Mrs. Woodyard is holding a Valentine's Day Craft Camp for Kindergarten - 4th graders on Wednesday, February 8th, from 1:30-3:30 PM. Scan the QR Code or click here to register. Max. is 22 students.

Older students, it's your turn! Mrs. Woodyard is holding a plastic canvas craft camp on Wednesday, February 15th, from 1:30-3:30 PM. This project is a bit more complex, so this camp is just for 4th-8th graders. If the project is not completed that day, the craft camp will continue into the following Wednesday. Scan the QR Code in the image or click here to sign up! 

Would your elementary student be interested in having some fun over Spring Break? Shenandoah Elementary is hosting a five-day morning camp over Spring Break, March 13-17. Use the QR code or click here to sign your child up for camp! 

Fifth grade groups created and presented their dioramas for a Zoo Tour for the elementary students to explore! Always a fun and engaging activity for all.

The first group of fifth grade Robotics just finished up and they had a great competition. The winning group was Addison Blane, Solon Olson, and Dominick Inman. The other Science classes are looking forward to getting started!

If you have a little one, Shenandoah Preschool has something to offer you. Just take a minute to look at our video to see all of the amazing things that we have to offer. 

It's time to get your Yearbook. Don't miss out on all of the memories. Click here to order yours today!!!! 

JK-8 Families-- As we start into the second semester, I just wanted to send out some reminders about the morning drop off line. I think the number one rule that everyone could follow and would make everyone happy would be: ONE STOP AND DROP. Please see the attached image, when you are between the yellow walk ways and stop, your student(s) should get out and walk to either door to enter the building. By doing this, the line will keep moving and there should be very little wait time.

If everyone follows the same procedures (as seen in the image), everyone will start their day off in a positive mood and students/staff will all enter the building safely.

If you have questions, please let me know. Thanks. --Mr. Burdorf

The Shenandoah 5th-8th grade TAG students recently participated in an online quiz bowl competition called The Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl. It is a nationwide competition that runs in the fall and spring.

The 5th and 6th grade team competed together and finished 2nd overall (out of 130 teams) with 1231 points. The winning team was from Oakland, New Jersey. The closest scoring Iowa team was from Treynor, in 17th place with 1160 points.  Congrats to Charlotte Weiss, Brooklyn Herron, Reagan Baker, Olivia Joy, Ellie Holste, Brooklyn Johnson, Bella Trowbridge, Kinley Eggers, Mason Sells, Charlie Liles, and Kenley McManis!

The 7th grade team, consisting of Carter Sells, Ryker Wolf, Alex Clark, Greyson Kinghorn, and Carley Jones, scored 1208 points, earning them 4th (out of 56) in the 7th-grade division. Bondurant-Farrar was the closest Iowa team to them, with 1112 points (15th in division). 

The 8th grade team, consisting of Mya Young, Zoe Young, Tayler Haffner, Ali Hansen, Addison Joy, Mikey Waite, Levi Green, Baylor Blank, Caroline Campbell, and Drake Gibson, scored 1182 points, finishing in 10th place in the 8th-grade division (out of 72).  They were the top finishing team from Iowa, Bondurant-Farrar was again the closest team from Iowa with 1167 points (16th in the division). 

In the attached picture:

Front row: Charlotte Weiss, Brooklyn Herron, Reagan Baker, Olivia Joy, Ellie Holste

Back row: Brooklyn Johnson, Bella Trowbridge, Kinley Eggers, Mason Sells, Charlie Liles

Missing: Kenley McManis

The weather has shifted and we are starting to see colder days and more snow.  It is necessary to adjust the school schedule at times. The following information will help you be prepared and understand the announcements made on School Messenger and or text message.

If you want to receive school messages related to weather and or emergencies via text message you will need to opt in. You opt-in to receive text messages following these directions or by texting Text “Y” to 67587 from each wireless device they wish to receive texts. 

If you have blocked school messenger calls, emails or texts you will not receive these notices. 

How is the Decision Made?

The decision to delay, close, or dismiss school early is largely dependent on the current weather conditions and what is anticipated to happen in the hours to come.  It is my preference to make an announcement the night before to allow families the maximum amount of time to prepare for a change in schedule. If a decision is not made the night before, an effort is made to make some type of decision and announce it around 5:30 AM.  Some find this too early but we do have staff and students at school as early as 6:00 AM for work assignments and practices.

Weather decisions are frequently made in collaboration with area superintendents, transportation and maintenance directors.  At times it makes sense to make a common decision between districts but this is not always the case.  Weather conditions vary; what is happening in the Shenandoah District may be different than what is happening in a different district.  Ultimately, a decision is made that is believed to be safe and appropriate for the Shenandoah District.

Road conditions are a very important part of the decision that is made.  We do check roads using information from the DOT, specific internet sites, driving some various roads and routes, and consulting with others in the area. It may be that some roads are better than others and it is not possible to drive every road. We understand, you as a parent/guardian will need to make the ultimate decision about the safety of the conditions and ability to bring your child to school.  Please contact your school office by phone or email to communicate with them about your student’s attendance.

Weather predictions are not always accurate. Advancements with technology have helped us be more accurate but make weather-related decisions remains to be our best-informed estimation of what might occur.

What Do the Decisions Mean?

Two Hour Delays are normally called when it is anticipated the weather conditions will improve with a little more time. This type of decision allows road crews and staff more time to clear roads, parking lots and sidewalks to make travel easier. It also allows additional time for students, staff, and parents to arrive at school and work safely.

School start times and buses pick up times will be two hours later than normal. If school normally starts at 8:05 AM, it will start at 10:05 AM on days there is a two-hour delay.  A bus that normally picks up at 7:10 AM will pick up at 9:10 AM.

Any school activity, practice or program that occurs will start two hours late unless it is specifically announced as canceled for the day.

Morning Preschool for Three Year Olds is not held when there is a delayed start to the day. There will be afternoon Preschool.

Mid-day Early Dismissal are understandably difficult for families and caregivers but they are necessary at times.  This type of dismissal occurs when the weather is shifting and it is important to allow students and staff to arrive home before the weather becomes more serious or transportation is not possible. When mid-day Early Dismissal occur related to weather there will be no school activities, practices or events held.  It may also occur when there is a serious problem with the facility or safety concern that must be addressed. 

If school is closed for the day there will be no school activities, practices, or events.  This is due to several factors.  One school is closed if the weather is anticipated to be severe, and normally that means that travel is not advised. It also may because there are conditions in the building or on the grounds that need to be addressed such as roof conditions, heating problems, and clearing entryways before we allow people on campus.  If there is a significant change in the weather a home events or at state level contest, or an unusual circumstance a different announcement may be made.