This is my 5th year teaching 3 year old preschool and I grow more in love with it every year!! My husband and I live in Blairstown and have 3 kids. Our daughters, Mallory and Jaden, are in college and our son, Jordan is a Sr. at Benton. My life outside of school has slowed down considerably with only having one child in extracurricular activities! I am hoping that having 3 kids out on their own my husband and I will find the time to get back into golfing, traveling, and finding that new balance in our lives!! I'm looking forward to it!!
Benton Community and Central Lutheran will be on a 2 hour delay tomorrow morning, Friday, February 3rd. No morning activities or weight room.
Photos from Girls State Wrestling courtesy of Stacy Wolf. Post 2 of 2. Bobcat proud! #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
Post 2 of 2 Student council sponsored OCHO (stands for backward homecoming) Anything but a backpack day. #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
Winter Safe Driving Tip: Please defrost or scrape your entire windshield before driving. Not doing so could get you a ticket of $135!
My name is Jena Heishman and I teach first grade at Atkins Elementary. This is my 11th year teaching. My husband and I were born and raised here and now I am proud to say my three kids also attend Benton Community. I enjoy spending time with family and supporting my kids in all of their hobbies and activities!
Benton School Board Names Dr. James Bieschke
Next District Superintendent
February 1, 2023
VAN HORNE, IA — The Benton Community School District School Board has named Dr. James Bieschke as the district’s next superintendent.
Dr. Bieschke is the current associate superintendent and school business official in Benton CSD, where he is responsible for overall operations of business services, transportation, technology, food service, and buildings and grounds. He is also a member of the American Association of School Superintendents and was a finalist for the Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018.
Previously, Dr. Bieschke served as high school principal of Benton Community High School.
Board members worked with Grundmeyer Leader Services to conduct the search. Bieschke interviewed with two stakeholder interview groups consisting of students, parents, teachers, and community members on Tuesday, January 31.
“I'm excited for the opportunity to serve as the next superintendent of Benton CSD,” said Dr. Bieschke. “My career in the district and community over the last 16 years has prepared me well for this new role, and I am excited to begin leading the district to even more success. Go Bobcats!"
Dr. Bieschke will officially begin leading the Benton Community School District effective July 1, 2023.
###
Today we had a pep rally celebrating the great talented students of Benton Community! #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
8th grade students in Mr. Reid’s Industrial Tech class made structures out of small wood pieces and tested their strength with weights.
#BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
Benton bowlers traveled to Monticello
Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023, at Legacy Lanes, Monticello
Boys
BC M
Baker Games 822 863
Round 1 1,672 1,975
Match Total 2,494 2,838
Round 1 - Individual Games Game 1 Game 2 Totals
1. Nathan Rottman 194 176 370
2. Ethan Hepker 176 129 305
3. Gage Offill 173 148 321
4. Cade Volesky 203 148 351
5. Brandon Schultz 136 157 293
6. Clayton Knight 151 174 325
GIRLS
BC M
Baker Games 649 626
Round 1 1,371 1,439
Total 2,020 2,065
Round 1 - Individual Games Game 1 Game 2 Totals
2. Brooke DeRycke 124 113 237
3. Cali Nolte 117 166 283
4. Hope Heck 124 165 289
5. Janessa Bries 130 190 320
6. Sydney Rupp 104 138 242
HS Glow Dance: Tickets for the dance are available in the Activities Office from Amy. The cost is $5 for a couple or $3 for an individual. There will be Glow Sticks available to purchase at the dance for a $1.
MS Girls Wrestling: Reminder there will be no practice for MS girls wrestling on Thursday and Friday.
Congratulations to Sam Wallace for signing today to play football at Upper Iowa
They are getting a great player! #BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
Kindergarten and Preschool Pre-Registration will be Monday, February 6, 2023 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at both Atkins Elementary & Keystone Elementary.
#BeABobcat
#APlaceToBelong
Tyler Maschino is currently the Technology Director at Benton Community Schools. He’s been employed at Benton for the past 24 years. When he first got here email was a big deal and data was stored on 1.44 inch floppy disks. Those disks wouldn’t have the space to store one photo taken with an iPhone today.
HS Boys: There will be a boys golf meeting TODAY during 5th block in Mr. Suiter's room. If you cannot make the meeting please see Mr. Suiter.
MS Student Council: There will be a middle school student council meeting TODAY in Mrs. Jones' room during 5th block.
I have taught at Benton for 17 years, teaching 4th grade, then kindergarten, on to a 2nd/3rd grade combo classroom and now 4th grade again in Norway. I have amazing co-workers who have become wonderful friends and I truly enjoy getting to teach and share my passions with awesome kiddos and families every day. In my free time I love to stay active by running, biking, hiking, walking my dog or playing volleyball. I also love reading, listening to live music, traveling and gardening in the summer.
Due to predicted low temperatures, there will be no morning activities or practices tomorrow, Tuesday, January 31st.
Courtesy of Jim Magdefrau
#BeABobcat #APlaceToBelong
Bobcats compete at WaMaC Wrestling Tourney in Independence
2023 WaMaC Conference Tournament
Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023
Independence Junior/Senior High School
Independence, IA 50644
Team scores
1 West Delaware, Manchester 248.5
2 Mount Vernon 232.5
3 Independence 205.5
4 South Tama County 173.5
5 Williamsburg 173.0
6 Clear Creek-Amana 128.0
7 Solon 115.0
8 Benton Community 114.5
9 Vinton-Shellsburg 95.5
10 Marion 73.0
11 Center Point-Urbana 19.0
Benton results
106 - Garrett Kuch (16-18) placed 6th and scored 4.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Lincoln Schropp (Williamsburg) 36-6 won by tech fall over Garrett Kuch (Benton Community) 16-18 (TF-1.5 4:35 (15-0))
Cons. Round 2 - Garrett Kuch (Benton Community) 16-18 won in sudden victory - 1 over Eli Ollinger (Vinton-Shellsburg) 20-19 (SV-1 4-2)
Cons. Round 3 - Adam Fish (Independence) 27-14 won by fall over Garrett Kuch (Benton Community) 16-18 (Fall 1:00)
5th Place Match - Lucas Stearns (Marion) 28-10 won by fall over Garrett Kuch (Benton Community) 16-18 (Fall 3:13)
113 - Jason Eastman (17-15) placed 6th and scored 6.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Kameron Kremer (Independence) 29-13 won by fall over Jason Eastman (Benton Community) 17-15 (Fall 2:25)
Cons. Round 2 - Jason Eastman (Benton Community) 17-15 won by fall over Evan Burg (Solon) 18-22 (Fall 1:21)
Cons. Round 3 - Jake Haugse (Mount Vernon) 28-13 won by fall over Jason Eastman (Benton Community) 17-15 (Fall 0:46)
5th Place Match - Kyler Provin (Williamsburg) 32-12 won by tech fall over Jason Eastman (Benton Community) 17-15 (TF-1.5 4:53 (16-1))
120 -Weston Kaestner (15-18) placed 7th and scored 8.5 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Weston Kaestner (Benton Community) 15-18 won by fall over Lucas Horak (Marion) 11-22 (Fall 2:37)
Quarterfinal - Gavin Jensen (Williamsburg) 38-5 won by fall over Weston Kaestner (Benton Community) 15-18 (Fall 1:58)
Cons. Round 2 - Kyler Jessup (Solon) 17-18 won by decision over Weston Kaestner (Benton Community) 15-18 (Dec 7-3)
Cons. Round 3 - Weston Kaestner (Benton Community) 15-18 won by tech fall over Jose Mendieta (Clear Creek-Amana) 14-25 (TF-1.5 6:00 (18-3))
7th Place Match - Weston Kaestner (Benton Community) 15-18 won by decision over Lucas Horak (Marion) 11-22 (Dec 15-14)
126 - Elijah Kupka (24-11) placed 7th and scored 7.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Lawsin Sinnwell (Solon) 24-12 won by decision over Elijah Kupka (Benton Community) 24-11 (Dec 9-7)
Cons. Round 2 - Amare Chavez (South Tama County) 30-5 won by decision over Elijah Kupka (Benton Community) 24-11 (Dec 3-2)
Cons. Round 3 - Elijah Kupka (Benton Community) 24-11 won by fall over Elliott Rogers (Marion) 2-13 (Fall 5:17)
7th Place Match - Elijah Kupka (Benton Community) 24-11 won by fall over Teegan Fuessley (Center Point-Urbana) 9-7 (Fall 3:25)
132 - Brady Patterson (23-16) placed 6th and scored 6.0 team points.
Champ. Round 1 - Brady Patterson (Benton Community) 23-16 won by decision over Caleb Mohr (Williamsburg) 14-26 (Dec 6-2)
Quarterfinal - Carter Lamont (Vinton-Shellsburg) 28-6 won by fall over Brady Patterson (Benton Community) 23-16 (Fall 3:45)
Cons. Round 2 - Brady Patterson (Benton Community) 23-16 won by decision over Ryan Hilby (West Delaware, Manchester) 14-14 (Dec 3-1)
Cons. Round 3 - MaCael Bear (South Tama County) 30-8 won by major decision over Brady Patterson (Benton Community) 23-16 (MD 14-5)
5th Place Match - Croix Shebetka (Mount Vernon) 26-12 won by decision over Brady Patterson (Benton Community) 23-16 (Dec 7-6)
138 - Jordan Thys (25-12) placed 6th and scored 6.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Mikey Ryan (Mount Vernon) 32-11 won by decision over Jordan Thys (Benton Community) 25-12 (Dec 5-3)
Cons. Round 2 - Jordan Thys (Benton Community) 25-12 won by fall over Haydin Branan (South Tama County) 4-5 (Fall 1:28)
Cons. Round 3 - Tyler Wieland (Independence) 25-13 won by fall over Jordan Thys (Benton Community) 25-12 (Fall 1:21)
5th Place Match - Wes Logan (Marion) 19-12 won by decision over Jordan Thys (Benton Community) 25-12 (Dec 3-2)
145 - Blayke Heying (24-12) placed 5th and scored 13.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Blayke Heying (Benton Community) 24-12 won by fall over Teague Williams (Solon) 22-23 (Fall 2:20)
Semifinal - Jackson Jaspers (Mount Vernon) 36-1 won by fall over Blayke Heying (Benton Community) 24-12 (Fall 1:27)
Cons. Round 3 - Blake Mather (West Delaware, Manchester) 21-17 won in sudden victory - 1 over Blayke Heying (Benton Community) 24-12 (SV-1 9-7)
5th Place Match - Blayke Heying (Benton Community) 24-12 won by decision over Teague Williams (Solon) 22-23 (Dec 7-2)
152 - Brenden Heying (32-2) placed 2nd and scored 23.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brenden Heying (Benton Community) 32-2 won by tech fall over Cyrus Mathes (South Tama County) 23-16 (TF-1.5 5:18 (17-0))
Semifinal - Brenden Heying (Benton Community) 32-2 won by tech fall over Jack Cantwell (West Delaware, Manchester) 17-20 (TF-1.5 2:42 (16-1))
1st Place Match - Cooper Sanders (Vinton-Shellsburg) 35-1 won by decision over Brenden Heying (Benton Community) 32-2 (Dec 9-3)
160 - Clayton Sebetka (27-12) placed 3rd and scored 17.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Clayton Sebetka (Benton Community) 27-12 won by decision over Jackson Hird (Mount Vernon) 30-10 (Dec 6-0)
Semifinal - Brent Yonkovic (West Delaware, Manchester) 17-3 won by fall over Clayton Sebetka (Benton Community) 27-12 (Fall 1:18)
Cons. Round 3 - Clayton Sebetka (Benton Community) 27-12 won by major decision over Benjamin Haughey (Clear Creek-Amana) 21-24 (MD 10-2)
3rd Place Match - Clayton Sebetka (Benton Community) 27-12 won by decision over Ethan Hangartner (Marion) 16-16 (Dec 7-2)
170 - Jonathon Becker (5-15)
Quarterfinal - Henry Ryan (Mount Vernon) 38-2 won by fall over Jonathon Becker (Benton Community) 5-15 (Fall 0:17)
Cons. Round 2 - Kyler Jensen (Solon) 18-20 won by tech fall over Jonathon Becker (Benton Community) 5-15 (TF-1.5 2:08 (15-0))
Cons. Round 3 - Madden Martinez (South Tama County) 10-21 won by decision over Jonathon Becker (Benton Community) 5-15 (Dec 8-5)
182 - Mayson Mitchell (13-13) placed 6th and scored 10.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Mayson Mitchell (Benton Community) 13-13 won by major decision over Evan Stohlmann (Williamsburg) 5-4 (MD 13-4)
Semifinal - Jeryn Funke (West Delaware, Manchester) 26-16 won by medical forfeit over Mayson Mitchell (Benton Community) 13-13 (M. For.)
Cons. Round 3 - Aaron Tanay (Independence) 2-5 won by medical forfeit over Mayson Mitchell (Benton Community) 13-13 (M. For.)
5th Place Match - Evan Stohlmann (Williamsburg) 5-4 won by medical forfeit over Mayson Mitchell (Benton Community) 13-13 (M. For.)
195 - Troy Kupka (19-18) placed 6th and scored 3.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Braydon Hoffman (Solon) 29-17 won by fall over Troy Kupka (Benton Community) 19-18 (Fall 5:07)
Cons. Round 3 - Ethan Wood (Mount Vernon) 32-8 won by fall over Troy Kupka (Benton Community) 19-18 (Fall 3:19)
5th Place Match - Landon Duffy (Independence) 12-25 won by fall over Troy Kupka (Benton Community) 19-18 (Fall 1:24)
285 - Brennen Blegen (13-6) placed 6th and scored 11.0 team points.
Quarterfinal - Brennen Blegen (Benton Community) 13-6 won by fall over Joe Ebert (Solon) 19-25 (Fall 1:31)
Semifinal - Korver Hupke (Independence) 35-4 won by fall over Brennen Blegen (Benton Community) 13-6 (Fall 4:27)
Cons. Round 3 - Trenton Davies (Williamsburg) 24-20 won by medical forfeit over Brennen Blegen (Benton Community) 13-6 (M. For.)
5th Place Match - Nathaniel Palmarez (South Tama County) 12-16 won by medical forfeit over Brennen Blegen (Benton Community)
