Category: Luther College and Decorah Schools

The Decorah High School junior/senior robotics team, the Wacky Waving Inflatable Arm Flailing Tube Men, competed in the Super Qualifier event in Norwalk on Saturday, February 12. The team members­–seniors Kolten Gossman, Tyler Shedinger, Weston Everson, Grant Timm and juniors Aiden Burroughs, Ethan Stravers, Justin Berlage, Nathaniel Myers, Junior Battle–played six qualification matches throughout the morning and afternoon, including posting a team high score of 230 when playing with team Still Under Development from Black Hawk County during one of the matches. They finished the qualification matches in 8th place, securing their spot at the state championship Friday, February 18 and Saturday, February 19 at the Xtream Arena in Coralville. In the playoff rounds the team was paired with two alliances, CrossFire from Valley Lutheran High School and the Shells Bots from Waverly, but they lost in the first round to the eventual championship team from Waukee, the Enginerds.

Earlier in the season, both the junior/senior and freshmen/sophomore robotics club teams competed in the League Championship competition on Saturday, January 29 in Cedar Falls. The freshmen/sophomore team, the Treads of Terror, climbed from 12th place to 8th place during the competition. A highlight for the team was when an all-freshmen driving team of Jerald Thompson, Kellen Roffman, and Mason Myers won their first match together this year.

The junior/senior team held steady in 2nd place throughout the competition, despite the collapsing of the inspection table with their robot on it, leading to the replacement of many bent parts. This allowed them to continue into the playoff rounds and “draft” their alliance partner, team 9968 Crossfire from Lutheran Valley High School. Together, they defeated the 3rd and 1st ranked alliances, winning their final match 214 to 182. They were awarded the League Champion trophy and the Judges’ Choice Award for being highly rated in all categories of the competition. 

Coach Brett Wilker remarked, “I am extremely proud of both of our teams this year as they have learned and accomplished so much throughout our season. The students have spent over five months designing, building, and programming their robots, and that hard work and dedication paid off by helping them earn high rankings in our league. The students have learned a lot about engineering, coding, and robot design as well as team work and persistence in the face of all of the challenges they’ve faced. We are all excited to be the first robotics team to represent Decorah at the Iowa Championship this weekend, going up against the best teams in the state.”

District COVID-19 Active Positive Cases

• Total number of students and staff in isolation (currently positive) for COVID-19: three (3)
• Current district facilities with known positive cases: Decorah High School

DCSD reports COVID-19 data in alignment with the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health. The full guidance can be found at the link below.

IDPH Information Sharing Guidance for Schools and Local Public Health

Proposed 2022-2023 Academic Calendar

Monday evening, the Board of Directors will set a date for public hearing regarding the proposed 2022-2023 Academic Calendar. Like the past two years, the proposed calendar is an hours of instruction-based calendar and is similar in structure to the past two years. The board will approve the final calendar after the public hearing at their March regular meeting. Those interested can review the draft 2022-2023 academic calendar at the link below.

DRAFT 2022-2023 Academic Calendar

As reflected in this year’s calendar, school will not be in session Friday, February 18 or Monday, February 21.

Approximately 150 Decorah High School students participated in the Northeast State Large Group Speech Contest hosted at Decorah High School on February 5. DHS speech students are coached by Rachel Breitenbach-Dirks, Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, Gabriel Twedt, and Lyra McKnight.

Judges at the state contest selected eight of Decorah High School students’ performances as outstanding; these performances are honored with the coveted All-State Speech nomination. The DHS students comprising these groups will travel to the Iowa State University campus in Ames to perform at the All-State Festival on Saturday, February 19th. Complete results and programs can be found on the IHSSA website at www.ihssa.org.

The directors shared, “We are so deeply proud of the work, time, and excitement these students bring to the speech program. They set the bar high every year, and it is a privilege to help them meet their goals. We continue to look forward to the rest of the speech year with individual speech already in progress.”

DHS speech groups receiving a nomination as an All-State Honoree include one readers theater, one solo mime, one group mime, one musical theater, one radio broadcasting, two television news, and a short film. 

Cast lists for those groups performing at the All-State Festival are as follows:

Readers Theater “Puffs” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Brielle Buresh, Karen Henriquez, Rebecca Anderson, Junior Battle, Michael Njus, Carter Kowitz, Sydney Kipp, Jensen Korsness, Anders Lovstuen, Ramsey Zilka, Abbie Valkosky, Henry Weis, Nadia Johnson, and Bella Bishop.

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Solo Mime “Steaming Hot” by Rebecca Anderson was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Gabe Twedt, and Carrie Kauffman            

Group Mime “The Daydream” was directed by Molly Holkesvik, Carrie Kauffman, and Lyra McKnight.

Participants include Leslie Campbell, Liz Clement, Sally Laybourn, Hayley Stowe, and Grace Neal.

Musical Theater “Hadestown” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman.

Participants include Haywood Stowe, Drew Chamberlain, Ada Lovelace, Alex Kane, Nolan Jacobson, and Dylan Muhlbauer.

Radio Broadcasting “KCTS” was directed by Gabe Twedt and Carrie Kauffman. 

Participants include Drew Berns, Morgan Dlhy, August Witt, Sylvia Sandhorst, and Nat Roberts.

TV News “Iowa Adventures: Haunted Road Trip” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt.

Participants include Brynn Storhoff, Sophia Christman, Paige Lange, Braunwyn Darrington, Kailyn O’Gara, Annaleissa Arnold, Simon Kutz, Caden Branum, Chloe Chyle, Bella Bishop, Easton Luzum, Thea Schissel, and Paige Werner.

TV News “Breaking Barriers” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Gabe Twedt. 

Participants include Evynne Downing, Natalie Goodner, Leah Holland, Annika Keefe, Caleb Krieg, Andy Kruger, Beau Newhouse, Kamryn Steines, Amelia Wadsworth, Margret Zook, Chloe Sheffield, Maran Martin, and Rylin Sibley.

Short Film “Until You Can’t” was directed by Molly Holkesvik and Lyra McKnight. 

Participants include Koryn Bakken, Drew Berns, Brielle Buresh, Drew Chamberlain, Liz Clement, Annika Franzen, Mara Holland, Wyatt Hackman, Ellie Luzum, August Witt, Amelia Dugger, Landan Folkedahl, Anya Lovstuen, and Elizabeth Pritchard.

The Decorah High School chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 63 new members during its annual induction ceremony Thursday, February 3, at 7 p.m. in the high school auditorium

This year’s program included speeches by the NHS officers: Ruby Sullivan, Anya Lovstuen, Ellie Luzum, Mikiah Krieg, and Haywood Stowe.  Music featured included an orchestra ensemble and a performance by the Madrigal Singers.

In order to be inducted into National Honor Society, a student must have maintained a 3.5 grade point average and is selected by a committee of faculty members on the basis of leadership, scholarship, character, and service to others.

The new National Honor Society senior inductees for this year are Melia Kruse, Kendall McCain, Sage Wedmann, and Riley Wilson.

The new National Honor Society junior inductees include Julia Alberts, Rebecca Anderson, Kyleigh Batterson, Justin Berlage, Lange Betts, Isabella Bishop, Ethan Bockman, Hailey Bohr, Hailey Bower, Rebecca Bruening, Lydia Caddell, Leslie Campbell, Sophia Christman, Amelia Dugger, Bryar Duwe, Ella Grouws, Sydney Hageman, Nev Kairi Harper, Jenna Hartz, Dahlyn Headington, Madison Heim, Erik Hjelle, Ethan Holthaus, Grace Hoyland, Amy Jensen, Alexandra Kane, Jackson Knoke, Brinley Krivachek, Sally Laybourn, Franklin Lesmeister, Ada Lovelace, Jacob Magner, Britann Mettille, Rachel Mikkelson, Morgan Moen, Sami Mount, Nathaniel Myers, Grace Neal, Michael Njus, Kortni O’Connell, Kylie O’Hara, Julia Phillips, Mya Redenius, Chloe Reiser, Ellen Rooney, Autumn Schaller, Thea Schissel, Carter Schmelzer, Hannah Schnitzler, Mairi Sessions, Annalise Skrade, Daniel Skrade, Ethan Stravers, Gareth Sweet, Jaden Weis, Addison Wemark, Paige Werner, Max Wilson, and Emma Wold.

The current National Honor Society members are Grace Bachelder, Koryn Bakken, Drew Berns, Brielle Buresh, Emily Carolan, Andrew Chamberlain, Elizabeth Clement, Isaac Cooper, Morgan Dlhy, Izaak Eichinger, Dylan Elsbernd, Landan Folkedahl, Kaia Franzen, Grace Gerleman, Kolten Gossman, Wyatt Hackman, Abby Halverson, Arlo Hayes, Dalton Hemesath, Karen Henriquez, Kaya Hines, Joseph Hjelle, Mara Holland, Bradyn Hook, Emma Humpal, Brendan Hunter, Nolan Jacobsen, Lauren Johnson, Mikiah Krieg, Paige Lange, Anya Lovstuen, Ellie Luzum, Connor Maki, MiKenna Martin, Miranda Miller, Dylan Muhlbauer, Simon Mumford, Thomas Ostlie, Mara Pankow, Allison Pavlovec, Jacob Pipho, Ashley Schneberger, Tyler Shedinger, Larsson Shockey, Hogan Smith, Alexandra Stammeyer, Kassidy Steines, Emmit Stemper, Haywood Stowe, Ruby Sullivan, Keenan Tyler, Drew White, Addae Whitsitt, and Brody Young.

Liz Fox and Shannon Horton are the faculty advisors of the Decorah chapter of the National Honor Society at Decorah High School.

Front row (l-r): Lange Betts, Justin Berlage, Kyleigh Batterson, Rebecca Anderson, Julia Alberts, Riley Wilson, Sage Wedmann, Kendall McCain, and Melia Kruse

Second row (l-r): Amelia Dugger, Sophia Christman, Leslie Campbell, Lydia Caddell, Rebecca Bruening, Hailey Bower, Ethan Bockman, and Isabella Bishop

Third row (l-r): Ethan Holthaus, Erik Hjelle, Madison Heim, Dahlyn Headington, Jenna Hartz, Nev Kairi Harper, Sydney Hageman, Ella Grouws, and Bryar Duwe

Fourth row (l-r): Jacob Magner, Ada Lovelace, Franklin Lesmeister, Sally Laybourn, Brinley Krivachek, Jackson Knoke, Alexandra Kane, Amy Jensen, and Grace Hoyland

Fifth row (l-r):  Kylie O’Hara, Kortni O’Connell, Michael Njus, Grace Neal, Nathaniel Myers, Sami Mount, Morgan Moen, Rachel Mikkelson, and Britann Mettille

Sixth row (l-r): Mairi Sessions, Hannah Schnitzler, Carter Schmelzer, Thea Schissel, Autumn Schaller, Ellen Rooney, Chloe Reiser, Mya Redenius, and Julia Phillips

Last row (l-r): Emma Wold, Max Wilson, Paige Werner, Addison Wemark, Jaden Weis, Gareth Sweet, Daniel Skrade, and Annalise Skrade

Missing from picture: Ethan Stravers

The Decorah Community School District will be holding a Kindergarten Parent Meeting for the upcoming 2022-23 school year on Thursday, March 3rd at 6:00 pm at Carrie Lee Elementary auditorium.

This informational meeting is for parents of potential Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten students for the 2022-23 school year. To be eligible for Kindergarten or Transitional Kindergarten, student 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.

DECORAH, IA — The Decorah Community School District Board of Education has named Dr. Tim Cronin as the district’s next superintendent.

Since 2013, Dr. Cronin has served as superintendent of the Central City CSD, which has had a “shared superintendent” arrangement with nearby Dunkerton CSD for the past two years. There, he has gained key experience and skills related to school finance, human resources, and providing professional development opportunities to staff. He developed and supervised a $3.5 million track, transportation, and HVAC construction project, along with a $5 million elementary school addition and a $2 million gym rebuild.

In addition to his role as superintendent, Dr. Cronin has served as curriculum director, elementary principal, director of human resources, and director of special education for Central City CSD.

Dr. Cronin is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Iowa, where he has worked with the Educational Policy and Leadership Studies and Teaching, Leadership, and Cultural Competency programs to develop and teach graduate-level classes. He has served in leadership roles on committees for the Grant Wood AEA, Central Rivers AEA, and the Superintendent Leadership Team of the Tri-Rivers Conference.

Dr. Cronin holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from the University of Iowa and took part in graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin. He also received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Luther College.

The Decorah Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The board conducted a first round of interviews the week of January 24 and held interviews with the three finalists on February 7.

Dr. Cronin will officially begin leading the Decorah Community School District on .

Dr. Cronin’s welcome message can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKXbK5tI2XI

Wisconsin Singers, the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s premier Broadway-caliber touring production, is taking the stage for its 54th season in Come Alive!  This program features captivating vocals, stunning choreography, big band sound, and Badger spirit, performed by UW’s most talented students. The Wisconsin Singers will perform at Decorah High School’s auditorium for one afternoon only on Sunday, February 13 at 2:00 p.m.; this is a must-see show that will entertain the entire family.

Come Alive! celebrates the thrill of live music from the past five decades of American pop music in a 90-minute revue. Covering more than 40 songs in this exciting and fast-paced show, Wisconsin Singers highlight some of the music industry’s greatest artists ranging from Elvis Presley and the Four Seasons to Lady Gaga and Elton John. Wisconsin Singers will win your heart with award-winning Broadway showstoppers from musicals such as Kiss Me Kate, Pippin, and Chicago. Kids of all ages will delight in their favorite songs from Frozen, Peter Pan, and some ever-popular superhero cartoons. To cap off this unforgettable production, the celebrated Wisconsin Singers’ band showcases its special blend of jazz, funk, and classic rock like never before. Come Alive! is guaranteed terrific entertainment for the whole family.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting the Wisconsin Singers for an up-beat, entertaining show that features 2020 Decorah graduate Joseph Courtney,” remarked Jason Rausch, DHS vocal music teacher. “Featuring an opening performance by the Decorah HS Concert Choir,” Rausch continued,“this event promises to entertain everyone from age five to 95.”

The public is encouraged to attend the show on Sunday, February 13, the Wisconsin Singers’ only appearance in Decorah. People won’t want to miss the nationally renowned Wisconsin Singers as it celebrates 54 years of family friendly entertainment; this year’s show is the best one yet!

Tickets are available at the door for a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for students. The show is sponsored by the Decorah Music Boosters. Contact Jason Rausch at Decorah High School with any questions.

For more information, visit www.wisconsinsingers.com.

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District COVID-19 Active Positive Cases

• Total number of students and staff in isolation (currently positive) for COVID-19: twenty-seven (27)
• Current district facilities with known positive cases: John Cline Elementary, Carrie Lee Elementary, Decorah Middle School, Decorah High School

DCSD reports COVID-19 data in alignment with the direction of the Iowa Department of Public Health. The full guidance can be found at the link below.

IDPH Information Sharing Guidance for Schools and Local Public Health

Instructional Hours Update

Iowa law requires public school districts to adopt academic calendars that provide either 180 days or 1080 hours of instruction.  This is the second year Decorah Schools has operated on an instructional hours-based calendar. With the emergency early outs, late starts, and cancellations which have already occurred this year, Decorah schools continues to be on pace to exceed 1080 instructional hours. Therefore, the last day of school for students continues to be Tuesday, May 24.

If additional emergency closures occur in the weeks to come, it may be necessary to add a student make-up day at the end of the year. The District will continue to monitor instructional hours and share details as necessary.

The Sanctioning of Girls Wrestling

Last Saturday, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced unanimous board approval to sanction girls wrestling beginning in the 2022-2023 school year. The Decorah Board of Directors was one of the first boards in the state to submit a letter supporting sanctioning and committing to having a girls wrestling program. Decorah coaches and student-athletes have committed themselves to building a strong program for both boys and girls. The announcement of sanctioning is a goal achieved. It is also just the beginning.

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January 28, 2022 

DECORAH, IA — The Decorah Community School District Board of Education has announced three finalists in its search for the school district’s next superintendent.

The finalists are Daniel Barkel, John Cain, and Dr. Timothy Cronin. Each possesses a strong background and experience in recruiting teachers and staff, demonstrating collaborative leadership, promoting a community of care for students, and effectively communicating with parents, staff, and community members.

Barkel currently serves as superintendent of the MMCRU Community Schools, where he leads two school districts and answers to two elected school boards. In March 2021, the MMC community approved a bond issue, and the district is now in the middle of a major construction project. He prides himself on bringing stability, openness, and a commitment of excellence to educational leadership. Mr. Barkel previously was a principal, counselor, and vocal music teacher at Western Christian High School in Hull, Iowa. 

Currently the elementary school principal in the Bettendorf CSD, Cain has focused on opening up professional development opportunities for staff, building community connections, and using data to serve as a transformational school leader. He has created professional learning communities that allow staff to learn from one another and continue improving on behalf of students. Cain previously served as elementary principal and curriculum director in the Calamus-Wheatland CSD.

Since 2013, Dr. Cronin has served as superintendent of the Central City CSD, which has had a “shared superintendent” arrangement with nearby Dunkerton CSD for the past two years. He has gained key experience and skills related to school finance, human resources, and providing professional development opportunities to staff. Dr. Cronin is also an adjunct lecturer at the University of Iowa and has served in leadership roles on committees for the Grant Wood AEA, Central Rivers AEA, and the Superintendent Leadership Team of the Tri-Rivers Conference. 

The Board of Education has been working with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. The process has included a community-wide survey, asking district residents to provide their input on the qualities and characteristics they would like to see in the district’s next leader. The board conducted a first round of interviews the week of January 24. 

As a next step, the board and stakeholder interview teams will conduct final interviews with each of the three finalists the week of February 7. The board plans to then discuss the candidates and reach a final decision soon after the formal interviews.

The new superintendent will begin serving the Decorah Community School District effective July 1, 2022.

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