Now Hiring: Elementary Special Education Nurse 🩺
Join Oskaloosa Schools as a Special Education Nurse, working primarily with students who have significant health needs. Make a difference by providing essential care, developing health plans, and supporting our students' well-being.
➡️ Apply today at www.oskyjobs.com.
#ALLIN #OskyBuildsLeaders
Remember, Osky families: Wednesday, September 25, is our usual early-out Wednesday. Students will be released 60 minutes early. ⏰
Did you know? Poor attendance that starts at an early age can negatively affect a child’s ability to read proficiently by the end of third grade. 📖
It’s important for students to be in school every day, no matter their grade level. Families, you are critical in making this happen!
Have you downloaded our FREE app? It’s a great tool to keep in your back pocket. Explore menus, contact teachers, and read district updates, all on the go.
And don’t forget to enable notifications on your device! 📱
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/oskaloosa-community-schools/id1524263227
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.apptegy.oskaloosacsd&pli=1
Families, please note: Oskaloosa Schools are dismissing students 60 minutes early on Wednesday, September 18! ⏰
REMINDER: Picture Day for Oskaloosa Elementary students is coming up on Friday, September 27! 📸
💫 New Staff Spotlight: Jacqueline Duffy 💫
We are excited to introduce Jacqueline as our new K-2 Music Teacher! She has 33 years of teaching music and choir. Jacqueline retired from Knoxville in 2021, but her calling for music brought her out of retirement to Osky!
"I was called, and I answered the call," said Jacqueline. "I'm excited to work with young students again. I'm joining the team to fill a need, but also so the students can have the best music experience possible."
Jacqueline is #ALLIN because she wants to be part of an exceptional music team. Her top goal is to provide an excellent music experience for students.
Welcome to the Osky family, Jacqueline! 🎉
🎉 Help us welcome Lucas Trainer as our new High School Band Teacher! He is an Oskaloosa alum of the Class of 2010. Lucas earned a degree in Music Education from Simpson College in 2014, was the former Band and Choir Director at Lamoni CSD and was recently the Band Director at Pleasantville CSD.
"I am honored, humbled, and beyond excited to have the opportunity to lead the Oskaloosa Band program. It's always been a dream of mine to give back to the program that meant so much to me growing up," said Lucas. "Coming back home to lead it is incredibly special. I'm eager to build on the success of the OHS band and, most importantly, to meet and get to know my students."
Lucas is #ALLIN because this position is a true homecoming for him, and his nephews and niece are the 5th generation of his family to attend Oskaloosa Schools. His goal is to cultivate a culture in the band program that values effort and perseverance, provides a sense of belonging, and instills a belief in doing something bigger than yourself.
Welcome home, Lucas! 🙌
Meet Kasey Koehler, our new Kindergarten Teacher at Oskaloosa Schools! 🎉
With 15 years of teaching experience—10 in 1st grade and 5 in kindergarten—Kasey brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for early childhood education.
"Oskaloosa is my hometown, where my siblings and I grew up, and I am now raising my three children here," said Kasey. "I couldn’t be more pleased and excited to join the Osky team."
Kasey is committed to creating a nurturing and meaningful learning environment for her students. She’s proud to be back in Oskaloosa, where her three children are also starting school—her oldest as a freshman, her daughter in 6th grade, and her youngest in 4th grade.
Join us in welcoming Kasey back to Osky! 🌟
We all get sick sometimes. If your student is feeling under the weather, we encourage them to stay home. 🤒
However, we urge students to be in class, ready to learn, when they are feeling well. Our parents and families are important partners in making sure students maintain consistent attendance, all year long! 💫
Welcome, Hannah Schauer! 🎉
Hannah joins us as a new 4th grade teacher, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a deep passion for education that perfectly aligns with our vision culture. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Elementary Education and Christian Education from Concordia University-Chicago. Before joining us, Hannah student taught 3rd grade at St. Peter Lutheran School and served as Director of Christian Education at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Illinois.
"I am so excited to join the Osky team because I love the vision culture! The more I learn about Osky schools, the more I see how well my personal beliefs and values align with those held here," shared Hannah. "I can’t wait to live out our purpose to love, empower, and inspire people this school year and beyond."
Hannah is #ALLIN on Oskaloosa Schools, eager to create a loving, team-oriented classroom environment and serve alongside a passionate team of educators.
Hannah and her husband, Malachi, moved to Oskaloosa last August with their 10-month-old son, Samuel, for Malachi’s role at Cargill.
Join us in welcoming Hannah! 😊
As we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001, we also remember the resilience and bravery shown on that day. Let us honor those who were lost and those who gave everything to save others. 🇺🇸
Hey, Osky families! Quick reminder: There will be a 60-minute early dismissal for all students on Wednesday, September 11. ⏰
🏄♂️ Get ready to Surf Our Way to Victory with Homecoming 2024 gear! Show up in style and ride the wave of school spirit all week long. Orders are due Wednesday, September 18.
🔗 Shop now: www.ohshomecoming2024.itemorder.com
We’re shining a spotlight on Angela Vande Wall, our new 8th Grade Reading Teacher! 💫
Angela joins us with eight years of teaching experience in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, where she most recently served as a Title I teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Reading Endorsement from Mount Mercy University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Literacy from Morningside University.
"I'm excited to be part of a smaller, more supportive community for both myself and my son, who will be starting kindergarten," said Angela. "I’m joining the Osky team to make an impact in the lives of young people and to be part of a united team of educators and leaders."
Coming home to Oskaloosa, Angela is #ALLIN, feeling an immediate sense of community during the interview process. She’s eager to contribute by leading with love and knowledge.
Her goal is to build strong relationships with her students and set shared goals for a successful, enjoyable school year.
Join us in giving Angela a warm welcome home! 🎉
REMINDER: Picture Day at Oskaloosa Middle School is Thursday, September 12! 📸
🌟 New Staff Spotlight: Jessica Hemann 🌟
Meet Jessica, our new 6th-8th Grade Choir and Music Teacher! Jessica brings extensive experience, holding a Master of Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa and a Bachelor of Arts from Luther College. Certified to teach K-12 Vocal Music, she’s passionate about using music to build strong communities.
"I am so excited to be onboarding with Osky Schools, and I can’t wait to get to know my students!” said Jessica. “I appreciate new opportunities, and I know that there are always ways to continue to learn and grow.”
Jessica believes in Osky’s vision and sees music as a powerful way to unite people. Her goal is to connect with students and foster a sense of community through music.
Jessica lives in Albia with her husband and two children, Parker and Sophia, who are both active in school activities. She loves supporting her family in all they do.
Welcome to Oskaloosa, Jessica! 🎉
Meet Meghan Moorman, another new Kindergarten Teacher joining our team! ✨
A proud University of Iowa graduate, Meghan earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with a Reading (K-8) endorsement. After gaining valuable experience as a substitute teacher in Iowa City, including a long-term role in 2nd grade, Meghan has returned to Oskaloosa to give back to the community that shaped her.
"I’m excited to join the Osky team for a variety of reasons. I’m eager to give back to the community that gave me so much growing up," said Meghan. "I’m ready to learn and collaborate with some of the best kindergarten teachers. I can already tell that the Osky team is something I’m going to be extremely proud to be a part of."
This year, Meghan's top goal is to get to know the people, systems, and students of Oskaloosa. She’s thrilled to learn from the best!
Join us in welcoming Meghan to the Osky family! 🎉
Say “good-bye” to printed fliers and “hello” to Oskaloosa’s Virtual Backpack! 🎒
The web page keeps you up-to-date about local events the whole family will enjoy. Simply visit www.oskyschools.org, then select OCSD Backpack under the Parent tab.
Organizations can submit their event flyers at https://tinyurl.com/24mztee9.
Welcome, Abby Gruver, to the Osky team! 🎉
Abby is our new Kindergarten Teacher, holding a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Elementary Education from Central College, with endorsements in K-6 Reading and Coaching.
"I am beyond excited to join the Osky team,” said Abby. “From student teaching here, I saw firsthand how the staff collaborates and always puts students first, which is a big reason I wanted to work here. I can’t wait to work alongside all of the amazing teachers and staff!"
Abby is #ALLIN to make a difference in her students’ lives and support her colleagues. Her top goal is to learn from fellow teachers and provide the best learning experience for her students.
Welcome to the Osky family, Abby! 🙌
