I really love Iowa except for its winters. The early morning school cancellation decision is the bane of a superintendent’s existence! I haven’t met an administrative colleague who enjoys being up early to check roads, obsess about forecasts,…

Communication and Relationships I have been fortunate to be an educator since my college graduation in 1988. I have also known the joy of coaching and the fulfillment of ministry during the last three decades. My family is…

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…

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 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 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…

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…

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…

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…

High School Essayists Gracie McConnell and Kathlyn Wagner shared the excitement of being involved in Indianola CSD traditions and wrote about what makes Indianola a special community. Senior Gracie McConnell shared, “Being a cheerleader on the sidelines of…

When invited to write about the school and community’s proud traditions (part of the school district’s vision, “Proud Traditions. . .Unlimited Possibilities”), Indianola Middle School’s students had some great examples to share. Following are some excerpts from essays…

Some time ago I watched a video sent to me by GPAEA Chief Jon Sheldahl, featuring a conversation with Thomas Friedman and Marc Tucker, moderated by Luke Russert for NBC. The video provided a good opportunity to listen…