its educational goals.
The award is called the Decades of Excellence Crystal Bell Award. Its purpose is to recognize and honor teachers who demonstrate excellence in education by meeting the needs of the students. Two $500 awards will be presented to the winner; $500 for personal use and $500 for classroom use.
Anyone wishing to nominate a teacher for the Decades of Excellence Crystal Bell Award may stop by any of the principals’ offices or the superintendent’s office, or visit the school district’s website (www.lemarscsd.org) to obtain nomination materials. The nomination papers must be submitted by Friday, March 22, 2024.
This award will be presented at the Foundation’s Annual Awards Banquet to be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the Le Mars Convention Center. Tickets for the banquet will be available for the public by stopping in or calling the superintendent’s office, 546-4155.
DECADES OF EXCELLENCE CRYSTAL BELL AWARD TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS
1996 Jane Mertes
1997 Tom DeKoster
1998 Glendon Peterson
1999 Myrna Kreykes
2000 Mike Storm
2001 Steve Mohning
2002 Vicki Borchers
2003 Matt Oleson
2004 Daletta Bruggeman
2005 Melissa Leraas
2006 Jim Denekas
2007 Ted Hallberg
2008 Kay Powell
2009 Sherri Permeswaran
2010 Julie Theisen
2011 Curt Ohrlund
2012 Jeanne Rust
2013 Jayne Willer
2014 Mary Kay Benton
2015 Kim Rohrs
2016 Tracy Wingert
2017 Mark Vonnahme
2018 Doug Martin
2019 Kelley Johnson
2020 None (COVID-19)
2021 Randy Ewing
2022 Dawn MacGregor
2023 Janet Van Boven
HIGH SCHOOL NEWS
High School Principal’s Corner -- Dr. Mark Iverson
Is it February already? This school year is really moving along. As we get ready for graduation, the counselors will be performing credit checks with the seniors. Graduation is set for May 19 at 3:00 pm. Weather permitting the location will be the Le Mars Community Stadium. We are also working on next year’s class schedule. It is our hope to get the 24-25 class schedule to students in April so they can make adjustments before the summer and the start of next school year.
As we are a month into the second semester, I encourage you to check out your student’s grades to see how they are doing. Just a reminder about second semester exams, if he/she misses fewer than 4 days, 5 or fewer tardies, and has no grade lower than a C-, he/she will be exempt from second semester exams. Some of our concurrent classes require the semester exams to be taken. This requirement comes from Western Iowa Tech and the exam is needed to receive college credit.
Prom is scheduled on April 6. Junior and Senior students may have a date from another school or may ask a sophomore from LCHS. Freshmen and dates that do not attend high school will not be permitted. Parents interested in helping at prom with either decorating or supervising, please contact Ashley Ludwig. You may reach her at the high school by calling 546-4153 or emailing Ashley.Ludwig@lemarscsd.org. The after-prom is also in need of parent assistance. If you are able to help out with after-prom, please contact Tina Laskie at tlaskie@premieronline.net or 712-540-7494.
Again, if you have any concerns about your child and their progress in school, please contact the teacher to arrange a meeting to discuss your concerns. We want to see all our students succeed.
Have a great February!
High School Counselors Corner
ACT Testing 2023 - 2024
2023-2024 ACT PREP Dates
Saturday, February 24, 2024 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, April 20, 2024 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
All meetings we will be in Room 101- Mr. Bahr at the high school.
Link to sign up - https://bit.ly/LCHSACTPREP
National Honor Society
All applications are due into the Counseling Office by 3:30 pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
The induction ceremony will be Tuesday, March 12th at 6:30 pm in the Middle School Auditorium.
We will practice for the ceremony that morning at 7:45 am.
LCSD Foundation Scholarships
LCSD Foundation Scholarship application materials will be available on February 15, 2024 on the district website.
You can access the website by:
- Going to www.lemarscsd.org
- Foundation Scholarships under "Announcements" links area
Application deadline is Wednesday, April 3, 2024.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS
Middle School Counselors Corner
The past few weeks have been very busy at the Middle School, with the 8th graders having a Career Day on January 17th. All 8th graders had the opportunity to learn about the different electives offered when they go to high school next year. They spent the morning going to the different classrooms and learning about the different types of classes offered in each elective area. Some of the areas they got to explore were Construction/Engineering, Family and Consumer Sciences, Business, Computer Science, Agricultural Science, and Auto Mechanics. On January 18th, the high school counselors came down to the middle school to talk with the 8th graders about their 4-year plans, and mapping out their high school coursework. They went into more detail about all the classes offered and what is required in order to graduate high school on track.
According to the Le Mars High School Student Handbook, the following requirements must be met in order to graduate. The core curriculum requirements are as follows: eight credits of English/Language Arts to include a full year of Freshman English, Sophomore English, Junior English, and two elective credits the senior year. Six credits of Math to include a full year at the 9th grade level and four other credits. Six credits of Science to include 9th grade Science and four other credits. Six credits of Social Studies to include World History, American History, Government, and Economics. One credit of Health. Two credits of Physical Education. Each student must have at least 50 credits in order to graduate on track.
The high school counselors will be coming back to the middle school to help the 8th graders register for their classes to prepare for next school year. They should receive their schedules for high school in April or May. If you have any questions or concerns about your student, please feel free to reach out to Jason Martin or Abby Johnson at the middle school.
ELEMENTARY NEWS
Elementary Counselor's Corner
Kari Kopperud
Clark and Franklin Elementary School Guidance Counselor
Abby Simington
Kluckhohn Elementary School Guidance Counselor
PERSEVERANCE
This month is all about Perseverance!
One way to think about Perseverance is “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles.” We all experience challenges in our lives. We all have moments when we feel like we can’t do it or that we want to give up on a big task. It is important to develop tools that help us work through those challenges in order to grow in those moments instead of giving up.
How might you practice Perseverance as a family this month?
Perseverance is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. Throughout the school, students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.
While practicing Perseverance this month, students will be focusing on flexible thinking. Students will work on their ability to adapt to new situations and challenges by finding multiple solutions to different problems.
One of the ways we will be practicing these flexible thinking skills is by setting TOP Goals.
TOP stands for:
- Target: Visualize your goal and think about why this is important for you.
- Obstacles: Plan for challenges. If _____ gets in the way, then what can you do?
- Plan: Create 3 action steps you will need to take to complete your goal. This technique helps students Persevere by clarifying different types of goals and taking thoughtful actions to achieve them.
Conversation Starters:
● Can you describe flexible thinking?
● Share with me how you use flexible thinking to help you Persevere.
Kind Regards,
Mrs. Kari Kopperud (Clark & Franklin School Counselor)
Mrs. Abby Simington (Kluckhohn School Counselor)
Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Pre-Registration Opening Soon
Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten Pre-Registration is opening soon!! Eligible students are children who will be five years old on or before September 15, 2024. The registration link will be open by February 5 and can be found at www.lemarscsd.org under the "Announcements" section. Invitations to Kindergarten Kick Off will be mailed the week of February 19, which will include your student's Kick Off location.
Monday, March 4 - Kluckhohn 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, March 5 - Franklin 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 7 - Clark 5:30-6:30 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Regennitter at 712-546-4185 or stacy.regennitter@lemarscsd.org
Le Mars PTO
Le Mars PTO Mission Statement -- Encourage our children's education and support teachers by building relationships with students and parents in our community.
What a start to the year!
PTO sincerely hopes that your children are enjoying the soccer nets on the playgrounds.
Please join us in celebrating our elementary school counselor's February 5th- 9th.
Birthday breakfast of 2nd quarter was great with 99 new books donated to the libraries.
Third quarter birthday breakfast for February, March, and April birthday kids will be celebrated at Kluckhohn on February 9th, Franklin on February 15th and at Clark on February 16th. Please make sure to turn in your RSVPs if attending the event. Third quarters serving sponsors will be Iowa State Bank. We are grateful for their help. Thank you to all our sponsors; we couldn't do this without your help.
Other District Information
LEEP News
LeMars Community Education Enhancement Project
Welcome February! The sun is stronger. The days are longer. The snow will clear. Spring is near. Time to volunteer. The LEEP board would like to extend an invitation for volunteers to join the LEEP organization.
There are several reasons to become a volunteer. One of the top reasons is volunteering strengthens a community. Volunteering strengthens ties and broadens support networks. Becoming a volunteer exposes a person to other people with common interests, neighborhood resources and fulfilling educational goals. Become a LEEP volunteer.
LEEP meets the first Monday of the month, September through May. The next regular meeting is Monday, February 5 at 5:30. Meetings are held in the middle school library. Enter through door ‘C’ from Callahan Drive.
If you would like more information contact:
- Gayle Vonk, president
- Helena McDougall, vice president
- Lorraine DeJong, secretary
Become a volunteer!
Summer Driver Education
This summer’s program will be divided into two sessions. Classes will run each day from 7 am until 10 am.
The first session will begin Monday, June 3rd and run each weekday through June 14th.
Some driving times may be scheduled between June 17 and June 22.
The second session will run on the following dates:
- Monday, June 24 through Friday, June 28
- Saturday, June 29
- Monday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 3
- Friday, July 5
Some driving times may be scheduled between July 8 – July 13.
Starting dates are subject to change if the school year is extended due to weather.
Preference will be given to older students in requesting sessions.
REGISTRATION FORMS:
Starting March 1st you may pick up your form from the Le Mars Community High School Principal’s office. These forms must be returned on or before Friday, March 29th with the proper fee attached.
Le Mars Community & Gehlen Catholic students will need to pay $375.00 for this class. Gehlen Catholic students who live outside the Le Mars Community School District will need to pay $500.00. Those students residing outside the Le Mars Community School District who attend a school other than Gehlen Catholic will pay $500.00 also.
2024-2025 Clark Preschool Applications
Le Mars Community School District will accept online applications for 4 yr. old preschool beginning March 1, 2024. The online application link can be found here: 2024-25 Clark Preschool Application
or on the school website www.lemarscsd.org under the Clark Elementary tab/Elementary Quick Links. If needed, computers will be available at the Clark Elementary office for parents to use to complete the application. Preschool applications must be submitted by Monday, April 1, 2024.
Enrollment is open to 4-year old children in the community with the goal of having a well-rounded diverse group of children that is representative of the population of Le Mars. Children must turn 4 years old by September 15, 2024 to be eligible.
Selection of children will be held during the first two weeks of April and parents will be notified about the selection of their child before April 15th. Selection will be based on a random selection process. The Le Mars School District reserves the right to enroll children based on gender, age, race, ethnicity, special needs and membership of low-income families for the purposes of high-quality preschool experiences.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Jodi Fisher, Clark Elementary Secretary at 546-8121 or jodi.fisher@lemarscsd.org.
Moped Safety Class
A Moped Safety class will be held for students in the Le Mars area at the Le Mars Middle School in room C15 (Mr. Fehringers' room) on Saturday, March 9th from 8:00 am to 2:15 pm. Iowans 14 and 15 years of age are required by law to take the moped course before receiving a license to operate a moped on public highways. Minimum age for this course is 13 1/2. Students wishing to take this class should sign up and pay in the middle school office (Mrs. Bergquist or Mrs. Schuett) before the class. Students that aren't in the Le Mars Community school district can sign up and pay on the day the course is taken. If you have questions, please email bkdalton6@gmail.com. Cost is $50; checks can be made out to Bill Dalton or parents can pay with cash.
Parent / Guardian Right To Review Records
Parents or guardians of students in the LeMars Community Schools have the right to review their child’s education records. If the parents or guardians believe that information in the record is inaccurate, misleading or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, they may request that the records be amended. In the event of a disagreement, a hearing will be held in an attempt to resolve the matter.
Questions concerning this or any other parental rights should be directed to:
Superintendent’s Office
940 Lincoln St. SW
Le Mars, Iowa 51031
Phone 546-4155