Education

October 23, Upper Explorerland’s Safe Routes to School program hosted the Wheels in Motion Workshop at Luther College’s Center for Faith and Life in Decorah. Featuring League Cycling Instructor Bill Smith, the event brought together law enforcement, park and recreation professionals, county conservationists, city officials, bike enthusiasts, community members and more to advance safe bicycling in small towns and rural areas in Allamakee, Clayton, Fayette, Howard, and Winneshiek Counties. Participants engaged in interactive discussions on bicycle safety, brainstormed strategies to elevate biking for transportation and community well-being, and enjoyed an optional ride on Decorah’s scenic Trout Run Trail.

A pair of Waukon High School students were selected to participate in their respective Legion State events this past summer. Ella Homewood was sponsored by the American Legion Auxiliary of Harpers Ferry to attend American Legion Auxiliary Girls State this past summer at Drake University in Des Moines, and Jaedyn McGuire was sponsored by Waukon’s American Legion Post 62 to take part in American Legion Boys State at Camp Dodge in Johnston.

Participation in the Legion Girls and Boys State events offers leadership opportunities for high school juniors and allows them to learn about government and how to work together. There are also opportunities for college scholarships. Each of the two students shared their experience below:

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors held its regular meeting Monday, November 10 at Kee High School in Lansing. All board members were present, including Heather Lutz, Director District #2; Vice-President Joe Manning, At-Large Board Member; Tommy Martin, Director District #1; Melanie Mauss, At-Large Board Member; and President Arla Wagner, Director District #3. Also in attendance were Superintendent Jay Mathis, Board Secretary/Financial Clerk Michele Martin, Grades PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Special Education Director/Associate Principal Liz Hill, and Technology Director Dave Ellefson.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, November 17. Board member Jesse Delaney was absent.

Under the Consent Agenda, the following personnel were approved, pending a satisfactory background check: John Papp, volunteer boys basketball coach; Tim Bulman, volunteer boys wrestling coach; Jane Johnson, substitute bus driver; Kids Club staff; and Marin Marti, part-time West Elementary paraprofessional. There were four open enrollments out and two open enrollments into the district. The board also approved a Student Teacher Agreement with Northwestern College, as well as Special Education Contracts.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Lighted 3-D Ceramic Christmas Scene class for adults and a Ceramic Christmas Tree class for youth. These classes will be held Tuesday, December 2 from 3:45-4:45 p.m. for youth and 5:30-7:30 p.m. for adults at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Historians and archaeologists believe the earliest examples of ceramics appear in the world as far back as the 8th century. Attendees can learn this ancient tradition and art form, including how to apply colors, styles and their own unique imprint on their very own Christmas scene. No experience is necessary and all skill levels are welcome. All supplies are included.

The deadline for paid registration is November 25. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

This November and December bundle up and take a stroll through downtown Waukon while enjoying a heartwarming story. Robey Memorial Library, in collaboration with The Oneota Valley Literary Foundation (OVLS), is hosting the Main Street Story Walk during the months of November and December.

This year’s featured story is the beloved classic The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, a timeless tale of winter wonder and childhood adventures. Families are invited to follow the story as it unfolds in the windows of four local businesses. The Story Walk offers a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy some fresh air, read together, and explore downtown Waukon.

Three local students have been selected to perform in the 39th annual Opus Honor Choir Festival, one of Iowa’s most competitive and prestigious youth choir events. These vocalists were chosen from over 3,000 students statewide who auditioned for just 720 available positions in four honor choirs.

Student selections were made through recorded auditions submitted by their directors.

Left to right in the above photo, Jocelyn Berges, the daughter of Cameron and Sara Berges of Waukon, is a first-year Opus Honor Choir member and was selected to perform in the Fifth/Sixth Grade Treble Choir; Lena Rausch, daughter of Kris and Ben Rausch of Waukon, is a fourth-year Opus Honor Choir member and was selected to perform in the Seventh/Eighth Grade Treble Choir; and Connor Buhl, son of Jonathan and Cathy Buhl of Waukon, is a third-year Opus Honor Choir member and was selected to perform in the Seventh/Eighth Grade Bass Choir.

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Board of Trustees voted unanimously October 20 to appoint Dave Dahms as president. Dahms will continue to serve in the role until his anticipated retirement June 30, 2027.

Since assuming leadership of the College, Dahms has provided steady, forward-thinking direction focused on strengthening the College’s mission and implementing positive changes to move NICC forward. Dahms previously served as the College’s vice president of finance and administration.

“Dave has demonstrated strong leadership and an unwavering commitment to NICC’s mission,” said Jim Anderson, president of the NICC Board of Trustees. “His forward-thinking approach and dedication to student and community success are making a real difference in advancing the College.”

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Mini NICC two-day Craft Camp class. This youth class will be held Monday and Tuesday, November 24-25, from 3:45-5:45 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

This session will focus on two specific areas. Origami, the art of paper folding, will allow participants to create shapes and figures. The group will also explore projects using colorful tissue paper and versatile pipe cleaners, along with a selection of other craft supplies. No prior experience is necessary.

All materials will be provided.

The deadline for paid registration is November 17. To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

During Dyslexia Awareness Month in October, newly-certified dyslexia tutor Nikki Breimon was busy settling her St. Patrick preschool classroom into a new school year in Waukon. Even after she went home in the evenings, her work as an educator continued as she provided much-needed services to the community.

Breimon recently graduated from a 60-hour training course offered by Aspire Academy Northeast in partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College-Waukon Center, with funding support from the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.

“I have always loved to read, and I want to share that love of reading,” she explains. “I already tutor during the summer, so what a wonderful opportunity to help a dyslexic reader become more confident.”

Breimon also plans to incorporate some of the strategies she’s learned into her classroom of young preschoolers beginning their literacy journey.