Students Shine at Jacobson Institute DesignDash Challenge
On Friday, April 17th, a group of our students participated in the Jacobson Institute’s DesignDash Challenge for Cancer Solutions, an innovative, fast-paced event that empowers students to tackle real-world health issues through design thinking and entrepreneurship.
Representing our school were Austin Remster, Kesley Reed, Lotty Nolte, Ashlyn Metz, Dane Sorensen, Jocelynn Kennedy, Cloie Lamb, Blayce Gwinn, and Conner Branson. Throughout the day, students collaborated in teams to research cancer-related challenges, conduct interviews, develop solutions, and pitch their ideas to judges.
Our students demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, earning multiple recognitions:
Early Achievements
Fastest to 20 Discovery Interviews: Open Thread (Adaptive Clothing) – Cloie Lamb & Jocelynn Kennedy
Fastest to Early-Stage Concept Validation: Stronger Everyday (Mental Health)
Pitch Pit 1 Awards
Best Understanding of the End-User: Open Thread (Adaptive Clothing) – Cloie Lamb & Jocelynn Kennedy
Best Innovation: Breakaway (Smoking Prevention) – Conner Branson & Blayce Gwinn
Best Pitch: Tanning Teen Safety Act (Tanning Beds Awareness)
Pitch Pit 2 Awards
Best Understanding of the End-User: Sun-Kissed (Sun Exposure Awareness)
Best Innovation: Farmer Education Program (Pesticide Safety)
Best Pitch: Geonomies (Cancer Screening Solutions) – Kesley Reed & Austin Remster
Top Recognition
Investor’s Choice Award: Breakaway – The Smokin’ Scientists (Smoking Prevention) – Blayce Gwinn & Conner Branson
Their project secured $43,000 in funding out of a total $403,000 distributed during the event.
This experience provided students with a unique opportunity to engage in real-world problem solving while addressing critical health challenges. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, innovation, and dedication to making a difference.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Melissa Remster for accompanying the group, helping with transportation, and mentoring students throughout the day. We also greatly appreciate her husband, Jason Remster, for assisting with weather tracking and helping ensure a safe trip home.
On Friday, April 17th, a group of our students participated in the Jacobson Institute’s DesignDash Challenge for Cancer Solutions, an innovative, fast-paced event that empowers students to tackle real-world health issues through design thinking and entrepreneurship.
Representing our school were Austin Remster, Kesley Reed, Lotty Nolte, Ashlyn Metz, Dane Sorensen, Jocelynn Kennedy, Cloie Lamb, Blayce Gwinn, and Conner Branson. Throughout the day, students collaborated in teams to research cancer-related challenges, conduct interviews, develop solutions, and pitch their ideas to judges.
Our students demonstrated exceptional creativity, critical thinking, and communication skills, earning multiple recognitions:
Early Achievements
Fastest to 20 Discovery Interviews: Open Thread (Adaptive Clothing) – Cloie Lamb & Jocelynn Kennedy
Fastest to Early-Stage Concept Validation: Stronger Everyday (Mental Health)
Pitch Pit 1 Awards
Best Understanding of the End-User: Open Thread (Adaptive Clothing) – Cloie Lamb & Jocelynn Kennedy
Best Innovation: Breakaway (Smoking Prevention) – Conner Branson & Blayce Gwinn
Best Pitch: Tanning Teen Safety Act (Tanning Beds Awareness)
Pitch Pit 2 Awards
Best Understanding of the End-User: Sun-Kissed (Sun Exposure Awareness)
Best Innovation: Farmer Education Program (Pesticide Safety)
Best Pitch: Geonomies (Cancer Screening Solutions) – Kesley Reed & Austin Remster
Top Recognition
Investor’s Choice Award: Breakaway – The Smokin’ Scientists (Smoking Prevention) – Blayce Gwinn & Conner Branson
Their project secured $43,000 in funding out of a total $403,000 distributed during the event.
This experience provided students with a unique opportunity to engage in real-world problem solving while addressing critical health challenges. We are incredibly proud of their hard work, innovation, and dedication to making a difference.
We would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Melissa Remster for accompanying the group, helping with transportation, and mentoring students throughout the day. We also greatly appreciate her husband, Jason Remster, for assisting with weather tracking and helping ensure a safe trip home.
Thank you!
Students who shine again and again!
Students who shine again and again!
Congratulations to Madalyn Wilson for being selected for State FFA Chorus! She'll be performing this week at State FFA Convention - a great achievement. Best of luck!
Come support FBLA on May 6th at Pizza Ranch in Indianola! ALL CASH TIPS go directly to our chapter!
Way to go, students!
Way to go, students!
Way to go, Kale!
Teacher Appreciation Week is May 4th–8th! 🍎
We invite families to help us celebrate the amazing teachers who make a difference in our students’ lives every day at M-D CSD. If you would like to recognize your child’s current or past teacher(s), please take a few moments to fill out the attached form.
This is a great opportunity to give a shout-out and share what you appreciate—whether it’s the support they’ve given your child, the growth you’ve seen, or a special way they’ve made a positive impact.
Your messages will be printed and shared with teachers during Teacher Appreciation Week to help them feel recognized and valued.
Please note:
Submissions will not be anonymous.
Thank you for helping us celebrate and support our incredible teachers! ⚜️
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeIzsT7YjN26w_caeg6A8BiwZl8GU5XMYydp7MpsT7GnWSaEQ/viewform?usp=publish-editor
We have great kids!! Proven once again!
JH DC trip 🏛
Day 2 - US Army museum and Mount Vernon estate
Melcher-Dallas CSD is looking for a 7-12 ELA Teacher for the 26/27 school year! This will be a one year contract. If you have any questions or are interested please reach out to Abby Heaberlin (heaberlina@melcher-dallas.k12.ia.us).
Shoutout to these students for showing true Saint Pride!
Shoutout to Blair for showing true Saint Pride!
Shoutout to Tatjana for showing true Saint Pride!
JH students and parents traveling to Washington DC today! ✈️
April Fools’ Day brought plenty of laughs to M-D Elementary today! 😄
Miss Jaime pulled off a sweet (and sneaky!) prank with her “chocolate covered treats”… that turned out to be cotton balls! 🍫😆 Bruce was a great sport and definitely gave everyone a reason to smile.
We love moments like these that remind us learning and laughter go hand in hand. A good laugh was had by all! ⚜️
#MDElementary #AprilFoolsFun #SchoolSmiles
Thank you, Paraprofessionals!
Please take some time to congratulate your amazing FBLA members who went to State Leadership Conference! They have made us all so proud! There were over 1200 people at this event and we shined! Austin is our new District 5 Vice President!!! His campaign, slogan, and speech were amazing! Anna is a national qualifier in digital animation!!!! All students placed in at least one event as well!! To say I am proud of them doesn't seem like enough!!
