Fall is a busy time for PTO with lots of activities and events going on. PTO is looking for volunteers for many upcoming events from being behind the scenes to helping during events or planning. There is a way for everyone to get involved. Currently seeking volunteers for the following:

Conference Meals: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFAF2FAAFBC43-59543211-conference#/ Trunk or Treat: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4BACA62AABFAC16-59462535-trunk PTO meeting childcare: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFAF2FAAFBC43-59082150-ptomeeting#/ Teacher's Helper: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFAF2FAAFBC43-59043731-teachers#/ Field trip and clothing fundraisers coming soon!

The Martensdale-St. Marys community is invited to attend a special Open House event to tour the recently updated Science Rooms and the revamped Media Center.

This is an excellent opportunity for families and community members to see firsthand the modern learning environments now available to our students.

The Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, November 6th, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Program and Partners in Education Announcement

The evening will begin promptly at 5:00 PM in the Media Center with a brief program and remarks.

During this time, our dedicated Partners in Education group will share an exciting announcement regarding their next project. The Partners in Education play a crucial role in supporting essential initiatives across the district, and we encourage everyone to attend to hear about their future plans.

Attendees will then be welcome to tour the upgraded Science Rooms, which feature enhanced facilities for hands-on learning and experimentation, as well as the Media Center, which now serves as a dynamic hub for research, collaboration, and reading.

We look forward to sharing these improved spaces with our community and celebrating the ongoing commitment to student success.

The MSTM Parents and Teachers Organization (PTO) is gearing up for one of its most popular annual events: the Trunk or Treat! District families and the wider community are invited to join the fun on Saturday, November 1st, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Blue Devil Stadium.

This safe, family-friendly alternative to traditional trick-or-treating offers a festive atmosphere where students, parents, and teachers can connect. Attendees can expect a wide array of activities designed for all ages, including:

• Trunk-or-Treating: A designated area where participants can collect candy from creatively decorated car trunks.
• Carnival Games: Fun and exciting games for kids and families.
• Concession Stand: Snacks and refreshments will be available.
• Pet Costume Contest: Even furry family members are encouraged to join the fun dressed in their Halloween best!

A Focus on Friendly Competition and Fundraising This year’s event features a special element of internal competition aimed at benefiting MSTM programs. The PTO is encouraging different MSTM programs and student groups to decorate a trunk for the event. Attendees will have the chance to vote for their favorite decorated trunk.

The MSTM program that wins the most votes will receive the proceeds from the entire event to support their activities, supplies, or field trips. This popular feature not only drives creativity but also provides a meaningful way for the community to directly fund student opportunities.

District families are reminded to dress in their best costumes and come ready to have a great time!

Event Summary: What: MSTM PTO Trunk or Treat When: Saturday, November 1, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Where: MSTM Blue Devil Stadium Activities: Candy, Pet Costume Contest, Concession Stand, Carnival Games

Don't forget to vote for your favorite decorated trunk!

We look forward to a memorable afternoon celebrating our school spirit!

The Martensdale-St. Marys Community School District (MSTM) recognizes that the first step to a successful school day is a nutritious breakfast. The School Breakfast Program (SBP) is not just a meal; it is an essential resource that directly contributes to student focus and academic achievement.

Studies consistently show that students who eat breakfast do better in school. When kids and teens are not hungry, they can concentrate on their schoolwork better. By utilizing the SBP, families ensure their students are mentally ready and alert from the moment the bell rings.

The MSTM School Breakfast is designed to meet high nutritional standards, aligning with the MyPlate model to deliver sustained energy and essential nutrients:

• Grains: Starting the day with whole grains gives students B vitamins, minerals, and fiber to feel fuller longer, helping them maintain focus throughout the morning.
• Fruits: A full cup of fruit is available every day , providing key nutrients like potassium, dietary fiber, and Vitamin C.
• Dairy: Milk provides calcium, protein, and Vitamin D necessary for strong bones, teeth, and muscles.
• Protein Foods: These menu items (such as eggs, yogurt, meat, or beans) supply vital nutrients including iron, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium.

Research shows that people who eat breakfast generally have higher intakes of essential nutrients like dietary fiber, B vitamins, calcium, and iron.

Convenience for Busy Families ⏰ Beyond the health benefits, MSTM's School Breakfast simplifies the morning routine. School breakfast can save time by offering kids and teens healthy options that easily fit into their daily schedule.

Ensure your Blue Devil is fueled for a day of achievement—utilize the Martensdale-St. Marys School Breakfast Program!

We are excited to announce that our first teachers helper will be October 17th! We can't wait to get back in the lounge and help teachers with making copies, cutting and organizing activities for the students.

Everyone is welcome to sign up and volunteer. Parents, grandparents, community members, parents/family of middle or high school students. Remember to bring your ID when checking into central office.

Click the link below to sign up. November and December dates are also listed. If you would like to help with the program but the dates don't work for you, please email mstmpto@gmail.com.

\ https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DAFAF2FAAFBC43-59043731-teachers

The 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:  MSTM District Map.

List of Candidates The following is the slate of candidates on the ballot:

District 1: Bill Denny Erik Somers

District 2: Travis Tibbits

District 4: Matt Yonker

Election Day Information Election Day is November 1, 2025. Polls will be open from 7:00am – 8:00pm.

Learn more about election day polling information by visiting the Warren County Election Information page.

Polling locations are: INDIANOLA 5 / LINCOLN 1 Indianola Activity Center (15) - 515-961-9420 2204 W. 2nd Ave., Indianola

JACKSON

Immaculate Conception Parish Hall (19) - 641-297-2359

101 St. James Street, St. Marys

JEFFERSON St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (20) - 641-764-2752 615 Iowa Ave, Martensdale

NORWALK 4 / LINN 720 St. John’s Catholic Church (29) - 515-981-4855 Orchard Hill Dr., Norwalk

WHITE OAK Annett Nature Center (40) - 515-961-6169 15565 118th Ave., Indianola

Absentee Voting

In person Absentee will be Wednesday, October 15, 2025 – Monday, November 3, 2025 8:00am-4:30pm at the Warren County Administration Building (301 N Buxton St. Indianola, IA 50125).

Learn more about Absentee Voting in Iowa here:  Iowa Secretary of State Website.

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.