Welcome to Chief Nation!
Athletics and activities at Keokuk play a pivotal role in our educational mission. Our aim is to transform these sports and activities into profoundly educational experiences for our students.
ADMISSION
– KMS Event Admission: $3 for both adults and students (5 years and up) for all events.
– KMS Event Admission: $3 for both adults and students (5 years and up) for all events.
FAST FACTS
- – KHS and KMS students compete on about 28 teams in grades seventh through twelfth.
- – KHS and KMS students perform in nine bands and four vocal groups from grades sixth-twelfth.
- – KHS and KMS students perform in six different dance/flags/cheer groups.
- – Jaelynn Ketterer won the IGHSAU Class 2 Individual State Bowling. Championship in 2024.
- – 2024 Girl’s Bowling State Champions.
- – Addalyn Worster, Para-Swimming State Champion in 2023 and 2024.
- – Carter Killoren attained the highest individual honor available to Iowa high school musicians by being selected as a member of the 2023 All-State Chorus.
- – Jalyiah Gardner qualifies for state in Girl’s Wrestling in 2023 & 2024.
- – Little Feathers place first at state in kick in 2023
- – Large Group & Individual Speech compete at state annually.
- – Boy’s Basketball play in Substate Final in 2024
- – 2007 State Champions in Football.
KHS ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
KHS ATHLETICS
| SPORT | SEASON |
| Football | Fall |
| Cross Country | Fall |
| Volleyball | Fall |
| Girls Swimming | Fall |
| Boys Wrestling | Winter |
| Girls Wrestling | Winter |
| Boys Basketball | Winter |
| Girls Basketball | Winter |
| Bowling | Winter |
| Boys Swimming | Winter |
| Boys Soccer | Spring |
| Girls Soccer | Spring |
| Track | Spring |
| Boys Golf | Spring |
| Girls Golf | Spring |
| Boys Tennis | Spring |
| Girls Tennis | Spring |
| Baseball | Summer |
| Softball | Summer |
| Esports | Fall/Winter/Spring |
KHS ACTIVITIES
BANDS | Band offers students an instrumental music experience and continued growth in music theory, instruction, and performance. This program is offered for credit, and students are evaluated by the letter grade system. The Band program provides students experience in marching band, pep band, symphonic concert band, jazz band, and flag and rifle corps. The band participates in numerous performances throughout the year. Membership is open to all high school students.
– Beginning Band
– Flag & Rifle Corps
– Jazz Band
– Marching Band
– Pep Band
– Symphonic Concert Band
VOCAL | Vocal music at Keokuk High School consists of our two Show Choirs, Concert Choir and the Men’s and Women’s Ensembles. Vocal music is open to students who may wish to further explore their interests in singing. Our show choirs, “Purple Harmony” and “Vibrations”, are auditioned groups that meet for extra curricular rehearsals in addition to their rehearsals during the school day. These two groups each prepare a competition show, that is performed during our competitive season (January-March), as well as traditional choral music that they perform alongside the other choirs in our concerts throughout the year. Concert choir is a two-semester course open to all students interested in singing. Men’s and Women’s Ensembles meet extracurricularly starting in mid-October. These are auditioned ensembles that mainly perform a cappella music from the pop genre. Major performances include our Fall, Winter, Pops, and Spring Concerts. Students are encouraged to participate in many extra activities such as, state festivals and solo/ensemble contests.
– Concert Choir
– Men’s & Women’s Ensembles
– Purple Harmony (Show Choir)
PERFORMANCE
LITTLE FEATHERS | The Keokuk Little Feathers are celebrating their 50th year representing our community! The team strives to be great leaders among the school district. The young women involved pride themselves on excellent sportsmanship, community involvement, and elite dancing abilities.
COLOR GUARD | The color guard performs with the marching band at half-time shows, parades, and field show competitions for the purpose of providing a visual representation of the music being performed. The color guard uses whatever prop of equipment that is best suited for the visual representation of a particular song including flags, swing flags, rifles, etc. The color guard is open to all grades. The size of the group is determined by the scores obtained in try-outs. Auditions for the color guard are offered twice throughout the year.
WINTER GUARD | The Winter Guard performs at basketball games and at State Contest. Winter guard is an extension of color guard; however, auditions are open to new students and color guard members must also re-audition. Winter guard meets outside of school time for practice. There is no prerequisite other than attending practices and performances once selected.
FALL CHEER | The Keokuk High School football cheerleading team has a longstanding tradition of leadership and spirit. Talented cheerleaders with a passion for their sport make up the team each year. Our squad cheers at all home and away varsity football contests. The cheering program at Keokuk High School stresses commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship to its cheerleaders, values that we believe our cheerleaders must translate to players and spectators alike during all football games.
WINTER CHEER | Keokuk High Winter Cheer cover events throughout the regular season, cheering at all home JV/Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball games and JV/Varsity dual Wrestling meets. The cheerleaders also host an annual youth cheer clinic for preschool-sixth grade Keokuk students to perform at the halftime of a varsity basketball game.
KHS STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
| Art Club: Art club is a social after school club dedicated to being a place where anyone can come and create art, talk about art or simply visit with like minded people surrounded by a creative environment. The club meets after school on a regular basis to hold meetings. |
| Drama Club: Drama Club meets regularly and goes on field trips. |
| Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA): The Fellowship of Christian Athletes challenges coaches and athletes on the professional, college, high school, junior high and youth levels to use the powerful medium of athletics to impact the world for Jesus Christ. FCA is the largest interdenominational, school-based, Christian sports organization in America. FCA focuses on serving local communities by equipping, empowering and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ. |
| Future Farmer’s of America (FFA): FFA is student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership. It is one of the three components of agricultural education. |
| Gay Straight Alliance (GSA): GSA is a student-run organization that unites LGBTQ+ and allied youth to build community and organize around issues impacting them in their schools and communities. GSA has evolved beyond their traditional role and have emerged as vehicles for deep social change related to racial, gender, and educational justice. A growing body of research confirms that the presence of a GSA has a positive and lasting effect on student health, wellness, and academic performance. It can also protect students from harassment and improve school climates for all students in the long-term. |
| Garden Club: The Garden Club is new and works on various projects, including repotting plants, creating, vertical gardens out of recycled materials, and more. |
| Industrial Tech Club: The Industrial Tech Club consists of KHS students who participate in regional competitions and work on projects like welding the K display for the City of Christmas and Fix-it-Fridays. |
| Konnections: Konnections’ is a group run through the school but not by the school. Konnections’ are volunteers who are trying to earn 400 hours during their high school career. Students then earn a cord to wear at graduation. |
| National Honor Society: The purpose of the Torch Club, the local chapter’s name, is to recognize scholastic and service achievement. Members are inducted from 11th and 12th grade students based on scholarship, service, character and leadership. Note: The National Charter requires that members have a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or better. The list of eligible students is then voted on by a faculty committee. Those selected are then initiated into the chapter. Not only scholarship, but service, character, and leadership are the factors on which each student is judged. |
| Robotics: Students design and build their robots from the ground up and must program the robots for the autonomous part of the competition as well as user controlled portion. Students learn the fundamentals of engineering design and computer programming. Students work in groups based on age and experience. Competitions are fast, furious, and very exciting. It is a great way to get a start in engineering design. |
| Science Club: Students create and complete a scientific research project, then present their findings at various fairs competing for awards, prizes and scholarships. |
| Speech (Group & Individual): Speech Club is a fun, competitive club which allows students to express themselves through acting and speaking. Group Speech is in the fall/winter followed by Individual Speech. |
Student Council: The purpose is to assist KHS in the following:
Student Council’s Activities
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| Yearbook: The yearbook staff is responsible for planning and preparing the high school yearbook, the Chief. This involves photography, layout and design, copyrighting, proofreading, selling subscriptions, soliciting community patronage, and other aspects of yearbook production. Membership is open to all high school students. |
ATHETICS CALENDAR
MUSIC CALENDAR
KMS ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS
KMS ATHLETICS
| SPORT | WHEN | PARTICIPANTS |
| Cross Country | September/October | 7th & 8th Grade |
| Basketball | January/February | 8th Grade Boys/7th Grade girls |
| Basketball | November/December | 7th Grade Boys/8th Grade girls |
| Football | September/October | 7th & 8th Grade |
| Wrestling | November/December | 8th Grade |
| Wrestling | January/February | 7th Grade |
| Track | April/May | 7th & 8th Grade |
| Soccer | April/May | 7th & 8th Grade boys and girls |
| Volleyball | September/October | 7th & 8th Grade girls |
KMS ACTIVITIES & STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
| Activity | When | Participants |
| Art Club | All Year | All Grades |
| Band | All Year | All Grades |
| I.B.A. All Iowa Honor Band | May | Concert Band Members |
| Jazz Band | October thru May | Concert Band Members |
| KMS Concert Choir | All year | 7th & 8th Grades |
| Opus Honor Choir | November | 7th & 8th Grade Tryouts |
| Science Club | October-April | 7th/8th Grades |
| Writing Contests | All Year | All Grades |
| Mini Feathers (dance) | All Year | 7th & 8th Grade |
ACTIVITY BOOSTERS
The Keokuk Athletic Booster Club has been a vital supporter of Keokuk High School Athletic Programs for several decades, contributing several hundred thousand dollars. These contributions benefit all Keokuk high school athletes, underscoring the importance of parental support for the Athletic Booster Club. The success of Keokuk Athletics hinges on the continued support of the Athletic Booster Club. Therefore, it is crucial for parents of Keokuk student-athletes to prioritize active participation.
MEETING TIME | The second Wednesday of the months during the school year at 6 p.m. in the KHS Library.
The Keokuk Band Boosters are a group comprised of KCSD Band Parents, Families, and Friends organized with the explicit purpose to 1) to support, encourage, and publicize the Band program of our school district; 2) to help effect improvement in facilities; 3) to sponsor projects stressing educational and music values; and 4) to provide auxiliary financial assistance and help obtain needed equipment.
MEETING TIME | Monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during the school year at 6:00PM in the KHS Band Hall
Parents of students in grades 6-12 that are interesting or involved in choir are welcome join the new Vocal Boosters.
MEETING TIME | Second Monday of the school months at 6 p.m. in the KHS Vocal Room
MORE ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS INFO
ACTIVITY PASS
ACTIVITY PASS 2024-2025
If you would like to purchase an activity pass you can stop by the activity office located at KHS and pick one up, or purchase through your E-Funds account if you are a parent/guardian in the district.
PASS PRICES:
– KHS Student Pass: $40
– KHS Adult Individual Pass: $75
– KHS Family Pass: $200 (covers immediate family members)
– KMS Student Pass: $20
– KMS Family Pass: $100 (covers immediate family members)
– Seniors: We also offer a senior pass for residents of the Keokuk School District (age 62 and up). This pass grants complimentary access to all home regular season athletic events at both Middle School and High School levels. Seniors interested in obtaining a pass can do so through the high school activity office by providing proof of residence and age, such as a driver’s license or identification card.
Earn a Pass: Lastly, KCSD families have the opportunity to earn a pass by participating in the Keokuk Family Pass Program. By volunteering for various roles at middle school and high school athletic events, participants can earn an individual or family pass, depending on the number of hours they contribute
Each event is categorized by hours depending on the length of time worked:
HS Family Pass: 25 hours
HS Individual Pass: 10 hours
HS Student Pass: 5 hours
MS Family Pass: 12 hours
MS Student Pass: 3 hours
If interested, please contact the Activities Office located at KHS. It’s also possible to accumulate combined hours to receive both a middle school and high school pass. Your participation helps support our athletic programs and is greatly appreciated.
NOTE | These prices are consistent conference-wide, but when we play outside of our conference the admission prices at away schools could vary. The $1 increase was added due to the continued rising cost of officials fees and equipment/supplies.
VOLUNTEERS
The KCSD values parental and community involvement as crucial for the success of our programs. Here are several ways parents or community members can contribute to our programs:
• Volunteer Opportunities: Assist with operating the clock, announcing at events, keeping score or bookkeeping, line judging in volleyball, timing events, or working the admissions gate. Contact Gina Dean to volunteer.
• Booster Clubs: Become an active member of the Keokuk Athletic Booster Club, the Keokuk Music Booster Club, and/or the Middle School PTO.Your involvement and support are integral to the achievement and growth of our programs.
SEC CONFERENCE
| Burlington | Address: 421 Terrace Dr, Burlington, IA 52601 | Phone: (319) 753-2211 | AD: Jay Huff |
| Fairfield | Address: 403 S. 20th Street, Fairfield, IA 52556 | Phone: (641) 472-2059 | AD: Jeff Courtright |
| Ft. Madison | Address: 2001 Ave B, Fort Madison, IA 52627 | Phone: (319) 372-1862 | AD: Jeff Lamb |
| Keokuk | Address: 2285 Middle Rd, Keokuk, IA 52632 | Phone: (319) 524-2542 | AD: Zach Summers |
| Mount Pleasant | Address: 2104 S Grand Ave, Mt Pleasant, IA 52641 | Phone: (319) 385-7700 | AD: Scott Lamm |
| Washington | Address: 1111 S B Ave, Washington, IA 52353 | Phone: (319) 653-2143 | AD: Nathan Miller |
| Ottumwa (MS Only) | Address: 812 Chester Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501 | Phone: (641) 684-6511 | AD: Brandon Brooks |
ACTIVITIES HANDBOOK
CALVERT STADIUM UPDATES
KCSD hosted the ribbon cutting of the completed turf Jim Vandenberg Field and Jim Kersten Track renovation project at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 12, at Calvert Stadium. The field and track were named in 2021 in honor of the longtime coaches and teachers at KHS.
The improvements included:
- – Replacement of the existing track, which remains a six-lane track with an eight-lane 100 meter section.
- – Replaced track and field event stations.
- – New turf field that replaced the existing grass field for football and soccer, and included an improved drainage system.
The track and field improvements were a part of the first phase of a planned two phase renovation of Calvert Stadium. Phase two, Dr. Dinger said, would include a renovation of the stadium, including the press box, concession area, bathrooms, viewing are and more. There will be further discussions on when phase two of the project will begin in Fall of 2024, however Dr. Dinger announced at the ribbon cutting that there are plans to start phase two in Spring 2026.
The need for renovations were identified by the school community as a priority from a survey conducted in the spring of 2023. Klingner and Associates PC completed the first phase of the project. Bidding on phase one of the project occurred in January 2024 and this phase of the project concluded on time in September 2024. The proposed artificial turf football field and track replacement were discussed at an Athletic Facility Public Hearing and Financing Public Hearing that were held in September 2023. The project did not exceed $4,000,000 in cost and the funds were in the State Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) Fund and distributed to the School District pursuant to Section 423F.2 of the Iowa Code. The use of SAVE Funds did not increase the District’s tax rate.
LATEST ACTIVITIES & ATHLETICS NEWS
fROM HANDBOOK
School-sponsored or approved activities are a crucial part of the Keokuk school program, offering students the chance to engage in various activities beyond the regular school day. These activities provide enjoyment and meaningful opportunities for student involvement.
Spectators are expected to respect the enjoyment and participation of students, as well as the duties of employees and officials supervising the events. Any interference with these activities will not be tolerated.
If a spectator disobeys the school official or district’s order, law enforcement authorities may be contacted to remove the individual. Should a previously excluded spectator attend a subsequent event, they will be informed that their attendance will lead to prosecution. The school district may seek a court order for permanent exclusion from all future school-sponsored activities.
- 1. Continuous Improvement: Utilize a continuous improvement process to support systems and programs that promote high standards of performance and high expectations for learning on and off the playing field.
- 2. Culture of Accountability: Develop a culture of accountability that relies on data, research, evaluation, best practices, and assessment to measure the effectiveness and productivity of our programs and the satisfaction of our stakeholders.
- 3. Staff Development: Develop, encourage, and support the activities department staff and their programs (grades K-12) by improving instructional standards and professional development. This aims to enhance student athletes’ and performers’ knowledge, skills, and performance levels to achieve high levels of success.
- 4. K-Pride: Promote and encourage Keokuk Pride, Unity, Victory, and a Strong Social Conscience among our student- athletes, staff, and community members.
- 5. Effective Communication: Maintain open and effective communication with the public, the activities department staff, and students to stay informed.
- 6. Best Practices Integration: Continue to integrate best practices and advanced techniques into all phases of the athletic/ activity educational process.
- 7. Financial Responsibility: Provide the necessary financial resources to support our instructional programs through prudent management and fiscal responsibility.
- 8. Safe Environment: Ensure that students and staff have a safe and appropriate place to learn, work, and play.
The Keokuk Community School District believes that a dynamic program of student activities is vital to the complete development of our students. These activities provide opportunities to serve the school, foster fellowship and social goodwill, promote self-realization and overall growth, and encourage the development of good citizenship qualities. Recognizing their importance to the holistic development of students, the Board of Education considers co-curricular activities an integral part of the total school curriculum.
To maintain good community relations, student school activities will not be scheduled on Wednesday nights beyond 6:30 PM, including the Friday preceding Easter until after the first Wednesday in May. This policy excludes scheduling make-up activities that may need to occur on those days. Any regular season contest scheduled on a Wednesday must receive board approval.