As we wrap up January and Board of Education Appreciation Month, we want to pause and say thank you to the dedicated individuals who serve our school community so faithfully.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Major Burger
💬 The “why” behind Dr. Major Burger’s service as a Board member:
I grew up in this community and attended Kelso C-7 as a child. The educational foundation provided to me by the school district was instrumental in preparation for secondary education and beyond, providing me with the tools, discipline, attitude and knowledge necessary to succeed throughout my educational journey. My motivation to serve on the Board was to ensure the future viability of our school, the success of our students and retaining the revered educational faculty we are blessed with through financial security, opportunity and providing the resources required to achieve this. I have served as a Board Member for 3 years.
Our community, its people and its school district have provided me with so much in life. The community and its members' support of one another has instilled in me a deep sense of the greater good. It has provided me with my closest friends, educational foundation and opportunities, experience of competition through its athletics, all of which I am utmost appreciative for. It is important to me to maintain the viability of our community and district, its integrity and the opportunities it creates for all those involved. For these reasons, I felt it prudent to serve on the board.
💬 A few notables that Dr. Burger is proud of during his Board service:
When it comes to the students, I am proud of the safety measures we have been able to implement to protect our students and provide comfort to their parents knowing we are continually striving to ensure a safe and secure environment for their children. Additionally, I am proud of the beautiful facility, its upgrades and additions that accommodate our students comfortably providing a conducive learning environment. Finally, regarding our deserving faculty, I am proud that we have been able to raise and increase teacher's salaries every year over the last 3 years. It is their commitment, dedication and influence on our children, along with the effort and pride they continually display that is responsible for the success and reputation of our district and what it has to offer. Through salary increases, we are able to retain our prized faculty and provide the students with upper echelon educators.
💬 Dr. Burger has multigenerational connection with Kelso C-7:
I have a deep personal connection to our school district and community as mentioned above. I attended Kelso C-7 from Kindergarten through 8th grade, as did my wife, both of my siblings and parents, and now my children as well.
I think that the fact that some of the teachers that taught my parents and have also taught me, are now teaching my children is both fun and one of my favorite things about the district. The reason being, it demonstrates the impact the community and district can have on people, no matter from what viewpoint is taken.
We are grateful for their leadership, their willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
We have 2-3 roads that are problematic, but have implemented snow routes to avoid these areas.
SNOW ROUTES
Mr. Randy’s Route will be traveling Highway 61 to the old PP/Overpass (stopping for families on the way) and going north on 61. The bus will continue north on 61 to turn around at the apartment complex in north Kelso on County Road 208. From there Mr. Randy will travel back south along highway 61 back to school. If your child lives along these roads, they will be picked up at their regular spot.
Mr. Ted’s Route will leave school, travel highway 61 to County Highway 204, back into Kelso via highway 61. Travel through Kelso and turn onto County Highway 212. He will pick up families at the end of Albert drive at 7:10 am. He will turn around on County Highway 212 and travel back to highway 61 to travel to school. Again if your family lives directly on this road, they will be picked up at their regular spot.
For families that are not directly on these routes, we are adding bus stops along the snow routes at the following locations:
*Intersection of PP and Messmer (Wait and enter bus on the Post Office Side for safety) 7:05 am estimated ETA/ 3:30 pm
*Kelso Kwik Stop 7:10 estimated ETA /3:35 pm
*End of Wisteria Lane (at Highway 61) 7:15 estimated ETA -he will pick up students on the way back through town so that the door opens on the Wisteria side of the road. /3:40 pm
The afternoon will run these snow routes as well unless otherwise stated. If no parent/guardian is at the stop, students will be brought back to school for a pick up there.
If in doubt of time, if you live in the town of Kelso please be ready between 7:00 - 7:15 am.
Extreme Cold Reminder:
With the extremely cold temperatures, we encourage families to ensure students are dressed appropriately for the weather while waiting at bus stops. Please consider having students wait in a car or indoors until the bus arrives when possible.
We are nearing the end of Board of Education Appreciation Month, we want to pause and say thank you to the dedicated individuals who serve our school community so faithfully.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Jim Eftink
💬 What drives Mr. Eftink to serve as a board member:
This is my first term on the school board. I chose to run to be more involved with the school and community. I wanted to be involved and help in the day-to-day decisions and advancement for the school.
Being involved in serving is important for the well-being of the school, kids and teachers and community. It's important and a huge role to be the voice of student students, teachers and community to see the growth and advancements to better the school.
💬 An accomplishment that Mr. Eftink is proud of as a Board member:
I was honored and enjoyed being on the prop kids campaign committee. All of the door-to-door campaigning paid off to give our kids more room for learning and growing.
💬 One of Mr. Eftink’s favorite things about Kelso C-7:
My favorite part about this school and community is that it is more like a family. Everyone is close to it and never worries if my children are being taken care of.
We are grateful for their leadership, their willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
We are on the home stretch of sharing the spotlight on each of our Board members and highlighting their voices, perspectives, and commitment to our district.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Elizabeth Glastetter, Board President
💬Our Board President’s why behind her service:
For 13 years, I have had the opportunity to serve our children, families, faculty and community members of the Kelso C-7 district is what motivates me to serve on the board. Being from this area and raising my family here of course is the reason serving on the board is important to me. I want to do what I can to ensure Kelso C-7 continues to be the amazing district that we are and continues to meet the needs of our community.
💬One thing that Mrs. Glastetter is proud of during her service:
Participating in the 3 successful bond issues that led to the new school, the new gym and the most recent addition/renovations has made me very proud. To see how our district has grown over the years and ultimately thrived has been an awesome experience.
💬One of Mrs. Glastetter’s favorite things about Kelso C-7:
My favorite thing about Kelso C-7 is the amazing sense of pride that we all have to be a Falcon. This is not only apparent in current students and families, but alumni and their families that may have graduated years ago. It is an honor to be a Falcon and I am so proud to serve this district on the board of education.
We are grateful for their leadership, their willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
We are keeping the gratitude and love flowing for our Board of Education members in honor of Board of Education Appreciation Month.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Dustin Benson, Board Vice-President
💬One of Mr. Benson’s proud moments through service:
I’ve been a board member for 7 years and what motivated me to be a member was to help the district grow and to support our kids and faculty. The thing I’m most proud of is being able to help guide the district on expansion to our awesome school and the construction of our gym.
💬A little person connection to our Kelso C-7 Falcons:
My personal connection to the school spans several years. I attended K - 8th grade at Kelso C-7 and the friendships I made along the way still stays true to this day. Now I have 2 children going there and seeing them have the same thing brings a lot of joy.
I also have been privileged to coach basketball for almost 9 years and the players I’ve had some still reach out to me quite often.
💬One of Mr. Benson’s favorite things about Kelso C-7:
One of my favorite things about our school district is seeing the district and community get together for whatever the occasion is. From packing the gym at games to social get togethers to helping family members in need
We are grateful for their leadership, their willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Michael Glastetter
💬 Why Mr. Glastetter chose to serve on the Board:
Having 2 children in school, I felt like I could make a difference not only for them but other children in the district. It is important to help ensure that the current as well as future needs of children and community are met. I don’t feel like people understand the true impact a board member can make.
💬 A little personal connection to Kelso C-7’s Falcons:
I am an alumni and have been a community member for a vast majority of my life.
💬 Mr. Glastetter’s favorite thing about the Kelso C-7 School district?
My favorite thing is just how close the entire staff, children, parents, and community truly are.
We are grateful for their leadership, their willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
As we wrap up January and Board of Education Appreciation Month, we want to pause and say thank you to the dedicated individuals who serve our school community so faithfully.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Throughout the rest of this month, we’ll be sharing the spotlight on each of our Board members and highlighting their voices, perspectives, and commitment to our district.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Travis Dirnberger
💬Mr. Dirnberger’s “why” for serving as a board member:
I believe that serving students, staff and the Kelso C-7 community is the best way to give back to a community that has done so much for me and my family.
Many people don’t realize what board members do—what is one responsibility or part of the role that Travis thinks is important for the community to understand?
Board members are not paid by monetary means but are rewarded through the gratification of ensuring that teachers and staff are properly supported to make a positive impact in the lives of every student that receives an education at Kelso C-7.
Mr. Dirnberger’s favorite thing about Kelso C-7 School district?
My favorite thing about our school district is how strong the community support is for everyone that is a part of it. I have personally benefited from that support during Gretchen's (my wife) battle with stage 4 cancer and I have witnessed countless other families get that same support during times of tragedy.
We are grateful for Mr. Dirnberger's leadership, his willingness to serve, and their unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking Mr. Travis Dirnberger and all of our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
As we wrap up January and Board of Education Appreciation Month, we want to pause and say thank you to the dedicated individuals who serve our school community so faithfully.
Our Board of Education members give their time, talents, and hearts to ensure the best possible future for our students, staff, and families. Their service often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is felt every single day in our classrooms and community.
Throughout the rest of this month, we’ll be sharing the spotlight on each of our Board members and highlighting their voices, perspectives, and commitment to our district.
Today’s Spotlight Board Member is: Roy Buell, Board Treasurer
💬 Why Mr. Buell chose to serve as a Board member…
I chose to serve on the Board of Education because I believe strong schools are the foundation of a strong community. I have been honored to serve as a board member for 3 years, working alongside dedicated colleagues to support student success.
Serving our students, staff, and community is important to me because education shapes not only academic outcomes, but also the future of our community. I value being part of decisions that help every student feel supported and empowered.
Something he is proud of during his service….
One moment I’m especially proud of is supporting initiatives that strengthen learning opportunities for all students and ensure our district continues to grow and improve.
A favorite thing about being a Falcon…
One of my favorite things about our school district is the sense of pride and community support that surrounds our students and schools.
We are grateful for Mr. Buell's ' leadership, his willingness to serve, and his unwavering support of our students and schools. Please join us in celebrating and thanking Mr. Buell and our Board of Education for all they do! 💙🦅
We’re setting our school improvement goals, and your input is a key part of the process! The CSIP survey helps guide decisions that impact classrooms, programs, and opportunities for every student at Kelso C-7.
Whether you’re a parent, student, staff member, or community supporter—your perspective matters and helps us grow stronger together.
⏱️ The survey is short
💡 The impact is BIG
👉 Take the survey today and help us plan for success!
Link: https://forms.gle/eKZpHXjWZCY6hkMq6c
🎉 Students of the Month 🌟
Please help us celebrate our Students of the Month! 🌟
These students were selected for their positive attitude, strong effort, and leadership in and out of the classroom. Way to go—we are so proud to call you Falcons! 💙💛
As we reflect on this Christmas season, our hearts are full of gratitude for each of you who answered the call to love and serve others. Because of your generosity, 85 adults and children in our community experienced hope, dignity, and the warmth of being remembered.
Through your giving, Catholic Charities families received household necessities, hygiene items, and gift cards, meeting practical needs with compassion. Thirty-two children in foster care were blessed with gifts from their Christmas wishlists, along with essential hygiene items and gift cards, reminding them that they are seen and deeply valued. Area children received Christmas gifts and hygiene items, and our community families were supported with household items, hygiene supplies, cash assistance, and gift cards during a season when help is needed most.
Your kindness was a living example of Christ’s love in action. You became His hands and feet, bringing comfort, provision, and joy to families who may have otherwise gone without.
Thank you for sharing your blessings so freely and for shining God’s light into the lives of others. May the Lord return your generosity many times over, and may you feel the peace and joy that come from serving Him through serving others.
With sincere gratitude and prayers for God’s continued blessings,
The Angel Tree Team
St. Lawrence Church
St. Augustine Church and School
St. Denis Church and School
Kelso C-7 School
We’re excited to announce the FIRST Girls Basketball Game of the season this Thursday, January 8, at 5:30 PM!
Our apologies for this game being left off the weekly schedule — but we’d love to see the stands full as our Lady Falcons take the court for their season opener! 💙💛
Come out, bring your Falcon pride, and help us cheer them on to a great start. Let’s go, Lady Falcons! 🦅🎉
Please join us for a Dinner Auction work session tomorrow night! We need as many people as possible to help fill the ticket packets that go home to every student in our school. Please join us Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 inside Kelso C-7. You might even have fun while assembling the packets with other volunteers. 😉 🙌
See you there!🌺
We’re excited to celebrate our amazing Student of the Month awardees tomorrow and recognize their hard work, kindness, and Falcon Pride! 🦅💙💛
✨ Friendly reminder: If your student received a Student of the Month yard sign last month, please return it to the school so we can share the spotlight with our next group of awardees. Thank you for helping us celebrate ALL of our outstanding students!
We can’t wait to celebrate tomorrow! 🎉👏
We hope everyone had a restful and joyful holiday break. We’re excited to welcome our students and families back as we begin the next chapter of the school year! 💙💛
📅 Important Reminder:
➡️ No School on Monday, January 5 – Staff In-service Day
➡️ Students return Tuesday, January 6
Please see the weekly schedule image for a quick look at what’s ahead. We’re looking forward to a great week back together! ✨
