POINTS of PRIDE: South Tama County Elementary

South Tama County Schools Superintendent Kerri Nelson

Kerri Nelson has been superintendent at South Tama County Community Schools for the past seven years.  She is proud of the strides the elementary building has made towards closing the achievement gap, but she also knows there is still work to be done.  In pursuit of more answers, the administrative team has been reading WHY CULTURE COUNTS, with an eventual roll out to the teaching staff.  Mrs. Nelson has many points of pride to share about South Tama:

• The elementary school was a recipient of the BREAKING BARRIERS award last year from the Iowa Department of Education for the achievement by those who struggle and recognition for their co-teaching organization that helps to meet the needs of special learners.
• The work of their drop out prevention coordinator is to be celebrated.  This person works with families and connects them with community resources, and this work has reduced significantly the district drop out rate.
• There is supplemental support provided by Title I.
• There is intentional work in the district to make connections with subcultures that has no connections.
• Their Alternative High School with a Stork Nest program for young mothers is meeting a need to connect these young mothers to a positive future.
• And there is a strong partnership with Iowa Valley, offering GED classes and adult ELL classes.

 

DEMOGRAPHICS for the DISTRICT
Enrollment - 1523
Elementary Free and Reduced Lunch - 65% with minority population of 40% (20% Hispanic)

Mrs. Nelson directed me past the FFA field plot to South Tama County Elementary, under the principalship of Jim Bugge with the assistance of Stacy Staull.  South Tama Elementary has grades Preschool through 4.  There are five sections of kindergarten along with a transitional kindergarten program for students not quite ready for the rigor of first grade.  The classrooms are organized into pods with an open concept.    Mr. Bugge is a rock star among the children.  Just visiting a classroom, students want to update him on their life with comments such as, "My mom scratched her car last night,"  "I had a bad dream," or "I'm getting Call of Duty Advanced Warfare."

Principal Jim Bugge

Cafeteria with stage

Elementary students have two specials a day to accommodate two planning times for their teachers. Several have received training in the Kagan Cooperative Learning program.  With 45 minutes each day of common planning time, team collaboration is high and making a difference for students.  A tradition in this building is to have graduating 4th graders put their handprint on the wall of the gym.  This adds to the welcoming atmosphere of this school.

There is a strong collaborative culture with co-teaching in classrooms between general education and special education teachers. Initiatives include year 3 of PLCs, 1 to 1 with iPads in grades 3 and 4, and implementation of FAST assessment to provide interventions for students in need.  South Tama County Elementary is a Title VII school - one that provides a teacher to work with their Native American population.  Several teachers have been trained in the Kagan Cooperative Learning which has made a significant impact on student engagement in the classroom.

Mr. Bugge showed me an area of empty classrooms waiting to be populated by families who move into the area once Iowa Premium Beef opens its doors. This influx will create a need for hiring teachers as well as ELL specialists to meet the needs of the new students.

It is an exciting time at South Tama County Elementary with much to point to with pride.

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."  (Chinese Proverb)

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
‒Chinese Proverb - See more at: http://www.verybestquotes.com/14-inspirational-quotes-for-english-learners/#sthash.WIGWVdtz.dpuf

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
‒Chinese Proverb - See more at: http://www.verybestquotes.com/14-inspirational-quotes-for-english-learners/#sthash.WIGWVdtz.dpuf

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
‒Chinese Proverb - See more at: http://www.verybestquotes.com/14-inspirational-quotes-for-english-learners/#sthash.WIGWVdtz.dpuf

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
‒Chinese Proverb - See more at: http://www.verybestquotes.com/14-inspirational-quotes-for-english-learners/#sthash.WIGWVdtz.dpuf

Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.
‒Chinese Proverb - See more at: http://www.verybestquotes.com/14-inspirational-quotes-for-english-learners/#sthash.WIGWVdtz.dpuf