Welcome Back Bulldogs!

Hello, Bulldogs!

Welcome back to another exciting school year filled with learning, growth, and new adventures! We hope you had a wonderful summer break and are ready to dive into the opportunities that await our students. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working hard to prepare engaging lessons, dynamic programs, and a supportive environment where every student can thrive. Whether you're returning to familiar hallways or stepping into our school for the first time, we're thrilled to have you as part of our school community.

We’re also excited to share an update on the construction of our new elementary school! The Le Mars Community Board of Education approved a land exchange, providing 30 acres for the new school site. The location is at the south end of Central Avenue along 18th Street SW. This property not only gives the district more room for growth, but it also addresses community concerns about traffic congestion and building in a semi-industrial area. We anticipate closing on the new property in early September.

Alongside securing the new location, the district has been working diligently on the design of the new school. Community members, parents/guardians, and school staff have all contributed valuable input during design meetings, shaping what will be a top-notch educational space. We plan to conclude the design phase this fall.

I’m also pleased to welcome our new staff members. We hired exceptional teachers and support staff for the upcoming year, and you’ll find more information about them later in this newsletter. As you interact with these individuals, please help them feel welcome in both our school district and community. We have been successful in hiring high-quality teachers, and we believe they will do an outstanding job educating our students.

In addition, I want to acknowledge the vital support we receive from our many booster organizations. Our athletics, performing arts, and T&I programs benefit tremendously from their involvement. I encourage you to join a booster club and take an active role in supporting our students. We’re also fortunate to have the ongoing support of the Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and the Le Mars Educational Enhancement Project (L.E.E.P.). Please continue to support their efforts as well.

Bulldogs, we are part of a truly special school district—one strengthened by great families, talented students, and dedicated staff. We’re grateful for the community’s continued support, which makes the start of a new school year all the more exciting.

We look forward to welcoming students back on August 25 for the first day of school!

• Aug 7: On-Site School Registration, 7:00am-7:00pm, Middle School Commons (977 3rd Avenue SW), Computers will be available for those needing assistance
• Aug 20: Freshman Orientation, 6:00-7:00pm, Middle School Auditorium
• Aug 21: 6th Grade Orientation, 6:00-7:30pm, Middle School Auditorium
• Aug 22: District-Wide Open House, 11:00am-1:00pm
• Aug 25: First Day of School
• Aug 28: Picture Day, High School, Middle School & Kluckhohn Elementary
• Aug 29: Picture Day, Clark & Franklin Elementary
• Sept 1: No School (Labor Day)
• Sept 10: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• Sept 22-27: Homecoming Week 2025
• Sept 22: Homecoming Coronation, 7:30pm, High School Competition Gym
• Sept 24: 2-Hour Early Out (Teacher In-Service)
• Sept 26: Homecoming Parade, 1:45pm
• Sept 26: Homecoming Football Game vs. Spencer, 7:00pm, Le Mars Community Stadium
• Sept 27: Homecoming Dance, 9:00-11:59pm, High School Carey Gym

Please review the following important health requirements and reminders before school starts.

• Preschool students need and must provide proof of:
• Physical completed by your child’s doctor within the year
• Immunization record
• Dental exam completed within the year
• Kindergarten students need and must provide proof of:
• Physical completed by your child’s doctor within the year
• If provided for preschool, you do not need another form.
• Immunization record
• Dental exam completed within the year
• If provided for preschool, you do not need another form.
• Vision exam completed within the year
• 3rd-grade students need and must provide proof of a vision exam completed within the year.
• 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 year.
• 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 immunizations, vaccinations, and forms are needed before the first day of school. Documentation of a valid Certificate of Immunization Exemption (religious or medical) or Provisional Certificate of Immunization may be submitted in lieu of a Certificate of Immunization.

Completed forms can be e-mailed to rhonda.lassen@lemarscsd.org or faxed to the appropriate building.

• Clark: 712-546-8122
• Franklin: 712-546-4186
• Kluckhohn: 712-546-7069
• Middle School: 712-546-7024
• High School: 712-548-4450

All medications, both scheduled and PRN (as needed), require a signed Medication Authorization Form before they can be administered at school. A parent or guardian must complete and sign this form. All medications MUST be submitted to the office.

You can download the forms below. Otherwise, forms can be picked up in any of our school offices.

If you have questions, please contact your child's school nurse.

• Elementary: Rhonda Lassen, rhonda.lassen@lemarscsd.org
• Middle School & High School: Erin Rolling, erin.rolling@lemarscsd.org

Annual Book Fees: $35 (Grades TK-12)

Special Fees

• Art (Grades 9-12): $10/class
• Band (Grades 7-8): $20/year
• City Bus: $50/semester or $30/quarter
• Instrument Rental: $125/year
• Orchestra (Grades 6-8): $20/year
• Percussion Usage: $75/year
• Vocal Music (Grades 9-12): $20/year

Meal Prices (subject to change)

• Lunch (Grades K-12 daily): $2.60
• Breakfast (Grades K-12 daily): $1.75
• Milk (Grades K-2): $40/semester, $70/year

Pupil Insurance (optional)

• Grades PK-8: $50/year
• Grades 9-12: $75/year
• Double option and 24 hour insurance available

Activity Tickets (optional): $50 (Student) | $100 (Adult)

Le Mars CSD offers a nutritious breakfast every school day from 7:30 to 8:15am. Start your morning right with a balanced meal to fuel learning and focus! Breakfast is available to all.

• $1.75 for students
• $1.85 for adults or guests

Homecoming week will be September 22-27! This year’s theme is “Golden Nights and Bulldog Lights,” with a New York City motif.

Coronation

• Monday, September 22
• 7:30pm
• High School Competition Gym

Parade

• Friday, September 26
• 1:45pm
• Parade entry deadline is Friday, September 19 at 12:00pm. Sign up here.

Football Game

• Friday, September 26
• vs. Spencer
• 7:00pm
• Le Mars Community Stadium
• Purchase admission tickets on Bound

Dance

• Saturday, September 27
• 9:00-11:59pm
• High School Carey Gym

Test Date: September 6 | 8:00-11:00 AM | Le Mars High School

• August 1 - Regular Registration Deadline (Late Fee Applies after this date)
• August 19 - Late Registration 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.

Welcome back from the Middle School Counseling Department!

As we begin a brand-new school year, Mrs. Johnson and I want to extend a warm welcome to all our students and families! Middle school is an exciting time filled with growth, new opportunities, and challenges, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Your school counselors are excited to partner with students, parents, and teachers to help make this year a successful and rewarding experience for everyone.

School counselors play an important role in helping students succeed both inside and outside of the classroom. We provide guidance in three key areas: academic success, social and emotional growth, and career awareness. Whether it’s helping students set goals, develop study habits, learn to manage stress, or explore future interests, we are here to ensure that every student feels supported and prepared for their journey ahead.

In addition to classroom lessons, your counselors are available to meet with students individually or in small groups to talk through personal challenges, problem-solve peer conflicts, and build important life skills. We also collaborate with parents and teachers to provide strategies and resources that promote positive behavior, healthy relationships, and a safe, welcoming school environment.

This year, we encourage students and families to reach out to the counseling office whenever they have questions, concerns, or just need someone to listen. Our doors are always open, and we are eager to build strong connections with our students. Together, we can make this school year one filled with growth, confidence, and success. You can reach us by phone at 712-546-7022 or by email (listed below).

Welcome back—we are so glad you’re here!

We're excited to welcome a fantastic group of new staff members to the district this year! These individuals bring a wealth of talent, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to our schools. Whether they're teaching in the classroom or supporting students behind the scenes, each individual plays an important role in our mission to provide high-quality education. Please help us give them a warm Bulldog welcome!

Jaylen recently graduated from the University of South Dakota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She completed her student teaching right here at Le Mars CSD middle school, making her well-prepared for her new role.

A Marcus, Iowa, native, Tom is returning to the area after gaining extensive experience as a band teacher with Westwood Community Schools, South O'Brien Community Schools, Bishop-Heelan, and most recently, Harlan Community Schools. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of South Dakota and his Master of Music in Music Education from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.

Haley brings valuable classroom experience as a former 3rd grade teacher with Sioux Center Community Schools. Before obtaining her teaching license, she served as a teacher associate at Le Mars CSD's middle school and as a substitute teacher throughout the district. Haley earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University.

Kaydee is a graduate of Wayne State College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. She brings fresh expertise to our program.

Jaclyn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Education from the University of Northwestern in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her teaching experience includes serving as a math teacher at East High School in Sioux City and as a substitute teacher for both the MOC-FV and Sioux Center school districts.

Hanna previously served as a kindergarten teacher at Bryant Elementary in Sioux City. She graduated from Morningside University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Reading and English as a Second Language.

Brianna holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in K-12 Instrumental Music Education from Dordt University. She completed her student teaching at Le Mars CSD and was most recently employed with Sioux Center Christian School, teaching TK-4 music and 5-8 choir.

Danielle is relocating to Le Mars from Sioux Falls, where she taught first and fourth grades at John Harris Elementary. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education and a Master of Arts in Reading, both from Augustana University.

Rebecca joins Le Mars CSD with a strong educational background, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree from San Francisco University in California and a Master's in Education from National University. She brings elementary teaching experience from California and has served as a substitute teacher for Le Mars CSD.

Adam earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of South Dakota and his Master of Science degree from Wayne State College. He brings years of experience from Ponca Public Schools teaching third grade, coaching golf, co-chairing their School Improvement Team, and serving as the team leader for their Data Team.

Another LCHS alumna joining our team, Faith earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Elementary Education and Special Education/Strategist I from Morningside University. She brings recent experience from Sioux City's North Middle School, where she served as a sixth-grade co-special education/English teacher.

Crystal holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Pittsburg State University and brings years of valuable experience as both a teacher and media specialist to our library program.

A proud LCHS alumna, Jayden is returning home to Le Mars CSD. She graduated from Buena Vista University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with endorsements in Reading and as a Strategist I. Most recently, she served as a special education teacher at Cherokee Middle School.

A Moped Safety class will be held for students in the Le Mars area at the middle school in room C15 (Mr. Fehringer’s room) on Saturday, September 6, from 8:00am to 2:15pm.

Iowans 14 and 15 years of age are required by law to take the moped course before receiving a license to operate a moped on public highways. The minimum age for this course is 13.

Sign up and pay in the middle school office before the class. Cost is $55. Payments can be made by cash or checks. Make checks payable to Bill Dalton.

Students that are not in the Le Mars Community School District can sign up and pay on the day of the course.

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

Are you a proud Le Mars CSD alum? We’d love to hear your story!

Tell us how your experience at Le Mars CSD shaped your life, influenced your career, or made a lasting impact. Your story could inspire current students and help celebrate the legacy of Le Mars CSD!

If you know someone who is a proud Le Mars CSD alum, please share the link with them to share their story!

Le Mars Community School District students, parents/guardians, and patrons are hereby advised that the District has adopted a very specific policy concerning student possession, use, sale or distribution of illicit drugs at school or while participating in school sponsored activities regardless of the location of the activities.

The policy also speaks to drug paraphernalia and look alike drugs. PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THIS POLICY ARE SEVERE. A copy of the complete policy may be obtained at the Superintendent’s Office (940 Lincoln St SW or 712-546-4155).

Parents/guardians are encouraged to sign up for school emergency alerts via text messages, email, or phone, impacting health, life, or safety (including weather related announcements) at www.lemarscsd.org/school-messenger.

PARENTS/GUARDIANS: In the event there is an emergency requiring a school building

lockdown, lockout, evacuation, or shelter, parents/guardians and community are directed to do

the following:

1. Do not come to the school building. This is a request from the Le Mars Police Department, Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, Le Mars Fire Department and school district. Our public safety servants request this of you due to their inability to provide total focus on student safety while attempting to control parents/guardians and community members at the site.

2. Do not contact your child on cell phone. Your child may not be able to use their phone; which may cause you alarm if they do not answer. Additionally, if there is an intruder, your contact may alert the intruder to student locations. Also, student information may not be accurate. Accurate information will be provided to parents through School Messenger and KLEM.

3. Do not call the school. Employees will be working to secure the situation and phone interruptions may prevent this effort. Information will be provided through School Messenger and KLEM radio stations 96.9 FM and 1410 AM.

4. Wait for School Messenger alerts and/or tune into KLEM radio. Communication from the Le Mars Community School District will be provided through School Messenger, and when appropriate, through KLEM radio stations 96.9 FM and 1410 AM.

5. School Messenger Alert information will include:

• Alert of the situation
• Parent directions
• If needed, a designated community gathering location to receive information, when available
• If needed, a number to be called for information
• If needed, a designated location for parents to pick-up students

• Other information to keep parents and community informed

PLEASE NOTE: The Le Mars Community School District and public safety servants understand

parent and community desire for quick information. However, our priorities, in the order they will

occur, are as follows:

• First Priority -- Student safety.
• Second Priority -- Details of the situation will be communicated with parents and community after student safety, true understanding of the situation, and consultation with public safety officials have been established. Then, information will be provided to parents and community.

See below for Standard Protocol Response alert definitions:

• Lockout -- A lockout is called when there is a threat or hazard outside of the school building. Students do business as usual within the building and doors will be locked; no person will be allowed in or out of the building.
• Lockdown -- A lockdown is called when there is a threat or hazard inside the school building. Students will be inside locked classrooms and/or remain out of the line of sight.
• Evacuate -- An evacuation is called when the need to be moved out of a specific location due to a threat or hazard.

In accordance with state and federal law, the LeMars Community School District adopts the following policy to ensure school district employees, families, and students have a shared understanding of expectations regarding meal charges. The policy seeks to allow students to receive the nutrition they need to stay focused during the school day, prevent the overt identification of students with insufficient funds to pay for school meals, and maintain the financial integrity of the nonprofit school nutrition program.

Payment of Meals

Students have use of a meal account. Students who do not have sufficient funds shall be allowed to charge reimbursable meals until additional money is deposited in the student account. Students shall never be denied a reimbursable meal, even if they have accrued a negative balance from previous purchases.

Negative Account Balances

The school district will make reasonable efforts to notify families when meal account balances are low. Additionally, the school district will make reasonable efforts to collect unpaid meal charges classified as delinquent debt. The school district will coordinate communications with families to resolve the matter of unpaid charges. Families will be notified of an outstanding negative balance by the building principal’s office once the negative balance reaches $25. Families will be notified by a letter sent home. Negative balances of more than $100.00 will be turned over to the superintendent or superintendent's designee for collection. The superintendent's office will notify families by letter of the outstanding balance and be offered payment plan options. Once the negative balance is $250, the family will be referred to the school district attorney for collection. Should the family not respond to the notice from the school district attorney, collection options will be explored. Options may include: collection agencies, small claims court, or any other legal method permitted by law.

Parents/guardians of the school district community may view the instructional materials used by the students by making a request to Rachel Leavitt, Curriculum Director, at 712-546-4155.

Students and parents/guardians are hereby notified that school lockers, desks and other facilities or spaces provided by the school for student use are subject to periodic search without prior notice other than this annual notice. School officials may conduct periodic searches that will occur in the presence of student(s) or in the presence of at least two school officials without the student(s).

A student’s dress and grooming have a substantial effect upon his/her performance both in school and on the job. The well-groomed student is encouraged toward better school work and behavior. All students are expected to dress in proper attire. The criteria for determining the acceptability of student appearance shall include safety, health, modesty, cleanliness, and no disruption or distraction to the educational process.

Students are not expected to dress in a uniform manner, but inappropriate or unkept dress and grooming that would bring discredit or disruption to the school is unacceptable.

Examples of inappropriate dress include clothing promoting alcohol, drugs, tobacco, gang activity, sex, cults, or satanic activities. This includes clothing with logos that are clearly identified as such or make blatant inferences.

Biking shorts and tube tops are not acceptable. Pants that are worn well below the normal waist or belt line are not permitted due to the distraction they cause which interrupts the educational process.

The State of Iowa Health Code does require that shoes be worn at all times.

Caps, hats, sunglasses are for outside wear unless approved in advance through the principal’s office.

Chains such as those attached to billfolds and belt loops are not allowed to be worn regardless of the length of the chain or where on the body they are worn.

Students not dressed appropriately will be required to change and may be counted unexcused in their absence from class while they find acceptable clothing.

Should a student need to ask if clothing is acceptable, it probably is not.

Use common sense and good judgement in selecting clothing for each school morning.

The Le Mars Community School District Board of Education has authorized the use of video cameras on school premises and district transportation. The video recording devices will be used to enhance safety and security within the educational environment. Students, employees, and parents are hereby notified that the content of the recording may be used in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding. The content of the recordings may be considered confidential student records and will be retained with other student records. Recordings will only be retained if necessary for use in a student or employee disciplinary proceeding or other matter as determined necessary by the administration. Parents may request to view the recording of their child.

It is the policy of the LeMars Community School District to provide equal opportunity in its provision of educational and auxiliary programs for students. The district will not engage in any illegal discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, socio economic status, creed, disability or marital status in its educational programs, activities or employment policies and practices.

The board requires all persons, agencies, vendors, contractors and any other persons or organizations doing business with or performing services for the district to subscribe to this policy and to all applicable federal and state laws or lawful regulations.

In addition to its policy and practice of equal opportunity and non-discrimination, the board directs that the district’s education program shall foster knowledge and appreciation for the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups as well as those of both women and men. The curriculum will also reflect the diverse variety of occupational and societal roles open to both women and men.

Questions or complaints alleging illegal discrimination on the basis of gender should be directed to the district’s Title IX and Multicultural Gender Fair Coordinator – Mr. Adam Moss, Asst. High School Principal, 921 3rd Ave. SW, LeMars, IA 51031, phone 712-546-4153.

Questions or complaints alleging any other types of illegal discrimination should be directed to the district’s Equity Coordinator – Rachel Leavitt, Curriculum Director, 940 Lincoln Street SW, LeMars, IA 51031, phone 712-546-4155.

Inquiries or complaints may also be directed to Director of Office for Civil Rights, Chicago Office, US Department of Education.
John C. Kluczynski Federal Building

230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604

Telephone: (312) 730-1560, Facsimile: (312) 730-1576

Email: OCR.Chicago@ed.gov