The Martensdale-St. Marys (MSTM) Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is a non-profit, volunteer organization whose membership includes all families and staff at MSTM Elementary School. The PTO’s mission is to support and enhance the educational experiences of our students.

**The PTO**

• Provides an organization through which the parents, school, and teachers can work cooperatively.

• Provides financial support for programs funded outside of the annual school budget.

• Develops a closer connection between school and home by encouraging parent involvement.

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**Contact us:**[ **MSTM PTO**](http://mstmpto@gmail.com) **(mstmpto@gmail.com)****Connect with us on Facebook here:**[ **MSTM Facebook Page**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/494267987323486/)**Want PTO Updates ? Register here:**[ **PTO Updates**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczzjlUFu338zGkB3gWlszrEpRx1G1nW0a8UxGHcVoXyawGXg/viewform?usp=sharing)**Donate to the MSTM PTO Here: MSTM PTO Donations**


MStM PTO

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District is considering moving to a 4-day school week for the 2024-2025 school year.

This decision is not one we take lightly, and we are committed to thoroughly researching and understanding the potential benefits and challenges before making any decisions. Several school districts across Iowa and multiple schools nationwide have successfully implemented a 4-day school week, and we believe it is our responsibility to explore whether this model could be beneficial for our students and community.

While our primary driving force behind this examination is geared toward teacher retention and recruitment, research from other communities has shown positive outcomes to include increased student attendance, decreased student discipline issues, and improved student and teacher morale. Students and staff report improved work/live balance for families.

We want you to be involved in this process. Here is how you can learn more and participate in this process:

**Information Session - December 13, 2023**

We will hold a community information session on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 7:00pm in the high school gymnasium. This presentation will be posted on our website ([www.mstm.us](http://www.mstm.us/en-US)) as well.

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**Community Survey - December 14-22, 2023**

We will initiate a survey on December 14, 2023, that will run through December 22, 2023. A link to this survey will be e-mailed to all families and will also be shared on our website. In addition, a survey of students in Grades 7-11 will be shared in school during this same time frame.

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**Community Meeting with Q\&A Session - January 10, 2024**

We will hold a second community meeting on January 10, 2024, to share the results of the survey and review questions that have been raised.

**Learn more here...**

Over the coming days, we will continue to add additional information to this page regarding this option.

Click on the link below to learn more:

[MSTM Study Timeline](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oT-IakI4SDkbNBl-Lz7z-Zokb1EPLGv\_/view?usp=sharing)

[Sample School Calendars](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nx2AEtA_VwVxMUTCkScnnSBv6QWib1K5/view?usp=sharing)

[](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tB0OMvKf8UpCO_bm6IFYmHuRQ41lVF5S/view?usp=sharing)

**A Conversation Regarding the 4-Day School Week**

We want to thank the Saydel Community School District for allowing us to share a recording of a Zoom call that took place recently between their administrative team and leaders from school districts with a 4-Day School Week.

The individuals on this recording are:

*   Todd Martin – Superintendent, Saydel Community School District
*   Alex Stubbers – Director of Student Services, Saydel Community School District
*   Tim Bartels – Junior High / Senior High School Principal at Waco
*   Ken Crawford – Superintendent, Waco Community School District
*   Joel Pedersen – Director, Central Rivers AEA (former Superintendent at Cardinal)

View the recording here: [Saydel CSD Conversation on a 4-Day School Week](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zwvNj-nJbQuF2ztwl7hqbU5PtvjMfXHL/view?ts=657322c3)

4-Day Instructional Week Words over Image of School

Martensdale-St Marys Community School District

MSTM Set to Host Information Session on 4-Day School Week on December 13

On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, students will be dismissed at 1:00pm so that teachers and staff may participate in Professional Development. These sessions take place either one or two times each month. The complete school calendar is available on our website or by visiting this link:  [2023-2024 School Calendar](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXY_DHphJMy07qo1o_Ozav65N3wYv18x/view).

Clock set to 1:00pm over image of the school.

Early Dismissal on December 13

On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Martensdale-St. Marys was sworn in during the Organizational Meeting.

Serving on the board are:

District 1:  Bill Denny, President

District 2:  Travis Tibbits

District 3:  Jeff Bowlin, Vice President

District 4:  Heath Banks

District 5:  Colleen Haglan-Lynch

New Board of Directors Sworn In

After 15 years of service, Nicole Bunch presided over her final Board of Directors Meeting on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

Bunch served the school and community for 15 years, dating back to September of 2008.

We thank Nicole for her service and leadership.

Jeff Bowlin Presents Plaque to Nicole Bunch

Bunch Presides Over Final Meeting

The PTO is excited to announce the Holiday Shoppe is back for 2023! This is an opportunity for our elementary students to shop for their loved ones in the spirit of giving this holiday season. 

This event will take place during the school day. Each item purchased will be wrapped, tagged and ready to be gifted. More details to follow. 

For questions please email [*mstmpto@gmail.com*](mailto:mstmpto@gmail.com)*.*

Holiday Shoppe Set for December 18

The PTO is excited to announce the Holiday Shoppe is back for 2023! This is an opportunity for our elementary students to shop for their loved ones in the spirit of giving this holiday season. 



This event will take place during the school day. Each item purchased will be wrapped, tagged and ready to be gifted. More details to follow. 



For questions please email [*mstmpto@gmail.com*](mailto:mstmpto@gmail.com)*.*

MSTM PTO Holiday Shoppe set for December 18

On Wednesday, November 29, 2023, students will be dismissed at 1:00pm so that teachers and staff may participate in Professional Development. These sessions take place either one or two times each month. The complete school calendar is available on our website or by visiting this link:  [2023-2024 School Calendar](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXY_DHphJMy07qo1o_Ozav65N3wYv18x/view).

Early Dismissal on November 29

Simply having one or more children attending MSTM Elementary School automatically makes you a member of the PTO and there are no dues associated with this organization. Simply contribute as much support as you would like through volunteering and/or supporting fundraising efforts.

How do I become a member?

Only if you want to. One of the great aspects of the PTO is that you may volunteer as much or as little as you like. During the school year, we hold monthly PTO meetings in the Library. Attendance is not required unless you are a committee chair. Watch our page updates for meeting dates and times. And for opportunities to get involved with activities through the year.

Will I have to volunteer a lot of my time?

The PTO is a great avenue for meeting other MSTM parents and for getting to know the educators and the Principal. The PTO parents are fun, laid back, and welcoming to anyone new to the organization. Our goal is to help you feel right at home. The meetings are also a great way to have your voice heard.

We are always eager to find more great people like you to help us meet this goal!

What if I don't know anyone on the PTO?

[**MSTM PTO**](http://mstmpto@gmail.com) **(mstmpto@gmail.com)**

**Connect with us on Facebook here:** [**MSTM Facebook Page**](https://www.facebook.com/groups/494267987323486/)

**Want PTO Updates? Register here:** [**PTO Updates**](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczzjlUFu338zGkB3gWlszrEpRx1G1nW0a8UxGHcVoXyawGXg/viewform?usp=sharing)

**Donate to the MSTM PTO Here: MSTM PTO Donations**

Contact Us:

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District Food Pantry is operating inside the school in Martensdale. The Food Pantry is open to all community members.

The Food Pantry is open weekdays from 7:30am – 3:30pm and on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 10:00am – 6:00pm.

The Food Pantry is always in need of donations to include household items like laundry soap, bath soap and personal hygiene products.  If families need to use the pantry at other times, they may contact Heather Nichols (<heather_nichols@mstm.us> / 641-764-2486 x513) to set up an individual time.

Thank you to those community members that have made donations and continue to donate to support others in need.

MSTM Food Pantry Information

Please make note of the following in relation to the Thanksgiving Holiday in the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District.

*   There is no school Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24.

*   The District office will be closed Wednesday, November 22 through Friday, November 24.

We wish all in our community a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Break:  November 22 - 24

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District will conduct a district-wide notification test at approximately 4:00pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2023. The District Notification test will be sent to the PRIMARY CONTACT in JMC for parents / guardians and staff who are registered to receive notifications. It will NOT include emergency contacts. We will also post an alert on our District Website and Twitter at this time as well.

The notification test is to ensure we have your correct information in our system. If you do not receive the text / phone / e-mail message, please contact Karen Tomlinson in the Central Office via e-mail at <karen_tomlinson@mstm.us> with your related issue.

Notification Test overlayed on Bell Photo

Notification test Set for November 15

Join us on Saturday, November 11, 2023, for the MSTM Fall Festival, presented by the MSTM FFA Alumni and Sponsors.

The Fall Festival will be held at the school in Martensdale and will run from 4:00pm – 8:00pm. Join us for a $10 meal from the BBQ cook off that HS senior boys will be preparing, fall photos taken, games, and a hayrack ride.

Fall Festival Set for Saturday, November 11

On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, students will be dismissed at 1:00pm so that teachers and staff may participate in Professional Development. These sessions take place either one or two times each month. The complete school calendar is available on our website or by visiting this link:  [2023-2024 School Calendar](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iXY_DHphJMy07qo1o_Ozav65N3wYv18x/view).

Early Dismissal on November 8

To introduce you to the candidates running for the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District’s Board of Education, the MSTM PTO, in conjunction with community members, asked each of the candidates in contested elections six questions.

Here is a summary of the responses to those questions:  [Candidate Responses](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1foL2oCsf4HG7l3\_9T-\_dbbi4mAm0cI6a/view?usp=sharing)

*These questions were formulated and compiled by the MSTM PTO.*

**Election Information**

There are three seats up for election on the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District’s Board of Directors on November 7, 2023.

Listed below are the Director positions open with the candidates for each:

**District #3 (4-year term)**

Jeff Bowlin (incumbent) – Prole, IA

**District #4 (2-year term)**

Heath Banks – Prole, IA

Brenda Halverson – Norwalk, IA

*This opening follows the resignation of Rusty Kordick in September. Banks was appointed by the Board of Directors on September 26, 2023.*

**District #5 (4-year term)**

Nicole Bunch (incumbent) – Prole, IA

Colleen Christy Haglan-Lynch – Prole, IA

Here is a link to our District Map so that you may better understand which District you may live in:  [District Map](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bfdUXgLAQ7FFvF_UU_aAp9MY9QjojGz9/view?usp=sharing)

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