Bobcats Making Headlines

Lenihan Intermediate School fifth graders Thomas Lian, left, and Alex Sanders work on coding during a new Computer Science class at the school recently.

A statewide grant has led to a new Computer Science class underway for all fifth and sixth graders at Lenihan Intermediate School in Marshalltown.

The classes are taught by Amanda Miller who said they are using curriculum through Code.org, which includes educational, fun and creative programs that students can learn.

“Coding projects will be part of science and math by the end of this year, and students will demonstrate them at our coding showcase at the end of the year,” Miller said.

Lenihan fifth grader Thomas Lian said he likes the class because he has a strong interest in technology.

“You can do anything,” he said.

Miller said this curriculum also works with the diverse student population at Lenihan.

“Code.org has translations of the site for newcomer students and multicultural videos that show people of different backgrounds in Computer Science jobs, which I think is really important for our diverse student population,” Miller said.

Lenihan was one of 12 schools in the state to receive the Computer Science is Elementary grant. Read more about the grant at this link.

Berlynn Janssen, left,  and Kate Sandvick

Teacher Amanda Miller

Stacey Cervantes

Susan Fritzell

Marshalltown High School Extended Learning Program teacher Susan Fritzell is one of only 114 teachers selected for a National History Day program titled “Legacies of World War I.” The program is a partnership between the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission and National History Day.

Fritzell will participate in webinars and discussions with educators from around the world to learn about World War I and its lasting impact. As one of the selected teachers, Fritzell receives free tuition, graduate credits and materials for the online program.

Each of National History Day’s 58 affiliates could choose two teachers for this honor and the National History Day program in Iowa selected Mrs. Fritzell.

“As part of the commemoration of the centennial of The Great War, National History Day is proud to partner with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission to help teachers delve into the history of this global event,” said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. “Mrs. Fritzell will learn about specific aspects of the war she can take back to the classroom to ensure this piece of global history is not forgotten.”

This program is part of an educational partnership with the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History, National History Day, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial.

Fritzell is the second Marshalltown Schools XLP teacher to be selected for this honor in consecutive years as Miller Middle School teacher Ann Jackson was selected for this program and also was selected to study World War I in Europe.

Pictured is the 2019 Marshalltown High School Homecoming Court. Front row, from let, Erica Johnson, Samantha Snyder, Colin Jensen and Bennett Hageman. Second row, Carissa Stalzer, Molly Sickles, Rene Hernandez Andrade and Casey Linsenmeyer. Third row, Katherine Avalos Sanchez, Kaci Uhde, Austin Shomo and Will Van Buren. Back row, Grace Fisher and Jesus Munoz.

The pep rally and king and queen coronation will be held after 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 19 at the MHS/Community Auditorium. TheHomecoming parade will be held at 6 p.m. on September 19 on Main Street.

Veronica Guevara is a 2009 Marshalltown High School graduate. She works as Director of Equity and Inclusion for the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Des Moines.

MHS graduate works for Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Whether it’s her involvement in the community or her full-time career, Veronica Guevara has always put others first.

Guevara, a 2009 Marshalltown High School graduate, currently works as Director of Equity and Inclusion for the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Des Moines.

“I promote quality services to survivors of domestic violence by providing statewide consultation and intensive training support to advocates working in our member victim service programs,” Guevara said. “ICADV is a state level nonprofit that represents 21 local programs across the state that provide direct services to survivors of intimate partner violence.”

Her background as a daughter of immigrants led her to find her path to stand up for others.

“My commitment and approach to this work stem from being a first generation, daughter of immigrants and so many of my lived experiences,” she said. “I joined this movement to be actively involved in the fight against interpersonal and institutional violence against all people, but specifically communities of color that have been historically pushed aside.”

She was involved for two years as an intern for US Senator Michael Bennett in Washington, DC as part of Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Internship Program. She nearly stayed in DC and took up politics full-time, but thought she could also make an impact back in Iowa.

“During my time in DC, I missed my family and knew that there was plenty of work to be done in my home state of Iowa,” she said. “After graduating with my BA from the University of Iowa, I chose to stay in Iowa and pursue and create opportunities here.”

Before her time at the University of Iowa, Veronica earned a degree from Marshalltown Community College and helped start the local Immigrant Allies group.

Inspired by local community leaders
She said her time in Marshalltown helped shape who she is today. She lists several inspirational school district staff such as Peggy Kelly (has since retired), Gary Mertens, Kirk Niehouse and Dan Terrones, who helped her stay on track and “were always so kind, empathetic, welcoming and supportive.”
She also credits local community members such as Joa LaVille, Mark Smith and Bettie Bolar for their guidance as well.

“I am very grateful to have crossed paths with such exceptional beings throughout my time in Marshalltown,” Guevara said. “I am very proud of being the daughter of immigrants and being the first in my family to obtain a higher education degree.”

Tom Apgar, second from right, presents a $15,000 donation to the Bobcat volleyball program to MHS athletic director Ryan Isgrig, right. Also pictured are Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte, far left, and Miller athletic director Jeff Tice.

Tom Apgar has made a donation of $15,000 to support the volleyball programs at Marshalltown High School and Miller Middle School in honor of his father, the late Pat Apgar. Tom presented the donation to MHS Athletic Director Ryan Isgrig and Miller Athletic Director Jeff Tice during the September 3 school board meeting.

The Apgar Family, and their business Apgar Photography, have been strong supporters of Marshalltown volleyball and the school district for decades. There is an annual volleyball tournament at MHS named in honor of the family.

Tom said this donation of support for volleyball was among his father’s last wishes before he passed away earlier this year and it is part of the Apgar spirit to give back to the community.

“I’m proud of Pat’s long term legacy and perhaps this establishes him as the unofficial title of ‘Mr. Volleyball’ in Marshalltown,” Tom said.

Marshalltown Schools Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte said the district is “deeply humbled by this generous gift.”

The three new student school board representatives for the school year are Marshalltown High School seniors, from left, Carmen Araiza, Mia Barajas and Diana Sanchez.

The Marshalltown Community School District Board of Education named three new student school board representatives from Marshalltown High School to provide the student perspective to the school board during meetings.  They include MHS seniors Carmen Araiza, Mia Barajas and Diana Sanchez.

Carmen Araiza
Carmen has been involved in Mock Trial, STEP (Students Teaching & Empowering Philanthropy), Envirothon, Poetry Out Loud, Battle of the Books, Science Olympiad, Delegation for the Advancement of History, band and drama. She plans to attend Tennessee State University and major in architectural engineering.

Mia Barajas
Mia is involved as a Student Rotarian, in track, cross country, STEP and Big Brothers BIg Sisters.  She plans to attend Northern Illinois University and major in psychology.

Diana Sanchez
Diana is involved in Science Bound, TRIO, Delegation for the Advancement of History and as a  Gear Up Ambassador. She plans to attend Iowa State University and major in computer science.

The three will serve in this role throughout the 2019-20 school year. They are non-voting members of the board, but will provide student feedback and updates from MHS.

Marshalltown High School senior Aida Almanza, left, was among the students recognized for academic achievement during the academic letter award night at the MHS/Community Auditorium on August 28. Aida is pictured receiving her award from MHS Principal Jacque Wyant.

The annual academic letter award night was held on August 28 at the Marshalltown High School/Community Auditorium.

The event recognizes current MHS sophomores, juniors and seniors who achieved at least a 3.5 grade point average for both semesters last school year.  Those who received this distinction for the first time received an “M” letter while those receiving this honor for a second or third time received a bar pin for their letter.

Presenters on the night included MHS Principal Jacque Wyant and Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte.

“You have developed skills that will benefit you for a lifetime,” Wyant told the students. “Our school staff and administration are proud of you and of the hard work that you demonstrated to earn this award.”

To view more photos from this event, visit the MCSD Facebook Page.

MHS senior Joe Burnes receives his recognition from MHS Principal Jacque Wyant.