Community Assistance

 Good afternoon,

Parents and members of our AHSTW Community, we need your help. Recently, we have been made aware through reports from students and parents regarding inappropriate/harmful/hurtful social media accounts, primarily on Instagram.  It appears that students are creating multiple accounts within their profile, creating private groups, or creating anonymous AHSTW accounts designed to publicly shame others, disclose embarrassing information and spread rumors.

At this time, we are working to find ways to have the accounts taken down. However, we are fearful that other accounts will soon appear and replace the removed pages.  Some of the sites only have a few followers, but other accounts that we may not be aware of may have more viewing and anonymously posting content. 

So, at this time we are asking for your help!

What can parents do to help?

• Let your child/ren know they can always come to you to talk about what they are experiencing online.
• Have conversations with your child/ren about their social media usage. Check their phones and their social media usage.
• Remind your child/ren that what they post on social media never really goes away. Sites can be shut down or images removed, but people's lives and feelings can forever be affected and harmed.
• Encourage your child/ren to report any inappropriate accounts to Instagram and have them block the account on their social media.
• Teach your child/ren that if they wouldn’t say out loud to you what they post online, they shouldn’t be posting it.

And to our AHSTW students – we know that you are better than this. You also have a role to help solve this problem. Stand up for those that are being bullied. Report these accounts yourself to Instagram, or even better yet don’t be a follower of these accounts. You can always unsubscribe from following an account and we would suggest this would be a great option. Words can hurt for a lifetime. We are above all of this and should spend our time promoting the positives that are happening for our school, students, peers, staff, and community!  At this time, we ask that you individually STAND UP for each other and continually strive to be better.

Collectively, we can make a difference and promote kindness and connections for all!

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones 

Superintendent

AHSTW Community Schools

Thank you!

 Referendum Question #1: Approved

We would like to thank all community members of the AHSTW School District for your support of AHSTW Schools and our current and future students by approving Referendum Question #1 on November 2.  The unofficial results indicate that 65.98% of voters approved Referendum Question 1, which will allow us to remodel, repair, improve the existing PK-12 facilities, along with classroom additions.  The building projects will certainly impact our Pk-12 learning environment.

AHSTW Community Schools thanks everyone for the time and effort to learn about our proposed projects by reviewing our district website, viewing our on-line videos, reading shared information, and by attending our community meetings.  It was enjoyable to meet with you along the way and to provide information that you hopefully found meaningful in your decision-making process.

Your support of question #2 and the construction of the auditorium is also appreciated.  Even though the measure did not pass, we value your consideration of the project.

Our work with SitelogIQ will continue in effort to finalize project design, develop a timeframe for upcoming events, and plan for the phasing of the school projects and future school calendars to maximize learning opportunities for our students.

Again, thank you for your support of our school community and students!

Mr. Darin Jones AHSTW Community School Board

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District

November 2, 2021: Referendum

 AHSTW School Referendum

On November 2, 2021, AHSTW voters have an opportunity impact the future of AHSTW Community School District.

Recent additions to our AHSTW school facilities, including our PK-6 building [2009], HS Science classrooms, new activities center, and intermediate [7^th-8^th grade] classrooms [2016], have provided updated learning environments for our students.  Although our High School section, which was built in 1972 [nearly 50 years old] of the building has been well maintained, the facility has gotten older and certain aspects are becoming outdated and in need of upgrade.  

With that said, in September of 2021 the AHSTW Board of Education voted to approve two questions for our communities to consider in the November election.  Public approval of referendum questions would allow the district to issue general obligation bonds to upgrade and develop additions to our current facility.  The renovations and additions would help to provide space for student opportunities in the area of Career and Technology classrooms, fine arts [addition of an auditorium], and general high school classrooms, as well improvements to our high school HVAC system, a transition to a new K-12 lighting system, ADA accessibility upgrades, fire suppression systems, and more.

On Tuesday, November 2, 2021 our communities have the opportunity to vote on the following two measures with each measure providing great value to our learning environment and the ability to provide additional classroom space for our students.

ï    Referendum question one would authorize the AHSTW Board of Education to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds not to exceed $12,900,000.  The funds would allow the school district to remodel, repair, and improve our existing K-12 facilities; and build and equip additions to and renovations of the learning environments, including related site improvements.

ï    Referendum question two would authorize the AHSTW Board of Education to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds not to exceed $6,750,000.  The funds associated with this question would allow our school district to build, furnish, and equip a new Auditorium at our existing K-12 facilities.

It is important to remember that each measure is independent of the other and will require a response on the ballot sheet.

If you are in need of additional information prior to voting, please feel free to contact me or review our district’s website [ref21.ahstwschools.org].  We are happy to assist you in your understanding of the projects and overall impacts.

We hope you are able to participate and vote on the proposed measures on November 2, 2021!

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW School District

Tik Tok Challenges

 Dear Parents,

Social Media can be a tremendous tool for students and adults.  The positives include increased opportunities for communication and an increased ability to remain in contact with old friends!  Unfortunately, there is another side of social media.   The other side is often not positive and can certainly have a negative impact on our school environment.  In fact, the negative posts and communication can lead to bullying, sharing false information, and inappropriate activities.

Currently, our students who have access to Tik Tok are being presented with a year’s worth of challenges.  These challenges are not positive and  will certainly have a negative impact on students, staff, and learning environment if acted upon.

Tik Tok challenge includes the following monthly actions:

September – Vandalize school bathrooms

October – Hit a staff member

November – Kiss your friend’s girlfriend at school

December – Deck the Halls and show your b**** (show your private body parts)

January – Jab a breast (aggressive behavior towards females)

February – Vandalize  school signs

March – Vandalize the school’s courtyard or cafeteria

April – Grab some eggs (stealing challenge)

May – Ditch Day (skip school)

June – Flip out in the school office

July – Spray paint a neighbor’s fence

At this time, we ask that you speak with your students about the impact of social media to gain an understanding of their knowledge of the challenges, discourage participation, and to promote the positive aspects that social media.

While we hope that our students will not elect to participate in these activities, we have been made aware of instances beginning in schools across the state.  Please know that if events do occur our handbook will be followed and potential consequences could include detentions, suspensions, expulsion, and or potential legal implications.

We have great things occurring in our buildings and we certainly want to highlight these activities and continue to develop a system built on Kindness, Compassion, and Pride in our school community!

Thank you for your assistance,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District

AHSTW Community Meetings

 AHSTW Community School District

Topic:  Community Meetings

Recently, AHSTW Community School District approved two resolutions to renovate and build additions to our current K-12 facility.  As we approach the November 2, 2021 election date and referendum vote, we will be hosting community meetings to share information on each resolution.  

We hope that you will be able to visit with us at one of the following meetings:

Community	Date	Time	Location
Avoca	Monday, September 27, 2021	5:30 PM – 7:00 PM	AHSTW HS Cafeteria
Walnut	Thursday, September 30, 2021	7:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Walnut Community Center
Shelby	Wednesday, October 6, 2021	7:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Shelby Community Center
Tennant	Tuesday, October 12, 2021	7:00 PM	Tennant City Council Mtg.
Avoca	Thursday, October 14, 2021	5:30 PM – 7:00 PM	AHSTW HS Cafeteria
Hancock	Tuesday, October 19, 2021	7:00 PM – 8:30 PM	Hancock City Hall

In addition to our community events, we encourage you to continue to learn more about the projects by visiting our district’s website at:  www.ahstwschools.org.  Information on the web-page will include, but not be limited to, our building’s history, infrastructure needs, and financial aspects of the projects.  [Website is currently being developed]

We hope you are able to participate in our community events!

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District

COVID Update

Hello Parents,

I hope this letter finds everyone doing well. Once again, we have started our year working to navigate the challenges that COVID-19 has presented, both in the form of illness and guidelines.  Each has provided opportunities to review our mitigation efforts and policies all while complying with Iowa legislation.  We certainly appreciate your patience as we move through this interesting time.

As many of you know both the guidelines and legislation are currently in a state of fluidity due the ruling of a Federal Court Judge on Monday, September 13.  This ruling placed a temporary stay on legislation and does provide schools with the opportunity to once again implement a face covering requirement as a mitigation effort.  Please know that we are monitoring the decision and working to identify what impact this ruling will have on Iowa school districts.

We will continue follow the all updates through both the court and legislative actions, but we do not want to react in a way that will cause confusion for staff, students, and families.  So, at this time we will maintain our current practice of optional use of face coverings during school and school events.  Please know that we do recommend the use of face coverings, especially if you have been exposed to the virus and/or when social distancing is not possible.  We will continue to be supportive of each person’s choice to wear face coverings, as well, as each family's comfort level is different at this time.

We will continue to discuss our plans at all levels, and future communications will be provided in a timely manner as circumstances change.  Please feel free to call with any questions you may have regarding this ever-changing environment.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

AHSTW Community School District

AHSTW Petitions on School Improvement Ballot Questions

Hello everyone,

Over recent months our school district in conjunction with SitelogIQ has completed a review of the condition of our facility assets in all areas, including all physical, educational, and mechanical needs.  The review led to opportunities for community engagement through virtual meetings, due to COVID-19, and community surveys over the past school year.  The collection of information and feedback greatly assisted in prioritizing potential projects and overall facility improvements.

To assist in our efforts to continually provide high quality facilities to our students  and communities and address our prioritized needs, the AHSTW Community School District and AHSTW Board of Education have recently approved the development of two petitions.  The petitions were designed to identify if our community feels that members should consider the completion of renovations and additions to our facility to alleviate the identified needs through ballot questions.

The following statements share the language open for consideration on the two petitions.

Petition #1:  Remodel, Repair, Improve the existing K-12 facilities, along with additions.

Shall the Board of Directors of the AHSTW Community School District in the Counties of Cass, Harrison, Pottawattamie, and Shelby, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,900,000 to provide funds to remodel, repair, and improve the existing K-12 facilities; and to build, furnish, and equip additions to and renovations of learning environments, including related site improvements?

Petition #2:  Creation of an Auditorium addition to AHSTW Community Schools.

Shall the Board of Directors of the AHSTW Community School District in the Counties of Cass, Harrison, Pottawattamie, and Shelby, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,750,000 to provide funds to build, furnish, and equip a new Auditorium at the existing K-12 facilities?

In the next months, petitions will be circulating throughout our communities to collect signatures.  The signatures do not indicate whether the signer is in support of the projects or not, but only indicates that the signer believes the questions should be considered on an upcoming election ballot, November 2021.

In the future, AHSTW Community School District will hold informational events and share fliers to assist you in your understanding of the areas within our building in need of repair and improvement.  The following shared topics are a section of areas in need:

1. Staff members [Title I and Special Education] are sharing classrooms. 
2. Elementary art has no classroom and has been visiting general education classrooms each day, as the room initially developed for elementary art is currently utilized to support a third-grade classroom.
3. Elementary music relocated from an original location to accommodate for the need of early childhood classrooms.
4. Air quality in our high school can  be improved as we have multiple systems operating past life expectancy.
5. Lighting fixtures can be improved to create more efficiencies and improved lighting in our classrooms.
6. Renovations to classrooms would create spaces with more flexibility and new fixtures.
7. Additions to our high school would create new classrooms in this area and allow for the relocation of classrooms thus creating space on the primary and lower intermediate sections of our building.

If at any time you have questions regarding our facility and facility review, I encourage you to reach out to myself, Darin Jones, or members of the AHSTW Community School District Board of Directors.  We would enjoy talking with you on this topic and developing your understanding.

Respectfully,

Mr. Darin Jones

Superintendent

Email: darin.jones@ahstwschools.org

Phone:  712-343-6364