7-12 February Newsletter
Hinton CSD
Mr. Phil Goetstouwers, 7-12 Principal
Dress Code
Here is what else our dress code says:
Students are prohibited from wearing:
Clothing advertising or promoting items illegal for use by minors, including, but not limited to, alcohol or tobacco.
Clothing advertising or promoting a business whose reputation is connected to alcohol, tobacco, or sexual image.
Clothing displaying or may be interpreted to display obscenity, profanity, vulgarity, racial or sexual remarks, making reference to prohibited conduct or similar displays.
Tops and pants, shorts, or skirts that do not meet or are immodest in nature.
Hats in the school building at any time, with the exception of special dress days (such as homecoming dress up days). Girls may wear headbands only, for the explicit use of keeping their hair in place.
Clothes in disrepair or that have holes in them, exposing undergarments.
Tops that are low cut in the front, back, or underarms.
No spaghetti strings showing.
No strapless tops or dresses.
Girls must have a shirt over sports bras at all times.
T-shirt / tank tops / athletic jersey that are cut low in the arm area.
Shorts/skirts that are short enough to expose the lower buttocks when walking or sitting.
Flip flops are prohibited for PK-3 students. Please ensure all sandals have a strap adhering the back of footwear to the foot.
Shoes with rollers or cleats, except for outdoor athletic practices Shirts must be worn when participating in or attending a school function.
This policy is also enforced during PE, sports, ad weight room. Shoes must be worn in the building at all times. Students inappropriately dressed will be required to change their clothing or leave the school. Under certain circumstances or for certain reasons such as safety or to help maintain a student’s cleanliness or during certain classes or activities, a stricter dress code may be appropriate, and students must comply with the stricter requirement. The faculty member or the principal makes the final determination of the appropriateness of the student’s appearance.
Junior High plans for the 2023-2024 school year
In the last year, there have been many conversations about the pros/cons of having 5 or 6 sections in junior high. To shed more light on it, here is some history and likely direction we're headed:
We have been operating with a total of 5 sections in junior high for the last 8 years (i.e., two sections in 7th grade and three sections in 8th grade or vice versa). During these last 8 years having a total of 5 sections, the decision of which grade gets 3 sections vs 2 sections is made consistently based on total number of enrolled students per grade as well as academic and behavior concerns. In looking at past data, academics and behavior referrals specifically, it would appear this was a successful model.
Hinton CSD currently has one grade in grades 7-12 that has more than 59 students (current 10th grade with 73). As overall enrollment continues to increase in the district, so do our class sizes as we're seeing grades 4-6 be close to 60 students and multiple elementary grades that are above 60 students.
In order to maintain and improve upon our academic success, it will be important to consider reducing class sizes by increasing sections in our junior high. This means we have to address the staffing, space, and scheduling needs. In looking at all of these needs thoroughly, one option includes moving junior high activities to after school instead of during 8th period. The main positive for choosing this option is it guarantees all junior high students getting a study hall each day. This biggest concerns would be that it creates gym space conflicts. This will also create changes of how and when we meet all of the needs of our students (i.e., Gifted and Talented (TAG) and intervention time). I want to reiterate, there has been much thought, discussions, and time put into thinking about the big picture for our Hinton students. While our 5 sections have proven to be successful in many ways (academics, enrollment, graduation rates, behavior, etc.), it is important to think about what our students need most going forward and research would support smaller class sizes.
I would love more feedback on this from all stakeholders so feel free to reach out to me with your thoughts and questions at phil.goetstouwers@hintonschool.com or call the office at (712) 947-4328.
February Shoutouts
The first shoutout is for all of our students who are involved in extra-curriculars. The students gain a lot of great skills and memories by being involved (learn teamwork, discipline, time management, commitment, etc.) and their involvement brings the group, team, school, and community together.
My next shoutout is for all the directors, advisors, and coaches who devote so much time outside of the school day. The reality is these staff members don't do any of these extra duties for the money, but rather for our students and the love of the activity. The extra time for our students means less time for themselves or their families so I wanted to give them all a big shoutout!
There are plenty students in Hinton that excel in one or more areas and get recognized publicly for their successes. There are also students who get a lot of extra attention from staff because they need extra time for academic and/or behavior reasons. So, my next shoutout is for all the students who are somewhere in between those two. The ones who work hard in school and do what is expected on a consistent basis, which happily is most of our students. Even though we, as staff, don't always get around to tell you this, you are awesome and we are VERY thankful for who you are because you help shape the climate and culture of this school!
Final thought...
My family and I are happy to be part of the Hinton School family!
Mrs. Julie Clausen, 7-12 School Counselor
Senior Checklist:
- Finish scholarship writing - many are due in March and April
- Compare and negotiate your award letters with your post-secondary school
- Accept your final award letter, accept or deny your student loans
Junior Checklist:
- Schedule an individual meeting with Mrs. Clausen to plan your senior year classes.
- Visit your college/tech school/military base this spring to start planning.
- Attend the junior financial planning/FAFSA night on Monday, March13 at 6:00 in the choir room. Iowa College Access speaker will be at Hinton HS to present and explain how to finance college and offer free help completing the FAFSA next fall.
Sophomore Checklist:
- Attend the sophomore college planning meeting on Monday, March 13 at 5:00 in the choir room. The Iowa College Access speaker will be here to help you plan the process of your next steps in the post-secondary offerings for college/tech school.
Free Summer School at WITCC in High Need Areas - Juniors/Seniors
To register for these summer classes, please see Mrs. Clausen
- CNA - Nurse Aide Theory and Nurse Aide Clinical
- Anatomy and Physiology I
- Anatomy and Physiology II
- Nutrition
- Medical Terminology
Mr. Casey Crawford, HS Math Teacher and Wrestling Coach
This week, my geometry students are working on a fun, educational project. They must find the maximum grazing area of a horse that has a 25 foot long rope tied to the corner of a 20x10 foot building. The students must practice using geometric construction skills by utilizing a ruler and compass to draw a diagram of the grazing area. They must also exercise what we learned in class last week by finding the area once they have figured out their diagram. This is one of the multiple challenge problems we will be working on throughout the semester.
Algebra I is studying systems of linear equations. A real life example of this is seen on Shark Tank when the business owner presents their “break even” point. The intersection of expenses and profit is an example of systems of linear equations. They will learn three methods to solve these, graphing, substitution, and elimination. Once they master these three, they will choose the most efficient way to solve.
Both classes are still utilizing Get More Math, which is a very useful tool because it not only generates an infinite number of practice problems for the students, but also provides immediate feedback for the students as well as data to both the teacher and student about what they need to work on. GMM is a very user friendly website that provides a tremendous amount of data for everyone, it is a great tool.
Ms. Ladonna Deavers, HS Special Education Teacher
Hello! I am LaDonna Deavers! I am excited to be teaching here at Hinton for my second year here. This is my 22nd year in education. I LOVE teaching! I am endorsed in Special Education K-12 as well as 5-12 social studies. In all my years in education, I have taught: In an after school program, in Youthbuild, an alternative high school and every grade level from K-12. I have taught in behavior classrooms, as well as autism programs. I have coached softball, been a class sponsor, sponsored many clubs and done many proms. However, I can say that Hinton has been one of my favorite places to teach out of them all! We have an amazing principal, and general ed teachers who go above and beyond and are always willing to work with me. Not to mention we have the most wonderful and supportive parents. Thank you all for making teaching in Hinton wonderful!
I have an amazing family! I have twin daughters who are 22 and 2 stepsons who are 19 and 17. I am super excited to share that I am now a Grandma!! My oldest daughter gave birth on 12.29.23 to Kamberland Mattie Peterson!
Here at Hinton, I teach high school special education. I teach a homeroom class for freshmen this year. I also teach many study halls, math academy, reading academy and a general math class. In my classes, I have my students set goals for each quarter and reflect on how it went at the end of each quarter. I have them check their grades each week, if not more often. I also send emails to parents if they are missing work. My class expectations are as follows:
Be Respectful - to your teachers and fellow classmates
Be responsible - Participate in class by asking questions, participating in discussions, and being an active member during small group discussions
Be prepared - Complete in-class assignments, quizzes, and homework assignments
Be safe - Make good decisions
My math class is using the connecting math concepts and GMM (Get More Math) curriculums. When I have to be gone, they work in GMM. When I am here, we do lessons in connecting math concepts. We are working on fractions, word problems, and basic math skills. My math academy students are working on getting their math completed. My reading academy students are working on improving their word attack skills by learning different syllable types and related sounds.
I encourage students to advocate for themselves by asking questions and asking for help either in person or by email. I am always happy to hear from parents. I am more than happy to help any way I can. Please reach out with any questions or concerns. You can reach me by email at ladonna.deavers@hintonschool.com or by phone at (712)947-4328 X141.
Mr. Dustin Rusche 7-12 Choral Director
Show choir is in full swing at both the high school and middle school levels. The students have been very busy preparing this year’s shows and we hope you are able to come out and support them at one of their upcoming events!
Upcoming Show Choir Performances:
Saturday, March 4 @ Emmetsburg- High School Only- 11:55AM
Saturday, March 11; @ Westwood- Middle School- 8:50AM & High School- 1:00PM
Thursday, March 16 @ Hinton Soundpower Concert- 7:00PM- Middle School & High School
Saturday, March 18 @ Hinton Soundsational
Tuesday, Mar 21 @ USD- Time TBA
Hinton Soundsational
The Soundsational is now in its 15th year and as you know, it takes a village to run such a fun and successful event. We have 12 groups attending this year from the area. If you are able to volunteer and help us fill one of the many positions, we would appreciate your help. The signup is done online at the following link.
Honor Choir
Northwest Iowa High School Honor Choir
Iowa Choral Directors Association- Sioux Center, IA
January 16, 2023
L to R: Tristan Groves, Isabella Kimbell, Jeweliana Evans, Emily Bach, Dylan Hartman, Ayden Soroka, Ian Hertenstein
Ian Hertenstein- Baritone
Iowa All State Chorus
Iowa High School Music Association
Ames, IA
November 17-19, 2022
Junior High School Honor Choir
Northwest Iowa Junior High School Honor Choir
Iowa Choral Directors Association- Storm Lake, IA
November 1, 2022
Front L to R: Wyatt Robinson, Collen Turner, Ellie Hertenstein, Kylie Koopmans, Piper Kaiser
Back L to R: Alex Leitru, Aubrey Watts, Kaleb Kimbell, Mikaela Clark, Caden Koopmans
Ayden Soroka
American Choral Directors Association
National Honor Choir
February 22-25, 2023- Cincinnati, OH