Education

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors held a series of meetings this month, including a special session Wednesday,  April 9 and its regular monthly meeting Monday, April 14.

The following board members were present for the April 9 meeting: Bobbie Goetzinger, Heather Lutz, Melanie Mauss, Joe Manning and Arla Wagner, as was Board Secretary Michele Martin. That April 9 special meeting was held at Central Community School District in Elkader, with which the EACSD shares the services of Superintendent of Schools Nick Trenkamp, who was recently placed on administrative leave due to concerns with social media posts. Meeting minutes reflect only that the board entered a closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) to discuss personnel matters, concluding the session more than an hour later that evening, with no further action being taken prior to adjournment.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a variety of in-person summer camps during the month of June at the NICC Waukon Center. This summer the Waukon Center is offering Storytelling with STEAM Camp, Kids in the Kitchen: Junior Chef and Build Your Own Business.

Camps are offered at a reduced rate courtesy of these sponsors: Allamakee County Community Foundation, Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

To register and learn more about these summer camps, visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call the NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

The Allamakee County Conservation Board has announced the offering of three free summer day camps for local youth this upcoming summer season. Each day camp will be for a different age range and will feature outdoor activities along a certain theme.

Registration is required and space is limited. For more information or to register, call 563-538-0401. The day camps being offered include the following:

Insectigations (Students entering 1st-2nd Grade): Wednesday, July 9 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Waterville Farm. Come and explore all the tiny critters Iowa has to offer. Participants will dig in to the fascinating world of insects and explore how they may be small but they are just as cool.

During the recent spring break from school that began Wednesday, March 19, Waukon High School’s (WHS) Music Department embarked on an unforgettable trip to New York City for several days, taking a group of band and choir students from sophomore to senior year on an adventure that mixed musical exploration, cultural immersion, and the sheer thrill of experiencing one of the world’s most iconic cities. The WHS band and choir students take this trip every three years during that spring break period to various locations that offer exposure to musical venues and experiences.

The trip, led by WHS Choir Director Sarah J. Bieber and WHS Band Director JoAnn Sherman, offered students an exciting blend of musical and cultural experiences that many of them will carry with them for years to come. Along with an enthusiastic team of parent chaperones, the students explored the Big Apple through a lens of discovery, creativity, and excitement.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) met for its monthly meeting at Kee High School Thursday, March 20. The meeting was called to order by Board President Bobbie Goetzinger, with fellow board members Heather Lutz, Joe Manning, Melanie Mauss and Arla Wagner also present, along with EACSD Superintendent Nick Trenkamp, PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Dean of Students Chad Winters, and Board Secretary Michele Martin.

The meeting agenda was approved following a public hearing on the 2025-2026 district calendar. No comments were made or received from the public. Later in the meeting the calendar was approved.

The Kee High School spring production “Larceny and Old Lace,” by Van Vandagriff through Pioneer Drama Service, is scheduled to hit the stage this weekend in the Kee High School gym. There were approximately 160 advanced tickets sold for the Saturday, April 5 dinner theater production, which begins at 5 p.m. with bingo, followed by a 6 p.m. meal and the 7 p.m. production.

There will also be general admission seating available for both the Saturday, April 5 performance at 7 p.m. and the Sunday, April 6 matinee performance at 2 p.m. General admission seating will be available for purchase at the door prior to each performance start time.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Mini NICC Coding Camp class for youth Tuesday, April 22. The class will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Dive into the exciting world of coding and learn how to bring artistic visions to life. This class is designed for beginners and will introduce those attending to the fundamentals of coding, such as how to use code to create stunning digital art, choreograph mesmerizing dance routines and write captivating stories. No prior coding experience is necessary.

The deadline for paid registration to participate in the Coding Camp class is April 15. To register online for the class visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District School Board of Directors met Tuesday evening, March 25 for a public hearing regarding the 2025-2026 proposed property tax levy, followed by a special meeting. Board President Erik Helgerson and board member Beth Shafer were present for the public hearing.

ACSD Superintendent Jay Mathis opened the hearing by explaining that the board members would listen and take into consideration comments made, but would not be responding to comments. There were no written comments received.

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.