Education

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday, September 15. Under the Consent Agenda, the following personnel items were approved: Carolyn Homewood - increased cook hours; Neil Heins, middle school night custodian; Calista Morris, part-time elementary paraprofessional; and increased custodian hours for Brianna Meyer.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering the STEAM Makerspace Open Lab sessions for students in third through seventh grades. The following youth classes will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW:
September 17: STEAM Open Lab - Session 1
October 1: STEAM Open Lab - Session 2
October 15: STEAM Open Lab - Session 3
December 10: STEAM Open Lab - Session 4.

The lab is a learning space for creative exploration of STEAM. Participants can use Legos, robotics, electronics, create movies and animation, design and build and more. A teacher will be available to guide students in the basic use of the tools and technology. Registrations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call the NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

The Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Department of Instructional Innovation and Design (DIID team) was recently honored with a 2025 D2L Excellence Award at the annual D2L Fusion global conference held July 21-23 in Savannah, GA. The award recognizes innovative educators and institutions that use D2L’s Brightspace platform to transform learning experiences and drive student success.

The DIID team received the award for the design and implementation of the Accessibility Hub, a custom-built Brightspace course developed in partnership with Accessibility Services at NICC. The Hub streamlines accommodation tracking, documentation and communication, making it easier for students and faculty to access and manage support services.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) Board of Directors held its regular meeting Monday, August 11 at Kee High School in Lansing. The agenda was approved, and no public comments were received or made during that portion of the meeting.

Board members present included Board President Arla Wagner, Heather Lutz, Joe Manning, Tommy Martin and Melanie Mauss. Others present included Superintendent Jay Mathis, Board Secretary/Financial Director Michele Martin, PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Special Education Director/Associate Principal Liz Hill, and School Business Official Kris Smith. In addition, staff members Dave Ellefson and Sarah Whitehead were also in attendance.

The board approved the July meeting minutes, bills, secretary’s financial report, student activity report, and food service report. Under Old Business, the second and final reading of Board Policy 505.05 was approved.

Graduates, family and friends of St. George High School in Lansing are invited to the St. George All-School Reunion scheduled for Saturday, September 27 at the Buck Stops Here on Main Street in Lansing. The event will include a 4 p.m. Mass at St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry followed by a 5 p.m. Social Hour and 6 p.m. dinner, both at the Buck Stops Here. For more information, view the St. George High School, Lansing, IA page on Facebook.
 

Three area teachers were among 86 teachers across Iowa that participated in the 2025 Iowa STEM Teacher Externships Program this summer. This program offers teachers the chance to gain hands-on STEM-related work experiences at various local workplaces to help enrich their classroom instruction with real-world applications. Since its launch in 2009, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has facilitated over 1,000 teacher externships throughout the state.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering the STEAM Makerspace Open Lab sessions for students in third through seventh grades. The following youth classes will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW:

September 17: STEAM Open Lab - Session 1
October 1: STEAM Open Lab - Session 2
October 15: STEAM Open Lab - Session 3
December 10: STEAM Open Lab - Session 4.

The lab is a learning space for creative exploration of STEAM. Participants can use Legos, robotics, electronics, create movies and animation, design and build and more. A teacher will be available to guide students in the basic use of the tools and technology. Registrations are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.

To register online visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call the NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) School Board of Directors met for its regular monthly meeting Monday night, August 18. Under the Consent Agenda items, the board approved the following personnel: 2025-2026 Mentors and Kids Club staff; Virgil Johnson, School Bus Driver; Kloe Hemmersbach, Middle School Paraprofessional; Julie Lenth, EL Sharing Stipend; Marie Plein, Cook; Revised Paraprofessional Hours for Erin Thornton and Rob Johanningmeier; Rosalyn Samuelson, West Elementary Library Assistant and General Paraprofessional; and Rachel Noecker and Laura Iseli both as West Elementary Paraprofessionals. The board also accepted resignations from Penny Barr, Cook; Emma Hatlan, Paraprofessional; and Dustin Rounds, Varsity Softball Coach.

Robey Memorial Library in Waukon announces a unique opportunity as part of its Live & Learn series: “Making Buttons & Magnets.” Join a hands-on workshop scheduled for Thursday, August 28, at 5:30 p.m. in the lower level Community Room of the library.

Participants will have the chance to unleash their creativity using the library’s button and magnet making machine. Whether there’s an interest in creating personalized keepsakes, unique gifts, or simply exploring a new craft, this event promises something for everyone. Materials will be provided by Robey Memorial Library, but attendees are encouraged to bring any specific items they wish to transform into cherished mementos.

“This workshop is designed to be both fun and educational,” said Sid Becker, Robey Memorial Library staff instructor. “It’s a fantastic way to learn a new skill while enjoying a creative evening with friends and family.”

Monthly on the second Wednesday, Robey Memorial Library in Waukon offers Grab & Go activity bags on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bags include instructions and supplies for at-home activities; are new monthly; and include age appropriate activities for kids and teens. Contact Robey Memorial Library at 563-568-4424 or www.waukon.lib.ia.us with questions.