Points of Pride: West Fork Community School District

Chris Rogne, principal, Rockwell Campus

What is Mr. Rogne's belief about leading change in a school?  "I don't want teachers doing the changes because I told them to do it.  I want them to do it because it's the right thing to do."

District Demographics
Enrollment:  693
Free & Reduced Lunch:  39%
Sheffield:  K- grade 1
Rockwell:  Preschool, grades 2-8
West Fork High School:   Located on the Sheffield Campus

On July 1, 2011, West Fork Community School District was established including the communities of Chapin, Dougherty, Meservey, Rockwell, Swaledale, Sheffield and Thornton.

When visiting this district, one can see how focused they are on providing quality opportunities for

students.  One of the elementary initiatives includes improving early literacy.  By using flex time at different grade levels, interventions are being implemented using the Florida website and with assistance by the Title I teacher.  Peer sharing and peer review are helping teachers grow through collaboration.  In the middle school, the Warhawk Way is defining behavior expectations and supports the West Fork mission statement: "dedicated to creating successful learners, citizens, and leaders."  In working towards future success in today's world, in grades 7-12, there is a 1:1 initiative with iPads.

At the high school, Industrial Tech area classes are providing career ready skills through a partnership with NIACC.  College credit can be earned and these classes are shared with neighboring districts.  West Fork High School has a strong tradition of excellence in athletics, but knowing athletics isn't for everyone, they have established a Tech Club at the Middle School for grade 5-12.  This club meets weekly after school and currently its members are involved in building robots.

There is strong community support in the West Fork School District through active booster clubs and great partnerships with families.  People are willing to work together for the children of the district.  Youth athletics is not through parks and recreation but through parents connecting all students with opportunities to participate.  There is currently a bidding process to build a Wellness Center at the high school campus including two gyms, a wrestling and weight rooms, an indoor track, cardio equipment, and classrooms.

A point of pride noted by Principal Rogne is the quality of instruction and the hard-working teachers who are committed to doing what is best for students day in and day out.  According to him, "people can talk about the need for building structures, but it is the people within the structures that make the difference." 

In the words of John Manchin, "Every child should have a caring adult in their lives."  West Fork students are surrounded with teachers, administrators, and a community that cares.

POINTS of PRIDE: Algona Community School District

News and Video Production Studio

When one walks into Algona High School, they are treated to a shining example of quality school maintenance.  Rick Adams has been the custodian for 44 years, and as the custodial "teacher," he is committed to creating an environment students respect.  Superintendent Marty Fonley is proud of Algona Schools and willingly shares its progress.

Rick Adams & Superintendent Foley

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS
Enrollment: 1340 (including open enrollment)
Free/Reduced Lunch: 60%

Superintendent Foley explained the district focus on PLCs (Professional Learning Communites) with well over half the staff trained on their implementation.  This system keeps the teaching teams focused on making data-based decisions to move their students forward in their learning.  The PLCs and PLC Leads direct the professional development in the district, and with two early outs each month, consistency occurs with professional learning.  At both the elementary and middle schools, one hour of planning time occurs daily with PLCs meeting at least one time per week or more.

Knowing that: "There is no one size that fits all," Algona uses the A.P.L. strategies.  APL is a series of instructional strategies that provide a consistent approach to lesson design, lesson implementation, and classroom management.  With a focus on rigor, Algona knows that "harder is not rigor"  but rigor does tie to Iowa Core which in turn ties to instruction.  Work with STEM activities including lego robotics offers a well-rounded curriculum for the Algona students.

The Video Broadcast Class, taught by Brian Nelson, is a concurrent class with Iowa Lakes.  Their broadcasts are played at the local TV station through the local cable company.  Other concurrent courses include Automotive Tech, Construction, and courses to earn a certificate as a Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA).

Over 78% of the student body is involved in extra-curricular activities.  The Algona wrestling room and fitness area add to the opportunities for students in this district.



The middle school is connected to the high school with very specific wings
designated for 5th-6th and 7th-8th graders.  The 5th-6th grade wing has a playground to meet their need to run. 

Community connections are also valued at Algona with local businesses as partners including:  Snap On, Hormel Plant - producing pepperoni, Co-Fab - manufacturing stainless steel food preparation equipment, and the Mutual Insurance Company.

Algona is willing to bring in experts to assist with continuous improvement.  John Gordon, author of THE ENERGY BUS, was a guest speaker.  Others include Jaymie Randall who presented on Rigor and Relevance and Jamie Volmer, a champion of public education who is focused on "creating schools that unfold the full potential of every child."

Marty Foley models continuous improvement as he willingly shares books for this visitor to read including Leman's THE WAY OF THE SHEPHERD.  He helped in organizing a "Tech Share Fair" where teachers shared ideas on the implementation of technology in their classrooms.  Always moving his teachers forward, Mr. Foley brings to life the quote by David Frost, "Don't aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe it, and success will come naturally."

REFERENCES:
APL - http://aplinstructionalstrategy.blogspot.com/2008/05/what-is-apl.html

Jamie Volmer - www.jamievollmer.com/about.html

POINTS of PRIDE: Lake Mills Community Schools

Principals Schobrock & Wagner, Super. Sherman

Lake Mills Community School -  "Think locally - act globally!"

The day of my visit, there was excitement abounding as the school prepared for a special assembly to honor a Vietnam Veteran with a medal he had not been given earlier - a medal honoring his service to our country.  Mahatma Gandhi said,"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." Service is valued at Lake Mills whether it be service by teachers as a faculty friend to a senior or service delivered by students to the community and documented in their Senior Project .  Superintendent Daryl Sherman is proud of his staff and believes firmly in the value they bring to this school district.  "Students will care how much you know when they know how much you care."

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS:
Enrollment - 703
Free/Reduced Lunch - 37%
Open enrolled into the district - 110 including 71 from Minnesota
Average ACT score - 24
Five starters on the basketball team - 4.0 average
Parent-Teacher Conference attendance - averages over 90%

LMCS has a goal to improve achievement and the collaborative climate in a learner-centered school.  They believe every learner should be empowered to experience the excitement and motivation needed to reach success as LERCH - Lifelong learner, Effective Communicator, Responsible Citizen, Creative/critical thinker, Healthy contributor.

Lake Mills is a school district with strong acronyms.  Besides LERCH, they also use SOCCER to identify characteristics valued in the classrooms - Safe to risk, Ownership, Choices, Collaboration, Engagement, Real-World Tasks/Activities/Assessments. 

The character traits valued in this district also form an acronym:

Conflict resolution
Honesty
Appropriate sexual behaviors
Respect for authority
Attitudes valuing life
Citizenship
Tolerance and respect
Equity and multicultural understanding
Responsibility with freedom

As indicated in many of the districts in Iowa, Lake Mills operates within Professional Learning Communities and uses early outs every Wednesday to work in teams focused on Iowa Core implementation and analysis of assessments.  Their culture and climate is defined through Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS). 

One key component found in the educational program of LMS is their Senior Expo - where a student's faculty friend helps to guide the process of creating a presentation focused on the skills they have learned since kindergarten.  Seniors have two practice runs for their mentors who provide constructive feedback before the final exposition is delivered before invited guests and evaluated by community members.  Every senior incorporates into the presentation the five performance outcomes of lifelong learning, effective communication, responsible citizenship, critical/creative thinking, and healthy contribution (LERCH).  The senior expo validates these valued essential learner outcomes as skills students need to be successful in this century.

Superintendent Sherman is proud of the legacy he leaves at Lake Mills School.  After 39 years as teacher and administrator, he is "graduating" and moving on to new adventures beyond Lake Mills School.  He leaves the school with a strong foundation upon which to build, and he is to be commended for his leadership of integrity and passion. 

POINTS of PRIDE: Northwood-Kensett Community School District

Principal Fritz & Superintendent Crozier

Northwood-Kensett Community School District:  

Creating healthy, educated, ethical, and productive citizens!

When talking about change in our schools, Northwood-Kensett leaders, Mr. Fritz and Mr. Crozier, both talked about the necessity of the "critical mass" to accept a change in order for it to occur universally.  One thing helping to make changes in this district is the collaboration found within the teaching teams.  In Northwood they have experienced a "shift in trust" credited to their Professional Learning Community (PLC) organization that direct professional development for the district.  More than 95% of the staff has had training in the concepts of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and this training has added to the effectiveness of the teaching teams.    

When it comes to 21st Century learning, Northwood-Kensett Community School District is in year six of its 1:1 initiative with MacBook Airs as the tool of choice.  In Preschool through grade 2, every two classes has an iPad cart.  Technology integration continues to be a focus in professional development using Google Docs and the EdMoto learning platform. 

DISTRICT DEMOGRAPHICS:

Enrollment - 512

Free/Reduced Lunch - 35%

At the elementary level, formative assessments drive instruction along with individualized instruction based on data.  30 minutes a day is set aside for small group learning called WIN (What I Need) time.  Students speak very positively about WIN time and based on its success, the high school has carved out a WIN time for their students as well.  Northwood-Kinsett uses MISIK to map curriculum and identify depth of knowledge in instruction.  There is a six year cycle in curriculum with $60,000 set aside each year for curriculum adoption.  Assessment, individual assistance, and a clear curriculum add to the effectiveness of this school district.

One partnership not open to many school districts in Iowa is this school district's strong relationship with the Diamond Joe Casino.  This casino makes generous

donations to the school district in the form of scholarships and classroom grants.  Teachers are granted $1500 yearly to spend on materials to enhance student engagement and to purchase curriculum.  These grants sometimes take the form of new chairs and tables.  Casino money helps with registration and book fees, keeping the cost to parents at just $5.  Students are given athletic passes to attend special events.  The generous donations from the casino directly impact families and students in a positive manner. 

In this district, there is a focus on character development.  Character Counts activities are student driven and known as the Junior Viking Way with monthly skits to reinforce intrinsic values.  Another source of pride is the high number of students taking concurrent enrollment courses through North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC).  Partnerships are strong between the Northwood-Kensett School District and the community as well a with community organizations.

When viewing the cooperation between those in this school district and the community, the following quote by Bunker Ray comes to mind:  "School is something that you learn; however, education is what you learn from others - from the family, from the environment, and from the community."  The partnerships valued in this district are leading to a strong education system for the students of this district.

 

POINTS of PRIDE: Keota Elementary

Welcome to Keota Elementary led by Principal Beth McBride.  Here at Keota students are recognized as they SOARR by being:

• S=Safe
• O=Organized
• A=Achieving
• R=Respectful
• R=Responsible

Keota is in year two of the Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS).  SOARR slips are written out by staff as they see students SOARR.  From these names, data is gathered and weekly announcements take place to honor those behaviors held in esteem in this building.   Rewards may include choice of a special PE activity,  Sock Day where only socks are worn in the classroom,  ten minute extra recess, use of the principal's chair, or one of the favorite activities - reading to younger students.
 
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Elementary enrollment - 215
Free/Reduced Lunch - 30%
Elementary building - Preschool through grade 6
Middle School/High School - grades 7-12

Points of Pride for Keota include the supportive families in the district and a staff that is caring, loving, and sets high expectations for their students.  Not only is content emphasized but also a strong work ethic.  There is a tremendous loyalty on the part of the community for their schools as evidenced by the high attendance for activities beyond the school day.

Keota partners with nearby Mid-Prairie for professional development related to Iowa Core, Google Education, and technology application. Early outs occur two times per month. iPad carts have been delivered to each building and the 5th/6th grade have 30 Chromebooks to add classroom technology.  The kindergarten has plastic tubs filled with instructional activities for a Home-School Connection.  The tubs are sent home for parents to learn from their children.

Grades 1-3 use the Daily Five as a framework for instruction.  Tucker Sign strategies, hand signals to
build letter sound associations, are also used.  Teachers are always seeking avenues to enhance instructional materials - Donor's Choose and Washington County Riverboat Association to name a few.  Casino money and empowerment funds have provided updated playground equipment for Keota.

As its mission statement reads - Keota is dedicated to preparing lifelong learners for an ever-changing society.  Keota Eagles - keep soarring!

POINTS OF PRIDE: Mid-Prairie's Kalona Elementary

Across the state of Iowa, there is a strong emphasis on assessment  - standardized, formative, and summative.  With the Iowa TIER, the FAST Assessment is making its way through Iowa  elementary.  Districts are being ranked by Iowa Assessment data in reading, making literacy instruction serious business.  So it was a delight to visit Kalona Elementary and see the love of literacy alive and well during their week of celebrating literacy.  I was greeted by Principal Teresa Beenblossom dressed as a clown and excited about a week in the "big top," celebrating a love of reading.  This was an exciting week made possible by the hard work of the literacy committee who decorated the school with a circus theme.  The week was peppered with Mystery Readers, community members going into classrooms to read, a Family Literacy Night complete with a meal, book give aways, guest speakers on how to share literacy with your child, face painting, and a circus-themed photo booth.  With the

theme of "reading rocks" guest readers sat in a rocking chair sharing story time with kids throughout the day.  Drop Everything and Read as well as a Read and Feed topped off the week.  I witnessed a passionate read by a "mystery reader" (pictured above), and I could almost hear the students giggle as they tried to figure out who the reader was.  All of these activities worked to take the seriousness of literacy and transform it into a love of literacy. 

"He that loves reading has everything in his reach." (Godwin)

Principal Beenblossom may have been dressed as a clown but there
is no clowning around when it comes to learning.  Both Chinese and Spanish are taught in grades K-5 to this building of 275 students.  The PBIS program (in its first year) sets high expectations for behaviors and assemblies celebrate those positive behaviors for both students and staff. Learning in the classroom does only reach throughout the building but also extends into the community with service projects.  In fifth grade, the students took part in the Linus Project through the creation of 77 blankets for Iowa City Children's Hospital.
 

Benchmark Literacy is a strong initiative.  This program contains a great deal of teacher modeling followed by a gradual release of responsibility to the students using scaffolding and supports.  To view a video of their Benchmark Literacy program, check it out at: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cno0rjarxWo#t=140 

The strength in the Mid-Prairie School District is the collaboration between administrators.  There is a balcony view not by individual buildings but as an entire district.  In the words of Beenblossom, "Our school district has amazing, dedicated teachers who go above and beyond."