In support of our students during ISASP testing, the district is pleased to announce that **free breakfast will be provided to all students** during **ISASP Week**, from **Monday, April 22 through Thursday, April 25**.

To help students start each day with the energy and focus they need, breakfasts will be available in a **convenient grab-and-go format** before the school day begins.

### What You Need to Know:

* **Who:** All students
* **When:** April 22–25, 2025 (ISASP Testing Week)
* **Where:** Breakfast pick-up locations will be available at each school
* **What:** A full breakfast is required and will include:
  * **A fruit**
  * **Milk**
  * **Grab-and-go item of your choice**
* **Extras:** Additional breakfast items will be available for purchase and charged to the student’s personal lunch account.

We encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity to start their day with a nutritious meal. A well-fed brain is a ready brain—good luck to all of our students on their ISASP assessments!

For any questions, please contact your school’s front office or nutrition services department.

Martensdale-St Marys Community School District

Free Breakfast for All Students During ISASP Week (April 22–25)

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District (MSTM) is proud to announce a new partnership with Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students succeed in school, work, and life.

Starting in the Fall of 2025, MSTM students will have access to expanded career readiness programs, leadership development opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences. iJAG’s proven model focuses on helping young people overcome academic and personal challenges to graduate and prepare for high-demand careers.

“Switching to the iJAG program for the upcoming school year is a strategic step forward for our students and our community.” said Jon Fitzpatrick, JH/HS Principal for Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District. “iJAG is more than just a class, it’s a proven model that helps students overcome barriers, connect their education to future careers, and build essential life and employability skills.”

iJAG specialists will work directly with students during the school day, delivering a curriculum focused on career exploration, employability skills, leadership development, and community engagement. Students will also be able to connect with local businesses, participate in internships, and develop critical life skills that will serve them long after high school.

Fitzpatrick also stated, “With a focus on leadership, goal-setting, and career readiness, iJAG empowers students to take charge of their future.”

The partnership reflects MSTM’s ongoing commitment to preparing students for graduation and life beyond school — in college, career, and citizenship.

For more information about iJAG, visit http://www.ijag.org/.

MSTM Announces Partnership with iJAG

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District is proud to recognize a remarkable contribution from the Martensdale-St. Marys Partners in Education. At the April 14th School Board meeting, Partners in Education presented the district with a generous check for **$55,000**. These funds will directly support the school's Media Center renovation, a project slated for completion this summer.



This donation marks a significant milestone for both organizations and the community. The funds were raised during the group's first-ever major fundraising event, *Night Out in Nashville*, held in March. The evening was an incredible success, bringing together parents, staff, alumni, and local supporters for a night of music, food, and fundraising — all supporting and enhancing educational opportunities for students.



The renovation of the Media Center is a key step in transforming the space into a modern, student-centered learning hub. Once completed, the updated Media Center will offer flexible seating, collaborative workspaces, updated technology, and a more inviting atmosphere for students of all grade levels to learn, explore, and grow.



The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District extends its deepest thanks to PIE and all those who helped make this event successful. Your continued support strengthens our school community and helps ensure our students can access the tools and spaces needed to thrive.



Together, we're making a difference — one project, partnership, and student at a time.

Martensdale-St. Marys Partners in Education Donates $55,000 Toward Media Center Renovation

At Martensdale-St. Marys, we believe in celebrating the hard work and contributions of our teachers and staff. That’s why we’re proud to introduce the **Blue Devil High Five Program**—a recognition initiative aimed at acknowledging the dedication and excellence of our team.

The Blue Devil High Five Program allows students, staff, administration, and community members to nominate and recognize staff members who go above and beyond in their roles. Whether through exceptional teaching, support for students, or creating a positive school environment, the program celebrates those who make a significant impact.&#x20;

In order to spread this Blue Devil pride, [click here to fill out the link.](https://forms.gle/cDnK6XDYdw2ai4d2A)

Help us spread smiles one Blue Devil at a time!

Blue Devil High-Five

Our 4th–12th grade ELP students had an unforgettable experience during their field trip to Texas Roadhouse! As the restaurant’s very first field trip guests, students got a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant operations, explored interactive learning stations, and even made their own rolls. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a delicious hot dog or hamburger lunch — and took home prizes and fresh rolls (though few rolls made it all the way home!).

The day was also a special opportunity for our high school ELP mentors to connect with their elementary mentees. These mentorships, launched about a month ago, continue to grow through regular check-ins and support.

We are incredibly grateful to Texas Roadhouse for hosting such a memorable day for our students!

**Save the Date:**
&#x20;Join us for our ELP Symposium on **Thursday, May 8**, from **8–9:30 AM** in the high school media center. Families are welcome to come and go — we hope to see you there!

ELP Students Enjoy Behind-the-Scenes Fun at Texas Roadhouse

This February, Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District proudly launched a new initiative through our MSTM Wellness Program, encouraging students to stay active and healthy while having fun!

As part of the program, elementary, junior high, and high school students participated in a "Walk to Spring Break" challenge. Students tracked their steps to "walk" toward exciting virtual destinations. Our elementary students set their sights on Disney World in Florida, while junior high and high school students aimed for the sunny beaches of Cancun, Mexico.

To support our students in tracking their progress, the MSTM Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) generously donated pedometers. This contribution helped our students stay motivated and aware of their daily movement goals. The entire school came together in a spirit of energy, teamwork, and healthy competition.

To celebrate the students' dedication and hard work, Country View Dairy donated frozen yogurt. Every student was treated to a delicious Fro-Yo snack as a reward for completing their wellness journey.

MSTM would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the PTO for their generous support and to Country View Dairy for helping make the celebration extra special. Programs like these highlight the strong partnerships between our school, families, and local businesses — and the amazing things we can accomplish when we work together.

Way to go, MSTM students! Keep moving and making healthy choices!

MSTM Spotlight: Student Wellness Program

Martensdale - St. Marys Community School District is excited to announce our upcoming **Career Exploration Event**, taking place on **October 10, 2025**!

This event offers a wonderful opportunity for professionals in all industries to share their incredible careers and experiences with students ranging from **Pre-K through 12th grade**. The day will be divided into two exciting parts:

- **Career Fair** – Starting at **8:45 AM**, professionals will have the opportunity to meet with students, showcase their fields, and inspire future career paths.
- **Touch-A-Truck** – From **1:00 PM to 3:00 PM**, students can explore various vehicles and equipment used across different professions, offering them a hands-on look at the tools of many trades.

We invite individuals from all career backgrounds — healthcare, trades, business, technology, public service, arts, and more — to join us in helping students learn about the many possibilities their futures can hold.

**Interested in participating?**
Use the link below to sign up or get more information. 

[https://tinyurl.com/yc26ey8f](https://tinyurl.com/yc26ey8f)

For questions or additional information, reach out directly to **Heather Nichols** at **641-351-7400** or by email at **heather_nichols@mstm.us**.

Come share your passion and expertise with the next generation of learners and leaders. We can’t wait to see you there!

Career Exploration Event – October 10, 2025

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District will host a meeting for all parents with students that will begin Kindergarten in the 2025-2026 school year.

This Parent Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 6:00pm in the Media Center at the school. 

Kindergarten Roundup will take place Friday, May 9, 2025, from 8:30am – 2:00pm. 

If you have questions regarding either event, please contact the MSTM Elementary Office at 641-351-7400 x516.

25-26 Kindergarten Parent Meeting

Martensdale-St. Marys Community School News

Located just minutes from the Des Moines area, the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District is home to approximately 525 students.  Our Pre-K-12 students attend school in one building located in Martensdale, just east of Interstate 35 near Highway 92.  We are uniquely positioned to offer a public education in a small school atmosphere while still having easy access to all the amenities offered in the Des Moines metropolitan area.

The district encompasses 78 square miles across Warren and Madison Counties and includes the communities of Martensdale, St. Marys, Bevington, Cumming, Indianola, Norwalk, Prole, and St. Charles. Our students come from these areas and many others through open enrollment.

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District is community-focused, and we are proud of the opportunities we can offer our students in the areas of academics, performing arts, and athletics.

With the start of the 2024-2025 school year, the District will move to a four-day instructional week with students attending school Tuesday – Friday.


Martensdale-St Marys Community School District

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