BGM School board kicks off new school year with good reports

By ​J.O. Parker
 
           The BGM Board of Education met in regular session on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
       Following a closed session, the board approved the open enrollment application for Sophia Petsche, grade 11, from BGM to Belle Plaine. Also approved was an open enrollment application for Duncan Smith, a Begindergarten (BK), from Grinnell to BGM.
        The board approved employment offers for Brad Dolmage, Volunteer Set Construction; Beth Byers and Emily Daugherty, Co-Speech Coaches; and Jade Henning, Volunteer Cheer Coach.
       The board discussed preliminary infrastructure plans for 2026. Projects include revamping the high school library with new carpet and furniture. Also discussed were future updates to the wrestling room along with continued improvements to the elementary playground.
         Elementary Principal Mary Sherwood reported that the district welcomed 13 new students in grades K-6, while nine student moved out of the district.
         “Our preschool enrollment currently stands at 39,” Principal Sherwood said.
         It was stated that a 3-year-old student is scheduled to begin in January.
      Current class sizes are: Begindergarten, 12; Kindergarten, 23; First grade, 38; Second grade, 34; Third grade, 33; Fourth grade, 42; Fifth grade, 36; and Sixth grade, 52.
        Principal Sherwood said that the elementary students kicked off the school year with a Back-to-School Open House. This year, families enjoyed ice cream bars generously donated by Bear Creek Dairy.
        District-wide fall screening assessments in reading and math began on Sept. 8. It was also reported that sixth grade students attended the School of the Wild at Diamond Lake during the week of Sept. 8.
        It was also reported that the Partners in Education (PIE) group has already met several times and is off to an enthusiastic and productive start.
      “They have many exciting plans for supporting our students and staff throughout the year,” noted Principal Sherwood. “One major initiative under discussion is the development of an inclusive playground area.”
      This area would include a an Inclusive Whirl, an inclusive seesaw, three freestanding sensory activity panels, a 20’ x 20’ x 8’ single-post pyramid cantilever and playground turf to cover the area.
        It was also noted that the PIE group is exploring options for adding shade structures to the playground.
Principal Sherwood reported that Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and Manatts had a school supply drive from their employees and donated that to BGM School before classes started. Compass Memorial also donated some money they collected from their employees to be used for school supplies as well.
     Principal Sherwood said the Brooklyn Kiwanis gave a $1,000 donation to divide between elementary teachers to spend for a few little extras they want for their classroom.
      BGM High School Principal Shane Ehresman reported the following enrollment numbers to the board. Current class sizes are: Seventh grade, 33; Eighth grade, 44; Ninth grade, 38; 10th grade, 46; 11th grade, 41; and 12th grade, 47.
        It was reported that Principal Ehresman and Joe Tafta hosted an optional senior class meeting to kick off the year and hear their thoughts and ideas.
     “The meeting was an opportunity for seniors to share their expectations for a truly memorable and successful year,” noted Ehresman.
       Principal Ehresman noted that a 7 – 12 grade BGM Facebook page began on May 21. Many videos, photos, student/family information updates and scores have been posted on the page.
        “To date, there are 510 Facebook followers and since the week of Aug. 30, there have been more than 35,000 total views.
        Joe Tafta has been instrumental in setting up the Facebook page and Jeremy Mize will be sending online surveys to students, families and staff to solicit feedback on ways to improve the Facebook page.
       It was reported that Angie Radcliffe has organized the following activities for students in the upcoming months:
         Sept. 23 – 11th grade trip to the Marshalltown Community College Fair
         Oct. 9 – 10th grade field trip to the Pella College Fair
         Oct. 14 – Ninth grade campus visit to the University of Northern Iowa
        Recently teachers were divided into four groups during an early dismissal to discuss subjects including building leadership, daily schedules, technology and writing.
        Another area of growth is college course offerings. Principal Ehresman reported that 51 BGM students are take college courses, including three on-site college classes and three Iowa Valley on-site classes: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Auto Academy 1 and Auto Academy 2.
       The board closed the meeting with a discussion about an issue raised regarding the school being cashless. Last year, the district went to a credit card and online ticketing system for attending events.
       Board member Sammy Kuntz noted that a recent post on the BGM Facebook page had some contradictory information regarding this issue.
        He was asking for clarification about this and the concession stand that allows cash or credit cards this year.
         It was noted that the district is not cashless, but that method of payment is preferred. It was also noted that BGM passes are the way to go for those who attend school activities and events.