Month: April 2025

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Decorah Community School District’s Nutrition Department has received an additional Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Award for making improvements to the nutritional quality of the district’s school breakfasts.

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service in collaboration with Action for Healthy Kids, Decorah received the Breakfast Trailblazer Award for their work in moving breakfast menus in the direction of protein-rich foods. Nutrition Director and Culinary Specialist Chad Elliott tries to avoid serving grain-based desserts for breakfast in middle and high school–instead serving eggs, meats, and Country View Dairy yogurt and cheese in various dishes. For example, their breakfast burrito, which contains scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese rolled up in a tortilla and is served with salsa, has become very popular.

Although elementary students seem to enjoy any breakfast item that is accompanied by pancake syrup, Elliott is gradually adding more protein items to these elementary breakfast menus. For instance, a sausage patty is included on waffle day, and a lower in sugar local yogurt is offered on pancake day to encourage young students’ palates into consuming healthier protein-rich foods.

Elliott commented, “The phrase ‘Learning begins with nutrition’ has become our nutrition department’s battle cry. We want to serve our students a healthy and sustaining breakfast so they are ready to take on the day!”

“We congratulate Decorah Nutrition Department on this important achievement,” said Rob Bisceglie, Executive Officer & President for Action for Healthy Kids. “The Healthy Meals Incentives Recognition Awards are an opportunity to showcase innovative school nutrition practices that provide children with access to nutritious school meals.”

Healthy school meals are an essential part of the school environment and a proven tool for improving a child’s health, growth, development, and educational outcomes. Learn more about the Healthy Meals Incentives at www.healthymealsincentves.org.

Kris Lowery, Decorah High School, making the very popular yogurt parfaits.

Paulette Darling, Carrie Lee Elementary, serving up some waffles.

The Decorah FFA competed at the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference on April 13-15, 2025, at Iowa State University in Ames. Twenty-six Decorah FFA members attended this year’s conference, including Hadley Alexander, Brock Anfinson, Rylee Averhoff, Brinlee Courtney, Brooks Courtney, Madelynn Dahl, Jerikah Dodd, Kiele Eberling, Karlie Einck, Logan Frye, Lauren Holthaus, Jackson Irwin, Lyla Lovstuen, Mara Lovstuen, Gabe Monroe, Brandi Nehls, Jordyn Roberg, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Isabella Schnitzler, Jordan Sims, Taylor Sloan-Dahl, Bentley Smith, Derek Tieskoetter, Kamryn Werges, and Thea Zidlicky.

Results on State Qualifying Events

Karlie Einck, the 2024–2025 Secretary of the Decorah FFA Chapter, submitted the chapter’s secretary book for state evaluation, where it earned a gold rating and was named the state champion. Einck was recognized on the main stage and presented with a plaque. 

Gabe Monroe, 2024-2025 treasurer of the Decorah FFA, submitted the Decorah FFA treasurer’s book. The book received a gold rating and was awarded third place. Monroe was recognized on the main stage during the second general session. 

Five members also competed in the parliamentary procedure leadership development event. The team of Hadley Alexander, Brinlee Courtney, Jackson Irwin, Mara Lovstuen, and Gabe Monroe received a silver rating.

State Ag Skills Career Development Event

The Ag Communications team—Madelynn Dahl, Eden Scheidel, Isabella Schnitzler, and Bentley Smith—competed in a contest that required them to attend an agriculture-related press conference and develop a communications and media plan based on the information presented. The team earned a silver rating. 

The Poultry Evaluation Team also earned a silver rating at their career development event. Team members Brock Anfinson, Brooks Courtney, Brandi Nehls, and Thea Zidlicky evaluated chickens and poultry products and were tested on general knowledge of poultry management.  

The Farm Business Management Team members Rylee Averhoff, Kiele Eberling, and Lyla Lovstuen demonstrated their ability to apply economic principles and farm management concepts to analyze and make informed business decisions. They received a silver rating.

The FFA Greenhand Quiz, which assesses members’ knowledge of the FFA organization, was taken by Jordyn Roberg and Taylor Sloan-Dahl. Roberg earned a gold rating, and Sloan-Dahl received a silver rating.

Iowa FFA Degree

Nine members of the Decorah FFA earned the Iowa FFA Degree–the highest honor a member may receive from the state. Rylee Averhoff, Jerikah Dodd, Logan Frye, Lyla Lovstuen, Eden Scheidel, Annika Schmelzer, Jordan Sims, Derek Tieskoetter, and Kamryn Werges qualified by completing the three-circle model’s participation requirements: SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience), FFA, and Classroom/Laboratory. 

State FFA Officer 

DHS graduate Creed Monroe served this last year as the Iowa FFA State Northeast District Vice President. As a state FFA officer, Monroe collaborated with other officers, members, advisors, and stakeholders to advance the goals of the FFA organization. During the state FFA leadership conference, he facilitated a general session, gave a retiring FFA address, and collaborated with other members. 

Additional Contest Results and Activities

The Decorah FFA Chapter earned a bronze rating in the National Chapter Award Program, a contest designed to encourage chapters to plan activities and carry them out successfully. Chapters are recognized for outstanding achievement in the areas of student development, chapter development, and community development. Brinlee Courtney accepted the award on behalf of the chapter during the third general session.

The Decorah FFA chapter was also recognized on the main stage for the ambassador award program. Lauren Holthaus accepted the award on stage during the first general session.

Members also took part in a variety of events that took place throughout the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference and attended the career show. Kamryn Werges participated in Massing of the Flags, Jackson Irwin participated in the State FFA Chorus, Gabe Monroe and Eden Scheidel served as a state courtesy corps members, and Karlie Einck and Gabe Monroe served as the chapter’s delegates and attended the state FFA association’s business session.  

Twenty-six Decorah FFA members attended the 97^th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at the Iowa State University Campus in Ames.

Front Row: Jackson Irwin, Jordyn Roberg, Lyla Lovstuen, Brandi Nehls, Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Jerikah Dodd

Middle Row: Brinlee Courtney, Karlie Einck, Lauren Holthaus, Annika Schmelzer, Rylee Averhoff, Brock Anfinson, Isabella Schnitzler, Kiele Eberling, Kamryn Werges

Back Row: Jordan Sims, Logan Frye, Gabe Monroe, Brooks Courtney, Thea Zidlicky, Eden Scheidel, Bentley Smith

Absent from photo: Mara Lovstuen, Taylor Sloan-Dahl, Derek Tieskoetter

Nine Decorah FFA members received their Iowa FFA Degree.

Front Row: Eden Scheidel, Lyla Lovstuen, Rylee Averhoff, Kamryn Werges

Back Row: Jordan Sims, Derek Tieskoetter, Logan Frye, Annika Schmelzer, Jerikah Dodd

Karlie Einck received 1st place at state in the FFA secretary’s book competition.

Gabe Monroe received 3^rd place for his treasurer’s book.

Decorah High School’s Special Olympics and Unified Champions groups, in partnership with Special Olympics Iowa, will host a Polar Plunge fundraising event on May 15^th at Decorah High School to raise awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities and support the Decorah Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs. This will take place over the lunch hours between 11am and 12:40 pm.

Special Olympics Iowa will bring a 2,500-gallon tank to Decorah for the event. Participants will take the plunge into icy waters to raise funds for local Special Olympics programs, which have expanded over the past year. These programs now offer a variety of activities and events that allow Decorah students with intellectual disabilities to compete in athletics while promoting social inclusion. Both programs aim to continue growing, providing even more opportunities in the future.

How to Participate and Donate
To donate or register for the plunge, visit the event link and select an individual or team to support. You can also register yourself to take the plunge for a great cause. The four participating teams include School Staff, Students, Community, and Luther College. To donate to a specific participant, simply type their name into the designated box when prompted.

The Purpose of the Cool School Plunge
 The Polar Plunge is not just about fundraising—it is a symbol of community spirit and inclusion. DHS Principal Brad Hurst emphasized, “The Polar Plunge represents so much more than a spirited event—it embodies the heart of who we are at Decorah High School. As a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, we are deeply committed to fostering inclusion, empathy, and authentic connections among students of all abilities. The plunge provides a meaningful opportunity for our students, staff, and community members to unite behind a shared purpose: celebrating the dignity of every individual and demonstrating that we are willing to go to great lengths—yes, even into freezing water—to support one another. It’s a joyful and courageous expression of school spirit, but even more, it’s a testament to the culture of compassion and community we strive to build daily at DHS.”

DHS Teacher Andy Carlson echoed these sentiments: “Personally, I applaud our school district and John Dunt in particular for pushing to make our school more inclusive and for celebrating all of our student athletes. This is about giving everyone an opportunity to compete, especially our students with special needs. I believe that supporting our own chapter of the Special Olympics through fundraising is important because it provides our athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to develop physical fitness, build confidence, and experience the joy of competition just like everyone else. Hopefully this fundraising drive will ensure that these athletes will have access to more additional opportunities to compete in the future—all at no additional cost to them or their families. It also promotes inclusivity, raises awareness about the abilities of individuals with disabilities, and fosters a more accepting and supportive community. My hope is that by contributing, we can help to create life-changing experiences that further empower our athletes to reach their full potential both on and off the field.”

When asked why she was participating in the Cool School Plunge, DHS teacher Felecia DeJong explained, “I am choosing to take the plunge because I am so proud of the inclusive work our school is doing. It’s amazing to watch the work our staff and students have been putting into working toward becoming an official Unified Champions School. I want to do my part in helping drive this goal forward. I believe it’s important for all of our students to have the kind of opportunities that make them feel like they have a moment to shine.”

Expansion of Special Olympics and Unified Champions Programs
The Decorah Schools Special Olympics program has traditionally competed in Bowling and Track at the regional level, with some athletes advancing to the State competition in Bowling. Additionally, students have participated in Unified Sports Days at Luther College and Wartburg College. The program is actively exploring additional activities to offer more opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

DHS Unified Champions, a new group launched last year with the encouragement of Special Olympics Iowa, pairs Special Olympic athletes with their peers. The group meets monthly to plan inclusive activities and leadership opportunities. The program’s growth has been remarkable, starting with Inclusion Week and the Unified Basketball game with varsity players last spring, and expanding to include a Unified Football game during Homecoming Week, a second Inclusion Week, a Unified Basketball game in Des Moines during the Boys State Tournament, and upcoming events such as the Unified Relays during a home track meet and a Unified Sports Day for elementary-aged special education students.

John Dunt, Coordinator of Decorah Schools Special Olympics and Unified Champions programs, shared his enthusiasm: “When Special Olympics Iowa contacted me about DHS becoming a Unified Champion School, I thought it would be a great opportunity for my athletes to become more involved. With the support of administration and our entire school community, it has grown into something I cannot even believe. The entire school, students and staff alike, get excited when we are doing something, and so many want to get involved. The levels of student involvement during our Inclusion Weeks and Unified games have exceeded my expectations. It goes to show the character of Decorah High School and the entire Decorah community.”

About Special Olympics and Unified Champions:
Special Olympics Iowa supports individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing year-round sports training and competition. The Unified Champions program promotes social inclusion by bringing together students with and without intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and activities, fostering understanding, empathy, and a stronger school community.

For more information or to register for the Polar Plunge, visit the link or contact the DHS Special Olympics and Unified Champions groups at 563-382-3643.