BGM School Board hears enrollment numbers

BROOKLYN — BGM Elementary School Principal Mary Sherwood reported during this month’s school board meeting that the district welcomed 13 new students in grades K-6. Nine student moved out of the district.

“Our preschool enrollment currently stands at 39,” Sherwood said. A 3-year-old student is scheduled to begin in January.

The Begindergarten class has 12 students; kindergarten, 23; first grade, 38; second grade, 34; third grade, 33; fourth grade, 42; fifth grade, 36; and sixth grade, 52.

Following a closed session, the board approved the open enrollment application for Sophia Petsche, grade 11, from BGM to Belle Plaine and an open enrollment application for Duncan Smith, a Begindergarten student, from Grinnell to BGM.

BGM High School Principal Shane Ehresman reported the following enrollment numbers to the board: seventh grade, 33; eighth grade, 44; ninth grade, 38; 10th grade, 46; 11th grade, 41; and 12th grade, 47.

In other business, the board approved employment offers for Brad Dolmage, volunteer set construction; Beth Byers and Emily Daugherty, speech coaches; and Jade Henning, volunteer cheer coach.

The board discussed preliminary infrastructure plans for 2026. Projects include revamping the high school library with new carpet and furniture. The board also discussed future updates to the wrestling room and continued improvements to the elementary playground.

Sherwood said that the elementary students kicked off the school year with a back-to-school open house. Families enjoyed ice cream bars donated by Bear Creek Dairy.

District-wide fall screening assessments in reading and math began Sept. 8. Sixth grade students attended the School of the Wild at Diamond Lake during that week.

Partners in Education has met several times and is off to an enthusiastic and productive start.

“They have many exciting plans for supporting our students and staff throughout the year,” said Sherwood. “One major initiative under discussion is the development of an inclusive playground area.”

This area would include an Inclusive Whirl, an inclusive seesaw, three freestanding sensory activity panels, a single-post pyramid cantilever and playground turf to cover the area.

Partners in Education is also exploring options for adding shade structures to the playground.

Sherwood reported that Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance and Manatts had a school supply drive for BGM before classes started. Compass Memorial Healthcare donated money collected from their employees for school supplies.

Sherwood said the Brooklyn Kiwanis gave a $1,000 donation for elementary teachers to spend for a few little extras they want for their classrooms.

Ehresman and Joe Tafta hosted an optional senior class meeting to kick off the year and hear students’ thoughts and ideas.

“The meeting was an opportunity for seniors to share their expectations for a truly memorable and successful year,” Ehresman said.

BGM launched a Facebook page for seventh through 12th grades May 21. Many videos, photos, student and family information updates and scores have been posted on the page.

“To date, there are 510 Facebook followers, and since the week of Aug. 30, there have been more than 35,000 total views, Ehresman said.

Tafta has been instrumental in setting up the Facebook page and Jeremy Mize will be sending online surveys to students, families and staff to solicit feedback on ways to improve the Facebook page.

Angie Radcliffe has organized the following activities for students in the upcoming months:

Sept. 23 — 11th grade trip to the Marshalltown Community College Fair

Oct. 9 — 10th grade field trip to the Pella College Fair

Oct. 14 — Ninth grade campus visit to the University of Northern Iowa

Teachers recently gathered to discuss building leadership, daily schedules, technology and writing.

Ehresman reported a growth in college course offerings for BGM students. He said that 51 BGM students are take college courses, including three on-site college classes and three Iowa Valley on-site classes: Certified Nursing Assistant, Auto Academy 1 and Auto Academy 2.

The board closed issued raised regarding the school’s cashless policy. Last year the district began using a credit card and online ticketing system for attending events.

Board member Sammy Kuntz said that a recent post on the BGM Facebook page had some contradictory information regarding the practice. He asked for clarification about this and the concession stand that allows cash or credit cards this year.

The district is not cashless, Kuntz was told, but that method of payment is preferred. People who attend events and activities should use BGM passes.

The next school board will be Wednesday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m.