POINTS of PRIDE: Sibley-Ocheyeden

The Mission of Sibley-Ocheyeden: 

To provide the best possible education within a stimulating environment while building a foundation for lifelong learning though a variety of academic, interpersonal, and co-curricular activities involving the entire community.

Sibley-Ocheyeden School District, according to Superintendent Bill Boer, is a place where teachers are student focused and care about kids - where, in his words, teachers are "green and growing" and NOT "ripe and rotting." Mr. Boer has been the superintendent here for almost two years.

District Demographics:
Enrollment   775
Free/Reduced Lunch  43%
ELL   45 students from Mexico
Schools - Elementary PK-4;  Middle School grades 5-8; High School grades 9-12

How is the district moving forward?  With a 2 hour early out each month, grades K-2 are focused on Foundations of Reading and grades 3-12 are focused on Authentic Intellectural Work  A book study on Teaching with Poverty in Mind has been assisting in meetin the needs of their families.   In an effort to help parents understand what students are learning, currently, the elementary uses standards-based report cards which will eventually transition into the 5th and 6th grade.

Points of Pride at the secondary level include a growing FFA program.  The community is raising money to support the hiring of an additional teacher.  According to Mr. Boer, the Fine Arts program is "tops" with nearly 50% of the high school student body participating in chorus and band.  Over 100 participate in marching band and the flag corps.  Students can take online college classes through NICC and there is an in-house teacher who provides a college credit computer class.  The fall musical was a spectacular presentation of "Annie."  Sports teams have also experienced success this year with the football team making the playoffs and 7 wrestlers qualifying for the state meet with 3 placing.

In the area of STEM this district has Pint Size Science - introducing children to STEM topics through discovery learning. This program uses a hands-on approach that engages and inspires young minds to explore scientific phenomena.  They also have the Kid Wind Competition where students learn about wind energy technology.  To add to their STEM offerings, the high school has a robotics class.  There is also a partnership with Iowa State extension service for STEM actiities in the summer.

While visiting one of their schools,  students were busy walking through a giant heart - exploring its chambers and getting a bird's eye view of what keeps life coursing through our veins.  Hands-on learning, exploration, and student involvement - all qualities that make learning come alive for children. 

Community partnerships are strong with the building of a fitness center to which the schools have access as well as the local day care having been built by the hospital.  Quality education is valued and appreciated here at Sibley-Ocheyeden!