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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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Staff Feature: Student and Family Advocates
There are 32 Student and Family Advocates (SFA) in our District, who support students and the adults in charge of them. Meet four of these SFAs working every day to not only meet those needs but to meet them head-on.
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Update on Free Meal Program
We would like to share information with you regarding meal costs for the 2022-23 school year, including the end of the government-funded free meal program and summer meals.
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Support Resources for Students, Families, and Staff
We recognize that there have been significant challenges and losses that our school district family and our community have faced. It is important to us that you are aware of the school- and community-based support services that are available.
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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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Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to Garner Elementary School's Parent Teacher Organization whenever you shop on AmazonSmile! Click below for more details.
