POINTS of PRIDE: Charles City School District

Leadership Team at Charles City School District

"It is not the beauty of a building you should look at; it's the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time."  (David Allan Coe)

The leadership team for Charles City is strong on building a learning foundation in their district to withstand the test of time.  This is an exciting time for Charles City School District as they prepare to build a new middle school on the high school campus for Grade 5-8.  The new facility will provide a flexible design to allow for different configurations based on student needs and instruction.  It will employ a 21st Century design and provide an opportunity for both buildings to work collaboratively.  With a focus on project-based learning, the new design will continue the tradition of excellence established by the Charles City School District.

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS:

Certified Enrollment: 1,542

English Language Learners: 2.65%

Free & Reduced Lunch: 52.9

Other information:

• 30+ - number of extra-curricular and co-curricular activities CCHS students have the opportunity to participate in

- 3.2 – average GPA earned of students who are involved in an activity

- < 8 number of days these students miss from school each year

Buildings:

2 Elementary Schools

1 - Early Learning, Transitional Kindergarten, K-5

1- K - 5 

1 Middle School grades 6-6

1 High School grade 9 - 12

1 Alternative High School

Charles City Schools are committed to continuous improvement as evidenced by their work with consultants on the implementation of Iowa Core standards.  The consultants work with both teachers and administrators 1 - 2 times a week.  Each elementary building has two classrooms designated as labs for the implementation of Iowa Core standards-based teaching.  They are working on the implementation followed by full school implementation in the future. The largest shift in this instruction is the emphasis on discovery learning of strategies to solve problems and the use of manipulatives to engage learning.  

The building of learning foundation begins in the Transitional Kindergarten, a new program to provide an additional year for young kindergarteners to prepare for school.  This program works on social skills but also develops stamina to form a solid foundation for success in school.  Exploration is emphasized providing a time to explore and discover while building vocabulary skills.

Charles City High School has a tradition of excellence especially with its music and art departments.  78% of their high school students are involved in at least one extra-curricular activity.  The Family Consumer Science class has "Comet Cafe" once a month, providing a restaurant-style food service.  Both German and Spanish are available.  The Spirit is the school newspaper that is student led.

To meet student learning needs and accommodate band lessons, WIN Time is held at elementary.  At high school Comet Time occurs in the middle of the day, and it occurs at the end of the day in middle school.  Some classes offer SMART lunch which provides students an opportunity to bring in their lunch into a class for remediation or extensions to enhance learning opportunities for all students. 

A Point of Pride for this district is their communication with the community.  With Facebook, Twitter, You Tube videos, and weekly podcasting, the community stays informed about what is happening in the schools.  Communications Director Justin Devore provides consistency in reporting for public relations and is committed to showcasing the great things happening in this district.  The Foster Grandparent Program provides additional community support for students.
 
Project based learning is beginning in this district and great opportunities are taking place.  In 7th grade science, students take the Lexus Eco Challenge, preparing projects that focus on nature.  In English class, students take a literature theme and connect it to their lifestyle while choosing the speaking and listening standards they will show mastery of through their final project.  With questions to research such as, "As a crusader for human rights, what solution can you find to remedy the human inequality you see today?", students are learning real-world connections and learning to be the future problem-solvers in our world.  Great things await the students in the Charles City School District!

#LoveTeaching

This is why I #Love Teaching...by Jane Schmidt

A teacher knows he or she will never be rich 

according to the way our world defines rich, 

but we are teachers.  

We create, 

we innovate, 

we inspire, 

we define 

and our definition of rich is not manifested in a number.  

Our definition of rich is residing in a heart, 

the heart of the student we encouraged, 

the heart of the student we challenged, 

the heart of the student we did not allow to simply "get by."   

It resides in our own hearts, 

rich with satisfaction 

because we know the secret of what true wealth is 

and it is not in a ledger, 

it is not in a percentage, 

it is not on a bubble sheet or in our pockets.  

We carry our wealth in the value of what we do each day 

and that is teach. 

POINTS of PRIDE: Osage Community School District

Leaders: Tim Hejhal (MS/HS), Steve Bass (Superintendent), Greg Adams (Elem)

According to the Osage website, the mission of the Osage Community School is to sustain and enhance a caring community to produce enthusiasm for life-long learning.  That mission is grounded in the belief that children's motivation is based on high expectations, on the desire of children to be challenged, and on adults' ability to model high expectations.

District Demographics
Enrollment:  930
Free and Reduced Lunch:  31%
Two elementary schools:  Lincoln (K-3) and Washington (Grades 4-5)
One middle school/high school:  Grades 6-12

This is Osage's first year in the 1:1 initiative with iPads for grades K-3 and Chromebooks grades 4-12.  The main focus of professional learning is technology integration.  A unique twist to professional learning in the area of technology is Osage's use of Google Apps Ninja Master program.  In order to earn the title of Google Apps Ninja Master, teachers must accurately complete (with 80% or better)  ninja exams in the areas of Search, Sites, GMail, Drive, and Calendars.  As teachers work through each level, they earn a white belt, green belt, black belt, with the final test being that of ninja master. 

Osage is committed to excellence in academics as evidenced by the fact that last year they were on the watch list in 7 areas and this year they have been removed from the list.  They use a Positive Behavior Intervention System called PRIDE and are focused on implementing Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) by providing interventions during WIN (What I Need) time held every other day.

They describe the partnerships they have as extraordinary.  Osage is in a "super conference" with 18 other schools creating an opportunity for Conference Professional Learning Communities that meet three times per year.  They organize a Conference Special Olympics competition, have content area meetings, and share resources in art and music.

High school students have opportunities for concurrent college classes and experience at least one online class before they graduate.  A discussion about Osage School District includes a look at economic growth in the area.  Osage is a thriving community with many young entrepreneurs. There was a phenomenal joint effort by several community groups that raised over $20 million dollars to build a YMCA with an indoor pool and auditorium.   Built in 2011, Valent BioScience is located in Osage and is the largest corporation tied into Japan in Iowa.  It boasts a $150 million dollar plant and is the largest purpose-built biorational product facility in the world.  According to its website, "the Osage Plant was built to accommodate the significant growth of VBC and demand for its products around the world. Osage will supply the majority of VBC products derived from fermentation using locally grown raw materials such as corn and soybeans. VBC’s product portfolio includes microbial products for agriculture, public health, and forestry as well as plant growth regulators for use in high value and row crops."  With a large corporation adding to the economic growth in Osage, the possibilities for partnerships are endless.

In addition to its traditional academics, Osage offers course work in food preparation and culinary arts with an emphasis on owing your own business.  They offer Pro Start 1 and 2 which employ electronic textbooks and has a focus on restaurant management and culinary arts.  Also offered are welding and industrial technology, hands on courses to meet the learning interests of all students.

A person cannot write about Osage without mentioning its wonderful wrestling tradition.  Osage has a proud tradition of excellence in wrestling.  This year for the 33rd time in 43 years of North Iowa Conference tournaments, the Green Devils were on top, finishing with five champions and 224 points, 40 clear of second-place.  In the words of wrestling great Dan Gable, "More enduringly than any other sport, wrestling teaches self-control and pride.  Some have wrestled without great skill - none have wrestled without pride."  Osage has much of which to be proud!  Traditions are alive and well!

POINTS of PRIDE: Howard-Winneshiek School District

Young entrepreneur with 3D printer

The mission of the Howard-Winneshiek School District is to prepare and empower students to:

• Think creatively
• Serve
• Contribute
• Succeed locally and globally

It does not take long to visit with John Carver, superintendent of the Howard-Winneshiek Community School District, before realizing he is a visionary when it comes to encouraging entrepreneurship within multiple facets of his school district.  From transportation reps who are piloting the use of propane powered buses to recycling motor oil to heat the bus barn to award winning food services to a high school student who has started his own instructional site on how to use VREP,  "out of the box" thinking is encouraged and valued.   Mr. Carver talks about the "Innovation Zone Confederation" which reaches a 28 mile circumference around Cresco, and as co-chair of the Governor's Broadband Committee, John is committed to the precept that "no longer will a child's zip code determine his/her instruction." He talks about future classrooms being 30 students - 20 physical and 10 virtual, with the goal that when a student walks across the stage, s/he has marketable skills.

Classrooms environments are varied.  The elementary classrooms have flexible learning spaces and each class is uniquely different from the other.  Teachers are encouraged to design their own learning spaces with assorted desk heights, varied configurations, comfortable couches, and soft chairs.  Exploration is encouraged, and the library is referred to as the Discovery Zone.  They are a pilot for competency-based literacy.

Crestwood High School is no stranger to entrepreneurship.  Norm Borlaugh, Nobel Prize winner, graduated from Crestwood High School.  Borlaugh is credited with feeding billions of people during the 20th Century by pioneering a drought resistant wheat.  That spirit remains alive in Cresco.  They have a VREP partnership with Rockwell Collins.

Howard-Winneshiek is proud of its commitment to reaching beyond the classroom.  This photo shows a world map of schools with whom the Howard-Winneshiek CSD staff have connected as well as schools who have visited the school district or schools that will be partnering with the school district, all via technology. 

Mr. Carver uses the military concept of OODA (Orientation-Observation-Decision-Action)  when teams make decisions, and he refers to the 1:1 initiative as being in its second year of deployment.   Technology integration is a major focus in this school district with PreK-6 having iPads and grades 7-12 using MacBook Airs.

Erin Daley, NEICC, and John Carver

Howard-Winneshiek School District has a strong partnership with Northeast Iowa Community College where 150 high school students attend classes in a variety of areas including a Youth Career Connect Program.    They are transitioning to an Advanced Manufacturing Center.  They offer Computer Integrated Manufacturing, Robotic Welding Training as well as training to be a CNA (Certified Nurses Assistant).  Students also can travel to Calmar for Auto Lab.  2020 GOAL:  All students recruited and employed!

Mr. Carver is one who strives to design a new DNA for learning.  He has a goal of transforming teaching and learning and firmly believes we are in a "printing press" moment in the history of education as technology catapults us forward through the "looking glass," a great metaphor as we see the changes that technology has brought to our world and the impact it will have on the future and the lives of our students.

POINTS of PRIDE: Greene County Elementary School

Leadership Team at Greene County with Principal Scott Johnson

Proud Kindergarten Student

Greene County Elementary School is located in Jefferson, Iowa, led enthusiastically by Principal Scott Johnson along with the help of a very capable leadership team provided by the Teacher Leadership and Compensation grant as well as a reading interventionist.  In Mr. Johnson’s words, “We are a bucket-filling school where positive behaviors are encouraged and supported.”  According to the Greene County Community Schools website, “the mission of their schools in partnership with their communities is to provide all students with the foundation for lifelong learning built by developing individual and social responsibilities of students, encouraging them to make productive use of time, technology, and resources, actively engaging them through diverse instructional strategies, and encouraging them to be critical thinkers.”

TAG showcase of projects

The TLC grant has enabled Greene County Elementary School to have one full time and a part time instructional coach.  The focus for this year has been moving teachers towards common formative assessments and the identification of anchor skills.  Their model classrooms allow for observations but also include a reflection time, a key component necessary for others to take what is learned and apply it to their own classrooms.  Building consistency in Professional Learning Communities began with a large group traveling to Minnesota last summer for training.  Every Wednesday there is an early out and PLCs meet weekly for a minimum of one hour.  Additional meetings are held with grade levels for a minimum of one hour weekly to address grade level concerns. 

Demographics:

Enrollment – 450, grades PreK-3

Free and Reduced Lunch – 54%

Kindergarten teacher Ann Ostendorf

Developing reading habits

The Daily Five (C.A.F.E.) is used to frame classroom instruction across the building.  According to its website, “the Daily Five is a framework for structuring literacy time so students develop lifelong habits of reading, writing, and working independently.”  This framework “enables teachers to choose individualized goals, assign strategies, monitor progress, and provide just-in-time instruction to meet the needs of every student.” There is also the Math Daily 3 that is a “framework for structuring math time so students develop deep conceptual understanding and mathematical proficiency.” It allows student choice including “Math by Myself, Math Writing, and Math with Someone.”   This framework assists teachers in “producing highly engaged students who develop a love of math.” (2015)  At Greene County Elementary, their math program is Everyday Math and just-in-time interventions are provided on a consistent basis to move students forward in their learning journey.

Greene County Elementary is focused on continuous improvement as evidenced by book studies on MINDSET and THE ART OF COACHING.  A district goal is differentiation and the focus is always on growing as effective educators.  With a strong Teacher Leadership and Compensation Grant, their school is moving forward in the development of critical thinkers prepared for the 21^st Century.

REFERENCES:

Greene County Community School District - http://www.jefferson-

scranton.k12.ia.us/pages/GCCSD/Design_Resources/Our_Mission473

THE DAILY FIVE - https://www.thedailycafe.com/daily-5 (from 2015 THE DAILY

CAFÉ)

MATH DAILY 3 - https://www.thedailycafe.com/math-daily-3 (from 2015 THE

DAILY CAFÉ)

POINTS of PRIDE: Panorama Community School District

Panorama Community Schools is led by Superintendent Kathy Elliot, a person who has provided a solid foundation upon which this district can move learning forward.  In her words, "Panorama staff is determined to create an environment of academic challenge and growth; social and personal responsibility; artistic and athletic achievement."  All areas of focus to develop, in Ms. Elliot's words, "students as critical thinkers, independent learners, and productive citizens, fully prepared to face life's challenges." 

Panorama Schools serves the communities of Panora, Yale, Jamaica, Bagley and Linden, including the Lake Panorama area. Students enjoy a small classroom size and individual instruction while remaining close to DesMoines.

Demographics
Enrollment:     over 780 in grades PreK-12
Free & Reduced Lunch:     around 30%
Bussing:      Over 500 students are bussed in daily

AIW - Authentic Intellectual Work - provides a strong base for learning, especially at the secondary level.  Its power is in the sense of community it provides for educators.  AIW is a framework for analyzing instruction and student learning.  Outlined by the Center for Authentic Intellectual Work, AIW is based upon three defining criteria:  construction of knowledge (organizing, interpreting, evaluating, or synthesizing prior knowledge to solve new problems), disciplined inquiry (use of prior knowledge, in-depth understanding, expressing ideas and findings through elaborated communication), and value beyond school (real world applications).  Ms. Elliot described her staff as focused on doing what is best for students.  An example is that when they rolled out AIW, it was to be over a five year period.  In year one, eight teachers at the Middle School and High School piloted this process.  When teachers saw the impact, they all jumped on board, and by year three it was implemented with all teachers. It is now implemented in grades K-12.

Also a part of Panorama's  ongoing professional learning is instruction in CRISS - CReating Independence Through Student-Owned Strategies.  According to the Panorama website, CRISS provides a process of learning that allows students to attach new learning to prior learning, manipulate information in a variety of ways to make meaning, and focuses on teaching for understanding.  AIW coupled with CRISS provide a solid foundation for learning in Panorama Schools. 

Instructional Coach Dan Breyfogle

Panorama was one of the school districts selected for implementation of the TLC grants, Teacher Leadership and
Compensation.  All 14 teacher leaders are AIW trained along with two administrators.  The TLC grant has provided a full-time instructional coach in each building.  There are late start Wednesdays that provide an opportunity for professional development in teams led by a teacher leader.  Consistent meeting time helps to make professional learning more meaningful and credible as teachers help to direct the professional learning.  Conversations during team meetings are rich and have helped to change the culture of learning in the district.  Teachers bring videos of instruction in the hopes of receiving feedback for improvement.  For this to be effective, an atmosphere of trust had to be developed.  With the implementation of Iowa Core along with AIW, teaching is conceptual and backwards planning of instruction takes place - from the big picture to the daily lesson.

Panorama MS/HS has a auditorium that seats around 750.  They are proud of their numerous fine arts award winners.  Around 30% of their student population is involved in Speech and Drama along with around 50% participating in chorus.


FFA is also a source of pride for this district with ag instructor Evan Babcock.  Students are involved in refurbishing tractors and numerous activities that focus on developing leadership skills.

Elementary Principal Mary Breyfogle

Cafeteria with performance area

The elementary building is focused on using inquiry in the study of science and quality math instruction.  Most recently a backpack program was started to assure students have needed food for the weekend.  With an emphasis on literacy, reading a book has become the only homework.  They have an all natural preschool outdoor playground that serves as a non-traditional play space.  The elementary is appreciative of their incredibly supportive parents and community.

In the words of Principal Breyfogle, "We have a lovely building but the best part are the lovely people in it."  I would agree!  Panorama Community Schools is, in the words of their motto, "building tomorrow today!"

References:
WEBSITE - http://centerforaiw.com/aiw-framework-and-research
WEBSITE - http://www.panoramaschools.org

POINTS OF PRIDE: Perry Community School District

Superintendent Ubben

 "Each day holds a surprise.  But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when  it comes to us.  Let's not be afraid to receive each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or as joy.  It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity."              

By Henri Nouwen

The day I visited Perry Community School District held a surprise - how very much I felt welcomed into the high school with its beautiful artwork and displays of photos.  It was a joy to visit Perry and reconnect with my own children's first principal, Lynn Ubben, who now serves as superintendent at Perry.  With a district nearly 50% diverse, Mrs. Ubben says, "Our students have learned to blend - seeing each other by friendships and not by race."  

The district experienced two very positive steps this year: taken off the ‘Watch’ list for reading and removed from being a ‘District in Need of Assistance’ (DINA) for mathematics. This is due to significant improvements in student achievement among the elementary, middle, and high school and real "points of pride" for this very diverse school district.  These strides are only made by dedicated teachers who are willing to put in the extra time to make student achievement a priority along with leaders who lead the charge.

Demographics:
FRL  72%

ELL  19.4%

Migrant 3.5%

Immigrants 3.2%

14 languages ranging from American sign language to Burmese, Karenni, Kurundi,        
     Russian, Swahili, Tigrinua and Vietnamese 

46% Hispanic

1:1 grades 3-12
Enrollment:  Approximately 1800

Middle School leaders

7th grade team

Visiting with grade level teams truly tells the heartbeat of a school and Perry is no exception.  Collaborative teams meet daily and Professional Learning Communities every two weeks.  This year's emphasis in on formative assessments and how to differentiate using the data. The Middle School Principal is proud of his staff and says, "The wide range of learners creates diverse teachers" who are well-trained in meeting the learning needs of their students.  

4th grade team

The 4th grade team says that the best part of Perry is the people with whom they work.  They believe it is fun to see the journey of both students and teachers.  In the words of one teacher, "Everyone is on a roller coaster, but it is great to see one another grow and learn from experiences."  There are two second year teachers on this team who feel that they don't just have one mentor - they have four. This all adds to the sense of teamwork that keeps Perry moving forward.

Rose with her loving and caring ways

It was great to be able to visit the ELL classroom of Rosemarie Navarro.  Rose has many stories to tell of her extensive work with a population from other countries.  She has worked with the "Lost Boys from the Sudan" to most recently, students who ran to a plane leaving El Salvador, avoiding bullets as they refused to join gangs.  She says this is the first year she is working with a student who was born and raised in a refugee camp.  Working by her side is Tony Alaya, a Perry graduate, with the dream of being a teacher.

Tony with his desire to teach

"Diversity is about all of us, and about us having to figure out how to walk through this world together."    - Jacquelyn Woodson

Perry is working towards developing positive ways for all students, no matter from where they come, instilling a desire to learn how to walk through this world together.  A beautiful and important aim being implemented by a beautiful school district.