Inman Elementary is in the middle of Red Ribbon Week, looking for senior volunteers to eat lunch with students, and still finishing punch-list items on its new lunchroom and secure entry, Principal Dr. Jane Chaillie said Monday
Red Ribbon Week is the district’s drug awareness and prevention observance.
Today is Superhero Day. Students are encouraged to dress as their favorite superhero or wear a superhero shirt. Tuesday is wear-red day — “superheroes wear red to show that you are a drug-free hero.” Wednesday is Real Life Hero Day. Students dress as a firefighter, parent, grandparent, doctor, nurse, military member, teacher, or anyone they look up to. Thursday is Powering Down for a Bright Future — pajama day, because “heroes need some rest.” Friday is Team Up Against Drugs. Students wear Tiger pride. It is also the day of the Halloween parties.
Kindergarten through sixth grade each have a Halloween party on Friday. Preschool parties are Thursday because preschool does not meet on Friday. Classroom parties last about 45 minutes. Most K–3 parties are right before dismissal. Fourth through sixth grade parties are before lunch because of the lunch schedule. Parents are invited to help and attend. This year parents are asked not to wear costumes. Students should bring school-appropriate costumes in a bag. No masks and no face paint. Those can wait for Saturday. Keep it to the basics so nothing is left at school.
Volunteers
Inman has partnered with RSVP of Iowa, the senior volunteer corps for people 55 and older. Area director Sherry Bowen is recruiting. There are two roles. One is the existing Tiger reading and math volunteers who work with students on basic skills. The other is new: lunch buddies. With the expanded lunchroom, the school wants seniors to sit and eat with students and model conversation at the table. Chaillie said many families no longer sit down together for meals. The lunch table can become that place.
People can reach Bowen or sign up through the RSVP website. Chaillie said going through the RSVP program has advantages over simply calling the school. Bowen also places volunteers in other community roles. Teachers will help anyone who feels out of practice around kids. “You’re going to get some hugs from kids,” Chaillie said. “You’re going to also get some high fives, and you’re going to be able to see the difference that you’re making.”
Construction
The expanded lunchroom has already changed the day. Behavior referrals right after lunch used to be the highest of the day because the old space was tight. Spreading students out has helped. The room is also being used for assemblies. This week the Iowa State Patrol’s IJ program will talk about Halloween safety there without canceling PE. The secure entryway and front office space for conferences and IEP meetings are also finished and working.
A punch list remains, including the air conditioning. Cooler weather has helped. Chaillie said the school board and Superintendent Ron Lorenz have been clear that the air conditioning will work correctly before the project is closed out. Overall, she said, the building looks beautiful and the space is a major improvement.
Chaillie also noted volleyball tonight, the high school choir concert tomorrow — “Liberty,” a patriotic program for the 250th anniversary of the United States — and state cross country Friday in Fort Dodge.
Town & Country Sanitation sponsored Monday’s conversation.
Red Ribbon Week Dress-Up Days
• Monday — Superhero Day: favorite superhero costume or shirt
• Tuesday — Wear Red: show you are a drug-free hero
• Wednesday — Real Life Hero Day: firefighter, parent, grandparent, doctor, nurse, military, teacher, or other real-life hero
• Thursday — Powering Down for a Bright Future: pajama day
• Friday — Team Up Against Drugs: Tiger pride. Halloween parties (K–6). Bring school-appropriate costumes in a bag; no masks or face paint. Parents invited but asked not to wear costumes.
• Preschool parties — Thursday
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