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Important Mental Health and Wellness Reminders
We want to provide a reminder that your mental health matters. While there is much to celebrate within our school district family, we also recognize the challenges that many face throughout the year.
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Carmen Gwenigale, Inspiring Global Citizenship in Iowa
Growing up, Carmen did not see herself as a teacher, but those who knew her definitely saw it coming. She had such a passion for school and reading that when school was out during the summer, she would gather the neighborhood kids together and pretend to be a teacher.
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Troy Peters, The Mind Meddler
We know Troy Peters has been teaching English and Language Arts as well as directing plays and musicals at City High for the past 15 years, but what you don't know about Troy may surprise you.
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Van Allen’s Karen Smith Treks Across the State, Bringing Awareness to Mental Health
This June, Karen Smith walked 312 miles across the state of Iowa over the course of three weeks. She embarked on this journey, motivated to raise awareness for mental health and inspired by her own personal connections.
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Strengthening Community Through Restorative Justice
Restorative justice focuses on building community, righting a wrong committed, and repairing harm done. Learn more about our District's Restorative Justice Program, and the impact of building community with circles.
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Meet Our New Administrators!
Meet our new administrators for the 2022-2023 school year, and learn more about their goals for their new role and some fun facts about them!
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Greetings Garner Gators!
My name is Debbie Bennett and I am the principal at Garner Elementary School. I am entering my 21st year as an educator and have been a part of the Iowa City Community School District for the past 6 years. I moved from Chicago, Illinois, in 2016. While in Chicago, I taught in various school systems, including Chicago Public Schools. I received my bachelors degree from the University of Illinois (Champaign,Illinois), two Masters degrees in education from Concordia University, and my administrative degree from National Louis University in Chicago.
Throughout my educational career, I have been a junior high teacher, Math Chairperson, Math coach, and PBIS facilitator. Starting at Kirkwood Elementary in 2016, I was a 6th-grade teacher. In 2018, I became the assistant principal of Kirkwood and Twain Elementary Schools. I was split between Kirkwood and Weber Elementary Schools until the decision was made for me to be at Weber as their full-time assistant principal from 2019-2020.
I have had many wonderful experiences with the Iowa City Community School District and look forward to having many more with you. The first key to great communication is building a relationship. Before school starts, I would love to get to know you and your family.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email me at bennett.debbie@iowacityschools.org.
#FinestGreatestBest
Debbie Bennett, Principal
(319) 688-1190
bennett.debbie@iowacityschools.org
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