From the desk of the Superintendent

I hope everyone has had the opportunity to get out and support our Wolves. All of the teams are having successful
seasons. This gives all the opportunities to see the quality students we have in our schools. These kids put in a lot of
time and truly deserve our support. Keep up the GREAT work!

Some important discussion has been taking place with the IKM-Manning Board of Education concerning the
movement of classes across the district. It is the goal of the Board and the Superintendent to get all grades together
which will be a great benefit in classroom instruction and allow for more collaboration between teachers. Be
prepared for some important input into this topic.

Technology is still one of our major focuses for the year. With the help of administrators we have established a
Technology Leadership Team. During the summer they attended a two day conference and this Friday they will be
attending the 21st Century Learners Conference in Harlan. The purpose of the Team is to train the staff of use of new
technologies to improve instruction and learning.

One of the most important meetings of the year for parents will be taking place in a few weeks. Parent Teacher
Conferences are scheduled for Thursday, October 18th from 4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. and Monday, October 22nd from
4:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. All parents need to be prepared, not only with questions but as an active listeners.
Below are some questions parents need to ask during conference time.

• Is my child performing above or below grade level in school?
•What are my child’s strengths and weaknesses in the major subject areas?
°What subjects does my child enjoy most?
°Does my child need special help in any academic subject?
°How does my child interact with other children?
°Has my child regularly completed homework assignments?
°Has my child attended class regularly?
°Have you observed in changes in learning progress during the year? Has the learning improved or
declined?

Every five years all public or private schools in the State of Iowa go through a Site Visit Review. The purpose of the
Site Visit is to:

•Assess progress with the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP)

•Make recommendations with regard to the visit findings for the purpose of improving educational practices
above minimal compliance

•Determine that a school or school district is in compliance with the accreditation standards

•To provide a general assessment of educational practices.

The IKM-Manning CSD will be under review during the days of November 13, 14 and 15, 2012.

If you are considering open enrollment for your student(s), you need to be aware of the following:

1) The deadline for making a request for the next school year is March 1 for a student who will enter grades
1 through 12. The deadline for making an open enrollment request for a kindergartener is September 1.
Applications for Open Enrollment are available in the central office at the Middle School in Manilla.
Applications after the deadline can only be approved if there is “good cause” as specified on the
application.
2) Parents of Open Enrolled students are responsible to transport the pupil(s) without reimbursement to and
from a point on a regular school bus route of the receiving district. A parent/guardian shall be eligible for
transportation assistance from the resident district if the household income of the parent/guardian is at or
below 160% of the federal income poverty guidelines as stated by household size. For more information on
the specific income levels and how to request transportation assistance, please contact the IKM-Manning

Business Manager at 712-654-2852.
3) If an Open Enrollment request is denied by a district board of education, the parent/guardian has 30 days to
file an appeal with the state board of education only if the open enrollment request was based on repeated
acts of harassment or a serious health condition of the student that the district cannot adequately address;
and that all other denials must be appealed to the district court in Crawford County.
4) Open Enrolled students may face a loss of athletic eligibility for a time. For more information contact the
Athletic Director at 712-655-3781.

If you have questions or concerns I can be reached at 712-654-2852 or e-mailed at
[email protected] and my Coffee with Central Office will be making its annual tour of the District in
the near future. I’ll keep all posted.

Yours in education, 
Dr. Ward

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