NHS Wildcat Alumni Qualfies for Olympic Trials

Michael Brus, Davenport North High School alumni, and Grinnell College class of 2014, qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 200-meter backstroke Sunday, March 25, 2012 with a time of 2:04.70. The Olympic Trials are slated for June 25-July 2 in Omaha, Nebraska. Brus had just finished third and earned All-America Honors in the 200-yard backstroke in the NCAA Division III National Swimming and Diving Championships on Saturday.He was also an All-American in the 100 backstroke and honorable mention All-American in the 200 freestyle.

Iowa Crayfish Visiting Classrooms

Davenport Community Schools third grade students are learning through discovery in their science classes with the help of over 300 Iowa crayfish. Kim Gasaway, Science Curriculum & Instruction Specialist K-12, nurtured the live crayfish in a tank from October 2011 to March 2012 to ensure that students would have live crayfish to observe in their classrooms again this year. Students learn about the species through direct observation, recording their observations in their science notebooks, and discussing their findings with the rest of the class. At the end of the science unit, these native crayfish can be returned to their Iowa habitat.

Annabel McAtee to Compete in the World Baton Twirling Championships

Annabel McAtee, a Central High School freshman, will represent Team USA in the World Baton Twirling Championships in Neuchatel, Switzerland April 4-8, 2012. McAtee won the National strutting title in her age group in the summer of 2011 at the National Baton Twirling Championships at Notre Dame University which earned her a spot on the USA team. The World Baton Twirling Championships are held in Europe every three years. Ms. McAtee also twirls on the football field with the Central High Marching Blue Devils.

CHS TAG History Team Takes 1st Place

The Central High School TAG History Team took first place at the Eastern Iowa History Bowl and Bee February 25, 2012. The team will travel to the national competition in Washington, D.C. in late April. Team members are: Gordon Atkinson, Nick deBlois, Susan Dircks, Michael Goodyear, Pablo Haake, and Emily Roebuck. Gordon Atkinson, Michael Goodyear, Pablo Haake, and Nick deBlois also qualfied for individual competition at the national event. Congratulations to these great Central scholars.

Buchanan Students Build Indoor Igloo

Buchanan preschool students built an igloo using almost 600 plastic milk jugs and 200 hot glue sticks (with teacher assistance). The igloo was incorporated into the reading and math curriculum by discussing the winter season, the letter "I", counting and estimation. It also became a great parent engagement activity, with parents bringing in milk jugs and checking on the progress of the igloo. The project took about a month to complete. The class has enjoyed using the igloo as a book and puzzle area and for small groups.
 

North High School JROTC Student Qualfies for National Competition

Amber Mallette, North High School Marine Corps JROTC cadet, recently came in 6th in the target shooting competition at the Marine Corps Service National Championship in Aniston, AL. She will will be one of eight cadets returning to Alabama to represent the Marines in the All Service National Championship on March 20. Congratulations, Amber!
 

CHS Student Named to State Advisory Group

Whitney Leming-Salisbury, a senior at Davenport Central High School, is one of 15 Iowa students selected to serve on the Learning Council, a new state advisory group. Members of the Learning Council will meet with Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass and others to give input on key issues that impact Iowa students and schools. Serving on the council is a 10-month commitment that includes meetings in March, May, September and December, as well as virtual conferences. Whitney is Senior Class President at Central, a member of the National Honor Society, Student School Board member, member of the Local School Improvement Advisory Council, drum major for the CHS marching band and was selected as Homecoming Queen this year.

West High Speech & Debate Team Qualifies for Nationals

Congratulations to the West high School Speech & Debate Team students who qualified for the national tournament to be held in Indianapolis, IN in June. The following students will represent WHS and eastern Iowa at Nationals: Greg Windeknecht in Domestic Extemp, Eli and Noah Kirschbaum in Public Forum, and Olivia Grubbs in Original Oratory.

Jackson Elementary Students Win State "Reflections" Award

Each year, the Iowa P.T.A. conducts its "Reflections" program for students to create art, music, lterature and films showcasing their talent statewide. Two Jackson Elementary School students are among the 100 winners this year. Erik Villapando, a second grade student, won second place for his drawing "Baseball." Annie Hollonbeck, a fourth grade student, won second place in literature for her poem "What Diversity Means to Me." Congratulations to Erik and Annie!

Students Tag New Recycling Carts

Students from Central, North and West High Schools met at the Davenport Department of Public Works this afternoon (December 20,2011) to put stickers on new 35-gallon recycling carts donated by the Department of Public Works. The carts, bearing the new "Davenport Schools Recycles" logo, are being delivered to all Davenport Community Schools over the Winter Break to kick off the District's upgraded recycling program. The program is a collaboration including Davenport Schools Operations Department, the Waste Commission of Scott County and the Davenport Department of Public Works. Davenport Schools have had a strong recycling program for twenty years. The latest upgrade is designed increase awareness many additional items which can now be recycled, make recycling even easier to support, and increase our ability to be good stewards of the environment.

Wood Intermediate Choir Entertains

As part of the Wood Intermediate School's "Sing Out" program, the 7th grade choir toured various area nursing homes and performed at CASI on December 17, 2011. Mr. Tadlock's 7th and 8th grade choirs have entertained Davenport's Senior Citizens and shut-ins for the past eleven years.

Learning About Blood Typing

Seventh grade students at Wood Intermediate School learned about blood typing in Mr. Schulte's and Mr. Sinksen's science class on Friday, January 13, 2012. Keith Asmus and Lori Wright, Youth Education Coordinators from the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center showed students how blood type is determined using their own blood samples. The students also learned about the structure and functions of the blood, the importance of blood banks and the blood donation process.

NHS Student Place in Top 12 at State Science Bowl

On January 28, 2012, the North High School Science Bowl team competed at the State High School Science Bowl in Ames, Iowa. The NHS team competed against 40 other teams from across the state and placed 12th. Each of the teams answered short answer and multiple choice questions in categories ranging from earth science to calculus with 5 seconds to answer questions to receive the chance for a bonus. Team members are: Jacob Warner (Captain), Dylan Beyhl, Alyssa Kendell, Michael Berens, and Rachel Neece.

Williams Students Raise Funds for Humane Society

The Williams Intermediate School Student Council completed a community service learning project in which they raised over $250 for the Scott County Humane Society. The Humane Society's educational representative, "Mr. Ed" and his therapy dog "Keeper" are pictured accepting the donation check from student Council members. "Mr. Ed" spoke to the students about the services that the Humane Society provides for the community and explained how they could be trained to become volunteers at the shelter.

Fillmore Students Study Meteorite

Fillmore students had the opportunity to study a quarter-ton piece of the Canyon Diablo meteorite with Dr. Lee Carkner of Augustana College. This fragment was from a large iron asteroid that landed in Arizona 50,000 years ago. The students learned how the surface features on the meteorite can offer information about the fragment's trip through the atmosphere. The students also visited Augustana's John Deere Planetarium and the Fryxell Geology Museum.

Lucille O'Neal Speaks to Jefferson Parents

Lucille O'Neal, mother of former NBA basketball player Shaquille O'Neal, was the featured speaker for the Jefferson School parents' Winter Conference held at the school February 2, 2012. Ms. O'Neal is author of the book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to to Go" and is a motivational speaker. Ms. O'Neal shared stories of overcoming adversity in her own life with the Jefferson School parents. Each family attending received a free copy of her book.

Author Visits Sudlow 6th Grade

Eileen Boggess, author of "Mia the Melodramatic" and Sudlow alumna, presented a fiction writing workshop for all Sudlow 6th grade students. Students also reenacted some scenes from the book with the author's coaching. Actors are Christian Gilmore, Zaniel Mueller, Durrell Cole, Nathan Tyson, Tabitha Olson, Emily Axel, and Chelsea McNeil. Students also attended a Davenport Junior Theater production and received a copy of the author's book. The program was supported by the Riverboat Development Authority and the Davenport Schools Foundation.

2012 Taste of ProStart Fundraiser

More than 300 guests enjoyed culinary offerings at the 2012 "Taste of ProStart" fundriaser February 6 at the Davenport ClarionHotel. Culinary arts students from all three Davenport high schools worked with professional chefs from area restaurants and hotels to prepare gourmet appetizers, entrees and desserts. A jazz ensemble from Sudlow Intermediate School entertained the audience, who also took part in a silent auction and raffle. Proceeds of over $8,000 will help with expenses for the culinary students to attend upcoming state and national competitions.

STAARS Students Present Test-Taking Strategies

Davenport Community Schools' STAARS students demonstrated test-taking strategies at the February 6, 2012 School Board meeting. STAARS (Students Teaming with Advocates for Academics, Relationships, and Success) is a school-based mentoring program serving students in grades K-12. Students had just completed a 6-week "academy" meeting 2-3 hours each Saturday to learn strategies that would help them be successful in taking the Iowa Test of Basic Skills. Debra Stevenson, STAARS coordinator; Cindy Winckler, retired DCSD employee and State Representative; and Jamie Walker-Sallis, Special Education teacher at Buchanan Elementary School working together to make this opportunity happen!

Davenport High Schools to State Bowling Tournament

Davenport North High School boys bowling team not only won the MAC tournament on Saturday, February 11, The Wildcats have also clinched an automatic berth at the Iowas Class 2A state tournament for the second straight year. They return as the defending 2A state champions. Bret Keimig, sophomore, took medalist honors.North High School bolwing team is pictured and includes Austin LaMaack, Austin Wulk, Bret Keiming, Zach Fries, Blake Freeman, Nate Goettsch, and Coach Jeff Strouth. The Davenport Central girls team also earned an automatic spot at state. The Blue Devils team was paced by Paige Rauch who took medalist honors. The State Tournament will be held February 23 in Des Moines.

Wood Intermediate Students Holiday Performance

Sixth grade students from Wood Intermediate School's Orchestra and Chamber String Ensemble delighted their audience at the District's Achievement Service Center with a performance of Holiday music on December 20, 2011. Among the selections played by the students were "Up on the Housetop," "March of the Strings," and "Good King Wenceslas."

7th Grade Williams Student Interviews a "Legend"

Mickey Sloat, a seventh-grade student from Williams Intermediate School interviewed feminist legend Gloria Steinem via Skype on December 13, 2011. The interview was a key part of Mickey's research for her portrayal of Steinem in a school showcase event in January 2012. The best 25 student performances will advance to the National History Day Regional Performance at St. Ambrose University in March. Students research their subject thoroughly and then portray that individual in dress and a five minute monologue. The 77-year-old Steinem offered the seventh grader a view of the world for girls when she was growing up and discussed her growing awareness of the need for equality. She also reminded her to "Follow you good instincts, because your curiosity is telling you what you need to know."

William's Intermediate Robotics Team Takes 1st

The Germ Busters Robotics team from Williams Intermediate School took first place at the First LEGO League Regional Competition held December 10, 2011 at the Putnam Museum, Davenport. Over 37 teams competed in the real-world science and technology challenge. Each team built an autonomous LEGO robot that had to perform a series of missions. The theme for the 2011 competition was "Food Factor" in which teams had to solve a food contamination or spoilage problem. Other teams from Davenport Community Schools included: Food Botz from Smart intermediate, The BaconatoRs from Walcott Intermediate, the Electric Jaguars from Young Intermediate, and the Giant Crazy Cow with a Huge Blue-Orange Kabab with a Bowl of Soup McBoom from Wood Intermediate School. Congratulations to all of our teams that competed! Congratulations to the Germ Busters as they move to the State competition January 14, 2012 in Ames, Iowa.

WHS Seniors Namesd to All Iowa Honor Dance Team

Two West high School seniors, Jenny Gomez and Amber Alariz, were named to the All Iowa Honor Dance Team. Jenny and Amber performed at the state competition in Des Moines on December 2, 2011 and were selected from among 500 girls from dance teams from across Iowa. Both are members of the West High School "Diamond Dancers" and coached by Lisa Schmidt. The girls will perform at the final round of the girls' state basketball championship in March 2012.

New Programs At Washington Elementary

Two successful programs have been implemented at Washington Elementary School in the Fall of 2011."Breakfast With Buddies" offered parents an opportunity to have breakfast with their child and participate in the regular weekly classroom meetings that take place at the school as part of the Davenport Community Schools Olweus program. 124 parents participated in this program. The school also kicked off a "Buddy of the Month" program. Each month a student from each class, a staff member, and a parent are recognized as a buddy. Being a buddy means that person has stepped up to be helpful to someone else or taken a stand when confornted with bullying behavior. The names of the nominees and the actions that caused them to be nominated are read aloud before the entire school and a pancake breakfast follows in celebration

Wood Intermediate Students Enjoy Breakfast with Dad

Wood Intermediate School students had the opportunity to enjoy breakfast with their Dad before the start of their school day on Friday, December 9, 2011. The "Breakfast with Dad" program gives fathers a chance to be involved in their child's school day and enjoy some quality time with their child.

Kimberly Center Student Council Community Projects

The Kimberly Center Student Council has had a busy first semester. The student's community outreach projects include: collecting newspapers for the Scott County Humane Society, adopting a 12-year-old boy and girl as Angel Tree gift recipients, collecting twelve boxes of food for the Student Hunger Drive, and planting greenery in front of the school building, along with picking up litter around the school and at nearby buildings. Students designed and decorated a tree for this year's Festival of Trees which won a Honorable Mention in the Teen Tree category. Finally, students have contracted to deliver a bouquet of flowers to area nursing homes each month, beginning in January 2012. These are just a few of the ways students at the Kimberly Center are reaching out to the community!

Blue Grass Students Remember Brandon Mangels

Fifth grade students at Blue Grass Elementary School continue to miss their friend and classmate, Brandon Mangels, who died suddenly in a July 6, 2011 ATV accident on his family’s farm. The students wanted to create an event in Brandon’s memory, so they joined with the school staff and the Bluegrass Community Club in what grew to a celebration of life and fundraiser in memory of their friend held December 3, 2011. The fifth grade students performed a song that Brandon had sung for his parents on their 25th wedding anniversary, just three weeks before the accident. The class also created quilt squares with their memories of Brandon which were made into a quilt that was presented to Brandon’s parents and designed the t-shirts and wristbands that were sold in memory of their friend. Funds will be used to assist the family with medical expenses and create a memorial in Brandon Mangels’ name.

WHS Student Attends National Student Leadership Conference

Brianna Fisher, student at Davenport West High School, and member of Iowa Job’s for America’s Graduates, iJAG, was one of three students in the state of Iowa to be invited to JAG’s National Student Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. Brianna spent four days in Washington D.C. participating in teambuilding and leadership seminars, along with meeting Senators Charles Grassley and Tom Harkin. She attended a VIP party at the Swiss Ambassador’s mansion, and toured the many sites of the capitol. Recalling her experience, Brianna said “it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I feel I grew as a person while in D.C.”

CHS Student Council Volunteers at Kings Harvest Mission

Dental Bus Keeps Students' Smiles Bright

A mobile dental clinic is conducting regular visits to our schools and helping many of our students receive the dental care they need. Give Kids a Smile is a community service program offered by Bethany for Children & Families. Services are available to children age 3-17 who are at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, who have never been to a dentist, who do not have dental insurance, or have Medicaid but cannot find a provider to accepts that kind of insurance. The children receive a dental exam, cleaning, fluoride treatment, and sealants, if needed, all at no charge. The program also helps arrange follow up care that may be needed. The goal is to visit each elementary and intermediate school in Scott and Rock Island Counties every six months. A team of three dental hygienists, one assistant and one dentist provide exams to 30-50 children during a five to six hour period. Children leave with a bag filled with supplies including dental floss, a new toothbrush, toothpaste, a small hourglass to ensure they brush their teeth for a full two minutes and most importantly, big, bright smiles!

CHS Singers Perform at the ASC

A volunteer choral group from Central High School brought the spirit of the Holiday season to the Achievement Service Center on Monday, December 19, 2011. The student lead group offered renditions of various holiday favorites including "Joy to the World," "Sing Noel," "O Come All Ye Faithful," and "Silent Night" which was sung in English and in German.

Sudlow Choir Performs at the ASC

Students from Sudlow Intermediate School entertained ASC staff and visitors with holiday tunes, including "White Christmas." Following their performance, the students joined staff members for holiday treats.

Lincoln Academy Students Perform at the ASC

Students from Lincoln Academy performed a medley of holiday tunes on December 8, 2011 before a large crowd on the first floor of the Achievement Service Center. Staff members enjoyed an afternoon treat with the young performers following their concert.

WHS Honored Rotary/MAC Sportsmanship Award

For the third consecutive year, West High School won the overall boy's sportsmanship award. 2011 is also the fourth time in the past five years that the coaches, players and fans from West have been selected to receive this honor. West's soccer and football programs were honored as well as boy's basketball which placed 2nd in the MAC and the girl's soccer program..

Wood Intermediate Students Show Caring & Initiative

Six Wood Intermediate students held fundraisers recently in order to purchase fabric for a 96-year old volunteer, the mother of Mrs. Sherry Scott, a teacher at Wood. Mrs. Scott's mother sews "Little Dresses for Africa." Each dress takes only one yard of fabric to make. She was overwhelmed by the gift of cotton fabric. Since July 2011, she has sewn 97 dresses to benefit this program. The students held fundraisers which included a bake sale and selling popcorn at athletic events.

NHS Students Supply Thanksgiving Baskets

Students from North High School's Jooi Club helped to make the Thanksgiving holiday brighter for some Quad Cities families in need of assistance this year. Four faith communities sponsored the students, who purchased food items and assembled baskets. Student team leaders were Jonathon Moore, Morgan McFadden, Chelsea Hamerlinck, and Tiffany Nguyen.

Second West High School Student Selected as Legislative Page
 

Daniel M. Dankert Selected as Iowa Legislative Page

Daniel M. Dankert, a senior at West High School, has been selected as a 2012 Iowa Legislative Page. Each year, the House of Representatives and Senate select Iowa High School juniors and seniors to serve as pages for the legislative session. Pages assist with tasks such as the switchboard, delivering messages, distributing legislation, assisting committee chairpersons and sorting amendments.

Davenport Central High School Marching Band Honored

Congratulations to the Davenport Central High School Marching Blue Devils on the conclusion of a successful season! The Marching Blue Devils placed first out of 18 marching bands at the Little Hawk Marching Invitational in Iowa City, Iowa and also brought home "Best Winds" and "Best Percussion." On October 15 the band earned it's 31st straight Division I "Superior" performance rating at the IHSMA State Marching Band Festival in Muscatine, Iowa. The Marching Blue Devils finished their competitive season with a 5th place finish at the Mid-Iowa Band Championships in Ankeny, Iowa.

Congrats to the CHS Blackhawk Newspaper Staff!

The Davenport Central Blackhawk newspaper placed first in the 2011 Iowa State Press Association Sweepstakes photography competition and third in the state graphics competition. The awards are based on overall scores of large schools in the state of Iowa. Individual state awards were zalso presented, with all high schools competing. Morgan Derby received a first place in Yearbook Copy Caption; K.C. Voss, third and Rebecca Jones, Honorable Mention. Tyler Hurst placed 2nd in Copy Editing with a higher score than the winner of the 2010 state competition. Ellie Wilder placed third in Editorial Cartooning. Destiney Shelton placed third in News Writing. Sequan Gatlin received at honorable mention in Opnion Writing. Over 450 Iowa students attended the conference.

Wood Intermediate Mock Trial Team Heads for State Competition

The Wood Intermediate School Mock Trial Team has qualified to participate in the state mock trial competition November 17-19, 2011 in Des Moines. This marks the first time a team from Wood has qualified to go to state. Several students on the team received outstanding nominations. Outstanding attorneys for the defense were eighth graders Alexis Sweeney and Nathan Lindsey. Outstanding witnesses for the defense were eighth graders Rachel Fix, Jacob Hedden, and Mitchell Stoughton. Outstanding attorneys for the prosecution were Alexis Sweeney, Rachel Fix and Jacob Hedden. Outstanding witness for the defense was Nathan Lindsey. Other team members include: Joel Thiessen, eighth grade; seventh graders: Kaitlyn Collins, Spencer Peachee, Taylor Reisling, and Marissa Robertson.

Wood Students Selected for Opus All-State Honor Choir

Eleven student musicians from Wood Intermediate have been selected to participate in the twenty-sixth annual Opus All-State Honor Choir Festival. Over 8,400 students were nominated by their directors for 720 positions in four honor choirs. Selections were made by means of a recorded audition. The 2011 Opus Honor Choirs will perform at 4 p.m. November 17 in the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium in the Iowa State Center in Ames, Iowa. Isabella Rosario is the first student from Wood to be selected for this honor three consecutive years. Students participating are: Kira Posten, Christian Garner, Isabella Rosario, logan Waller, Will Snowball, Maggie Warner, Isabella Sanchez, Christian Owens, Josh Reid, Adreanna Acosta, and Hanna DeFauw.

West High School Cheerleaders Take 1st in State

Congratulations to the West High School co-ed cheerleading squad and their coaches Melanie Gray and Annette Ackerman on the first place win for the second consecutive year at the state championships held Satuday, November 5, 2011 in Des Moines. Squad members are: Brianna Bellman, Kayla Arnold, Paige Clark, Lexi Egger, Brittany Nylin, Brad Rollins, Savanna Bramstedt, Megan Rice, Karli Murrens, Sara Moritz, John Nguyen, Laren Skulte, Tanner Werthmann, Haley Brock, Mikey Vela, Collin Gillaspie, Catherine Goodall, Delaney Olcott, Ashley O'Callaghan, Wade Rollins, Nick Almasi, Jorge Caldera, Genevieve Gaston, Taylor Shaw, and Olivia Grubbs.

Sudlow, Central & North Students Selected for the 2011 Opus Honor Choir

Congratulations to the following students who were selected to perform in the twenty-sixth annual 2011 Opus Honor Choir Festival at 4 p.m. November 17, 2011, in the C.Y. Stephens Auditorium, Iowa State Center, Ames, Iowa. Sudlow students are: Adam Borders, Wilson Cameron, Maggie Carr, Juntine Doyle, Nick Fahrenkrug, Jackson Gravel, TeNesha Hawkins, Jerymiah Holtmyer, Sam Landsteiner, Mitchell Lantsky, Emily Lohman, Gage Phipps, and Taylor Wells. Rachel Garlock and Kristen Sparbel were selected from North High School. Central High School students selected were Sam Callaway and Nick deBois.

2011 Iowa All-State,Junior Honor Orchestra and holiday Pops Choir

The following students were selected for the 2011 Junior Honor Orchestra from Sudlow: Nick Fahrenkrug, Michelle Hernandez, Jerymiah Holtmyer, and Cory Stevens. Central High School: Brandon Loutin, Katie Dircks, Adam Hendershott, and Connor Essary. North High School: Kristine Tran and Ben Wilkinson. Wood Intermediate: Maggie Warner, Joel Thiessen, and Nathan Lindsey. Selected for the 2011 Holiday Pops Children's Choir were Maggie Carr, Haley Dunn, Emily hummel, Sammie Lyle, Alaina Rostenbach, and Elizabeth Rome. Monroe: Moira Gast, Tessa hicks, and Shyia Sabel. McKinley: Cole Cameron. Madison Baylea Hamer. Williams: Molly Kretschmer and CaeLeisheia Wilson-Kurylo. 2011 Iowa All-State includes Maggie Ward and Amy Pham from West High School. North: Dylan Beyhl, Kelvin Tran, Mackenzie Garlock, Noah Sund, Jacob Warner, Nick Emeroy, Jared DeFauw, Lenny DeRegules, Danielle Porter, and Alyssa Kendell. Central: Rebecca hixon, Domenick Shults, Michael Goodyear, Molly Schebler, Brenna Guard, Rachel Cunningham, Jacob Hemenway, Zach Hendershott, and James Moraetes.