Hello, students and parents!
We're thrilled to welcome all K-12 students back to school tomorrow! Preschool will begin Monday, Aug. 28th. Tomorrow is a full day of school with August 30th being our 1st Wednesday 1:00 p.m. early out. The start of a new academic year is always a time of excitement, learning, and growth, and we can't wait to have you all back in our buildings.
With school back in session and the hot temperatures forecasted for the week, it's important to tackle the challenges of both learning and the heat. We're excited to have everyone back in the classrooms, but let's make sure we're taking care of ourselves, as well.
💧 Stay Hydrated: Hydration is key, especially when it's hot outside. If possible, bring a refillable water bottle to school and keep it with you throughout the day. Sipping on water not only helps keep you cool, but it also helps you stay focused and energized for your classes.
🔥 Dealing with the Heat: As the temperature rises, staying cool becomes a top priority. While all of our district classrooms in each attendance center are equipped with air-conditioning, some areas of the building are not. We will be closely monitoring the indoor environment to make sure it’s comfortable for all students. We have also decided that recess for students will be indoors due to the extreme heat. As announced yesterday, activity practices have been adjusted to early morning or later in the evening, as well.
🚌 Bus Rides in the Heat: For those who use our bus services, we want to make sure you're comfortable during your commute as well. Our buses are not equipped with air-conditioning, but we’ll be working to do all we can to manage the heat. We will have bottles of water on afternoon routes for drivers and students if needed in order to help create a pleasant and safe journey for everyone.
Let's all work together to make the most of this school year while keeping ourselves safe and healthy. If you have further questions, please reach out to your student's attendance center office. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and have a great 1st day of school! Go Bobcats!
Dr. James Bieschke, Superintendent
Wow, Bobcats! What a great day and evening seeing so many of you across all attendance centers! If you have any questions prior to our first day, please reach out to your student's teacher, building secretary, or administrator. We are so excited to get this year started!
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
Good Morning, Bobcats! If you haven't already registered your students for school, please do so ASAP. We are so excited to welcome Bobcat students and families on Monday for tours and meetings with teachers. Please see the schedule pictured below or check out the Benton website for additional information.
I am Shawn Pfiffner and I am beginning my 31st year at Benton Community. I am a proud Bobcat Alum and will do everything I can to help support all of our kids, coaches, and programs. Benton Community is my second family and a great place to belong. Go Bobcats!!:)
The first day of school is August 23 for K-12 and August 28 for 3 & 4 year old Preschool.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
My name is Tim Lyons, the Transportation Director at Benton. I started as the mechanic 25 years ago and then moved into the role of Transportation Director. I am a Benton grad (once a Bobcat, always a Bobcat) and have one daughter that is a graduate of Benton and two grandchildren that go to Benton. In my spare time I like to be with my family, take day trips, and travel.
Benton CSD welcomed new certified staff yesterday. They spent the morning learning and reflecting with Dr. Bieschke and Mrs. Selk and the afternoon with teacher leaders touring each community and school building in the district.
Employee Spotlight: Katie Bauder, Keystone Elementary Principal
Katie answers the question, "Why did you choose to come back to Benton"?
I have an extreme sense of pride, honor, and belonging associated with returning to Benton, which I consider my home (you can’t take the Bobcat out of anyone). This feeling of coming back to a place where I feel a strong connection and sense of identity is indeed a powerful and meaningful experience. It's often referred to as a "homecoming" and it evokes a range of emotions, including nostalgia, happiness, and a deep sense of being rooted. Embracing the familiarity and comfort of my hometown, and feeling proud of my association with it, brings a source of great joy and contentment.
These drivers haul the most precious cargo "Benton Community students". So please beware of them traveling on our roads and especially when they are stopped and the lights are flashing. Parents remind your students to use their seat belts and bus tag when getting on and off the bus.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
Time to register for the 2023-24 school year!
https://sites.google.com/benton.k12.ia.us/bcregister/home
#BeABobcat
Visit with Deputy Brandt and thank him for his service to Benton Community as our School Resource Officer at the National Night Out event. Details for the event are listed in the flyer.
Benton Community School District has openings for Full-Time Bus Drivers, Substitute Bus Drivers and for a Van Horne PM Bus Stop Supervisor. Please go to www.benton.k12.ia.us and click on employment opportunities to apply!
Welcome Scott Shaw!
2034-24 School Year Registration Information
Board Meeting Notice
Mrs. Katie Bauder begins July 1 as the new Principal of Keystone Elementary. Welcome Mrs. Bauder!
Mr. Pfiffner transitions back to the Activities Director position and Mrs. Selk begins as the new Associate Superintendent! Congrats to all!
A message from Dr. James Bieschke
Outdoor activities (softball/baseball) will be played today, Thursday, June 29, as scheduled. If you have any questions, please contact coaches or our AD. Thank you
