The Decorah High School Vocal Music Department will present a fall choral concert at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 21 in the DHS Auditorium. The concert will feature four choirs: Ninth Grade Treble Clef Choir, Ninth Grade Bass Clef Choir, Viking Chorus, and Concert Choir.
Choirs will perform pieces by Laura Farnell, Andrea Ramsey, Tracy Wong, Melanie DeMore, Sarah Quartel, José Maurício Nunes Garcia, Alice Parker, Rosephanye Powell, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. In addition, arrangements of the Irish folksong “Mairi’s Wedding” and “Dear Theodosia” from Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton will be featured.
The choirs are under the direction of Jason Rausch and Dean Beckman. Collaborative pianist is Lani Himegarner. Additional instrumentalists include Oliver Brummel, Liam Chamberlain, Natalie Goodner, Lauren Severtson, and Ezra Vorvick.
For its exemplary record of leadership, service, and efforts to improve the school and community, the National Honor Society (NHS) awarded the Decorah High School chapter of NHS the Service Award of Excellence.
Service is a strong aspect of the Decorah NHS chapter, with events occurring throughout the year. Last fall NHS members created a Krusty Krab cafe for families to attend before the Saturday matinee performance of “SpongeBob the Musical.” This included themed food, a photo booth with character cut-outs, art activities, and colorful decorations. DHS received Special Recognition for Community Engagement from the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards for the Krusty Krab lunch event sponsored by the chapter.
Members also volunteer at Holiday Lights and have started “Pass the Bricks,” a program where students collect and recycle Legos to create new kits to donate to community members. In addition, at least three times a year, the NHS hosts a social during lunch. The entire student body is invited to play games and connect with others. They also created the Stuffed Animal Sleepover Project for students in second grade at John Cline Elementary. Furthermore, NHS members have supported the Special Olympics Unified Champion initiative by helping with events, creating the design for a school-wide t-shirt, and hosting a shootout at the Unified Champion basketball game, with all proceeds going toward Special Olympic equipment purchases.
“Over the years, our strong NHS leaders have developed a system of committees that has led to more participation, greater commitment, and more meaningful ways to contribute to our school and greater community. Our current members are building on that foundation with new ideas and energy,” stated advisors Shannon Horton and Liz Fox.
The NHS Chapter Pillar Awards are prestigious recognitions to celebrate the outstanding achievements of NHS chapters across the country. NHS is supported by its parent organization, theNational Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), which also oversees theNational Association of Student Councils.
“Receiving an NHS Chapter Pillar Award reflects the extraordinary commitment of students who are making a real difference in their school and community,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “The Decorah High School chapter shows what’s possible when young people come together to lead, serve, and inspire others.”
Every year 7th graders at Decorah Middle School immerse themselves in a cross-curricular project aimed to sharpen their skills while also experiencing the benefits of philanthropy. Students in Carrie Reed’s Global Studies class examine how water can create inequalities in societies by impacting health, education, hunger, and poverty. These same students read and analyze the novel “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park in Pamela Dambek’s language class. The project culminates in students walking from the middle school to the Upper Iowa River to collect water to carry through town on their way back to school.
Two years ago the 7th graders (class of 2028) raised over $5000 from donations from family and community members and other fundraisers: enough to build a well through the nonprofit organization Water to Thrive. Recently the now 9th graders at Decorah High School received information about how their donation became a reality: a well that benefits over 150 people in Uganda.
Jennifer Kondelis, Programs Assistant, and Susanne Wilson, Executive Director of Water to Thrive, communicated this to the teachers and students: “In addition to providing clean, safe water to hundreds of people, your well has significantly reduced the amount of time women and children spend collecting water. Women have gained the time they need to take better care of their families and engage in income-generating activities. Children now have more time to go to school and be absent less often as water-related diseases become a thing of the past. We are grateful to have you as a partner as we commit to bring clean water to those who so desperately need it.”
Nayiga Cotilda, a 35-year-old mother of four, is one villager who is benefiting tremendously from the well. For 20 years she struggled to access safe and clear water, which took a toll on her family’s health and finances. Her daughter frequently suffered from waterborne illnesses, which strained their budget. Everything changed when PaCT and Water to Thrive intervened, providing a reliable source of clean water and instilling hope in the community. She stated, “PaCT and Water to Thrive didn’t just give us clean water–they gave us a new life.”
According to their website www.watertothrive.org, “Water to Thrive transforms lives in rural Africa by bringing the sustainable blessing of clean, safe water to communities in need by connecting them to social investors, congregations, schools, individuals, and community groups with a heart to make a difference.”
Eight students from Decorah High School–Grace Blikre, Carson Bohner, Oliver Brummel, McKenzie Riley, Lily Sandhorst, Anastasia Simon, Jack Sovern, and Grant Zilka–have been selected as College Board National Recognition Program awardees. All recipients received the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA), and Zilka also received recognition in the First Generation category.
These students earned this recognition because of their academic achievements in school and outstanding performance on the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and/or AP® Exams. They’ve accomplished these milestones during a demanding period of their high school career.
“We’re thrilled that our students have earned this recognition. We are very proud of them for their achievements in their classrooms and on College Board assessments,” said Pat Trewin, DHS guidance counselor. “These programs help students from underrepresented backgrounds stand out to colleges during admissions. Some colleges will offer scholarships to students based on this honor.”
“We want to honor the hard work of these students through the College Board National Recognition Programs. This program creates a way for colleges and scholarship programs to connect directly with underrepresented students who they are hoping to reach,” said Tarlin Ray, College Board senior vice president of BigFuture. “We hope the award winners and their families celebrate this prestigious honor.”
Photo ID (l-r):
Front row: Anastasia Simon, Grace Blikre, McKenzie Riley
Back row: Grant Zilka, Lily Sandhorst, Jack Sovern, Oliver Brummel, Carson Bohner
In response to new state laws, specifically Iowa Senate File 2435, the Decorah Community School District has implemented updated attendance policies. These changes are designed to promote regular school attendance and clarify definitions of chronic absenteeism and truancy.
Key Updates:
Chronic Absenteeism: A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 10% or more of scheduled school days. Exempt absences for legitimate medical reasons, religious observances, or court-directed activities do not count towards this total.
Truancy: Defined for students aged 6 to 16, truancy occurs when a student accumulates 20% or more non-exempt absences, which include excused but non-exempt reasons.
Notification and Support: Families will be notified if a student reaches 10% absenteeism. If absenteeism continues, a School Engagement Meeting will be held to develop an Absenteeism Prevention Plan.
Exempt absences include those related to documented medical reasons, religious activities, and specific court-related matters. For a medical appointment to be considered exempt, students must submit a note from a health care provider to the office upon their return to school. Non-exempt absences, such as family vacations and college visits, will count towards attendance metrics, as they do not qualify for exemption.
We encourage families to communicate with school officials for support and guidance. For detailed information, including attendance coding and FAQs, please visit our website or contact your school office. The FAQ has been attached to this email.
We will continue to update these documents as more information and guidance from the Department of Education becomes available. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring our students’ success.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona today recognized 356 schools as the 2024 cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools. This prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.
Decorah High School is recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for 2024. This marks the second time it has received this honor, having previously won in 2011. Notably, Decorah High School is one of only five schools in Iowa to be recognized as a Blue Ribbon School for 2024. Decorah High School’s profile can be found on the Blue Ribbon School website.
Principal Brad Hurst said, “This award reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff, along with the tremendous support provided by our parents and community. We commend our district colleagues, coaches, and activity sponsors for their role in our students’ success. Our collective efforts have built a foundation of excellence, preparing our graduates for success in any endeavor they pursue beyond the walls of Decorah High School.”
The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools reflect the full diversity of American education and serve students from all backgrounds. While awardees represent a wide array of schools, they share common traits. National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who articulate a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and offer robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is a key component of their success
“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”
Up to 420 schools may be nominated each year. The Department invites nominations for the National Blue Ribbon Schools award from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education.
Unified Champions Basketball Game, SpongeBob Cast, 2024 Valedictorians
On Friday at Decorah High School’s 2024 Homecoming coronation ceremony, Will Hahn, son of Brent and Amanda Hahn, and McKenzie Riley, daughter of Adam and Jessica Riley, were crowned Homecoming King and Queen.
Officials of National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced the names of more than 16,000 Semifinalists in the 70th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Three Decorah High School seniors–Oliver Brummel, Mason Myers, and Jack Sovern–are among those recognized with this distinction. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 6,870 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million that will be offered next spring.
Over 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2023 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®), which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.
To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, Semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. About 94 percent of the Semifinalists are expected to attain Finalist standing, and all National Merit Scholarship winners will be selected from this group of Finalists and will earn the Merit Scholar title.
A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school official, write an essay, and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test.
NMSC, a not-for-profit organization, was established in 1955 specifically to conduct the annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Photo ID (l-r): Oliver Brummel, Jack Sovern, Mason Myers
Homecoming week activities for Decorah High School students will begin with the Viking Olympics on Sunday, September 15. This event aims to encourage team building among students across all grade levels.
As the week continues, students and staff will have the opportunity to cheer on sports teams and celebrate school spirit. Athletes on the volleyball, football, cross country, and swimming and diving teams will compete throughout the week.
The coronation ceremony will be Friday afternoon with a pep assembly and parade to follow.
Queen candidates from the senior class include Leah Holland, daughter of Steve and Krista Holland; Sara Johanningmeier, daughter of Scott and Kerri Johanningmeier; Greta Jones, daughter of Brian and Jennifer Jones; McKenzie Riley, daughter of Adam and Jessica Riley; and Ella Stille, daughter of Brandon and Michelle Stille.
King candidates from the senior class include Joshua Adam, son of Mike and Janet Adam; Louie Bucksa, son of Jared and Alecia Bucksa; Davis Coppola, son of Tony and Kelly Coppola; William Hahn, son of Brent and Amanda Hahn; and Grant Zilka, son of Keith and Jessica Zilka.
Junior class attendants are Ariana Albert, daughter of Chopper and Rhonda Albert, and Cael LaFrentz, son of Raef and Joie LaFrentz.
Representing the sophomore class as attendants are Kaelyn Kuhn, daughter of Tom and Karen Kuhn, and Gavin Knutson, son of Justin and Tasha Knutson.
Riley Christopher, daughter of Chance and Amber Christopher, and Bennett Coppola, son of Tony and Kelly Coppola, will represent the class of 2028.
The Homecoming parade will start at 2:30 p.m. at the high school and follow the traditional homecoming parade route down West Water Street and River Street.
The Decorah Vikings football team will take on the Mustangs of Independence High School at 7:30 p.m. The Decorah 9th grade team will play at 5 p.m.
The Homecoming queen and king, their court, and their parents will be presented at halftime of the varsity game, along with a performance by the Decorah High School Pride of the Vikings marching band.
Photo ID (l-r) DHS Senior Homecoming Court:
Front row: Louie Bucksa, Davis Coppola, Joshua Adam, William Hahn, Grant Zilka
Back row: Ella Stille, Greta Jones, Leah Holland, McKenzie Riley, Sara Johanningmeier
9-11 Attendants:
Front row: Bennett Coppola, Gavin Knutson, Cael LaFrentz
Back row: Riley Christopher, Kaelyn Kuhn, Ariana Albert
Voters in the Decorah Community School District approved both measures on the ballot during the September 10 special election.
According to preliminary election results provided by the Winneshiek County Auditor’s Office, each public measure for DCSD received approval of at least 70 percent.
Public Measure D, which asked voters to renew the district’s Revenue Purpose Statement (RPS) through 2051, received 1,829 votes in favor (75.48%) compared to 594 (24.52%) opposed. This measure required 50% approval to pass. A Revenue Purpose Statement specifies how school districts can spend revenue provided by the state’s Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) fund.
Public Measure E sought permission from voters to increase the district’s debt service levy limit from $2.70 to $4.05 per $1,000 of taxable property value. Support for the measure totaled 1,678 votes (70.56%), while there were 700 votes against (29.44%). Approval of at least 60% was needed to pass.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support that was shown by our residents on election day,” said Dr. Tim Cronin, Superintendent. “We have had many great conversations about the future of our schools in recent months, and it is clear that our community cares deeply about education and the students our district serves.”
The measures approved on September 10 are the initial steps in the district’s plan to construct a new school for students in PK-2 that would replace John Cline Elementary and West Side Early Childhood Center.
DCSD voters will next consider a $38 million bond referendum on Tuesday, November 5. More information about this project can be found at www.decorahcsdfuture.org.
