Red Oak Community School District

🤝 Community Connection Tuesday | Southwest Iowa Innovation Center

This week, we’re excited to highlight a meaningful partnership between our FORGE Program students and community leader Larry Brandstetter.

FORGE team members Dillan Rydberg, Emmanuel Grass, Jackson Perdue, Reese Montgomery, and Pace Chaillie have been working closely with Larry to transform an initial brainstorming idea into a fully developed concept for a Southwest Iowa Innovation Center. With Larry’s feedback and real-world insight, the team elevated their thinking into a professional proposal and stakeholder-ready presentation, preparing them for upcoming meetings where they will pitch their vision.

This collaboration gave students an authentic experience in innovation, strategic planning, and professional communication—while demonstrating how strong community partnerships help turn ideas into impactful opportunities for our region.

Thank you to Larry Brandstetter for investing in our students and supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators.

Read More Here: https://www.redoakschooldistrict.com/content/cac4e619-10e4-4b77-8645-e45bb50f6517/3209896707?type=news

🤝 Community Connection Tuesday | Nishna Productions

We are proud to partner with Nishna Productions through our FORGE Project-Based Learning (PBL) program, where students collaborate with community organizations to solve real-world challenges and make a meaningful impact.

As part of this partnership, a team of FORGE students—Marlee, Keely, Natalie, Sophie, and Audri—has been working closely with Nishna Productions to support their social media presence and event promotion. Their work includes creating content for upcoming events, Birthday Club celebrations, and organization-wide campaigns to help expand community awareness and engagement.

The team is currently assisting with preparation for the Tim Tebow Night to Shine Dance taking place in February. This special event celebrates individuals with disabilities and relies on volunteers to make the evening truly unforgettable. Volunteer information will be shared soon through school announcements, including a Google Form and an upcoming interest meeting.

Later this year, the FORGE team will continue their collaboration by helping plan and promote Nishna Productions’ golf tournament fundraiser, supporting the organization’s ongoing programs and services.

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

Why I Teach Here - Josh Kippley

Currently 7–8 Social Studies | Previously 4–12 PE & 7–12 Strength & Conditioning

11 Years in Education | 9 Years in Red Oak CSD

Read more at: https://www.redoakschooldistrict.com/content/cac4e619-10e4-4b77-8645-e45bb50f6517/2799215215?type=news

Sometimes the best gifts arrive when we least expect them. After being rescued by a student last night, this sweet kitten made her way to our central office this morning, where she received her very own name, Helen, chosen by our superintendent, who says she’s beautiful inside and out. Helen will be seeing the vet on Monday and getting all her shots when she’s ready, but for now she’s simply enjoying snuggles, safety, and so much love from her new family. 🐱❤️

The Red Oak Community School District is deeply grateful to Kathy Walker for her 13 years of dedicated service on our board. Her unwavering commitment and passion for supporting Red Oak Schools have made a lasting impact on our community. Thank you, Kathy, for your years of leadership and service!