January 2026

.......is it just a game?.......

Keeping up with the technology and online games your child is using is no easy task. Unfortunately, it is essential in order to keep your child and your bank account safe. The information in this article comes from Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that puts kids’ safety and well-being first in the digital era. They do this by providing research-based guidance on media, AI, and other technology, providing resources for schools to teach digital literacy, and by advocating for laws and policies that protect kids.

Here is some interesting information about “the game,” Roblox, perhaps the most misunderstood platform among adults:

over 100 million daily active users
about as many players younger than 9 as players older than 25
Robux is the in-game currency that is purchased using real money
Games rated 5+ can have kids and adults interacting in the same environment, mature and scary content and “secret” areas or servers that lead to other hidden layers of the game
Memes and online trends are created (not always safe)
Scams and account theft can happen
Target of lawsuits about child safety and exploitation

Common Sense Media did additional research as they were developing curriculum for schools and three themes stood out:

Kids experience online buying surprisingly early. Kids age 8 and younger spend an average of 2.48 hours per week shopping online.
Digital currencies are turning self-expression and belonging into a commodity. Gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite deliberately design features that link identity and peer acceptance to in-app purchases. This means children want to spend money on items in these games so they feel more accepted by their peers.
Peer pressure and fear of missing out drive kids towards risky online behaviors. Despite being aware of online risks, kids are three times more likely to fall for scams than their parents. Even more alarming, 65% of gamers identified the red flags and still proceeded to get scammed.

Technology is here to stay. So here are some guidelines to consider:

Until 18 months of age limit screen use to video chatting along with an adult (for example, with a parent who is out of town).
Between 18- and 24-months screen time should be limited to watching educational programming with a caregiver.
For children 2-5, limit non-educational screen time to about 1 hour per weekday and 3 hours on the weekend days.
For ages 6 and older, encourage healthy habits and limit activities that include screens.
Turn off all screens during family meals and outings.
Learn about and use parental controls.
Avoid using screens as pacifiers, babysitters, or to stop tantrums.
Turn off screens and remove them from bedrooms 30-60 minutes before bedtime.

.......did you know about the free 211 hotline app?.......

Your child's success in school is connected to their well-being at home. If your family is facing a challenge and you don't know where to turn for help, the 211 Helpline is your essential connection to thousands of local community resources!

.......from the desk of Mrs. sheppard.......

.......from the desk of Mrs. moorman.......

Students in 6th grade Social Studies have been learning about continents and how people live around the world! Students also shared about their own culture when they presented artifacts from their life during their culture speech. We are currently learning about our first ancient civilization, the Stone Age, where students explore the geography, religion, achievements, politics, economics, and social structure of this time period. To bring in a global perspective, our class has partnered with the organization Reach the World. We have been zooming monthly with Ryan, who is a Fulbrighter in the Czech Republic. Through Ryan’s knowledge, we have learned about food, schools, hobbies, and celebrations in this European country. Connecting the past to the present and understanding our place in the global community is exciting for students!

Engage your student in sharing their learning with you through these conversation starters:

What country did you research and what did you learn about it?
Would you want to visit the country you researched? What would you want to see?
What happened to Otzi, the frozen mummy, from the Stone Age?
What have you learned from Ryan and the Czech Republic in the zoom sessions?

.......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

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

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