Principal's Message
I am honored to be the principal of a first class, 5-star high school and school district. We are dedicated to educating each and every student. It is our mission to provide a safe place for students to learn. We treat each student that walks through our doors with respect and dignity, and understand that each student has their own story and individual needs. Our teachers and staff work together, finding ways to meet those needs of each and every student. Our alternate day block schedule enables teachers to dive deep into a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for life after high school. The extended class times provide students opportunities for creative, collaborative, and cooperative activities to further understanding. Built onto the end of our day is a 40 minute Rocket Block where students are able to get the extra academic help needed, create weekly goals, and to build an Academic/Career Plan (ACP).
We have a balanced assortment of educational opportunities, with a focus on the four core areas of English Language Arts (ELA), math, science, and social studies, while also providing for many opportunities in the fine arts, including art, business, computer science, family and consumer economics, music, technology education, and more. We offer a wide variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and Cooperative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP) courses. In every course, we also have a goal to teach the soft skills needed to be successful in this ever-changing world. We are dedicated to teaching the whole student and emphasize “R Code” is the thread throughout CGBHS. We teach and emphasize respect, responsibility, and what it means to be a citizen in this world. Positivity is woven throughout our entire fabric of orange and black.
Outside of our classrooms and coursework, Cedar Grove-Belgium High School has a wide variety of clubs, activities, and athletics. Many of our students participate in multiple extracurricular activities. Participation in these activities promotes valuable lessons in time management, service and community involvement.
I began my career in education in 1997 here at Cedar Grove-Belgium High School. I spent the first 16 years teaching Biology, Advanced Biology, and Anatomy & Physiology, and became the principal in 2013. My wife Sally is the CGB Elementary School Counselor, and we live in this wonderful district with our five boys. All five boys attend CGB or have attended CGB. They and have been able to experience so many opportunities. Our oldest, Bryce, is using what he learned at Iowa State University, in Ames, Iowa. We bleed Rocket orange and have “Rocket Pride” to the core.
Thank you for visiting our website. If I can be of any help or answer any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Go Rockets!
Mr. Josh Ketterhagen, High School Principal