Please join us in supporting United Way of Mahaska County’s annual Winter Coat Drive! 🧥❄️
If you can, please consider donating any extra and gently used coats (no sweatshirts, hoodies, shirts, etc. please), snow pants, boots, hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves in all sizes.
📅 Drop off items at any location from October 9 to November 6. Distribution dates are November 10 and November 11.
Let's come together and support our community members in need this winter! ❄️
🎉 We are delighted to welcome William (Bill) Pester to his new position on the Osky Schools team! He is a Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.
Having previously taught at OMS and with a master’s degree from Morningside University, Bill is committed to student growth. His journey back to us follows two years of teaching in his hometown of Ottumwa. He's a dedicated father to three school-aged children (Willa, Cason, and Lucy) and a new homeowner in our community!
When not in the classroom, Bill dives into new courses, coaches youth sports, works part-time, remodels his home, and prioritizes exercise. Teaching became his career choice to “challenge and improve students' lives through learning.”
Why did Bill choose Osky? “I felt at home with the district and building staff. The team was more like a family.” His main goal in his position is “to foster growth in my students—academically, socially, and emotionally—to prepare them for post-secondary success.”
With a familiar building and staff, this school year excites Bill as he tackles a new role and the challenges it brings. Let’s give Bill a warm welcome! 🌟
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.
Please reserve a time slot if you haven’t already!
🏈👕 ”My Jersey, Your Impact!” 👕🏈
Today, the seniors of the Oskaloosa Indian Football team went the extra mile to express their gratitude to their teachers! Each senior nominated a teacher who has made a significant positive impact on their lives to wear their jersey today.
A big THANK YOU to all these incredible teachers! You are the driving force behind these young people, and your influence goes beyond the classroom. ❤️ Let's cheer for the Oskaloosa Indians and celebrate the outstanding teachers who make a difference every day! 🎉🏈📚
Hey Osky families! 👋 Check out the Oskaloosa Virtual Backpack, an online hub where you can discover family-friendly, community-wide events. Visit www.oskyschools.org and select OCSD Backpack under the Parents tab.
Are you part of a local organization? Submit your event flier to https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9.
🎉 We are excited to welcome Bryce Brown to Oskaloosa Schools! He is a new Special Education Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Sigourney, Iowa, Bryce holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with endorsements in Special Education and Reading from William Penn University. He has been married for six years to his wife, Morgan, and they share four dogs and three cats. The couple loves to travel, spend quality time with family and friends, and visit amusement parks!
“I am excited to meet my new coworkers and students!” says Bryce. He chose to join Osky Schools because of the “Great people, supportive community, and close proximity to home.”
Why did Bryce choose teaching? “I love to be a voice for students with special needs. I have a passion for helping and teaching kids.” His goal in his new position? Bryce shares, “I want to make a positive impact on my students and help them become better in all aspects of life.”
Let’s extend a warm Osky welcome to Bryce! 🌟
Introducing the Osky Schools App! 📱✨ View lunch menus, upload documents, check the news, and receive event reminders all in one place. The app is available for both iPhone and Android users!
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
We're incredibly proud to share that 14 of our talented students from Oskaloosa Middle School and Oskaloosa High School participated in the 8th/9th Singfest Honor Choir at Central College. 🎉👏
This event brought together a total of 225 students from 20 schools! Mark Babcock conducted four selections, with Christopher Ellerston accompanying the choir on the piano. 🎹🎶 Our students had the privilege of joining the Central College A Cappella Choir for two selections: "Dry Your Tears, Africa" and "Why We Sing."
Our performers representing Oskaloosa Middle School and High School were: Toby Bihn, Carter Bonnet, Maddy Brown, Kien Bryan, CC Chisolm, Zayva Claussen, Alex Godejohn, Andrew Hersom, Hayden Johnston, Mia Luck, Hailey Montgomery, Marshall Overturf, Josie Rockhold, and Carter Winchel. They were under the guidance of directors Mr. Ellerston and Mr. Weinreich.
To see our students in action, check out this video starting at 43:20: https://www.centraldutchnetwork.com/. Congratulations to these incredible young musicians! 🎵🌟
Did you know? Careers in Construction Month is here! 🏗️ Osky salutes the individuals who construct our world, as well as the promising career paths awaiting our students in this dynamic field.
🎉 We are thrilled to welcome Keegan VanDevender to the Osky Schools team! He is a new 8th Grade Writing Teacher at Oskaloosa Middle School for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Oskaloosa and an OHS graduate, Keegan has an extensive educational background and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree in Philosophy from Drake University. He also holds a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction, Teacher Leadership, and Technology Integration from Buena Vista University.
Outside of his professional and academic pursuits, Keegan has a calico ragdoll cat named Abigail and is active in his church community as a musician.
“I am excited to read and write alongside my students at Oskaloosa Middle School, while also experiencing various opportunities within the building and across the district!” says Keegan.
Wondering why he chose teaching? Keegan says, “Teaching is the career that creates all other careers. As an alumnus of Oskaloosa Schools, the many great teachers I had throughout my K–12 career were major influences in my decision to become an educator.”
Keegan chose Osky because he is “excited to be a part of the unfolding vision culture the district is establishing to make Osky a welcoming home for all stakeholders.”
“My goals are to connect with my colleagues and students and help my students grow into strong writers as they prepare to enter high school,” shares Keegan. Welcome to the Osky family! 🌟
The Oskaloosa Middle School Cooking Club would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to Fareway Stores Oskaloosa for their generous donation of a $500 gift card!
This summer, the OMS Cooking Club participated in the 6th Annual Oskaloosa BBQ 4 Badges Fundraiser and placed 3rd out of 15 teams in the brisket category! 🥩🏆 Thanks to Fareway's support, Cooking Club members will have the opportunity to continue growing and showcasing their culinary skills.
Thank you, Fareway, for supporting our students and their passion!
🌟 Ready to join the Oskaloosa Schools team and make a difference? We're looking for 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
To apply, please visit the job posting at http://www.oskyjobs.com/.
Oskaloosa Schools is excited to announce our Five to Thrive Strategic Plan, aimed at enhancing extracurricular experiences for students in grades 7-12!
Our long-term goals for this plan are as follows:
1️⃣ Enhancing Participation: Boosting Involvement in 7-12 Activities
2️⃣ Pursuing Excellence: Striving for Winning Percentages Across All Activities
3️⃣ Empowering Student and Adult Leaders to Thrive
4️⃣ Cultivating a Thriving Culture Rooted in Strong Relationships
5️⃣ Elevating Student Satisfaction in School Activities
Leading this initiative is the Activities Leadership Cabinet, comprised of various district staff members, including coaches and club advisors.
We look forward to improving student participation and success in our activities, not only in the immediate future but also over the next five years! 🎉
⏰REMINDER: Today is our usual early-out Wednesday. We will have a one-hour early release today.
🎉 Let's give a warm welcome to Tori Mueller! She is a new 4th Grade Teacher at Oskaloosa Elementary for the 2023-24 school year.
Originally from Sigourney, Iowa, Tori graduated from Morningside University with a master’s degree in Elementary Literacy this year! She also holds a bachelor’s degree from William Penn University. Tori’s family includes her husband Jay, 18-month old daughter Journey, three Australian Shepherds, and a cat!
Beyond her professional pursuits, Tori and her family are active members of the Fellowship Bible Church in Oskaloosa. Their shared passions include engaging in slow-pitch softball and volleyball, along with activities such as swimming, kayaking, and cherishing moments with their loved ones.
“I am excited to build relationships with students and staff!” says Tori. She chose teaching as her career because: “I have always loved working with kids, and my own 2nd grade teacher inspired me to pursue a career in education. “
Tori decided to join Oskaloosa Schools due to having family closeby, and she has heard great things about the district! Her main goal in her new position? “To foster a love for learning in my students and to help them grow both socially and academically.”
Welcome to the Osky team, Tori! 🌟
Our Oskaloosa High School Student Council leaders wowed the @OskaloosaRotary today with an awesome presentation! 🌟 They shared all the amazing activities they're involved in year-round, making our school community stronger than ever. 🎉📚🌍
📢 Attention Families: If you were approved for Free/Reduced meals during the 2022-23 school year, those approvals have now expired. To continue receiving this benefit, it's important to submit a new application for the current school year.
If you have not already submitted an application for the 2023-24 school year, please do so ASAP! Applications are available at your school office or online at: https://www.oskyschools.org/page/free-and-reduced-meals.
If you have any questions, please call 641-673-8345 or email Amy Brainard at brainarda@oskycsd.org. 🍎📚
We have an immediate opening in our Science Department! Check out this job posting and others at http://www.oskyjobs.com.
We would like to wish a happy National Principals Month to our outstanding Osky school leaders!
🍎Alana Hutchinson, OES
🍎Mark Scholes, OMS
🍎Jeff Kirby, OHS
🍎Katie Trainer, Early Childhood Director
We appreciate all you do for our students, staff, and families!
🎉 Please join us in welcoming Erin Vande Vegte to her new position at Osky Schools! She’s serving as an English Teacher at Oskaloosa High School for the 2023-24 school year.
Erin is originally from Paullina, Iowa, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English Education with a minor in Health from Northwestern College. She will soon complete her master’s degree in English from Tiffin University! Previously, she taught concurrent enrollment classes at another high school through DMACC and looks forward to doing the same at Osky!
Erin shares her life with her husband Loken, one year-old son Benson, and cat Zola. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, listening to audiobooks, teaching fitness classes at the Mahaska YMCA, and co-managing the Osky Food Park with her husband.
“I am excited to attend extracurricular activities and see my students doing what they love outside of the classroom!” says Erin.
Why did she choose teaching? “I grew up in a family of teachers, and I realized that my strengths and passions directly aligned with being a teacher.”
Why Osky? Erin says: “My husband and I have lived in Oskaloosa for seven years now and have fallen in love with the community. I am excited to finally be able to teach and live in the same place!” Her main goal? “I hope to learn all of my students' and colleagues' names quickly and establish a classroom environment that is welcoming and safe.”
Welcome, Erin! 🌟
