Thursday, May 15, 2025
Vol. 5, No. 39
PCMExplorer Local People. Local Stories.
Inspiring young Pack it up entrepreneurs
PCM School Board approves changes to the student handbook including backpacks and purses no longer being allowed in classrooms
PCM Middle School sixth graders hold Mustang Market to learn how to sell goods and services
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer
Jamee A. Pierson/PCM Explorer PCM sixth-graders both shop for goods and sell items they prepared for their business during the Mustang Market event.
By Jamee A. Pierson PCM Explorer Taking lessons from their book “90 Miles to Havana”, sixth grade students at PCM Middle School recently created a market to sell goods and services to their peers. The exercise was a way for ELA
teacher Amy Wilterdink to engage students in a different way and take what they are reading from the pages to real world experiences. “I’m a big believer in relevant application of the skills involved in a unit, and students love physical and creative activities,” Wilterdink
CONSERVATION’S DONATION DEADLINE Those who have donated more than $1,000 to nature center project before July 1 will be featured on donor wall art piece
said. “When I came across the section of our book where the main character, Julian, is on his own in Miami, my idea sparked.” In the book, Julian has to find a creative way to make money as a 12-year-old MARKET | 3
Starting next year at PCM High School students will no longer be able to bring their backpacks or purses to class with them. The PCM School Board approved an amendment to the student handbook which required the backpacks or purses to stay in the students assigned locker throughout the day. “This is for a number of reasons including clutter in the classrooms, student theft, safety reasons and contraband,” high school principal Kristen Souza said. The policy states that to maintain a safe and distraction-free learning environment, PCM High School will not allow students to bring backpacks, purses or other large personal bags into classrooms during the school day. Students are encouraged to use small pencil pouches or clear zippered bags to carry essential classroom items such as pens, pencils or calculators to the classroom. Athletic bags and instru-
ment cases should be stored in designated team locker rooms, the band room or other approved locations as directed by staff. Any medical supplies such as inhalers or EpiPens need to be approved by the school nurse and administration. School-issued computer will be required to be in a computer bag or case. Students will not be allowed to go to their vehicles if they forgot items needed for the school day. Should a student not comply with the policy a verbal reminder and request to return the bag to the locker will be given on the first offense. If the student does not comply, administration has discretion to administer a consequence. For a second offense students will be given a detention. Subsequent offenses will result in disciplinary action in accordance with the student code of conduct, up to and including suspension. The policy change also hopes to be a way to promote BACKPACKS | 3
HIRTA reduces transportation services in Jasper County due to funding shortfall Trips outside of Newton will now be limited to Mondays only starting June 30
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Even though Jasper County Conservation’s environmental education center has already begun to take shape, donations are still being accepted. But those who now offer — or have already offered — $1,000 or more to the project before the July 1 deadline will have their names featured on a donor wall art piece. Contributing donations to county conservation during this timeframe may also increase the donor levels of individuals who have already given to the project. Donor levels start from as low as $1,000 and gradually grow to as high as $300,000. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available as well. Jasper County Conservation Director Keri Van Zante said the donor wall will be located inside the nature center and will be visible to guests as soon as they enter the building. Final designs for the wall have not been decided just yet, but Van Zante expected it would have primarily wooden features with poured epoxy. “We’ll put it out there and announce it when we have the final mockup to show,” Van Zante said, acknowledging many donor walls have featured names on bricks or perhaps even names on leaves. “We wanted our’s to be unique. We DONATIONS | 3
A publication of est. 1851
Christopher Braunschweig/PCM Explorer Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) buses are parked in the lot south of the Jasper County Community Center. HIRTA is a nonprofit organization that provides transportation to citizens Jasper County.
By Christopher Braunschweig PCM Explorer Public transportation services in Jasper County will be reduced starting June 30, and the Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA) said it is largely due to
a “lack of broader local support” creating a budget shortfall. In a press release, the organization said it cannot maintain existing service levels. Federals funds that HIRTA receives require a 50 percent match from local sources, which
CONTACT US Newsroom: 641-792-3121, ext. 7 • Advertising: 641-792-3121, ext. 2 Subscriptions/Delivery: 641-792-5320 • Billing: 641-792-3121, ext. 6
means every federal dollar must be matched from contributions made by cities, counties or other local support. Although HIRTA also receives some support from the state, it does not cover the HIRTA | 3
Single Copy $1