Wishing all of our families a wonderful holiday season and happy new year!
CONGRATULATIONS to our IXL winners for the month of December!!
1st Place- Emerie Henson (7,674 correct questions answered)
2nd Place- Ava Brown (7,406 correct questions answered)
3rd Place- Trace Flagel (4,455 correct questions answered)
Third Grade also took 1st Place as a class with an average of over 2,147 correct questions answered per student. They absolutely rocked it!!
We would also like to recognize our December Top Ten:
Mila Doubek, Logan McDermott, Colt Hughes, Josie Kilburg, Noah Marshall, Wyatt Rabe, Lincoln Irwin, Kenley Doubek, Isabella Ingersoll, and Chloe McClain
Your hard work and dedication to learning shines through- Way to go!
1st Place- Emerie Henson (7,674 correct questions answered)
2nd Place- Ava Brown (7,406 correct questions answered)
3rd Place- Trace Flagel (4,455 correct questions answered)
Third Grade also took 1st Place as a class with an average of over 2,147 correct questions answered per student. They absolutely rocked it!!
We would also like to recognize our December Top Ten:
Mila Doubek, Logan McDermott, Colt Hughes, Josie Kilburg, Noah Marshall, Wyatt Rabe, Lincoln Irwin, Kenley Doubek, Isabella Ingersoll, and Chloe McClain
Your hard work and dedication to learning shines through- Way to go!
What a way to close out the 2025 year! We learned about Habit 4: Think Win-Win, celebrated others through shoutouts by student leaders and teachers, showcased genius hour presentations, and ended our day with Donuts with Grownups.
December is the season of giving back, and our students are leading the way! 🎄✨
Through our Giving Tree project, our students practiced "Thinking Win-Win" by pairing leadership with heart. On Monday, our students hit the road to deliver donations and sing carols at local nursing homes! 🎤🏘️
We are so proud of their commitment to service and so grateful for everyone who donated to make this happen.
Together, we’re making the holidays a little brighter! 🌟
#StudentLeaders #DelwoodGivingTree #SpreadJoy
We would like to extend a special thanks to author Coach Sloth for stopping by this morning! The students really enjoyed his presentation and learning about all the books he’s written. Students were even able to help act out the characters in "Hank the Bully"! Coach Sloth played college football at Iowa State, semi-pro with the Iowa Barnstormers and has appeared in several movies. To date, he’s had 10 children’s books published!
You can also check out his website: https://coachsloth.com
You can also check out his website: https://coachsloth.com
Fourth grade hosted a Poetry Slam this morning to wrap up their Amplify Poetry unit. Each student did a fantastic job on their poems and letting their voice shine through!
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS:
TK: Heidi has been participating so well during lessons and has been working hard on solving conflicts independently. Braylynn always gives her best effort and strives to reach every goal she sets, especially during math activities. - Ms. Eden
KINDERGARTEN: Mila and Beckett both have been coming to the carpet so quietly and being respectful to their teacher and friends! Keep it up! -Mrs. Sierra
SECOND GRADE: Allen Behrle and Adeline Kinrade--Both of these students have been doing a great job of being more involved in the class. They are participating in discussions by raising their hands and volunteering to share their thoughts and ideas. I love that they are both so much more outgoing and willing to share with the group! Keep it up Allen and Adeline! -Mrs. Eberhart
Natalynn Otten has been very focused on sounding out words and is using great strategies when she blending her sounds together. She has been coming into the room ready to get right to work and is making good choices during our work time. Thank you for putting in the effort it takes to be a better reader. -Mrs. Kleinsmith
As we've been preparing for the concert, Eoghan Ashpole has been giving his best effort by showing "riser-ready," singing his best, and responding quickly when given a direction. I can count on Eoghan to make good choices to help himself be successful!
Easton Edwards has been working hard in music. He is always looking for ways to help Ms. Spencer and the class, asks thoughtful questions, and works to better himself each class. I'm proud of Easton for his growth in music this past year! -Ms. Spencer
THIRD GRADE: Emerie Henson, Josie Kilburg, and Mila Doubek- These three students stand out for following expectations even when no one else is looking. They frequently have their hands up to participate in class. They also work hard on independent work and ask questions when they don't understand. -Mrs. Keiffer
FOURTH GRADE: Jaycee Cavanagh has been demonstrating extreme kindness when her classmates need help. She is the first one to volunteer to lend a hand, to give encouragement, and help with anything that others need. She is a great role model for others and continues to lead by example. I am so proud of her! _Ms. Hodge
FIFTH GRADE: Lincoln Irwin's determination, work ethic, never-give-up attitude, and sense of humor are helping him make incredible strides in fluency. He set a goal and has been working very hard to reach it. His effort, positive attitude and excitement have helped him make great gains. Way to go!
Haiden Hughes has shined on both the math and reading and tests for the last units. She has also been a fabulous partner in groups where she takes on a leadership role and keeps everyone on task and working together. Keep it up! -Mrs. Maher
Congratulations to each of these students- we are so proud of their kindness, hard work, and leadership!
TK: Heidi has been participating so well during lessons and has been working hard on solving conflicts independently. Braylynn always gives her best effort and strives to reach every goal she sets, especially during math activities. - Ms. Eden
KINDERGARTEN: Mila and Beckett both have been coming to the carpet so quietly and being respectful to their teacher and friends! Keep it up! -Mrs. Sierra
SECOND GRADE: Allen Behrle and Adeline Kinrade--Both of these students have been doing a great job of being more involved in the class. They are participating in discussions by raising their hands and volunteering to share their thoughts and ideas. I love that they are both so much more outgoing and willing to share with the group! Keep it up Allen and Adeline! -Mrs. Eberhart
Natalynn Otten has been very focused on sounding out words and is using great strategies when she blending her sounds together. She has been coming into the room ready to get right to work and is making good choices during our work time. Thank you for putting in the effort it takes to be a better reader. -Mrs. Kleinsmith
As we've been preparing for the concert, Eoghan Ashpole has been giving his best effort by showing "riser-ready," singing his best, and responding quickly when given a direction. I can count on Eoghan to make good choices to help himself be successful!
Easton Edwards has been working hard in music. He is always looking for ways to help Ms. Spencer and the class, asks thoughtful questions, and works to better himself each class. I'm proud of Easton for his growth in music this past year! -Ms. Spencer
THIRD GRADE: Emerie Henson, Josie Kilburg, and Mila Doubek- These three students stand out for following expectations even when no one else is looking. They frequently have their hands up to participate in class. They also work hard on independent work and ask questions when they don't understand. -Mrs. Keiffer
FOURTH GRADE: Jaycee Cavanagh has been demonstrating extreme kindness when her classmates need help. She is the first one to volunteer to lend a hand, to give encouragement, and help with anything that others need. She is a great role model for others and continues to lead by example. I am so proud of her! _Ms. Hodge
FIFTH GRADE: Lincoln Irwin's determination, work ethic, never-give-up attitude, and sense of humor are helping him make incredible strides in fluency. He set a goal and has been working very hard to reach it. His effort, positive attitude and excitement have helped him make great gains. Way to go!
Haiden Hughes has shined on both the math and reading and tests for the last units. She has also been a fabulous partner in groups where she takes on a leadership role and keeps everyone on task and working together. Keep it up! -Mrs. Maher
Congratulations to each of these students- we are so proud of their kindness, hard work, and leadership!
Thank you to every one who took an ornament from our Giving Tree for our friends at Jackson Ridge! We love being able to give back to those in need, and our students enjoy being a part of service learning projects like this one. Your generosity is much appreciated! Please make sure to have ornaments and gifts returned to the school by this Friday, December 12th so we can coordinate times to get the gifts delivered.
Please plan to join us this Thursday for our Winter Concert! Our students have been working so hard on their performances and we know it will be fantastic- you won't want to miss it!
WINTER COAT DRIVE: We are looking to collect coats for students in need. If you have coats, boots, snowpants, hats, or gloves to donate to the school, we would appreciate it! Please reach out to the school with any questions.
We couldn't let the 67th day of school pass without a special message to our students!
Delwood Stakeholders,
We have updated our Special Education Delivery Plan and it will remain on our website for public comment until December 10, 2025. The plan will then go to the school board for approval. If you have comments regarding the plan, please contact Mr. Trenkamp, Special Education Director at Ntrenkamp@delwood.k12.ia.us
The Delwood Special Education Delivery Plan can be accessed here.
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS:
Congratulations to the students who earned a shoutout this week for their hard work and responsibility!
Preschoolers Aiden, Cal, and Cam celebrated their shoutout lunches on Thursday with no preschool on Friday.
Beckett, Addison, and Jovie for working hard on tricky reading skills, lending a helpful hand, and doing a great job following directions.
Addison Lafrenz for absolutely rocking it this week by improving her fluency every day, putting in her best effort, and keeping a positive attitude.
Colt Hughes for being an awesome leader in PE class and impressing his teacher by writing a long response with several details from the text.
Wyatt for achieving the most growth this month in math on IXL, hitting triple digits in the math arena.
Violet for the highest positive gains in both math and reading on IXL this month.
Tanner Usher for helping to sort through sound wall materials.
Kingston for coming in ready to work each day this week, responding politely, and getting started right away.
Blake for being so helpful cleaning up the classroom and always putting her best effort into everything.
Cohen for working hard on his handwriting and showing kindness by always thinking of others.
Trace for doing a great job this week helping a TK friend during recess while lining up.
Keep showing up and doing your best! We love celebrating your success!
#StudentShoutouts #Vikingproud
Congratulations to the students who earned a shoutout this week for their hard work and responsibility!
Preschoolers Aiden, Cal, and Cam celebrated their shoutout lunches on Thursday with no preschool on Friday.
Beckett, Addison, and Jovie for working hard on tricky reading skills, lending a helpful hand, and doing a great job following directions.
Addison Lafrenz for absolutely rocking it this week by improving her fluency every day, putting in her best effort, and keeping a positive attitude.
Colt Hughes for being an awesome leader in PE class and impressing his teacher by writing a long response with several details from the text.
Wyatt for achieving the most growth this month in math on IXL, hitting triple digits in the math arena.
Violet for the highest positive gains in both math and reading on IXL this month.
Tanner Usher for helping to sort through sound wall materials.
Kingston for coming in ready to work each day this week, responding politely, and getting started right away.
Blake for being so helpful cleaning up the classroom and always putting her best effort into everything.
Cohen for working hard on his handwriting and showing kindness by always thinking of others.
Trace for doing a great job this week helping a TK friend during recess while lining up.
Keep showing up and doing your best! We love celebrating your success!
#StudentShoutouts #Vikingproud
After School Program went for ice cream on Friday for their monthly field trip. Thank you to the Ice Cream Derby for letting us visit!
STAFF SHOUTOUT: Michelle Maher
Our staff shoutout for this week goes to Mrs. Maher, our 5th grade teacher at Delwood Elementary.
Principal Rabe said that she appreciates Michelle's dedication to excellence and having high expectations for all students. She is organized, and always finds a way to get things done. She prioritizes her students growth and does a nice job celebrating their successes. She is a strong instructional leader in our building and brings many years of experience to the classroom. She had 100% of her students proficient in math and reading last year on our state assessments, which is a strong reflection of her dedication to success and collaborating with her colleagues to help students grow."
Her colleagues had the following to say about her:
"Michelle is a colleague who is always willing to collaborate to find what works best for students. She consistently pushes students to reach their fullest potential. Highly organized, well-spoken, and passionate about everything she does, Michelle brings dedication and excellence to every aspect of her work." -Mrs. DeMoss
"Michelle has been a wonderful mentor to me at Delwood. In my first years here, she was very helpful in keeping me on the right track with everything we were doing at school. She has become a great resource for me and usually has the solution for whatever problem I might throw at her." -Mr. Cavanagh
Thank you, Michelle, for being an important part of our Delwood team!
Our staff shoutout for this week goes to Mrs. Maher, our 5th grade teacher at Delwood Elementary.
Principal Rabe said that she appreciates Michelle's dedication to excellence and having high expectations for all students. She is organized, and always finds a way to get things done. She prioritizes her students growth and does a nice job celebrating their successes. She is a strong instructional leader in our building and brings many years of experience to the classroom. She had 100% of her students proficient in math and reading last year on our state assessments, which is a strong reflection of her dedication to success and collaborating with her colleagues to help students grow."
Her colleagues had the following to say about her:
"Michelle is a colleague who is always willing to collaborate to find what works best for students. She consistently pushes students to reach their fullest potential. Highly organized, well-spoken, and passionate about everything she does, Michelle brings dedication and excellence to every aspect of her work." -Mrs. DeMoss
"Michelle has been a wonderful mentor to me at Delwood. In my first years here, she was very helpful in keeping me on the right track with everything we were doing at school. She has become a great resource for me and usually has the solution for whatever problem I might throw at her." -Mr. Cavanagh
Thank you, Michelle, for being an important part of our Delwood team!
We had a great turn out for Family Night! Thank you to everyone who came and made it a fun evening!
Please consider supporting our Giving Tree project!
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS:
We are so proud of our Vikings and the amazing leadership, kindness, and growth they show every day. Check out this week’s shoutouts from our staff! 💚🖤
👏 Raelee & Grady
These two have worked hard all week—completing their work on time, putting full thought into everything they do, and using their time wisely. Way to go, Raelee and Grady! We are so proud of you!
👏 Anja & Aria
Both girls have been extra helpful in the classroom—picking up trash, following directions, and showing kindness to friends. Keep up the great work, Anja and Aria!
👏 Braylynn & Casey
Braylynn is showing leadership during Heggerty and building strong phonemic awareness. Casey stays on task, completes his work, and always shows kindness. Ms. Eden is proud of you both!
👏 Gray Frett
Gray has shown awesome growth—neater handwriting, stronger math fact fluency during Gumball Math, and excellent progress toward IXL goals. Keep trying your best, Gray!
👏 Oakley Taggart
Oakley jumps right into Amplify Knowledge story time with great listening and amazing recall. Your participation shines, Oakley!
👏 Tate Flagel
Tate is working hard during Math WIN time and pushing himself to meet his IXL goals. Great job, Tate!
👏 Kaiser – 4th Grade
Kaiser brings a positive attitude every day! He engages in lessons, makes personal connections during reading, and shows true excitement for learning. Keep it up!
👏 Ernest Feeler
Ernest starts every morning by greeting students at the door, opening it for others, and sharing high fives. Thank you for spreading positivity, Ernest!
👏 Preston Cathelyn
Preston works hard and gives his best effort in everything he does. Keep it up, Preston!
👏 Charle Postell
Charle has shown tremendous musical growth and has been a fearless singer while preparing concert music. Her effort helps the whole group shine. Great job, Charle!
👏 Harrison & Ryan
During recess, Harrison was accidentally hit with a ball and Ryan immediately helped him to make sure he was okay. Both boys handled the situation maturely and responsibly. Great job, boys!
👏 Walter & Adalyn
Both have shown major growth in reading thanks to their hard work and perseverance. Keep it up!
👏 Savannah & Dekker
Savannah cares deeply about her work and always gives her best.
Dekker shows responsibility and uses his class time wisely to complete work on time. Great job to both!
👏 Evelynn Albrecht – 2nd Grade
Evelynn stays focused on her sounds and word writing, forming beautiful letters and spelling carefully. Keep working hard!
👏 Dean Block
Dean has worked hard to follow directions while using his Chromebook and used it responsibly all week. Keep it up, Dean!
👏 Cason
Cason works hard in everything he does, perseveres through challenges, and is always willing to help a friend. Amazing leadership, Cason!
👏 Carson Denger
Carson follows routines, stays curious, and helps friends—whether it’s putting name tags away, sharing, or including others. Keep being you, Carson!
👏 Vivienne
Vivienne is working toward neater writing—slowing down, forming letters beautifully, and using finger spaces. She’s growing as a writer every day. Great job, Vivienne!
👏 6th Grade Class
Mrs. Rabe shared a shoutout for the entire 6th grade class. They are excellent leaders- always looking for ways to be helpful and a good example to younger students. After the Veteran's Day Program on Tuesday, 6th grade stayed to help put everything away and continued to find ways to help even when they were not asked. Thank you for being helpful and caring for your school!
Congratulations to our shoutout students this week! Keep showing leadership, kindness, and hard work every day!
(We talked about why we receive a shoutout from teachers or staff- being responsible, respectful and caring towards others- setting goals and working hard to achieve them. We want students to understand the purpose behind receiving a shoutout and how we want to celebrate them when they do their best).
We are so proud of our Vikings and the amazing leadership, kindness, and growth they show every day. Check out this week’s shoutouts from our staff! 💚🖤
👏 Raelee & Grady
These two have worked hard all week—completing their work on time, putting full thought into everything they do, and using their time wisely. Way to go, Raelee and Grady! We are so proud of you!
👏 Anja & Aria
Both girls have been extra helpful in the classroom—picking up trash, following directions, and showing kindness to friends. Keep up the great work, Anja and Aria!
👏 Braylynn & Casey
Braylynn is showing leadership during Heggerty and building strong phonemic awareness. Casey stays on task, completes his work, and always shows kindness. Ms. Eden is proud of you both!
👏 Gray Frett
Gray has shown awesome growth—neater handwriting, stronger math fact fluency during Gumball Math, and excellent progress toward IXL goals. Keep trying your best, Gray!
👏 Oakley Taggart
Oakley jumps right into Amplify Knowledge story time with great listening and amazing recall. Your participation shines, Oakley!
👏 Tate Flagel
Tate is working hard during Math WIN time and pushing himself to meet his IXL goals. Great job, Tate!
👏 Kaiser – 4th Grade
Kaiser brings a positive attitude every day! He engages in lessons, makes personal connections during reading, and shows true excitement for learning. Keep it up!
👏 Ernest Feeler
Ernest starts every morning by greeting students at the door, opening it for others, and sharing high fives. Thank you for spreading positivity, Ernest!
👏 Preston Cathelyn
Preston works hard and gives his best effort in everything he does. Keep it up, Preston!
👏 Charle Postell
Charle has shown tremendous musical growth and has been a fearless singer while preparing concert music. Her effort helps the whole group shine. Great job, Charle!
👏 Harrison & Ryan
During recess, Harrison was accidentally hit with a ball and Ryan immediately helped him to make sure he was okay. Both boys handled the situation maturely and responsibly. Great job, boys!
👏 Walter & Adalyn
Both have shown major growth in reading thanks to their hard work and perseverance. Keep it up!
👏 Savannah & Dekker
Savannah cares deeply about her work and always gives her best.
Dekker shows responsibility and uses his class time wisely to complete work on time. Great job to both!
👏 Evelynn Albrecht – 2nd Grade
Evelynn stays focused on her sounds and word writing, forming beautiful letters and spelling carefully. Keep working hard!
👏 Dean Block
Dean has worked hard to follow directions while using his Chromebook and used it responsibly all week. Keep it up, Dean!
👏 Cason
Cason works hard in everything he does, perseveres through challenges, and is always willing to help a friend. Amazing leadership, Cason!
👏 Carson Denger
Carson follows routines, stays curious, and helps friends—whether it’s putting name tags away, sharing, or including others. Keep being you, Carson!
👏 Vivienne
Vivienne is working toward neater writing—slowing down, forming letters beautifully, and using finger spaces. She’s growing as a writer every day. Great job, Vivienne!
👏 6th Grade Class
Mrs. Rabe shared a shoutout for the entire 6th grade class. They are excellent leaders- always looking for ways to be helpful and a good example to younger students. After the Veteran's Day Program on Tuesday, 6th grade stayed to help put everything away and continued to find ways to help even when they were not asked. Thank you for being helpful and caring for your school!
Congratulations to our shoutout students this week! Keep showing leadership, kindness, and hard work every day!
(We talked about why we receive a shoutout from teachers or staff- being responsible, respectful and caring towards others- setting goals and working hard to achieve them. We want students to understand the purpose behind receiving a shoutout and how we want to celebrate them when they do their best).
STAFF SHOUTOUT: Cora Roe
This week we would like to recognize Cora Roe as our staff shoutout! Mrs. Roe moved back to preschool at the beginning of last year and has been doing great things with our young students.
Principal Julia Rabe said "Cora is one of those people who makes me smile every time I see her. I love that she always puts kids first and finds ways to connect and build relationships with each of them. Her classroom is one of my favorite places, and everything she does is with the intention and purpose of growing herself and her students. In addition, Cora has been instrumental as we started our Transitional Kindergarten program this year and helped to align our preschool and TK programs. "
When asked about Cora, a teacher said, "Cora has been a lifesaver and a huge help. As a new teacher and going back to school, I have had so many questions that she has helped answer. I could not do this without her. "
Several other teachers also spoke to Cora's organization and helpfulness. They stated that the reason our students have been able to show such success in Kindergarten is due to the quality instructional programming and support they receive in Preschool.
Thank you, Cora, for being an important part of our Delwood team!
This week we would like to recognize Cora Roe as our staff shoutout! Mrs. Roe moved back to preschool at the beginning of last year and has been doing great things with our young students.
Principal Julia Rabe said "Cora is one of those people who makes me smile every time I see her. I love that she always puts kids first and finds ways to connect and build relationships with each of them. Her classroom is one of my favorite places, and everything she does is with the intention and purpose of growing herself and her students. In addition, Cora has been instrumental as we started our Transitional Kindergarten program this year and helped to align our preschool and TK programs. "
When asked about Cora, a teacher said, "Cora has been a lifesaver and a huge help. As a new teacher and going back to school, I have had so many questions that she has helped answer. I could not do this without her. "
Several other teachers also spoke to Cora's organization and helpfulness. They stated that the reason our students have been able to show such success in Kindergarten is due to the quality instructional programming and support they receive in Preschool.
Thank you, Cora, for being an important part of our Delwood team!
Today our students and staff and community came together for our annual Veterans Day Program to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. We are so grateful for the veterans who joined us and for the opportunity to learn about the meaning of service, sacrifice, and gratitude. Thank you for inspiring our students and for protecting our freedoms!
Our Student Leaders were responsible for greeting our guests today, and Dekker Morris, one of our Student Leaders in fifth grade gave a speech about why we celebrate Veteran's Day. One of our Delwood parents and a veteran, Josh Bauer, talked about why we should cherish our freedom and never take them for granted. Our 6th grade band performed the Star Spangled Banner, and 5th/6th Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley, followed by a performance from our own Ms. Spencer for her special rendition of Taps.
Thank you to everyone who attended this afternoon and to our veterans, thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice in serving our great country.
Our Student Leaders were responsible for greeting our guests today, and Dekker Morris, one of our Student Leaders in fifth grade gave a speech about why we celebrate Veteran's Day. One of our Delwood parents and a veteran, Josh Bauer, talked about why we should cherish our freedom and never take them for granted. Our 6th grade band performed the Star Spangled Banner, and 5th/6th Choir sang the Armed Forces Medley, followed by a performance from our own Ms. Spencer for her special rendition of Taps.
Thank you to everyone who attended this afternoon and to our veterans, thank you for your courage, dedication, and sacrifice in serving our great country.
