Proud to be EV... Week of December 15-21, 2013

 Semester tests were completed Wednesday and Thursday. Due to the inclement weather there wasn't school on Friday- started off the Winter Break early!

We are at mid-year. Friday was the end of 2nd quarter and 1st semester. It is hard to believe... time has flown!

The gym floor completion is moving along smoothly...

The west side of the new gym

 The east side of the new gym

 Here is the latest...

I hope that everyone enjoys winter break. We have accomplished so much so far... I am looking forward to what 2014 brings us!

Go EV Bears!

Proud to be EV... Week of December 8-14, 2013

This week was Iowa Department of Education Site Visit. We had zero non-compliance issues. This is excellent news and proves why English Valleys is such a wonderful district to send your children to~

Our staff is does a great job trying to find ways to provide opportunities to take a more active role in activities. Mr. Gordon started a "Runner's Club". Mrs. Baumfalk hosts the "Gamer's Club". Mrs. Burdick has started a "Book Club". They are reading "The Things They Carried". These groups are in addition to what we already have in place at EV. Our students are very lucky to be provided with so many activities that they can take part in. We hope to see participation continue to grow~

On Thursday, the Foods class had a Christmas reception. It was absolutely delicious! Mrs. Roberts and her class created many wonderful treats.

Thursday night was the Junior/Senior High School chorus and band concert. Mr. Dusdieker, Mrs. Wade and the students did a fantastic job. There were many compliments on the performances.

Mr. Caster and Mrs. Bruns brought many of the seniors to the Iowa State University campus on Friday to watch "Romeo and Juliet".

The Friday "Spirit Assembly" was hosted by the FCCLA.

They had flyers up all week advertising their "Ugly Sweater Contest". There were several finalists.

The winner was Mr. McCulley for his "ugly ISU sweatshirt". He and Mrs. Flander had a contest between themselves, with Mrs. Flander wearing an "ugly UI sweatshirt".

The assembly consisted of several games. Blake and April won the reindeer ring toss.

The teachers won the "Wrap a person as a gift" activity...

Mr. Ling and Mrs. Walter won an activity also!

The assembly was once again a great end to another wonderful week at English Valleys. We have "Spirit Assemblies" every Friday throughout the school year in order to increase pride in our district. I look forward to it every week and the students and staff really enjoy it~

Next week brings us the last week of the 2nd quarter/1st semester. This year is really flying by~
Semester tests will be held Wednesday and Thursday next week. Students, remember to get plenty of rest in preparation for these important tests. Winter break begins this upcoming Friday at 2:20 p.m. I am looking forward to the upcoming week...

Go EV Bears!

Proud to be EV... Week of December 1-7, 2013

On Monday night I attended the SIAC meeting. At this meeting Mrs. Andreassan discussed the upcoming site visit. Mr. Jensen talked about the gym construction. At the last SIAC meeting I proposed a change to the Academic Letter requirements. There was discussion on what the GPA should be so the decision was tabled at that meeting. At this meeting, the committee decided to stay with the 3.5 GPA. They approved the change in requirements that will go to the school board at the regular December meeting to be held Wednesday, December 11, 2013. The new requirements for the Academic Letter align to our mission. We want to see an increase in student achievement in our district and this is another way to motivate and recognize students for their academic excellence.
Other ways to increase student achievement will be discussed on a regular basis.

After the SIAC meeting, there was a special School Board meeting held. A decision was made to move to 8 player football.

On Tuesday night, the senior class held a free will donation supper.  The food was absolutely wonderful. Mrs. Bruns said the seniors made around $600~

On Wednesday we started the day with a 2 hour delay. We also had a 1:00 p.m. early dismissal for professional development for teachers. Students and staff were very patient with the schedule and the day ran smoothly.  The dance team planned to leave for state that night so we held a send-off/pep rally for them. The dance team performed the dance that they would be showcasing. They did a wonderful job~

Also, on Wednesday, the Student Council hosted a blood drive in the cafeteria from 2:30-7:00 p.m. They exceeded their goal of donations!

The Student Council was in charge of the Friday "Spirit Assembly". They played one of the student favorites, dodgeball. It was fun to watch! The juniors won this week~

Another end to another wonderful week at EV. Next week will be the site visit by the Iowa Department of Education. They conduct a site visit every five years. We are looking forward to having them come to our district. Wrestling meets and basketball games are underway. We really do appreciate fans showing up and giving support to our teams. Please continue to do this~ I am looking forward to another great week at English Valleys and continue to feel fortunate and lucky to be a part of this district. Until next week...

Go EV Bears!

Proud to be EV... Week of November 24-30, 2013

Short week at English Valleys Junior/Senior High School...

On Wednesday, Amelia and Jessica, FCCLA members, spoke to the 7-12 student body about an upcoming event, "Soles for Souls" in which they challenged everyone to collect shoes to be sent to those less fortunate. If anyone is interested in donating please contact Janelle Roberts, FCCLA sponsor~

Dakota addressed the 7-12 student body about the Meals from the Heartland fundraiser kickoff that will take place. If anyone is interested in helping with this event please contact Kristin Flander, FFA sponsor~

 No school on Thursday and Friday to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday...

There are many things that we can be thankful for at EV...
We have a wonderful and supportive community~
We have our wonderful alumni~
We have a supportive school board and administrative staff~We have a wonderful teaching staff~
We have a wonderful support staff- cooks, associates, secretaries, bus drivers, custodians~
We have wonderful and supportive parents/guardians who work with us as a team to provide the best education possible to their children~
We have excellent students- I would not change any of them for the world. Each of them is unique and special- we are fortunate to be blessed with each and every one of them~
We have many things that I am sure I have not mentioned here, but am truly grateful for everything~

Go EV Bears!