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!