The Iowa School Performance Profiles (ISPP) is a valuable online tool that shows how our public schools are performing on key measures. This system, part of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), provides transparent and easily understandable information for families, educators, and the community.

Let's break down the latest results for the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District.

2024-2025 Performance Overview This past school year, our district's schools received the following ratings:

• Elementary School: Commendable
• Junior High / High School: Acceptable

It's important to understand what these ratings mean and how they've changed from the previous year.

How ISPP Ratings Work The ISPP system assigns one of six performance ratings to each school:

• Exceptional
• High Performing
• Commendable
• Acceptable
• Needs Improvement
• Priority/Comprehensive

These ratings are based on a comprehensive set of accountability measures, which include:

• Student proficiency in English language arts, math, and science.
• Academic growth for students.
• Chronic absenteeism.
• Graduation rates (for high schools).
• Postsecondary readiness (for high schools), which measures things like college credit earned and work-based learning experiences.

The ISPP system looks at how all students are performing, with a focus on ensuring equitable outcomes for different student groups, such as students with disabilities, English language learners, and students from different racial or ethnic backgrounds.

Comparing Our Ratings: 2023-2024 vs. 2024-2025 2023-2024 Rating Elementary School - High Performing Junior High / High School - Acceptable

2024-2025 Rating

Elementary School - Commendable Junior High / High School - Acceptable

Our Elementary School moved from a High Performing rating to Commendable this year. While this is a slight change, it's still a strong rating that shows our elementary students are succeeding. Our Junior High / High School maintained its Acceptable rating, which indicates it's meeting the state's expectations.

The ISPP is just one tool we use to evaluate our schools. We are committed to using this data, along with our own local assessments and feedback, to make continuous improvements and provide the best education possible for every student.

If you would like to explore the full data for our district or any other school in Iowa, you can visit the Iowa School Performance Profiles website.

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community Schools is dedicated to providing an exceptional learning environment for all students, and a key part of that is having a strong team of committed substitute teachers. We are always looking for passionate individuals in our community who want to make a difference in our classrooms on a daily basis.

If you have ever considered becoming a substitute teacher, now is the perfect time to explore this rewarding opportunity. The process of becoming authorized is more accessible than you might think.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you begin your journey toward becoming a substitute teacher:

Step 1: Meet the Educational Requirements

To be eligible, you must hold one of the following:

• An Associate's Degree, Bachelor's Degree, or at least 60 college credit hours from a regionally accredited institution.
• A Paraeducator Certificate (with limited substitute authorization).
  Step 2: Complete the Substitute Authorization Course

  The Iowa Substitute Teacher Authorization course, approved by the Board of Educational Examiners (BoEE), can be completed online. This course provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage a classroom and support student learning.

  Step 3: Complete a Background Check

  All prospective substitute teachers must complete and pass a background check as a standard part of the application process to ensure the safety and security of our students.

  Step 4: Apply for Your Authorization

  After completing the course and your background check, you will submit a formal application for a Substitute Authorization to the BoEE.

  Ready to get started? The first step is to register for the online course. You can find more information and begin the course by visiting iowasubstitute.com.

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  Please Note: This information is shared as a resource to help expand our substitute teacher pool. The online course is provided and administered by the AEA, not by our school district.

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District Board of Directors voted Monday, September 15, to accept an invitation for the district to join the West Central Activities Conference (WCAC). The Blue Devils will officially transition to the conference beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, pending approval from the State Activities Association Boards.

The decision follows months of discussion focused on how to best serve MSTM students, families, and programs. District leaders believe the move will provide a number of key benefits:

• Expanded opportunities for lower-level programs.
• Increased participation and playing opportunities for students.
• Shorter travel times, meaning less time out of class and fewer late nights.
• Strong competitive balance across activities.
• Stability among schools in terms of enrollment, participation, and ability to field teams at multiple levels.

Here is how our programs are impacted. MSTM would still select its non-conference opponents and events.

Fall

• Football – No impact since the IHSAA builds the Varsity Football schedule.
• Volleyball – Conference schedule would be implemented.
• Cross Country – Conference meet would be attended.

Winter

• Boys & Girls Basketball – Conference schedule would be implemented.
• Boys Wrestling – Conference schedule and tournament would be implemented.
• Girls Wrestling – Conference schedule and tournament would be implemented.

Spring

• Boys & Girls Golf – Conference schedule and meet would be implemented.
• Boys & Girls Track & Field – Conference Meet would be implemented.

Summer

• Baseball – Conference schedule would be implemented.
• Softball – Conference schedule would be implemented.

The West Central Activities Conference is currently comprised of Des Moines Christian, Earlham, AC/GC, Interstate 35, Madrid, Ogden, Panorama, Pleasantville, Van Meter, West Central Valley, and Woodward-Granger. At the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, Des Moines Christian and Woodward Granger are leaving for other conferences.

The Pride of Iowa Conference has been a valued part of Martensdale-St. Marys’ history, and we are grateful for the many years of competition, friendships, and memories shared with member schools. We look forward to finishing out our time in the conference with the same commitment and pride that has defined Blue Devil activities.

As this transition approaches, more information will be shared with students, families, and the community.

Go Blue Devils!

MSTM Homecoming is September 15 - 19, 2025. Information for the week of is below:

Monday, September 15th 

No School

4:00 PM JH Volleyball @ Nodaway Valley (Nodaway Valley Middle School) 

4:30 PM JH/Varsity Cross Country @ Pleasantville (Pleasantville Golf & Country Club)

6:00 PM JV Football @ Lynnville-Sully (Lynville-Sully High School)

Tuesday, September 16th 

All Day “Getcha Head in the Game” (Jersey Day)

4:00 PM JH Volleyball @ I-35 (I-35 High School)

4:30 PM JH Football vs. Lynnville-Sully 

5:30 PM Varsity Volleyball Triangle @ East Union/Nodaway Valley (East Union)

Wednesday, September 17th

All Day “Bop to the Top” (Duo Day) 

Thursday, September 18th

All Day “Fabulous” (Dress as your favorite HSM Character)

6:00 PM Coronation (Blue Devil Stadium)

6:30 PM Parade (Start at Blue Devil Stadium)

7:00 PM Iron Man Volleyball (HS Gym)

8:00 PM Powder Puff (Blue Devil Stadium)

Friday, September 19th 

All Day “We’re All in this Together” (Blue Devil Spirit Day) 

3:00PM School-Wide Pep Assembly 

7:00PM Varsity Football Game vs. North Mahaska

Saturday, September 20th

8:30 AM Varsity Volleyball Tournament @ Mount Ayr

8:00 PM Formal Homecoming Dance (8:00-10:00 PM in the Cafeteria)

Students voted on Homecoming Court representatives, and they are as follows:

9th Grade Attendants: Charlie Daniels and Ty Rezac

10th Grade Attendants: Isabella DiCesare and Jack Johnston

11th Grade Attendants: Madison Roach and Isaiah Wheeldon

12th Grade Queen Candidates

Kathryn Ballard

Samantha Blaisdell

Maclaine German

Carly Krogman

Karson Oberender  

12th Grade King Candidates

Levi Minella

Jack Gavin

Colton Wight

Jensen Dyer

Travis White  

Congratulations to all of our attendants! They will all be recognized during the Coronation ceremony and parade on Thursday, September 18th. 

Here's a tentative order of the events of Thursday, September 18th and their approximate starting times: 

• 4:00PM Tailgate Fundraiser Dinner (Stadium Concession Stand) 
• 6:00PM Homecoming Court Coronation* (Stadium) 
• 6:30PM Homecoming Parade 
• 7:00PM Ironman Volleyball (HS Gym) 
• 8:00PM Powderpuff Football** (Stadium) 

*Rain location: HS Gym 

**In case of inclement weather, a make-up date will be decided pending availability 

There will be a pre-coronation dinner, consisting of a hamburger or beef hotdog from Madison County Cattlemen or smoked chicken sandwich from Smokin’ Guns BBQ, sides, dessert, and drink. All for $10 and the proceeds will go towards Post Prom. 

Parking at the stadium will not be available to spectators for Coronation and the parade. The gravel parking lot will be used for parade staging purposes only. If you are interested in having an entry in the parade please contact Sara Franey at sara_franey@mstm.us by Monday, September 15th.  Those participating in the parade may park in the grass on the west side of the complex. The gravel parking lot will be open to spectators again for the Powderpuff game. Parade Information & Parking Information.

Happy Homecoming!

Warren County Health Services will host a Flu Vaccine Clinic at Martensdale-St. Marys School to help keep our students, staff, and community healthy during flu season.

Date: Tuesday, September 16, 2025 Times: 7:00–8:00 AM & 3:45–5:00 PM

Location: Martensdale-St. Marys School

Available at the clinic:

• Flu vaccines
• COVID-19 boosters (for those in the recommended age or medical condition groups)
• Required school immunizations — parents can even sign up to ensure their children are up to date!

  This is a convenient way for students, staff, and families to get protected against the flu. Vaccinations will be available on a walk-in basis.

  For more information, please call 515-690-9200.

  Do your part to protect yourself and others — get your flu shot!

The Martensdale-St. Marys Partners in Education (PIE) Fundraiser is back for its second year—and it’s shaping up to be an evening you won’t want to miss!

Join MSTM PIE on Friday, February 28, 2026, at Red Acre Barn in Prole, IA, for a night filled with community, fun, and an opportunity to make a lasting impact on MSTM students.

Last year’s Night Out in Nashville was an incredible success, thanks to the overwhelming support from our Blue Devil community. This year, PIE is unveiling a brand-new theme and even bigger goals to help provide valuable resources and opportunities for students, teachers, and schools.

Your support ensures MSTM students continue to receive exceptional educational experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsorship Opportunities

MSTM Partners in Education invites local businesses, organizations, and community members to partner as event sponsors. Sponsorships provide critical support for this fundraiser and come with recognition throughout the event.

Details about sponsorship levels, benefits, and how to sign up will be shared soon. It’s a meaningful way to invest in MSTM while highlighting your support for education.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Look Back at Last Year’s Success

Night Out in Nashville brought together families, alumni, and supporters to raise significant funds for MSTM students. Here’s a quick look back at some memorable moments:

2025 Partners in Education Fundraiser Gallery

What’s Next?

Stay tuned for exciting announcements, including:

• How this year’s event will support MSTM
• Details about the event theme and activities
• Ticket information and sponsorship sign-up links

Mark your calendars now and help MSTM Partners in Education continue to make a difference!

The next School Board Election for the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District will be held on November 4, 2025.

Three director districts will be contested in 2025. Districts #1, #2, and #4 are up for election; a map of the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District with districts may be found here.

Key Election Dates:

• Monday, August 25, 2025 – First day to file nomination papers.
  • Each candidate must file the Affidavit of Candidacy and Nomination Papers. These must be filed with the Board Secretary Ashley Kraber (due Sept 18, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.)
  • The affidavit of candidacy and nomination petitions must be filed together or they will be rejected. Copies of nomination papers are available at the school district office (please contact the Board Secretary Ashley Kraber), the county auditor's office, or on the Iowa Secretary of State's Website.
  • The minimum number of signatures needed depends on the number of registered voters in the school district. In the Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District, 10 signatures are required, but it is recommended to obtain more should any signatures be considered invalid.
• Thursday, September 18, 2025 (by 5:00 PM) – Final day to file all required documents.
• Tuesday, September 23, 2025 (by 5:00 PM) – Final day to withdraw your candidacy.
• Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – Election Day (polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM).

Current Board of Directors - Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District:

• District 1: Bill Denny, Board President, term expires in 2025
• District 2: Travis Tibbits, term expires in 2025
• District 3: Jeff Bowlin, Board Vice President, term expires in 2027
• District 4: Heath Banks, term expires in 2025
• District 5, Colleen Haglan-Lynch, term expires in 2027

The Board of Directors meet monthly at 5:30 pm in the Martensdale-St. Marys Media Center. Additional meetings are held as necessary. Candidate forms and additional information are available at the Iowa Association of School Boards website: https://www.ia-sb.org/school-board-elections. For local questions or help with filing, contact the Board Secretary Ashley Kraber at ashley_kraber@mstm.usor Superintendent Dr. Bill Watson at bill_watson@mstm.us

Picture days for the 2025-2026 school year have been set.

ELEMENTARY

MSTM Elementary Picture Day is coming on Thursday, September 11.

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTXD9KBJ.

Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.

JH & HS

MSTM Junior High and High School Picture Day is coming on Wednesday, September 10.

You can place your order on mylifetouch.com using your Picture Day ID: EVTJT4S9C.

Order before midnight on Picture Day to get FREE shipping! Your child can also bring their completed flyer with cash or check on Picture Day.

Orders after Picture Day must be placed online only on mylifetouch.com.