What's New at Dubuque Community Schools

You might say it has been another banner year for the Dubuque Senior High School speech team.

On Saturday, February 17th the Dubuque Senior Speech Team performed at the 2024 Iowa High School Speech Association Large Group All-State Festival at Iowa State University. The team of 84 Senior High students proudly represented and entertained audiences in performances ranging from Ensemble Acting to Musical Theatre. The Senior High Speech Team proudly closed the ceremony by claiming the Critic’s Choice Banner for outstanding performance of the day in the Category of One Act Play.

The Revolutionists claimed the Critic’s Choice Banner in the category of One Act Play. It is a moving story of art, feminism and changing the world through four very real women who lived boldly in France during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. It was written by Lauren Gunderson. The performance featured students Ami Bellings, Peter Boenish, Wyatt Branscomb, Peyton Dixon, Anna Garrett-Douillet, Avery Kane, and Isabella VandenBerge. It was directed by Mr. Aaron Dean. Critic was Connor Wang, Sound Designer and Video Engineer from Broadway’s How to Dance in Ohio.

Dubuque Senior was also awarded the E. Wayne Cooley Large Group Sweepstakes Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the school receiving the most All-State Nominations to the IHSSA Large Group Festival making Dubuque Senior the 2024 Large Group State Champions.

Iowa High School Speech Association Information:

• The Critic’s Choice Award is given by a theatre professional to the top performance of the day in each category.

• This is the fourth One Act Play Banner for Dubuque Senior, one of the original IHSSA categories from the first festival back in 1981. It was last awarded to Senior in 2016.

• The award is a traveling championship banner which Dubuque Senior will return to the All-State Festival next year

• This marks the 37th banner win in in IHSSA history for Dubuque Senior High School and the 18th in the last 12 years.

• This is Dubuque Senior’s eighth Large Groups Sweepstakes State Championship. (1984, 2001, 2013, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2023, 2024)

The Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education is proud to announce Theressa Northouse, a technology coach at Marshall Elementary School, has been named as a recipient of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, sponsored by Kemin Industries. The award is given to six educators each year who go above and beyond to inspire student interest in and awareness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Now in its 10th year, the award is given annually to one full-time, licensed preK-12 teacher from each of the six STEM regions in Iowa. Each recipient is honored for their efforts to foster enthusiasm and inspire a passion for STEM that goes beyond the classroom and helps prepare students for future high-demand careers.

Northouse was recognized for her efforts in going above and beyond in providing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, math) experiences at Marshall Elementary School. She has established several STEM clubs at her school, including a Coding Club, a Girls Who Code Club, and a Robot Club. Northouse’s work in the teaching of computer science is done with equity in mind, because she believes in the importance of students being able to see themselves in jobs that involve STEM.

Northouse has always collaborated with companies like John Deere and The National Inventors Hall of Fame to bring real-life, hands-on opportunities to the classroom. Her grant writing also produced Finch, Sphero, and DASH robots to ensure coding and robotics at all grade levels, while infusing creative challenges for the kids to keep them engaged. Northouse was described by her nominator for this award as “bringing tremendous energy to the classroom to keep kids engaged and wanting more STEAM.”

As a recipient of the 2024 Iowa STEM Teacher Award, Northouse will receive $1,500 to use for her classroom and $1,500 for personal use.

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About the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council

Established in July 2011 via Governor’s Executive Order, the Iowa Governor’s STEM Advisory Council leverages public-private partnerships of educators, companies and Iowa students and families to ensure that every Iowa student has access to world-class STEM education opportunities. The Council’s work supports strong college and career pathways for students and growth for state and local economies. The 44-member STEM Council is co-chaired by Governor Kim Reynolds and Foundation Analytical Laboratory Owner and Director of Technical Services Diane Young. For more information, visit https://iowastem.org.

About Kemin Industries

Kemin Industries (www.kemin.com) is a global ingredient manufacturer that strives to sustainably transform the quality of life every day for 80 percent of the world with its products and services. The company supplies over 500 specialty ingredients for human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textile, biofuel and animal vaccine industries.

For over half a century, Kemin has been dedicated to using applied science to address industry challenges and offer product solutions to customers in more than 120 countries. Kemin provides ingredients to feed a growing population with its commitment to the quality, safety and efficacy of food, feed and health-related products.

Established in 1961, Kemin is a privately held, family-owned-and-operated company with more than 3,000 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa and the United States.

 

The Dubuque Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Renee Wagner as the new principal of Irving Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year, pending approval by the Board of Education at its March meeting. Wagner, who currently serves as an instructional coach at Drexler Middle School in Farley, Iowa, replaces Susan Meehan, who was recently named administrator of the district’s new Seedlings Preschool Center.

As principal of Irving, Wagner will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operations of the school, which serves approximately 410 students and has over 85 professional and support staff.

Wagner assumes this role after serving as an instructional coach at Drexler Middle School since 2020. Prior to that, she was an instructional coach at Western Dubuque High School from 2014-2020. Prior to her role in instructional leadership, she served as a teacher at Drexler Middle and Intermediate School from 2010-2014 and was a Title I reading teacher at Cascade Elementary School.

“Renee brings a students-first philosophy that is guided by her strong track record of building positive relationships and her expertise in proven instructional practices,” said Superintendent of Schools Amy Hawkins. “That, combined with her positive attitude and excitement for learning make her the right fit to lead Irving into the future.”

Wagner holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary and middle level education from the University of Northern Iowa, a K-8 reading endorsement from Clarke University, and a master’s degree in education (educational administration) from Loras College.

The Dubuque Community School District is pleased to announce the appointment of Rich Hatcher as the new principal of Kennedy Elementary School for the 2024-2025 school year, pending approval by the Board of Education at its March meeting. Hatcher, who currently serves as assistant principal at Western Dubuque High School, replaces Nick Hess, who was recently named principal of Marshall Elementary School in the district.

As principal of Kennedy, Hatcher will be responsible for the strategic and day-to-day operations of the school, which serves approximately 585 students and has over 81 professional and support staff.

Hatcher assumes this new role after serving as assistant principal of Western Dubuque High School since 2017. Prior to his time in the Western Dubuque Community School District, he was a student needs facilitator at Jefferson Middle School in Dubuque from 2014-2017 and was an instructional coach and talented/gifted facilitator at Jefferson from 2007-2014. Prior to that, he was a science and geography teacher at Williams Intermediate School and F.L. Smart Middle School, respectively, which are both in Davenport, Iowa.

“Rich is an energetic, relationship-driven administrator who thrives on building connections with families, student and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Amy Hawkins. “We are thrilled to welcome him back to the Dubuque Community School District and we are excited for all he will bring to this role at Kennedy.”

Hatcher holds a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, a master of educational leadership degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill.

High school students from Hempstead and Dubuque Senior recently returned from an impressive showing at the 2024 Bowling 3A State Championship.

Congratulations to the following students on these honors:

3A State Girls Championship

DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL – 4th Place

Individual 3A Girls State Qualifiers

DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Zoie Bettcher
Alison Hedrick
Mackenzie Lang
Clara Pregler

HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
Chloe Hansen

Individual 3A Boys State Qualifiers

DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Zach Wlochal

HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL
Alec Bowman

High school students from Hempstead and Dubuque Senior recently returned from an impressive showing at the 2024 IHSAA Boys State Swimming Championship.

Congratulations to the following students on these honors:

State Finishers

HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL

200-Yard Freestyle Relay – 2nd Place

• Brandon Decker
• Owen Leitzen
• Kyle Powers
• Logan Westhoff

100-Yard Freestyle 

• Kyle Powers – 10th Place
• Owen Leitzen – 12th Place

DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

200-Yard Medley Relay – 9th Place

• Walter Freund
• William Fry
• Zack Heiar
• Jarrett Herber

100-Yard Breaststroke – 11th Place

• Zack Heiar

100-Yard Butterfly – 12th Place

• Zack Heiar

State Qualifiers

HEMPSTEAD HIGH SCHOOL

50-Yard Freestyle

• Brandon Decker
• Mason Lemm
• Kyle Powers

100-Yard Backstroke

• Jake Dolphin

100-Yard Breaststroke

• Brandon Decker

100-Yard Butterfly

• Mason Lemm
• Logan Westhoff

100-Yard Freestyle

• Owen Leitzen
• Kyle Powers

200-Yard Freestyle

• Michael Rhett Gilbertson
• Owen Leitzen
• Logan Westhoff

200-Yard Freestyle Relay

• Brandon Decker
• Michael Rhett Gilbertson
• Owen Leitzen
• Kyle Powers

200-Yard Individual Medley

• Jake Dolphin
• Zach Wenger

200-Yard Medley Relay

• Brandon Decker
• Jake Dolphin
• Henry Gilbertson
• Mason Lemm

400-Yard Freestyle Relay

• Henry Gilbertson
• Michael Rhett Gilbertson
• Owen Leitzen
• Kyle Powers

500-Yard Freestyle

• Dustin Coyle
• Michael Rhett Gilbertson
• Zach Wenger

DUBUQUE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

50-Yard Freestyle

• Jarrett Herber

100-Yard Backstroke

• William Fry

100-Yard Breaststroke

• Zack Heiar

100-Yard Butterfly

• William Fry
• Zack Heiar
• Jarrett Herber

200-Yard Freestyle Relay

• Duncan Freund
• Walter Freund
• Zack Heiar
• Cole Marshall

200-Yard Medley Relay

• Duncan Freund
• Walter Freund
• William Fry
• Jarrett Herber

400-Yard Freestyle Relay

• Duncan Freund
• William Fry
• Zack Heiar
• Jarrett Herber

Join us for a special Community Education Series Event entitled “Youth Substance Abuse: Hidden in Plain Sight” on Tuesday, February 27, from 6-8 p.m. in Roling Auditorium at Washington Middle School. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

VIEW THE FULL EVENT FLYER (PDF)
LALE MELELE IN KAJIN MAJOL | VER EN ESPAÑOL

This event is recommended for parents/guardians and those that support youth in grades 4-12. ADMISSION IS FREE AND NO RSVP IS NECESSARY.

This event is for adults only, no students please.

AT THE PROGRAM

Learn about current substances and the impact on young adults in our community from local experts, including:

• Vaping and Tobacco
• Illegal Substances in Our Community

PLUS, an Interactive Resource Fair featuring:

Hidden in Plain Sight Room Display: Walk through the display to search for
indicators of substance use and possible hiding spots.

Impaired Vision Pedal Kart + Simulation Goggles: Safely experience the effects of alcohol and common drugs while driving a kart or completing simple tasks.

A variety of community partners will also be on hand and available to answer questions and offer resources.

Online. In your backyard. Out of this world!

DUBUQUE ONLINE SCHOOL for middle and high school students is the only online school based right here in the Dubuque area, giving students and families another way to get a top-notch Dubuque Community School District education!

Considering Dubuque Online School for your soon-to-be 9th-grader?

Learn more at an informational webinar on Monday, February 5 at 7 p.m.

JOIN THE WEBINAR

At the webinar, you’ll explore:

• Dubuque Online School mission and values
• The typical student day
• Curriculum offerings and student programming
• Frequently asked questions
• The enrollment process

Dubuque Online School provides middle (grades 6-8) and high school students (grades 9-12) with a rigorous course schedule of online instruction delivered through a combination of:

• on-demand classes using Imagine Edgenuity online learning platform
• live virtual classes using Microsoft Teams video streaming platform

Visit the Dubuque Online School website to learn more.

High school students from Hempstead and Dubuque Senior recently qualified to compete at the 2024 IGHSAU Wrestling State Championship.

Congratulations to the following students:

State Qualifiers

Hempstead High School

130 Weight Class

• Ayla Osterkamp

140 Weight Class

• Annabel Blanchard

155 Weight Class

• Paige Howieson

235 Weight Class

• Katelyn Brokus

Dubuque Senior High School

130 Weight Class

• Alyssa Seippel

135 Weight Class

• Karise Benson

140 Weight Class

• Jolee Strohmeyer

The Dubuque Community School District is pleased to announce that 12 district buildings have earned the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) ENERGY STAR® Certification for 2023. This recognition is presented to the most energy efficient buildings in the country.

“ENERGY STAR recognition underscores our district’s commitment to energy efficiency,” said Dubuque Community School District Superintendent Amy Hawkins. “Our energy conservation efforts are saving taxpayer dollars while also helping protect the local environment and maintaining healthy, comfortable learning spaces for students and staff.”

To earn ENERGY STAR Certification, buildings must rate in the top 25 percent nationwide for energy efficiency and meet ventilation standards.

Dubuque Community School District buildings earning ENERGY STAR Certification include:

• Audubon Elementary School
• Carver Elementary School
• Dubuque Senior High School
• Eisenhower Elementary School
• Hempstead High School
• Irving Elementary School
• Kennedy Elementary School
• Marshall Elementary School
• Prescott Elementary School
• Roosevelt Middle School
• Sageville Elementary School
• Table Mound Elementary School

Since partnering with Cenergistic on a comprehensive energy conservation program, the Dubuque Community School District has saved an estimated $2,054,909, with an environmental impact equivalent to taking 1,185 cars off the street or removing the energy used from 671 homes for a year.

The cost of utilities is the second-largest operational budget line-item for Dubuque Community School District, and the prices for electricity, natural gas, water, and sewage have been steadily increasing.

To combat these rising energy and utility costs, Dubuque Community School District entered into a partnership with Cenergistic to implement a comprehensive organizational behavior-driven energy conservation program throughout all its buildings and campuses. Cenergistic guarantees the conservation program will save taxpayer dollars. Since the program was first implemented, Dubuque Community Schools has reduced its energy consumption by 22 percent.

Dubuque Community Schools’ comprehensive energy conservation program addresses energy use throughout the organization. Energy specialists track energy consumption at all campuses through state-of-the-art technology to identify and correct areas where energy is over-used.

Energy Specialist Josh Pociask works closely with district personnel as well as Cenergistic engineers and experts to continually optimize systems and schedules. Together they monitor energy use with advanced technology and shape energy-using practices through education — affecting how each person in the organization understands, uses, and saves energy for years to come. The outcome is healthier, more efficient buildings using less energy — and lower related costs.