Dear Panther Families,
The start of the 2024-2025 school year is here, and we are thrilled to welcome our children back as they begin their first day of school on Friday, August 23! We understand that you have many educational options, and we deeply appreciate you choosing Creston Community Schools as your school of choice. We do not take this trust for granted and are committed to continuously improving our instruction, programs, and opportunities. Our families play a critical role in the success of our children and schools, and we highly value the connection we share. I encourage strong collaboration and open communication as we work together this year.
To help you prepare for the new school year, I’d like to share some important information:
Communication:
Clear communication is essential to a healthy partnership. The district uses ParentSquare to share information, news, announcements, and crisis communication. Anyone can register for a free account. Now is a great time to register, confirm that your contact information is correct, or reach out to your child’s administrative office with any questions.
Early Childhood Center Construction:
Construction on the new Early Childhood Center at the elementary/middle school began in the first week of August and will continue throughout the upcoming school year. While this project will create some inconveniences, I ask for your patience as we closely monitor the situation and make necessary adjustments with the safety of our children, staff, and guests as our top priority.
Traffic Flow Changes:
Due to the construction at the elementary/middle school, we have made temporary changes to the flow of traffic. Please note that traffic will now be one-way, entering from Townline at the high school and following Academic Avenue over to the elementary/middle school. A video of the proposed traffic flow is available on the district website.
High School Schedule Adjustments:
To help minimize traffic congestion during the temporary flow of traffic, the high school schedule has been adjusted. All other buildings will follow their original schedules.
Student/Parent Handbook:
Now is a good time to review the Student/Parent Handbook, which is a valuable resource that provides important information on district procedures and policies. If you have any questions about an item in the handbook, please contact your child’s building principal.
School Attendance:
School attendance is a priority at the national, state, regional, and local levels, and it is an area we are focusing on in accordance with new state laws and district policies. We need our children in school so we can engage them in their learning and, most importantly, make positive connections.
Cell Phones and Non-Instructional Devices:
Another hot topic across the country is the use of cell phones and non-instructional devices in our schools, particularly in the classroom. We have had many discussions on this and will continue to support the district policy that prohibits the use of cell phones during class time to avoid any distraction to the learning environment. This is an opportunity to teach our students to be responsible for their learning and cell phone use. We are prepared to ban cell phones if they interfere with the learning environment. Please discuss this with your children and encourage them to be responsible and follow district policies.
School Meal Services:
The district provides quality meal services, which are essential to the health and learning of our children. Please check your account balance and keep it positive. Assistance is available for qualifying families, so please do not hesitate to contact Teresa Clark, the Food Service Director, at 641-782-0065 with any questions or for support.
We are very fortunate to have community support that provides no-cost bags of food on Fridays to any child who wants them. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s administrative office. In addition to the community support, Mrs. Downing received a grant to help provide snacks and food that will be available for all children.
District Goals:
Each year, the district sets goals to guide our work. This year, we will focus on two main goals:
Improving District Culture
Strengthening our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS).
School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC):
The district is seeking volunteers who are interested in providing input to improve our schools. The School Improvement Advisory Committee (SIAC) committee meets three times during the year on a Monday from 5:00 to 5:30 PM to review district data, discuss areas of improvement, and address the general business of the district. If you are interested in serving on the committee or have questions, please contact me at 641-782-7028 or dstender@crestonschools.org by Friday, September 6.
Boundaries for Success:
This is also a good time to review the district's Boundaries for Success with your children. These boundaries are essential to creating a healthy school environment and living:
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect This Place
I am excited for the start of the 2024-2025 school year and deeply appreciate the opportunity you’ve given our team to make a difference in your child’s life!
Thank you,
Deron Stender
Superintendent
Administrative Office Contact Information
Central Office Early Childhood Center
801 N. Elm Street 901 N. Elm Street
641-782-7028 641-782-2724
Deron Stender, Superintendent Callie Anderson, Principal
Elementary School Middle School
805 Academic Avenue 805 Academic Avenue
641-782-1155 641-782-2116
Callie Anderson, Principal Lesa Downing, Principal
High School Food Service
601 W. Townline 601 W. Townline
641-782-2116 641-782-2116
Bill Messerole, Principal Teresa Clark, Director
Transportation
806 Academic Avenue
641-782-4720
Scott Busch, Director
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