POINTS of PRIDE: Audubon

Principal Sam Graeve

Welcome to Audubon Community School District - home of the
Wheelers where school is the hub and the community is the outside rim. Principal Graeve says that small schools cannot be a success without community support. 

Great things are happening in Audubon.  The day begins with the Character Counts pledge followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  This district has completed its first year of Professional Learning Community implementation, and professional development is teacher driven.  The Teacher Leadership and Compensation framework has been implemented in the fall 2015 consisting of two instructional coaches as well as mentor and model teachers.  It is the belief of administrators to "hire well and get out of their way." 

District Demographics:
Enrollment 534
Free & Reduced Lunch Rate  45-47%
Elementary School grades K-4
Middle School/High School grades 5-12

Academic achievement is looked at with pride in this district.  There are 1-to-1 laptops at the high school.  Principal Graeve spoke with pride about their work with aligning to Iowa Core, their high math scores through using Saxon Math grades K-12, and strong ACT scores.   Even with inadequate funding from the state, this district has been able to maintain their high achievement scores.  Poverty rates are rising in rural areas because families in need are more able to afford housing in these areas than in the cities.  With all staff on the same page, achievement remains strong. 

Wellness has a focus in this district that began with a PE for Life grant five years ago.  This grant supports wellness activities at the school and in the community.  There is a wellness room at the high school for students and staff. Audubon is in the process of making their facilities ready for 21st Century learning. 

Audubon School District won the District Class 1A Bank Iowa Challenge Cup Award, a program that recognizes Iowa High School students for academic excellence in the classroom and outstanding achievement during state competitions.  According to their website, the Bank Iowa Traveling Challenge Cup is a combined, statewide, year- long competition among all member high schools of the Iowa High School Athletic Association, Iowa High School Music Association, Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union and the Iowa High School Speech Association. A separate winner is determined for each of the four high school state classes.  Quite an accomplishment for any district!

In 2012 Audubon was recognized in the DesMoines Register as one of the best places to work.  With a staff that works extremely hard, a custodial class that maintains top notch facilities, and a strong administrative staff this district has many positives that keep it growing and moving forward.