IOWA-GRANT PANTHER PRESS

Welcome Back!

We are very excited to welcome our new and returning students for the 2025-2026 school year. There are so many good things happening at Iowa-Grant, it’s hard to list them all. We will again be participating in the national school lunch program, providing meals at no cost to parents for all students. I believe this program is popular with families and beneficial to our students. Over the summer, we were able to tackle large-scale maintenance projects. Much of the deferred maintenance items are being addressed, including non-glamours things like sealing the split-block masonry on IGEMS, putting a classroom flooring replacement schedule in place, replacing the gym curtain, and updates to the kitchen equipment.

Beyond bricks and mortar, we are paying attention to the heart of our mission; teaching and learning. Our teachers have been engaged in continuous professional development as we sharpen our focus on comprehensive literacy with an emphasis on writing across the curriculum, kindergarten through twelfth grade. Our aim is to have students write more and to have students write better. One way to do this, is to encourage writing in all of their classes, not just language arts. Students will self-evaluate their writing against a set of standards or a rubric. There is an ongoing debate, replete with warnings, about the potential, deleterious impact that artificial intelligence (AI) may have on creative writing and critical thinking. While we see some opportunities for AI in supplemental tutoring, we also want to ensure that our students grow in critical thinking skills and learn to write well, independently of the large language models of AI.

At the school board level, a vision for the development of life skills is crystalizing. This goes beyond academics. It includes the way we treat one another and how our graduates will get on in the world as responsible, respectful, contributing adults. As the school year begins, we will be evaluating our school’s culture and climate with a research-based survey. The results will give us a baseline for our school improvement efforts. Parents, students, and teachers will be asked to participate in a survey administered by the National School Climate Center. This survey assess five key areas: 1) Safety, 2) Teaching and Learning, 3) Respectful Relationships, 4) Overall School Environment, and 5) Leadership. While I have never felt better about our direction as a school district, I hope we can use this review to set new goals in a continuous improvement model.

In that vein, your help, support, and participation is always greatly appreciated. I know our booster clubs are continually in need of more volunteers. It is essential for the next group to step in and join the efforts as volunteers who have been carrying the load, foresee their children graduating. My observation is that our district works because of people’s willingness to pitch in when volunteers are needed. Thank you to all the work our boosters are doing and I am already seeing the next generation of leaders. Whether it’s the 50-50 raffle, the concession stands, or community-level sport activities for our children, your contribution is appreciated and strengthens our partnership.

Our mission states that,in partnership with the community, the Iowa-Grant School District will empower all students to reach their full potential as responsible individuals who strive for life-long learning to successfully compete in an ever-changing global society. We will again be hosting a Family and Community Town Supper (FACTS) on October 28th, so please save the date. The annual FACTS is an opportunity for conversation and input on the future of the Iowa-Grant School District.

Michael Shimshak

The Cobb Corn Roast added a new element to their festivities - a dunk tank! Some of our own Iowa-Grant staff signed up to get "Dunked". Thank you to Mr. Allen, Mrs. Gallagher, and Mrs. Mayne for signing up and bringing another element of fun to the Cobb Corn Roast. Money raised from the dunk tank will be donated to several Iowa-Grant School organizations and community orgainizations in Cobb.

We are thrilled that Southwest Bus will be joining us for the 2025-2026 School Year!

A huge thank you to the Livingston, Montfort, & Cobb United Methodist Churches for hosting a wonderful and delicious staff appreciation luncheon for the Iowa-Grant School District. Your dessert table is always a hit, and your generosity and support mean the world to us! Here's to a great year ahead!

9/01 Labor Day - No School

9/02 First Day of School

9/02 5:00 PM Football: JV @ Dodgeville

9/04 5:30 Volleyball: Freshmen/JV Match @ Riverdale

9/04 7:00 PM Volleyball: Varsity @ Riverdale

9/05 7:00 PM Football: Varsity vs Wauzeka-Steuben (Home) (Parents & Senior Night)

9/06 8:30 AM Volleyball: Varsity vs Multiple Schools @ Richland Center (Away)

9/06 8:45 AM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Darlington HS

9/08 5:30 PM Football: JV @ Wauzeka-Steuben

9/08 5:45 PM Volleyball: Freshmen/JV vs Impact Christian Academy (Home)

9/08 6:30 PM Board Meeting

9/09 4:30 PM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel

9/09 5:30 PM Volleyball: JV @ Pecatonica

9/11 Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance Day

9/11 5:30 PM Volleyball: Freshmen/JV Match vs Cuba City (Home)

9/11 7:00 PM Volleyball: Varsity Match vs Cuba City (Home)

9/12 7:00 PM Football: Varsity @ Pecatonica

9/13 8:00 AM Volleyball: JV Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Wisconsin Heights

9/13 8:00 AM Cross Country: Boys/Girsl Invitational vs Multiple School @ Spring Green Golf Course

9/15 5:30 PM Football: JV vs Pecatonica (Home)

9/15 6:00 PM Music Parents Meeting

9/16 Mildred Fish Harnack Day

9/16 5:45 PM Volleyball: Freshmen/JV Game vs Impact Christian Academy (Home)

9/17 U.S. Constitution Day

9/17 Wonderful Wisconsin Week

9/18 5:30 PM Volleyball: Freshmen/JV Match @ Southwestern

9/18 7:00 PM Volleyball: Varsity Match @ Southwestern

9/18 7:15 PM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Varsity Meet vs Multiple Schools @ Boscobel - Kronshage Park - Greg Bell Night Run

9/19 POW-MIA Recognition Day

9/20 8:30 AM Volleyball: Varsity Tournament vs Multiple Schools (Home)

9/20 2:00 PM Football: Varsity @ Black Hawk (Away)

9/22 4:45 PM Volleyball: JV Invitational vs Multiple School (Home)

9/22 5:30 PM Football: JV vs Black Hawk (Home)

9/23 4:00 PM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Westby HS

9/24 Bullying Awarness Day

9/25 8:30 AM American Players Theater Field Trip - Seniors

9/25 5:30 PM Volleyball: Freshmen/JV vs Fennimore (Home)

9/25 7:00 PM Volleyball: Varsity Match vs Fennimore (Home)

9/26 7:00 PM Football: Varsity Game @ Potosi (Cassville High School)

9/27 8:00AM Volleyball: Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Belmont HS

9/27 9:30 AM Cross Country: Boys/Girls Varsity Invitational vs Multiple Schools @ Reedsburg Hartje Center XCC Trail

9/28 Frances Willard Day

9/29 5:00 PM Volleyball: Freshmen Quad vs Multiple Schools @ Riverdale HS

9/29 5:30 Football: JV vs Potosi/Cassivlle (Home)

9/30 5:30 PM Volleyball: JV Match @ Darlington

9/30 7:00 PM Volleyball: Varsity @ Darlington

Freshmen and new students were given a tour and the ins and outs of life as a high school student on Back to School night. Thank you to Trenton Pelton, Lucy Spurley, Will Fulton, Quinn Hoeper, Abby Hake, and Addison Kramer for helping out with the Senior Tours.

Iowa-Grant FFA Summer Farm/SAE visit highlights! These 5 individuals welcomed Mrs. Bodway to their farm where they were able to show their Supervised Agriculture Experience in action!

Are you interested in a farm visit for the 2026 summer? Attend an FFA meeting this year and get on the list to show off your SAE next summer!

The Iowa-Grant Student Council and LEO Club will be collecting old pairs of eyeglasses and old cell phones throughout the school year again. Please send them to Mr. Boland. Thank you for supporting the IGHS Student Council and LEO Club!

Welcome Back! It will be great to see the students back in the building. This fall, we will welcome new staff into our IGEMS family. We will be adding Samantha Schoenberg to 4th-grade English and Language Arts, and Linda Van Natta will also join our lineup as a special education assistant. We also have a fantastic addition in our kitchen to our great kitchen staff with Kaycee Welsh. We are lucky to have such great people. We have had a few other changes with teaching staff, and we appreciate their talents and flexibility!

Ms. Hasburgh and Ms. Kennicker have worked very hard to help get things ready for the start of the year in the main office, and I appreciate all that they have done this summer, from summer school to fall preparation for our students.

This is such a special place with small communities that come together to accomplish great things for students. If you need anything, please reach out to me. I will try my best to understand the need and help. Have a great start to your school year! You all have “hearts of gold” that are going to shine in the halls of IGEMS this school year!

The Power of Routines

From the Desk of Mrs. Jodi Bast

Early Learning Principal/Library Media Specialist

Having easy to follow evening and morning routines is one of my top tips for parents with young school-aged children. Routines help kids feel more secure and confident. They can also build independence and responsibility. Below, you will find some routines for you to consider for your own family this school year.

Evening Routines:

• Pack backpacks and bags with everything needed for the next day. Double check that papers are signed and homework is finished.

• Pick out clothing items and set them out (check the weather forecast first!).

• Bath, book, bed! Following bathtime with reading a story is a favorite routine for many families.

• Turn off the television and put away other distractions (phones and tablets).

• Routines should allow for children between the ages of 3 and 5 to get 10-13 hours of sleep per night. Children ages 6-13 need 9-12 hours of sleep (Healthychildren.org). When kids are well-rested, they have an easier time getting up in the morning and handling the demands of a school day.

Morning Routines:

• For young children, try making a list of things to do each morning with pictures. Post it in a place where it can be seen by your child. Example: use the bathroom, make the bed, get dressed, eat breakfast, brush teeth, put on shoes, grab a coat and backpack.

• Create a good-bye ritual between you and your child to help make the transition from home to school less challenging. A special good-bye saying, silly handshake, or a hug and “I love you,” provides your child with comfort and reassurance.

Children work hard during the school day; listening and physical activity require energy and focus. Having an evening routine, a restful night of sleep, and a morning routine can be helpful for your son or daughter both at school and at home. Take time to think about the right routines for your family, so your child is ready to start strong this school year. I can’t wait to see those first day of school smiles!

Our Panther Packs Program is back up and running at IGEMS. Families experiencing a food shortage at home can sign up to receive a Panther Pack each weekend with child-friendly food. If your family is in need of a Panther Pack please contact Darcy Breuer at dbreuer@igs.k12.wi.us or Christi Kennicker at ckennicker@igs.k12.wi.us.

Our Panther Pack program runs on donations from our community. Donations can be dropped off at IGEMS, we are always looking for fruit cups, individual serving cereal and oatmeal, individual serving lunches such as chef boyardee or mac and cheese, and snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks, and crackers. Monetary donations can also be dropped off at IGEMS marked for the Panther Packs Program. Thank you for your generosity as we continue to support our Iowa-Grant families.

Our incoming 4K students had a night to "sign" to OFFICIALLY become PANTHERS! Each 4K student was given a certificate to stamp to say they were ready to be part of the PANTHER family!