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| Superintendent John Robbins |
Commitment + Attitude + Dedication + Effort + Teamwork = Success
According to Steven R. Covey, "Leadership is communicating people's worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves." One does not have visit with Dr. John Robbins very long to see that not only does he encourage THE LEADER IN ME program in his district but he lives out the habits of highly effective people. As I accompanied him on his walkthroughs, it was evident that staff look forward to his visits. By staff, I mean everyone from cafeteria workers to associates to custodians to teachers - each greeted with a smile and words of encouragement. Dr. Robbins is developing a culture of leadership in his schools by helping not only children to be leaders but staff to be leaders of their own lives. He encourages people to identify their unique talents and abilities and offers encouragement to them as he visits with them. It was a joy to accompany someone who so obviously cares about his staff and students.
District Demographics
Enrollment - 1087
Free & Reduced Lunch - 40%
Buildings - PreK - 2 (Pine View), grades 3-5 (Rock Run), Grade 6 at Alden, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12
District-wide the focus in Iowa Falls Alden is on Authentic Intellectual Work (evaluating the quality of instruction through reflection), Instructional Practices Inventory (measuring student engagement), the LEADER IN ME program (building leaders), and infusion of technology and Iowa Core. In the area of technology the high school is 1 to 1 with MacBooks, the middle school is 1 to 1 with Chromebooks.
At the high school, concurrent classes are offered through Ellsworth Community College. With next year's Teacher Leadership and Compensation Program, the district will have a tech coach, AIW coach, a student engagement coach, data integrationists in each building, and student success coaches in each building. All will follow work in the same direction - "Leadership is unlocking people's potential to become better."
In one building we visited, we looked at the Shark room. The Shark program has students work on problems and plan solutions. The community listens to the student presentations and determines which are feasible. The Shark room is where the creating and planning takes place. A program such as this follows the quote, "Never let your goals become your limits."
The best way to write about Iowa Falls Alden is not to write about them but to share a series of photos from the buildings visited in this district along with a series of quotes. The photos speak more about climate and culture than any words I can write. Enjoy your glimpse into their learning environment!
"Education is the key to success in life, and teachers make a lasting impact in the lives of their students. (Ortiz)
"It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge." (Einstein)
"A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning." (Henry)
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." (Jung)
"I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist and that there are as few as there are any other great artists. Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit." (Steinbeck) 
As Iowa Falls Alden has posted on a wall - "In matters of style, move like the current; in matters of principle, move like a rock."
Keep lighting the fire, Iowa Falls Alden, bringing out the leader in each other!
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