Blackhawk Briefing

Hello, Blackhawks! As we head into February, we are reviewing next year's calendar and would like your input. This year, we tried something new with conferences and provided a longer window for parents to schedule them with their child's teacher. We understand we had some issues, particularly with families who may have students in multiple grades. We are going to try it again this spring and work to give families with children in multiple buildings the opportunity to sign up earlier.

The plan next year is to have two fixed nights in the fall and then in the spring one night fixed with multiple weeks to schedule a conference earlier like this year. The survey asks which one you prefer so if there is heavy interest in sticking with one over the other we will do adjust the calendar.

We are looking at entering a reciprocal program with a school in Germany next year. An organization called Foreign Links Around the Globe is facilitating the program. As part of the program, we are considering hosting 20 students from Germany in October 2026. There would also be two chaperones involved from the German school. This would be a three-week, short-term immersion program.

Each student would need their own host family, and they ask that three enrichment activities be included in this experience. These can be anything that highlights our local community or the state of Iowa.

They would also like to host 20 of your students and two chaps in return! The timeframe for our students to travel to them would likely be just 10 days in June 2027, not three weeks. The cost would be minimal at $1400 pp (insurance and program fee) with airfare on your own, as it is just easier that way. We would need two chaperones who would go for free, just airfare. The German school would include a school audit experience, enrichment activities, a homestay for all, and transportation to and from the airport and to and from anywhere in between. The school's website is https://lessing-gymnasium-bochum.de/.

I have attached a survey below if you are interested in being a host for one or two students. We receive some funding from the school to help cover some costs (not all).

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As part of our ongoing efforts to keep our schools safe and secure, we are introducing a new safety awareness campaign called Stop the Prop, developed by the Iowa Association of School Boards (IASB).

The message is simple but critical: Keep exterior school doors shut and secure at all times.

You may notice Stop the Prop stickers on building entrances across the district. These serve as visible reminders for students, staff, and visitors not to prop open exterior doors—even for just a few moments. An open door can create a serious safety risk, and this campaign reinforces our district’s commitment to maintaining secure learning environments for all students and staff.

We’re asking for your support in a few ways:

• Talk to your child about why keeping doors closed is important.
• Avoid propping open doors during drop-off, pick-up, or events—even if it seems convenient.
• Follow check-in procedures during school visits to help us maintain secure buildings.

This initiative aligns with recommendations from the state’s School Safety Task Force and is one more way we can work together to protect our schools.

Thank you for your partnership in keeping our schools safe and welcoming for all.

Sincerely,

Ken Slater

Hinton Superintendent

April 1 is a two-hour early dismissal before the holiday break.

2025 -2026 Employment Opportunities:

• Middle School Language Arts Teacher (contact: Melissa Wurth at melissa.wurth@hintonschool.com)
• Junior High Football Coach (contact: Jennifer Jacobs-List at jennifer.jacobs@hintonschool.com)
• Elementary (TK) Para-educator (contact: Kathy Rhodes at kathy.rhodes@hintonschool.com)