Dear Red Oak CSD Families

As we begin the new school year, please remember that our Friday early dismissals have increased from 90 minutes last year to two hours this year to provide additional time for staff learning and required state training. School will dismiss at approximately 1:00 p.m. each Friday, beginning August 28 and continuing throughout the school year. Thank you for planning accordingly and for supporting the continued learning and development of our staff.

The Red Oak Community School District Board of Directors will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2026–2027 school calendar on February 18, 2026, at 5:35 p.m. in the Jr-Sr High School Virtual Learning Center/Board Room. Community members are invited to provide feedback.

The proposed calendar begins August 24, the earliest date allowed by the state, and concludes before Memorial Day. It balances semesters and quarters while ensuring the first semester ends before Christmas Break, despite scheduling constraints. The calendar includes expanded Friday early dismissals and three full professional development days for staff, aligns Spring Break with Southwest Community College, and exceeds the state’s required instructional hours to account for potential weather-related disruptions.

2026-2027 Calendar Proposal

Students in the Red Oak Community School District’s FORGE Program recently had the opportunity to engage in an authentic, real-world learning experience through a collaboration with community leader Larry Brandstetter. This partnership challenged students to think critically, collaborate professionally, and apply their skills beyond the classroom.

FORGE team members Dillan Rydberg, Emmanuel Grass, Jackson Perdue, Reese Montgomery, and Pace Chaillie began the project with an initial brainstorming session focused on innovation and regional growth. With guidance and feedback from Brandstetter, the students refined their early ideas and elevated them into a fully formed concept for a Southwest Iowa Innovation Center.

Throughout the process, Larry Brandstetter provided valuable insight from a stakeholder and community perspective, helping students understand how ideas move from concept to proposal in real-world settings. Students worked through multiple revisions, strengthening their vision while considering feasibility, impact, and long-term value for the region.

The culmination of this work was a professional proposal and stakeholder-ready presentation that clearly outlines the team’s vision for the Innovation Center. Designed to support upcoming meetings and pitch opportunities, the presentation reflects not only the students’ creativity but also their ability to communicate ideas effectively to a professional audience.

This experience exemplifies the mission of the FORGE Program—to connect students with community partners and provide hands-on, project-based learning that builds critical skills such as collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. By working directly with a community leader, students gained firsthand experience in innovation planning and learned how meaningful partnerships can help turn ideas into actionable opportunities.

Red Oak CSD is grateful to Larry Brandstetter for investing his time and expertise in our students. Partnerships like this strengthen both student learning and our broader community, preparing students to be thoughtful leaders and contributors in Southwest Iowa and beyond.

Building strong community partnerships is a key part of our district’s mission, and one recent collaboration highlights the power of student leadership, service, and real-world learning.

Through the FORGE Project-Based Learning (PBL) program, a team of students has been working closely with Nishna Productions, a local organization dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities and creating inclusive opportunities within the community. This partnership provides students with hands-on experience while helping Nishna Productions expand its outreach and impact.

The FORGE team, Marlee, Keely, Natalie, Sophie, and Audri, has taken on the role of supporting Nishna Productions’ social media and promotional efforts. Their work includes creating and scheduling posts for upcoming events, promoting Birthday Club celebrations, and assisting with organization-wide campaigns designed to increase awareness and community engagement. Through this process, students are applying skills in communication, marketing, collaboration, and project management in a real-world setting.

Currently, the team is helping prepare for one of Nishna Productions’ most meaningful events: the Tim Tebow Night to Shine Dance, scheduled for February. Night to Shine is an international event that celebrates individuals with special needs by providing a night of joy, dignity, and belonging. As part of their project, the FORGE students are assisting with promotional materials and volunteer outreach to help ensure the event is well supported. Information about volunteering will be shared soon through school announcements, including a Google Form and an upcoming interest meeting.

The partnership will continue later in the year as the FORGE team assists with planning and promotion for Nishna Productions’ golf tournament fundraiser. This event plays an important role in supporting the organization’s programs and services, and students will continue to build their skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.

This collaboration is a strong example of how FORGE PBL connects classroom learning to community impact. Students are not only learning academic and technical skills, but also developing empathy, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of how community organizations operate. At the same time, Nishna Productions benefits from fresh ideas, student creativity, and increased visibility for their mission.

We are proud of the work Marlee, Keely, Natalie, Sophie, and Audri are doing through FORGE and grateful for our partnership with Nishna Productions. Opportunities like this demonstrate how project-based learning can empower students to make a difference while preparing them for future careers and civic involvement.

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📸 Nishna Productions Team (left to right): Emily Martin (Nishna Productions, Development Specialist), Audri, Sophie, Natalie and Keely. Not Pictured: Marlee

7–12 Special Education

20 Years in Education | 20 Years in Red Oak CSD

When my kids were little, I knew I needed to find a career that would be compatible with raising a family, and that led me to education. I started out teaching reading in Red Oak for two years, but after some encouragement from Monica Crouch, I made the switch to special education. I can’t imagine doing anything else now it has been the most rewarding path for me.

As a Red Oak graduate myself, I always knew I wanted to come back and teach here. This is my hometown, and it means so much to give back to the same community that shaped me. One of the things I enjoy most about teaching in Red Oak is the students. I get to work with them for many years, starting when they are 7th graders and watching them grow all the way through graduation. Being part of that journey seeing their progress and celebrating their accomplishments is incredibly special.

I’m also fortunate to work with a wonderful team at the junior/senior high school. My colleagues are supportive, collaborative, and always willing to help each other when needed. That spirit of teamwork makes a big difference every day. Red Oak itself is special because of our size—we’re small enough to truly know our students, whether they’re in our classes, in activities, or just passing in the hall. And our community is always supportive of students, no matter if their passion is sports, music, drama, speech, or something else. There’s something for everyone here, and students are encouraged to find their place.

For me, some of the most meaningful moments as a teacher come at graduation. Watching my students walk across the stage to receive their diplomas—knowing the effort it took to get there—are memories I’ll always treasure.

Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching sports, and spending time with my grandson. My favorite motto is: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” That’s the approach I try to bring into the classroom and into life every day.

Kindergarten

5 Years in Education | Pre-K Para for 2 Years, Student Taught at Inman, Now a Teacher

Ever since I was little, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. My mom made sure my sisters and I had everything we needed to “play school,” including a big chalkboard on wheels in our playroom. I always knew I wanted my own classroom one day. I was also inspired by family members on the Vannausdle side who are educators at the high school, and their influence encouraged me to pursue a career in education.

I chose to teach in Red Oak because this is home. I wanted to teach in my own community, build relationships here, and be part of the place that shaped me. I’m proud to be a Tiger and even prouder to watch my boys grow up as Tigers too, both in school and on the field.

What I enjoy most about teaching here are the relationships with my students, both past and present. Nothing makes me smile more than when former students pop in to say hello—it’s wonderful to see how much they’ve grown and to know they’ll always have a cheerleader in their old kindergarten teacher. I’m also blessed with an incredibly supportive team, which makes every day meaningful and rewarding.

One of my favorite traditions each year is working with my class to publish a book through Student Treasures Publishing. From rough drafts to finished copies, my students and I pour our hearts into the project. The pride they feel when holding that book in their hands is unforgettable—and it becomes a keepsake for families to treasure forever.

Outside of school, I love cheering on my sons, Landon and Beau, at their practices and games. Being part of their educational and athletic journeys while teaching in the same community makes my role as both mom and teacher even more special. Go Tigers!

6th Grade ELA, 10th Grade ELA, K–12 District Teacher Librarian, Secondary Instructional Coach, Secondary Technology Coach, Work-Based Learning Coordinator

19 Years in Education | 19 Years in Red Oak CSD

I’ve always had a love for learning and a natural connection with kids, so teaching felt like the right path for me. Along the way, I was inspired by several amazing educators who cared deeply for their students and made learning come alive. Their influence showed me the powerful impact teachers can have, and it motivated me to want to do the same for others.

Red Oak is my hometown, and after graduating from here I moved away for college and city life. Eventually, I realized I wanted to return to a quieter, more connected community—one where people truly know and care about one another. Coming back allowed me to pursue my teaching degree, start a business with my sister, and give back to the same community that supported me in my academics and athletics. Teaching here gives me the chance to help create the same meaningful experiences for students that I was so fortunate to have myself.

The kids are absolutely the best part of teaching in Red Oak. They make every day meaningful, and I love watching them grow both in and out of the classroom. I’ve also been fortunate to work with amazing colleagues who bring energy and joy to our schools. Beyond that, I’ve had countless opportunities to grow professionally through collaboration, conferences, and innovative programs. Our community makes this work even more rewarding—families, businesses, and local organizations consistently support students through funding, volunteering, and creating authentic opportunities like job shadows and internships. That spirit of connection makes Red Oak a truly special place.

Some of my favorite memories come from project-based learning experiences: Fun Theory Shark Tank units, Meet the Author projects with my 6th graders, Genius Hour with 10th graders, media tech projects with upperclassmen, and internships with seniors. Watching students take ownership of their learning, succeed in real-world experiences, and gain pride in themselves has moved me to tears more than once. Those moments remind me why I chose this profession—because when students are trusted, empowered, and excited, they are capable of amazing things.

Outside of school, I love supporting my kids in the sports they love, spending time with family, listening to podcasts, exercising, designing, and shopping. Everything I do inside and outside the classroom connects back to one thing: helping students grow, succeed, and see their own potential.

5th Grade ELA

22 Years in Education | 22 Years in Red Oak CSD

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I loved reading, and I thought teaching would be the perfect job—I’d get to read all day and share that passion with others! Now, more than 20 years later, I’m still living that dream in the very community where I grew up. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!

What I love most about teaching here are the relationships. Every day I make new connections with my students, and no matter what kind of day I’m having, they always manage to lift me up and help me end the day on a positive note. My coworkers are also incredible—we are a true team who support and celebrate each other, both professionally and personally.

Our district is special because we are small yet mighty. There’s nothing better than greeting students at “Unpack Your Backpack” night and realizing that I once had their parents in class! That’s the kind of lasting connection and community support that makes Red Oak such a wonderful place to teach. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and sewing.