Van Meter Community School District

Thanksgiving Break is November 26-28! There will be no school for Van Meter students on those days. 🍂

GAMEDAY: IT’S CHAMPIONSHIP FRIDAY! Good luck to our football team as they compete against the Kuemper Catholic Knights in the 2A State Championship Game. 🏈
🕖 10:00am
📍 UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls
🎥 https://www.youtube.com/@IowaPBS (IowaPBS)
📈 https://iahsaastats.prestosports.com/composite
🎟️ https://unitix.evenue.net/events/IHSAA
#VanMeter

On Substitute Educators Day, we recognize the professionals who keep classrooms running smoothly. Substitute teachers bring enthusiasm and skill to every assignment, no matter the subject.

Thank you for your flexibility and your dedication to helping students succeed! 🙏

Our 7th graders created ebooks to share what they learned about the challenges faced by the people of South Sudan. With a clear audience and purpose in mind, they presented their work to 3rd graders today. Well done! 📚

#VanMeter

Today we celebrate National Parent Involvement Day—a reminder that great schools become even stronger when families are engaged. Your support and participation help students reach their full potential.

Thank you for partnering with us to make education a team effort! 🙌📚

Congratulations to Trevor Swartz, who was officially approved last night as the next head baseball coach at Van Meter CSD! ⚾️

Coach Swartz is in his 7th year teaching 5th grade at Van Meter and has 6 years of experience as our assistant baseball coach. We’re proud to have him leading the team! 🎉

Reminder, there will be no school on Friday, November 21.

Due to the State Championship football game taking place at 10:00am at the UNI-Dome, approximately 130 students participating in football, band, cheer, and other roles, and a high number of families attending, we are facing staffing shortages that prevent us from holding classes.

This day will be treated as a "snow day" and will not be made up unless we exceed our allowable weather-related closures later in the year. That decision will be made in the spring.

Thank you for your understanding and support of our students. Go dawgs! 🏈

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The next meeting of the Van Meter Board of Education will take place Wednesday, November 19, beginning at 5:00pm in the new board room at the district office. The meeting is open to the public.

After tackling a challenging book, students in Mrs. Swartz’s class let their creativity shine by building their own fantasy worlds, writing original stories, and presenting their imaginative work to their classmates. 🌟

Happy Education Support Professionals Day! ESPs are the behind-the-scenes heroes who ensure our schools are safe, clean, and welcoming places to learn.

From technology support to transportation and everything in between, we couldn’t do it without you. Thank you so much! 🙌

American Education Week reminds us how fortunate we are to have such passionate educators and a supportive community. Together, we’re shaping confident, capable learners ready to take on tomorrow’s challenges.

Thank you for being part of our school family! 🤗

Today is the final day to place your Art to Remember orders if you’d like keepsakes delivered before winter break! This is a wonderful way to celebrate and preserve your TK through 5th grade student’s artwork. 🎨

Order yours here: https://arttoremember.com/school/fwxrj8

Questions? Reach out to Megan Bachman at megan.bachman@vmbulldogs.com or parent volunteer Lori Martin at 515-669-4117 or fit2btiedkids@gmail.com.

On America Recycles Day, we recognize our students, staff, and families who do their part to protect our planet. Recycling keeps our neighborhoods clean and teaches responsibility. ♻️

Make it fun—turn sorting recyclables into a family challenge! 😊 #VanMeter

Students from Mrs. Martin's English classes collaborated with Mrs. Braun's 2nd grade students to offer encouragement during their poetry presentations. High School students listened to the 2nd graders' performances and shared feedback on how to bring even more energy to their poems. 🎤

#VanMeter

Congratulations to Delanie Lyftogt for earning a $5,000 scholarship through EVERFI and the Principal Foundation! 👏

Learn more or apply today at: https://principal.everfi.com/

#VanMeter

GAMEDAY: Good luck to Tori Kettles as she competes in the 100 and 200 Free, and the 200 and 400 Free Relays as part of Waukee’s swim team at State today and tomorrow! 🏊‍♀️
📍 Iowa City
#VanMeter

Happy World Kindness Day to our amazing students and staff! 😊💙

Each day, your small acts of kindness help create a positive, welcoming school community. Thank you for all you do to make kindness the norm in Van Meter Schools!

Our High School Jazz 1 is performing at the Noce Jazz Club in Des Moines tonight. The performance will begin at 8:30pm, following the DSM Big Band performance. 🎷

Due to limited seating, guests are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at noce.turntabletickets.com. Tickets range from $15 to $30 per person.

#VanMeter

Join us for our High School Fall Choir Concert tonight, November 11, at 6:30pm in the Performing Arts Center. We hope to see you there! 🎶