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.