Author: Decorah Community School District

The Decorah Robotics teams finished their season by competing at their league tournament competition this Saturday at Peet Junior High School in Cedar Falls. The tournament featured 26 area robotics teams all competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) competition.

At the beginning of the school year, these FTC teams–comprised of high school students– were given an obstacle course scenario. Teams then designed, built, and programmed an 18 x 18 x 18 inch robot that they could control in order to score as many points as possible within that scenario.

This year’s competition is called Centerstage and required teams to place hexagonal pixels onto a slanted backdrop, launch paper airplanes into landing zones, suspend their robots onto trusses, along with many other scoring opportunities in both an autonomous and driver-controlled playing period.

The freshmen/sophomore Decorah team, Thor’s Thunder Squad, competed in their six qualification matches, going 3-3 and placing 12th at the competition. Their robot excelled at efficiently picking up pixels from the center using two widening pinchers, and the team could suspend their robot on the trusses using flexible hooks attached to two rack-and-pinion raised towers. Thor’s Thunder Squad also finished second in the Control Award category, which is awarded to teams who demonstrate innovative thinking to solve game challenges through the use of sensors, machine learning, and autonomous control. The team had programmed their robot to sense where a randomly-placed scoring element was located, using machine learning and a webcam on their robot that allowed them to score bonus points during their autonomous program.

The junior/senior Decorah team, The Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men and Women, went 4-2 during their qualification matches, earning them a 6th place finish. They were the first team drafted in the playoff round but lost to the eventual league champion team, the Falcon Bots from Parkersburg. The Wacky Wavers designed their robot to funnel pixels through two boot flywheels into a 3D printed box. The box was then raised up on a set of drawer slides and dropped onto the backdrop using a servo motor to tilt the box. The junior/senior team finished in second in the Connect Award category, which is awarded to teams who best connect with their local STEM community. The team did outreach events throughout the year with Boeing engineers, Gemini, Inc., and the high school freshmen, along with livestreaming many of their practices and competitions.

“I am very proud of our teams this year as both placed high in the standings and ranked higher than we ever have in their two award categories,” says Brett Wilker, the Decorah Robotics coach. “Many of the students in our robotics programs are interested in pursuing careers in engineering, robotics, or computer science; and through this program, they are given the opportunity to learn the skills that will make them successful in these fields.”

Photo IDs:Thor’s Thunder Squad poses in their pit area. From (l-r): Joey McFarlane, Evan Madsen, Alec Fleshner-Einck, Eden Scheidel, Keagan Steines, Elias Sassaman, Owen Rix, and Jack Hammel

The Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men and Women pose in their pit area. From (l-r):

Seated: Emily Myers and Montana Jump-Gerleman.

Middle Row: Chloe Sabin, Andie Gegax, Quinton LaBelle, Brock Christensen, Bryce Elsbernd

Back Row: Mason Myers, Cody Carolan, Jerald Thompson, Phuong Doan, Kellen Roffman, Travis Nordheim.

Pre-Match:

Members of the Decorah Robotics teams prepare to compete together in a qualification match.

Two Decorah High School groups were selected as banner recipients at this year’s All-State Speech Festival held in Ames over the weekend: a Musical Theater performance of “tick, tick…BOOM!” and a Radio Broadcasting performance entitled “KWAK.” This is the first time in school history that Decorah has won a banner in the area of Musical Theater and the second time in school history that Decorah has won a banner in Radio Broadcasting.

Approximately 90 Decorah High School students made the trip to Ames over the weekend to perform at the festival at the Iowa State Center on the ISU campus.

Sixteen Decorah High School events were nominated as outstanding performances and joined other elite speech students from across the state to share their performances with a professional critic.

At the All-State Speech Festival, each critic selects one performance at the end of the day and awards a banner to that entry, signifying them as “best of center” in that category. In the eyes of the critic, the banner winner represents a “state championship” quality performance that stands out above the rest.

Cast members of the musical theater performance of “tick, tick…BOOM!,” directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman, include Libby Phillips, Hayley Stowe, Gwen Thompson, Oliver Brummel, Ezra Vorvick, Connor Evelsizer, Lucas Hanson, and Bethany Hanson.

The critic praised the musical theater cast for their creative storytelling, dynamic musical acting skills, and a “performance that stuck with her throughout the day.” The critic was curious about how the story of “tick, tick…BOOM!” would be told, as it is not traditional musical theater storytelling. The critic loved the way that the focus was on the ensemble, even though most of the songs are traditionally written for 1-3 performers. This piece told the story of musical theater writer Jonathan Larson while exploring the themes of living a life governed by love and passion instead of by a fear of failure.

Cast members of the Radio Broadcasting “KWAK,” directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman, include Tommy Hammel, Hannah Arendt, Lily Sandhorst, Alex McGohan, Jerald Thompson, Addison Wicklund, and Camryn Holland.

The radio broadcasting follows the Waddleton duck family as they deliver news from the pond at the “quack of dawn.” However, as the broadcast unfolds, the family starts to fall apart, all while delivering fowl-related news and commercials for duck dating apps. The critic praised “KWAK” for the memorable writing, perfect vocal delivery, and delightful sound mixing. The critic explained that once they heard the performance, “there was no other choice for the critic’s choice. It was undeniable. Perfection.”

“It is incredible to be able to tell stories that make an impact. Whether it’s the tragically beautifully story of an important musical theater writer or the pun-filled adventures of a family of ducks, our students work hard to deliver memorable storytelling,” speech directors Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg shared. “A big thank you to all involved in the fire truck parade, the ringing of the victory bell, and for supporting all of our performances throughout the season. Saturday night was a true celebration of our entire speech team.”

“Tick, Tick…Boom” photo ID

Front row (l-r): Hayley Stowe, Bethany Hanson, Gwen Thompson, Libby Phillips

Back row (l-r): Oilver Brummel, Ezra Vorvick, Lucas Hanson, Connor Evelsizer

“KWAK” photo ID

(l-r): Addison Wicklund, Lily Sandhorst, Hannah Arendt, Camryn Holland, Tommy Hammel, Alex McGohan. 

Absent from photo: Jerald Thompson

On Saturday February 10^th several students from Decorah High School and Decorah Middle School traveled to Waverly to participate in Wartburg College’s 25^th annual Unified Sports Day through Special Olympics Iowa. The Unified Sports program is a way for Special Olympic athletes to learn new sports skills and participate in games alongside general education students.

At this event the Decorah students explored sports they know like basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, and pickleball; as well as sports that were new to them such as golf and bocce ball.  Throughout the day, the students rotated through stations with Wartburg students to participate in each of the sports, capping off the day with a Unified Sports basketball game with members of the Wartburg basketball team.

Photo ID:

Front (l-r): Kamryn Leuenberger, Johnathan Bean, Sky Pasche, Daniel Bean, and John Lippe

Back (l-r): Donnie Hrdlicka, Essa Miller, Jude Ryan, Haley Stinson, and Braden Ramstad

The Decorah FFA will celebrate National FFA Week from February 17 through . Throughout the week, FFA members, alumni, sponsors, and chapters all over can raise awareness about the FFA organization and the daily impact it has on its members. Agricultural education allows FFA members to achieve premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

There are currently sixty-nine members in the Decorah FFA. The chapter organizes programs all year to help grow leaders, build communities, and strengthen agriculture. The Decorah FFA will have its annual FFA Awards Program on Thursday, , to honor all the year’s accomplishments. The general public is invited to attend. More information can be obtained by contacting any Decorah FFA member or the Decorah FFA advisor, Joni Bruvold.

The Decorah FFA Chapter works to create a positive impact on the members’ futures by preparing them with leadership skills, personal growth opportunities, and a successful career. Members have opportunities to participate in career development events and leadership development events. This past year, members have competed in various activities and contests including dairy cattle and dairy products evaluation; parliamentary procedure; conduct of meetings; public speaking contests; floriculture; livestock judging; record keeping; and attending district, state, and national convention.

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA Chapter:
Row 1: Creed Monroe, Brody Courtney, Annika Brynsaas, Anders Lovstuen, Jeramiah Rediske,
Travis Nordheim, Derek Tieskoetter
Row 2: Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Elora Schnitzler, Lyla Lovstuen, Andrew Carolan,
Mason Brumm, Aiden Helgerson, Michael Clement, Nick Farley, Karlee Bullerman, Ryan
Rocksvold
Row 3: Kiele Eberling, Ryan Bigler, Mara Lovstuen, Kamryn Werges, Mara Wyatt, Ciara
Wedmann, Karlie Einck, Peyton Schultz, Rylee Averhoff, Annika Schmelzer
Row 4: Isabella Schnitzler, Brinlee Courtney, Eden Scheidel, Lauren Holthaus, Thea Zidlicky,
Jerikah Dodd, Austin Helgerson, Kale Christopher, Kolton Werges, Cade Averhoff, Jordan Sims
Row 5: Gabe Monroe, Braden Hemesath, Logan Frye, William Kruse, William Hahn, Toby
Schnitzler, Henry Brynsaas, Dominick Duffield, Jake Teslow, Kaid Headington
Not pictured: Brooke Anfinson, Caiden Bruns, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington, Ayden
Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Noah Heiselman, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin, Christopher Larson,
Kaylee Larson, Blaine Leidahl, Raleigh Lensing, Rashell Lippe, Karter Orris, Hunter Quandahl,
Kayleigh Smith, Haley Stinson, Gracie Thompson, Olivia Wyatt

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA Officer Team
Row 1: Travis Nordheim, Sentinel; Anders Lovstuen, Treasurer; Jeramiah Rediske, Reporter;
Derek Tieskoetter, Chapter Assistant
Row 2: Brody Courtney, Vice President; Creed Monroe, President; Annika Brynsaas, Secretary

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA 11th –12th Grade Members
Row 1: Anders Lovstuen, Elora Schnitzler, Kiele Eberling, Kamryn Werges, Mara Wyatt, Annika
Brynsaas, Ciara Wedmann
Row 2: Brody Courtney, Derek Tieskoetter, Austin Helgerson, Jordan Sims, Kolton Werges,
Jeramiah Rediske
Row 3: Logan Frye, Kaid Headington, Creed Monroe, William Hahn, Travis Nordheim, Cade
Averhoff
Not pictured: Brooke Anfinson, Caiden Bruns, Camren Darling, Braunwyn Darrington,
Christopher Larson, Blaine Leidahl, Rashell Lippe, Hunter Quandahl, Kayleigh Smith, Haley
Stinson, Olivia Wyatt

Photo ID: (l-r) 2023-2024 Decorah FFA 9th – 10th Grade Members
Row 1: Madelynn Dahl, Hadley Alexander, Lyla Lovstuen, Andrew Carolan, Mason Brumm,
Aiden Helgerson, Michael Clement, Nick Farley, Ryan Rocksvold
Row 2: Isabella Schnitzler, Brinlee Courtney, Ryan Bigler, Mara Lovstuen, Karlie Einck, Peyton
Schultz, Karlee Bullerman
Row 3: Eden Scheidel, Lauren Holthaus, Thea Zidlicky, Jerikah Dodd, Rylee Averhoff, Annika
Schmelzer
Row 4: Braden Hemesath, William Kruse, Gabe Monroe, Toby Schnitzler, Henry Brynsaas,
Dominick Duffield, Jake Teslow, Kale Christopher
Not pictured: Ayden Guevara, Jacob Hageman, Noah Heiselman, Tristan Hunter, Jackson Irwin,
Kaylee Larson, Raleigh Lensing, Karter Orris, Gracie Thompson

February 15th, 2024

Dear Parents and Community Members,

We are excited to introduce the DCSD Digital Backpack, a paperless platform designed to streamline the distribution of non-district information throughout the school year. The Digital Backpack serves as a centralized hub where you can find a variety of resources, including summer camp opportunities, sports leagues, after-school activities, and upcoming events.

With the Digital Backpack, you can easily access new activities every week, providing your student with a wealth of opportunities to explore and engage with their interests outside of the classroom.

Note that all events submitted for inclusion in the Digital Backpack will be subject to approval in accordance with district policy. The posting of any event does not imply endorsement of the program by the Decorah Community School District. For more information on our distribution policies, please refer to our website: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP

We encourage you to take advantage of this convenient resource and explore the diverse array of opportunities available to our students. 

DCSD Digital Backpack: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP

Submit an event: http://tinyurl.com/DCSD-DBP-Submit

Thank you for your continued support,

Tim Cronin, Superintendent

Tricia Thein, Decorah Chief of Police; Dan Marx, Winneshiek County Sheriff; and Tim Cronin, DCSD Superintendent, have received a steady stream of reports from school bus drivers indicating that several vehicles have been illegally passing school buses, jeopardizing the lives of students.

This week, Decorah bus drivers reported four stop-arm violations.

Thein, Marx, and Cronin want to emphasize in the strongest possible terms that passing a school bus with its stop arm extended is not only illegal but also incredibly dangerous. They stated, “The safety of our children is paramount, and we cannot tolerate reckless behavior that puts their lives at risk.”

The Decorah Community School District buses are equipped with cameras that capture these violations, and the footage is promptly turned over to the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office, Decorah Police Department, and Iowa State Patrol. Offenders will be identified, and appropriate legal actions–including fines–will be taken against them. Fines for school bus stop-arm violations range from $345-$930, and offenders WILL lose their license for 30 days upon conviction—for the first offense.

“We urge all drivers in Winneshiek County to be vigilant, patient, and considerate on the roads, especially during school hours,” Thein, Marx, and Cronin continued. “Please share this message with your family, friends, and neighbors to raise awareness about the

gravity of this issue. Let us work together as a community to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. By respecting the stop arm on school buses, we can create a secure environment for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.”

Decorah High School students participated in the Northeast State Large Group Speech Contest hosted at Dubuque Senior High School on February 3. Judges at the state contest selected 16 of Decorah High School performances as outstanding, tying the school record. These performances are honored with the coveted All-State Speech nomination to be part of the All-State Speech Festival, which will include performances by the best speech students from across the state of Iowa. 

Twelve of the Decorah High School groups nominated will perform at the festival on February 17 at Iowa State University. More information about the festival, including a schedule, can be found at https://www.ihssa.org/contests/large-group/all-state/.

Being designated a non-performing group at All-State is as special of an honor as performing; however, scheduling limitations prevent all nominees from performing.

DHS speech students are coached by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg.

The directors remarked, “We are thrilled with the results of these All-State nominations. Our students worked hard, performed well, and supported one another passionately throughout the season. We are a part of a very competitive region of the state, which makes these nominations even more meaningful. We look forward to celebrating all of our nominees at the festival next weekend.”

DHS speech groups nominated as an All-State Honoree include two choral readings, one ensemble acting, two group improvs, one group mime, two solo mimes, two musical theaters, one radio broadcasting, a readers theater, three television newscasting, and a one-act play. 

Cast lists for those groups performing are as follows:

Choral Reading “The Eras of Taylor Swift” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Alex McGohan, Julia Severtson, Lexy Walker, Paige Wrightsman, Hannah Arendt, Natalie Goodner, Kaylie Wemark, Caden Branum, Bethany Hanson, Evon Leitz, Nathan Swarbrick, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre, and Caleb Johnson.

9th grade Choral Reading “Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Clarence Nimrod, Lawrence Christman, Emma Cline, Ava Hanson, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Carter Riley, Oliva Rissman, Isis Timm, and Jillian Volz.

Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight. 

Group One: Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse

Group Two: Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Jack Sovern

Solo Mime “Midnight Madness” by Jensen Korsness was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Solo Mime “Magnificent Malvolio’s Mishaps” by Nat Roberts was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Musical Theater “Tick, Tick…Boom” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Connor Evelsizer, Bethany Hanson, Ezra Vorvick, Libby Phillips, Hayley Stowe, Oliver Brummel, Gwen Thompson, and Lucas Hanson.

Radio Broadcasting “KWAK” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Tommy Hammel, Camryn Holland, Lily Sandhorst, Addison Wicklund, Alex McGohan, Hannah Arendt, and Jerald Thompson.

Readers Theater “The House in the Cerulean Sea” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie

Kauffman. 

Participants include Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Greta Jones, Annika Keefe, Nora Lesmeister, Davis Coppola, Ansel Kowitz, McKenzie Riley, Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Klara Kelly, Luke Arendt, and Elliana Brodbeck.

Television Newscasting “Close Encounters: Strangers from Space” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. 

Participants include Naomi Pedlar, Caden Branum, Braunwyn Darrington, Simon Kutz, Brynn Storhoff, Nathan Swarbrick, Sam Cline, Peter Essa, Gwen Thompson, Eily Hegdahl, Liz Pritchard, Paige Wrightsman, Mara Branum, and Natalie Goodner,

Television Newscasting “Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Girls Wrestling” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, Will Robinson, Beau Newhouse, Annaleissa Arnold, Karmyn Bakken, Grant Zilka, Jensen Korsness, Naomi Simon, Ana Simon, Leah Holland, Kelby Kerndt, and Lauren Luzum.

One Act Play “She Kills Monsters” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Kathryn Kelly, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Ezra Vorvick, Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Julia Severtson, Hayley Stowe, Annika Keefe, Andy Kruger, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Cody Carolan.

The following have been selected as outstanding non-performing at the All-State Festival:

Ensemble Acting “The Day the Internet Died” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks.

Participants include Davis Coppola, Karmyn Bakken, Kathryn Kelly, Klaara Short, Liam Chamberlain, and Lucas Hanson.

Group Mime “Night at the Art Museum” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Lyra McKnight.

Participants include Brynn Storhoff, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, and Ariana Albert.

Musical Theater “Newsies” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Caleb Johnson, Andy Krueger, Abbie Valkosky, Gabriel Hiner, June Breitenbach-Dirks, and Elsa Christman.

9th grade Television Newscasting “Iowa Roots: Indigenous Heritage” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. 

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Sawyer Courtney, Thomas Davis, Ava Hanson, Kaelyn Kuhn, Clarence Nimrod, Kyan Oftedahl, Carter Riley, Oliver Rissman, Nina Sessions, Claire Storhoff, and Colin Thompson.

Photo ID: Eras of Taylor Swift Choral Reading

Front Row (l-r): Kaylie Wemark, Hannah Arendt, Julia Severtson, Grace Blikre, Caleb Johnson, and Lexy Walker

Back Row (l-r): Natalie Goodner, Paige Wrightsman, Evon Leitz, Liz Pritchard, Caden Branum, Alex McGohan, Nathan Swarbrick, and Coach Molly Holkesvik

Missing from photo: Bethany Hanson and Coach Annika Krieg

Photo ID: 9th grade Choral Reading: Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After

Front Row (l-r): Coach Molly Holkesvik, Isis Timm, Naomi Kutz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Emma Cline, Jillian Volz, and coach Annika Krieg

Back Row (l-r): Ava Hanson, Oliva Rissman, Lawrence Christman, Clarence Nimrod, Carter Riley, Thatcher Brown, Lulu Bellrichard, Myla Leitz

Decorah High School speech students participated in State Large Group Speech Contest on Saturday, February 3rd, held at Dubuque Senior High School.

The performers had an excellent showing, earning 24 Division I ratings out of 27 entries. The ninth-grade team performed in 6 entries, while the varsity team performed in 22 entries. 

“Our students did a wonderful job representing our school. They worked hard and performed with poise, professionalism, and personality. We are extremely proud of them. They continue to bring so much to the speech program and our community,” remarked the directors.

All-State nominations will be released later this week.

Cast lists for the varsity groups who received a “I” rating at state contest are as follows:

Choral Reading “The Eras of Taylor Swift” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Alex McGohan, Julia Severtson, Lexy Walker, Paige Wrightsman, Hannah Arendt, Natalie Goodner, Kaylie Wemark, Caden Branum, Bethany Hanson, Evon Leitz, Nathan Swarbrick, Liz Pritchard, Grace Blikre, and Caleb Johnson.

Ensemble Acting “The Day the Internet Died” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks.

Participants include Davis Coppola, Karmyn Bakken, Kathryn Kelly, Klaara Short, Liam Chamberlain, and Lucas Hanson.

Ensemble Acting “The Yellow Boat” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg. 

Participants include Anders Lovstuen, Evon Leitz, Ezra Harman-Wood, Klara Kelly, Peter Essa, and Grace Blikre.

Group Improv was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants performed in three groups. 

Group One: Anders Lovstuen, Henry Weis, Oliver Brummel, and Beau Newhouse

Group Two: Joe Stammeyer, Tommy Hammel, and Jack Sovern

Group Three: Liam Chamberlain, Greta Jones, Ansel Kowitz, and Nat Roberts

Group Mime “Night at the Art Museum” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Lyra McKnight.

Participants include Brynn Storhoff, Kathleen Delphey, Anopa Mtisi, Evynne Downing, Camryn Holland, and Ariana Albert.

Solo Mime “Midnight Madness” by Jensen Korsness was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Solo Mime “Magnificent Malvolio’s Mishaps” by Nat Roberts was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabriel Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman.

Musical Theater “Newsies” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Caleb Johnson, Andy Krueger, Abbie Valkosky, Gabriel Hiner, June Breitenbach-Dirks, and Elsa Christman.

Musical Theater “Tick, Tick…Boom” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Connor Evelsizer, Bethany Hanson, Ezra Vorvick, Libby Phillips, Hayley Stowe, Oliver Brummel, Gwen Thompson, and Lucas Hanson.

One Act Play “She Kills Monsters” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Kathryn Kelly, Elliana Brodbeck, McKenzie Riley, Ezra Vorvick, Gabriel Hiner, Libby Phillips, Julia Severtson, Hayley Stowe, Annika Keefe, Andy Kruger, June Breitenbach-Dirks, Nora Lesmeister, Kaylie Wemark, and Cody Carolan.

Radio Broadcasting “KWAK” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Tommy Hammel, Camryn Holland, Lily Sandhorst, Addison Wicklund, Alex McGohan, Hannah Arendt, and Jerald Thompson.

Radio Broadcasting “KZZZ” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Grant Zilka, Ezra Harman-Wood, Faith Meyer, Lyla Lovstuen, Sam Cline, and Joe Stammeyer.

Readers Theater “The House in the Cerulean Sea” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie

Kauffman. 

Participants include Sydney Kipp, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Greta Jones, Annika Keefe, Nora Lesmeister, Simon Kutz, Davis Coppola, Ansel Kowitz, McKenzie Riley, Mikayla Hiner, Jameson LaBelle, Klara Kelly, Luke Arendt, and Elliana Brodbeck.

Short Film “Not Gone, But Forgotten” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Corina Timm, Jerald Thompson, Mara Branum, Patrick Gallagher, and Lyla Lovstuen.

Short Film “Almost Gone” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Klaara Short, Evynne Downing, Ariana Albert, Anopa Mtisi, Livia Dix, Jorja Folkedahl, Sage Fornasiero, and Dakotah Teepe.

TV News “Close Encounters: Strangers from Space” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. 

Participants include Naomi Pedlar, Caden Branum, Braunwyn Darrington, Simon Kutz, Brynn Storhoff, Nathan Swarbrick, Sam Cline, Peter Essa, Gwen Thompson, Eily Hegdahl, Liz Pritchard, Paige Wrightsman, Mara Branum, and Natalie Goodner,

TV News “Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Girls Wrestling” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt.

Participants include Jack Sovern, Kamryn Steines, Will Robinson, Beau Newhouse, Annaleissa Arnold, Karmyn Bakken, Grant Zilka, Jensen Korsness, Naomi Simon, Ana Simon, Leah Holland, Kelby Kerndt, and Lauren Luzum.

Cast lists for other varsity groups who performed at state contest and received a “II” rating:

Ensemble Acting “In a J.A.M.” was directed by Lyra McKnight.

Participants include Corina Timm, Luke Arendt, Alex Mercado-Arneson, and William Duder.

Short Film “Tik Tok Boom” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg. 

Participants include Kathleen Delphey, Leah Holland, Will Robinson, Annaleissa Arnold, Kamryn Steines, Marri Feuerhelm, and Kelby Kerndt.

Cast lists for the 9th grade groups who received a “I” rating at state contest are as follows:

Choral Reading “Walt’s Guide to a Happily Ever After” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Clarence Nimrod, Lawrence Christman, Emma Cline, Ava Hanson, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Jayden Lundtvedt, Carter Riley, Oliva Rissman, Isis Timm, and Jillian Volz.

Musical Theater “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” was directed by Gabriel Twedt, Carrie Kauffman, and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Emma Cline, Jackson Irwin, Noah Potvin, Vivian Searcy, Grace Stockman, Colin Thompson, Isis Timm, and Jillian Volz.

Radio Broadcasting “KRTR” was directed by Gabriel Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Elliot Berland, Spencer Christensen, Sawyer Courtney, Jayden Lundtvedt, Teagan Menke, Kyan Oftedahl, and Claire Storhoff.

TV News “Iowa Roots: Indigenous Heritage” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabriel Twedt. 

Participants include Lulu Bellrichard, Thatcher Brown, Sawyer Courtney, Thomas Davis, Ava Hanson, Kaelyn Kuhn, Clarence Nimrod, Kyan Oftedahl, Carter Riley, Oliver Rissman, Nina Sessions, Claire Storhoff, and Colin Thompson.

Short Film “Growing Up” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Lyra McKnight, and Annika Krieg.

Participants include Kaelyn Kuhn, Naomi Kutz, Myla Leitz, Nina Sessions, and Oskar Swanson.

Cast lists for other 9th grade groups who performed at state contest and received a “II” rating:

Ensemble Acting “Toy Tale: A Toy Story Knockoff” was directed by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks. 

Participants include Grace Stockman, Margaret Hahn, Teagan Menke, Noah Potvin, and Oliva Volkmann.

The Decorah Community School District will be holding a Kindergarten Parent Meeting for the upcoming 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, February 6th at 6:00 pm at Carrie Lee Elementary auditorium. Participants should enter using the middle doors. Preregistration starts at 5:30 pm.

This informational meeting is for parents of potential Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten students for the 2024-25 school year. To be eligible for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten, students must be five years of age on or before .

Current Transitional Kindergarten families are welcome, but they do not need to attend.

Those who have any questions should call John Cline School at 563-382-3125.

Dear Decorah School District Community Members,

The Decorah Community School District is reaching out to our community to gather input on an important matter. As we discussed in a recent statement (http://tinyurl.com/DCSDNEIC23), recent developments have placed the viability of the Northeast Iowa Conference in jeopardy.  Given these developments, we are seeking community input on our options for conference affiliation.

To ensure that your voice is heard in this decision-making process, we have created a brief survey focusing on five key elements related to conference affiliation. We ask you to rank each of the five elements provided, with 1 being the most important and 5 being the least important.  Your participation in this survey is vital to ensure that the administration and board have a comprehensive understanding of the community’s perspectives. 

Thank you for your ongoing support of the Decorah Community School District. 

Sincerely,

Tim Cronin, Superintendent

Decorah Community School District