POINTS of PRIDE: Chariton

Welcome to Chariton School District - Charger Country!  When they talk about the Charger Way, it stands for Accountability, Desire, Selflessness, Respect, and Confidence - traits selected by students to represent what being a Charger means.  Students and staff engage in conversations as to what each of these traits should look like in the classroom, at events, and in the community.

District Demographics:
Enrollment - 1500

Chariton Leaders

Free & Reduced Lunch - 50%

Chariton has been successful at the high school level with reading scores.  Their secret?  An English teacher that makes literature interesting and appealing.  A veteran teacher who has used the Iowa Core standards to impact her instruction.  Special education teachers who use specific reading strategies to grow IEP students into readers.  All of these along with a focus on writing to improve written responses in all classes and to create a stronger learning connection while formulating what they are learning into the written word.  With a Response to Intervention time at the high school, students are more aware of their grades and conversations are held on how staff can assist students in moving forward in their learning.  A study table is provided before school from 7:45 - 8:10 A.M. as well as during lunch which requires attendance by those who are not being successful.

Along with a proud history, extracurricular activities are strong.  The vocal music teacher gives students the confidence to get up in front of a crowd and perform.  The band teacher is growing the program.  There is an art program that has a gallery to display artwork.  Clubs include:  Annamae, Spanish, Art, Speech, FFA, FBLA, MS Archery, NHS, Academic Decathlon, FCA...  There is a participation rate of  between 80% - 90% of  students in extracurricular activities. 

Chariton is a Project Lead the Way school with an engineering strand including Intro to Engineering,
Principles of Engineering, and Digital Electronics.  Next year they will add
Civil Engineering and Biomedical courses.  Middle School has the Gateway program with Automation Robotics, Design and Modeling, and Biomedical. 

The community connection is also strong.  A community center is attached to the school with two gyms, an auditorium, and meeting rooms.  Concurrent enrollment classes are offered in conjunction with Indian Hills.  Pride in your school is continually emphasized. 

Chariton subscribes to the words of Knute Rockne:  "Build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points." And students are asked to: "Do something today that your future self will thank you for."