Dear Briggs & Cardinal Families,
As we gear up for another exciting school year, we have a few wonderful leadership updates and staff transitions to share with our district community!
Welcoming Our New Interim Principal at Briggs Elementary: Mrs. Michelle Conner
We are thrilled to introduce Mrs. Michelle Conner as the new Interim Principal at Briggs Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year! Mrs. Conner brings a wealth of experience, warmth, and a strong dedication to supporting students, staff, and families.
A Note from Mrs. Conner:
"I’m married to my husband, Dan, and we have four children altogether. I have a son, Grady (25), and a daughter, Aisling (24), and I was lucky to gain two stepdaughters, Alex (36) and Shelby (35), when Dan and I got married 14 years ago. We also have four grandchildren ranging in age from 5 to 13!
I grew up in Charleston, South Carolina, and have spent the majority of my life there, though I also spent a few years teaching in Guatemala as well as Virginia. I’ve been an educator for 33 years—spending 22 years as a classroom teacher before moving into school administration."
Please join us in giving Mrs. Conner a warm Maquoketa welcome when you see her around school!
Leadership & Staff Updates
- Mrs. Recker: Will be serving as Principal at Cardinal Elementary for the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited for her continued leadership and dedication to our younger learners! We are looking forward to her leadership throughout our transition to Maquoketa Elementary opening Fall of 2027!!
- Mrs. Sara Bennis: Has transitioned into a new district role as our District Induction Coach. In this role, Mrs. Bennis will be providing dedicated guidance, mentorship, and support to our first- and second-year teachers across the district.
- Mrs. Sydney Snyder: Will be joining us at Briggs on the third grade team as a classroom teacher. We are excited for her to continue building relationships with the students she got to know last year at Cardinal.
- Mrs. Emily Jackson: Will be joining us at Briggs as a special education behavior teacher. We look forward to the relationships and support she will be providing our students.
- Mrs. Allison Gandrup: Will be transitioning from her role at Cardinal Academy to serve at Cardinal Elementary as a special education behavior teacher. We are excited to have her join our team!
- Mrs. Michelle Tvedt: Will be the elementary English Language Learner teacher for Briggs & Cardinal Elementary. We’re excited to have her support for our young learners!
Open House Information
- Briggs Elementary: Please join us Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:30-6:00pm.
- Cardinal Elementary: Please use Meet the Teacher to sign up for a meeting time with your child’s classroom teacher between 1:00-5:30pm. Sign-up info coming soon!
We are looking forward to a fantastic, productive, and exciting school year ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our schools!
Gabrielle Recker, Cardinal Elementary Principal
Michelle Conner, Briggs Elementary Principal
We are looking for local business partners to support our Maquoketa Cardinal student-athletes! 🏀🏈🏐 Join us to get your brand seen by thousands of community fans on our posters, scoreboards, and in our digital feeds.
Ready to make a local impact? Email clarson@maquoketaschools.org today to learn more about our simple partnership opportunities!
Maquoketa Families: Online registration for the 2026–27 school year is available! We ask that all families complete registration this week at https://www.maquoketaschools.org/page/registration. Need assistance or a password reset? Stop by Maquoketa High School TODAY, August 4, between 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
We look forward to seeing everyone this school year!
High School Football Camp
Dates/Times: August 3rd - 7th from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $40 - Athletes will recieve a Maquoketa Football Camp T-Shirt if registered by July 15th. Any registrations after that date are not guaranteed a shirt.
Description: This camp is designed to bridge the gap between summer training and the onset of the official competitive season. Practices will be used to establish team standards for operation and practice, introduce foundational techniques for success and safety, and install core schematic principles in all three phases of the game. These practices provide the opportunity to acclimate to the field and team environment and serve as a launch pad for a successful season. It is expected that if an individual plans on participating in high school football, they attend this camp.
Register today: https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260622125037045394641506f4a43/register
Maquoketa Families,
Online registration for the '26/'27 school year is OPEN! Go to this link: https://www.maquoketaschools.org/page/registration, to complete the registration process.
If you are unable to register online, join us for in-person support on August 4th at the High School from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Thank you for being a part of our school community and we look forward to seeing you for the '26/'27 school year!
Show your Maquoketa Cardinals spirt with a Cardinal pride painted on your driveway!!
This unique fundraiser, sponsored by the Maquoketa High School football team, will provide you with the
opportunity to display your Maquoketa pride to everyone that passes by your house. For a small
donation, student-athletes from the Maquoketa football team will paint your choice of colored Cardinal
spirit in your driveway. This fundraiser is for ALL Cardinals fans, and not just football fans. All orders MUST BE placed and prepaid via Bound. Make sure to note any special instructions about the
painting of your logo so it is placed where you want.
Order Now: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/fundraise/j7h8pi
Future Cardinals—come join us for three days of volleyball fun, skill development, and teamwork!
📅 Monday, August 3 – Wednesday, August 5
🕗 8:00–10:00 AM
📍 Maquoketa High School
👧 For students entering 3rd–6th grade
💲 Only $20
✅ Register today: https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260721082708903c3e0e8149c5349/register
We can't wait to see the next generation of Cardinals on the court! ❤️🖤
Maquoketa Families,
Online registration for the '26/'27 school year is OPEN! Go to this link: https://www.maquoketaschools.org/page/registration, to complete the registration process.
If you are unable to register online, join us for in-person support on August 4th at the High School from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Thank you for being a part of our school community and we look forward to seeing you for the '26/'27 school year!
Show your Maquoketa Cardinals spirt with a Cardinal pride painted on your driveway!!
This unique fundraiser, sponsored by the Maquoketa High School football team, will provide you with the
opportunity to display your Maquoketa pride to everyone that passes by your house. For a small
donation, student-athletes from the Maquoketa football team will paint your choice of colored Cardinal
spirit in your driveway. This fundraiser is for ALL Cardinals fans, and not just football fans. All orders MUST BE placed and prepaid via Bound. Make sure to note any special instructions about the
painting of your logo so it is placed where you want.
Order Now: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/fundraise/j7h8pi
High School Football Camp
Dates/Times: August 3rd - 7th from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $40 - Athletes will recieve a Maquoketa Football Camp T-Shirt if registered by July 15th. Any registrations after that date are not guaranteed a shirt.
Description: This camp is designed to bridge the gap between summer training and the onset of the official competitive season. Practices will be used to establish team standards for operation and practice, introduce foundational techniques for success and safety, and install core schematic principles in all three phases of the game. These practices provide the opportunity to acclimate to the field and team environment and serve as a launch pad for a successful season. It is expected that if an individual plans on participating in high school football, they attend this camp.
Register today: https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260622125037045394641506f4a43/register
This camp is designed to introduce youth football players to Maquoketa Cardinals Football with an emphasis on developing complete football players. Athletes can expect to focus on the most transferable game skills: throwing, catching, route running, coverage, and open-field playmaking. Older athletes will build on that foundation with exposure to more physical aspects of the game including tackling, blocking, and block destruction. With a fast-paced and high-rep structure, athletes will learn the skills necessary to “Fly high on Friday nights under the lights!”.
Be sure to sign up at https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/camps
Show your support for Cardinal Girls Tennis with official team apparel! There are a variety of styles and sizes available for players, families, and fans.
🛍️ Order here: https://adcraftwebstores.com/mgrlt26/
⏰ Store closes Tuesday, July 22 — be sure to place your order before the deadline! Once the store closes, orders will go into production and late orders typically cannot be accepted.
#GoCards #CardinalPride #MaquoketaAthletics #GirlsTennis
Show your Maquoketa Cardinals spirt with a Cardinal pride painted on your driveway!!
This unique fundraiser, sponsored by the Maquoketa High School football team, will provide you with the
opportunity to display your Maquoketa pride to everyone that passes by your house. For a small
donation, student-athletes from the Maquoketa football team will paint your choice of colored Cardinal
spirit in your driveway. This fundraiser is for ALL Cardinals fans, and not just football fans. All orders MUST BE placed and prepaid via Bound. Make sure to note any special instructions about the
painting of your logo so it is placed where you want.
Order Now: https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/fundraise/j7h8pi
High School Football Camp
Dates/Times: August 3rd - 7th from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $40 - Athletes will recieve a Maquoketa Football Camp T-Shirt if registered by July 15th. Any registrations after that date are not guaranteed a shirt.
Description: This camp is designed to bridge the gap between summer training and the onset of the official competitive season. Practices will be used to establish team standards for operation and practice, introduce foundational techniques for success and safety, and install core schematic principles in all three phases of the game. These practices provide the opportunity to acclimate to the field and team environment and serve as a launch pad for a successful season. It is expected that if an individual plans on participating in high school football, they attend this camp.
Register today: https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260622125037045394641506f4a43/register
Calling all boys entering 9th–12th grade this fall!
Join us on the West Practice Field for open gym sessions to sharpen your skills, stay active, and prepare for the upcoming season.
📅 Monday, July 20 – 9:00 AM
📅 Monday, August 10 – 9:00 AM
Whether you're a returning player or interested in playing for the first time, everyone is welcome. Come meet your teammates, work on your game, and get ready for an exciting season!
Go Cardinals! ❤️🖤⚽
This camp is designed to introduce youth football players to Maquoketa Cardinals Football with an emphasis on developing complete football players. Athletes can expect to focus on the most transferable game skills: throwing, catching, route running, coverage, and open-field playmaking. Older athletes will build on that foundation with exposure to more physical aspects of the game including tackling, blocking, and block destruction. With a fast-paced and high-rep structure, athletes will learn the skills necessary to “Fly high on Friday nights under the lights!”.
Be sure to sign up at https://www.gobound.com/ia/schools/maquoketa/camps
High School Football Camp
Dates/Times: August 3rd - 7th from 9:30am - 12:30pm
Cost: $40 - Athletes will recieve a Maquoketa Football Camp T-Shirt if registered by July 15th. Any registrations after that date are not guaranteed a shirt.
Description: This camp is designed to bridge the gap between summer training and the onset of the official competitive season. Practices will be used to establish team standards for operation and practice, introduce foundational techniques for success and safety, and install core schematic principles in all three phases of the game. These practices provide the opportunity to acclimate to the field and team environment and serve as a launch pad for a successful season. It is expected that if an individual plans on participating in high school football, they attend this camp.
Register today: https://manager.gobound.com/camps/h20260622125037045394641506f4a43/register
📣 FREE SUMMER MEALS PICKUP TODAY, JULY 9TH! 🍎🥪
Reminder that Grab ‘N Go / Curbside Free Meals will be available for pickup today, July 9th, at:
📍 Maquoketa High School Front Entrance
600 W. Washington Street, Maquoketa
🕝 Pickup Time: 2:30 PM – 6:00 PM
✅ Each child will receive 7 days of breakfast and lunch meals
Who is eligible?
• Children and teens ages 18 and under
• Children do not need to attend Maquoketa Community School District to participate
Important Reminders:
• A parent or guardian may pick up meals for their children
• Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis
• Friends, family members, or neighbors may not pick up meals for other children
• Daycares are not eligible to participate
Thank you for helping us provide meals to local children all summer long!
#MaquoketaCardinals #SummerMeals #GrabNGoMeals #OPAAFoodManagement #FeedingOurCommunity