Program for October 23, 2017: Muscatine County Preservation with Lisa Wertzbaugher
Invocation: Mike McGrory
Invocation: Mike McGrory
Happy News: Guests included Korie Shippee guest of Alan Ostergren and Roger Lande guest of Sarah. Mike Hagerty reminded us of the upcoming Vintner's Dinner, the Food Security Drive and the Muscatine Pollinators gathering this afternoon. Bobbi Holliday had a child turn 21 without cops or lawyers, Diana Broderson reminded us of the Casino Night at the Y on November 10th, the city's receipt of the CAT Grant. Sal LoBianco reminded us of the Power Breakfast at MPW tomorrow at 7 am. Erika told us that Polio Awareness Day is coming on October 24th with appearances on Joel Kraushaar's radio show and information tables at HyVee and possibly Fareway. We inducted two new members: Jared Smith, principal at Muscatine High School and Jeremy Pickard, Dean at MCC.
Program: John Kuhl introduced Muscatine Community School District Superintendent Jerry Riibe as the program. Jerry showed a 5 minute video which gave an overview of the school district's recent achievements. Jerry asked Rotarians to help carry the message about the great things happening within the school district. Bragging points include:
- Preadvanced Placement Courses in grades 5-11
- ACT Testing at no charge for all Juniors
- AP Exam costs covered.
- Developed Reading and Math Curriculum at the Elementary Schools which shows student growth
- 8th grade students are performing the best ever.
- AP average scores are above the global and national averages.
The district is proud of new partnerships with MCC, the Community Foundation and the Hospital. At MCC new academies are available in Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, and Agriculture. The district has moved their foundation to the Greater Muscatine Community Foundation and this year 2 navigators are working closely with students and families in need of emotional and mental health supports. Student enrollment is down 151 students which amounts to about a million dollars in lost revenue for next school year.
Jerry encouraged Rotarians to share with the community our great results and programs. He said we do not realize the great community we live in and the good schools that we have. We take it all for granted too often.