Bobcats Making Headlines

Lenihan Intermediate School Extended Learning Program students visited Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City on March 15.

Lenihan Intermediate School Extended Learning Program students led by teacher Vanessa Engel took a field trip to the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge near Prairie City on March 15.

The group learned about prairie ecosystems, viewed the indoor exhibit, walked the trails, planted Black-eyed Susans and took the auto route tour and spotted bison.

Also joining the group on the visit was Emily Herring, naturalist with the Marshall County Conservation Board.

The Marshalltown High School fine arts department including the band, choir and orchestra will be holding a fundraiser starting this weekend.  Students will be selling discount cards on Saturday, March 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community going door to door. Cards will also be available from students until March 27.

The cost of the card is $20 and is valid for one year.  The card also includes a key tag that one can register for discounts from around the country.

Proceeds of the card sales will be used to cover the cost of fine arts contest registrations and transportation and will also be used to purchase show choir costumes, orchestra tuxedos and gowns and marching band uniforms as well as show choir choreography, marching band music, marching routines and drill team choreography.

Calling all parents of MHS fine arts and parents of Miller Middle School band, choir and orchestra students.  

The Bobcat Band Booster Parent Organization will become the MHS Fine Arts Boosters and include the band, choir and orchestra parents beginning this summer.  A meeting for all parents will be held on March 20 at 7 p.m. in the MHS cafeteria.

The purpose of the meeting is to select a parent booster board and brainstorm ways to raise money and support the fine arts.  Please plan to attend or contact Choir Director Amy Ose, Orchestra Director Maggie Williams or Band Director Brett Umthun if you are unable to attend and are interested in helping as part of the Fine Arts boosters.

Jennifer Van Haaften is a 1989 Marshalltown High School graduate. She is assistant director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison. Her parents are Jerry and Laura Stephens of Marshalltown.

Jennifer Van Haaften got her hands on a copy of the book “On the Banks of Plum Creek” by Laura Ingalls Wilder as an elementary student. That book sparked a love of history and led her to the successful career she has today.

Van Haaften, the daughter of Jerry and Laura Stephens of Marshalltown, is a 1989 Marshalltown High School graduate.

She works as assistant director of the Wisconsin Veterans Museum in Madison.

“I am involved in almost every function of the museum, from security to budget, to exhibit planning and building, to label writing,” she said. “I oversee the educational program, as well as the staff that manages the collections themselves. My favorite part about museum work is doing or creating something that helps people to connect with stories from the past.”

Being around historical pieces traces back to her time in Marshalltown.

“I started at the Marshall County Historical Society as an intern and worked at Living History Farms,” Van Haaften said. “I quickly learned I loved sharing history with people.”

Van Haaften has fond memories of her time in Marshalltown Schools, including time spent in the drama productions and in the show choir at Marshalltown High School, where her father later served as principal.

Van Haaften owns a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and has attained master’s degrees from the University of Manchester in England and Eastern Illinois University. Her husband, Joel, is a native of Algona, Iowa and the couple has two children, Will and Alice.

From all she has accomplished, that day she became a Laura Ingalls Wilder fan is still evident today. She recently had an article about Laura Ingalls Wilder’s family ties in Wisconsin titled “Re-examining the American Pioneer Spirit: The Extended Family of Laura Ingalls Wilder” published in the Wisconsin Magazine of History.

“It seems I’ve come full circle in my love of history,” she said.

Marshalltown High School art teacher Kirk Niehouse accepted the Western Region Secondary Art Educator Award from the National Art Educators Association on March 2. Also pictured is Cindy Todd of the NAEA.

Marshalltown High School art instructor Kirk Niehouse received the Western Region Secondary Art Educator Award from the National Art Educators Association on March 2 at the New York Hilton Midtown in New York City. Niehouse was nominated for the regional award after receiving the Outstanding Secondary Art Educator award from the Art Educators of Iowa.

“It was an exciting honor to represent the Marshalltown Community School District,” Niehouse said of receiving the award in New York City. “We strive for excellence here. It was nice to compare what we are doing to other schools from across the country. This proves the MCSD art program is one of the top 25 art programs in the nation.”

In the award program were the following comments from Julie Bousum, a former art teacher at MHS who worked with Niehouse.

“Kirk Niehouse is a teacher whose caring for his community stretches beyond the classroom walls, whose determination to expose his students to artistic opportunities goes outside the school day schedule, and whose dedication to make the Marshalltown High School art program second-to-none stretches past curricular expectations. He practices what he preaches and he ‘preaches’ that every student can learn, improve skills, and develop creativity in his classroom. Each young person leaves his room a better artist and community member.”

Niehouse is instructor of pottery and graphic design at MHS. He has taught at MHS since 2001 and is a Marshalltown High School graduate.

Kirk Niehouse is pictured with his sons, Jamison, left, and Kenton Niehouse at the National Art Educators Association Conference in New York City.

Marshalltown High School special education teacher Lindsey Ambrose speaks with a class from San Angelo, Texas as part of Google Hangout video conferencing on March 3. Her students and the students from Texas held a discussion.

Students in the Marshalltown High School special education English class taught by Lindsey Ambrose held a discussion with a class 1,000 miles away without leaving Marshalltown on March 3.

The students connected via Google Hangout video conferencing with a class from San Angelo, Texas as part of a connected classroom program. The students discussed an article both classes read and gave their opinion on what they read.

“My students had a lot of fun interacting with the other class,” Ambrose said. “There were many good conversations happening between the two classes. This is definitely an experience we will have again.”

There has been an increased effort in Marshalltown Schools to connect students to learning opportunities through Google Hangout.

David Stanfield, instructional design specialist with Marshalltown Schools, has provided training for staff on Google Hangout and was excited to see it in action.

“It is exciting to see her students have the opportunity to be globally connected and collaborating with other students across the country,” Stanfield said. “Working with others who are not in the same physical space could be a regular part of our students’ lives in the future.”

Pictured during Dr. Seuss Day at Anson Elementary School are, from left, Anson teacher Ginna Randall, Anson Principal Ronnie Manis, Curriculum Director Shauna Smith, the Cat in the Hat (Eric Olson) and Kyle Martin of KFJB Radio. Dozens of community members read to the students during Dr. Seuss Day at the school on March 3.

Anson Elementary School welcomed dozens of community members during Dr. Seuss Day at the school on March 3.

The visitors read Dr. Seuss books throughout the school as part of the annual celebration at Anson around the birthday of Dr. Seuss, which was March 2.

Students also celebrated in a variety of ways as part of the day. The event was organized by Anson teacher Heather Pals.

A group of community readers, from left, Mayor Jim Lowrance, Lynne Carroll of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Captain Chris Jones of the Marshalltown Police Department, Alex Holm of Hy-Vee, Stacie Aneweer of Hy-Vee, Ric Anderson of Hy-Vee and Carol Hibbs of the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.

Marshalltown firefighters

Anson teacher Leah Spagl

Senator Jeff Edler

Fire Chief David Rierson

Representative Mark Smith

Marshall County Sheriff Steve Hoffman

Peggy Nieland

Marshalltown Mayor Jim Lowrance

Lynne Carroll of Big Brothers Big Sisters

Marshalltown Police Captain Chris Jones

Ric Anderson of Hy-Vee

Kyle Martin of KFJB

Lenihan Intermediate School students spend time with a puppy after donating supplies to the Animal Rescue League recently. Pictured, from left, are Autumn Thompson, Abby Dawson and Chesni Uhde.

Lenihan Intermediate School students in the leadership group Ricochet sold kindness grams during the month of February, which included kind messages and a treat. As part of this project, students raised funds to support the Animal Rescue League and Splash 4 Life splash pad fundraiser.

Recently, Lenihan students Abby Dawson, Chesni Uhde, Ella Grife, and Autumn Thompson went shopping with the money raised for supplies for the ARL. The girls were able to purchase $211 worth of pet food and supplies. The girls delivered the supplies and even cuddled with a puppy at the ARL.  Ricochet next plans to present the funds raised to the Splash 4 Life group later in March.

Lenihan students shop for supplies to the Animal Rescue League. Pictured, from left, are Ella Grife, Abby Dawson, Chesni Uhde and Autumn Thompson.

Ricochet planning dodge ball tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa

Ricochet is sponsoring a dodge ball tournament to benefit Make-A-Wish Iowa on Thursday, March 16 in the Lenihan gym from 4:30-6:30 p.m.  Community support is welcome.

The school is looking for people who would like to volunteer to help at the tournament or people who would like to give a donation toward the cause. The school is also looking for donations of water, sports drink and cans of pop to help with concession needs for this event.

If you are interested in supporting this event please contact Angie Lovell at alovell@marshalltown.k12.ia.us or Diane Simpson at dsimpson1@marshalltown.k12.ia.us at Lenihan Intermediate or call 641-754-1160.  Donations can be accepted in the main office at Lenihan Intermediate at 212 W. Ingledue.

These four Miller Middle School students have been selected for the Blank Summer Institute this summer. Pictured from left are Derek Peng, Maggie Stansberry, Jade Tesar and Abbey Welden.

Four Miller Middle School students have been selected to participate in the Blank Summer Institute for Arts and Sciences at the University of Iowa, June 25-30.

Abbey Welden was selected in the area of social sciences, Derek Peng was selected in the area of mathematics, Maggie Stansberry was selected in the area of performing arts and Jade Tesar was chosen in the area of creative writing.

BSI is a week-long residential summer program for 120 of Iowa’s gifted students who are currently in grades 7 and 8. The institute provides exceptionally talented students with an intensive and advanced educational experience designed to enhance their intellectual and social growth.

Students had to submit applications, recommendations, essays and portfolios of their work to be considered for this prestigious institute.

Lenihan Intermediate School sixth grader Kaisa Stanley is pictured with her check and first place award in the Morning Optimists essay contest. Also pictured is Lenihan teacher Vanessa Engel, who accepted the second place award on behalf of student Ruth Fajardo-Zelaya.

Two Lenihan Intermediate School sixth grade students received awards from the Morning Optimists as part of an essay contest titled “Optimism in the Face of Challenges.”

Student Kaisa Stanley took first place and a $50 check and student Ruth Fajardo-Zelaya won second place and a $25 check.

Teacher Vanessa Engel said the students worked hard outside of school on their essays and they “did an amazing job.”

“I am proud of their dedication,” Engel said.

Second place winner Ruth Fajardo-Zelaya

Essay by Kaisa Stanley   

“To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.” This is the first line on The Optimist Creed. I believe this means to have a mind that is strong, so that nobody can change the way you think about life. I think that having a mind that is optimistic kind of makes a barrier around your mind so that nobody can make it any different than it was before.

“To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.” This line stood out to me because even people that you do not consider your friends, you should be nice to everyone. Not just nice even, you should be respectful, helpful, open-hearted, and you should also be their leader. Being somebody’s leader means to slowly teach them, you should crawl before you walk. You have to teach them how to walk, it will take a long time, so you need some patience, of course they’re going to stumble and fall but that’s the good thing about life; try, try again.

“To forget the mistakes of the past and press onto the future.” This means to me to forget all the sin you have done in previous times, and to look into what great achievements you will make in the future. You have to keep moving forward no matter how bumpy the road. If you always think about the mistakes you made in life, you will never do anything that you think will be bad because of previous mistakes. If you ponder on the mistakes of the past, you will never be able to do anything fun in life.

“To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.” I think this part of The Optimists Creed means think about how it feels when you win something? It probably feels good, doesn’t it. How does it feel when you get second place or third place? It probably doesn’t feel as good as getting first place, but you should still be excited for the people who placed better than you.

“To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.” I think this part of the The Optimists Creed means that you should improve yourself. The more you improve yourself, the less time you have to criticize others about anything. It gives you more time to compliment people, it gives you more time to forget all about the flaws of people and think about the beauty of them.

“To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.” Optimism is to be hopeful and confident about the outcome of something. This part of the The Optimists Creed is very similar to what optimism is.

“To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.” I think this line means to be to mighty to worry about what might happen. To be too generous to get angry about actions of others. To be too powerful for anger to get out. To be too excited for trouble to effect you eternally.

These lines in the Optimist’s The Optimists Creed are all chasing optimism in the face of challenges. Some people just don’t look at the lines as hard as others. To see that the lines show chasing optimism in the face of challenges you have to really look hard, like you’re trying to look for little dots on papers, that you can barely see.

To chase optimism in the face of challenges is when you come across a challenge, you should face the challenge but find optimism throughout the challenge. Chasing optimism in the face of challenges is learning to be patient, and find the pieces of the puzzle with people you know, people you don’t know, and family.

My name is Alexia, I have a dog, his name is Rocky, he’s very sick, and I feel like he was the one who really pulled our family together. I’m worried that if he dies we won’t find another dog that could replace him. He’s going to the vet today to get a checkup, if he doesn’t look well, the vet will have to put him down. So, Rocky didn’t make it. We went to the animal shelter and got a husky named Leon. He will never be the same as Rocky, but I like him.

This story is showing the good things about Leon that Rocky didn’t have. It shows that Alexia will have the same amount of fun with Leon as she did with Rocky. This is the good thing about life, you have bad times but sometimes the bad thing that happened can turn into something good.

Essay by Ruth Fajardo-Zelaya

What is optimism? Optimism is hopefulness and confidence about the future. It is being happy and hopeful even when trouble bumps into your life. Many think of themselves as being optimistic, but are they really? Would they be able to smile and laugh when a sibling or parent had died days earlier?

A friend of mine surprised me. Everyone considered her pessimistic. I was the happy one and she was the gloomy one. She had an older sister that always made her smile. Made her laugh even when she was mad or sad. Then… disaster struck. She was in a car crash with her sister, she managed to survive but unfortunately her sister did not. She was very melancholy after she went to her sister’s funeral. After a week, she was smiling and even laughing sometimes. All of her friends were mystified, so I asked her how she was doing it. How she was smiling even though her sister was gone, and these were her exact words “If we scrape our knee or arm, we don’t cry forever. We get a bandage and let the scrape heal on its own. It’s the same way with life. If something appalling happens to us, we shouldn’t cry and hide forever. What we should do is get up and face the world. We should get on with life, because if we fall (and don’t get up) at the first wave that hits us…. Then we will be doomed later on in life where there are hundreds of worse things that could happen to us.”

I learned from that friend that bad things happen in life, but just because they happen doesn’t mean that we have to be melancholy all the time. No, we have to get up and face the world with at least a smile on our face. We have to show the world that we are strong and that we will not be knocked down on the first bad thing that gets thrown our way.

Life is hard. The world is sometimes cruel and unfair. We can cry, scream, and yell when we trip and fall. Don’t though, because that gets us nowhere in life. We can’t change what has happened, but we can change how we react to what has happened. We can change how we see the world and how we react to the things that are happening around us. We can smile and help or we can frown and cause problems. It is our choice and ours alone to be optimistic or pessimistic. We decide and we have try to make the best decisions that will help us and the people around us.

“It doesn’t hurt to be optimistic, you can always cry later” – Lucimar Santos De Lima      Being optimistic doesn’t mean that you have to smile and laugh all the time…. It means that you see the world as a better place than most of us do. Even if life hits you with a heavy blow, it’s alright to cry, it’s alright to scream, because every once in awhile we have to let out all of our emotions. Optimism helps a lot of us and people around us have a better life. It helps friends and family to have hope and to expect good things not bad things.

I have a friend that’s very close to me. She is one of the happiest girls I know. Everyone considers her as an optimistic person, but she wasn’t always optimistic. My friend was a bully and she always found a way to crush everyone’s hopes. She had a chocolate lab that was always very chipper. Unfortunately, my friends’ dog was dying and that just made her madder and meaner. She made everyone scared of her and she made everyone miserable. When her dog died, she just broke. My friend did not bully anyone, but she did not make friends either. I was one of the girls that she ignored and I knew that she was a bully, but everyone deserves a second chance. So, I got to know her and the more I hung out with her the more she started to change. My friend started apologizing to all the people she had bullied. Now she has a lot of friends and she’s kind to everyone. I am glad that I got her to be optimistic, because optimism is very important in life.

Nobody deserves to live a miserable life. Nobody should expect bad things and the worst in others. I believe everyone should be happy and see life as a cup half full of a beverage. A happy world is much better than a sad world. We should all try to make this world a happy and lively world. Everyone deserves a good world not a bad one.

These five Marshalltown High School students have been selected to dance as part of a statewide group performing during halftime of the Class 3A girls basketball championship at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines on March 4. Pictured from left, are Kelbryn VanGundy, Cari Gassman, Anna Hernandez, Megan McHenry and Mary Drummer.

Five Marshalltown High School students have been selected to participate among an elite group of dancers who will perform at Wells Fargo Arena on March 4.

The students will perform at halftime of the Class 3A girls state basketball championship with other high school students from across the state.

Performing as part of the statewide group from MHS will be Kelbryn VanGundy, Cari Gassman, Anna Hernandez, Megan McHenry and Mary Drummer.

The students were selected from an audition process last August. They are coached by Miller Middle School teacher Kaitlyn Schweer. Schweer said this performance is a good way for the students to network with people from across the state. The students said they are looking forward to it.

“You get to meet new people and it’s a new experience,” McHenry said.