Education

Kay L. Chapman, CPA PC of Muscatine recently released an audit report on the Eastern Allamakee Community School District in Lansing. A copy of the audit report is available for review in the District Secretary’s Office, in the Office of Auditor of State and on the Auditor of State’s web site at https://auditor.iowa.gov/audit-reports.

The District’s revenues totaled $6,001,009 for the year ended June 30, 2021, a seven-percent increase from the prior year. Expenses for District operations totaled $5,531,906, a six-percent increase from the prior year. Program revenues increased. The increase in expenses is primarily related to instruction expenses.

For those who like scary movies or the thrill of suspense, the Waukon High School Drama Department is stepping outside the norm of mystery/comedy to present “A Nice Little Island: A Thriller” for this year’s spring play production. The curtain will open on the show this Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, both at 7:30 p.m. at the Waukon High School auditorium.

The cast and crew this year bring many new faces to the theater and they add a new perspective to the stage.  The cast list is as follows:

Midwest Veterans of America is hosting an essay contest for high school students, freshmen through seniors, with cash prizes awarded to top entries. The theme of the essay is “My American Veteran Hero” and entries are due by May 1.

According to Midwest Veterans of America leadership, all essays must be typed in English with no color or graphics, and contestants can not identify themselves within the essay content. Essays must be the contest entrants’ own work; copied or plagiarized essay content will not be entered into the contest. All essays become the property of the Midwest Veterans of America.

Essays will be judged on how well the entrant understands, develops and presents the theme, which should be a positive representation of the veteran hero being written about. Entries should demonstrate research has been conducted about the hero and the author’s experience with them.

Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) has announced the availability of NEICAC Scholarships supported solely by employees and friends of Community Action.

The application and criteria for eligibility are available through the County Family Service Offices or the Administrative Office in Decorah (563-382-8436), online at https://www.neicac.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-Scholarship-Filla..., or at high school guidance counselors’ offices. Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, April 29 to be considered.

Kee High School will be presenting the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” (Music Theatre International production: Book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken) this Saturday, April 2 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m. in the Kee High School gymnasium. Admission will be taken at the door. This production is not like any type of production performed previously at Kee High School as it is not only a little on the creepy side but it also entails the use of hand puppets and life-size puppets; specifically, a large plant that needs human blood to grow. Imagine the dilemma of a young man who lives in Skid Row where the only thing that will gain him wealth, fame and the woman he loves is by succumbing to the demands of a talking, blood thirsting plant with its own initiative. The special effects and music are what will make this production one to remember.

Students taking part in the 21st Century Grant programs in the Allamakee Community School District have been busy learning and sharing through some recent activities. Pictured above, Waukon Middle School students participating in the 21st Century Grant program made lap quilts for residents of Good Samaritan Society and Northgate Care Center in Waukon. Many of the students have not been able to visit family and it was important for them to reach out and show they cared through the project they called “Quilts because we care”.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) met at the Kee High School ICN Room in Lansing Monday, March 21. Board member Kelli Mudderman was not present.

After the approval of the agenda, the public hearing on the 2022-2023 budget was opened. No one from the public offered comment. Later in the business meeting, the board unanimously approved the budget.

The board approved the March consent items, including minutes of the February meeting, bills for March, Student Activity and Food Service February Reports. The board meeting for April 18 was scheduled to be held at the Kee Connect location.

Waukon’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter has been very busy this school year.  As chapter members prepare for their upcoming trip to the State Leadership Conference in Coralville March 31-April 2, FBLA students celebrated National Career & Technical Education Month in February with FBLA Week festivities and reflect on all of the achievements this school year.

Waukon FBLA students kicked off the year with its annual FBLA haunted park, selling over 800 admission tickets. Students hosted their rooms and ensured that all visitors had a fun and frightening night, utilizing teamwork to put together a great event that brought students together.

FBLA students also had many opportunities to give back to the community. Opportunities such as a can drive competition and volunteering to rake leaves through town proved to be a fun and productive experience for FBLA students to lend a helping hand in their community.

by Brianne Eilers

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met in a pair of recent meetings during the month of March. Coverage of both meetings appears below.

SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 11
The Allamakee Community School District board members met for a special meeting Friday, March 11. Under personnel matters, the board approved the following hiring recommendations: Shaylie Hammel as Middle School Geography/U.S. History Teacher; Jaydon Snitker as Middle School English Language Arts Teacher; Kris Rausch as Third Grade Teacher; Shaylie Hammel as High School Speech Advisor; Casey Walsh as Substitute Bus Driver; and Morgan Renfer as Elementary Special Education Teacher.

Allamakee Scholarship Fund (ASF), Inc. will hold a Recognition Breakfast Wednesday, March 30 at 7:30 a.m. in the Waukon High School cafeteria. Applicants and their parents will be special guests. The breakfast is being held to thank individual and group donors and to recognize student applicants.

Pledges from the recent scholarship fundraising mailing can be turned in at that time or mailed to: Allamakee Scholarship Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 144, Waukon, IA 52172.

Organizations and other scholarship donors need to have awards to ASF Treasurer Amy McCormick at Waukon State Bank by that date also, and Awards Program information can be verified with Amy Wasson at Waukon High School. Individuals, families and organizations awarding scholarships this May are encouraged to attend the Recognition Breakfast.