Striking a High Note: Uniting for New Marching Band Uniforms

I love it when a plan comes together and our parent organizations join forces. There is a realization that we all wear the same jersey, share the same shade of blue, and belong to a community that supports our students across a vast array of activities.

Believe it or not, it's not like this everywhere. In some schools these activities are pitted against one another and positioning for precious resources can get adversarial. I have never had that feeling here. In fact, quite the opposite. There is genuine support and admiration for our students across all activity disciplines in our school. And when asked to help, we step up for one another. It is incredibly gratifying.

This willingness to rally together isn't just about funding a project; it's about honoring the shared experiences that define high school life. That spirit of community support is something that I hold close to my heart, largely because some of my fondest high school memories come from my time in the music department. From the early morning rehearsals for All-State to the pep band on Friday evenings, it really was the 'best of times'. Perhaps that is one of the reasons I chose music as my vocation when I first became an educator. I wanted kids to have the same kind of experiences that I did when I was in school. In that regard, I do hope that I have succeeded. At the same time though, I have to try really hard not to 'put my thumb on the scale' when it comes to the needs and wants of our music department here in Hudson. Whether or not that has been a fair position will be for others to determine. 

During my time in high school, marching band was a pretty big deal. I loved the precision of the marching, the power of the brass, and the crispness of a well trained battery. To this day, whenever I have the chance to attend a college football game in the fall, one of my favorite parts is the halftime show. 

When we hired Mrs. Davis as our band director, I knew we would be well positioned to reconstitute our marching band program. As someone with experience working with the Panther Marching band, it was a great opportunity to provide our students with a memorable high school experience. Those early years, we really had to start from scratch. We didn't have all the right equipment: marching sousaphones, battery instrumentation, or even flag poles. Slowly but surely we were able to add to the inventory, but the biggest missing piece was marching band uniforms. Fortunately we were able to acquire uniforms from a school district not too far away that was changing out their look. We jumped at the chance to get them! They were not quite right, but close enough? 

After Mrs. Davis left, I was clear that her successor had to not only sustain our marching band program, but to grow it and move it to the next level. Luckily, Mrs. Ramsey was the right person to accept my challenge! A bit less than a year ago she approached me with a slight problem: the 'hand me down' uniforms were on borrowed time. They were starting to fall apart. Also, it was becoming more and more apparent that the blue wasn't the right color of blue, and the black? Well black isn't even a 'close cousin' when it comes to our color palette. 

The conversation about new marching band uniforms had begun. Probably a bit later than any of us would have liked, but the reason we hadn't had that conversation was marching band uniforms are a very heavy lift. But I was all for it! Thanks to the hard work of the music AND athletic boosters we are ready to place the order. Students are now being fitted for the uniforms and we will have them in time for the next marching band season. Yes, it is still a year away but it will take some time to build these uniforms. 

Of the roughly $35,000 needed for these uniforms, the music boosters have raised $20,000 and the athletic boosters have contributed $10,000. That leaves a balance of just about $5,000 to get us over the finish line. Please consider joining me in contributing to this goal. Anything we raise in excess of this goal will be earmarked for our yet to be determined Color Guard uniforms. If you would like to help please select a sponsorship level by scanning the QR code in the graphic.

Welcoming New Staff to the Hudson Community School District!

(Back Row, L-R): Rhandi Oelmann, Kami Koelling, 
Grace Jackson, Alexa McMahon, Camden Troncin
(Front Row L-R): Erin Hawe, Addy Goodenbour, 
Brett Klein, Kaelee Dean

As we begin the 2026-27 school year, I am pleased to welcome several new educators to the Hudson Community School District. Each brings valuable experience, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to supporting our students.

Our staff members play an important role in making our schools welcoming places where students can learn, grow, and build meaningful relationships. I encourage our students, families, staff, and community members to join me in welcoming these newest members of our team.

Kaelee Dean, Middle School English Teacher
Kaelee Dean is a University of Northern Iowa graduate who joins Hudson Schools after two years with the Waterloo Community School District. A Cedar Falls native, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with family. She is looking forward to getting to know her students and creating a classroom where every student feels seen, supported, and excited to learn.

Addy Goodenbour, High School Math Teacher
Addy Goodenbour is a Wartburg College graduate who previously taught middle and high school math in Rockford for two years. Originally from St. Ansgar, Addy is an avid runner who has completed Grandma’s Marathon and the Boston Marathon—and she’s training for the Chicago Marathon this fall. She is excited to meet her students, get to know our community, and become a Hudson Pirate.

Erin Hawe, Special Education Teacher
Erin Hawe holds a degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Outside of school, she enjoys coaching soccer, reading, watching sports, and cheering on the Hawkeyes. Erin is looking forward to meeting our students and families and becoming part of the community.

Grace Jackson, 4th Grade Teacher
Grace Jackson is originally from Indianola and graduated from the University of Northern Iowa this past May. She enjoys spending time with friends and family, staying active, reading, and traveling. Grace is especially excited to have a classroom of her own and build meaningful relationships with students and colleagues.

Brett Klein, Elementary Guidance Counselor
Brett Klein is a University of Northern Iowa graduate entering his fourth year as a school counselor. Originally from Dubuque, he enjoys biking, playing tennis, and spending time with friends. He and his fiancée, Holly, are also preparing to get married this year. Brett looks forward to getting to know our students and their families.

Kami Koelling, 2nd Grade Teacher
A Hudson native and University of Northern Iowa graduate, Kami Koelling is beginning her teaching career in the community where she grew up. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, exploring new places, spending time with friends and family, and tackling DIY projects. Kami looks forward to building relationships with her students and creating a classroom where everyone feels welcome and excited to learn.

Alexa McMahon, Middle School Guidance Counselor
Alexa McMahon earned her bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and master’s degree from Buena Vista University. She brings 11 years of experience in education, including six years as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and five years as a middle school counselor. Originally from State Center, Alexa enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and cheering on the Cyclones. She is excited to learn Hudson’s traditions, connect with students and colleagues, and become part of the community.

Rhandi Oelmann, Preschool Teacher
Rhandi Oelmann attended Kirkwood Community College and the University of Northern Iowa, and previously worked for Dike-New Hartford as a paraeducator and softball and basketball coach. She lives in Dike with her husband, Dane, and their three children. Rhandi enjoys spending time outdoors, coaching, reading, and supporting her children in their activities. She looks forward to meeting our preschool students and families and watching her students grow throughout the year.

Camden Troncin, 1st Grade Teacher
Camden Troncin is an Iowa State University graduate entering his second year of teaching after previously teaching 1st grade in Johnston. He recently moved to Cedar Falls with his wife and daughter, and enjoys being active and spending time outdoors. Camden is excited to join Hudson Schools and build connections with students, families, and colleagues.

We are fortunate to have these educators joining our schools. Their experiences, talents, and enthusiasm will complement the dedicated work already taking place throughout our district.

The beginning of a new school year is always an exciting time, and I look forward to seeing the relationships our new staff members build with students, families, colleagues, and community members. 

Please join me in giving Kaelee, Addy, Erin, Grace, Brett, Kami, Alexa, Rhandi, and Camden a warm welcome to the Hudson Community School District!