Pekin CSD - Packwood, Iowa

Tomorrow will be a no school day for students and a work day for teachers.

Thank you for the thought-provoking questions, which have sparked some great conversations. We wanted to share a few additional answers to questions raised over Christmas break. As we approach the February 10th board meeting, we want to provide one final opportunity for you to submit any remaining questions. Our goal is to ensure this process is as transparent as possible as we move toward this important decision. We will continue answering questions through Monday, January 20th. Link to FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/119xHPUg2i4MN1hb8MZi_cOgPSX4e9TvSz9Gg74uJiZ8/edit?usp=sharing

7th - 11th Grade will be MAP testing next Monday-Wednesday January 20th - 22nd. MAP testing is an important test to show where students are missing essential skills. All students 7 -11th grade will take the tests. The testing schedule will be as follows: Monday: Reading, Tuesday: Math, and Wednesday: Science. Students will test from 8:15 - 10:15 followed by their regular classes. Seniors are REQUIRED to attend from 8:15 - 10:15 on all 3 testing days. Christy and Vicky have important graduation and senior information along with other graduation requirements that will be covered. Seniors will report to the HS Commons. Additional information about MAP testing is shared in the attached image. If students are in academy classes or taking online courses we will schedule a make up time for them to take all MAP assessments.

January 8, 2025 Due to an oversight on my part, we are going to have to move the 25-26 school calendar recommendation to the February 10th school board meeting. We intend for the official notice of the required public hearing to be published in the Jan. 30th edition of the Richland Clarion Plainsman. All viewpoints on the 4 day calendar proposal are welcome and encouraged from parents, students, staff and community members at the public hearing on Feb. 10th. Sincerely, Jeff Maeder/Supt.

Here is a January update from Pekin Elementary! Link: https://secure.smore.com/n/x5f7z4

Please see the attached graphics for our January Attendance Share Out. Link to graphic: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ePHMH_aa57P8g1G8ke-w-QTl7d8hpTP-/view?usp=sharing

PEKIN SUPERINTENDENT STAKEHOLDER SURVEY This survey is anonymous unless you provide your name voluntarily. Please share narrative insights and rank personal and professional priorities for the new superintendent. The search team will produce a general report based on the information gathered in this survey. The report will be shared with the board to advise them on what priorities the district and community stakeholders are looking for in a new leader. Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey and provide direction for this important leadership position before January 10th. https://tinyurl.com/PekinSuperintendent

Please see the link to the 2025-2026 proposed calendar. Remember that you can ask questions on the linked survey via the FAQ that we will continue to update and monitor. Link to proposed calendar: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cuKIpx47MZzm7oHrF6KPLRrmF779jLlSLGYRMNbMNNM/edit?usp=sharing Link to FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/119xHPUg2i4MN1hb8MZi_cOgPSX4e9TvSz9Gg74uJiZ8/edit?usp=sharing

Dear Families, Attached is a fun reading challenge for students to complete over our 17-day winter break. If students cross off all the spaces and have their bingo card signed by a parent or guardian, they will earn a prize when we return on Tuesday, January 7th, 2025. Copies of the bingo card will be sent home this week. Happy reading!

Link to the updated questions from the survey - thank you for the questions. https://docs.google.com/document/d/119xHPUg2i4MN1hb8MZi_cOgPSX4e9TvSz9Gg74uJiZ8/edit?usp=sharing

Please see the attached flyer for the change war fundraiser for a local family!

You’re Invited! We are pleased to invite you to listen to a first hand account from Jordan Wulf, a survivor of domestic violence. Jordan's story is aimed at raising awareness and fostering dialogue about domestic violence—a critical issue affecting individuals and families in our communities. Jordan will tell you of her abuse, her survival and her new beginnings. Event Details: 📅 Date: Wednesday, December 18, 2024 🕒 Time: 6:00 p.m. 📍 Location: Pekin High School, 1062 Birch Ave., Packwood, IA Sponsored by: Pekin Community School District, River Hills Community Health Center, Gentry Insurance, and Southern Iowa Mental Health Center This event will feature a powerful story, insights, and resources to help support survivors and educate the public on prevention and intervention strategies. Let’s come together to break the silence and build a safer, more compassionate community. Admission: Free will donations accepted and open to the public

Please see the attached graphic for a few job opportunities in the elementary. Please apply if interested! Link to job posting: https://www.iowaworks.gov/vosnet/jobbanks/jobdetails.aspx?enc=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

We have updated the FAQ with questions from the survey and will continue adding answers as they come in. Thank you for engaging in open dialogue about the proposed calendar change. Link to FAQ: https://docs.google.com/document/d/119xHPUg2i4MN1hb8MZi_cOgPSX4e9TvSz9Gg74uJiZ8/edit?usp=sharing

Our lucky 5th and 6th-grade students will have the opportunity to attend an author Zoom session next week! Check out the attached graphic for details and links to order the author's books. Link to letter: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12CpqjyuQ-UneQTRUsBlC5EpuRAdja5NJ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114454902820365722058&rtpof=true&sd=true

Please see the attached graphic for Elementary dress up days next week. Monday 12/16/24 - Holiday Hats and Socks Tuesday 12/17/24 - Santa (Red) vs. Grinch (Green) Wednesday 12/18/24 - Glitter and Shine or Camo and Hide Thursday 12/19/24 - Pajama Day Friday 12/20/24 - Festive Attire

Please see the attached secondary (7-12) Dress up days leading to Christmas Break!

The Regular Monthly Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 9, 2024 at 6pm. Here is the link to the agenda. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EIndlVYK55RJoT2Mw2b52C--CXkacMc87CAurB2G5Is/edit?usp=sharing

Please see attached letter for the proposed 25-26 Pekin School calendar. Link is here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YFvWaKBSlK2A8q_IVUTWUehoyljcJDzacwbMXR0I718/edit?usp=sharing

Please see the attached graphics for our K-2 Holiday Music Concert and 5th/6th Grade Band Concert. We look forward to performing for you!