The Marshalltown Community School District (CSD) held a live-streamed presentation on December 2, 2024, focusing on community engagement and educational initiatives. The meeting began with a discussion about the successful campaign led by the district, highlighting the teamwork involved and the importance of connecting with the local Spanish-speaking population. Participants expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that contributed to the campaign's success, emphasizing the positive impact on the community.
Following this, the meeting shifted to a celebration of artistic achievements among local students. The Marshall County Landfill's recycling education program recently organized a calendar contest for K-5 students, receiving 485 entries. Several students, referred to as "Bobcats," were recognized for their artwork, which will be featured in the 2025 calendar. Art teachers from Anson and Oakland Elementary Schools, Danielle Platt and Nancy Cross, introduced one of the winners, Jonathan, who shared his inspiration for his artwork focused on pollution and environmental awareness.
The teachers explained the process of integrating the contest into their curriculum, allowing students to create their pieces during art class. They noted that this year marked the 21st iteration of the contest, which has become a staple in promoting creativity and environmental consciousness among students.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on the judging process for the artwork, which involves a blind selection to ensure fairness based on artistic merit and thematic relevance. The event showcased the district's commitment to fostering creativity and community involvement, with plans for future initiatives to continue engaging students and families.