PRESCHOOL: Emma Brauer, Aiden Slattery and Emerson Schuller all deserve a shoutout from Ms. Ruth! Emma is working very hard on her color's and shapes. Aiden and Emerson are working hard on classroom rules. They all have a positive mindset in the classroom and always try to do their best.
Blakely Holm has been working hard on her problem solving skills, and finding solutions to her own people problems. Keep up the good work!
TK: Ashton has been a leader during lessons, always showing that he’s ready to learn more. He’s also done a great job waiting patiently at centers when they’re full.
Ernest has been working hard on his letter of the week activities and never fails to put a smile on everyone’s face. Keep it up Ashton and Ernest!
KG: Ayla works so hard in class to ensure she always does her job, is respectful and responsible and makes great choices. Lilian is a friend to all and always is so patient and kind to each and every student in our classroom. We are so proud of how hard these girls have worked this year. Keep shining and working hard girls!
1ST: Ava Brown always puts forth her very best effort every day. She colors beautifully, has super neat handwriting, and uses her time wisely. I’m proud of her hard work! Keep it up!
2ND: Carter is working hard on getting work done without bothering others. He has done a good job of keeping his attention to himself and getting done whatever it is he needs to get done.
Adeline has been working so hard to keep caught up with her work in the classroom. When she gets pulled out of the classroom for different things, she comes back in and works hard to get her work complete. Keep up the hard work, Adeline!
4TH: Mrs. Kleinsmith would like to give a shout out to Adam Brown for having the fastest time reading 102 multi syllable words in 1 minute and 9 seconds in her mClass group. Great job reading, Adam.
Logan and Kaiser have been doing a great job of keeping the end in mind. They track their personal goals to make sure that they are on their way to achieving it. They take their time and are thoughtful in their work. They demonstrate their understanding well and keep in mind the learning goals they are trying to achieve. Keep up the great work!
5TH: Wyatt demonstrated good effort and his hard work has paid off in both math and fluency this week. He took his time, tried his best and got great results. Keep it up!
Gracie completed all of her assignments on time and worked well with her partner! Way to go!
6TH: Amelie and Preslee have been doing a great job in class. they have been giving their best effort and are a joy to have in the classroom.
MUSIC: Addison McClain comes to her band lessons prepared and ready to learn, and always asks questions in class to make sure she's on the right track. Addison approaches challenges with an open mind and never gives up. We are proud of the hard work and determination in lessons and in class. Keep it up, Addison!
In music, Ms. Spencer can always count on Cole, Tysen, and Adeline to be ready to listen when she gives the signal, give their best effort, and be excellent role models. Their leadership in the music room does not go unnoticed! Way to go, Tysen, Cole, and Adeline!
Congratulations to our students of the week- keep up the great work!
Principal Julia Rabe shared that "Lauren is always leading by example. She always has a smile on her face and positive energy that follows her wherever she goes. She always is willing to lend a hand, and cares deeply about the students and staff she works with. Lauren is always looking for ways to make our school better by planning activities for the students and staff, and looking for ways to promote a positive, inclusive culture through relationships and connections."
Here's what other teachers have to say about her:
"Lauren is someone you can always count on to get a job done! She makes sure everyone feels supported, always goes above and beyond, and truly is the best teacher to her students. "
"Lauren is a reliable, generous, and thoughtful teammate. She brings positivity and dedication to everything she does. Her hard work and genuine care for her students shines through every single day. Lauren always puts their learning first and builds meaningful relationships that make a lasting impact. She helps make our school a fun and welcoming place by creating engaging activities that brings joy to both students and staff. Beyond the classroom, Lauren is the kind of colleague everyone can count on. She is always ready to lend a hand, share ideas, or offer encouragement. Our workplace is better and stronger because of her! "
"Lauren is always willing to lend a listening ear and help with any project or organize any special event. She builds strong relationships with her students and their parents. I enjoy working with Lauren because she is dependable, trustworthy, and hardworking."
"Lauren is an incredibly helpful and giving person who always puts the needs of students first. She creates a safe and welcoming environment where every child feels valued and supported. In addition to being highly organized, she consistently goes above and beyond, doing countless things behind the scenes to support both students and staff at Delwood. Lauren is not only an exceptional teacher but an even better person, and her kindness and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone around her."
Thank you, Lauren, for all you do to make our school and community an awesome place to be!
extend a heartfelt thank you to our amazing community partners, families, and staff for helping make our Trunk or Treat such a fun and successful event! 👏
Your creativity, generosity, and support brought so much joy to our students and families. 💚🖤
We are proud to be part of a community that always comes together to make special moments like this possible. Thank you for helping make Delwood a great place to learn, grow, and celebrate together! 💫
#DelwoodElementary #VikingPride #CommunityStrong #TrunkOrTreat
We’re so proud of our 6th graders for completing the D.A.R.E. program! These students have learned valuable lessons about making safe, smart, and responsible choices.
A huge thank you to Officer Zach Lange for leading our Vikings through this important journey with energy, humor, and heart!
#DelwoodVikings #DAREtoBeGreat #VikingStrong
Our staff shoutout this week goes to Jessica Durkop.
Julia Rabe, principal, said: "Jess is always willing to help others and believes in her students. She is always open to new ideas or ways of doing things. I appreciate that she works hard to build relationships with her students and colleagues."
A teacher said, "Jess takes the time to ensure that the needs of our students are being met. She tries new strategies and implements techniques that work best for our students. She truly cares about the success of others! It has been a pleasure working alongside her."
Another teacher said, "Jess has been a pleasure to work with here at Delwood. She is very good at communicating when it comes to our shared students. She knows what needs to be done to help the students be successful and tries to get those things accomplished as best she can. It's always nice to bounce ideas off of her and have our hallway conversations!"
A third teacher said, "Jess is always willing to help or answer a question that I might have! She is a great resource when I have questions regarding any IEP's or instruction questions!"
Thank you, Jess, for being an important part of our Delwood team!!
We would like to recognize Mr. Ray Cavanagh for our staff shoutout this past week. Ray teaches sixth grade at Delwood and if anyone can make school fun while doing hard work, it's Ray. Whether it's technology, teaching, or sports, he can do it all!!
Julia Rabe, principal, said, "I can always count on Ray to make us laugh, be the first person to contribute and share, and be a great role model for the students in our school. He uses humor, sarcasm, and authentic relationship-building to connect with his sixth graders in a way that makes him a favorite time and again. Whether he's leading a basketball club, joking around with kids, trash talking the Packers, or teaching about the yellow fever or greatest common factors, he makes a point of building those connections with students and staff. "
A teacher said, "Ray has been my tech support person for many years. Whether he is fixing my smart board, helping me get something uploaded to a parent or being non-judgemental if I forgot to turn my sound off in a Zoom meeting. I appreciate all he does for anyone who is technically challenged."
Thank you, Ray for all you do for our school!
Delwood Elementary is hosting our first family event of the year. Please join us for Family Bingo Night this Thursday, October 23 from 5:30-7:00 pm (or until all door prizes are gone). Light refreshments will be provided. Bring your best game face and be ready to have some fun!!
📣📣Calling all current parents of Delwood Elementary students 📣📣
We need your feedback!!!
Please take 5-10 minutes to complete the following survey: https://www.leaderinme.com/s/delwood-elementary-school-iowa/families
Thank you!!
STAFF SHOUTOUT 🥳👏
This week our staff shoutout goes to Marcia Kleinsmith! Many people know Marcia as a kindergarten teacher, but since last year, Marcia has worked as a reading and math interventionist. She is always willing to help others and works hard to make connections with students. They are excited to see her and work with her. She also often demonstrates flexibility and willingness to adapt in the moment.
Marcia's best kept secret is her strawberry jam- if you've been lucky enough to get some, you know it's true!
Julia Rabe, principal said the following about Marcia:
"The thing I appreciate most about Marcia, is her willingness to help out and if it's best for kids, she's all in! She is consistently demonstrating flexibility and a growth mindset. She's a great asset to our school!"
Several teachers also echoed that sentiment:
One teacher said "Marcia is always willing to jump in and help. She sees a need and helps without being asked."
Another teacher said "Marcia is a great support to students. She always has great suggestions on how to help them. She's a great resource for teachers and staff as well."
Thank you, Marcia, for being an important part of our Delwood team! 💚🤍
🥳👏STUDENT SHOUTOUTS 🥳👏
Ruby Brauer:
Ruby is becoming more of a leader in the classroom by showing how to be kind to other students. She's sharing her ideas more and showing that all you have to do is try your best! Keep up the positive attitude Ruby!
Vivienne Feeler:
Vivienne will listen carefully to suggestions her teacher gives her to help make her work even better. That shows she has a great attitude and wants to do her very best. Keep it up! You're learning something new every day!
Naomi Swarts and Raelee Clark:
Naomi and Raelee have done a wonderful job helping out around our classroom and school. They are always looking for ways to make our school a better place. They take the initiative to help without being asked. They clean up our classroom at the end of the day, organize items that may be out of place, and assist others in what they may need after completing their tasks. Keep up the great work in helping us achieve our goals!
Caden Kulhman:
He has been working hard to be a great friend, by helping others clean up centers and making sure all the toys are picked up off the floor.
Allen Behrle, Kinsley Kemp, Rhett Morris:
In music, Ms. Spencer can always count on Allen, Kinsley, and Rhett to treat others with kindness and give their best effort. Both in and out of music, they carry a positive attitude and are always looking for ways to help others. Keep it up Allen, Kinsley, and Rhett!
Trace Flagel:
This week’s shoutout goes to Trace! He has been working hard on believing in himself and trying his best to complete his work independently without asking for help right away. Yesterday, he completed all of his math boxes on his own!
Cooper Meyer and Krystin Dontje:
These two students have continued to work hard this year. They are always prepared for class and do their best work.
Taylor Bowman, Cash Adrian and Braxton Becker:
These 3 kids can always be found playing together nicely and sharing toys with one another. All 3 kids have really opened up and let their true colors shine through. Keep up the great work!
Hugh Bowman:
Hugh has been working on remembering to raise his hand to get a teacher's attention. He is always excited to learn and every more excited when he is able to apply that learning in other areas of the classroom. Keep up the good work Hugh!
Avery Knickrehm, Ava Brown, and Charli Bowman:
These three girls went above and beyond in Amplify this week. They are active participants and lead by example. They’ve been working hard, sharing their ideas during lessons, and always trying their best. We are very proud of their effort and focus. Keep up the good work!
Braylynn Edwards and Cohen Spain:
Braylynn is an amazing leader in our class. She is always willing to help her classmates and sets a great example with her positive attitude and kind behavior. Cohen is always eager to learn new things and puts forth his best effort in everything he does. His curiosity and determination make him a wonderful role model for others! Keep it up Braylynn and Cohen!
Raelee Clark, Jaycee Cavanagh, Naomi Swartz, and Gracie Dontje:
Awesome work being good citizens and helping Mrs. Kleinsmith with cutting out math materials. She really appreciated how you worked so hard to finish the job and do it with so much enthusiasm. Thank you for helping your school!
Violet Stamp:
Violet always volunteers to help and demonstrates a willingness to work with anyone
Isabella Ingersoll:
She always produces quality work that is detailed and neat
Jovie Frahm and Sylvie Ingersoll:
Both Jovie and Sylvie are always so kind and inclusive! They make sure everyone feels welcome and loved each and every day. Their caring hearts and positive energy brighten our classroom!
Congratulations to all of our hard-working students! We are so proud of you! 💚🤍 #vikingproud
We also had some great conversations about fire safety and making sure we have a plan for staying safe at home and school.
Thank you to the Delmar Fire Department for teaching us how to stay safe and for making our visit so exciting! #firepreventionweek
Our Delwood Elementary students came together in a big way — collecting over 2,000 non-perishable food items for the Maquoketa Community Cupboard! ❤️
A huge THANK YOU to all of our Delwood families for your generosity and support. Because of you, we’re helping make a difference right here in our community! 🌟
Way to go, Delwood Elementary — what an amazing example of kindness, teamwork, and caring for others! 💪💛
In Sixth grade, Cam and McCoy have been working hard on IXL this last week, and they ended up being the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the classroom when it came to the number of skills they mastered. Andrew has been putting his best effort forward during writing and math time and trying his best always. When he doesn't understand somethings he isn't afraid to ask for help! Keep up the great work!
In kindergarten, Mila Stone is always on task, respectful, gives her best effort and is kind to all! Keep it up, Mila!!!!
In fifth grade, Porter is always getting started right away and gets to work. Jordan always shows up by being prepared and ready to learn.
In second grade, Easton comes in every morning with a pleasant and polite "Good Morning, Mrs. Eberhart." He has been doing a great job of sharing and explaining some of our new math strategies we are learning in class. Keep up the hard work, Easton. Evelynn has been turning in quality work lately! She's taking her time and her work is nice and neat. She is making it something to really be proud of. Way to go, Evelynn!
In preschool, Joe Cavanagh is a great friend and always tries to help others. Hailie Kemp is making a big effort to listen during story time. She is raising her hand to answer questions and becoming more vocal and brave every day! Good job! Stella Taggert and Blake Roling are always trying to do their best whether it be doing a project with their teacher, playing with friends and using their manners. They also show what it should look like during carpet time and when getting in a line. Keep up the great work Stella and Blake!
Casey and Blake in TK were also sent a shoutout by their teacher. Casey is such an amazing friend to others, always participates, and does his best work. Blake is so helpful and her teacher can always count on her to be a leader and a good friend to others. Keep up the good work Casey and Blake!
In first grade, Jorja Kilburg showed wonderful kindness yesterday by helping a classmate clean up. She is always so willing to lend a hand, and it makes the classroom such a positive place! Tate Flagel has been very responsible with his materials and sets a great example for others. His teacher is proud of the effort and kindness he has been showing in class! Ava Pape has been putting great effort into her daily tasks. She is motivated and hard-working!
In fourth grade, Addison LaFrenz and Noah Marshall are consistently great leaders in music, and are always giving their best effort and pay attention right away when the signal is given. They always put first things first by making sure they are following classroom rules and fully participating in activities. They both ask many great questions and are always looking for opportunities to build their music knowledge and skills. Keep it up, Addison and Noah!
In. music, the following students have demonstrated their ability to give their best effort- Maliah Henson always comes to class ready to learn. She is always one of the first I see ready to listen when the signal is given, and waits patiently until the next instruction is given. In activities, she gives her best effort and asks questions as needed. Nice job, Maliah! Violet Stamp begins with the end in mind. In band, she uses multiple resources and skills from outside of music to develop her skills on the oboe. She is always looking for ways to be prepared and organized so that she can be successful in and out of class. She approaches challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, which have shone through in her first 2 band lessons. Keep it up, Violet!
In PE, Kinsley Kemp is one of best listeners her teacher has ever had. She does an awesome job of listening first and then applying it to whatever we are working on. She is also a great example to follow when leading the warm-up. She is loud enough so everybody can hear and she is a great demonstrator for the rest of the class on how you are supposed to do the stretches/exercises the correct way. Great job Kinsley! Keep it up!
In third grade, Charle has done a fabulous job in math! She has been putting in her best effort every day and showing so much determination. I’ve noticed her working independently and really pushing herself to do her best. Especially with trying problems on her own first!
Finally, Mrs. Kleinsmith wanted to send a shoutout to Eoghan Ashpole for being confident enough to dress like her for spirit week. He really got the look with the black dress and glasses!
Way to go everyone!!
Julia Rabe, principal said: "The thing that I appreciate most about Jill is that she has high expectations for her students. She believes that all students can be successful and works to ensure strong routines and consistency for each student. "
Teachers and staff also praised her classroom management and organization, as well as her commitment to ensuring all students learn at high levels.
Thank you, Jill, for being an important part of our Delwood team!
🎉 CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOL 🥳
Delwood Elementary School has been identified once again as a high performing school by the state of Iowa. At 77.04 percent, Delwood is just over one percent away from being exceptional, which is the highest designation given by the state of Iowa. 👏 👏 Delwood has beat out all but two of the elementary schools in our larger area, including the Quad Cities area, which is an amazing accomplishment! Our performance beats out the average for the state of Iowa in every category: growth and proficiency in math and literacy as well as our attendance being lower than the state average.
These results show what we already know- that our school continues to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and quality, rigorous instruction. We should be proud of our great school, quality teachers, and the amazing work we are doing!
Understanding the Iowa School Performance Profile Rating System:
The Iowa Department of Education has released its 2024-25 Iowa School Performance Profile scores – these profiles are a measure of schools across the state based on several data sources.
The Iowa School Performance Profile uses six rating categories as listed below:
Exceptional
High Performing
Commendable
Acceptable
Needs Improvement
Priority
The Iowa Department of Education builds its rating on core indicators such as state assessment results (ISASP) and chronic absenteeism.
If you have any questions about the Iowa School Performance profile, visit the link below or reach out to Dr. Rabe or Mr. Fee:
https://www.iaschoolperformance.gov/ECP/StateDistrictSchool/SchoolSummary?k=18749&y=2025
STUDENT SHOUTOUTS:
We had another big week of student shoutouts!
Lincoln Irwin worked hard on Numeracy Project math skills and increased 25% on the stage he is currently working on. Keep using those great math strategies to solve problems.
Liam, Mila, Josie, Emerie, and Colt B showed great respect on our Ag Safety Day field trip. They represented Delwood so well and really stood out to Miss Zeimet!
Brecken Lundin has been an awesome leader in PE class. Mr. Skogen can always count on him to be doing his job, participating to the best of his ability, and having a positive attitude no matter what. Keep up the good work!
Gabby is such a polite and respectful student. She works hard and tries her best every day. She is kind and helpful to her classmates. She was absent from school for a couple days and she worked very hard to get caught up on what she missed while she was gone. Keep up the hard work Gabby!
Beau has improved a lot on listening during classroom instruction and sharing his ideas with the class. He has been following directions and getting his work done without distracting others. Keep making good choices, Beau!!
Lilian has been working super hard in Miss Till's room. She is always ready to learn and is a great listener! Keep up the great work!
Shout out to Ayla for being a hard worker with any task she is given and shoutout to Kessley for being so kind and respectful!
Ava B. and Charli both demonstrate leadership in the music room by always waiting quietly for directions. During singing games, they are great role models by listening carefully to the rules and singing out. Nice job, Ava and Charli!
In music this week, third grade worked on a concept that was tricky for many students. When working with partners to practice the skill, Raelee received feedback with a great attitude and never gave up, using what she knew to help her figure out each question. Keep it up, Raelee!
Jorja is a kind 1st grader. She goes out of her way to help others get organized and stay on task. She’s quick to follow directions and is a good participant on the carpet.
Charli Bowman is a hard worker. Charli is always on task while working at the back table with me. She is always ready to work and gives it her best everyday!
Zia Gambleton and Addison Lafrenz in 4th grade have both been working incredibly hard in math and showing true perseverance. Even when things get tough, they never give up! They’re not afraid to ask questions and seek help when needed — a true sign of growth and dedication.
Keep rocking it, girls!
Heidi and Shawn have been doing an amazing job in TK! Heidi is a wonderful leader who helps her friends follow routines and always puts forth her best effort. Shawn does an excellent job cleaning up after centers and is always kind to his classmates. Way to go, Heidi and Shawn!
Both Haiden and Addison have made great choices all week. Haiden has quality work completed and turned in on time. Addison worked well with others, keeping them focused on the task
Miss Hodge
Adam, Preston, Declan, and Max have been doing such a great job and working really hard in 4th grade to complete their work. They take their time to demonstrate their understanding and use thoughtful approaches! Keep up the great work!
This week, Andrew has gotten 90% of his vocabulary correct in Amplify! Way to go Andrew!
Congratulations to all of our students leading by example and making good choices! We are proud of you!
Dr. Rabe, principal, stated: "Cindy is always willing to help out and has a positive attitude. She cares about the students and the people she works with. Cindy graduated from preschool to third and fourth grade this year and she has been such a great support to the students and teachers in those grades. Thank you Cindy for all you do!"
Sophie Hodge, the fourth grade teacher, shared: "Cindy does a wonderful job each time she steps into fourth grade. She is thoughtful in meeting the needs of our students. Cindy is always positive and encouraging towards others and the students. She helps students complete their work, keep them on task, and gives them encouragement. She truly is a second teacher within our classroom and helps the students to be successful. Without her, our classroom would not be the same! We love Ms. Cindy!"
Sam Zeimet, the long-term sub teacher for 3rd grade, said: "Cindy is such a fantastic help in 3rd grade! She is always lending a hand to the kiddos, and you can definitely tell they love having her in our room. Whenever she steps out to help another class, the kids instantly ask where she’s going because they miss her right away! I especially appreciated her joining us on our first field trip. Her support truly helps our classroom run smoothly."
Thank you Cindy for everything you do for our school!
