​        Students in Alicia Minner’s fourth grade class at Montezuma Elementary show off their favorite books they recently purchased after Montezuma and area residents donated to a book fund. All 23 students in her class will receive at least three free books from the fundraiser.

​By J.O. Parker
 
         The holidays came earlier than expected for Montezuma fourth graders in Alicia Minner’s class.
Thanks to the generosity of many community members, the 23 students in Minner’s class are receiving three new books each.
        Minner said it all started when several people reached out and asked if there was anything she needed in her classroom.
      “I sat on that idea for a while because while I have many things I "want," I'm not sure how many of them are "needs." she said. “I never want to appear greedy, so when people offer to help, I try to be very purposeful with what I'm asking for.”
       Minner, who is an avid reader and understands the value of being a reader, decided that she wanted her students to be able to order a book for themselves from the school’s book order service.
       “Most books in our book orders are anywhere from $6 to $10 each, so I posted on my personal Facebook page that I was looking for "sponsors" for each of my students,” Minner said.
        To be a sponsor, you could send anywhere from $6 to $10 so each student could pick a book of their own.
       “I was completely overwhelmed by the response,” said Minner. “People donated anywhere from $10 to $100. In the end, each student was able to purchase $30 from the book order.”
        When Minner shared the amazing news with the kids, they were shocked and beyond ecstatic.
       “They immediately started "shopping," she said. “The only stipulation I gave them was they had to pick books they were interested in and wanted to read simply for enjoyment. We've already placed our first order of books, which should be delivered soon.” 
       “Reading is a skill that you never outgrow,” said Minner. “It can take you anywhere. My goal is for all students to truly find the joy of reading for pleasure, not just reading for an assignment.”

       Santa and Mrs. Claus take a spin around the Montezuma Courthouse Square in a horse-drawn wagpm on Saturday, Dec. 6 as part of the Hometown Holiday festivities. Montezuma Elementary students sent letters to Santa before Christmas.

Mrs. Ferguson Montezuma Kindergarten
 
Dear Santa,
Santa, would you like to see my house? I would like some more tracks for my cars.  I have a lot of Monster trucks and cars.  Can I also get a bridge for my cars? I want a white board to write on too.  My brother would like a Lego racecar set and my sister would like a stuffed animal. 
Love, Traeton Garber
 
Dear Santa,
Your reindeer are cool! Can you bring me a remote control digger and a remote control car? My brother and I both want a remote control drift car to play with together. I also want an Elf on the Shelf to help me be good.  I like you and your big sled, Santa!
Love, River Hamilton
 
Dear Santa,
How are the elves doing? Can I have the game Spot It so I can play it with my brother? I also want some square dice to use with our other games we have at home.  Can you please bring me SpongeBob stickers to share with my cousins? I will leave you milk and cookies!
Love, Colt McNaulty
 
Dear Santa,
Thank you for the gifts last year. I liked my big Sonic toy! Please can I have a big dinosaur toy this year? I like the T-Rex dinosaur. Maybe the T-Rex, the Distortus Rex, and the Spinosaurus from Jurassic World Rebirth? I would also like a white dog plushie. I’m going to leave you milk and cookies!
Love, Ronin Montano
 
Dear Santa,
I’m glad to see you! Are your reindeer doing okay? For Christmas I would like a pretty pink dress to wear to school.  I want three toy Barbies with a pink Barbie house for them to live in.  I would also like you to bring me some make up! My mom’s house is a white farmhouse and my grandma’s house is blue so you can find us on Christmas.  I will leave your reindeer some milk and I will leave you milk and cookies.  Please share the cookies with your reindeer! 
Love, Xiomaria Kibbee
 
Dear Santa,
I like your reindeer! Where do they sleep? I know they like to eat carrots.  For Christmas can you please bring me a cat squishy and cat paw squishy? I like to play UNO but I don’t have it so could you bring me the game UNO please? And I would like a set of Mangatiles to build with. I will be a good girl and leave you milk and cookies!
Love, Isabelle Getz
 
Dear Santa,
How are your elves doing? Are your reindeer ready yet? Do your reindeer sleep? Does Mrs. Claus have your suit ready? I’m running out of paper to draw my rainbows on so could you please bring me more drawing paper? I also want a purple watch to wear at school. I would also like a Teacher Barbie doll and a Barbie dog.  I will leave you milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer!
Love, Willow Tribby-Kelm

Dear Santa,
Your reindeer are so cute! How do they fly in the sky? I would like the jumbo Aphmau dragon plushies.  I have two cats at home that I want to dress up in cat clothes so could you please bring me some Christmas-themed cat clothes? Also can I have a pair of Heely shoes please that have the wheels on the bottom? I want them to be pink! I’m going to leave some carrots out for your reindeer to eat.  I will leave you some cookies and milk too!
Love, Nora Amundson
 
Dear Santa,
Are your elves working hard? Are the reindeers healthy? What would you do if the reindeer got sick?   I hope Mrs. Claus is feeling good too. For Christmas I would like an NFL football. My favorite team is Iowa State so I want a football jersey with the number 67 on it.  I would also like a gold pokemon pikachu card.  Last year the gifts were all over the place so please leave them all under the tree this year. I will leave two cookies and one glass of milk. 
Love, Grady Dengler
 
Dear Santa,
How are the elves doing at the North Pole? Are they super busy? I would like to help the elves. Please bring me a silicone baby doll. I like these because they are squishy. She will also need some clothes and headbands. I would also like a Barbie Doll House. Thanks for the stuff that you leave in my stocking. I will leave the sugar cookies on the table with the milk. 
Love, Brylee Price

Dear Santa, 
I want to help you with the presents. How are the reindeer doing? Are they ready to deliver the presents? I am excited for Christmas. I like getting presents. This year for Christmas I would like to go to the North Pole and help you when you have a cold. I would like a combine with an auger and a grain cart with an auger inside the auger. I like to farm with my dad.  I would also like a semi-trailer that can dump on the bottom so I can unload. If you are hungry I will bake you cookies with frosting. I will try and write your name on the cookie. 
Love, Rocco Thomason
 
Dear Santa,
How are the elves doing? How are the reindeer doing? How’s it going in the North Pole? I want a hack pack from Crunch Labs. I would also like an Optimus Prime Transformer.  Can I also have a semi with a trailer? You know where I live and you can see me being good.  I will leave you chocolate chip cookies with milk!
Love, Christian Ferry
 
Dear Santa,
How are your elves doing with the toys? I want a Nintendo Switch with the Minecraft game.  Can I have a new Nerf gun with a scope on it? I would also like an X-Box to play games on.  We will leave you milk and cookies. 
Love, Grayson Beach
 
Dear Santa,
How are you doing? I’ve been good this year! How are your reindeer doing? I would like a Barbie doll for Christmas. Can I also get a Barbie house too? I will leave you milk and cookies.
Love, Saphira Straube
 
Dear Santa,
I like to sing songs for you. I like the lights on the Christmas tree. I like to make candy cane hearts. I like what you left last year. This year I would like the game Minecraft. I hope the Grinch does not come to steal presents at my house. I would like a Minecraft toothbrush. I will be asleep so you can deliver my presents. I will leave you some cookies and milk. 
Love, Colton Awtry
 
Dear Santa, 
Are the presents ready? I like your big beard and red pants. This year I would like  a flashlight, a guitar with a microphone and a drum set.  Benny would like these too. Rylan would like a guitar too. I love you Santa. I will put cookies out for you. 
Love, Aaron Williams
 
Dear Santa,
How is Mrs. Claus doing? Is she busy baking cookies and wrapping all the presents? How are the reindeer doing? This year for Christmas I would like a new kitchen set, a doll house and a manicure set for my house. I have been good this year helping my little sister. I make both of our beds every day. I love baking cookies with my mom and dad. We will leave some for you. 
Love, Charlotte Tuemer
 
Dear Santa,
What does your sleigh look like? How does it fly? Where do you get all the presents? For Christmas I would like a gum ball machine. Can I also have a go cart? I would also like another arcade game that is different from the one I already have. I will leave you milk and cookies!
Love, Reid Robinson
 
Mrs. James Montezuma Kindergarten
 
Dear Santa, 
Am I on the good list? I think I have been good. I would like LOL Dolls, I like the plain ones . If you could, I would also like a play fish that swims in the water. I will leave you milk and cookies on the table by the tree.
Love, Lux Mann
 
Dear Santa,
What are your reindeers names?  I would like to pet your reindeer! Could you please bring me a great big kitty unicorn, new rainbow slime, and new snowpants and snowboots. I also need new headphones for school.  I think the elves could make those! I will leave you cookies and milk too!
Love, Stormie VanderLinden
 
Dear Santa,
Can you see the lights when you’re in the sleigh? I think they would be very colorful and pretty. Santa, I would like a new Barbie doll.  I would also like a new purple bike with handles in the front.  Do the elves get to ride in the sleigh with you? I will leave extra milk and cookies for them. Don’t forget my family moved to a new house in the country. I will try to be asleep when you come. 
Love, Jordan VerMeer
 
Dear Santa,
I wish I knew how you got your magic. For Christmas I would like a toy dirt bike. I like dirt bikes because my dad used to have one. I also would like some new socks and shoes. I like black ones that don’t have to tie.  I will leave the cookies for you on the table.
Love, John Walters

Dear Santa, 
Have I been good or not good? Do your elves make all the toys or do you go get them? Do the elves get to go to everyone's house?  
For Christmas I would like a toy elf so that I can play with it all the time and it can be friends with my other elf Vinny. I would like an UNO game so that I can play with my brother. I would also like a stuffed turtle. We will try not to forget the cookies and milk.  
Love, Rylan Robinson
 
Dear Santa,
What does your factory look like? Do your elves still make all the toys? I wish I could see it. I would like a Nintendo switch, some Legos and a new blanket. My grandma makes good chocolate chip cookies. I will see if she will bake some for us. 
Love, Lincoln Coleman
 
Dear Santa,
I like your reindeer.  What do you feed them? Do they eat hay like my grandpa’s cows? I would like a blue watering can, a Lego airplane kit, and a medium white board so I can draw.  I will put a sign by my door so you know which is my room. I will leave the cookies on the counter in the kitchen. 
Love, Boone Kercheval

Dear Santa,
How many cookies does Mrs. Claus bake? My favorite are the chocolate chip cookies from church. Santa, how many reindeer do you have?  I wish I could ride in your sleigh. I like to play with my stuffies. For Christmas I would like a new doll with long hair, a new Barbie, and Barbie stuff like furniture, a house and a horse. 
Thank you for the toys you left last year. We will leave you milk and cookies and carrots for the reindeer.
Love, Harper Schmidt
 
Dear Santa,
How do your reindeer fly? Is it with glitter and the magic that you give them? I still play with the toy horse you brought me last year. This year I would like 
a real reindeer for Christmas! I also would like a puppy that stays small. I like books and purple snowpants. I like you Santa! 
Lyndee Roberts
 
Dear Santa, 
I like Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. I would like a toy train and tracks with a remote control. I would also like a toy semi and a skateboard.  I will leave the oreo cookies to dip in milk. I love you Santa!
Love, Tucker Taylor
 
Dear Santa,
I like you Santa. You are kind and bring everybody presents. This year I would like a skateboard, a stuffed kitty, and new markers for school. What is your favorite cookie? I will leave you a chocolate chip cookie because I think that is your favorite. I like to bake cookies with my mom. 
Love, Aliyah O’Halloran
 
Dear Santa, 
Is it cold in the North Pole. It is really cold here. We have snow.  Can I please have some KPop Demon hunters?  I would also like a Barbie Dream House. I will leave you cookies and milk.
Love, Remy Thompson
 
Dear Santa,
What do your reindeer do when they aren’t delivering toys? Is there a reindeer school where they learn how to fly? For Christmas I would like Barbies, a Barbie Dream house and a Barbie Car. I have been really good at home and school. I have learned how to read. I will leave you a gingerbread cookie and milk. Please give your reindeer the carrots. 
Love, Sterling Hohensee
 
Dear Santa,
I like your sleigh because you have flying reindeer. Rudolph is my favorite. He has a shiny nose.  I would like to visit the North Pole so I could deliver the presents. I would like a Remote Control Transformation Robot Toys Optimus Prime ‌Commander. I also would like a Wall Climbing Lizard,Wall Crawler Robot Gecko Remote Control. I still like my train  and giant cars from last year. Thank you for everything. 
Love, Leo Fawcett
 
Dear Santa,
Am I on the naughty or nice list? Yes or No? You are the best toy maker EVER in the whole world. I would like a 2 in 1 Dinosaur Car Launcher and Track Set. I will try to be really good. I can leave cookies or cookie muffins if we can make them.
I Love You Santa.
Love, Daxton Bothwell

Dear Santa,
Merry Christmas Santa. I wonder if I can work with the elves? I want a racetrack and some cars. I also need some crayons for school. Please Santa, I have been good. I love my mom.
Love, Logan Hudson
 
Dear Santa,
Do you like hot chocolate or milk more? I have been learning about gingerbread men at school. I would really like a T-Rex that roars and moves its arms and a JURASSIC WORLD ATTACK PACK. Let me know which cookies you like and I will leave it out. 
Love, Henry Latcham

Dear Santa,
Am I on the good list or the naughty list? I would like to help feed the reindeer. What do they like to eat?  I would like a sonic remote controller, a robot kitten, and a colorful Lego set.  I will leave you milk and cookies.  I will go to bed early so you can come!
Love, Odyssey Baker
 
Mrs. Schmidt Montezuma First Grade
 
Dear Santa, 
Is your elves doing a good job? Santa, are you busy making presents for kids? I want a new water bottle and some coloring paper. I would like a new remote control car. Are you excited to ride in the sleigh? I’ll leave you cookies. 
Love, Zeppelin Freeborn

Dear Santa, 
How are the elves? Are they working hard? Is it freezing cold there? I would like a nintendo switch and a remote control car. I will leave you cookies at the table with milk! Good luck on Christmas Eve! 
Love, Nile Freeborn

Dear Santa, 
Are you ready for Christmas? How are the elves doing? I would like a four wheeler and a red rc car. Is Mrs. Claus read for Christmas? Merry Christmas!
Love Kaden Schirmer

Dear Santa, 
Are the elves busy making toys? How are you doing? I would like a new watch for Christmas. We will make you cookies for Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas!
Love, Maya DeLong

Dear Santa, 
Is Ruldolph doing well? Are the other reindeer ready to fly? I would like some new barbies and a barbie house. I will leave you cookies. Merry Christmas, Santa. 
Love, Maebellene Westphal

Dear Santa, 
Have you ever saw some northern lights? Are you reindeer doing good? I would like a Bass Pro gift card, musky rod fishing pole and a musky lure. I hope Mrs. Claus is doing well! Merry Christmas! 
Love, Rainer Andera

Dear Santa, 
How are the reindeer doing? Are you getting your rest in before the big night? 
I would like a speed champion lego set and a remote control car. I will leave cookies out for you. Merry Christmas!
Love, Theo Shaunfield
 
Dear Santa, 
How is Mrs. Claus doing? Is the elves working hard? I would like a pink power ranger toy. I would also like a new watch. Happy Christmas! I will leave you cookies! 
Love, Rylyn  Pickard

Dear Santa, 
Can an elephant sit in your sleigh? How tall are the elves? I would like to ask for a new lego set, a small nerf gun, and a new black basketball. Merry Christmas! I’ll try to leave cookies!
Love, Walker Morse

Dear Santa, 
How tall are the elves? Are you ready for Christmas? I would like to have new hot wheels and a minecraft plushie. I hope to get presents. I’ll try to leave cookies out for you!
Love, Vergil Sican-Denny

Dear Santa,
How are your reindeer doing? I would like a robot and a monster truck with a remote for Christmas and some new shoes, shirts and socks. Is your sleigh and are the presents ready? I love you!
Love, Scott Stout 

Dear Santa, 
I was wondering if you have a reindeer named Badger? For Christmas I would like a hot wheels crash track, ninja turtles and an XBox. I will leave milk and cookies out for you! Do your reindeer like candy canes?
Love, Leo Daniels

Dear Santa, 
Is Mrs. Claus at the North Pole?  Santa, are you all ready for Christmas? Santa I would like a phone and a hover board. How are the reindeer doing? I will leave you cookies! Merry Christmas! 
Love, Abel Kibbee
 
Mrs. James Montezuma First Grade
 
Dear Santa,
We have a chimney now.  Well, how are your reindeer?  I want 55 kinds of seeds for Christmas.
Love, Calvin Fraker
 
Dear Santa,
How many presents do you have?  Could you please bring me a 1000 piece puzzle, an X-box, and a PS5?
Love, Jameson Jones
 
Dear Santa,
Is it true that you live in the North Pole?  Can you please get me a new mini brand and lipstick?  Can you get my mom a new dress?  Can you get my dad a new hat? 
Love, Ayla Silvers
 
Dear Santa,
Are you real?  My Christmas list is a 4 wheeler, X-box, P.S. 5, Nintendo Switch 2, black Iron Man Lego set, $100,000,000, a mansion, Beyblades, Beyblade X, and Battle Arena.
Love, Bennett Beck
 
Dear Santa,
How do your reindeer fly?  Can I have a shadow plushy please?  For the next Christmas can I have a car that you can drive with a controller?
Love, Raxis Schlesselman
 
Dear Santa,
What does Rudolph look like?  Can I please have a trampoline, an X-box, and Stitch stuffies?
Love, Nora Carlson
 
Dear Santa,
How do you fly your sleigh?  Please may I have a Christmas train set?  I am happy.
Love, Ronnie Reams
 
Dear Santa,
How are your reindeer?  I want a cup and shoes and Stitch stuffies.
Love, Remi Tompkins
 
Dear Santa,
How do your reindeer fly?  I want Barbies, a cat puzzle, a Starworld puzzle, a unicorn puzzle, a unicorn egg, and ice skates. 
Love, Blake Hester
 
Dear Santa,
How are your reindeer?  For Christmas, I want a watch, an X-box, and toy jets.  I also want a lot of toy mats and toy trains.  Merry Christmas!
Love, Tucker Fisk
 
Dear Santa,
Are you real?  I want an X-box, a trip to the North Pole, and a PS5.
Love, Jude Wilson
 
Dear Santa,
How do you make toys?  I want an i-Pad and a K-pop doll and a K-pop coloring book and a baby sis.
Love, Elizabeth Schmidt
 
Dear Santa,
Is Rudolph's nose bright red?  Can I have a skateboard, Pokemon cards, Yugioh cards, and Transformers?
Love, Logan Bliss
 
Dear Santa,
Why do elves not blink?  I would like Stitch stuff.  Dawson would like a remote control Lambo.  Drew wants baby dolls.  Dax wants Miss Rachel toys.
Love, Delaney Hilton
 
Mrs. Roorda Montezuma Second Grade
 
The kids were quite worried because we received word that Santa’s sleigh is broke down.  Santa asked the kids to offer new ideas on how he could solve this problem so that there would still be a way to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.  
 
Dear Santa,
We herd your slay broke down.  How are you going to deliver presents?  Hear are some ideas.  Mabey we cood somehow get the slay down to the earth.  We on earth can fix it.  We send it back up and you can deliver presents.  Or you cood get some of us up there.  Here are some more ideas.  You can make a new one in the next 10 days because you are magick.  Or you can put a sack on a ranedeer and the ranedeer can deliver the presents.  You cood use a helicopter.  
From, Jaxyn S.
 
Dear Santa,
We heard your sleigh needs repair.  What I am thinking is you only have 17 days.  Here are some ideas.  First we should get matiarels and get Barretts dad and get raindeer.  Second we should get the things under the sleigh but what else do we need?  We could get super glue, duck tape, and lots more.  I am thinking you’re elves can help but what if there making toys we could get my dad maybe.  But what if he is working and what if Barretts dad is working too…. I hope you have good luck.
Love, Brody B
 
Dear Santa,
We heard that your sleigh broke down.  Here are some ideaus.  You can get suplis to get it fixed up.  Get the laydown makanakl tols and fix the sleigh. Then it will be fixed. We hope you get it fixed.
Love, Barrett M
 
Dear Santa, 
We hrde that your sleigh got broke.  You cude yos cat blastrs to push the presunts down the chimney.  For the stoking you cud put them in a box to rap it around Rudof and let Rudof to lite the way.  I hope you can do it befor Christmas morning.  
Love, Amaya B
 
Dear Santa,
We heard your sleigh broke down.  Dear Santa you have to listen because we have ideas for you.  You shud praye to God to fix your sleigh.  Say this dear god I hope you can fix my sleig. Or tie a rope on to your sleigh and pull it or get some tolls and fix it your self so you can deliver presents to kids so they can be happy. Or you can call a mincenick or I can go to the North Poll and fix it so you can deliver present to kids and parets.  I hope your sleigh gets fix.
Love, Tatum  H

Dear Santa,
We heard that your sleigh brok.  We have sum ideas so you hafto lisen.  My idea is I by sum elves and sum medl so we can make the sleigh so we have to make it cwick befor christmes because thar are kids out that that want presens.  Pleas help us or christmes is rooend.  Do you want that?  The medl is for your sleigh. The elvs are for more help to make shor your sleigh can fly befour cristmes.  Can you do that?  Thar are a little bit of days in till cristmes.  I rilly want christmes speshl for kids.  They are wateing for cristmas presents.  You can ride on a ranedeer.  Ranedeers are magick. So you can dliver presens.  I hope you can dlivr presens for kids.
Love, Aubrey T
 
Dear Santa,
We heard that you’re slay has broken.  You need to lisen.  How are you going to deliver presents.  Drop it down.  I will ficts it.  Mabey you can get us up there and I will ficts it up.  You can ride a raneder.  It will work.  I hope you can ficts it Santa.  I love you Santa.
From, Konner D
 
Dear Santa,
We heard your sleigh broke down.  This is my idea.  Maybe the wind blue and your sleigh blue down. Then put a roof and a winsheld all arawnd the sleigh. Then grab sum jets and attach them with metal srcals. Then put the presents in the back and the jets in the frunt buside you. Then you can drop the presens into the chimnes so you don’t brake down a gen when you go dawn to land.  I wish to have a little brother.
Love, Grace P
 
Dear Santa,
We heard the sleigh broke down.  Hear are some ideas to fix it.  Maby you could call a mechainac that lives near by and they can probably fix it.  You could call them from Greenland.  Isn’t it close to the north pole?  Or maby you could go to a store in Greenland if it’s close and you can by one.  Or you can pray to God and ask him to help.  I hope it gets fixed up.
Love, Rossi B
 
Dear Santa,
We heard your slay brok down.  I have a idea.  You can bild a slay made of ice.  You can bild a big robot to bild the slay.  You can bild a robot to bild a slay.  You can make 2 elfs and can fix the slay.  I hope you can make it.
Luve, Kinsley M
 
Dear Santa,
We hord your slaye broc dawn!  Santa you have to lisen!  If you hav a tool box you can fix it.  Bild a robot and mabey it will help you fix the slaye.  Santa mabey one of your elfs can stop working and help you fix the slaye?  You cood bild a bote and travl.  Maby you can ride roodolf arawnd the wrld to dlivr presents.  Santa maby you cood take an arplane.  Santa a bird cood dlivr presents for you.  I hope chrismas is savd.
From, Evelyn R
 
Dear Santa,
We heard your sleigh brok down.  You cud pray to God.  He dus not wun his suns birthday to be ruen on Cristmes and he will be on owr side forever.  You can ask Jesus to help.  He dus not wunt his birthday ruind.  He will help you on youer slay.  He will help you so you can bring the presints.  He will be thar for you wen you need help.  He will help you with fixing your sleigh for crismes and Jesis birthday.  He will bles you for doing good.  He will help you to fix youer slay.  He will oways be thaer for you and he is good.  
Love, Curtis M
 
Dear Santa,
We heard Santa’s sleigh is broken and needs repair!  Here are some ideas to help you.  First, have the people build A BIG toy.  The Grinch could help.  The toy could be a dragon.  Next, use your magic to make it move.  Have the toy be as big as your sleigh.  Get a saddle for it from a shop and do the stuff you normally do with your sleigh.  You could use the quick way…your magic!  I hope you can find a way that can help!  
Sincerely, Henry C
 
Dear Santa,
How to fix your slay.  Get some tools and have all the elfs to help you.  If that doseot work then get one elf and have them take the jets off and then look at it and see what the problem is.  So look relly good.  That is what I would do, look reelly good reelly hard.
Love, Quinn M
 
Mrs. Dye’s Second Grade Letters to Santa
 
Mrs. Dye’s Class elf, Cookie, delivered bad news to our second grade class. He told us that Santa’s sleigh has broken down, and the elves are way too busy making presents and are not able to help fix it. Santa needs suggestions from second graders all over the world for ways he can deliver presents on Christmas Eve, in a different way, in order to save Christmas. These were ideas that Mrs. Dye’s second grade class had. 
 
Dear Santa,
We herd about the slay. We are sad and are going to give you some ideas so you can dlivr the toys for children. They are sad to. I know you are sad to and you can just ride your reindeer. And we love you so much!
We Love You, Addison Emmerson
 
Dear Santa,
I am sorry that your slay broke down. I bet you are nerves. Maybe you can use a airplane this Cristmas. If your bag is to big, I think you can connect your reindeer to a truck for land and a boat for water for your bag. If that doesn’t work maby you can connect atleast one reindeer to the back. 
Love, Carter Allen Latcham
 
Dear Santa,
I think you should put a wooden square on the sleigh and put a blanket in the middle and use the wind. Or you can make a car/boat that can go on water and land and you I think you should make it really fast.
Love, Kaiden Price
 
Dear Santa,
First we will find out how it broke down. Then we will help fix it all up. We will use a hammer or a screwdriver maybe. We will help. We will. We are trying to save Cristmas. We will make sure it can fly. If the bottom needs fixed we can fix it. You can try putting in a seat for you maybe you could put gifts in it. Maybe you could see if your reindeer can fly. 
Love, Magdalena Stoddard
 
Dear Santa,
I am sorry your slay is broke. We need to get it fixd. Or you could use a hot air ballowwn. This would get you over the water and over the land. The reindeer could help make it go faster. 
Love, Rhett Hamilton
 
Dear Santa,
I herd the slay is broke down. But I have an idea. What if you make a magic car that flys? Then you can put the reindeer on it and you can put the presents in the back. Then you can fly with the magic car. Then you can fly all over the world. 
Love, Krew Anderson
 
Dear Santa,
I am very sorry for your heart broken stuff. It is really emoshunal for me and my teacher Mrs. Dye. You can use a truck with reindeer and put the reindeer on the front, or you can use a jet pack.
Love, Ian Sutfin.
 
Dear Santa,
I am very sorry that the slay broke down but we have ideas for you. You can ride a reindeer. Do they have magic? So that is my idea. Have a grate Chrismas.
Love, Mia Matteson
 
Dear Santa, 
I know you are really sad, but good news!! I can help you. You just need a jet and put your sack of presents in the back. Bring Mrs. Clase with you. She’ll help when you are not in the jet. Mrs. Clase will read the list and give the presents to Santa and Santa will give the presents to the kids. 
Love, Rylee Sutherland
 
Dear Santa,
I know you are relly sad, but I have an idea. Maybe you can use a privet jet and if there was people outside you can use a little bit of magic to make it go invisible. If that does not work use a car and attach your reindeer to it. I think that will work. Or maybe ride your reindeer. 
Love, Grant Ferry
 
Dear Santa,
I no about your sled. I am sorry for you Santa. But I have a solushun. You can rid a box and the reindeers can fly the box. And how we keep the presents is in a box behind you. 
Love, Holly Lang
 
Dear Santa,
I am so so so so so sorry your sleigh is broken. I wish you can give presents to all of the children on Christmas Eve. Maybe you could get a space ship and go very fast. Get one that is big enough for all your presents. 
Love, Emmarie Roberts
 
Dear Santa,
The elf you sent us left us a note and we heard your sleigh is broke down and you are probably very very sad. Because we are so sad too. So we will give you some ideas too. What about hall your reindeer and presents on a helicopter? That would work really good. 
Love, Faith Crady
 
Dear Santa,
I have herd your sleigh has broken down. I have some ides for you. My first ide is you can get a aryplane and yore reindeer and get yore bags and give them a ride. You can put your reindeer and presents in the aryplane. And you can drive the ayrplane?
Love. Sawyer Mann
 
Dear Santa,
I know how sad you are. I am sad too and I am scared for christmas. But I can help. You can use your elfs, your reindeer, a jetpack, a flying school, or a flying oger. You have magic so you can do anything. I love you.
Love, Hades Forrester

By J.O. Parker

     The Montezuma Board of Education held its November meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19 in the school cafeteria.
      Following the call to order and approval of the consent agenda, Superintendent Rich Schulte shared some good news items taking place in the district. They included:
      Allison Pargeon being named a Regional Teacher of the Year. Pargeon is the second Montezuma teacher to be named a Regional Teacher of the Year.
    FFA’s successful trip to Nationals in October and bringing home two national championships in Farm Business Management and Agriculture Communications.
      The Montezuma Drama Department’s Musical “Monte Python’s Spamalot” and the outstanding work of the students
      Passage of the school bond issue.
      A successful mock trail.
      DECCA and the outstanding work and great showing of the students.
       “These kids take what they learn and use it in life and their future,” said Schulte.
Old business
        The board approved the financial accounting records for FY2025.
       The board received and approved the FY2025 Audit Report from Dustin Opatz with Creative Planning, LLC.   This is the second year the Urbandale-based company has completed the district’s audit.
Election results
         The board approved the canvassing of the election results.
Public Measure SQ
            Yes – Received 554 votes
            No – Received 187 votes
            Total – 761 votes
Public Measure SP
            Yes – Received 557 votes
            No – Received 252 votes
            Total – 809 votes
Montezuma School Director At-Large for the 2025 - 26 school year.
          Matt Mann – Received 652 votes; Jason Meyer – Received 647 votes; Scattering – Received 24 votes; Total – Received 1,324 votes
Organization meeting
           Board secretary Mary Jo DeBruin called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m. and administered the oath of office to Mann and Meyer.
        Meyer was nominated as the board president and Cori Henkle was named the Vice President of the board.
Appointment of Board Secretary and Treasurer
           Mary Jo DeBruin was appointed board secretary and Karla DeCook as board treasurer.
Establishment of board meeting date, time and location
        The board voted to move the regular monthly meetings to the second Tuesday of the month in the school cafeteria beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Designation of Legal Counsel
            The board appointed Ahlers Cooney as legal counsel for the 2025 – 26 school year.
Name of Official Publication
            Discussed and tabled naming the district’s official publication.
Designate Depository Banks
          The board moved to name Montezuma State Bank and First State Bank as the district’s depository banks.
         Montezuma State Bank will be the district’s depository bank for the Schoolhouse, Activity ($4,000,000), PPEL Fund ($5,000,000), Debt Service Fund ($750,000), Self-Funded Insurance Fund ($100,000), Capital Projects Fund ($10,000,000) and all other funds for the school year 2025 – 26.
          First State Bank will be the district’s depository bank for the General Fund ($5,000,000), Hot Lunch Fund ($300,000), Management Fund ($2,500,000), Trust and Agency Funds ($100,000) and all other funds for the school year 2025 – 26.
Administrative reports
           Principal O’Rourke noted the following:
           Conferences went well.
          PBIS Award Winner and Celebrations: We are currently on month three and continuing to see the impact this makes on the group as a whole.
            Superintendent and secondary principal Schulte noted that conferences went well.
            It was also noted that during the professional development day in November, the secondary teachers had a chance to choose their own path by visiting teachers in other districts to get ideas to improve instruction, attending  conference, working with a colleague onsite, or by working independently on a project related to each of their individual goals. The December professional development will be an externship opportunity with businesses in the area.
Winter Sports Participation
            Girls’ Wrestling – 5
            Boys’ Wrestling – 14
            Wrestling Cheer – 6
            Girls’ Basketball – 13
            Boys’ Basketball – 22
            Dance – 25 Plus Girls
            JH Girls’ Basketball – 16
            JH Girls’ Wrestling – (Starts in January)
            JH Boys’ Basketball – 15 (estimated from sign up)
            JH Boys’ Wrestling – 8
Other News
            The board approved Dylan Wilhelm as girls’ basketball volunteer.
            The board moved to approve a contract modification from full-time to part-time for Suzie Elliott.
            The board approved offering the Voluntary Early Retirement Policy to staff.
            The board approved the Collection Agency service as presented.
            The board approved Marco Technology to update phones in the administrative offices.
            Superintendent Schulte updated the board on the next steps from Denovo.
            Step 1 – district will establish kickoff meetings with user groups to further develop scope and details. This will include:
            Athletic complex and locker room renovation
            MS/HS leaders – validate educational improvements
       Step 2 - Schedule – Will work with the board to determine the best path forward for construction schedule and setting expectations for when specific portions of the project should be completed.
            Step 3 – Bidding and construction.
            The December Board meeting will be held on Dec. 10 in the school cafeteria starting at 5 p.m. due to a Christmas program.

​       A youngster gave American Legion Commander Ron Hensel a coloring of the American Flag.

J.O. Parker
 
       From wrestlers to crafters, community gatherings and veterans events, the new Montezuma Blakely-Stevens American Legion Post 169 building is quickly becoming a shining star for the Montezuma community.
One of the building’s most recent events was the Veterans Day Service on Nov. 11 attended by nearly two hundred veterans, their families, friends and community members.
       “It’s a nice building for our veterans and the community,” noted Ron Hensel, Montezuma American Legion Commander, who helped spearhead the building project.
          Following a tasty potluck meal, Commander Hensel introduced the three Montezuma Fifth graders who won the American Legion Fifth Grade Flag Essay Contest.
        Mackenzie Fleming, Ayva Olweny and Gage Haynie all read their essays. Each student was awarded a certificate and a $35 cash prize.
          Following that was the introduction of Boys’ State Representatives Peyton Tindle and Larry Moore, who both shared about their time at boys’ state.
         On the girls’ side, Bea Hensel, Montezuma American Legion Auxiliary President, introduced Sara Bos, who shared about her experience at girls’ state.
            Kami Mathes also attended girls’ state, but was unable to attend due to an illness.
           The guest speaker was Jim Keller, founder and curator of the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial in Albia.
The building is located at 803 E. Jefferson on two acres of land donated in June 2021 to the American Legion by Scott, Kevin and Kerri Carl, the grandchildren of the late Cloyd and Francis Carl of Montezuma.
          Funding for the project came from several sources, including the sale of land owned by the American Legion located west of Lake Ponderosa.
           The Legion held numerous watermelon and root beer float fundraisers during community events such as summer nights.
         Other funds have come from Legion sponsored car shows on the last Saturday in September. The fourth show was held on Sept. 27. 
      Additional funds have come from an ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) grant through the Poweshiek County Board of Supervisors. In addition, the American Legion received a sizeable grant from the Poweshiek County Alliance.
       Construction on the new 60’ by 80’ foot building began in the summer of 2024. The building opened its doors one year later in August 2025.
       The building features a large gathering area for meetings, community events, ans celebrations. It also features an large kitchen with a serving counter, two stoves, two refrigerators and three sinks, a bar area, plenty of seating, a storge and HVAC room, restrooms, a patio and vestibule.
        “It is a very nice facility for our community,” said Roger Schroeder, a member of the Sons of the American Legion. “The program was very good.”
        Schroeder said the Montezuma Sons of the American Legion visited the Welcome Home Soldier Memorial and said it was great.
             “Jim Keller gave us a personnel tour,” he added. “That made it very special.”
             “It was wonderful,” said Chris Nolte. “There was lots of patriotism and the kids did a great job.”
            “The building is a tribute to the dedication of the Legion, Auxiliary and Sons,” added Nolte. “It’s a great asset to Poweshiek County and Montezuma.”
            “This is a great building,” said Uwe Meyer. “This is great for the community and for all of us.”
         “The girls and boys state representatives were well spoken,” noted Janice Albrecht, who was helping serve the veterans and attendees. “Our guest speaker did a great job. What a great program.”
        Contact Hensel at (515) 979-2705 for information on using the new Montezuma American Legion building for a family gathering or community event.

       The Montezuma Color Guard carries the flags into the high school gym at the start of the Veterans Day program on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

        Tim Burgess, the second-year head coach of the Montezuma Bravettes Volleyball team, gives instructions to two players in an early-season match. Burgess was named the SICL Coach of the Year following the 2025 season. The Bravettes went undefeated in conference play and finished the season in the third round of playoffs.

By J.O. Parker

         A total of nine volleyball players at BGM and Montezuma were among those earning SICL All-Conference honors following the 2025 season.
     In addition, SICL Coach of the Year honors went to Tim Burgess, who coached the Bravettes to an SICL conference championship and third round playoff finish in only his second year at the helm.
When asked, Burgess said this honor isn’t about him, it should be about the staff and kids that were the ones to make all the plays.
        “This honor is about winning the conference championship and all those involved in making it happen,” noted Burgess. “I am incredibly lucky to have Tiffany Kercheval on my staff. She has been instrumental with what we have done these past two years. I have incredibly dedicated players who chose to put the their team first above personal glory. They chose to focus on What’s Important Now (WIN) every day, every set, every match. They focused on the right things and worked very hard. These players thrived at meeting new expectations. They were coachable and put trust in what we were trying to do. Honestly, this was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. I don’t miss the competition as much as I miss the day to day together. I am extremely proud of what they accomplished and am equally excited for the future.”
 
1st Team SICL All-Conference
Chloe Snook, Senior – Montezuma
Sydnee Burgess, Junior – Montezuma
Shaye Strong, Senior – BGM
Erilea Kupka, Sophomore – HLV-TC
Nicole Gensley, Senior – HLV-TC
Nataliya Linder, Junior – North Mahaska
Ava Gehrking, Junior – English Valleys
Britney Keeney, Senior – Colfax-Mingo
Addy Fineran, Senior – Sigourney
Bailey Gretter, Junior - Sigourney
Allison Hoover, Sophomore – Belle Plaine
Tatun Huyser, Senior – Lynnville-Sully
 
2nd Team SICL All-Conference
Lauryn Larmore, Sophomore – Montezuma
Lilly Ferry, Senior - Montezuma
Carly Lake, Junior – North Mahaska
Abby Van Weelden, Senior – North Mahaska
Katelyn Steenhoek, Junior – Colfax-Mingo
Emery Hall, Junior – HLV-TC
Hadyn Bender – Junior – English Valleys
Elise Lyle – Sophomore – Keota
Jules Stamp, Sophomore – Belle Plaine
Maeci Marshall, Junior – Iowa Valley
 
Honorable Mention SICL All-Conference
Emy Minnaert, Sophomore – BGM; Mya Beck, Sophomore – BGM
Mya Smothers, Junior – Montezuma; Leah Urfer, Junior – Montezuma
Kennedy Coover, Junior – Belle Plaine; Jadie Dahlquist, Sophomore – Belle Plaine
Grace Hunsberger, Senior – Colfax-Mingo; Grace Allen, Junior – Colfax-Mingo
Joslyn Bender, Sophomore – English Valleys; Anna Gorsh, Senior – English Valleys
Caidyn Schmidt, Sophomore – HLV-TC; Raegen Stowell, Senior – HLV-TC
Clara Fry – Senior – Iowa Valley; Olyvia Grant – Freshman – Iowa Valley
Kennedy Jackson, Senior – Keota; Jaylah Redlinger, Junior – Keota
Kate Harthoorn, Senior – Lynnville-Sully
Gracie DeGeest, Senior – North Mahaska; Alivia Schock, Senior – North Mahaska
Becca Gretter, Junior – Sigourney; Clara Hanselman, Junior - Sigourney
 
Golden Award
Kieren Perez, Senior – North Mahaska; Olivia DeBevec, Sophomore – English Valleys.
         The league’s Golden Award honor is given to a player or players who the coaches felt would have been an honoree, but was unable to play most of the season due to an injury.
 
Coach of the Year
Tim Burgess – Montezuma

     Our Christmas recital is scheduled and set to roll! What a fun time to be merry and bright while listening/dancing to some of the best Christmas tunes! Don’t miss out