Bobcats Making Headlines

Class of 2016 graduates look up to friends and family members as they get ready for the commencement ceremony to begin on May 22 at the Marshalltown High School Roundhouse.

It was the 141^st commencement at Marshalltown High School, but the first in the renovated Roundhouse on May 22.

A total of 319 students graduated in front of a packed crowd in the gym, which gathered to wish the Class of 2016 well. The MHS wind ensemble directed by Bret Lee performed as guests took their seats and the processional “Pomp and Circumstance.”

The event featured other musical performances, student and adult speakers and the presentation of diplomas. It was hosted by MHS Principal Jacque Wyant and the last one for outgoing Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade.

After the National Anthem was performed under the direction of Amy Ose, graduate Trey Quick got the ceremony off to a great start with a solo performance of “Hallelujah.”

Providing the greeting in multiple languages were graduates Beau Ragland, Chu Htoo and Jaime Vergara. Seven students were honored for achieving a 4.0 grade point average throughout their four years at MHS. These students included Ellyn Boland, Megan Emerson, Beau Ragland, Carrie Schmidt, Courtney Schmidt, Brenda Vega and Jacob Youngblood.

Student speakers
Student speakers included Nate Harris, Ryan McDaniel and Elizabeth Ramirez while a trio of graduates sang “Hope is the Thing With Feathers” including Haley Hodges, Alexis Jones and Sydnie Wohlert.

Harris told his fellow graduates that they “are all Bobcats” no matter what path they choose. Harris said that future path is up to them.
“We have an incredible opportunity,” Harris said. “The opportunity to live our lives.”

McDaniel said the class should celebrate its unique diversity. He also joked about the $2.5 million in post-secondary scholarships this class is receiving.

“We are getting $2.5 million in scholarships,” McDaniel said. “Do you realize how many McChickens that can buy?”

Ramirez compared graduating to ending a chapter in the book or a season of a television show. She said they should look forward to the new season and the new chapter with new adventures ahead.

Board President remarks
Before she presented the students with diplomas, School Board President Bea Niblock gave the graduates three key points to take with them, which included to be responsible, do what’s right and find something to be thankful for every day.

“Congratulations on your achievement and best wishes on your future,” Niblock said.

Trey Quick

Beau Ragland

Chu Htoo

Jaime Vergara

MHS Principal Jacque Wyant

Nate Harris

Ryan McDaniel

From left, Alexis Jones, Haley Hodges and Sydnie Wohlert

Elizabeth Ramirez

Pictured are Marshalltown High School students, from left, Brooke Tullis, Sloan Vry and Emily Sickles reading a children’s book they wrote to first graders at Anson Elementary School on May 20.

Connections were made between high school students and first graders in the Marshalltown Community School District on May 20. Five students from a Marshalltown High School English honors class read a book to all first graders at Anson Elementary School.

These five MHS students, which included Sloan Vry, Brooke Tullis, Alyvia Chadderdon, Madison Dougall and Emily Sickles, collectively wrote the children’s book they read titled “Rachel and Joey.”

The book was part of a project in Jocelyn Frohwein’s class at MHS based on the study of “Romeo and Juliet.”

“We studied that and our assignment was to make a children’s version of that,” Tullis said.

The students came up with the idea to read the book to first graders and it was held in the Anson classroom of teacher Jenny Sickles, who is Emily’s mother.

Twelve teachers from the Marshalltown Community School District were recently recognized for their ongoing study and implementation of a Comprehensive Intervention Model (CIM), said Penny Duer, District At-Risk Coordinator and Literacy Coach.

Over the last three to five years, these 12 teachers have each invested between 150-300 hours of time learning a portfolio of interventions that accelerate students’ learning in reading and writing.

“Their commitment is to be commended,” said Duer.

Pictured are front row, from left, Cheri Bolar, Susan O’Neill, Susan Pollpeter, LuAnn Lura and Chris Lester Tullis. Back row, Lonni Waltermire, Leiah Craun, Kelli Hamblin, Melissa Ulch, Kami Uhde, Karen Roessler and Jasmine Hazen.

Pictured are Miller Middle School students delivering gifts to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines on May 13. Front row, from left, Jakob Boriskey, Avery Case and Grace Collins. Back row, Natalie Duncan, Kyra Feldman and Stephanie Zavalza Flores.

A group of Miller Middle School Extended Learning Program students traveled to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines on May 13 for a multi-faceted day of learning.  Earlier in the year, the students received a $250 Project Jack grant.  Originating in the Quad Cities area, Project Jack grants give junior high aged children the opportunity to “pay it forward” in any way they choose.

Miller Extended Learning Program students chose to use their grant to buy toys and games that could be utilized by the child life specialists at Blank Children’s Hospital.

In preparation for their visit, the students investigated both the child life profession and philanthropy.  While at Blank, students met with Blank’s Director of Development who described Blank’s challenge to raise $4 million annually.  The students also met with child life specialists who described their important role in the lives of Blank’s patients.

“The visit was a terrific opportunity for students to combine their learning and their leadership into one terrific final result,” said Miller Extended Learning Program teacher Ann Jackson.

Retirees Lisa Koester, left, and Sally Jansen are pictured at the retirement tea held on May 18.

Longtime employees were honored and retirees were given a farewell at the Marshalltown Education Association/Marshalltown Community School District retirement tea held on May 18 in Dejardin Hall on the Marshalltown Community College campus. The event was hosted by MEA President Sue Cahill and organized by teacher Becky Jacobson.

“Your legacy is huge and you won’t be forgotten,” Superintendent Dr. Marvin Wade told the retirees.
School Board President Bea Niblock said the retirees are irreplaceable.
“For your devotion, dedication and hard work you deserve the best retirement ever,” Niblock said.

Retirees
– Susan Baker was introduced by retired teacher Donna Appel. Appel said Baker had a way to make the work look easy when it clearly was not.
– Gena Graglia said her career flew by. “Time really flies when you are doing what you love,” Graglia said.
– Ann Heying said teaching is not for the faint of heart, so it is key to “always keep your sense of humor.”
– Sally Jansen retired as a teacher from Lenihan.
– Lisa Koester said her time in the district is a special experience that she holds close to her heart. “I love this school district,” Koester said.
– Elizabeth Poock is retiring in special education from Miller. Her fellow teacher, Paula Johnson, said Poock has a passion for working with students with special needs.

Retirees not in attendance included Greg Bittner, Dale Gummert, Steve Hewitt, Richard Newbrough, LuAnne Swenson and Doug Thompson.

Longtime employees
Two 35-year employees were in attendance and honored including David Miller and Linda Brintnall. Greg Bittner was also a 35-year employee.

Two 25-year employees were in attendance including Elizabeth Overstake and Loma Green. Those not in attendance were Jeffrey Hoogensen, Debra Hopkins, LuAnn Lura, Leah Mattox, Janet Shepard and Eldon Stanley.

MEA Scholarships
MHS seniors Emma Alman and Megan Emerson have been selected as the MEA Scholarship recipients. They both plan to attend the University of Northern Iowa this fall.

Paul Mann Human Relations Award
Joa LaVille, youth services librarian with the Marshalltown Public Library, was presented the Iowa State Education Association Paul Mann Human Relations Award. LaVille was recognized for her work for the Immigrant Allies. ISEA President Tammy Wawro presented LaVille with the award.
“This is really very touching,” LaVille said.

Friend of Education Award
Ruth Yordy, a volunteer in the school district since 2001, was recognized with the Friend of Education Award. She volunteers at Hoglan and Franklin elementary schools. She was introduced by her daughter, Erin Weatherly, who is a Marshalltown High School teacher.
“I’m so surprised I’m getting an award for something that I enjoy so much,” Yordy said.

Joa Laville, right, receives the Paul Mann Human Relations award from ISEA President Tammy Wawro.

Scholarship winners Megan Emerson, left, and Emma Alman

Friend of Education Award winner Ruth Yordy, left, and her daughter Erin Weatherly

35-year employees Linda Brintnall and David Miller

25-year employees Loma Green, left, and Elizabeth Overstake

Retiree Susan Baker

Retiree Gena Graglia

Retiree Ann Heying

Retiree Sally Jansen

Retiree Lisa Koester

Retiree Liz Poock, left, and Miller teacher Paula Johnson

Hoglan Elementary School held a “Pack the Pickup” drive for the House of Compassion to help with the shelter’s supply closet.  Staff, students and families brought items to school and to the family picnic, which was held on May 13.

“We filled the truck,” said Hoglan Principal Amy Williams.

The supply closet at the House of Compassion offers supplies to those in need in the community. This is the second successful supply drive for the House of Compassion in Marshalltown Schools this spring as Franklin Elementary staff also held one last month.

Pat VonAhnen, left and Jim Kidd, far right, from Consumers Energy presented scholarships to Marshalltown High School seniors, from left, Sydney Grewell, Jordan Jacobs and Matthew Dickey during the scholarship awards night at MHS on May 16. More than $2.5 million in scholarships were presented to graduating seniors on the night.

More than $2.5 million in scholarships were awarded to Marshalltown High School seniors during the scholarship awards night at the MHS/Community Auditorium on May 16.

Hosted by Principal Jacque Wyant, the event saw 64 students presented with scholarships as they gear up for the next chapter of their lives. In their first year of college alone, the students in the Class of 2016 will receive a total $958,585 in scholarships.

For a list of scholarship recipients visit www.marshalltown.k12.ia.us/mhs/awardsnight2016.pdf

The Class of 2016 will graduate at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 22 in the MHS Roundhouse.

Josh Edel receives Ed Thomas Award from Ken Winkler.

Marshalltown Education Partnership scholarship recipients

Ellyn Boland receives the Silver Chord of service.

Future Yale University student Beau Ragland

Fitness trainer Daira Driftmier talks to students at Anson Elementary School about exercising on May 10. She visited three schools on the day.

Daira Driftmier from Hy-Vee KidsFit visited Anson Elementary, Woodbury Elementary and Lenihan Intermediate schools on May 10.

She presented ideas for students to stay active over the summer and got students moving. She also talked about Hy-Vee KidsFit, which is an online program to encourage physical activity.

“She showed some exercises and why it’s so important to stay active over the summer,” said Jennifer Scales, dietician at the Marshalltown Hy-Vee, who was also in attendance.

Pictured are students from Marshalltown High School who participated in the technology fair at Iowa State University on May 12. From left, is Lucas Thiessen, Lucas Duff, Hannah Gardea, Joseph Anguiano, Aaron Walker and Patrick Schafer.

Nine students from Miller Middle School and six students from Marshalltown High School presented projects at the Central Iowa Technology and Education Connection Technology Fairs at Iowa State University in Ames on May 12.

Students received the following awards:

Receiving red ribbons were:
Jakob Boriskey & Ethan Benscoter, 7th grade, for their innovative technology use project, “Fruit Batteries.”
Maggie Stansberry & Cheyenne Mull, 7th grade, for their graphics/ publishing project “Pixel Art.”
Hannah Gardea, 9th grade, for the innovative technology use project, “Seeing Sound.”

Receiving blue ribbons were:
Heather Junk, 8th grade, for the programming project “Balloon Pop.”
Lucas Kramer, 8th grade, for the programming project “The Adventures of Stick Man.”
Zach Swartz, 8th grade, for the programming project, “Censorship Request.”
Ana Nolasco, 8th grade, for the web presence project, “Tech Harmony.”
Patrick Schafer, 9th grade, for the 3-D rendering project, ” The Swivel Scribble.”
Lucas Thiessen, 10th grade, for the project in music and sound design, “Brotherhood Studios Soundtrack.”
Lucas Duff, 10th grade, for the project in innovative technology use, “Static Electricity Man.”
Joseph Anguiano and Aaron Walker, for their project in innovative technology use, “The Singing Tesla Coil.”

Receiving a purple “judges’ choice” ribbon was Miller 8th grader, Keaten Collinson, for the innovative technology use project “Windowed Computer & Networking.”

These students completed these enrichment projects through the Extended Learning Programs at Miller and MHS.

Pictured are students from Miller Middle School who participated in the technology fair at Iowa State University on May 12. Pictured are, front row, from left, Ana Nolasco, Cheyenne Mull, Maggie Stansberry and Ethan Benscoter. Back row, Keaten Collinson, Lucas Kramer, Zach Swartz, Jakob Boriskey and Heather Junk.

Purple ribbon winner Keaten Collinson

The Marshalltown High School music department participated in the Iowa High School Music Association State Large Group Contest along with other Class 4A and 2A schools on May 7 at Ankeny Centennial High School.

The MHS orchestra, concert choir, treble choir, symphonic band and wind ensemble performed literature for three judges to earn a rating.  Both the treble choir and concert choir, under the direction of Amy Ose, earned strong Division II ratings.

The orchestra, under the direction of Maggie Williams, and symphonic band, under the direction of Brett Umthun, earned Division I ratings from all three judges. The wind ensemble, under the direction of Bret Lee, earned a Division I rating with near perfect scores from all three judges.