GMG fourth grader and Junior Auxiliary member Kinley Miller raises the flag at Green Mountain-Garwin Elementary School in Green Mountain on Monday, Aug. 26. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

On a hot and humid Monday, August 26, at 10:15 a.m., teachers and staff led students outside to gather around the flagpole at Green Mountain-Garwin Elementary School in Green Mountain. Principal Stacey Busch welcomed everyone to the first day of school and then introduced the Gladbrook American Legion Color Guard and Legion Auxiliary who were in attendance to provide the Flag Raising Ceremony. The program started with the National Anthem while the students stood quietly with their hands over their hearts.

After a round of applause, Principal Busch introduced Lisa Reinhard, Auxiliary Americanism Chairman, to share a few words with the students.

Lisa said, in part, “…perhaps you only have $1 to buy some candy. How much do you think a candy bar costs? What if you want to go to a movie in Gladbrook? Sometimes the movie is free but usually you need to have money. How much would you need for a ticket? Now, it’s not Free Ice Cream Friday, but how much is a dish of ice cream going to cost you? As you can tell, most good things in life cost money. But I know something we can enjoy every day that doesn’t cost a thing. KINDNESS is FREE! And so is being HELPFUL! Being KIND and HELPFUL are two of the easiest things you can do. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it makes YOU and the person who RECEIVES it feel GREAT! … Whether it’s holding a door for someone, helping a classmate pick up dropped books, or standing up for what is right, being KIND and HELPFUL is always the right (and free) thing to do! Make it a great school year by being a good American.”

The ceremony concluded with Candice Bartel, Auxiliary V-P, presenting the school with a new flag for the school year and Kinley Miller, Junior Auxiliary member and GMG fourth-grader, raising the flag. Kinley also led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

That same morning in Reinbeck, students at Gladbrook-Reinbeck’s secondary building also held a flag raising ceremony. Seniors Michael Boyd and Nattalee Brinkman assisted Marshall Mennenga with the Reinbeck American Legion during the ceremony while the high school band played. Several teachers helped out the band including Mr. T (Greg Tessendorf) on trumpet.

Legionnaire Marshall Mennenga, right, with the Reinbeck American Legion salutes as Gladbrook-Reinbeck seniors Nattalee Brinkman and Michael Boyd raise the flag this past Monday, Aug. 26, at the secondary building in Reinbeck as part of the district’s first day of school activities. PHOTO COURTESY OF GEORGE A. BRUBAKER/REINBECK AMERICAN LEGION, POST 242 FACEBOOK

Both school districts released students two hours early on Monday due to the sweltering temperatures which topped out in the mid-90s by the afternoon while heat index values soared well into the 100s. G-R also elected to cancel school completely on Tuesday due to heat.

The decision to release early on Monday was “made to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff, as we work to avoid extended exposure to the heat,” G-R wrote on Facebook. On Tuesday, G-R Superintendent Caleb Bonjour wrote on his personal page of the decision to cancel, “Never an easy call. Heat index in the secondary building was 90 at 6:00 am. Floors were starting to get slick already. Man I wish we were back in the 70 degree temps!”

GMG also cited uncomfortable conditions in the school buildings in its decision to dismiss early on Monday, writing on Facebook: “There are a number of areas and classrooms, specifically in the Garwin building, that we cannot cool enough to keep at acceptable and comfortable levels.”

The heat dome that enveloped Iowa during much of this past work week began on Sunday, Aug. 25, and was forecast to continue through at least Wednesday, Aug. 28, and possibly Thursday.

GMG and G-R are both pursuing bond referendums as part of the November general election; if passed, the referendums would address much-needed HVAC needs in the respective districts. School bond referendums in Iowa require a supermajority of 60% to pass.

Members of the Glabdrook Legion Color Guard at GMG Elementary including (l-r) Jim Quisberg, Bob Knaack, Dennis Haack, and Jim Gethmann. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Lisa Reinhard engaging with the students at GMG Elementary. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO