Education

During the recent spring break from school that began Wednesday, March 19, Waukon High School’s (WHS) Music Department embarked on an unforgettable trip to New York City for several days, taking a group of band and choir students from sophomore to senior year on an adventure that mixed musical exploration, cultural immersion, and the sheer thrill of experiencing one of the world’s most iconic cities. The WHS band and choir students take this trip every three years during that spring break period to various locations that offer exposure to musical venues and experiences.

The trip, led by WHS Choir Director Sarah J. Bieber and WHS Band Director JoAnn Sherman, offered students an exciting blend of musical and cultural experiences that many of them will carry with them for years to come. Along with an enthusiastic team of parent chaperones, the students explored the Big Apple through a lens of discovery, creativity, and excitement.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) met for its monthly meeting at Kee High School Thursday, March 20. The meeting was called to order by Board President Bobbie Goetzinger, with fellow board members Heather Lutz, Joe Manning, Melanie Mauss and Arla Wagner also present, along with EACSD Superintendent Nick Trenkamp, PK-12 Principal Donna Thomas, Dean of Students Chad Winters, and Board Secretary Michele Martin.

The meeting agenda was approved following a public hearing on the 2025-2026 district calendar. No comments were made or received from the public. Later in the meeting the calendar was approved.

The Kee High School spring production “Larceny and Old Lace,” by Van Vandagriff through Pioneer Drama Service, is scheduled to hit the stage this weekend in the Kee High School gym. There were approximately 160 advanced tickets sold for the Saturday, April 5 dinner theater production, which begins at 5 p.m. with bingo, followed by a 6 p.m. meal and the 7 p.m. production.

There will also be general admission seating available for both the Saturday, April 5 performance at 7 p.m. and the Sunday, April 6 matinee performance at 2 p.m. General admission seating will be available for purchase at the door prior to each performance start time.

Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Business and Community Solutions is offering a Mini NICC Coding Camp class for youth Tuesday, April 22. The class will run from 3:30-5 p.m. at the NICC Waukon Center, 1220 3rd Avenue NW.

Dive into the exciting world of coding and learn how to bring artistic visions to life. This class is designed for beginners and will introduce those attending to the fundamentals of coding, such as how to use code to create stunning digital art, choreograph mesmerizing dance routines and write captivating stories. No prior coding experience is necessary.

The deadline for paid registration to participate in the Coding Camp class is April 15. To register online for the class visit www.nicc.edu/waukon or call NICC Waukon Center at 844-642-2338, ext. 6700.
 

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District School Board of Directors met Tuesday evening, March 25 for a public hearing regarding the 2025-2026 proposed property tax levy, followed by a special meeting. Board President Erik Helgerson and board member Beth Shafer were present for the public hearing.

ACSD Superintendent Jay Mathis opened the hearing by explaining that the board members would listen and take into consideration comments made, but would not be responding to comments. There were no written comments received.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) Board of Directors met in a pair of sessions within the past week-plus, including a March 10 session regarding contract negotiations followed by the board’s regular monthly meeting held Monday, March 17. Coverage of both meetings appears below.

The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) has awarded full 10-year reaccreditation to Northeast Iowa Community College’s (NICC) Practical Nursing and Associate Degree Nursing programs - the only community college Nursing programs in Iowa that are accredited. The programs previously earned six-year accreditation from NLN CNEA.

“We are incredibly proud of our nursing staff and faculty, whose dedication and expertise make our program one of the very best in the state of Iowa. Our students consistently demonstrate excellence and this continued accreditation is a testament to their hard work and the outstanding education they receive at Northeast Iowa Community College. This achievement reaffirms our commitment to preparing highly skilled, compassionate nurses who will make a meaningful impact in healthcare,” said NICC Dean of Nursing Sarah Carlson.

The Kee High School spring production “Larceny and Old Lace,” by Van Vandagriff through Pioneer Drama Service, is a comedy with a casino theme, so why not have a casino-themed dinner before the show? The production is scheduled for the first weekend in April.

Dinner theater-only tickets are now available for purchase online (digitally) from March 12-21 for the dinner and show performance scheduled for Saturday, April 5. There is limited seating, and the software program Ludus is being used for the ticket purchases at the following online site: keedrama.ludus.com. That site will allow interested individuals to select their seat(s) (tables/seats are set up in the Kee High School gym) and purchase an online ticket. This is the only way to purchase a dinner theater ticket.

Those who are having trouble purchasing the online ticket should stop by the Kee High School office for assistance. Bingo, the meal, and the show all take place in the gym.

by Susan Cantine-Maxson

The regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Allamakee Community School District (EACSD) was held at Kee High School Tuesday, February 18. Board President Bobbie Goetzinger called the meeting to order. Also present were board members Joe Manning, Melanie Mauss, Arla Wagner, and Heather Lutz (via Zoom), along with EACSD Superintendent Nick Trenkamp and Board Secretary Michele Martin. There were no visitors.

The meeting agenda was approved with the exception of removing Business Item A: 2025-2056 District Calendar. The board approved the February consent items, including the minutes of the January meeting, February bills, the Secretary’s Financial Report for January, and the January Student Activity and Food Service reports.

by Brianne Grimstad

The Allamakee Community School District (ACSD) school board met for it regular monthly board meeting Tuesday, February 18 (due to the Presidents’ Day holiday observed on the board’s regular Monday meeting day). Under the consent agenda, the board approved the hiring of the following personnel: Jon Snitker and Dillon Daniel as volunteer track coaches; Justin Thrailkill as High School Special Education Teacher; and Kevin Johnson as High School Alternative Education/Social Studies Teacher.