🎉 We are excited to welcome Lucianna Swarthout to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a new Kindergarten Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year. Originally from Chariton, Iowa, Lucianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Simpson College. With five close-knit sisters, she's also an aunt to five nieces and three nephews! During her downtime, Lucianna loves reading, spending time with loved ones, and staying active outdoors or at the gym. “I am excited to get to know everyone at the school better, as well as dive into my second year of teaching!” says Lucianna. Her passion for working with kids drives her career choice, aiming to make a positive impact daily. “I chose Oskaloosa because of all the great things that I was told about the district,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of all the great things I was hearing!” Her goals this year are “to develop strong relationships with the staff here at the school, as well as to make sure that all students I come into contact with know that I am happy to see them at school.” Please join us in giving Lucianna a warm welcome to the Osky team! 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🎉 We are excited to welcome Lucianna Swarthout to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a new Kindergarten Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary School for the 2023-24 school year.  Originally from Chariton, Iowa, Lucianna holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Simpson College. With five close-knit sisters, she's also an aunt to five nieces and three nephews!  During her downtime, Lucianna loves reading, spending time with loved ones, and staying active outdoors or at the gym.  “I am excited to get to know everyone at the school better, as well as dive into my second year of teaching!” says Lucianna. Her passion for working with kids drives her career choice, aiming to make a positive impact daily.   “I chose Oskaloosa because of all the great things that I was told about the district,” she says. “I wanted to be a part of all the great things I was hearing!”   Her goals this year are “to develop strong relationships with the staff here at the school, as well as to make sure that all students I come into contact with know that I am happy to see them at school.”  Please join us in giving Lucianna a warm welcome to the Osky team! 🌟
❄️ The annual Winter Coat Drive is here! 🧥 From now through November 6, United Way of Mahaska County is collecting new and gently used winter gear to help those in need. Accepted articles of clothing include coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. Distribution will take place at the West Hall Connector in Penn Central Mall on November 10 (10am-8pm) and November 11 (10am-6pm). Please stop by if you or a friend needs some warm winter clothing!
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
❄️ The annual Winter Coat Drive is here! 🧥 From now through November 6, United Way of Mahaska County is collecting new and gently used winter gear to help those in need.  Accepted articles of clothing include coats, snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, and scarves.  Distribution will take place at the West Hall Connector in Penn Central Mall on November 10 (10am-8pm) and November 11 (10am-6pm). Please stop by if you or a friend needs some warm winter clothing!
Uncover a world of family-friendly events at the Oskaloosa Virtual Backpack! Simply visit www.oskyschools.org and click on OCSD Backpack under the Parents tab. 🎒🖥️ Local organizations are welcome to submit their event fliers at https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
Uncover a world of family-friendly events at the Oskaloosa Virtual Backpack! Simply visit www.oskyschools.org and click on OCSD Backpack under the Parents tab. 🎒🖥️  Local organizations are welcome to submit their event fliers at https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9.
In-person absentee voting is available ahead of the November 7 election! On the ballot is a voted Physical Plant & Equipment Levy for Oskaloosa Schools. To cast your ballot, visit the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office from now through Monday, November 6. Hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm. The Auditor’s Office is located at the Mahaska County Courthouse (106 S. 1st Street, Oskaloosa). Note that you will need a valid ID to vote. Find voting information at https://elections.mahaskacountyia.gov/vote/. Learn more about the voted PPEL: https://bit.ly/oskyppel2023
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
In-person absentee voting is available ahead of the November 7 election! On the ballot is a voted Physical Plant & Equipment Levy for Oskaloosa Schools.   To cast your ballot, visit the Mahaska County Auditor’s Office from now through Monday, November 6. Hours are 8:00am to 4:30pm.  The Auditor’s Office is located at the Mahaska County Courthouse (106 S. 1st Street, Oskaloosa). Note that you will need a valid ID to vote. Find voting information at https://elections.mahaskacountyia.gov/vote/.   Learn more about the voted PPEL: https://bit.ly/oskyppel2023
🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Kimberli Kern to the Osky Schools team! She is a new Preschool Teacher at the Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center for the 2023-24 school year. Originally from New Sharon, Iowa, Kimberli holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently attending Northwestern College to receive her Early Childhood Special Education endorsement. A proud mother to two daughters, Kimberli and her family enjoy ice cream dates, swimming, riding bikes, and watching movies together! Beyond the classroom, Kimberli has passions for reading, staying active through exercise, enjoying quality time with friends, and attending memorable concerts. “I'm excited to embrace the challenge of special education within the preschool classroom,” she says. Kimberli’s primary goal this school year is “to connect and build strong, positive relationships with families.” Welcome to the Osky family, Kimberli! 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Kimberli Kern to the Osky Schools team! She is a new Preschool Teacher at the Oskaloosa Early Childhood Center for the 2023-24 school year.  Originally from New Sharon, Iowa, Kimberli holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa and is currently attending Northwestern College to receive her Early Childhood Special Education endorsement. A proud mother to two daughters, Kimberli and her family enjoy ice cream dates, swimming, riding bikes, and watching movies together!  Beyond the classroom, Kimberli has passions for reading, staying active through exercise, enjoying quality time with friends, and attending memorable concerts.  “I'm excited to embrace the challenge of special education within the preschool classroom,” she says.  Kimberli’s primary goal this school year is “to connect and build strong, positive relationships with families.” Welcome to the Osky family, Kimberli! 🌟
⏰ REMINDER: All Oskaloosa schools will have a 3-hour early dismissal today (October 19) for Parent/Teacher Conferences, which take place from 1:30 to 7:30pm. We will also have NO SCHOOL Friday, October 20, to make time for staff professional development.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
⏰ REMINDER: All Oskaloosa schools will have a 3-hour early dismissal today (October 19) for Parent/Teacher Conferences, which take place from 1:30 to 7:30pm.  We will also have NO SCHOOL Friday, October 20, to make time for staff professional development.
🎉 Meet Randie Gist, a new addition to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year. Randie brings local pride as an Oskaloosa native and OHS graduate. With a bachelor’s degree from Central College in Elementary Education, she holds endorsements in Special Education Strat 1 K-12 and Reading K-8. She's expanded her expertise with a Strat 2 Intellectual Disabilities endorsement and Coaching Authorization. Randie met her husband while attending school in Oskaloosa, and they share a yellow cat named Nala. Outside of school, you'll find Randie immersed in reading, shooting hoops outdoors, taking walks, and cherishing moments with loved ones. “I am excited to be back in my home district!” says Randie. “I am also excited to meet the students, make connections, and build relationships.” Randie says she chose to be an educator because, “I want to motivate students to learn. I also want to make a difference in students’ lives and be a potential role model for them.” Why Osky? “Being a graduate, I knew the impact that the district has on its students,” Randie says. “I also subbed in the district upon graduation and I enjoyed the environment and wanted to get back to it.” This year, Randie's goal is to cultivate meaningful staff and student relationships. Let’s extend a warm Osky welcome to Randie as she embarks on this exciting journey with us! 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🎉 Meet Randie Gist, a new addition to Oskaloosa Schools! She is serving as a Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.  Randie brings local pride as an Oskaloosa native and OHS graduate. With a bachelor’s degree from Central College in Elementary Education, she holds endorsements in Special Education Strat 1 K-12 and Reading K-8. She's expanded her expertise with a Strat 2 Intellectual Disabilities endorsement and Coaching Authorization.  Randie met her husband while attending school in Oskaloosa, and they share a yellow cat named Nala. Outside of school, you'll find Randie immersed in reading, shooting hoops outdoors, taking walks, and cherishing moments with loved ones.  “I am excited to be back in my home district!” says Randie. “I am also excited to meet the students, make connections, and build relationships.” Randie says she chose to be an educator because, “I want to motivate students to learn. I also want to make a difference in students’ lives and be a potential role model for them.”  Why Osky? “Being a graduate, I knew the impact that the district has on its students,” Randie says. “I also subbed in the district upon graduation and I enjoyed the environment and wanted to get back to it.”  This year, Randie's goal is to cultivate meaningful staff and student relationships. Let’s extend a warm Osky welcome to Randie as she embarks on this exciting journey with us! 🌟
As we approach the end of the first trimester, we want to remind you that the final day of parent-teacher conferences is just around the corner - this Thursday! 📚📝 It's a great opportunity to connect with your child's teachers and discuss their progress. Please note that due to the conferences, our schedule will be undergoing some changes on Thursday and Friday. #ALLIN
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
early out reminder
A voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that generates funds a school district can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Funds may be used only for these purposes. On Tuesday, November 7, Oskaloosa Schools residents will vote on renewing the district's existing PPEL. If approved, it would continue to generate authority at the equivalent of 67 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value. Osky’s PPEL rate would remain lower than a majority of Iowa schools and the allowed maximum. Learn more: https://bit.ly/oskyppel2023
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
A voted Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) is a voter-approved levy that generates funds a school district can use for infrastructure and equipment repairs, purchases, and improvements. Funds may be used only for these purposes.  On Tuesday, November 7, Oskaloosa Schools residents will vote on renewing the district's existing PPEL. If approved, it would continue to generate authority at the equivalent of 67 cents per $1,000 of taxable property value. Osky’s PPEL rate would remain lower than a majority of Iowa schools and the allowed maximum.  Learn more: https://bit.ly/oskyppel2023
⏰REMINDER: Today is our usual early-out Wednesday. We will have a 60-minute early release today.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
⏰REMINDER: Today is our usual early-out Wednesday. We will have a 60-minute early release today.
Our Kinderprep students recently welcomed the heroes from the Oskaloosa Fire Department to help them learn about fire safety! 🚒👨‍🚒 A big shout-out to the Osky FD for their dedication and for teaching our little ones how to stay safe!
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
Our Kinderprep students recently welcomed the heroes from the Oskaloosa Fire Department to help them learn about fire safety! 🚒👨‍🚒 A big shout-out to the Osky FD for their dedication and for teaching our little ones how to stay safe!
🎉 Let’s give a warm welcome to Natalie Ashman! She’s serving as a 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year. Originally from Eddyville, Iowa, Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a teaching certification from the University of Iowa. Natalie’s family includes husband Nick, son Kelly, daughter Aurora, and their loyal dog Rider. Their shared joys include fishing, baseball games, swimming, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes! “I am most excited about building relationships with my students to make 4th grade their best year yet!” says Natalie. Wondering why Natalie chose teaching? She shares, “After working as a research assistant in the Language and Category Development Lab at the University of Iowa, I discovered what I loved most was working with the children and uncovering how they learned.” Why Osky? Natalie says, “I chose to join Oskaloosa Schools so I could invest in the community that has invested in my family. I want to love, empower, and inspire students through my work as a teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary.” Natalie has big goals for her first year at OES: making connections with students, families, and staff; growing her skills in behavioral leadership; and teaching students using best practices. Welcome to the team, Natalie! 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🎉 Let’s give a warm welcome to Natalie Ashman! She’s serving as a 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.  Originally from Eddyville, Iowa, Natalie holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a teaching certification from the University of Iowa. Natalie’s family includes husband Nick, son Kelly, daughter Aurora, and their loyal dog Rider. Their shared joys include fishing, baseball games, swimming, and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes!  “I am most excited about building relationships with my students to make 4th grade their best year yet!” says Natalie. Wondering why Natalie chose teaching? She shares, “After working as a research assistant in the Language and Category Development Lab at the University of Iowa, I discovered what I loved most was working with the children and uncovering how they learned.”  Why Osky? Natalie says, “I chose to join Oskaloosa Schools so I could invest in the community that has invested in my family. I want to love, empower, and inspire students through my work as a teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary.”  Natalie has big goals for her first year at OES: making connections with students, families, and staff; growing her skills in behavioral leadership; and teaching students using best practices. Welcome to the team, Natalie! 🌟
🌟 Oskaloosa Schools is urgently hiring dedicated individuals to fill immediate openings for 2nd or 3rd shift custodians! Responsibilities include: ✅ Maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff ✅ General custodial and maintenance tasks ✅ Continuous use of independent judgment Working as a custodian with Osky offers several benefits, including health insurance, participation in IPERS, flexible work hours, and the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful team. Starting pay is $16.50 per hour. To apply, please visit the job posting at http://www.oskyjobs.com/.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🌟 Oskaloosa Schools is urgently hiring dedicated individuals to fill immediate openings for 2nd or 3rd shift custodians!  Responsibilities include:  ✅ Maintaining a clean and safe environment for students and staff ✅ General custodial and maintenance tasks ✅ Continuous use of independent judgment  Working as a custodian with Osky offers several benefits, including health insurance, participation in IPERS, flexible work hours, and the opportunity to work alongside our wonderful team. Starting pay is $16.50 per hour.  To apply, please visit the job posting at http://www.oskyjobs.com/.
We have an immediate opening in our basketball program! Check out this job posting and others at http://www.oskyjobs.com.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
We have an immediate opening in our basketball program! Check out this job posting and others at http://www.oskyjobs.com.
On October 24 and 26, we're offering FREE Wellness Screenings for all Osky employees! 🏥 This is just one way Oskaloosa Schools has committed to ensuring the safety and health of our incredible staff. The best part? It's completely FREE! We're also serving a light breakfast on both days to kickstart our staff’s morning in the best possible way! Staff: Your health matters to us—thank you for being the heartbeat of Oskaloosa Schools. ❤️
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
On October 24 and 26, we're offering FREE Wellness Screenings for all Osky employees! 🏥 This is just one way Oskaloosa Schools has committed to ensuring the safety and health of our incredible staff. The best part? It's completely FREE!  We're also serving a light breakfast on both days to kickstart our staff’s morning in the best possible way! Staff: Your health matters to us—thank you for being the heartbeat of Oskaloosa Schools. ❤️
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Kathryn Langenberg to the Oskaloosa Schools family! She is a new 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year. Originally from Cedar Rapids, Kathryn brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy from Western Illinois University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Outside the classroom, you’ll find Kathryn enjoying a run, exploring new travel destinations, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with friends and family! “I am excited to be part of the Oskaloosa community and to get to know my students this fall!” says Kathryn. What led her to the teaching profession? She says, “I chose teaching as a career because I love being part of the process of helping students grow and develop a love for learning.” Kathryn chose to join Oskaloosa Schools, “because of the welcoming community and supportive environment.” Her goal this year is to “build a strong sense of community” with her classroom. Welcome to the team, Kathryn! 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Kathryn Langenberg to the Oskaloosa Schools family! She is a new 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.  Originally from Cedar Rapids, Kathryn brings with her a wealth of knowledge and expertise. She holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy from Western Illinois University, along with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary and Middle Level Education from the University of Northern Iowa.  Outside the classroom, you’ll find Kathryn enjoying a run, exploring new travel destinations, spending time outdoors, and cherishing moments with friends and family!  “I am excited to be part of the Oskaloosa community and to get to know my students this fall!” says Kathryn. What led her to the teaching profession? She says, “I chose teaching as a career because I love being part of the process of helping students grow and develop a love for learning.”  Kathryn chose to join Oskaloosa Schools, “because of the welcoming community and supportive environment.” Her goal this year is to “build a strong sense of community” with her classroom. Welcome to the team, Kathryn! 🌟
This week, fundraising envelopes from the Oskaloosa Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (OEPTO) will be going home with OES students. Envelopes with donations are due back on Thursday, October 26. The winning class from each grade level will earn an extra recess! 🎉 If you would like to donate to OEPTO electronically, please scan the QR code or visit the following link to donate via Paypal: https://bit.ly/45pOByk. You do NOT need a Paypal account to donate this way! Your support will help make all the fantastic activities organized by our amazing PTO possible for our students and staff. 🌟
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
This week, fundraising envelopes from the @Oskaloosa Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (OEPTO) will be going home with OES students. Envelopes with donations are due back on Thursday, October 26. The winning class from each grade level will earn an extra recess! 🎉  If you would like to donate to OEPTO electronically, please scan the QR code or visit the following link to donate via Paypal: https://bit.ly/45pOByk.    You do NOT need a Paypal account to donate this way! Your support will help make all the fantastic activities organized by our amazing PTO possible for our students and staff. 🌟
Osky proudly recognizes National School Bus Safety Week! When driving near school buses, please keep the following in mind: 🚌Watch for children crossing unexpectedly 🚌Always yield to buses re-entering traffic 🚌Be patient, as buses make frequent stops 🚌Stop when red lights flash and do not pass Thank you for keeping our students safe!
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
Osky proudly recognizes National School Bus Safety Week! When driving near school buses, please keep the following in mind:  🚌Watch for children crossing unexpectedly 🚌Always yield to buses re-entering traffic 🚌Be patient, as buses make frequent stops 🚌Stop when red lights flash and do not pass  Thank you for keeping our students safe!
If you've experienced issues with our previous app, we hear you, and we've made some significant changes! 🔄💪 Introducing the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App 📲 We've upgraded to a fresh and improved platform, and we're thrilled to invite you to check it out. Download the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App today and stay connected with us like never before! App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/oskaloosa-community-schools/id1524263227 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.oskaloosacsd&pli=1
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
If you've experienced issues with our previous app, we hear you, and we've made some significant changes! 🔄💪  Introducing the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App 📲 We've upgraded to a fresh and improved platform, and we're thrilled to invite you to check it out. Download the NEW Oskaloosa Schools App today and stay connected with us like never before!  App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/oskaloosa-community-schools/id1524263227   Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.oskaloosacsd&pli=1
🗓️ Families, mark your calendars! Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place Monday, October 16, from 4:00 to 7:30pm, and Thursday, October 19, from 1:30 to 7:30pm.
about 1 year ago, Oskaloosa Community School District
🗓️ Families, mark your calendars! Parent/Teacher Conferences will take place Monday, October 16, from 4:00 to 7:30pm, and Thursday, October 19, from 1:30 to 7:30pm.