Device Collection Process: Spring 2021
As the school year is nearing a close, here is our device collection process across the District. If you have any questions, please email: acsdtechsupport@ames.k12.ia.us.
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Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Curriculum Adoption / Feedback
Over the past year, the Ames Community School District has been exploring different options for a social emotional learning (SEL) curriculum for K-12 adoption. A team made up of staff from across the district was assembled to develop core values that were then assigned to the different curriculum options to determine the most viable option. After narrowing down the SEL curriculum options, the SEL team met with two different providers and have determined the one that aligns best with the district’s mission, priorities, and task force core values.
Read moreMask Update (May 20, 2021)
Shortly after midnight, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed legislation (HF 847) into law that prohibits school districts from requiring masks to be worn at school. The new law took effect immediately upon signing. Therefore, the district cannot require masks and they will be optional at school beginning TODAY, Thursday, May 20.
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LC2: Little Cyclone Limited Collection
We are excited to announce that the next design in our LC2: Little Cyclone Limited Collection is available on our online apparel store. The LC2 collection is a partnership with Sigler where this specific design is a buy one, give one opportunity for our community. For every LC204 piece that is purchased online, Sigler will print and donate another t-shirt that will be given to a student in the District. Between the previous three campaigns, LC201, LC202, and LC203, we were able to give over 220 Ames branded shirts to students.
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Statement on the guilty verdict of the murder of George Floyd
Today, a jury found a former Minneapolis police officer guilty on all three counts of murder. We know that this verdict does not erase the traumatic event we all witnessed on May 25th. It also does not bring back George Floyd and for that our hearts go out to the Floyd family who will not get to hug their son, brother, or father. However, we hope that today’s verdict can be a step forward in bringing meaningful change for those who have experienced institutional racism, systemic violence, and racial trauma in our country.
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Panorama School Climate Survey Results 2021
In March of 2021, 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. This was the third consecutive year that the District has utilized this survey.
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2021-2022 Academic Calendar Approved
The 2021-2022 school year calendar was approved by the Ames school board on Monday, March 22, 2021. In many ways, the 2021-2022 calendar will be a return to normal after numerous adjustments were made to the 20-21 academic dates due to the pandemic. These include the return to parent/teacher conferences, professional development works days, as well as weather-related delays and closures.
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Deani Thomas named as new Director of Special Education
The Ames Community School District is excited to announce Deani Thomas as the new Director of Special Education. She is currently a Special Education and Title I Coordinator in Ames, a position she has held since 2019 and will replace longtime Director Darcy Cosens, who announced her retirement earlier this year. Thomas obtained her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University, as well as her Masters in Education with a Specialization in Special Education. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in philosophy with a Specialization in Educational Administration, Literacy, and Social Justice, with an anticipated date of completion of May 2022. She is a licensed PK-12 school administrator as well as a special education supervisor and evaluator.
Read moreDelivery Model Change Request Open this Week
In-Person Instruction Parent Option: On January 29, 2021, Governor Reynolds signed SF 160, a bill that requires schools to offer parents an option for full-time in-person instruction. As of today, all of our school buildings are providing an in-person delivery model option, along with the 100% online option through our Remote Campus. The bill also requires schools to provide parents notice of the opportunity to select full-time in-person instruction and allow at least 5 days to decide their selection if the school will still offer other instructional options. We have re-opened our ACSD Learning Delivery Model Change Request form to give parents an opportunity to select the 100% in-person delivery model.
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Panorama Offsite Learning Survey Results 2021
In December of 2020, the Ames Community School District surveyed students, staff, and families regarding distance education and how to meet the needs of our community with our learning models, academics, and support strategies using Panorama Education. The surveys included questions around social and emotional learning, academic needs, and staff and family engagement, among others. The purpose of the survey is to gather perception data from key stakeholders as a way to set a baseline for evaluation. This was a different Panorama survey than the Culture and Climate Survey conducted in March 2020. We are still planning to do that survey again this upcoming spring.
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