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Mission Statement of Orient-Macksburg School At Orient-Macksburg we provide a nurturing environment in which every Student can develop a passion for learning and reach personal excellence

Newsletter of the Orient-Macksburg Community School District

December 2017 Judy Johnson, Editor __————————_________________________________________________________—______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________-______——-

An on-going challenge in many school districts is keeping the facilities updated, safe, and efficient in addressing the changing programs and technologies of today - it is no different here at Orient-Macksburg. The O-M School Board has developed a Facilities Improvement plan that will lead to many updates and improvements during the next few years. These improvements will include replacing flooring, replacing wall coverings, completing a variety of small construction and plumbing projects, painting in many parts of the school, and taking actions to save energy and be more efficient in heating and cooling our buildings. In addition, we will continue to improve and expand our technology resources and accessibility.

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With school districts, like Orient-Macksburg, experiencing minimal allowable growth from the State and slightly declining enrollment, some constituents may wonder how these types of projects will be funded. PPEL and SAVE are two funding sources that assist school districts in maintenance and improvements related to facilities, transportation, and technology. Below are some general facts about PPEL and SAVE: PPEL – Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (regular and voted)

Orient-Macksburg CSD P.O. Box 129 201 S School Street Orient, IA 50858-0129

DECEMBER 2017

Saturday December 9 ACT Wednesday December 13 Sub District FFA Contest at Panora Tuesday December 19 Winter Music Concert 6:30 Friday December 22 NO SCHOOL—PD Monday December 25 Christmas December 25 to January 2 NO SCHOOL-Winter Break Wednesday January 3 School back in session For Activities: See calendar inside

The school board may annually certify a regular Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) in an amount up to 33 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The voters may authorize a voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (VPPEL) for a period not exceeding ten years and in an amount not exceeding $1.34 per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. The VPPEL revenues may be used for the same purposes as the PPEL revenues. In addition, the board may obtain loans against future VPPEL revenues and may repay that debt with interest from the VPPEL. Iowa Code section 298.2. This levy may be used for the following purposes: purchase and improvement of grounds; construction of schoolhouses or buildings; purchase, lease, or lease-purchase of equipment or technology exceeding $500 per transaction; procuring or acquisition of library facilities; repairing, remodeling, reconstructing, improving, or expanding the schoolhouses or buildings and additions to existing schoolhouses; expenditures for energy conservation; rental of facilities; purchase of transportation equipment for transporting students; demolition, clean up and other costs incurred within two years of a natural disaster. Revenues may not be used for employee salaries or travel; supplies; printing costs or media services; or for any other purpose not expressly authorized by Iowa Code. Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE)

This funding stream was formerly known as the statewide school infrastructure sales and services tax and also known as the local option sales and services tax for school infrastructure (SILO). Moneys received for school infrastructure purposes may be utilized solely for school infrastructure needs or school district property tax relief. These activities include the construction, reconstruction, repair, demolition work, purchasing, or remodeling of schoolhouses, stadiums, gyms, field houses, and bus garages and the procurement of schoolhouse construction sites and making of site improvements. Additionally, "school infrastructure" includes the payment or retirement of outstanding bonds previously issued for school infrastructure purposes. Revenues may not be used for employee salaries or travel; supplies; printing costs or media services; or for any other purpose not expressly authorized by Iowa Code. Orient-Macksburg Community Schools receives approximately $135,000 per year through PPEL and approximately $165,000 per year in SAVE funds. Most years, a portion of these funds are not expended; therefore, they are carried over and these funds grow so that school districts may invest in larger projects that may be needed to maintain and improve facilities, transportation, and technology. More information about school funding and O-M’s financial status will be included in upcoming newsletters. Please contact the superintendent’s office (641) 337-5061 if you have any questions. Make sure to take time to enjoy this blessed holiday season!

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Above: K-6 Choirs directed by Ashlyn Kralik Left: Veteran’s seated in front rows

VACATION

13 Oatmeal Chicken & Noodles Mashed Potatoes Cucumber Slices Peaches Bread & Butter 20 Long John Turkey Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans Dinner Roll Applesauce 27

6 Breakfast Pizza Scalloped Potatoes w Ham Romaine Lettuce Dinner Roll Mixed Fruit

Right: Norene Bunt giving presentation

STUDENT MEAL PRICES: BREAKFAST $1.00 LUNCH $2.30 Breakfast is served from 7:45 - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will not be served after 8:00 a.m. Anyone with account balances $-10.00 or below will not be served the menu meal, The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (menu subject to change)

29 28

NO SCHOOL

8 Banana Bread Sausage Gravy Biscuit Sausage Patty Green Beans Mandarin Oranges 15 Pancakes Beef Finders Baby Carrots French Fries Pears Breadsticks 22 7 Omelet & Toast Hamburger/Bun Sweet Potatoes Tomato Slice Fresh Broccoli Banana 14 Pancakes Chili Cinnamon Roll Cauliflower Pineapple Tidbits

21 Oatmeal Pizza Corn Red Pepper Slices Cinnamon Apple Slices

FRIDAY 1 Pancakes Pizza Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Cinnamon Apple Slices THURSDAY

Veteran’s Day Program

WEDNESDAY

(ORIENT, IOWA) – Orient-Macksburg schools hosted a school-wide Veterans Day event Friday, November 10. The public and area veterans were invited to attend.

CHRISTMAS

19 Breakfast Pizza Pulled Pork/Bun Baby Carrots Baked Beans Tropical Fruit

5 Egg Patty & Toast Chicken Nuggets Tri-Tator Corn Dog Pears Breadsticks HS & MS 12 Breakfast Stick Pork Patty Savory Carrots Fresh Broccoli Orange

At noon, approximately 20 veterans enjoyed lunch at the school with elementary students. After lunch, at 12:45, the annual Veterans Day program was held in the school auditorium, led by a welcome by Principal, Teresa Thompson. Brooklyn Sammons gave an introduction and Blake Sevier read names of the Veterans. The program included a presentation by Superintendent, Norene Bunt, as well as patriotic songs sung by the O-M’s K-6 choir. The senior class, which planned the program, introduced the veterans and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Principal Thompson stated, “We changed the time of the program, from the morning to the afternoon, so all students could attend and participate, and I was excited about the Seniors taking a leadership role in planning and presenting the Veteran’s Day program this year.” 26

TUESDAY

In addition to Seniors being involved, O-M elementary students were busy over the past few weeks preparing for the program: elementary students prepared invitations for area veterans, while other classes made posters.

NO SCHOOL

18 Omelet & Toast Chicken Fajita/Tortilla Shell Romaine Lettuce Corn Mandarin Oranges Pepper/Onion Mix/ B & B 25

According to Superintendent Dr. Norene Bunt, “The Veterans Day program has become an annual event both for our students and for the community. We believe it is important for students to understand the sacrifices made by veterans in the past, as well as in the present time, and to show their appreciation for our nation’s veterans.”

4 French Toast Meatballs Baked Beans Fresh Spinach Apple Bread & Butter 11 Bagel Crispitos Refried Beans Romaine Lettuce Grapes

MONDAY

Weather-Related Announcements When school will have a late start, early dismissal, or there will be No School due to inclement weather, students and parents will be notified over local radio and television stations. The following stations will be notified: Radio KSIB 5120 AM 101.3 FM Television KCCI - Channel 8 WHO - Channel 13 In addition, this information is posted as soon as possible on the school web site. Parents may also sign up through the school webpage for “R School Today” notices to receive current updates. Call the school office for more information about how to sign up (641) 337-5061. In the case of inclement weather, or potential inclement weather, please check regularly for weatherrelated school announcements, as conditions may change throughout the school day.

NO SCHOOL

18 Omelet & Toast Chicken Fajita/Tortilla Shell Romaine Lettuce Corn Mandarin Oranges Pepper/Onion Mix/ B & B 25

4 French Toast Meatballs Baked Beans Fresh Spinach Apple Bread & Butter 11 Bagel Crispitos Refried Beans Romaine Lettuce Grapes

MONDAY

Orient-Macksburg School

VACATION

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29

NO SCHOOL

8 Banana Bread Sausage Gravy Biscuit Sausage Patty Green Beans Mandarin Oranges 15 Pancakes Beef Finders Baby Carrots French Fries Pears Breadsticks 22

7 Omelet & Toast Hamburger/Bun Sweet Potatoes Tomato Slice Fresh Broccoli Banana 14 Pancakes Chili Cinnamon Roll Cauliflower Pineapple Tidbits 21 Oatmeal Pizza Corn Red Pepper Slices Cinnamon Apple Slices

FRIDAY 1 Pancakes Pizza Cheesy Broccoli Cauliflower Cinnamon Apple Slices

December, 2017 THURSDAY

STUDENT MEAL PRICES: BREAKFAST $1.00 LUNCH $2.30 Breakfast is served from 7:45 - 8:00 a.m. Breakfast will not be served after 8:00 a.m. Anyone with account balances $-10.00 or below will not be served the menu meal, The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. (menu subject to change)

CHRISTMAS

26

19 Breakfast Pizza Pulled Pork/Bun Baby Carrots Baked Beans Tropical Fruit

6 Breakfast Pizza Scalloped Potatoes w Ham Romaine Lettuce Dinner Roll Mixed Fruit

5 Egg Patty & Toast Chicken Nuggets Tri-Tator Corn Dog Pears Breadsticks HS & MS 12 Breakfast Stick Pork Patty Savory Carrots Fresh Broccoli Orange 13 Oatmeal Chicken & Noodles Mashed Potatoes Cucumber Slices Peaches Bread & Butter 20 Long John Turkey Mashed Potatoes/Gravy Green Beans Dinner Roll Applesauce 27

WEDNESDAY

TUESDAY

Breakfast/Lunch Menu

JR CLASS

VENDOR FAIR

The community got a chance to start their Christmas shopping early on November 11th, as 35 vendors filled the Orient-Macksburg gym. The Orient-Macksburg Junior Class hosted a Vendor Fair to help raise money for prom, along with the vendors the juniors also had a bake sale, concession stand, and basket raffle. They would like to thank all that attended, all the parents who helped out and Angie Blazek for planning the event for us. Mark your calendars for November 10th, 2018 for the next vendor fair.

Please join us for the

Winter Music Program

Tuesday, December 19th, at 6:30 PM (note the change in date)

The program will include selections sung by Kindergarten-8th grade, pieces played by the concert band, special instrumental music, as well as an exciting performance by our 7th & 8th graders. Please join us and get in the holiday spirit.

Public Resource Technology Center - Orient Public Library Located on the East side of the O-M School

P.O. Box 182, 201 School St., ORIENT, IOWA 50858 [email protected] www.orient.lib.ia.us 641.337.5061 X124 Public library hours: 3:00 - 6:00 pm weekdays. Saturday 10:00 am - Noon. To contact the public library after school hours: 641.337.5061 X124. Weather: The public library is closed whenever school is closed due to inclement weather. This includes days when there is no school and when the school dismisses early due to snow/ice. Also closed Saturday mornings if the roads are bad. Call the public library anytime when in doubt about hours, 641.337.5061 X124.Holiday Hours: Closed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Saturday, December 23 to Tuesday, January 2. Open January 3 when school resumes. Closing one hour early on Friday, December 22. Adopt-A-Book: Support the public library by adopting a book during the month of December. Pick out a book to adopt at the library, pay for it, take it home to read and then return it to the public library to be read by others. There are still lots of books to choose from. For a list of books visit the library website: www.orient.lib.ia.us. Adult Coloring Program: Next Adult Coloring will be Thursday, December 7 and January 4. Coloring pages and colored pencils, crayons and gel pens are provided, so there is no cost to you! Come between 4:00 - 6:00 pm. Invite a friend! Book Club: Book Club #1 has a change in meeting date due to the Christmas holiday and will meet on Thursday, December 14 at 4:00 pm in the public library. Discussion will center around the book The Whole Town’s Talking by Fannie Flagg. Book Club #2 will be discussing Comfort & Joy by Kristin Hannah on their regular meeting date, December 13 at 4:30 pm. Knit & Crochet: Join us most Tuesdays at 4:00 pm to work on your knitting and crocheting projects. No meeting on December 12, 26 and January 2. Lego® Camps Lego Camp for kindergarten - fifth graders occurs on Tuesdays from 3:30 - 4:30 pm on December 12, January 9, February 13, March 13, and April 10. Parents be sure to send a note to school on the morning of the Lego Camp. All Lego Camp sessions are held at the public library and supervised by public library staff and volunteers. Snacks are provided after school before the camp starts at 3:30. In the event of an early dismissal due to snow or ice the Lego Camp will be canceled. The public library is always closed if the school dismisses early or when is closed due to bad weather. Check the library Facebook page for weather related announcements, “Public Resource”. New Books: Many new fall books have arrived at the public library. Some of them are: In This Moment (The Baxter Family) by Kristin Hannah, The People vs. Alex Cross by James Patterson, The Promise Girls by Marie Bostwick, Bringing Maggie Home by Kim Vogel Sawyer, Beach Breeze by Joanne DeMaio, The Married Girls by Diney Costeloe, The Blessing (Amish Cooking Class) by Wanda Brunstetter, and His Guilt (The Amish of Hart County) by Shelley Shepard Gray. Stop by the library to see all the new fall books and the new Adopt-A-Books ready to be checked out by you! Five new books at the public library were purchased with funds from the 2017 Plant Sale fundraiser. They are: Grow It Heal It: Natural and Effective Herbal Remedies from Your Garden or Windowsill; The Bee-Friendly Garden; Succulents; Perennial Matchmaker; Container Theme Gardens: 42 Combinations. Holiday Boutique & Candy Sale was a great success! Thank you for your support! Christmas Tree: The public library has a decorated Christmas tree with ornaments made by O-M students. Stop by to see it!

2017 Yearbooks are in. They are $55.00. Contact Jennifer Ray if you are interested in purchasing one. They would make GREAT Christmas Presents. Honor Roll-2017-2018 1st Quarter A Honor Roll

Grade

Brooklyn Sammons Samantha Long Dennis Neal Vinh Nguyen

12 10 10 10

B Honor Roll Stephen Buckman Quincey Davis Keegan Gebbie Montana Holtry Ashlyn Kralik Blake Sevier Treyg Webb Haylee Gardner Dakota Gillespie

12 12 12 12 12 12 12 11 11

Andrew Hribal Izak Hribal Riley Rasmussen Ethan Tonnberg Cameo Walker Mackenzie Blakey Caitlyn Buckman Kaela Eslinger Cortney Gross Hailey Johnson Chance Kiddoo Haylee Meyer Jody Ott Zayden Rawlins Cody Winkler Janesa Tonnberg

11 11 11 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 9 9 9 9 9 8

Family Literacy Night Family Literacy Night was held on Tuesday, November 14, 2017. Parents and students gathered in the lunchroom before attending four stations in a rotation. Dr. Bunt presented a lesson on visualization. Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Geidel discussed using songs to improve reading skills, using the popular Taylor Swift song, "Mean". Mrs. Stack prepared a lesson which Ms. Westfall conducted, performed Cortney Gross and William Sevier, involving the impact of changing the way something is read. The audience was even given the chance to provide changes to their scenario. Mrs. Donahoo presented about using graphic novels or comics to improve reading skills, then the kids were able to create their own comics. Following the event, a meal was provided for attendees before they went home.