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.