Did you know? Manufacturing accounts for 11% of the U.S. economy! We’re proud to help students begin preparing for the jobs and opportunities of the future.
Happy Manufacturing Day! 🛠️
🎉 We are delighted to welcome Laura Van Der Wal to her new position at Oskaloosa Schools! She’s a new Fifth Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Oskaloosa, Laura holds a master’s degree from Northwestern College and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Buena Vista University. Laura and her husband, Cory, are Oskaloosa HS graduates, have seven children together, and are proud owners of their golden retriever, Ellie. In her free time, Laura enjoys attending her children’s athletic and extracurricular events, as well as camping and enjoying new reads!
“I am excited to meet my students and their families!” says Laura. “Teaching is my calling and purpose. I love building relationships with students and their families while providing a safe learning environment.”
Why Osky? Laura says, “I was born and raised in Oskaloosa and am a 2005 Oskaloosa High School graduate. I am proud to be coming back to teach for this district.” Welcome to the team, Laura! 🌟
📚 Happy National Instructional Coaches Day! 🍏 Oskaloosa Schools honors the mentors who guide our teachers toward excellence. They lay the foundation for achievement in our classrooms.
It’s World Teachers Day! We want to thank our teachers for everything they do for our students, families, and community. We appreciate you! 🍎
🎉 We are excited to welcome Dee Dee Lehigh to Osky Schools! She is a new Special Education Resource Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Dee Dee is an Oskaloosa native and currently lives on a small farm in Fairfield, Iowa. She is a proud graduate of Morningside University, with a master’s degree as a Reading Specialist. Dee Dee has been married for 18 years to her husband, Eric, who works at Musco in Oskaloosa. Their daughter, Miranda, is entering 8th grade at Oskaloosa Middle School!
Dee Dee and her family cherish their beloved indoor and outdoor animals. In their free time, the family enjoys staying busy with projects around the house and taking road trips!
“I am completely excited to be moving ‘back home’ and to be a part of the Oskaloosa Schools,” says Dee Dee. “It feels like I'm finally where I'm meant to be.” Her main goal in her new position? She says, “My first and most important goal is to get to know my students and build those valuable relationships.”
Her reason for choosing teaching? “I always wanted to be a teacher growing up. I enjoy working with children and adults, helping them to build a love for learning and being a part of the excitement as they grow.” Lauren chose Osky because, she says, “Oskaloosa is where my husband and I grew up. I want to be a part of the tradition of high quality education in Oskaloosa, just as we are thankful that our daughter will receive that at OMS.” Welcome to the Osky family, Dee Dee! 🌟
We have an immediate opening for a Middle School Science Teacher! Check out this job posting and others at http://www.oskyjobs.com.
🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Trainer to the Oskaloosa Schools team! She is a new Second Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
A proud Oskaloosa native, Lauren recently graduated from William Penn University with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, including endorsements in Special Education and Reading. Alongside her boyfriend, she shares her life with their lovable dog, Louie, and adorable cat, Gus. When not in the classroom, Lauren loves reading, listening to podcasts, walks, and cherishing moments with loved ones.
“I'm excited to finally be teaching!” says Lauren. “I can't wait to build relationships with all my students and their families. I also have amazing team members and am excited to get the chance to work with them every day!”
Why did Lauren choose teaching as her career? She says, “I've always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was in Kindergarten. I want to make a difference in students’ lives like my past teachers have done for me. I also love watching students learn, grow, and thrive in their journey of education and life.”
Why Osky? Lauren says, “I chose Oskaloosa Schools because Osky will always be home to me. I graduated from OHS back in 2019 and always knew that I wanted to return to Osky Schools as a teacher one day.” Welcome to the Osky family, Lauren! 🌟
⏰REMINDER: Today is our usual early-out Wednesday. We will have a 60-minute early release today.
United Way of Mahaska County is thrilled to announce their annual Winter Coat Drive! 🧥❄️
If you can, please consider donating any extra and gently used coats (no sweatshirts, hoodies, shirts, etc. please), snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves in all sizes.
📅 Drop off items at any location from October 9 to November 6. Distribution Dates are November 10 and November 11.
Let's come together and support our community members in need this winter! ❄️
🎃Today is the Pumpkin Giveaway! Students of Oskaloosa Elementary and the Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center can receive a FREE pumpkin purchased locally from Stam Garden Center & Nursery from our friends at the Austin Norris Edward Jones office.
Time: 3:30 to 6:00pm
Location: 716 A Ave W, Oskaloosa
Thank you to Austin Norris and his team for spreading fall cheer in our community! 🍂
🎉 Join us in welcoming Michelle Erbs to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a new Kindergarten Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Michelle has lived in Oskaloosa since 2017 and earned a master’s degree last year in teacher leadership from Northwestern University. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Lindenwood University.
Originally from St. Louis, Michelle met her husband, Ryan, at Lindenwood U. The pair have two dogs, a few chickens, and ducks! In her free time, you’ll find Michelle immersed in reading or enjoying Netflix. She's also a devoted pet parent, loves quality family time, and cherishes moments of relaxation.
“I’m excited for the new challenge of teaching kindergarten!” says Michelle. She chose teaching as her career because she has “always been a nurturer. Teaching littles how to learn and grow gives me purpose.”
Why Osky? “Oskaloosa Schools provides so many opportunities that attracted me to join,” says Michelle. Her goal in this position? “To understand the workings of the school district and get to know the people I work with.” Welcome to the Osky family, Michelle! 🌟
🚜👕 The Osky FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter has launched TWO online stores for you to shop!
1️⃣ Get your hands on this year's official chapter shirts, brought to you in collaboration with @Swim's Sports Awards & Screen Printing. The link to this store closes on October 15 at midnight—mark your calendars for estimated pick-up on October 25: https://ohsffa2023.itemorder.com/shop/sale/
2️⃣ Shop our merch store for more goodies, including shirts and hats! Students have been working hard all summer to bring you this store, which is all about promoting FFA, advocating for agriculture, and raising funds for our chapter. 🌱 Access the store here (using the password “oskyffa”), which also closes at midnight on October 15: https://stores.inksoft.com/oskaloosa_ffa/shop/private.
Other items available for purchase include FFA lanyards for $3.00, FFA keychains for $1, and FFA tumblers for $25.00. Contact Alice Bowling at bowlinga@oskycsd.org or an FFA member if interested!
Thank you for supporting Osky FFA and helping our future farmers thrive! 🌟
REMINDER: There is NO SCHOOL today, October 2, for staff professional development. School will resume on Tuesday.
🎉 Introducing Heather Nelson to the Osky Schools family! 📚 She's our new Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Oskaloosa High School for the 2023-24 school year.
Heather brings an impressive educational background, including a master’s degree in education from St. Catherine University, a bachelor’s degree in English from Iowa State University, and an associate’s degree in culinary arts from Indiana Hills CC. With 26 years of marriage to husband Brent and three Osky graduates (Spencer, Kirby, and Elliot), she's deeply rooted in our community.
Now an empty-nester, Heather is diving into new adventures – from travel and writing to cooking and hiking. Her two cats, Juno and Iris, keep her company, too!
“I’m excited to work on expanding students’ palates and opening their minds to new food experiences!” says Heather. “With ten years of food industry experience under my belt, I'm looking forward to sharing my knowledge and passion for food!”
Why Oskaloosa Schools? Heather says, “I grew up In Oskaloosa, graduated from here, taught here, raised children here, and owned a business here. I think I have a lot to give back to this community!” Her main goal? “Inspire students to be as excited and passionate about food as I am!” Welcome to the team, Heather! 🌟
Happy National Custodian Day to our custodial team! We appreciate your commitment to ensuring our students have the best possible spaces to learn and grow.
Thank you for everything you do!
🎨 On September 27, our talented students in Mr. Kargol's art classes had a fantastic opportunity to meet and learn from guest artist Hans Schmitter, all the way from Montreal, Quebec, Canada!
Hans Schmitter is a world-famous graphic designer and graffiti-writer/muralist. During his visit, he shared images of his incredible work and led an engaging workshop on the art of graffiti lettering!
Our students were inspired and left with newfound creativity and knowledge. 🌟 A huge thank you to Hans Schmitter for visiting and inspiring our young artists!
Want to get involved in the community? Discover opportunities for family-friendly fun at the Oskaloosa Virtual Backpack! 🎒
Search for events by going to www.oskyschools.org and selecting OCSD Backpack under the Parents tab.
Part of a local organization? Submit event flyers here: https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9
There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, October 2, for staff professional development. School will resume on Tuesday.
📚📅 As Attendance Awareness Month comes to a close, our commitment to making school attendance a year-round priority remains strong!
Now, more than ever, school attendance matters. Watch this brief and informative video by Attendance Works to discover how we can tackle this issue together: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT0W2giwk1E.
🔔 Remember: If your student is absent from school and you haven't called in, we'll do our best to notify you in the morning. However, please understand that depending on the number of absent students, you may receive a call later in the morning.
#AttendanceMatters
Have you downloaded our mobile app? View calendars, menus, reminders, and news in the palm of your hand. It’s FREE and available on all mobile devices!
👉 Apple: https://tinyurl.com/yck2u66s
👉 Android: https://tinyurl.com/mwa52hn6
