October 2025

The first graders participated in Camp Wildcat. After they learn the routines and expectations at Johnston, they earned badges by demonstrating their learning skills. We have earned badges for recess, hallway expectations, voice levels, great listening, and many more. On Tuesday, September 2nd, they celebrated all of their learning with an assembly, snack, and extra recess.

.......from the desk of mrs. fellinger.......

September 16, 2025, was the inaugural meeting of Maquoketa Valley High School’s Literature Club. Founded by the club’s president, Arianna Nolan, this group will focus on the love of reading and writing. Twelve students officially joined the club on Day 1 with Mrs. Moenck as the group’s sponsor. The club will meet twice a month during WIN time to read, write, play creative games, and share their love of all things literature. During the first meeting, members created locker signs in order to jumpstart the Literature Club’s sense of community. This group is informal, and new members are accepted at any time! Reach out to ariannanolan@maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us with any questions or to join.

New Life Skills Room at the High School

The high school is excited about the newly remodeled Life Skills classroom! The new classroom now includes a full kitchen and laundry area, giving students hands-on opportunities to practice everyday skills in a real-world setting.

A heartfelt thank-you to Mr. Osterhaus for his invaluable help in making this project idea into a reality. We are also grateful for Melissa Nieman and the Delhi Thrift Store for allowing Ms. Bolsinger to shop in the store and for their generous $250 donation to purchase supplies for our new kitchen. A final thank-you goes to Delhi Lumber, Terry Elgin, Superior Appliance, and MV’s custodial staff for their hard work and dedication in getting our new classroom ready for the 2025–2026 school year.

Students have already been busy putting their new space to use. In the kitchen, they’re learning to read recipes, measure ingredients, follow kitchen safety rules, create shopping lists, and will soon head to local stores for grocery shopping. They’ve even begun sharing some of their freshly baked treats with other students and staff!

In the laundry area, the Life Skills students have taken on the important job of laundering cleaning towels for teachers and janitorial staff, ensuring a steady supply of clean towels throughout the school. They’re also helping the middle school office with laundry needs, and once basketball season begins, they will manage the laundering of team towels as well.

This new Life Skills classroom is already proving to be a wonderful addition to our high school, giving students the opportunity to practice essential daily life skills they’ll carry into adulthood.

.......Whats behind the red curtain?.......

In today's interconnected world, the conversations we have at school about technology are only part of the picture. Our students spend a significant amount of time engaging with social media at home, and the impact of these interactions, both positive and negative, often carries over into the school environment. From cyberbullying and online conflicts to the pressures of social comparison and its effect on mental health, we see the real-world consequences of students' digital lives every day.

We believe that fostering a healthy relationship with technology requires a collaborative effort between the school and the home. Social media is not inherently bad; it can be a powerful tool for creativity, connection, and discovering new communities. However, it's also designed to be highly addictive, and navigating its complexities requires a strong foundation in digital citizenship. 

The Mental and Academic Impact

Research from sources like the U.S. Surgeon General's Advisory on Social Media and Youth Mental Health highlights a clear link between frequent social media use and negative mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety. The constant exposure to carefully curated, "perfect" online lives can fuel feelings of inadequacy and a fear of missing out (FOMO). This can lead to disrupted sleep, decreased attention spans, and, ultimately, a decline in academic performance.

What We're Doing at School

Our school is committed to teaching students the principles of responsible digital citizenship. We are working to equip them with the skills to:

• Think critically about what they see and share online.
• Be kind and empathetic in their digital interactions.
• Protect their privacy and understand their digital footprint.
• Recognize and report cyberbullying and inappropriate content.

A Call to Action for Parents

As partners in your child's education, your role in this conversation is invaluable. We encourage you to take an active approach to guiding your child's social media use at home. Here are some actionable tips:

1. Start the Conversation Early and Often: Don't wait until a problem arises. Talk with your child about their favorite apps and what they enjoy doing online. Ask open-ended questions like, "What's the best part about social media for you?" or "Have you ever seen something that made you feel uncomfortable?"
2. Set Clear Boundaries: Most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13. Respect these guidelines. Work with your child to create a family media plan that includes designated "tech-free" times, like during meals or before bed.
3. Model Good Behavior: Children learn by example. Be mindful of your own screen time and digital habits. Show them what it looks like to be present in the moment and to use technology responsibly.
4. Emphasize Privacy and Security: Help your child understand the importance of private accounts and strong passwords. Remind them that anything they post online can be permanent.
5. Encourage Offline Activities: Promote a well-rounded lifestyle that includes hobbies, sports, and face-to-face socializing. Encourage a balance between their digital and physical worlds.

By working together, we can empower our students to be safe, thoughtful, and confident explorers of the digital world. Thank you for your continued partnership.

It is the policy of the Maquoketa Valley CSD that students may not use or possess personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time.  

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, a “personal electronic device” is a device that is used by a student to send or receive information or create or review content, including cellular and mobile phones, watches or other wearable devices in a receive or transmit mode, laptop or notebook computers, tablets, video game devices, portable media players, and any applications or programs installed by the student on a school-owned or issued device. A “personal electronic device” does not include a device possessed by the student for documented legal, health, and safety purposes and used solely for those purposes.

The “school day” is defined as once the first bell rings until the end of day school bell minus lunch period.

“Instructional time” is any time during which a student is under the guidance and supervision of licensed instructional staff or instructional assistants, including independent study time during the school day and homeroom.

General Rules

The following are the district-provided educational technologies and devices that will be made available to

students for instructional purposes: MacBook Air Computers, iPads, other classroom technology provided by the school.  

A student’s personal electronic device, not otherwise allowed to be used under this policy, must be securely stored at all times in a school-provided device in each classroom for High School students in the Secondary Building and in the student lockers for Middle School & Elementary. High School students may utilize their personal electronic devices during passing time and at lunch. 

A parent or guardian, after verification by school officials, may communicate with a student through the

school office. If there is an emergency requiring the student’s immediate attention, a parent or guardian may contact the school office or the district office. In the event of an emergency, the school will contact the parent or guardian by the method most recently listed by the parent in the school’s student information system immediately when it becomes safe to do so. In the event of an emergency involving the broader school community, the school will contact parents and guardians by the district wide mass notification system.

Violations of Policy

First Offense - Upon the first offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. After reviewing the policy with the principal or principal’s designee, the device will be given back to the student at the end of the school day.  

Second Offense - Upon the second offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a period of 5 school days. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day. 

Third Offense - Upon the third offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a period of 10 school days. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day. 

Fourth Offense - Upon the fourth offense, the student’s remotely activated, or activating communication device(s) will be confiscated by a staff member and taken to the principal’s office. The principal or principal’s designee will review the cell phone policy with the student. The student will be required to bring their device to the office upon their arrival at school for a minimum of 20 days or the remainder of the school year. It will be kept safe in the office. It will be the student’s responsibility to pick it up at the end of each school day. A parent meeting may be requested to determine the next course of action.  

If the student uses a personal electronic device during the administration of any assessment, the student will receive no credit for the assessment without the ability to retake and will also face the consequences identified in the prior paragraph. If the student uses a personal electronic device in a state or federal mandated assessment, the school will follow any protocols for that assessment’s security.

Student-Specific Exceptions to Policy

 Petition by Parent or Guardian. A parent or guardian of a student may petition to allow their child to maintain access to a personal electronic device for a legitimate reason related to the student’s physical or mental health, based on the unique facts of the student’s case. The petition shall be addressed to the building principal. If not granted, a parent or guardian may appeal to the superintendent or designee, whose decision shall be final. A parent or guardian has the burden of providing a legitimate reason for allowing the child to maintain access of a personal electronic device contrary to Maquoketa Valley's policy.

Student Plans. A student who has a current Individualized Education Program, a plan under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act, or health plan may maintain access to a personal device during an appropriate portion of the school day as documented in the plan. The device should be used solely in the manner necessary and documented.

Inappropriate use of Electronic Devices

Cell phones with cameras and other portable “remotely activated, or activating communication devices” capable of storing, and transmitting or receiving images are banned from being used in locker rooms and rest rooms at ALL times. Students will be disciplined for use of cell phones with cameras in school locker rooms, restrooms, or for being used inappropriately affecting the well being of other students or staff.

First Offense: Immediate suspension plus one day, Law enforcement may be notified 

Second Offense: Immediate suspension plus 3-day suspension, Law enforcement notified 

Third Offense: Possible recommendation for expulsion, Law enforcement notified 

Check your current lunch account balance: Create your online account through the family meal magic portal, or call/email Morgan Nefzger to get your current lunch account balance. You can make deposits at any time.

Free/Reduced Applications: These forms must be filled out as soon as possible so we have enough time to process your application and correct your registration fees. Free/Reduced applications can be found online, or there are copies in the Delhi Middle School/Elementary Office. These forms can be filled out at any time throughout the school year.

Breakfast Options: Aside from the assigned Breakfast Entree, kids could also choose: Cereal, Yogurt with a muffin, or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Salad Bar: This year, there will be a salad bar offered to 7th-12th grade students and all adult employees Tuesday-Friday. The salad bar will be an alternate meal choice. You will not be able to get the salad bar in addition to the main meal being offered. The salad bar will be located in the High School cafeteria area.

Potato Bar: This year, there will be a potato bar offered to 7th-12th grade students and all adult employees every Monday.

Snack Items: Students in Junior Kindergarten-Fourth Grade have the option of taking a snack item each day. Depending on the week Junior Kindergarten-second grade will have the option of cheese stick, goldfish crackers, single serve honey nut cheerios, nature valley oats and honey granola bar, teddy grahams, or single serve kix Cereal. Third-fourth grade can choose between a granola bar or a cheese stick. Regardless if you qualify for Free/Reduced benefits, you will still be charged the full $0.40 per snack item. Snack items are charged to your account every Friday for the entire week.

Meal Pricing for the 25/26 school year:

Price Student breakfast: $2.05

Reduced Price Student breakfast: $.030

Earlville & Johnston & Delhi Elementary Student Lunch: $2.75

Middle School & High School Student Lunch $3.00

Reduced Price Student Lunch: $.040

Snack Item: $0.40

Extra Breakfast Entree: $$2.05

Extra Lunch Entree: $2.00

Extra Milk: $0.65

Extra Juice: $0.70

Extra Fruit: $0.55

Guest Student Lunch: $3.00

Guest Adult Lunch: $4.97

Charging on negative Accounts: Be sure to watch your lunch account balance. If your family lunch account reaches an amount of Negative $50.00 or more, students will be given an alternate main course meal until the account balance is improved. An alternate meal due to low account balance will still be a full meal however the entree will be a deli sandwich with and no additional seconds or ala carte items. Starting on August 26th invoices will be sent out to families with negative balances and your student(s) will receive a deli sandwich until your account has been replenished. Invoices will be sent out every Tuesday via email.

Alternate main course meal option: This year, we will have an alternate main course substitute at each meal. This substitutes will consist of, a deli sandwich, or a bento box. Students may choose this instead of the main course any given day.

How and where to deposit lunch money: You can always send lunch money with your students to turn in to the secretary at their building, or you can go online and make deposits into your family account.

Link to useful forms:

Food Service Information

Free & Reduced Meal Program Information

Meal Magic Family Portal

Non-Discrimination Statement

If you have any questions pertaining to the Free and Reduced Meals, you can contact Morgan Nefzger at morgannefzger@maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us

Maquoketa Valley Activity Calendar

This can be found on the website. Please check that for all activities.

Cancellations will be updated on the Maquoketa Valley Website.

Text Alert System

Our text alert system is called SchoolMessenger. In order to receive text and email alerts, registration for the 2025-2026 school year must be completed online in PowerSchool. Reminder - only two contacts will receive texts and emails - those with “mother” and “father” relationship status. When entering cell phone numbers, please designate it as a “mobile” phone. An opt in text message will be sent before the first day of school to parents to opt in to receiving these alerts. 

If the information in PowerSchool is not accurate, you will not receive these alerts.

Contact call Kelsey Thomas if you have questions, 563-922-2091

Maquoketa Valley 2025-2026 School Calendar

ANNUAL NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

(Board Policy 102.E2)

It is the policy of the Maquoketa Valley Community Schools not to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, religion in its programs, activities, or physical or mental disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices as required by the Iowa Code, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Pay Act of 1973, Title IX, Section 504, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Students are educated in programs that foster knowledge of, and respect and appreciation for, the historical and contemporary contributions of diverse cultural groups, as well as men and women, to society. Students who feel they have been discriminated against are encouraged to report it to the school district Equity Coordinator. The Equity Coordinator is Troy Osterhaus and can be reached at (563) 922-2091. Inquiries may also be directed in writing to Troy Osterhaus, Maquoketa Valley Community Schools, P.O. Box 186, Delhi, Iowa 52223, (563) 922-9411. 

To view additional Board Policy Information, please use the link below.

Board Policy Information

2025-2026 Forms

2025-2026 Backpack Program Form

2025-2026 Maquoketa Valley Athletic forms

2025-2026 Wildcat Athletic Pass

Please check the Athletic Booster Facebook Page for updates

2025-2026 Fine Arts Booster Memberships

2025-2026 Fine Arts Booster Flyer



Objection to instruction and library materials

Regular Board Meeting

July Board Meeting Minutes - Held September 22, 2025

Lunch Menu

October Lunch & Breakfast Menu

Maquoketa Valley Community School District 

Ensures High Levels of Learning to Empower All Students For Lifelong Success.