Education

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met in a pair of sessions within the past week-plus, including a March 10 session regarding contract negotiations followed by the board’s regular monthly meeting held Monday, March 17. Coverage of both meetings appears below.

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) has awarded full 10-year reaccreditation to Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs - the only community college Nursing programs in Iowa that are accredited. The programs previously earned six-year accreditation from NLN CNEA.

“We are incredibly proud of our nursing staff and faculty, whose dedication and expertise make our program one of the very best in the state of Iowa. Our students consistently demonstrate excellence and this continued accreditation is a testament to their hard work and the outstanding education they receive at Northeast Iowa Community College. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will make a meaningful impact in healthcare,” said NICC Dean of Nursing Sarah Carlson.

The Kee High School spring production “Larceny and Old Lace,” by Van Vandagriff through Pioneer Drama Service, is a comedy with a casino theme, so why not have a casino-themed dinner before the show? The production is scheduled for the first weekend in April.

Dinner theater-only tickets are now available for purchase online (digitally) from March 12-21 for the dinner and show performance scheduled for Saturday, April 5. There is limited seating, and the software program Ludus is being used for the ticket purchases at the following online site: keedrama.ludus.com. That site will allow interested individuals to select their seat(s) (tables/seats are set up in the Kee High School gym) and purchase an online ticket. This is the only way to purchase a dinner theater ticket.

Those who are having trouble purchasing the online ticket should stop by the Kee High School office for assistance. Bingo, the meal, and the show all take place in the gym.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held at Kee High School Tuesday, February 18. Board President Bobbie Goetzinger called the meeting to order. Also present were board members Joe Manning, Melanie Mauss, Arla Wagner, and Heather Lutz (via Zoom), along with EACSD Superintendent Nick Trenkamp and Board Secretary Michele Martin. There were no visitors.

The meeting agenda was approved with the exception of removing Business Item A: 2025-2056 District Calendar. The board approved the February consent items, including the minutes of the January meeting, February bills, the Secretary’s Financial Report for January, and the January Student Activity and Food Service reports.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) school board met for it regular monthly board meeting Tuesday, February 18 (due to the Presidents’ Day holiday observed on the board’s regular Monday meeting day). Under the consent agenda, the board approved the hiring of the following personnel: Jon Snitker and Dillon Daniel as volunteer track coaches; Justin Thrailkill as High School Special Education Teacher; and Kevin Johnson as High School Alternative Education/Social Studies Teacher.

STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES
In order to promote the best educational experience, students should feel connected to their education environment and to others in the school community. Building meaningful connections can occur in a variety of ways. Technology has advanced peoples’ ability to connect with one another across a variety of virtual platforms, and when used appropriately, adds value to the learning environment. However, it is vital to the developmental health and growth of students that the district provides opportunities for students to connect with peers and other members of their school community in-person whenever possible. In-person learning and interactions teach vital life and social skills that students will need for their continued success in the community.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Mini NICC Crafting Camp class for youth Tuesday, March 11. The class will be held from 3:30-5 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Get ready for a fun-filled craft adventure in this class designed to spark creativity and imagination in young artists. Attendees will explore a variety of exciting projects, including Rock Painting: Transform ordinary rocks into extraordinary masterpieces; Cotton Ball Fun: Get creative with fluffy cotton balls and see what can be created; and Fortune Teller Paper Folding: Discover the magic of paper folding as attendees create their own fortune tellers. No prior experience is necessary. All materials will be provided.

The deadline for paid registration is March 4. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

Get ready for a night full of mystery, music, and fun at the 16th annual Pops Concert, a fundraiser hosted by the Allamakee Music Boosters. This highly anticipated event will take place Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m. in the Waukon Middle School gym.

The concert will feature a line-up of performances from the grades 7-12 choir students, RockBand vocal and instrumental students, Jazz Bands, Drumline, and the Waukon High School Band. All proceeds from the concert will go directly to support the Music Boosters and the Allamakee Community School District’s music programs, ensuring that students continue to have the opportunity to grow and shine through music.

Members of the Waukon High School Speech program competed in the State Large Group Speech Contest held Saturday, February 8 at Decorah High School. Students competed in Group Improvisation, One Act Play and Radio News Broadcasting. Both Group Improvisation performances received a Division 2 Rating and the One Act Play and Radio Broadcasting each received a Division 1 rating. The State Contest participants pictured above advanced from the District Large Group Speech Contest held Saturday, January 25 at Turkey Valley High School. Waukon High School performances at that District Contest included Readers Theater (Division 2 rating), Group Improv (two Division 1 ratings and one Division 2 rating), Radio Broadcasting (Division 1 Rating), One Act Play (Division 1 Rating), and Ensemble Acting (Division 2 Rating).

The Waukon Music Department will be hosting the 16th annual Pops Concert Friday, February 28 at the Waukon Middle School gymnasium. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with concert performances to begin at 7 p.m.
The Pops Concert is an annual fundraising event sponsored by the Allamakee Music Boosters, and it features high energy musical numbers from the 1950s through today. Groups performing will include the high school and middle school choirs, high school and middle school jazz bands, drumline, middle school rock band, featured soloists, song and dance skits, and emcees. The local rock band Eeka Malla, consisting of five high schoolers, will be performing during the Pop’s Concert again this year. The Pops Concert continues to feature new musical talents each year and has become a must-see event for the Waukon community.