Articles from December 2022

Don’t miss this year’s Back-to-School Bash, themed ‘Build a Healthier Community!’

Saturday, Aug. 6
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Audubon Elementary School
605 Lincoln Ave.

BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH FEATURES:

• sign-up for school supplies from the St. Mark’s Apples For Students program (Learn how to contribute supplies to the program)
• Dubuque Community School District registration assistance
• vaccinations and school physicals
• free Back-to-School Bash t-shirt
• booths by a variety of community organizations
• and more!

NEED A RIDE? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Hop on or off a school bus shuttle at one of the following locations/times:

Thank you to the AMAZING community organizations that make the Back-to-School Bash possible:

• Black Men Coalition
• City of Dubuque
• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
• Dubuque Community Schools
• Kendall Hunt Publishing Company
• Multicultural Family Center
• RH Prints Co.
• Resources Unite!
• St. Mark Youth Enrichment
• Women United | United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States
• and many more!

QUESTIONS?
Contact Anderson Sainci!
563/589-4326 or
asainci@cityofdubuque.org

On Monday, July 18, the Dubuque Community School District Board of Education adopted resolutions approving a motion to begin accepting proposals for the sale and development of two district properties beginning at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, and accepted until close of business at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 18.

• The Dubuque Soccer Complex
• The Fulton Elementary School Building

THE BID SUBMISSION WINDOW FOR THESE PROPERTIES IS NOW CLOSED.

For those having problems registering with the Multifactor Authentication (MFA) process or logging into the new Employee Access portal, there will be three (3) open sessions offered in the Board Room at the Forum where Innovation Technology (IT) and Business Office personnel will be available to assist staff with common issues.

The following is a list of dates and times for the three (3) open sessions offered. Drop in anytime during one of these sessions to receive assistance.

• Tuesday, July 12, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Wednesday, July 13, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 19, 2022, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The message below was sent to all staff via district email on Thursday, June 30. 

Greetings,

As previously communicated, yesterday, June 29, 2022, the Innovation Technology (IT) implemented multifactor authentication (MFA) required by the district’s cyber liability insurance carrier for all staff.

The one-time MFA registration is necessary for staff to participate in especially IF you want to access district services (e.g., Outlook mail, OneDrive file access, Tyler Employee Access, etc.) that rely on Microsoft authentication from a personal device.

The following is some additional information that we want to share with you since the implementation of MFA.

I USED THE WRONG PHONE NUMBER WHEN REGISTERING FOR MFA, CAN I CHANGE THIS?

You will need to contact the IT department to have the MFA information you initially entered reset so that you can register the correct secondary verification method again.

I SELECTED THE WRONG AUTHENICATION PREFERNCE WHEN REGISTERING FOR MFA, CAN I CHANGE THIS?

You can change your MFA details by browsing to https://aka.ms/MFAsetup and walk through the MFA registration again to make the appropriate changes.

SINCE MFA HAS BEEN IMPLEMENTED, ACCESING DISTRICT EMAIL ON MY PERSONAL DEVICE (e.g., cell phone) IS NO LONGER IS WORKING?

Due to the aggressive timeframe for implementation, coupled with enforcement security requirements by Microsoft, it has been discovered that the native mail Apps on Apple iPhones/iPads and Google Android phones/tablets do not work correctly with MFA.

To continue to receive your district email on your personal device after you have been enrolled in MFA, you will NEED to download and use the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App.

IS THERE A COST FOR THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK MOBILE APP?

The Microsoft Outlook Mobile App for iOS and Android is FREE to use on either on Apple iPhones/iPads and Google Android phones/tablets.

HOW DO I GET THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK MOBILE APP?

Depending on the device you are using, you will need to search for the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App in either the Apple App Store or Google Play to download and install it on your personal device. For more information on how to download and install the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App for iOS and Android, you can visit https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/outlook-mobile-for-android-and-ios

HOW DO I ADD MY DISTRICT EMAIL ACCOUNT IN THE MICROSOFT OUTLOOK MOBILE APP?

Depending on the device you are using, select one of the links below for help on adding your account:

Set up email in the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App for Android

Set up email in Microsoft Outlook Mobile App for iOS

I STILL WANT TO USE THE NATIVE MAIL APP ON IOS AND ANDROID DEVICES TO ACCESS MY DISTRICT EMAIL, WILL THE IT DEPARTMENT HELP ME?

The district’s IT department will attempt to aid you ONLY if you are using the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App. The native mail Apps on either Apple iPhones/iPads and Google Android phones/tablets are not supported and you will be directed to download and install the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App.

NOTE: Please be advised that the district’s IT department will provide a best effort to support the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App on personal devices. This means the support provided will be limited in scope to the Microsoft Outlook Mobile App and depending on various circumstances/configurations of the personal device, the IT department may not be able to assist.

Please feel free to share this information with those you deem appropriate. The district will also be sending out a message through ParentSquare with this same information.

Thank you for your attention, cooperation, and understanding with this important matter.

Coby Culbertson
Chief Technology Officer

The Dubuque Community School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

This is the fifth consecutive year the district has received the honor.

Now in its 23rd year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

“The district has long recognized the value of music education in our schools, and music remains an integral part of our curricular and extracurricular offerings,” said Stan Rheingans, superintendent of schools. “Our district commitment is underscored by tremendous partnerships throughout our community that support our work to expose students to music education. This honor is truly a community honor.”

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.

The Dubuque Community School District will participate in the USDA Summer Food Service Program to provide no-cost meals to students weekdays from July 5-29, coinciding with the district’s Summer Academy Program. The district will provide no-cost breakfast and lunch to any child 18 years old or under, with no enrollment necessary. No infant formula or infant food will be served. Meals served on site.

Summer Academy meal locations and times are as follows

Audubon Elementary School
Prescott Elementary School
Table Mound Elementary School
Breakfast: 7:30-8 a.m.
Lunch: 11-11:30 a.m.

Meals will also be offered throughout the summer by community agencies at a variety of locations.

VIEW THE FLYER OF ALL COMMUNITY MEAL SITES, TIMES AND LOCATIONS

In addition to meals served at Summer Academy and community locations, a FOOD PANTRY and CLOTHES CLOSET will be available for district families from June 7-August 11 as follows:

Irving Elementary School
Every Tuesday and Thursday from Noon-2 p.m.

VIEW THE FOOD PANTRY AND CLOTHES CLOSET FLYER

USDA Non-Discrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

1. mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or

2. fax:
(833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or

3. email:
program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Iowa Non-Discrimination Statement:
“It is the policy of this CNP provider not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or religion in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code section 216.6, 216.7, and 216.9. If you have questions or grievances related to compliance with this policy by this CNP Provider, please contact the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, Grimes State Office building, 400 E. 14th St. Des Moines, IA 50319-1004; phone number 515-281-4121, 800-457-4416; website: https://icrc.iowa.gov/.”

There continues to be no words of comfort that can be found in the aftermath of Tuesday’s tragic, senseless school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

The Dubuque Community School District and the Dubuque Police Department share deeply in grief with the families and staff of Robb Elementary School, as well as the entire Uvalde community, during these unfathomable days.

As we learn more about the events that occurred, it is natural to wonder how Dubuque is prepared to respond to a tragic incident like this one.

Most important among our efforts is the incredibly strong relationship between the district, law enforcement, and emergency management partners preparing jointly to ensure the fastest, most effective response should an emergency occur. The district, in consultation with these partners, incorporates a multi-layered approach to safety which includes preventative physical safety measures that accompany response protocols.

Throughout the year, the Dubuque Police Department (including school resource officers, patrol officers and tactical response officers) regularly conducts rapid deployment training in school buildings after hours. This not only helps improve police response efforts, but also helps ensure familiarity with district schools.

Jointly, we will continue to review and enhance our safety protocols based on best-practice approaches and the lessons learned following any tragic event like this.

Moving toward the close of the school year, we remain vigilant in our daily work to provide the safest environment possible for our students, and we will continue to do so in the future.

Sincerely,

Stan Rheingans
Superintendent, Dubuque Community Schools

Jeremy Jensen
Chief, Dubuque Police Department

We are excited to celebrate with the Class of 2022 at graduation Saturday, May 28!

Here are a few important reminders in advance of the day:

• Hempstead High School’s ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. (with doors opening at 9:30 a.m.)
• Dubuque Senior High School’s ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. (with doors opening at 2:30 p.m.)

GRADUATES should enter Dalzell Field through the South Entrance near the locker rooms. They will be ushered to their seat on the field, which will be marked with their name.

GUESTS may enter Dalzell Field through the East, West and Visitor Gates.

PARKING

• Parking will be available in Dubuque Senior High School parking lots.
• Additional parking will be available in Clarke University parking lots – thanks to Clarke for allowing us to use these lots.
• Please DO NOT park in St. Anthony’s parking lots as it interferes with funeral and church services.

SEATING

• Seating will be available in the home and visitor sections
• Accessible seating is available near the rails on the mezzanine.

PHOTOGRAPHY

• A photography area to capture a photo of your graduate crossing the stage will be available on the field level. We ask that you exit the area once you take a photo of your graduate in order to ensure that everyone is able to get a photo.
• Lifetouch Photography will be taking photos of each graduate, which will be available for purchase. You will receive ordering information and proofs via email within a few weeks after the ceremony.

LIVE STREAMING

The graduation ceremony will be live streamed to allow for those unable to attend to watch the ceremony.

View the Graduation Live Streams

We are pleased to live stream the 2022 graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 28.

VIEW THE DUBUQUE SENIOR LIVE STREAM:

VIEW THE HEMPSTEAD GRADUATION LIVE STREAM:

View Graduation 2022 FAQs

The ceremony will also be recorded and posted next week to the district’s official YouTube page at www.youtube.com/dbqschools.

Fulton Elementary School and the Fulton Family Group will host an open house celebrating the legacy of the school on Sunday, May 22, from 3-4:30 p.m. The community is invited to attend. Fulton will close and be decommissioned as a school in the Dubuque Community School District at the conclusion of the school year.

At the open house, school staff and members of the Fulton Family Group will be on hand and self-guided tours will be available. Concessions available for purchase, old Fulton yearbooks, commemorative t-shirts and Fulton memorabilia will be able for purchase (cash only).

There will also be an opportunity for attendees to sign a commemorative item that will be placed in a Fulton time capsule. During the open house, the school’s former technology coach Jeff Dyer will be on hand showing Fulton Films made with Fulton students over the years.

In 1856, the Dubuque Community School District constructed Couler Avenue School on the corner of Couler Avenue and Diagonal Streets in Dubuque. In 1889, the building was renamed Fulton School at a time when the school board elected to name schools after famous Americans. The building is named after Robert Fulton, who was inventor of the steamboat as well as an artist and engineer. In 1891, an addition to the school was added at that original site.

In 1939, the school board called for a special election to build four new district schools to replace existing ones, including Fulton. A new Fulton School, built in its current location at a cost of $212,763.73, was accepted by the board and dedicated in 1941. In 1944, a nursery school and childcare center were opened at Fulton School to supplement the nursery school in operation in other district schools. Today, Fulton serves approximately 240 students in grades PreK-5.