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September 2025

.......Student Travelers Explore Spain! 🇪🇸.......

This past summer, a group of 25 students and chaperones embarked on an incredible 8-day tour of Spain, exploring the vibrant cities of Barcelona and Madrid from July 22-29. It was a journey of art, history, and delicious food that won't soon be forgotten.

In Barcelona, our group was awe-struck by the architectural genius of Antoni Gaudí, visiting the breathtaking and still-under-construction Sagrada Familia. We also got lost in the charming, winding alleys of the city's historic Gothic Quarter, uncovering hidden plazas and centuries of history. A highlight was our visit to Montserrat, a stunning monastery nestled in the mountains, which offered incredible views and a serene escape. We even got to see the city from a different perspective during a fun Barcelona by bike tour!

The journey continued to Madrid, where the students were immersed in Spanish culture. One evening, we were captivated by the passion and rhythm of a live Flamenco dancing performance. The trip was also a culinary adventure! We enjoyed traditional dishes like savory paella and a variety of delicious tapas, and of course, indulged in plenty of gelato to beat the summer heat.

Beyond the specific sights, a trip like this offers students so much. They gain a deeper understanding of new cultures, learn to navigate unfamiliar environments, and build independence. This experience also helps them develop a global perspective, fostering empathy and appreciation for people from different backgrounds. It's a chance to step outside the classroom and truly see history and art come to life.

Addie Bonert Stated: "This trip was like nothing I have experienced before. The natural beauty and culture was STRONG. Being able to see such a breath-taking city is such a blessing and I would encourage everyone to step out of their comfort zone and experience new things like this. The trip was packed full of tours, experiences, tons of food and of course shopping! I think I can speak for everyone when I say this was worth every penny! It also helped that we had such amazing adults and chaperones who also got to experience this once in a lifetime trip! "

 And Maya Smith says " In Spain, I learned quite a lot about myself and the world. Being able to speak Spanish to native speakers and converse felt very empowering and gave me confidence. I enjoyed learning about their culture and history. This trip has opened my eyes to the world, one that's much bigger and centuries older than the United States. I always felt safe and comfortable, even though I was definitely pushed out of my comfort zone and grew because of it. I enjoyed the food, shopping, and the Prado Art Museum. My favorite part of the trip was definitely late nights with my roommates. "



.......picture day-september 15th .......

Find your building QR code to make ordering pictures quick and easy!

Delhi Elementary

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001236182

Earlville Elementary

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001236186

Johnston Elementary

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001236190

Middle School

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001236199

High School

https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001236197

.......homecoming week .......

Maquoketa Valley High School will celebrate Homecoming during

the week of September 21 st – September 27 th . The week will start

out with powder puff football and iron man volleyball on Sunday,

September 21 st at 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 26 th is a busy day

with the class competitions beginning at 1:10 p.m; parade at 2:00 pm.; followed by the

pep rally and crowing of the 2025. Homecoming King in the high school gym. Game time Friday night is 7:00 p.m. The Maquoketa Valley Wildcats will take on the Wapsie Valley Warriors. Crowning of the 2025 Queen will take place at half-time. A dance will be held to celebrate Homecoming on Saturday, September 27th from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. Any business or group interested in being in the parade, please contact Kurt Palmer at the high school at 563-922-2091 or email kurtpalmer@maquoketa-v.k12.ia.us

.......Use of Personal Electronic Devices by Students.......

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 



.......Food service information.......

New Student Lunch System, Meal Magic:


We’re excited to announce that our school lunch software will be transitioning to "Meal Magic” for the 2025-2026 school year. This system will replace our “Total Access” system.


Click the link below to build your family account:

https://maquoketa.familyportal.cloud/

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

.......bound registration information.......

.......community news to know.......

Fall Family Bingo Night:


October 21st from 6:30-7:30 in the High School commons



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 August 18, 2025

Lunch Menu

September Lunch & Breakfast Menu

Maquoketa Valley Community School District 

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