Junior High School

News & Updates for SEP Junior High School

RAMification Shines in Show Choir Season with “Follow Your Star”
SEP Youth Summer Camps – Register Now!
No School March 14, Spring Break March 17-21
Dismissal Times for Parent Teacher Conferences March 10-13, 2025

A Letter from Southeast Polk Jr. High School’s Principal Dailey

A Letter from Southeast Polk Community School District’s Principal Dailey

Welcome to Southeast Polk Junior High School!

My name is Mike Dailey and I am very excited to be entering my thirteenth year as the Principal of the Southeast Polk Junior High. I have the opportunity on a daily basis to work with a tremendous staff of more than 100 instructors, associates, custodians, cooks and nurses who are committed to the success of our students.

As an educator, it is my goal to impact students in two different ways. The first deals with the educational and instructional components of school. It is our expectation that each student will experience academic growth that matches their personal capabilities during their time with us at the junior high. Our staff will encourage students to find that “thing” that gets them excited about their personal education and the learning process. The junior high years are when students learn about themselves and their interests. We want to feed that process through offering as many opportunities as we can while maintaining a strong focus on the core areas of learning.

The second manner in which I hope to impact students is assisting them in developing into good people. Students should leave junior high with the understanding of how to relate to others. Being able to interact with people from all walks of life is an important skill to have as students move from the classroom setting and into the “bigger world.”

If any questions arise, or if there is something we can assist you with, never hesitate to contact me at michael.dailey@southeastpolk.org or 515-967-5509.

Sincerely,
Mike Dailey

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Assistant Principal Rinehart

My name is Jenny Rinehart and it is an honor to serve as the Assistant Principal and Activities Director at Southeast Polk Junior High. Before entering administration in 2023, I taught special education and English-Language Arts at Southeast Polk Junior High for fifteen years. I also served as the School Administration Manager at Spring Creek for two years. I am a 2001 graduate of Southeast Polk. I completed my undergraduate degree and my master’s in Educational Leadership at the University of Northern Iowa.

I believe that relationships are key to providing quality educational experiences for our students and families. I believe that strong partnerships between our school, families, and community is vital in helping our students experience success at college, career, and civic life. My goal as a school leader is to provide a safe, inclusive, and positive academic learning environment for all students and staff.

I spend much of my day directly involved with our students, staff, and families in an effort to engage all students in a challenging curriculum delivered through quality instruction. My main focus is being an instructional leader providing support for effective teaching and learning. In addition, I oversee all junior high activities and athletics. I enjoy working with the students, staff, and community at Southeast Polk!

If I can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 515-967-5509, Ext 3006 or jenny.rinehart@southeastpolk.org.

Sincerely,
Jenny Rinehart

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Assistant Principal Welter

Assistant Principal Rinehart

My name is Zachary Welter and I am excited to serve Southeast Polk Junior High as an assistant principal. Before I entered my administrative role, I spent twelve years as a co-teacher in the special education and general education setting at Valley High school in West Des Moines. During that time, I also coached baseball at the varsity and sophomore levels. I am originally from Cedar Falls, and after graduation in 2006, I played college baseball at NIACC, before finishing up at the University of Northern Iowa, where I also earned my teaching degree.

In my current position at Southeast Polk, I strive to build strong, positive relationships with both students and staff to help foster an environment of effective learning and community. I believe that this goal is foundational in leading our students to success as they continue their path towards post secondary success. To accomplish this, I focus my attention on being an instructional leader, advocate for students, and a partner with our community members.

If you need to speak with me, please contact me at 515-967-5009 (zachary.welter@southeastpolk.org).

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