Monthly Newsletter

Hello, Bulldogs!

Elementary Building Project Update

The Core Planning Committee—which includes parents, local residents, business owners, community leaders, safety officials, elementary staff, and school board members—continues to collaborate with ISG architects and engineers to shape the design of our new elementary building.

At the last meeting, the committee identified visual features they found appealing and shared input on key structural elements like floor plans. Next, every elementary staff member will have the opportunity to give specific input into the design, ensuring the building meets the needs of both students and educators.

This is an exciting time for our district, and we are committed to creating a first-rate learning environment for our youngest Bulldogs!

Winter Weather & Makeup Days

As of this writing, LCSD has missed three school days due to inclement weather. As a result, the last day of school for students is now scheduled for May 23, 2025.

As you may recall, last year the Board of Education approved a protocol for making up school days. The protocol is as follows:

1. Make up missed full days, but not late starts or early dismissals.

• Rationale: Many classes meet on an abbreviated schedule for late starts and early dismissals, and students are able to receive instruction.

• Rationale: Recognizing there may be a point at which summer activities/vacations for students and their families may be negatively impacted by going beyond the first week after Memorial Day. Also, recognizing making up 1 partial last day of school following the Memorial Day holiday weekend may be futile.

If additional no-school days occur, we will communicate any updates regarding the last day of school.

2025-2026 School Calendar

We anticipate releasing the 2025-2026 school calendar in April. We have been waiting on possible legislative changes that could adjust the earliest start date for schools in Iowa (currently set at August 23). Whether or not this law passes, we will provide the finalized calendar soon. Thank you for your patience!

With just a few weeks left in the school year, the excitement of spring and summer is in the air. Please encourage your student to stay focused and finish strong! It has been a great year, and we look forward to celebrating more successes as we approach the finish line.

• April 2: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• April 4: Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline
• April 4: Middle School Carnival, 6:00-8:00 PM, Middle School
• April 5: Prom Grand March, 7:00 PM, High School
• April 7-11: ISASP Testing for Elementary
• April 10: 4th Grade Vocal Concert, 7:00 PM
• April 11: Dare Dance for 5th graders, 5:30-7:00 PM
• April 17: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• April 18-21: No School (Spring Vacation)
• April 23: Le Mars CSD Foundation Annual Awards Banquet, 6:30 PM, Le Mars Convention Center
• April 25: 4th-12th Festival of Orchestras, 7:00 PM, High School Competition Gym
• April 29: Middle School Orchestra Solo & Ensemble Contest, 6:00-7:00 PM, Middle School
• May 1: 5th-12th Parade Of Bands, 7:00 PM, High School Competition Gym
• May 3: Student Council Color Run, 9:00 AM, LeMars Municipal Park - Pickle Ball Courts
• May 7: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• May 18: Graduation Ceremony, 3:00 PM, Le Mars Community Stadium (weather permitting)

As you prepare for the upcoming school year, please remember that:

• 7th-grade students need and must provide proof of Tdap and Meningococcal vaccinations.
• 9th-grade students must show proof of a dental exam within the last year.
• Download a form. Otherwise, a form can be picked up in the school office or found at any dental office.
• Completed forms can be dropped off to the office or faxed to 712-548-4450.
• 12th-grade students need and must provide proof of a Meningococcal vaccination.
• If a student had a meningococcal vaccination BEFORE the age of 16, a second meningococcal vaccination is required by law.

These vaccinations are needed before the first day of school. Planning ahead ensures a smooth start to the new school year!

Spring is in full swing, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the school year. Between spring activities, finishing up the 2024-2025 school year, and planning for 2025-2026, there’s a lot happening!

Students will receive their 2025-2026 schedules by the end of April, allowing them to make any necessary changes before summer break. We’re also excited to welcome Jaclyn Enger to our teaching staff next year—she will be joining us as a math teacher!

Prom – Saturday, April 5

Promenade begins at 7:00pm in Carey Gym, with doors opening at 6:15pm. The after-prom committee will be charging admission, with funds helping to support the after-prom.

We ask that the Promenade area be cleared out quickly so the dance can start promptly at 8:45pm. The dance will end at 11:00pm, and the after prom will run from 11:00pm to 3:00am. Yes, you read that right, 3:00am!

Important Reminders:

• Parents will be notified if their student leaves the dance before 10:30pm.
• Students must change at school for after prom. They can take formal attire to their cars, but they cannot leave school grounds.

A huge thank you to all volunteers and donors who make this night possible! Special appreciation to Tifany Wright (Prom Sponsor), as well as Janelle Bixenman and Kate Melvin, for organizing after-prom.

Graduation is around the corner! As we prepare to celebrate our seniors, here are some key dates:

• May 9 – Last Day of Regular Classes
• May 12-13 – Senior Semester Tests
• May 14 – Graduation Rehearsal & Senior Breakfast, 9:00am
• May 14 – Senior Awards Night, 6:30pm, Middle School Auditorium
• May 18 – Graduation Ceremony, 3:00pm

Senior Breakfast

If a senior wants to eat at the senior breakfast, the cost is $5. Home Plate Catering is catering the breakfast. Payments must be made to the high school office by May 7 to ensure an accurate count.

Graduation Ceremony Location

The final decision on the location will be made by Friday, May 16. Our goal is to hold it at the stadium, but if the weather is poor, the ceremony will take place in the competition gym.

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.

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 are available to the Class of 2025. Application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025.

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

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

As one of the middle school counselors, I emphasize the importance of finishing the school year strong to all my students. The final months of the school year are not just about wrapping up assignments and taking tests—they’re about building habits that will carry students into the next grade with confidence. When students stay engaged, keep up with their responsibilities, and push through challenges, they reinforce essential skills like time management, perseverance, and self-discipline. On the other hand, when students lose motivation at the end of the year, they risk falling behind, which can make the transition to the next grade more difficult. Encouraging students to stay focused until the very last day helps them finish on a positive note and feel proud of their accomplishments.

Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s success during this time. As students juggle final projects, tests, and social commitments, parental guidance can help them stay on track. One of the most effective ways parents can assist is by maintaining a structured routine at home, ensuring students have a quiet place to study, and helping them prioritize tasks. Checking in regularly about schoolwork—not just asking about grades but also discussing challenges and progress—shows students that their effort matters. Additionally, parents can work with teachers and school staff to identify any concerns and provide extra support if needed, reinforcing a team effort to help students succeed.

Beyond academics, parents can support their child's emotional well-being during this busy and sometimes stressful period. Encouraging a positive mindset, reminding students that effort is just as important as results, and celebrating small wins can keep motivation high. If a student feels overwhelmed, parents can help by breaking down tasks into manageable steps and promoting healthy habits like good sleep and balanced screen time. Finishing the school year strong isn’t just about grades—it’s about helping students develop resilience and a sense of accomplishment, which will serve them well in future academic and personal challenges.

If you need additional assistance, please reach out to me or Jason Martin.

We are quickly approaching the time of year when our 3rd-5th grade students will be taking the standardized state test to show what academic progress they have made this year. The test is called the Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP). Our 3rd-5th grade students will be taking their tests April 7-11.

We wanted to take a few minutes to share with you what the school is doing to prepare your student for this assessment so that they can show how much they have learned as a student at LCSD!

How we are helping prepare students:

• This test uses an online platform, rather than paper and pencil, so guidance counselors are taking the students through online tutorials to show them what the program looks like and how to navigate it.
• Teachers will be working through practice tests with the students so they are aware of types of test questions and how to type constructed responses. This will boost students’ self-confidence as they approach the test.
• Classroom teachers have been preparing students all year in the areas of math, reading, and science with high-quality curriculum so they feel ready for the topics covered on the test.

How you can help prepare your student at home:

• Make sure that your student is well rested during testing week.
• Encourage them to do their best!
• Encourage good attendance during testing week and avoid scheduling appointments and out-of-town trips if possible. Please make sure to be on time to school, as testing often starts at 8:30am.
• Ensure that your student eats a healthy breakfast to nourish their brain and body! The Le Mars PTO has generously volunteered to provide a healthy snack each day of testing—THANK YOU!
• Please send a water bottle with your child so they can keep their brain and body well hydrated!

We are excited for our students to show what they have learned over the past year! We feel that our students receive a high quality education at LCSD and we look forward to them demonstrating this on the assessment.

Please contact a counselor or principal if you have any questions about this assessment.

Le Mars CSD is accepting preschool applications for the 2025-26 school year.

Enrollment is open to 4-year-old children in the community. Our goal is to create a diverse and well-rounded preschool class that reflects the Le Mars community. Children must be 4 years old on or before September 15, 2025, to be eligible.

The deadline to complete an application is April 3, 2025.

If needed, computers will be available at the Clark Elementary office for parents to use to complete the application.

For questions or more information, please contact Jodi Fisher at 712-546-8121 or jodi.fisher@lemarscsd.org.

📅 Wednesday, April 23, 2025

🕡 6:30pm

📍 Le Mars Convention Center - Lower Level

🎟️ Tickets are available at the District Office.

• Adults: $30
• Students: $15

The Protection of Public Rights Amendment (PPRA) requires the LeMars CSD to notify parents/legal caretakers and obtain consent or allow students to opt out of participating in certain activities. These activities include a student survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following “protected information surveys”:

• Political affiliations or beliefs of the student or student’s parents;
• Mental or psychological problems of student or student’s family;
• Sex behaviors or attitudes;
• Illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;
• Critical appraisals of others with whom respondents have close family relationships;
• Legally recognized privileged relationships, such as with lawyers, doctors, or ministers;
• Religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the students or parents;
• Income, other than as required by law to determine program eligibility.

This requirement also applies to the collection, disclosure or use of student information for “marketing surveys” and certain physical exams and screenings. Prior to administering any protected information surveys, the school district will contact parents/legal caretakers to provide the opportunity to opt out. Parents/legal caretakers also have the right to review, upon request, any survey that concerns one or more of the above protected areas, any instructional materials used in connection with any survey that concerns one or more of the protected areas, and any instructional material used as part of the educational curriculum for the student.

Parents/eligible students who believe that their rights have been violated may file a complaint

with:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-5920

Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327)

Happy spring! The robins are singing and the geese are flying north, all good indications warmer weather is in the future.

LEEP board members met on Monday, March 3, to review teacher requests. Members honored three requests by providing the funds to purchase equipment and novels for classrooms. Requests included:

• Mikayla Westhoff, Kluckhohn - 5th grade: requisition for $414.44 to purchase 25 novels titled Holes and 30 novels titled The School for Good & Evil, along with six storage bins.
• Katriana Pottebaum, Middle School - Chorus & 6th Grade Music: requisition for $3,299.78 to purchase 22 guitars, which will be used in the 6th grade music exploratory class.
• Tracey Sadoski, High School - Engineering and Physics: requisition to purchase a 3D printer in the amount of $1,457.72. Students learn 3D print items that are used in engineering and physics classes. Students gain skills in higher-order thinking and allow students pursuing careers in STEM to have hands-on experience prior to graduation.

LEEP members are very appreciative of the continued donations through MENuMASTERS and memorials to be able to provide resources to Le Mars CSD students. The total amount funded through LEEP in March for students was $5,171.94.

The next regular LEEP meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 7, at 5:30pm, in the middle school library. Enter through door C off Callahan Drive. Meetings are open to the public.