Next, we would like to introduce Gina Marner, one of our new paraprofessionals joining MP-West Elementary. Gina grew up in Kalona, but lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for 16 years before recently moving back to Iowa. She has enjoyed working with kids in special education classrooms as a substitute paraprofessional for 11 years in various districts and is excited to join a school team full-time. Gina especially enjoys biking, hiking, music, and dogs. Leave a comment to help us welcome Gina! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

GATORADE SCRIMMAGE CHANGED!!!
Due to the amount of rain that our football field has received in the past two weeks, we are moving our scrimmage to Grinnell on Friday night, August 21st. The scrimmage will start at 6:00 PM at Grinnell High School. Admission is Gatorade, which will be used by the teams throughout the season.
Due to the amount of rain that our football field has received in the past two weeks, we are moving our scrimmage to Grinnell on Friday night, August 21st. The scrimmage will start at 6:00 PM at Grinnell High School. Admission is Gatorade, which will be used by the teams throughout the season.

We would like to introduce Hannah Collins, one of our new paraprofessionals joining MP-West Elementary. Hannah loves reading and listening to music, and she’s looking forward to getting married in October 2027. Leave a comment to help us welcome Hannah! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

Next, we would like to introduce one of our new kindergarten teachers joining MP-East Elementary, Madelyn Cunningham. Madelyn earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University. She was previously a 1st-grade ELL teacher for one year and has also taught two years of kindergarten before joining MP. She loves finding ways to make learning fun while helping students develop confidence, curiosity, and independence. Madelyn values building strong connections with students and families and enjoys learning herself. She’s always looking for resources to help her grow as both an educator and a person. Outside of school, she enjoys going to concerts, traveling, spending time with friends and family, trying new things, and anything that allows her to be creative. Leave a comment to help us welcome Madelyn! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

Today, we celebrated the incredible staff members who have reached milestones in their years of service! Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and the countless ways you support our students and strengthen our district. We are grateful for all you do—congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #mphawks #GoldenHawks
30 Years: Mary Jo Beeler
25 Years: Kim Gordon, Teresa Hartley, Crystal Hickman, Krista Stutzman
20 Years: Terra Huber, Rachel Kerns, Jill Poock, Elsie Spilman
15 Years: Terri Adam, Melissa Rediger, Jennifer Roth
10 Years: Justin Barthelman, Jessica Dodds, Robin Foster, Katelyn Hammen, Daren Lambert, Sarah Rodgers, Schuyler Snakenberg, Kristen Thomas, Abby Webb
5 Years: Chuck Banks, Ashley Conrad, Carmen Fernau, Cassidy Hertzler, Lisa Kesten, Tom Nye, Keary McHugh-Onken, Paige Peiffer, Wendy Punteney, Melanie Steinhart, Kelsey Stumpf
30 Years: Mary Jo Beeler
25 Years: Kim Gordon, Teresa Hartley, Crystal Hickman, Krista Stutzman
20 Years: Terra Huber, Rachel Kerns, Jill Poock, Elsie Spilman
15 Years: Terri Adam, Melissa Rediger, Jennifer Roth
10 Years: Justin Barthelman, Jessica Dodds, Robin Foster, Katelyn Hammen, Daren Lambert, Sarah Rodgers, Schuyler Snakenberg, Kristen Thomas, Abby Webb
5 Years: Chuck Banks, Ashley Conrad, Carmen Fernau, Cassidy Hertzler, Lisa Kesten, Tom Nye, Keary McHugh-Onken, Paige Peiffer, Wendy Punteney, Melanie Steinhart, Kelsey Stumpf






Please help us SUPPORT the FIGHTERS, ADMIRE the SURVIVORS, and HONOR the TAKEN…Buy some gear and come out September 18th wearing your BLACK & GOLD to help us honor and support those who have been affected by cancer as our Mid-Prairie Golden Hawks take on the Wilton Beavers in the “TACKLE CANCER” game!
*This is not a fundraiser for any organization, simply a way to show our support to those affected by the disease.*
#mphawks #GoldenHawks
https://stores.teamelitesports.com/midprairie_tackle_fb/shop/home?scrlybrkr=3679c560
*This is not a fundraiser for any organization, simply a way to show our support to those affected by the disease.*
#mphawks #GoldenHawks
https://stores.teamelitesports.com/midprairie_tackle_fb/shop/home?scrlybrkr=3679c560

We would like to introduce one of our new 3rd grade teachers joining MP-West Elementary, Kendall Burk. Kendall earned her B.S. in Elementary Education at Illinois State University. She is a former Division I volleyball player at Illinois State and Eastern Michigan University. She enjoys spending time with her fiancé and working out in her free time. Leave a comment to help us welcome Kendall! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

Next, we would like to introduce Haley Hansen, who will be joining MP as the 5th grade band teacher at MPMS, band teacher at MP-HSAP, and assistant coach for the dance team at MPHS. Haley graduated from Wartburg College with her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She loves spending time outside, going out to eat, and rollerblading. In college, she was in the Wartburg College Wind Ensemble for four years, playing clarinet and traveling to many different places, including Japan. She was also involved in choir and the Handbell Choir. She’s very excited to begin her teaching career and have fun doing it every day. Leave a comment to help us welcome Haley! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

🚌 Parents of bus riders, please check the MyRide K-12 app daily!
Bus times and routes may change. Please have your student ready 5 minutes before their scheduled bus time and allow up to 5 minutes after for arrival.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and our routes running smoothly!
#mphawks #GoldenHawks
Bus times and routes may change. Please have your student ready 5 minutes before their scheduled bus time and allow up to 5 minutes after for arrival.
Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and our routes running smoothly!
#mphawks #GoldenHawks

We would like to introduce Cinthia Vera Ventura, who is excited to join the kitchen staff as a general cook at MPHS. Cinthia is originally from Mexico City and has been living in Iowa for the past six years with her husband, two daughters, and their dog. She enjoys spending time with her family and trying new activities together. Her favorite food is Mexican cuisine, and she loves watching soccer, especially when her husband and daughters are playing. They also enjoy fishing, cooking, and baking. Cinthia is happy and excited to be part of the Mid-Prairie community. Leave a comment to help us welcome Cinthia! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

Next, we would like to introduce our new 6th grade science teacher joining MPMS, Michaela Haskell. Michaela graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education (K-6) and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). She has certifications in STEM instruction, Stop the Bleed preparedness, Wonders training, AI for K-12 Integration, and Numerical Reasoning. Michaela and her family previously lived in Utah for about six years before moving to Iowa this summer. Being originally from Michigan and her husband from Iowa, they are excited to be back “home” in the Midwest. She loves spending time with friends and family, reading lots of books, and exploring new hobbies. As a teacher, she is passionate about supporting her students, creating memories that help them feel confident in their learning, and, overall, being a member of the team. She can’t wait to be a part of MPMS and to have fun teaching science this year! Leave a comment to help us welcome Michaela! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

We would like to introduce Sadie Andersen, who will be joining our 3rd grade team at MP-West Elementary. Sadie grew up on a farm, and her family currently raises beef cattle and grows crops. She earned her Elementary Education degree with an endorsement in reading from Luther College and her coaching authorization from Kirkwood Community College. Last year, she also earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Northwest Missouri State. As she joins MP, this will be her 8th year teaching, but her first year in 3rd grade. She has previously taught 4th, 5th, and 6th grades. Sadie loves teaching because she enjoys seeing students develop into their own, individual selves, find their passions, and learn more about what interests them. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching and playing sports, walking, and going to concerts. She thoroughly enjoys trying new pizza places and ordering her favorite - pepperoni. Before school starts, Sadie always finds time to go to the Iowa State Fair, and she was excited to join her boyfriend, Sonny, in the Kalona community this summer. She is an Iowa State Cyclone fan and is very excited to now be a Mid-Prairie Golden Hawk! Leave a comment to help us welcome Sadie! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

🚌 We’re hiring! Help make a difference for Mid-Prairie students as a late shuttle driver. For just one hour each evening, you can help our students get home safely after practices and events.
⏰ 5:00–6:00 p.m. each night
💰 $19.32/hour
📅 Flexible schedule
Be the reason they get home. Be the difference! Interested? Contact Teresa Hartley at 319-646-6881 or thartley@mphawks.org. #mphawks #GoldenHawks
⏰ 5:00–6:00 p.m. each night
💰 $19.32/hour
📅 Flexible schedule
Be the reason they get home. Be the difference! Interested? Contact Teresa Hartley at 319-646-6881 or thartley@mphawks.org. #mphawks #GoldenHawks

The Mid-Prairie Athletic Booster Club is looking forward to another great year of supporting our athletes!
The website Bound and our livestream platform, Hudl, have created great exposure for our activities and school. Last year, we had over 310,000 + viewers and 510,000 MP Bound page views in the past year from people checking rosters and stats. This exposure reaches many Mid-Prairie fans, as well as fans from opposing communities, giving your business the opportunity to be seen by a wide audience.
Check out the flyer for sponsorship opportunities. In order to secure your sponsorship for the school year, click on the signup link below to select your level of support and then mail your check.
Please keep in mind that this signup is live. To secure a specific game and sponsor level, you must sign up immediately. Sponsorships for games are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so please do not wait to secure your spot for the 2026/2027 Mid-Prairie school year.
Sponsorship Signup Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F48AFA828A2F94-64513046-copy
Contact Crystal Rath with questions: crystalrath25@gmail.com
Mail checks to:
MPSB
PO Box 102
Kalona, IA 52247
The website Bound and our livestream platform, Hudl, have created great exposure for our activities and school. Last year, we had over 310,000 + viewers and 510,000 MP Bound page views in the past year from people checking rosters and stats. This exposure reaches many Mid-Prairie fans, as well as fans from opposing communities, giving your business the opportunity to be seen by a wide audience.
Check out the flyer for sponsorship opportunities. In order to secure your sponsorship for the school year, click on the signup link below to select your level of support and then mail your check.
Please keep in mind that this signup is live. To secure a specific game and sponsor level, you must sign up immediately. Sponsorships for games are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so please do not wait to secure your spot for the 2026/2027 Mid-Prairie school year.
Sponsorship Signup Link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090F48AFA828A2F94-64513046-copy
Contact Crystal Rath with questions: crystalrath25@gmail.com
Mail checks to:
MPSB
PO Box 102
Kalona, IA 52247

Next, we would like to introduce Claire Haag, one of our kindergarten teachers joining MP-East Elementary. Claire graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and endorsements in reading and social studies from the University of Iowa. She loves spending time with her family and friends, traveling, baking, reading, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. Leave a comment to help us welcome Claire! #mphawks #GoldenHawks
The Mid-Prairie Marching Band had a great camp all week! The will perform at all home football games this Fall - Sept 4, Sept 18, Oct 2, Oct 16

We would like to introduce another one of our 2nd grade teachers joining MP-West Elementary, Kendal Helmuth. Kendal earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Iowa, along with a reading endorsement and a certificate in dyslexia. She loves to spend time with family and friends, try new coffee shops, and go on walks. She’s excited to begin her teaching career at Mid-Prairie and build relationships with her future students soon! Leave a comment to help us welcome Kendal! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

🚨 MID-PRAIRIE — OUR KIDS ARE COUNTING ON US! 🚌💛🖤
We need SUB & ACTIVITY BUS DRIVERS, and we truly need our community’s help.
Every game, meet, competition, performance, and activity means something to our students. They’ve practiced. They’ve worked hard. Their coaches and sponsors are ready. Their families are ready to cheer them on.
But we still have to get them there.
That’s where YOU can make a difference.
We are looking for people willing to help drive our students to sporting events and activities throughout the school year. You don’t have to drive every trip. Even helping with a few trips can make a HUGE difference!
🚌 Sub & Activity Bus Drivers Needed
💰 $19.32/hour
⏰ Flexible opportunities
🎓 Training support available
💛 Help support Mid-Prairie students
🏆 Get our Hawks to their games, competitions & events!
Already have your CDL with School Bus & Passenger Endorsements? We would LOVE to hear from you.
Don’t have it yet but are willing to obtain it? Please reach out! We can help you through the process.
Our students should never have to wonder whether they can get to an event because we don’t have a driver.
Maybe you’re retired. Maybe you have a flexible work schedule. Maybe you’re a parent, grandparent, community member, or someone who simply wants to make a difference for our kids.
We need all the help we can get. Even a little of your time matters.
📞 319-646-6881
📧 thartley@mphawks.org
Please SHARE this post — the person we need may be someone in your circle!
💛🖤 GET THEM THERE. GET THEM HOME. BE THE DIFFERENCE.
GO HAWKS! 🦅🚌🏀🏈⚽🏐
We need SUB & ACTIVITY BUS DRIVERS, and we truly need our community’s help.
Every game, meet, competition, performance, and activity means something to our students. They’ve practiced. They’ve worked hard. Their coaches and sponsors are ready. Their families are ready to cheer them on.
But we still have to get them there.
That’s where YOU can make a difference.
We are looking for people willing to help drive our students to sporting events and activities throughout the school year. You don’t have to drive every trip. Even helping with a few trips can make a HUGE difference!
🚌 Sub & Activity Bus Drivers Needed
💰 $19.32/hour
⏰ Flexible opportunities
🎓 Training support available
💛 Help support Mid-Prairie students
🏆 Get our Hawks to their games, competitions & events!
Already have your CDL with School Bus & Passenger Endorsements? We would LOVE to hear from you.
Don’t have it yet but are willing to obtain it? Please reach out! We can help you through the process.
Our students should never have to wonder whether they can get to an event because we don’t have a driver.
Maybe you’re retired. Maybe you have a flexible work schedule. Maybe you’re a parent, grandparent, community member, or someone who simply wants to make a difference for our kids.
We need all the help we can get. Even a little of your time matters.
📞 319-646-6881
📧 thartley@mphawks.org
Please SHARE this post — the person we need may be someone in your circle!
💛🖤 GET THEM THERE. GET THEM HOME. BE THE DIFFERENCE.
GO HAWKS! 🦅🚌🏀🏈⚽🏐

Next, we would like to introduce Teagan Schaefer, who will be joining our 2nd grade team at MP-West Elementary. Teagan earned her BA in Elementary Education with a reading K-8 endorsement from Luther College. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, going to concerts, playing basketball and golf, and watching sports. Leave a comment to help us welcome Teagan! #mphawks #GoldenHawks

Back to school is just around the corner! 🍎✏️
We're excited to welcome our Golden Hawks back for another great year! Be sure to check out our upcoming Back to School events, including freshman orientation, elementary and middle school back-to-school nights, HSAP Ice Cream Social, and sixth grade transition day.
We can't wait to see everyone soon—the first day of school is Tuesday, August 25!
#mphawks #GoldenHawks
We're excited to welcome our Golden Hawks back for another great year! Be sure to check out our upcoming Back to School events, including freshman orientation, elementary and middle school back-to-school nights, HSAP Ice Cream Social, and sixth grade transition day.
We can't wait to see everyone soon—the first day of school is Tuesday, August 25!
#mphawks #GoldenHawks

