Data: More than Numbers
What does “data” mean? “Data” means any kind of information that can be understood or proven by a set of standards. Yes, in our district this often means different sets of numbers like grades, test scores, and attendance rates. But, it can also mean measuring things that don’t always appear measurable at first glance, such as: What are we doing to meet the needs of all students, and how can we improve?; How welcome do our learners and families feel in our district? It can also mean looking for standards of equity when resources may not always be shared equally.
Read more#OurAmazingStudents
We know that this year has had some challenging moments for our students, but we have also seen them do amazing things.
Read moreNew Delivery Model Change Request Date
Happy New Year and welcome back to school. We hope Winter Break was wonderful for everyone reading this. The information in this email will consist of some reminders so that it is at the top of your inbox, as well as some new information. Delivery Model Change Request Our ACSD Learning Delivery Model Change Request form for the start of the second semester is currently open.
Read morePK-5 Students to Return to 100% Face-to-Face
PK-5 Students to Return to 100% Face-to-Face This morning, the school board voted for PK-5 students who desire a building-based delivery model to return to 100% face-to-face starting on January 4, 2021. Below, we have outlined what this means for our students in the various delivery models and buildings.
Read moreDelivery Model After Winter Break
Delivery Model After Winter Break Throughout winter break, Ames CSD staff will be monitoring our local conditions. If our conditions continue to improve, we could make a recommendation to return PK-5 face-to-face on January 4, 2021. While it is too early to make that decision, we wanted you to know that all options will be considered. Our secondary students (6-12) will continue in Hybrid through the end of the semester with the hope of returning fully face-to-face at the start of the second semester. Regardless of the learning model that students are in, our 100% remote campus will continue to be an option for families.
Read moreMasked Hero: Tabitha Wu
Superpower: Stay calm and kind for my students in situations of stress “I believe that EVERY child deserves the best…
Read moreReturn to Hybrid / Calendar
Return to Hybrid Delivery Model on Wednesday, December 9 Today, the school board voted to transition to the Hybrid learning model for grades PK-12 starting on Wednesday, December 9. The Wednesday return allows teachers 3 full days to prepare to return to Hybrid instruction.
Read moreFree Meals for All Children at Ames Schools Through the 20-21 School Year
The Ames Community School District is pleased to offer a free breakfast and lunch each day to every child in our community through the end of the current school year. Any child aged 1-18 is eligible to receive a school breakfast and lunch at Ames Middle School, Edwards Elementary, Fellows Elementary, Meeker Elementary, Mitchell Elementary, and Sawyer Elementary. Grab and Go meals will be available for students that are in virtual learning and younger children at the above sites. Free meals are available to students when they are on site each of these sites. Breakfast and lunch are available for free for onsite learners at Ames High School, free snacks are available for onsite learners at Northwood Preschool, free breakfast and lunch is available for enrolled children at the Boys and Girls Club. On Monday, December 7, Monday and Tuesday Meals will be available between 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Edwards, Fellows, Meeker, Mitchell, and Sawyer Elementary Schools and between 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Ames Middle School. Starting Wednesday, December 9th, Ames families with students and young children can pick up free grab-and-go breakfast and lunch at between 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at Edwards, Fellows, Meeker, Mitchell, and Sawyer Elementary Schools. Pickup for free meals is available at Ames Middle School Monday through Friday from 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Students and young children do not need to be present when parents and guardians pick up meals, and student IDs are not required. Families may pick up meals at the school closest to them. We will also continue to serve weekend meals on Fridays.
Read moreDE Approval / Panorama Survey
DE Approved Application to Continue Online (w/ Updated Information) This morning, the Iowa Department of Education (DE) officially approved our application to continue 100% online remote learning temporarily for all buildings in the District. You can read the letter here. Per the letter, we are approved for online remote learning from November 30, 2020, to December 14, 2020.
Read moreDelivery Model / Revised Guidance Indicators
Delivery Model After Thanksgiving Break We will be submitting our application for approval from the Iowa Department of Education (DE) to continue 100% online remote learning for all buildings PK-12 after Thanksgiving break. The DE approves applications in two-week intervals, and if approved, the 100% online remote learning would continue for another two weeks through Friday, December 11. As you head into the Thanksgiving break, please plan to continue online learning on Monday, November 30. As a reminder, when a school building has been granted approval from the DE to move into remote learning, the ability for that school to participate in extracurricular activities is suspended for the duration of the period of remote learning. As a result, all practices, competitions, and in-person meetings of any sports, activity, or club will continue to be suspended through the period of remote learning.
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