Parents,
We hope this letter finds everyone enjoying the summer but looking forward to another school year at Axtell Community School. Sounds like the summer activities ended successfully, and everyone is looking forward to the 2024-25 school year.
New staff members at ACS are Jenn DeBord, elementary principal; Sydney Wilson, elementary special education; Jessica Hill, K-12 art; Lisa McAlevy, middle school science & social studies, Alexas Kuehn high school math; and Jade Olson, will join Ms. Kirschenmann for our new 5th grade self-contained classroom. Also, added to our staff this year are Traye DeBord, head maintenance. Staff returning but in new positions are Tina Peterson, now head cook; Kelli Nickel moved to kitchen assistant; and Kendall Lammers is now outside and bus maintenance. We are very excited to work with all our new staff so please take a moment to make them feel welcome.
At this time, I don't have a lot of definite information to pass along concerning the building addition. I do know that they will break ground in the early fall semester. When the construction starts, there will be some changes to details and locations of our usual procedures. Once construction starts, the main entrance to the school will be blocked. At this time, we will begin using the north parking lot doors as our main entrance for the remainder of construction. Secondary principal, Craig Lorenz, and Vicky Olson will be located at the north doors as well.
Elementary principal Jenn De Bord will be in the radio room off the cafeteria stage. Bookkeeper, Jennifer Bergstrom and I will be located across the street in the FFA/Shop building until construction is complete.
Bus drop off and pick up will be on Main Street using the northwest doors by Mrs. Lindau's room. Parent vehicle drop off and pick up will be on 5th Street closer to the practice gym area and we will use the doors located near the kitchen. Obviously, there will be more changes and temporary changes throughout this 12-month process. We will do our best to communicate with all parties via our website, social media, and the regular Sunday evening phone calls home. When in doubt, just call Vicky at the front desk prior to your arrival and she can direct you to who or where you will need to be.
Enclosed you will find the master calendar outlining our 2024-25 school year. The Back to School Bash is scheduled for 7:uesday, August 13 at 5:30 PM. Students' first day of school will be on Thursday, August 15. We have a 2:30 dismissal time on both Thursday the 15th and Friday, August 16. A few other important dates to highlight are:
• August 21: Preschool begins
• September 30: Parent/Teacher Conferences
• February 10, 2025: Parent/Teacher Conferences and Open House
• May 17, 2025: Graduation@ 2:00 PM
As mentioned, preschool begins on Wednesday, August 21 and ends on Thursday, May 15. Mrs. Marshall would like morning preschool children to arrive at 8:00 AM and will dismiss at 11:00 AM. The afternoon students should arrive at 12:30 PM and they will have a 3:30 PM dismissal time. All preschool classes run Monday through Thursday. The room is located at the far west side of school and has its own doors for drop off and pick up convenience.
The school board recently set meal prices for the 2024-25 school year. PreK-12 student breakfast will be $1.90. PreK-6 lunches are $3.25, 7-12 lunches are $3.55 and adult lunches are set at $4.80. Once again, due to the shortage of
bus drivers, the district will use vans or a suburban when needed to transport students this year. If you are interested in becoming a bus driver, please see me for details.
We hope everyone enjoys the remaining days of your summer. The district is looking forward to another great year at Axtell Community School. Feel free to stop in anytime to get your questions answered. A special thank you goes out to Tina Peterson, Traye DeBord and staff for a job well done on facility updates and preparing the building for the 2024-25 school year.
Rob Gregory, Superintendent
