BGM named ‘high performing’ in school performance ratings

​By J.O. Parker
 
       The Iowa Department of Education recently released 2025 Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISSP) for the 2024–25 school year and BGM was in the top tier of state ratings.
       Shane Ehresman, secondary principal at BGM, shared the good news at the school’s October Board of Education meeting held on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
     School ISSP rating categories are: Exceptional, High Performing, Commendable, Acceptable, Needs Improvement and Priority.
         BGM 7-12 graders received a rating of High Performing with a score of 654.06 out of 900  (top 18 percent of all 1,276 Iowa schools).
       The highest rating ever at BGM 7-12 was Acceptable. Last year, 7-12 BGM was rated Priority based on spring 2024 Iowa Statewide Assessment of student progress (ISAS) scores. The ISSP is based primarily on spring 2025 ISASP scores.
        Ehresman noted that the Secondary Building Leadership Team (BLT) approved 2025-26 priorities. The BLT team wrote goals based on teacher feedback and BLT team member discussions. The goals are as follows:
       • Focus on Iowa Department of Education 21st Century Skills (civic literacy, employability skills, financial literacy, health literacy and technology literacy)
        • Course offerings
        • School culture
        • Review AEA Special Education Evaluation Final Report (January 2026)
    BLT team members are Carrie Dolmage, Lisa Kirby, John Yates, Jeff Holden, Ashley Kriegel, Amber Heishman, Tracey Gerard, Angie Radcliffe and Ehresman.
       BGM Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood noted that the music department is excited to once again bring the Des Moines Metro Opera’s education troupe, Opera Iowa, to BGM in April 2026.
This marks the troupe’s third visit to the BGM district in recent years. They previously performed Rusalka, the Littlest Mermaid in 2022, followed by Sid the Serpent and an evening performance of Beauty and the Beast in 2024.
       Sherwood noted that all students in Pre K – 6, along with select JH/SH students, will attend the daytime opera performance before lunch. In the afternoon, the Opera Iowa team will conduct the masterclass with JH/HS choir students. Additionally, there will be a community evening performance of Cinderella by Borths/Rossini/Massenet.
      “We are thrilled to share that this opportunity is being fully funded by a generous donation from the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation,” noted Sherwood. “We are incredibly grateful for their support in bringing this experience to BGM students and families.”
        On Oct. 2, BGM celebrated the school’s amazing custodians with a Superhero-themed door display at the elementary school and provided them with treats.
      “Our custodial staff consistently keeps our facilities in excellent condition and we are so grateful for all they do all year round,” noted Sherwood.
       It was also noted that elementary students were taking part in Fire Prevention Week activities including a fire drill, preschool field trip to the fire station, a K-3 assembly  and fire truck rides and a grades 4-6 assembly.
     Sherwood noted that Red Ribbon Week with various activities focused on making healthy, drug-free choices would be observed later this month. Guest speakers, themed events and dress up days are planned to reinforce these important messages.
        Parent-teacher conferences will be held on Oct. 29 – 30, alongside the school’s Fall Book Fair.
      “We appreciate our PIE (Partners in Education) group who will once again provide food for staff during the conference evenings,” said Sherwood.
       Sherwood noted that Halloween celebrations will take place on Thursday, Oct. 30. Students in Preschool through second grade have been invited to participate in a costume parade at Brooklyn Community Estates.
Other business
        In other business, the board approved an open enrollment request for Coralynn Puls from Grinnell.
    Also approved was the resignation of Brenda Day as assistant volleyball coach. Jawny Massengale, a volunteer assistant volleyball coach, was offered a paid position as assistant volleyball coach. The board also approved Laura Manatt as a volunteer assistant basketball coach.
       The next school board is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.