Email: "G-R Happenings"
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At a time when the news is filled with the financial challenges that schools in Iowa are facing I want to take this opportunity, as we head into the new year, to visit some of the positives that are happening in G-R. While we do have many challenges to face in the coming year, we have much to be thankful for in the support of our communities and the positive accomplishments of our students and staff. Daycare Facilities The daycare building in Reinbeck opened operations on Monday, December 21st. Currently they are serving 68 children, ranging from infants through school age. The daycare in Gladbrook is under construction and should open around June 1st. We are excited for the service that these centers can offer to young families as the communities and school, work to grow and thrive. I certainly think these endeavors send a positive message to people considering relocating to the area, as well as providing a needed service to people already in our communities. Academic Opportunites One area that the Board of Education and school staff is focused on improving is the academic opportunities for students at G-R. To that end high school students are able to take dual-enrollment courses, in conjunction with Hawkeye Community College, for the first time on campus this year. These first courses are enjoying success and we anticipate broadening the opportunities for G-R students in these courses in the future. The new Hawkeye CC Western Outreach center will be a valuable asset in this endeavor. G-R is also offering additional supports for those students for whom school doesn’t come so easy this year. The high school has implemented Rebel Catch-up during Rebel Wrap-up for students who are struggling academically. This puts a small group of students with a teacher who helps them with concepts, work completion, and staying on top of their studies. At the middle school Mrs. Weber and Ms. Stirler have started an after school program for students who were less than proficient on the ITBS, or who are struggling in their classes. The teachers and high school volunteers work with the students on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday after school. We’re hoping that these increased supports for struggling learners will pay dividends for the students on ITBS and their report cards. Open Enrolled Out/Home School Survey One challenge that G-R is facing is families that choose to open enroll their students to neighboring districts. The Board will be calling these families to get a firm grasp on why they made the choice to attend elsewhere, or home school. With a clear understanding of why people make this decision we will then work to increase the desirability of attending G-R. The survey will be conducted via telephone calls in January/February. High School Winter Concert The GRHS Winter Concert has been rescheduled for Friday, January 8th at 7:00 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this reschedule from the original date might cause. The school calendar is very full, and with the initial weather difficulties this became the best option. Snow Make-up Days The two days of school missed, so far, will be made up on January 18 and February 15th. The G-R staff and Board would like to thank the communities for all the support given to the schools. We wish you all the best in 2010. Sincerely, Tim Kuehl Superintendent

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