Monthly Newsletter

As we begin a new month, I’m excited to share updates on two important initiatives within the Le Mars Community School District that highlight our commitment to growth, excellence, and opportunity.

Elementary Building Project Update

The anticipation for our new elementary school continues to grow! In January, staff members and school board members toured elementary schools in Orange City, Sioux City, and Vermillion. These visits allowed participants to explore modern designs and features that foster exceptional learning environments. The insights gathered during these tours will help shape the vision for our new building.

We’ve also established a Core Planning Committee, consisting of parents, local residents, business owners, community leaders, safety officials, elementary staff, and school board members. This group is working closely with ISG architects through April to provide valuable input into the building’s initial design. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who is volunteering their time to contribute to this significant project. Your input is vital as we create a space that will inspire our children for years to come.

Le Mars Community School Foundation Scholarships

I’m proud to highlight the incredible work of the Le Mars Community School District Foundation, which continues to provide scholarship opportunities for our students. Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors to award $1,451,115 in scholarships. Last year alone, 140 scholarships totaling $107,000 were distributed thanks to the support of 63 donors.

If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship, contributing to the general scholarship fund, or creating a legacy through an endowment, please reach out to any Foundation member or contact Lisa Eisma at 712-546-4155 or lisa.eisma@lemarscsd.org. Your support truly makes a difference in the lives of our students.

Additionally, I encourage you to nominate an outstanding teacher for the Decades of Excellence Crystal Bell Teacher of the Year Award, co-sponsored by the Le Mars Community School District Foundation and the Le Mars Community Alumni Association. Further details about the nomination process can be found in this newsletter.

Thank you for your continued support of Le Mars Community Schools. Together, we are building a bright future for our students, staff, and community.

Go Bulldogs!

• February 6: Middle School Band Concert, 7:30 pm
• February 12: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• February 17: No School (President's Day)
• February 18: High School Jazz Concert, 7:30 pm
• February 20: High School Band Concert, 7:30 pm
• February 21: Winter Dances
• Middle School (7th & 8th Grades ONLY), 6:30 - 8:30 pm
• High School (9th-12th Grades), 9:00 - 11:59 pm
• February 25: 5th Grade String Recital, 6:00 pm
• February 26: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• February 28: High School Vocal Concert, 7:30 pm
• March 12: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• March 21: No School

Stay informed about school closings, delays, and other weather-related updates by signing up for alerts through School Messenger. School Messenger is our most reliable source for timely notifications and will also provide emergency alerts, security updates, and communication from your child’s teacher.

If you haven’t signed up yet, it’s quick and easy!

• Visit www.lemarscsd.org/school-messenger
• Follow the step-by-step instructions.

Is it February already? This school year is really moving along. As we get ready for graduation, the counselors will be performing credit checks with the seniors. Graduation is set for Sunday, May 18, at 3:00 pm. Weather permitting, the location will be the Le Mars Community Stadium.

We are also working on next year’s class schedule. It is our hope to get the 2025-26 class schedule to students in May so they can make adjustments before the summer and the start of next school year.

As we are a month into the second semester, I encourage you to look at your child's grades to see how they are doing. As a reminder, students with fewer than 4 absences, 5 or fewer tardies, and grades no lower than a C- will be exempt from second semester exams. Note that some concurrent (college credit) classes may still require exams to receive college credit, per Western Iowa Tech’s guidelines.

Prom is scheduled on Saturday, April 5. Junior and senior students may have a date from another school or may ask a sophomore from Le Mars High School. Freshmen and dates that do not attend high school will not be permitted.

• Parents interested in helping at prom with either decorating or supervising, please contact Tifany Wright at 712-546-4153 or Tifany.Wright@lemarscsd.org.
• After-Prom is also in need of parent assistance. If you are able to help with after-prom, please contact Janelle Bixenman (Jlbixenman@gmail.com or 712-540-8339) or Kate Melvin (Katem@perspectiveinsurance.com or 515-291-3478).

Again, if you have any concerns about your child or their progress, please don’t hesitate to contact their teacher to arrange a meeting. We’re here to help every student succeed.

Have a great February!

The Le Mars CSD Foundation provides scholarship opportunities for our students. Since its inception in 1991, the Foundation has partnered with generous donors to award $1,451,115 in scholarships. Last year alone, 140 scholarships totaling $107,000 were distributed thanks to the support of 63 donors.

The scholarship application materials will be available on Friday, February 14 at www.lemarscsd.org/high-school.

Application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025.

Test Date: April 5

• February 28 - Regular Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies after this date)
• March 16 - Late Registration Deadline
• March 28 - Photo Upload & Standby Deadline

Test Date: June 14

• May 9 - Regular Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies after this date)
• May 26 - Late Registration Deadline
• June 6 - Photo Upload & Standby Deadline

Test Date: July 12

• June 6 - Regular Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies after this date)
• June 20 - Late Registration Deadline
• July 4 - Photo Upload & Standby Deadline

Register at https://www.act.org/

• Le Mars School Code: 162-475

Log onto CollegeWeekLive.com for free ACT, SAT, and Toefl practice and test taking tips.

• Saturday, February 1, 2025 --- 1:00 - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, April 19, 2025 --- 1:00 - 4:00 pm
• Saturday, May 17, 2025 --- 1:00 - 4:00 pm

All meetings we will be in Room 101 with Mr. Bahr at the high school.

Participating in sports during middle school offers countless benefits to students, shaping them in ways that go beyond the playing field. Whether it’s basketball, wrestling, track, cross country, football, or volleyball, being part of a team provides students with opportunities to grow physically, socially, and emotionally. At Le Mars Middle School, we’ve seen firsthand how sports enrich the lives of our students and contribute to a thriving school community.

One of the most noticeable benefits of playing sports is the improvement in physical health. Engaging in regular physical activity helps students build stronger muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and maintain a healthy weight. Beyond the physical advantages, sports also teach the importance of staying active, which encourages healthy habits that can last a lifetime. By participating in sports, our students are learning the value of discipline and perseverance while reaping the rewards of a healthy lifestyle.

In addition to physical health, sports play a key role in boosting self-confidence and emotional well-being. Students who participate in sports often develop a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. They learn how to set goals and work diligently to achieve them, which builds resilience and a growth mindset. Being part of a team also provides a support network, helping students navigate the ups and downs of adolescence with camaraderie and encouragement.

Sports also strengthen students’ social skills, fostering friendships and teaching valuable lessons in teamwork and communication. On the field or court, students learn how to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds and navigate challenges together. These experiences translate into better relationships in the classroom and beyond. At Le Mars Middle School, our sports teams exemplify the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect, which contributes to a positive and inclusive school environment.

Finally, participating in sports instills a sense of school pride and community spirit. Students represent their school with enthusiasm, whether competing in local tournaments or cheering each other on from the sidelines. This shared sense of purpose unites the entire school community and creates lasting memories.

We’re proud of the positive impact our middle school sports programs have on our students, and we’re committed to fostering these opportunities for years to come. Let’s continue to celebrate the incredible benefits of middle school sports and encourage every student to get involved!

For the month of February, students at the elementary schools will be learning about the character trait of honesty. One way to think about honesty is “being truthful in what you say and do.” Practicing honesty helps strengthen our relationships and even reduces stress.

Honesty is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Well. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like emotion regulation, positive self-talk, and stress management.

PurposeFull Pursuits

Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing honesty. Here are 2 “PurposeFull Pursuits” you can complete together!

1. Review honesty as a family! Honesty is being truthful in what you say and do. Discuss the importance of being honest and work together to create a family honesty pledge. Create and decorate a sign together that explains what honesty means in your family. Have each family member sign the pledge and choose a spot to display it. Refer back to the pledge as a reminder to be honest and to celebrate when honesty is practiced!
2. Set aside some time to gather as a family and check in with each other. Ask each family member, “How are you feeling today?” Practice honesty when responding and listen carefully as each family member shares. Use the emotion check-in questions to learn more. Challenge yourselves to check in with each other on a regular basis!

Emotion Check-In Questions:

• Tell me more about that feeling.
• Why do you think you are feeling that emotion?
• What do you need right now?

Pre-registration for Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten is opening soon!

Eligible students must be five years old on or before September 15, 2025. Parents should complete the registration by February 10, 2025.

Invitations to Kindergarten Kick Off will be mailed the week of February 17, which will include your student's Kick Off location.

If you have any questions, please contact Stacy Regennitter at 712-546-4185 or stacy.regennitter@lemarscsd.org

Parents or guardians of students in the LeMars Community Schools have the right to review their child’s education records. If the parents or guardians believe that information in the record is inaccurate, misleading, or violates the privacy or other rights of the student, they may request that the records be amended. In the event of a disagreement, a hearing will be held in an attempt to resolve the matter.

Questions concerning this or any other parental rights should be directed to:

Superintendent’s Office

940 Lincoln St. SW

Le Mars, Iowa 51031

Phone: 546-4155

Nomination forms are available on the Alumni Association website (lemarsalumni.org) in the top-right corner or can be picked up at the Superintendent’s Office or Alumni Association Office in the Plymouth County Museum.

The form outlines the criteria and must be submitted by the deadline of February 14, 2025. Don’t miss this opportunity to honor an outstanding graduate!

Parents/guardians are hereby given notice of the following deadlines pertaining to open

enrollment opportunities:

• March 1, 2025: Last date for Open Enrollment requests for students in grades 1-12 for the 2025-2026 school year.
• Parents of children who will begin kindergarten in 2025-2026 must file for Open Enrollment no later than September 1, 2025.

Open enrollment students whose family income meets eligibility requirements are eligible for

transportation assistance. Assistance may be in the form of actual transportation being

provided or a stipend paid to parents/guardians.

Parents should be aware that Open Enrollment may result in loss of athletic eligibility. Open

enrollment information and application can be found at the Iowa Department of Education

website.

Questions should be directed to the Superintendent’s Office.

• 940 Lincoln St SW, LeMars, IA 51031
• 712-546-4155

A Moped Safety class will be held for students in the LeMars area on Saturday, March 8, at LeMars Middle School, Room C15 (Mr. Fehringer’s room). The class will run from 8:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.

Per Iowa law, students aged 14 and 15 must complete this course to obtain a license to operate a moped on public highways. The minimum age to enroll is 13.

Registration:

• LeMars Community Students: Sign up and pay in the Middle School office (Amy Bergquist or Keri Schuett) before March 8.
• Non-LeMars Community Students: Register and pay on the day of the class.

Cost:

• Pre-registration: $50 (checks payable to Bill Dalton or cash accepted)
• Same-day registration: $55

If you have questions, please email bkdalton6@gmail.com.

The award will be presented at the Foundation’s Annual Awards Banquet to be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. in the lower level of the LeMars Convention Center. Tickets for the banquet will be available for the public by stopping in or calling the Superintendent’s Office at 712-546-4155.

February brings the hope of spring with longer days, making it the perfect time to join our LEEP team! Volunteering with LEEP not only strengthens our community but also provides valuable insights into the needs of students, families, and education. Together, we can support our schools in meaningful ways.

Why Volunteer with LEEP?

• Strengthen our school community
• Support teachers and students
• Make an impact on education

LEEP meets the first Monday of the month from September through May. Our next meeting is on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 5:30 pm in the middle school library.

For more information, please contact:

• Gayle Vonk, President: wall.elements@yahoo.com
• Helena McDougall, Vice President: helenamhm@yahoo.com
• Lorraine DeJong, Secretary: lorraine.dejong@lemarscsd.org

Highlights from January's Meeting

Here are some teacher requests LEEP was able to honor last month:

• Alaina Koerselman (Kluckhohn 3rd grade): Classroom set of Wreck it Ralph novels – $192.25
• Kelly Collins (HS/MS Literacy Coach): 10 books for Book Bash competition – $96.78 (to be donated to literacy classrooms after the competition)
• Molly Boeve (HS Health and PE): Stick 360 game for PE classes – $930.23 (used in regular and adaptive PE)

Your support makes these efforts possible! Become a LEEP volunteer and help us continue to make a difference. Together, we can build a stronger future for our students!