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What's New at Dubuque Community Schools

District-Wide Update 10
2016-2017

IN THIS EPISODE:  Washington student authors take a trip to share literacy with younger students; Senior and Hempstead women tour John Deere for Introduce a Woman to Industry Day; Irving students are musically guided through historic Dubuque; Table Mound students and volunteers lift the recycled walls to their plastic greenhouse; and LEAP participants at Jefferson put on a performance to thank our community supporters.

District-Wide Update 9
(2016-2017)

IN THIS EPISODE: Senior and Hempstead artists install a gallery of inspiring artwork, Jefferson and Roosevelt students pick their own lesson plans and share them at a Genius Hour celebration event, nearly 500 elementary track stars enter Dalzell Field for a district-wide track meet, and Senior biology students regenerate the lives of flatworms.

Roosevelt Teacher Chris Burke Named Dubuque Schools Teacher of the Year

Chris Burke PhotoThe Dubuque Community School District Teacher of the Year was named at the annual Educators’ Recognition Dinner on May 11, hosted by the Dubuque Education Association.

Chris Burke, a mathematics teacher at Eleanor Roosevelt Middle School, was selected for the honor. Burke has taught at Roosevelt since 2007. “Chris’ true gift as a teacher is his ability to connect with students,” said one of his nominators. “He continuously builds strong relationships with students, creating a learning environment second to none.” Burke holds a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University and a master’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

Other finalists for the Teacher of the Year Award were:

  • Trica Brokus, a student needs facilitator at Dubuque Senior High School
  • Michelle Demuth, a second-grade teacher at Eisenhower Elementary School
  • Jennifer Donath, a fifth-grade teacher at Carver Elementary School
  • Amanda Goranson, a mathematics teacher at Dubuque Senior High School
  • Rich Hatcher, a student needs facilitator at Jefferson Middle School
  • Sara Hilby, an art teacher at Hempstead High School
  • Joel Miller, a social studies teacher at Hempstead High School
  • Kelly Pfohl, a science teacher at Dubuque Senior High School
  • Chris Sindt, a science teacher at Washington Middle School

At the dinner, two other special awards were presented. Ed Glaser, principal of Audubon Elementary School, received the TEAM (Together Educators and Administrators Make-it-happen) Award presented to an administrator for exemplary support of teacher success.

Mike Larkin, who taught social studies at Dubuque Senior High School from 1967 through 2001, received the Friend of Education Award. Since retiring, Larkin has continued to be a regular substitute teacher in the district.

Carver Elementary School Principal Named District Director of Elementary Education

Cindy SteffensThe Dubuque Community School District Board of Education voted tonight to approve the appointment of Cindy Steffens as the district’s next director of elementary education and professional learning.

Steffens, who currently serves as principal of Carver Elementary School, will assume the position on July 1. Steffens will succeed Nancy Bradley, who is retiring at the end of the school year after 47 years of service to the district.

As director of elementary education, Steffens will be a member of the district’s senior leadership team and will provide administrative oversight of PreK-5 programming in the district’s 13 elementary schools. This work will include oversight of the district’s elementary curriculum and assessment efforts, as well as planning, coordination and supervision of a comprehensive professional learning program for staff.

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