Statement Regarding Bus Accident on 4-19

There was a bus accident this morning, 04-19-17, around 7:50 a.m. involving Bus #28 (Tom Quinn's route bus) just east of Gladbrook on Hwy 96.  The students and driver were quickly evaluated by Gladbrook EMTs.  

Most of the students on the bus were released to their parents or legal guardians at the scene of the incident. 

Out of an abundance of caution, a small number of students who were not picked up by parents or guardians were taken to Grundy County Memorial Hospital to be examined. All appear to be uninjured, but the examination at the hospital is a precautionary measure that is part of our regular protocol.  G-R staff members will remain at the hospital with the students. Once cleared by the hospital, these students will be released to their parent/guardian and/or school.  We will be providing transportation back to the school for all students, once they are released.

The Tama County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident.  The bus driver has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.

We wish to thank the wonderful volunteers from the community of Gladbrook who were the first to respond at the scene – the ambulance crew and EMT’s, the Gladbrook Fire Department, and even the mayor was on hand to help coordinate.  These volunteers are the heart and soul of our community, and we appreciate you!  

David R. Hill,

Superintendent

Clarification: A School Board Cannot Dissolve a District

Gladbrook-Reinbeck District Patrons:

My purpose today is to provide two quick clarifications on statements made in an article entitled No Public Objections to Dissolution from the April 18 edition of the Marshalltown Times-Republican.

You can read the article in its entirety here, or also here even after the Times-Republican takes the article down from its website and the first link no longer works...but first, please read these clarifications...

The article explains that the next required step in the process is for the commission to send the proposal to the surrounding districts once again. Assuming there are no objections from the neighboring districts, the commission's targeted timeline is to present their plan to the G-R Board of Education on May 18th.

A major point that needs clarification is the article's statement, "...If the board approves the plan as it is currently drawn up, the district would dissolve and be absorbed by the aforementioned districts." This makes it sound like the district could dissolve shortly after next month's school board meeting as the result of board action. This is simply not the case. The school board cannot dissolve the district. Only a vote by the citizens of the district can dissolve a school district. 

In actuality, if the dissolution commission does present its proposal to the G-R School Board in May and if the board approves the plan, the board must hold another public hearing within 60 days and then must have its attorney draw up ballot language for a public vote. This ballot language must be submitted to the county auditor, and then an election must be held to determine the will of the district's voters. While the date of the vote has not been finalized, it is very likely that this vote will take place in September.

The second clarification is in regard to the title of the article. I've stated in previous blog posts that headlines are important, as they are often the only thing that people read. I've also explained in previous blogs that it is usually someone other than the writer of the article who writes the headlines; so, I harbor no hard feelings toward the writer of this article or toward the paper. The Times-Republican has done a wonderful job covering G-R's successful basketball and football seasons this school year as well as many of the other great things happening at G-R - and we appreciate it!

The headline makes it sound like nobody objects to the district dissolving, and that's just not the case. During my first ten months as the district's superintendent, I've been amazed by the tremendous community support for our school system. The headline really should have been No Public Objections to Dissolution Plan. 

Because the commission's plan is identical to the first dissolution commission's plan, we didn't expect to receive much public comment at last night's public hearing. That doesn't mean that there weren't people in the audience that object to the dissolution of the district...these folks just understand that the commission is mandated with developing a plan and needs to go through this step in the process.

Ultimately, the voters of the Gladbrook-Reinbeck Community School District will have an opportunity to vote on this important issue and the majority will prevail.  I hope that all of the district’s citizens will take time to educate themselves on the related issues, attend the next public hearing or visit with dissolution commission members, and exercise their right to vote.

David R. Hill, Superintendent



You may wish to read my other recent blog posts related to the district's stability and the proposed dissolution:

August 25, 2016: Gladbrook-Reinbeck's Financial Stability
January 4, 2017: Gladbrook-Reinbeck Dissolution Update
March 16, 2017:  Clarifying Recent Reports on G-R's Dissolution Process

All of the dissolution commission's agendas and minutes can be viewed here: http://tinyurl.com/GRDissolutionCommission

G-R’s Commitment to Early Childhood Education

During my years as an elementary principal, one of my favorite times of the year was our annual Kindergarten Roundup. I loved observing and interacting with the eager-to-learn prospective Kindergarteners as they experienced many “firsts,” such as their first school lunch, their first PE class, and their first large-group recess. 

For some students and their parents, Kindergarten Roundup is their very first interaction with the public school. Years ago, this was the case for virtually every prospective Kindergartener unless they happened to have an older sibling in the school. 

At G-R schools, the Kindergarten Roundup is often NOT a child’s first interaction with the school. Gladbrook-Reinbeck offers a wide array of services to children even before they reach school age and is a leader among schools in our area in terms of the opportunities and services available to our communities’ young learners. 

Gladbrook-Reinbeck recognizes the importance of early childhood education and is committed to providing outstanding early childhood learning experiences. As G-R elementary prepares for its annual Kindergarten Roundup in a couple of weeks, I thought this would be a good opportunity to share some information about the full range of services available to children that haven’t yet started school. 

TUITION FREE PRESCHOOL FOR 4-YEAR OLD STUDENTS

We’re pleased to announce that tuition-free preschool for 4-year old students is coming to the towns of Gladbrook and Reinbeck in the fall. Starting in the fall of 2017, qualified 4-year old students will be able to attend preschool tuition-free through the Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program

This program will allow 4-year old students regardless of family income to attend the Reinbeck and Gladbrook preschools tuition-free. Eligible students must be four years old on or before September 15, 2017.

This opportunity is made possible through cooperation with Crayon Corner Learning Center in Gladbrook and Little Rebels Learning Center in Reinbeck.  The preschools provide a state-certified teacher trained in early childhood education and highly-qualified support staff, and offer the state-required minimum of 10 hours of quality preschool instruction per week. 

The programs use the Creative Curriculum, a research and evidence-based comprehensive curriculum. This curriculum addresses all areas of early learning: language and literacy, math, science, physical skills and social skills. It provides children an opportunity to learn in a variety of ways – through play, problem-solving, movement, art, music, drawing and writing, listening and storytelling.

Complete information and registration procedures are available by contacting Crayon Corner Learning Center at (641) 473-2600 or Little Rebels Learning Center at (319) 788-6120. 

CRAYON CORNER AND LITTLE REBELS LEARNING CENTERS

Crayon Corner Learning Center and Little Rebels Learning Center are real

assets to our communities. In addition to the tuition-free preschool program for 4-year old students, both centers also offer quality licensed daycare programs and before-and-after-school programs, as well as preschool classes for 3-year old students.

Both Crayon Corner and Little Rebels Learning Centers are located in beautiful, modern facilities which are conveniently located in their communities, and are backed by support from independent boards of directors which work to ensure that the centers meet and exceed childcare standards established by the Iowa Department of Human Services.

Tuition assistance may be available for 3-year old preschool.  Parents desiring financial assistance for three-year-old preschool should contact the staff at Little Rebels or Crayon Corner for more information.

ASSISTANCE FOR STRUGGLING LEARNERS

Quality preschool, daycare, and before-and-after school care are just part of our commitment to early childhood learning. We also offer special education classes on-site at Gladbrook-Reinbeck elementary for qualifying students starting at age 3. Individualized speech instruction is also available for qualifying students under age 5, and in-home instruction may be available through our partnership with Area Education Agency 267 for struggling young learners even prior to age 3.

If you have concerns about your child’s learning progress and are wondering if your child may qualify for any of these services, the staff at Gladbrook-Reinbeck elementary can get you pointed in the right direction.   

KINDERGARTEN ROUNDUP

The annual Kindergarten Roundup will take place at Gladbrook-Reinbeck elementary May 4^th & 5^th, and the parent information meeting for prospective Kindergarten students will be held on Monday, May 1^st in the elementary gym.  The parents of ALL STUDENTS that will be age 5 on or before September 15^th are invited to participate in this meeting, and ALL STUDENTS in this age range are encouraged to attend the roundup on May 4^th and 5^th. Yes, I said ALL STUDENTS who meet the age requirements are invited, even if…

…  You’re concerned that your child may not be mature enough for Kindergarten. The Kindergarten Roundup can help you to decide, and can introduce you to other options for your child such as our Transitional Kindergarten class.   

…  You haven’t decided yet whether your child will attend G-R, another area district, a private school, or will be homeschooled. Yes, you have numerous options, but there’s NO RISK in checking out G-R and seeing what we have to offer. Even if you’ve already filled out open enrollment papers to attend another district in the fall, your child is still welcome at the G-R Kindergarten Roundup!

…  You’re thinking of open-enrolling your child to Gladbrook-Reinbeck but haven’t decided yet.  There’s no better way to make an informed decision than to experience G-R first-hand. 

…  You’re thinking of buying a home or moving to the G-R district but haven’t found the right place yet. If there’s a chance your 5-year-old child might attend G-R in the fall, why not give them the advantage of attending our Kindergarten Roundup so they can make friends, meet their future teachers and principal, and get “plugged-in” to the G-R learning community? 

If you know someone who fits one of the descriptions above and should consider sending their child to G-R’s Kindergarten Roundup, please help us to spread the word!  It’s not too late to add a child to the list. Just call Gladbrook-Reinbeck Elementary at (319) 345-2822 to get signed up! 

TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN CLASS

Gladbrook-Reinbeck is excited to offer a new Transitional Kindergarten class starting in the fall of 2017. Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is designed for students who meet the age criteria for kindergarten, yet lack the readiness kindergarten requires. It will be an academically based, every-day program meeting in the afternoons and following the district calendar.

The TK program is designed to meet the needs of students to better prepare them for the full day kindergarten program the following year. A licensed teacher in the G-R Elementary Building will teach the class. If you’re concerned that your child may need another year of growth and maturity before starting the rigors of full-day Kindergarten, the TK program may be just the right fit for your child. 

Just like Kindergarten, there is no tuition charged for this program. The only cost to parents will be the same fees paid for grades K-4 at registration time in August. Students do not need to be residents of the G-R district to be considered for Transitional Kindergarten.  Transportation can be provided for students residing in the district.

The staff at G-R Elementary can help you decide if the Transitional Kindergarten is right for your child.  Visit with principal Bradi Johnson during the Kindergarten Roundup, or give her a call at (319) 345-2822 for more information. 

I’m proud to be the superintendent in a school district and school community that understands the importance of early childhood learning.  I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at the early childhood opportunities that G-R has to offer, and I invite your questions and feedback.  Just visit my blog at https://rebelsupt.blogspot.com/ or follow me on Twitter (my handle is @DavidRobertHill) to get the conversation started!    

Teens Behind the Wheel

Last week, our youngest son turned fourteen. Just like his older brothers, one of the first things that Jacob wanted to do upon reaching this milestone age was to visit the DOT Driver License station and take the written test to receive his permit to drive. 

He passed his test, and now he’s getting some of his first experiences behind the wheel. Right now, we’re primarily sticking to the rural roads of Tama County, but we’ll eventually venture into some of the small towns in the area. At some point, I’m sure we’ll endeavor to try out the roads in some of the medium-sized towns and larger cities in the area as we seek to help our son develop his skills as a driver.

I’ll admit that my wife and I aren’t nearly as nervous this time around. Jacob has had two older brothers to “break us in” on the idea of having our kids behind the wheel.  

I recall the first few practice driving sessions with our oldest son and how I was overly anxious about his every move.  I nearly panicked and grabbed the steering wheel as he took his first left turn. This wasn’t because he was doing anything wrong; in retrospect, he was doing just fine. I just wasn’t mentally prepared for the idea of my child becoming a driver!

Our older sons are now both young adults who have gone through the entire process of earning their instruction permits, hours of practice driving with their parents, driver education classes, school permits, and intermediate licenses before finally achieving their full licenses.  Both of them are good drivers, and I’m confident that they – as well as the other drivers and pedestrians that they encounter on a daily basis – are just as safe as anyone is on the road.

Our son Jacob displays his new
instruction permit.  

As our youngest son is now just getting out there on the road for some of his first practice driving, I’m reminded that EXPERIENCE is one of the best ways to learn.  The guided practice that young drivers receive from their parents as they venture out onto the road as new drivers is critical to their success and to their safety.   

Roughly 30 Gladbrook-Reinbeck students have reached the age of 14 over the past year, and many more students will reach that milestone in the coming months. Driver Education classes will also be starting in the near future. I’m sure these young people’s parents experienced or will experience similar degrees of anxiousness as their sons and daughters reached various milestones related to driving.

Parents, you’ve spent your child’s entire lifetime helping him or her to grow and learn. One of your most important goals during this time has been to keep your child safe.  A “rite of passage” as they get older is the freedom and independence of driving. However, with this freedom and independence comes a tremendous amount of risk. Have you prepared your child for this challenging time? Have you done everything you could? Have you sought out sound advice about the dangers of driving as a teen driver before they hit the road alone?

Their life could depend upon it.

Because young drivers lack experience and have had minimal hands-on supervised practice behind the wheel, they may not perceive risks in the same way that you and I do.  Drivers that don’t understand the risks are more likely to be overconfident, leading them to believe that they can handle distractions such as cell phones, multiple passengers, loud music, eating or drinking while driving, emotionally-charged driving, etc. Overconfidence can also lead to a feeling of invincibility, causing drivers to feel that the rules of the road such as speed limits and stop signs don’t apply to them.

One of the most important things a parent can do is to set a positive example.  Remember, they will be watching YOU when you are behind the wheel, and you provide their greatest model. Your respect (or lack of respect) for the rules of the road and your aggressiveness (or lack of aggressiveness) behind the wheel is likely to be reflected in your child’s behaviors behind the wheel.  If you haven’t been setting the best example, there’s no time like right now to get started.

Parents shouldn’t take their child’s driving abilities for granted, and it isn’t safe to assume that they will get all of the behind-the-wheel time that they need during Driver Education class. Young drivers need PRACTICE, and while Driver Education does offer the state-required minimum of 6 hours of behind-the-wheel instruction, their greatest opportunity for practice is driving with parents. Parents should ride with their young drivers often, and should be engaged while their child is driving so that appropriate feedback can be given.

I encourage your feedback on this column, along with any questions you may have. You are welcome to visit my blog at https://rebelsupt.blogspot.com/ where you can read all of my columns and leave comments if you wish. You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter, where my handle is @DavidRobertHill.