The End is the Beginning

It is impossible not to be a little nostalgic during graduation season, Memorial Day weekend, and the last week of school. While we are pushing on to the next thing, we are also looking back fondly. Celebrations and…

On the Run

Wednesday morning, March 30, Emerson Elementary staff and students staged a surprise assembly to congratulate Principal Mark Timmerman on qualifying for the Boston Marathon April 18. Mr. Timmerman, a committed runner, has completed six marathons previously and qualified…

It’s a Small World After All

It’s a Small World After All Emerson Elementary held a very successful and engaging Culture Day on Friday, March 11. Besides student artwork and lots of food and celebration, students had the opportunity to learn from and interact…

Pursuing Goals

Pursuing Goals Indianola Middle School provides one great example of how the school district’s attendance centers identify improvement goals then go about striving to meet those goals. The over-arching goal that emerged from two different Instructional Rounds visits…

State of the District

The new year provides many opportunities to celebrate the good things happening in the Indianola Community School District. I will provide a brief overview in several significant areas although this is by no means an exhaustive discussion in…

Appreciation is Like Oxygen

November 16-20, 2015, marks another American Education Week, an opportunity to celebrate and thank people who work and volunteer in American public schools. As American students headed back to school this fall, over 50 million were enrolled at…

Understanding Student Achievement

It is a pleasure to serve a district where continuous improvement is sought and student achievement is a priority. Proficiency rates in math and reading across grade levels 3-11 range from 82-92% in Indianola CSD, and the percentage…

Back to School

Those words “back to school” evoke a lot of different images for people. For many students returning to school is an exciting time to reconnect with beloved friends and school staff. For some others those words signify a…

Indianola CSD Strategic Plan for 2015-2020

Previously I wrote about the district strategic planning process this spring. Today’s blog shares the District Vision, Mission, Beliefs, Goals, and Theories of Action that resulted from that process. Our Vision: Proud Traditions. . .Unlimited Possibilities Our Mission:…