Avenue City School R-9 Logo

District Newsletter - October 2009

By Becky Grimes

     October 26, 2009

Rod Davison  

School Board Member since 1999

Current President of ACES BOE

I was born in Maryville, MO and moved to Maloy, Ia. when I was 1 year old.  I went to Mt Ayr Community School through high school.  I went on to college at Iowa State University in Ames, Ia. (go Cyclones!) and majored in Ag Business.  After graduation I moved to St Joseph in 1990 and was married to my wife Darla.  We have three children, Jori Brianne, Shelby Morgan, and Levi Jarod.  In 1994 we moved to our current residence near Avenue City and started our children’s education at ACES.  Levi graduated last spring from ACES and all three are now in high school at Savannah.  They all could not wait until they were in high school and now all I here is how they wish they could all go back to ACES.  But don’t we all!  We also have a sort of fourth child named Mark Santen.  Mark was a foreign exchange student from the Netherlands.  He came over and did his practical training at our business a couple of years ago.  Mark has since returned home and started his own diesel injection and turbo repair shop and is doing well.

In 2003 Darla and I started our own business and opened Diesel Performance Engineering in Savannah.  We work on diesel fuel injection pumps, turbo chargers, injectors for all kinds of diesel engines.  We also have 6 bays for diesel drive in service for light and medium duty diesel vehicles.  We also specialize in high performance tractor and truck pulling parts selling all over the USA and also in Europe.

I have been on the ACES school board for 10 years serving as President for the last year.  In addition I have served two terms on the Association of Diesel Specialist Board which is an international organization representing the interests of diesel fuel injection and turbo charger repair shops around the world.  Within that organization I served as the Forerunners Committee President and served on several other committees.  There are many things I like about ACES but the top of the list is the great teachers we have and the excellent education they have provided my children.  They are simply the BEST!

David DuVall   

School Board Member since 2007

Current Vice President of ACES BOE

Hello!  I have resided in the Avenue City School district for about 8 years.  I grew up in St. Joseph attending Central and graduating from Missouri Western with a degree in business.

I am self employed in the lawn care industry.  I have been married to my lovely wife Ann for 14 years.  We have 3 children that attend school with the oldest being Kaylee ,12; Kristian, 8; and Kacey, 7.  Raising children has been a rewarding endeavor.  They tend to present challenges on a proverbial schedule.

We feel very fortunate to live in this district.  We view K-8 as a critical building block for the educational foundation of our children.  Avenue City is a wonderful school with exceptional parents, staff and kids!  My wish for today and many years is that the school will continue to excel and make continued improvements in all future and existing areas.  This will only be possible through the continued support from the parents, staff and great folks that reside in the R-IX district.  

Bob Beahler

Member of Board of Education since 2004

Born in St Joseph, MO, I have resided in Andrew County for nearly 40 years and the AC School District the last 18 years.  I completed grade school at Helena, high school at Savannah, and college at Missouri Western.  My wife, Julie, and I have 3 children.  Blake and Logan have both completed K-8 at AC.  Blake is now a freshman in college at Maryville and Logan a freshman in high school at Savannah.  Breanna is in 3^rd grade at AC.  Since graduating from College I have worked in the Sales/Construction field.

Jim Maag 

Member of the Board of Education since 2003

I have been a lifelong resident of Cosby and married for over 23 great years to Kari (Schneider) Maag. We have 3 terrific kids Lindsey, 17; Kasey, 14; and Trevor, 9 who all attended ACES. I am involved in the community with the Cosby/Helena Fire Board, Cosby Lodge # 600, Cosby Park Board, and ACES School board. I am also a member of Hope Church. I have several hobbies. I enjoy occasionally including hobby farming, classic tractor restoring and collecting, woodworking and hunting. I work for Johnson Controls as a Regional Operations Manager in the facility maintenance division for the past 19 years on the JCPenney account. Our family loves this community and the Avenue City School District and the awesome staff we have here! We are truly blessed!

Travis Elifrits

Member of the Board of Education since 2009

My name is Travis Elifrits.  I am 31.  I am married to Amy (Salmons).  We have two daughters, Audrey who will be in second grade and three year old Hilary.  Our family has been associated with Avenue City School for many years.  I attended Avenue from preschool through 5^th grade.  My wife attended Avenue from preschool through 8^th grade.  All of our siblings attended Avenue also.   While my sister and I attended Avenue my mother was a member of the school board.  I work in Kansas City as a Union Carpenter for Eliason and Knuth. 

Ramona Bennett

Member of the Board of Education since 2008

I have been a board member since April 2008.  Bruce and I moved to the Avenue City community 4 years ago.  We have been married for 22 years.  Our three children, Landon - 17, Raelynn - 15, and Jozlin -6, currently attend Savannah High School and Avenue City Elementary School.  I have mostly been a stay at home Mom for the past 17 years which has allowed me many volunteer opportunities.  I have volunteered at school, church, two county health offices, and Heartland Hospital.  I now consider it a privilege to volunteer as a school board member to help our children.  I have appreciated the knowledge and talents of the other board members, especially during this building project.  I feel it is beneficial to have a board that is made up of members with varied backgrounds and interests.

Carla Archdekin

Member of the Board of Education since 2002

I have been married 31 years to Pat, have 3 biological children and 3 chosen children.  We've had children at Avenue City for 26 years now.  Rob, 29, is married and has two children.  Scott is 26 and in the Army, deploying to Iraq before Christmas.  Kristy is 21 and a manager at AutoZone and is in the Army Reserves. Sarah and Shelby are in the 7th grade and Nick is in the 5th grade.  I went all 12 years of school in Savannah.  Kids have always been my business.  We were foster parents for quite a while and that's how we came to meet Sarah, Shelby, and Nick.  I've been a Court Appointed Advocate, a Red Cross volunteer which I still do, and I have an in-home daycare.  I am also currently helping take care of my wonderful in-laws.  Life is always interesting at our house.  I have been on the school board since April 2002 and I’m this year’s PTA President.  Our whole family loves being a part of the Avenue City family.  We have been very blessed and I look forward to a great 2009-2010 school year.

A brief description of the highlights of the board meetings from June to October of 2009 are as follows:

June 11, 2009 Board Meeting:

• Reviewed program evaluation for the School District’s Goals
• Approval of the 2009-10 school budget
• Decisions on various bids for the school addition
• Approved purchasing items for the RTI (Response To Intervention) program that the School is beginning this year
• Approved the hiring of Cailie Stewart and Charlette Whipple for the school lunch program

July 16, 2009 Board Meeting:

• Reviewed program evaluations for: State Programs, the Mission Statement, and the Student and Staff Handbooks
• Approved the revised Board Policies from MCE
• Decided on bids for a refrigerator for the lunch program and a security door system
• Decided to leave breakfast & lunch prices the same as last year
• Decided on Forrest T. Jones for health insurance for 2009-10 school year

August 12, 2009 Board Meeting:

• Reviewed the program evaluations for:  Facilities & Safety and the At-Risk

Program

• Approval of substitute list for 2009-10 school year
• Approval of purchasing a floor machine for custodial purposes
• Decided to set the tax rate at $ 4.7072 for the 2009-10 school year

September 16, 2009 Board Meeting:

• Reviewed the program evaluations for:  Guidance & Counseling,  Transportation, Library Media, Student Data , and Technology Plan
• Approved the bus routes, mileage, & riders for 2009-10 school year
• Approved the school audit for 2009-10 school year
• Decided to purchase new blinds for the new addition and three other classrooms

October 14, 2009 Board Meeting:

• Reviewed the program evaluations for:  CSIP Review and Assessment and/or  Review of Testing
• Approved changes to the “Community Use of School Facilities”  policy
• Discussed possible changes to the Career Ladder Plan for 2009-10 & 2010-11 school year
• Approved the purchase of $ 8,000 of the $ 21,000 cost for new playground equipment – the PTA is paying the $ 13,000 for this playground equipment

Enclosed is a sheet titled “Statement of Revenues, Expenditures, and Changes in Fund Balances” that gives a financial analysis of the Avenue City R-IX School District for the 2008-09 school year.  The audit is performed by Martin & Hanway CPA firm in St. Joseph. 

If you notice the last two lines that shows the fund balances for the last two years and subtract out the bond issue revenue and expenses from the Capital Projects Fund, our overall balance increase $ 102,796 from the previous year.  It is good to see the increase in balance at this time since we will incur additional expenses with utility costs, etc. from the new addition.  Even though the School is in a good financial condition, the state of the economy and the financial picture for our own State does look a little bleak at this time.  Our financial condition should help us get through these times.  If you have any questions on this audit report, please give Jerry Archer a call at 816-662-2305

The new addition and remodeling is working out very well and the staff, students, and Board of Education are most appreciative.  If fact, I have had some students tell me thanks for building the addition and I have told them they need to thank the patrons of the school district because they are the ones who made this possible.  There are only a few items we still need to accomplish, such as;  buying new playground equipment and installing and moving some present playground equipment, build a long jump/triple jump running lane & pit for track (which will be done in the spring of the year), and build a partition walls for the library office and storage room.  One thing we forgot to tell the parents and relatives at the beginning of school “Open House” was that we put a 10” cement roof cap over the shower and restrooms in the new addition to use as a storm shelter for students and staff during bad weather times (tornado, etc.).  The walls were filled with cement to give the roof stability.  Hopefully this will ease the minds of parents that their child is safe during these bad weather times.  If you have not seen the new addition and would like to, just stop by and we would be glad to give you a tour. 

I would like to thank everyone for there condolences, thoughts, prayers, memorial gifts, etc. after my father’s death. My father, Joe Schuman, always liked doing the auctions for the ACES PTA. He was very proud to tell others that I was the principal here. This is a great community with a very giving nature. I really appreciate all that you have done; it brings comfort to my heart and soul.

Avenue City had two teams compete at the Fall Mathletics Contest held at St. Paul Luteran Gym on Thursday, October 22. Garett O’Riley and Peyton Turner  made up one team. Hailee Fitgerald and Andrew Proctor were the second team. They were part of the fifth grade competition.  Each team completed 15 problems. There was a tie and the team of Andrew Proctor and Hailee Fitgerald were part of a tie-breaker. They were awarded second place. Congratulations to all of them!

The 8^th grade class is to embark upon a new exploratory class this year thanks to the help of Scott Archdekin.  The 8^th grade teacher, Mrs. Sigrist, has written grants and is waiting to hear if ACES will be awarded at least two different grants for this class.  In the mean time, Mr. Archdekin has been out collecting donations to ensure the class is able to start the year out with at least 5 cameras and SD cards.  The original grants were written for 10 cameras and 10 SD cards with extra money for developing the pictures.  This would ensure the 2010-2011 class one camera/SD card for every two students.

Mr. Archdekin’s communication/persuasive skills that he learned at ACES really shined!  He was able to collect $685 from his friends and family.  As you can see from the list below, Mr. Archdekin visited with many people in and out of our district.  All were excited to learn that ACES is offering a new class for the students.

Thank you for the donations from:

We would like to thank Scott Archdekin for his persistence and dedicationto the school.  We would also like to thank all that donated to make this class possible this year.  From $5 to $100, every dollar counts when it comes to our students’ education!  After the students have learned a few photography skills, all those that made a donation, will be receiving a personal photo and thank you from a student in the class.

Robert Adams has recently nominated our photography class for a Teach@15 grant awards program from Best Buy.  This nomination is voted upon by students ages 13-18.  If you have a child in your home, or know of a child, in this age range, and would like them to vote for our grant, go to http://at15.com/user/register and register to vote.  Then find our school and vote for our grant.  Students may vote one time each day.  The grant with the most votes wins.  Every 15 days the grant starts again.  So if we don’t win the first time, we will try again!

If you would like to make a donation to the photography class, please send the donation to the school to the attention of Jeana Sigrist.

The staff at Avenue City has been very busy with the start of the new school year.  Many faculty attended various workshops and conferences during the summer, and are working to implement new strategies and activities into the classroom.  During late starts and early outs, the staff has been working to implement a Response to Intervention (RTI) plan.  This is a plan set up like a pyramid of tiers that incorporates using various techniques to help students needing extra assistance in an area identified by our RTI assessments.  We are using this year to focus on reading for the RTI plan. 

     Many teachers will be attending workshops designed to form a networking group with other teachers from surrounding districts this year that will allow us to collaborate with teachers who teach in the same grade level/subject area.  It is a great way to gain an insight into new ideas, activity development, visit other classrooms outside of our building, and be able to discuss grade level expectations as set forth by DESE with other teachers around the area.

     The professional development committee looks forward to a very productive year filled with new vision, and will work to help all staff meet their professional development goals.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH

AVENUE CITY SCHOOL PTA

We’re off to a great start at Avenue City School.  The PTA has had great numbers turn out for our meetings.  
Here is a list of a few things which have gone on since the first day of school 
We have 82 PTA members and are always looking for more. 
 $5.00 can be sent to the school for each PTA membership you would like to have.

Family Fun Night was held in Sept.  It was a beautiful evening for it all to be held outside.  
We made $898.36.  It was lots of fun and an enjoyable evening for all.  
The PTA sent our surveys after Family Fun Night and the responses are as follows:

31 Family Fun Night Surveys returned:  
27 want another outdoor carnival:  4 want indoor carnival:  
1 wants Spring, 17 want Fall, and 9 don’t care which as long as it’s outside.  
6 surveys were signed and the rest stayed anonymous.  Comments made were:

Springtime is hectic for teachers and parents and most usually stressed by now where in the Fall it’s fun and a good time to meet new families in the beginning of the year and catch up with those you’ve not seen all summer. 

 One said they liked to end the year with fun so maybe we can do that too.

Most seemed to agree this was a success and so nice to get to visit with other families in the fun atmosphere and not crowded hallways and packed classrooms.  
That was the main reason most liked the outdoors. (Of course, beautiful weather helped out.)

The PTA has $13,000 to put the playground together and add a couple of new things which should be done before long
There is a field trip coming soon for the 1st and 2nd grades to go to Kaleidoscope and to see “Little House on the Prairie” at the Coterie.  $300 has been designated to go toward Study Island for computers to be used by the 2nd-8th graders, which all are looking forward to.

   A donation of $1,000 was given to PTA from Kelly Crawford of Crawford Construction to go toward student activities (field trips).  
A big thank you to Kelly!

We have an upcoming Chili Supper in the plans for Nov. 23rd.  
There will be a turkey raffle like in years past but raffle tickets will be sold only that evening and the 2 winners will be drawn and announced at the end of the evening. 
Plan on coming and enjoying yourselves and bring your friends, family, and neighbors.

Remember, all PTA Meetings are held at 7:00 on the first Tuesday of each month and Culver’s Night is always the 2nd Tuesday of each month 5:00-8:00.  
(Teachers work Culver’s Night in order to make a little extra money for their classrooms.)

Best Buy Reward Zone Program

Help School Districts Acquire Technology Products

Support the Best Buy Reward Zone® Program for Schools, part of Best Buy’s @15™ Commitment, by donating your Reward Zone program points to local schools.  All Points earned on purchases made at Best Buy stores can be donated to the school of your choice.  Choose to donate your points today and together we can help schools provide the latest and greatest learning technologies for today’s students.

About Reward Zone for Schools

Reward Zone Program for Schools is a test that began February 8, 2009 within the Wisconsin market.  Due to the programs response and success we are piloting this program throughout the Midwest.  Reward Zone Program for Schools is designed to allow you, our valued customer, to donate your Reward Zone program points to a participating school of your choice.  These schools can then use the Reward Zone reward certificates to purchase technology products for your schools.  Reward Zone Program for Schools is another means by which you can give back to your community.

How Reward Zone for Schools Works

Reward Zone Program for Schools is a test of Best Buy’s current Reward Zone program.  Reward Zone accounts have been created for schools that are participating in this test.  Reward Zone Program for Schools works in the same way as the Reward Zone Program – for every 250 in points the school’s account accrues, they will receive $5 in reward certificate value.  Certificates can then beredeemed by the School for products and services that will help enhance the school environment for current and future students.

Avenue City Academic Teams will be sponsored by Amanda Scott and Janis Pargas this year. We are having the 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th grade teams this year along with the 7^th and 8^th grade teams for the second year.

The Avenue City Academic Team meets after school on Thursdays and competes against the Savannah schools in our area including Amazonia, Helena, Minnie Cline and Savannah Middle School. Each 4^th-6^th grade meet consists of four rounds with the second and fourth rounds being toss up questions followed by a bonus question. Middle School teams enjoy competing with toss up questions and lightning bonus rounds. The entire practice and meet schedules are available on the Avenue City web site at www.avenuecityschool.org.  Avenue City is proud of its Academic Teams, and the sponsors look forward to continuing the fun this year!

Dear Community Members,

            My name is Mrs. Staci Wolfe and I am the new computer/business teacher at Avenue City Elementary School.  I have two keyboarding classes (fifth and sixth grade) that I teach.  I want to get the students in those two classes involved with a program called e-pals.  For those of you who have never heard of this, e-pals is similar to having a pen pal (writing back and forth with someone) only the communication is done through email.  I am looking for adult members of the community who would be interesting in becoming an e-pal to a fifth or sixth grade student.  You would be required to email your e-pal once a week.  The students will respond to their email once a week (every Friday).  I am hoping to get the program started in October and it would run throughout the rest of the school year.  To participate, you will need to have a computer with internet access and an email account. If you would be interested, but don’t have an email account I can help you set one up. Just call me at the school and we can set up a time that is convenient for the both of us.  If you are interested please fill out the form below and return it to the school.

                                                                                    Sincerely,

                                                                                    Staci Wolfe

I am interesting in becoming an e-pal to a fifth or sixth grade student.

My information is as follows: (Please print)

            (First name)                              (Last name)

                        (Email address)

If you know a student in the fifth or sixth grade and would like to become his/her e-pal please write his/her name below. I will try my best to accommodate all e-pal preferences.

            (Student’s name that I would like to have as my e-pal)

Avenue City School

CHILI SUPPER

Avenue City PTA would like to invite all of our community, family, and friends to our Fall Chili Supper.

Date: Monday, November 23, 2009.

Time: 5:00-7:30 PM

Cost:  Free Will Donation

Come and cheer on the fighting ACES basketball team as they battle in our last home game against Savannah Middle School.  Game begins at 6:00 PM.

There will be a turkey raffle held this evening and the winners will be announced at the end of the basketball game.  

The following students had perfect attendance during the first quarter in the 2009-2010 school year. Congratulations to each of these students.

The following students have earned a spot on the Honor Roll List. Congratulations to each of these students!