Free Books For Students at Grab and Go Meal Sites
Ames Community School District families will again have access to free books at four grab and go meal sites: Meeker, Mitchell, Sawyer, and the Ames Public Library. One book per week per student will be distributed on Fridays only for students in grades pre-K through 12. Scheduled dates are July 17, 24, 31 and August 7, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm. Books were purchased by the Ames Public Library Friends Foundation and are individually packaged according to grade-level appropriateness.
Read moreFirst Version of Return to Learn Plan
Ames Community School District parents and community, We are happy to share that we have posted the first version of our Return to Learn plan is now available. Thank you for your patience and understanding this summer around our Return to Learn planning. We know that there are a lot of questions around what school will look like in the fall and we hope that this document helps answer some of those.
Read moreRTL DE Submitted Plan / Timeline / Website
Department of Education Submitted Plan: Today was the deadline to submit the District’s Return to Learn (RTL) plan to the Iowa Department of Education and we are happy to announce that it has been “accepted.” One of the requirements is to post that submitted plan on our website, which can be accessed directly at the URL below. Please know that our developed plan is much more detailed than what was required from the state and we plan to share that larger document next week on our website (see the timeline below).
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School Board Presentation and Overview
Last night, Superintendent Risner and District leaders presented an overview of the District’s Return to Learn (RTL) plan that is due to the Iowa Department of Education on July 1. The multi-faceted plan includes contingencies for the following conditions: On-Site Delivery – A full return of students and staff to school buildings. This delivery model will be done in buildings with face to face delivery of instruction for all students given application of mitigation steps described in the plan. Required Continuous Learning – This delivery model will be done via remote learning, either online or packet-based, in the event that schools remain closed due to the pandemic. Opportunities to interact with staff and students would occur virtually. Hybrid 1 Learning (state-mandated) – This delivery model will be done by alternating students between on-site and remote learning. Using appropriate mitigation steps while on-site, most students will attend school 2 days per week and engage in remote learning each week on other days. This model would be used if the state-mandated that schools operate at 50% capacity, for example. Hybrid 2 Learning (family choice) – This delivery model will closely mirror the on-site model for most students. However, some families may choose to have children remain in a required continuous learning model for personal safety reasons.
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Panorama School Climate Survey Results 2020
In March of 2020, the Ames Community School District surveyed students, staff, and families using the Panorama Culture and Climate Survey. The survey included questions around social and emotional learning, school satisfaction, and staff and family engagement, among others. New to this year’s student 6-12 survey were questions related to equity and inclusion. The purpose of the survey is to gather perception data from key stakeholders as a way to set and continue the evaluation of specific goal areas around the District’s Purpose and Priorities.
Read moreDepartment of Education Releases Reopening Guidance
Within the past week, we have received competing recommendations from two entities that we look to for guidance. Today, the Iowa Department of Education (DE) released guidance for reopening schools. Within that guidance, the DE cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendation that schools do not need to screen students and staff upon entering the building. They also said that requiring face coverings for all staff and students is not recommended.
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Kristi Mixdorf named as new Director of Teaching and Learning
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Kristi Mixdorf as the new Director of Teaching and Learning. She is currently the principal of Edwards Elementary School, a position she has held since 2018. Mixdorf has 20 years of experience in education as both a leader and a teacher. Prior to her position at Edwards Elementary, Mixdorf served as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the North Polk Community School District. Her previous experience included being an Instructional Coach in Ankeny, and a classroom teacher in both the Ankeny and Des Moines School Districts.
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Food Drive / Student Support Fund
Since school closure, it has been our goal to find numerous ways to help families with food insecurities alleviate that stress in their lives. The Grab & Go Meals through the summer food program have provided thousands of meals a week to students, and we have supplemented that by collaborating with the Food Bank of Iowa. As food supplies around the state and from the Food Bank of Iowa decline due to high demand, we are wanting to continue to ensure that food boxes are going to those families who are in need. We have received numerous requests from community members asking how they can contribute and support our students. As a result, the Ames Community School District is providing several ways to help in our drive to ensure that no family goes without food.
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Ames High Commencement Save the Date(s)
As a district, we are determined to find a way for the Class of 2020 to celebrate its graduation in person. While some districts are opting now to schedule virtual ceremonies, the feedback we have heard from students and families indicates that there continues to be a strong desire to have the celebration in person even if it is delayed. While it will not be possible to have graduation on May 24 as scheduled, we are hopeful that as conditions evolve in the months ahead there may be some easing of restrictions on public gatherings that would allow us to hold a graduation ceremony. To assist families in planning, we have identified several dates that will serve as our target date, as well as back up dates in the event that conditions are not to the point where we can hold a large gathering. We ask that graduates and families please hold both of these dates in their calendar.
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