Superintendent's Message for April 2023

Hello Charger Nation 

I know the weather didn't cooperate for spring break; however, it was still a productive time to refresh and rejuvenate our bodies and minds for everyone to prepare for the final quarter of the school year.  School can be very stressful for all involved and I believe it is important to stay “mentally'' healthy.  This is done by giving your mind a break and relaxing by doing whatever you enjoy doing in your free time.  Relieving stress is a proven strategy to promote an overall healthy person.

 The Chariton Community Schools had a special election on March 7th.  The community elected Becky Shelton as our new Board member.  If you see her please thank her for her service and dedication to our school.  She has already attended her first Board meeting. Voters also passed the Revenue Purpose Statement. It was a great turnout and overwhelmingly passed.  Thanks, everyone, for voting and supporting the school. The School Administration and School Board have been very busy planning and approving building projects to improve our students' experiences while attending our school.  If you drive by Reynolds Field, you will notice we are well underway.  The new all-purpose synthetic field project is underway. As soon as school is dismissed for the summer, we will begin updating the Van Allen playground and the HVAC systems in the gyms and cafeterias in both Columbus and Van Allen.  

The district has developed a long-term plan with the help of 10-Fold, an architectural firm we have hired to improve our school district. Like our own homes, we must continue to stay on top of the overall maintenance of our buildings and properties. Planning our projects in this fashion will help us utilize the funds available now and in the future. 

Our students have had a very good month in activities and academics.  Here are just a few highlights of their successes.

The following high school and middle school Archers qualified for the STATE. 

High School Bullseye category -  Baylor Atwell, Paige Graham, Gage Hart, Adrian O'Leary, Cayden Schlutz, Natalie Shore, Leif Sundquist, Luke Miller, Elijah Wagner, and Remah Wagner. 

High School 3-D category - Baylor Atwell, Molly Colburn, Lane Masters, Leif Sundquist, and Luke Miller.

MillerMiddle School Bullseye - Carver Dixon, Julie Gonthier, Macie Norris, Jonathan Pyatak, Ledger Smith, McKabe Smith, and Wyatt Swartz

Middle School 3-D - Brandt Cobb, Chase Cobb, Carver Dixon, Macie Norris, Ledger Smith, McKabe Smith, Wyatt Swartz, and Isaac Baird.  Wyatt Swarts was the State Champion!!

I want to publicly recognize Chariton CSD’s students that were honored at the SCC Academic Honors Banquet Top 5% Honors in March.  Pictured from left to right - Tim Milledge, HS Assistant Principal Kia Rodgers, Delaney Caudill, Cheyenne Andrews, Jada Kelley-James, Christina Pyatak and Tracy Hall, HS Principal.  Delaney Caudill also performed as a member of the All-Iowa Drill Team at the State Basketball Championships.  Congratulations to all of these students!

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the individual State Speech Contest at North Scott School on March 11th.  They were Bradley Hobbs, Isaac Sundquist, Paige Graham, and Brett Morgan.  

The Chariton Academic Team had a terrific year.  Here are some highlights: Third place finish in the Chariton Academic Meet, First place finish in the IQBL Fall Open, Third place at the Central Decatur Tournament, South Central Conference champions, third in the Iowa Small School Division state championships, and third place in the Mediacom QBTV meet.  An awesome year and thanks for representing our school!! Members of the teams are Lydia Chapman, Jada-Kelley James, Mallory Logan, Elaine Prose, Mitch Swarthout, Aiden Burbridge, Mariah D’Atillio, Bradley Hobbs, Luis Acuna, Bella Prose, Ethan Werts, Calvin Allwood, John Bachman, and Brent Crabb.

Finally, if you missed the CCSD Pops Concert, you missed out.  It was fabulous and really fun to watch the students exhibit their talents.  Check out our district Facebook page for photos.  

GO CHARGERS and THINK BIG !!!!  

Mr. Baker

Phone - 641-774-5967

Email- brad.baker@chariton.k12.ia.us

Twitter -  @Super_Charger