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