Important Events:

Canned Food Drive: Nov. 4-21
No School: Nov. 27-29

Parent Resources:

We are thrilled to introduce Ruby, our certified therapy dog through Paws for Friendship, Inc. This organization is celebrating 31 years of volunteer service, originally founded in Omaha, NE. Trained animals certified through Paws for Friendship, Inc. are registered, insured, and vet assured they will serve as a wonderful therapy animal for all environments, including schools. This year has been filled with excitement as students have begun to meet with her and experience the positive impact she can have on their school day. Therapy dogs like Ruby help create a calming environment for students, reduce anxiety, and provide comfort during stressful times. Their presence can enhance social interactions and promote emotional well-being in our school community.

Jennifer Pontefract
School Counselor
pontefractj@glenwoodschools.org

Lindsey Tadin
Student-Family Advocate
tadinlin@glenwoodschools.org

Glenwood Community School District is dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of every student through a Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) approach. This framework is designed to create a nurturing environment where all students have equitable access to culturally and linguistically responsive support. The system is universally designed and differentiated to cater to individual student requirements.When concerns arise regarding a student's academic performance or behavioral skills, teachers are responsible for communicating these issues with the student's parents or guardians. This collaboration is essential for discussing possible supports and interventions.

If a student does not respond to the initial classroom and school-based interventions, or if there are additional factors hindering their learning, either the parent or the teacher can initiate a referral to the Student Intervention Team (SIT).

The SIT functions as a collaborative team consisting of various school professionals who focus on generating solutions within the general education framework. Their primary goal is to analyze data to identify student needs, develop and assess evidence-based interventions at Tier II and III levels, and monitor the progress of these interventions.
Through an equity-focused approach, the SIT takes into account the whole student, ensuring that decisions made positively influence their long-term educational journey and foster a sense of belonging within the Glenwood Community School District.

If you have any more questions about the SIT process, please reach out to me as I am the facilitator for Glenwood Middle School

Jamie Ewalt, 6th Grade ELA
Mrs. Ewalt has taught in a number of school districts in SW Iowa and this is her first year teaching at GCMS.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
Teaching has always been my “dream job”.

What motivates you to keep teaching?
The students and the staff! I am so thankful to be a part of the 6th grade team!

What do you most enjoy about teaching middle school?
I love the relationships you build with each student.

Paul Johnson, Computer Science & Financial Literacy
Mr. Johnson has been teaching for 32 years and this is his 25th year teaching in Glenwood.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
Computers were relatively new when I was in high school and I knew they were going to change the world. I wanted to help people understand how to use them effectively and efficiently.

Ben Haynes
Instructional Coach
haynesb@glenwoodschools.org

Josh Miller, 8th Grade ELA
Mr. Miller is in his 5th year of teaching, all at GCMS.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
My aunt is a teacher and I really look up to her. I also wanted to have a job that felt meaningful each and every day.

What motivates you to keep teaching?
Every day is different and I enjoy not having to do the same thing everyday when I come to work.

What do you most enjoy about teaching middle school?
I get to laugh each day!

Jennifer Buckingham, Vocal Music
Mrs. Buckingham has been teaching for 29 years, the last 9 years at GCMS.

What inspired you to become a teacher?
My high school band director and college choral director.

What motivates you to keep teaching?
I love music and being creative with students.

What do you enjoy most about teaching middle school?
The students have amazing a-ha moments!