Bobcats Making Headlines

Another exciting piece of public art has found a home in Marshalltown!

Help us celebrate the arrival of “Scherzo” with a Reveal Celebration on Thursday, June 30 from 5-7 p.m. at the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center (east side of Marshalltown High School, 1602 S. 2nd Ave.)

The evening will kick off with a Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, followed by live performances by MHS students and the Marshalltown Municipal Band. Bring your lawn chairs!

“Scherzo” creator Stephen T. Johnson said the piece features colorful abstract forms based on musical notations such as the bass clef, the forte f and musical notes, plus three kinetic mouth-shaped forms at the top that celebrate the rhythms, sounds and ideas generated within this outstanding performing arts venue.

Come celebrate this excellent work of public art with us on Thursday, June 30! For more information and background on “Scherzo,” click here.

The Marshalltown Community School District was among the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Program grant awardees announced by Gov. Kim Reynolds on Thursday.

The grant program will provide opportunities for current high school students and adults to earn a paraeducator certificate and associate’s degree, and for paraeducators to earn their bachelor’s degree, all while learning and working in the classroom. The program will begin this fall during the 2022-2023 school year. To learn more about the pilot program, visit here.

As one of 19 applicant school districts/consortiums included in the program, MCSD was awarded a grant in the amount of $1,236,870 in partnership with the Grinnell, BCLUW, Eldora-New Providence, West Marshall, East Marshall, Iowa Falls, Montezuma, and GMG school districts. Additionally, MCSD was among the 30 partnering Rural School Advocates of Iowa (RSAI) included in a $6,376,113 grant award via the Cherokee CSD.

In total, the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Program is awarding $45.6 million to 134 school districts statewide; the funding is made available through the American Rescue Plan Act. 

“Growing our teacher and paraeducator talent pipeline helps ensure Iowa students have access to a world-class education today and into the future,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo in Thursday’s announcement. “I commend these school districts and postsecondary partners for their innovative plans to start registered apprenticeships that will inspire and support the next generation of educators in Iowa communities.”

We look forward to further strengthening key career pathways through the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Program!

Three exemplary Marshalltown CSD staff members were named Employees of the Quarter for the fourth quarter of the 2021-22 school year.

Miller Middle School long-term substitute teacher Patty Herrera, Anson Elementary School nurse Brenda Villa, and District Transportation bus monitor Sandy Wallen were nominated by peers for going above and beyond in their respective roles.

“If you know Patty, you know she radiates positivity and energy. She makes Miller a better place,” said Miller teacher Morgan Hurst, who nominated Patty Herrera. “She goes above and beyond her technical role of a substitute. She has taken on the responsibility of her students and her classroom.”

Anson paraeducator Michelle Lawthers said she nominated Brenda Villa for her reliability and positive attitude when interacting with students and fellow staff members.

“Brenda is such a blessing at Anson. Her gentle ways make students, staff, and parents feel more at ease when there might be something wrong,” Lawthers said.

Sandy Wallen is beloved by the Bobcat preschoolers who ride her bus each school day. Transportation Director Rex Kozak said Wallen enjoys interacting with her students while ensuring they have a safe, happy ride to and from school each day.

“Sandy is very dependable, and every day she brings a positive attitude and a desire to make a difference for each student while they are on the bus,” Kozak said.

Congrats to these three incredible Employees of the Quarter!

Hundreds of Bobcats stepped into life’s next chapter at the Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday.

For the second year in a row, the graduates walked across Leonard Cole Field to be celebrated by school leaders as their friends and families looked on from the bleachers. Many folks also tuned into the livestream of Sunday’s ceremony provided by KDAO.

Student speakers gave inspiring speeches to their fellow graduates, who were spread across the windswept football field. One of the speakers, Andrea Montes Melendez, said the welcoming, caring teachers and school staff at Marshalltown High School were key to her success in facing many challenges, including becoming proficient in English in just two years.

“They were there for me, holding me up when I was frustrated or feeling a bit challenged,” she said of the MHS teachers and staff. “They kept me focused on my goal and reminded me to persevere.”

Fellow student speakers Veronica Herrera, Jackson Matteson, and Noelani Berg shared their own positive words and experiences with their peers. Several students teamed up to welcome the friends and family gathered view the ceremony – Emma Kuhlers greeted the audience in English, followed by Bianca Andrade in Spanish, Sadiv Lewo in French, and Eden Par in Hakha Chin.

Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the Class of 2022 will bring top-quality education and experiences with them as they step into life after high school. He said he is confident this year’s graduates are Bobcat Ready – prepared to pursue success as they enter post-secondary education, join the workforce, or take whatever path they choose in life.

During the ceremony, special recognition was given to the record-breaking 19 dual-graduates, all of whom earned a college degree, diploma, or certificate in addition to their high school diploma. Another record-breaking group honored on Sunday were the 52 students who earned a Seal of Biliteracy, given to students who attain proficiency in two or more languages.

Several other special recognitions were given at Sunday’s Ceremony, including for students who plan to join the military, honor students, class officers, National Honor Society members, and students who earned a Silver Cord or Gold Cord. The students’ parents and guardians were also given special thanks.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! You’ve accomplished great things throughout your time at the Marshalltown CSD – we can’t wait to see the future successes of this newest group of Bobcat alumni!

Check out more photos from the Bobcats Class of 2022 Commencement Ceremony below!

Class of 2022 Bobcats were celebrated for earning impressive scholarships and awards at the annual MHS Awards Night on Thursday. 

A record-breaking number of students earned a Seal of Biliteracy award this year. Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) medals, Silver Cord awards, Bobcat Ready recognitions, and thousands of dollars in post-secondary scholarships were also among the accolades earned by students. In all, 49 students earned scholarships – the first year award total came to $648,318, and the four-year total came to $1,923,376.

See a full list of honors earned by these incredible students and more photos from Thursday’s celebration below, and remember to tune in for this Sunday’s 2022 Commencement Ceremony!

Bianca Andrade: Seal of Biliteracy, Bobcat Ready

Jonathan Aquino: Seal of Biliteracy, Bobcat Ready

Rochelle Avalos: U of I Advantage Iowa Award – $5k; U of I  Need-Based Academic Award – $6k; U of I  Scholars Award – $1k; Foster O. Blake Memorial Scholarship – $1,700; Rose and Harry Druker Memorial Scholarship – $2k; Members 1st Credit Union – $1k; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Americorps – $1,342; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; UnityPoint Health Auxiliary Scholarship – $2k; Marshalltown Education Partnership Scholarship – $3,118; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction); Seal of Biliteracy; Silver Cord; MVP Medallion, Bobcat Ready

Marcus Barker: ISU Forever Scholar Merit Scholarship – $2k; ISU Johnson-Engel Scholarship Endowment in Engineering – $2k; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Harlietta Helland Scholarship – $500; RACOM Scholarship – $1k; NSCC Board of Directors (BOD) Scholarship – $1,500; Marshalltown Evening Lions – $750; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; IA Governor’s Scholar Plaque; Silver Cord; MVP Medallion; Bobcat Ready

Stephen Blom: UNI Panther Impact Award – $3k; UNI Veone Kneller Award – $1,050; UNI Honors Award – $2k; Modern Woodmen of America Make an Impact Award – $10k; Alliant Energy Innovation Scholarship – $1k; Theisen’s Farm Home Auto 4-H Scholarship – $1k; Matins Kiwanis Scholarship – $750; Bobcat Tennis Academy – $250; UnityPoint Health Auxiliary Scholarship – $2k; Bobcat Ready

Kasie Brandt: BVU President’s Scholarship – $27k; BVU Fine & Media Art Award – $2k; BVU College Visit Scholarship – $1k; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy; MVP Medallion; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction); Bobcat Ready

Austin Close: The Ohio State National Buckeye Scholar Scholarship – $13,500; Iowa Alumni Scholarship – $500; The Ohio State Alumni Scholars Program Award – $600; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction)

Elisabeth Draisey: Marshalltown Education Partnership Scholarship – $3,118; Roskopf- Williams Scholarship – $1k; Rex Ryden Scholarship – 1/2 Tuition; Noon Optimist Club of Marshalltown Scholarship – $750; Jean Seberg Scholarship – $250; Silver Cord; Bobcat Ready

Lilly Duff: University of Dubuque Heritage Society Grant – $15k; University of Dubuque Trustee Promise Grant – $5,850; Bill Palmer Legacy Scholarship – $5k; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Univ. of Dubuque Wendt Character Scholarship – $3,500; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; University of Dubuque Educator Grant – $1k; University of Dubuque General Institutional Grant – $8k; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy; Bobcat Ready

Alivia Eaton: Simpson College Cowles Fellowship Scholarship – $34k; Emerson Scholarship – $2,500; Turbiville Teaching Scholarship – $1k; Matins Kiwanis Scholarship – $750; PEI Scholarship – $100; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy

Sydney Faltys: Grand View University Dean Scholarship – $16k; Grand View University Volleyball Scholarship – $8k; Grand View University Academic Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready

Tania Gonzalez: Tricia McKenzie Loney Memorial Scholarship – $600; MVP Medallion; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy

Grant Greazel: Mark Mann Memorial Scholarship – $1k; Jerry Johnson Memorial Scholarship – $850

Amber Henson: Drake University Presidential Scholarship – $23k; Drake University Golf Athletic Scholarship – $23,012; Drake University Alumni Trustee Scholarship – $3k; Iowa Golf Association Ann Griffel Scholarship – $2k; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Jerry Johnson Memorial Scholarship – $850; Bobcat Ready

Phoebe Hermanson: Nick Norris Scholarship – $2k; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy; MVP Medallion; IA Governor’s Scholar Award; Bobcat Ready; Ronald Reagan Presidential Coin

Jeremiah Hernandez: Seal of Biliteracy; MVP Medallion

Marco Herrera: UNI.T.E.D Award – $2k; UNI Panther Success Award – $1,250; RACOM – $1k; C.E. Berg Scholarship – $500; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Forest & Martha Halverson Scholarship – $4k; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Bobcat Ready

Veronica Herrera: Science Bound STEM Scholarship – $40k; Tuesday Musical Club Scholarship – $500; Harvard Summer Academy Scholarship – $100; Marshalltown Morning Optimist Club Scholarship – $500; TRIO Talent Search Program Scholarship – $1k; Women’s Cross County SCC Scholarship – $10k; MCC Summer School Scholarship – $300; Nick Norris Junior Rotarian Scholarship – $2k; Marshalltown Education Partnership Scholarship – $3,118; All-State Music Scholarship; Bobcat Ready; Silver Cord; Seal of Biliteracy

Sydney Hotchkiss: Iowa Scholars Award – $1k; Foster O. Blake Memorial Scholarship – $1,700; Bobcat Ready; Seal of Biliteracy

Claire Hughes: Simpson College Presidential Scholarship – $32k; Simpson College Edge Grant – $1k; Bobcat Ready; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction)

Taylor Jones: UNI Panther Impact Award – $3k; Linda Bloom Scholarship – $1k; Live to Succeed Scholarship – $500; PEO Chapter BB Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready; Silver Cord

Emma Kuhlers: Vera and George Crowther Memorial Scholarship – $1k; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Bobcat Ready

Sitlali Lara Perez: Science Bound Scholarship – $40k; MVP Medallion; Seal of Biliteracy; Bobcat Ready

Lizbeth Monge: MVP Medallion; Seal of Biliteracy

Andrea Montes: MVP Medallion; Seal of Biliteracy; Bobcat Ready

Oscar Morales: Seal of Biliteracy

Hayden Oetker: Jessie Bayne Elfers Scholarship – $3k; Nutrien-Ag Scholarship – $2k; Marshalltown Evening Lions – $750; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Bobcat Ready

Jadyn Palmer: ASU’s New American University Provost’s Award – $12k; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Bobcat Ready, Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction)

Eden Par: Roskopf-Williams Scholarship – $1k; Silver Cord; Bobcat Ready

Xander Pickett: Upper Iowa University Presidential Scholarship – $17k; Youth Bowling Programs Smart Scholarship – $1,200; Bobcat Ready

Mia Rasmusson: Coe College Institution Grant – $39,200: Iowa Tuition Grant – $6,800

Bianca J. Rodriguez: Seal of Biliteracy

Alejandra Saldana: Bobcat Ready; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction); Silver Cord; MVP Medallion

Jolcey Santana: DAME Family Foundation Scholarship – $2,500; Marshalltown Education Association Scholarship – $500; Harlietta Helland Scholarship – $500; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; PEO Chapter LT Scholarship – $500; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Marshalltown Rotary Foundation – $1k; PEO Chapter BB Scholarship – $1k; MVP Medallion; Seal of Biliteracy; Bobcat Ready

Aaron Seberger: South Dakota State University Vocal Scholarship – $700; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Bernie Saggau Award; Bobcat Ready

Kendall See: Lonnie Hogeland Jr. Scholarship – $250; Lyle Hogeland Scholarship – $250; Bobcat Ready

Luis Servin: Science Bound Scholarship – $40k; MVP Medallion; Seal of Biliteracy; Bobcat Ready; Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction)

Kaylin Smith: Roskopf-Williams Scholarship – $1k; Kevin L. Hunt Memorial Scholarship – $1,500; Silver Cord; Bobcat Ready

Rachel Smith: Kenneth and Sherry Folks Scholarship – $1k; Dean and Cindy Fogarty Scholarship – $1,250; Silver Cord, Bobcat Ready, Avon Burt Scholarship

Rebekah Stone: Flora Davis Forman Scholarship – $1k; Marshalltown Evening Lions – $750; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Silver Cord, Bobcat Ready, Seal of Biliteracy

Kevin Strand: Iowa Central Tennis Scholarship – $3k; Iowa Central Academic Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready, Seal of Biliteracy

Siang Tial: Roskopf-Williams Scholarship – $1k; Marshalltown Rotary Foundation – $1k; Bobcat Ready, Seal of Biliteracy, MVP Medallion

Paulina Torres: Roskopf-Williams Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready

Callie Tuttle: Iowa Scholars Award – $1k; Foster O. Blake Memorial Scholarship – $1,700; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; PEO Chapter BB Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready

Brynn Van Buren: Iowa Scholars Award – $1k; Bobcat Ready, Red Cord (Life Serve Donor of Distinction)

Jose Vergara: ISU Fred Schleiter Scholarship – $1,250; ISU Johnson-Engel Endowment in Engineering – $2k; ISU Design Future Leaders Award $2,500; ISU Engineering LEAD Scholarship – $1k; Grace Church (Timothy Initiative Scholarship) – $1,500; Americorps Scholarship – $1,342; Masonry Institute of Iowa Foundation Scholarship – $500; Phyllis Perry Hulton Scholarship – $1,100; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k; Marshalltown Rotary Foundation Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready, Seal of Biliteracy

Cassidy Wedemeyer: Jesse Bayne Elfers Scholarship – $3k; Gwendolyn & Lucian Hinecker Scholarship – $4k: Bobcat Ready, Silver Cord

Paige Wertzberger: Clarke University Women’s Basketball Scholarship – $22k; Bobcat Ready

Gannon Williams: Members 1st Community Credit Union – $1k; Nick Norris Scholarship – $1k; Bobcat Ready, Silver Cord

Two dozen longtime school staff members are looking forward to life’s next chapters as they get ready for retirement at the end of the 2021-22 school year.

This year’s retirees were honored and celebrated for the time, effort, and incredible service they’ve given for Bobcat students at the annual MCSD/MEA Retirement Tea on Thursday. This year’s Tea returned to Iowa Valley Continuing Education’s DeJardin Hall, where retirees and their peers spoke fondly of their years working together in the schools. Those honored included:

Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte and Marshalltown School Board President Sean Heitmann shared their deep appreciation for the retirees’ work, and emphasized the crucial role each played in the lives of countless students.

Additionally, two soon-to-be Bobcat graduates were honored at Thursday’s Tea. Jolcey Santana and Kyah Siegert were selected as this year’s MEA Scholarship recipients, each receiving $500. Both students congratulated this year’s retirees as they accepted the scholarships.

Also celebrated was La Carreta Mexican Grill owner and MHS alum Alfonso Medina, Jr., who was named the 2022 MEA Friend of Education Award recipient. Medina has been a strong supporter of MCSD and the school staff who work with students each day.

Most recently, Medina and his wife, Vanessa Perez, donated $5,000 through their business and  No Love No Tacos non-profit organization to cover ndegative student lunch account balances, in partnership with A&A Concrete and Arturo Mujica.

Congratulations to all of this year’s retirees (listed below), as well as MEA Friend of Education Award recipient Alfonso Medina, Jr. and MEA Scholarship recipients Jolcey Santana and Kyah Siegert! Check out more photos from Thursday’s Retirement Tea below.

A record-breaking group of 19 exceptional Class of 2022 Bobcats will graduate with both their high school diploma and a college degree, diploma, or certificate in hand this spring. This year’s dual graduates include:

• Rochelle Avalos (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Marcus Barker (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Hunter Block (Fire Science Certificate – Kirkwood Community College)
• Jackelyn Bravo Hernandez (Early Childhood: Child Development Certificate – MCC)
• Uriel Botello (Architecture, Construction, & Engineering Career Academy Certificate – MCC)
• Lilly Duff (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Alivia Eaton (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Brenna Hempy (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Veronica Herrera (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Zoe Johnson (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Taylor Jones (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Jonah Landas (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Javon Lewis (Architecture, Construction, & Engineering Career Academy Certificate – MCC)
• Jose Manuel Vergara (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Levi Ogston (Manufacturing Welding Practitioner Diploma – MCC)
• Alejandro Rivas Alanis (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Erin Stanley (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Cassidy Wedemeyer (Associate of Arts – MCC)
• Paige Wertzberger (Early Childhood: Child Development Certificate – MCC)

“It was careful planning that made them successful,” said MHS Principal Jacque Wyant of the dual graduates, adding that students can begin the college credit planning process as early as middle school.

MHS school counselor Rebecca Whalen has supported the Class of 2022 throughout high school, and said she is proud of this year’s dual graduates.

“It’s been really amazing to see what they’ve been able to do,” she said. 

Each year, hundreds of Bobcat students take advantage of the unique dual-credit opportunities available to them through the Marshalltown CSD’s partnerships with higher education institutions. The cost of the college credits students earn is covered by MCSD, meaning they can get ahead of the game and be Bobcat Ready for life after high school.

Please join us in celebrating these students’ hard work and wishing them the best as they look ahead to bright futures!

Four Marshalltown High School seniors who served as Marshalltown School Board student representatives during the 2021-22 school year were recognized for their service at the Monday, May 16 regular board meeting.

Student representatives Phoebe Hermanson, Taylor Jones, Haley Reed, and Aaron Seberger shared their final presentation on Marshalltown High School happenings with the board. They also shared their plans for higher education after graduation:

• Seberger – SDSU for mechanical engineering
• Hermanson – Notre Dame for marketing
• Jones – UNI/Allen College for nursing
• Reed – UNI for business administration & business in healthcare

Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte presented the student representatives with certificates of recognition and thanked each for their dedication throughout the school year. Congratulations to all four of these student leaders!

Four exceptional Marshalltown CSD staff members have been named Employees of the Quarter for the Third Quarter of the 2021-22 school year.

Woodbury Elementary school resource specialist Samantha Baedke, Marshalltown High School Food Service staff member Deb Corrick, Lenihan Intermediate School fifth grade literacy teacher Alex Klyn, and Marshalltown Learning Academy English teacher Katie Mummert were chosen for the honor after being nominated by their peers.

Woodbury school counselor Heidi Williams said Samantha Baedke is a key part of the school’s positive learning environment for both students and staff.

“Sam forms strong relationships with all of the individuals that she works with which allows for communication, collaboration, and progress towards our goals,” Williams said. “She is passionate about student attendance at school and works with families to find ways to help their children be at school and ready to learn. Sam also does an awesome job of connecting families to the resources that they need from the school and community.”

At MHS, Deb Corrick was nominated for being a dedicated, helpful, and hardworking member of the school’s Food Service team.

“Debbie has worked for Food Service since 1998. She has shown up to work almost every day of her 24+ years of working for the Marshalltown CSD,” said Jamie Wilson, who joined fellow MHS Food Service staff members Julie Giannetto and Marla Peter in nominating Corrick. “Debbie is the first person to say ‘Can I help you with that?’ to everyone she works with. She always tries to say thank you to each and every student she serves daily.”

Alex Klyn was nominated not only for being an outstanding fifth grade literacy teacher, but also for his leadership among fellow Lenihan teachers.

“As PLC lead, Alex offers great insight into students’ needs at every academic and behavior huddle,” said Lenihan teacher Jennifer Wiley, who was joined by teachers Kramer Grimes and Hannah Hamilton in nominating Klyn. “On a consistent basis, students are proud to claim that Alex is their favorite teacher. He makes connections with students and takes an interest in their lives.”

Katie Mummert joined the Marshalltown Learning Academy at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. She has already had a positive impact in her short time at MLA.

“Katie goes above and beyond to listen to students and find out each of their needs. She then advocates for those students and collaborates with other staff members,” said MLA student resource specialist Jeraco Whitaker, who nominated Mummert.

Congrats to all four of these outstanding Bobcat staff members!

Anson Elementary fourth graders put together and donated 40 goodie bags for those in need this week, in partnership with the Salvation Army of Marshalltown. 

The donations were made possible through a $250 Iowa Association of Realtors Project Jack grant. School counselor Ashley Chyma and fourth grade teacher Jocelyn Schmidt applied for the grant, and worked with students to decide how to use the funds.

After brainstorming, the students voted to purchase several food and household items to give to those in need through the Salvation Army. The items, which were stuffed into the student-decorated goodie bags, included bottled water, bandages, wipes, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, toothpaste, granola bars, candy, and other food items.

In addition to the donated items, the bags include positive messages written by students. Also donated was a large box of toilet paper for the Salvation Army to use as needed.

Schmidt said her students enjoyed working together to do something positive and kind.

”It filled our students’ hearts with joy and taught them that being kind doesn’t take much effort at all,” Schmidt said. “Thank you to the Iowa Association of Realtors for granting us the funds to do this project!”