Columbus Public Schools: Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Innovation

DECEMBER

Where Community Meets the Classroom

DearReaders,

Agreatschooldistrictismorethanjustacollectionofbuildings,textbooks,andtestscores.Itisthe heartbeatofitscity,amirrorreflectingthevaluesofitsfamilies,andthelaunchpadforthenextgeneration ofcitizens.Inanerawherethedefinitionof"success"isconstantlyevolving,themosteffectiveeducational systemsarethosethatbalancedeep-rootedtraditionwithboldinnovation.Theyarenotjustteaching studentshowtotakeexams;theyareteachingthemhowtobuildlives,careers,andcommunities.Itisthis unwaveringcommitmenttoholisticgrowthandstudent-centeredenvironmentsthatwecelebrateinourlatest issue,The10MostAdmiredSchoolDistricts.

OurcoverstorytakesustotheheartofNebraskatoexploretheinspiringevolutionofColumbusPublic Schools(CPS) Withrootsstretchingbacktothelate1800sandanofficialcharterfrom1926,CPShas masteredtheartofhonoringitshistorywhileaggressivelypursuingthefuture.Underthetransformative leadershipofSuperintendentDr.ChipKay,thedistrictservesagrowing,diversepopulationofover4,200 studentswithaculturedefinedbybelongingandopportunity.CPShasdistinguisheditselfbydissolvingthe wallsbetweentheclassroomandtherealworld.Throughadvancedcareerpathwaywingsandpartnerships withlocalhospitals,studentsaregraduatingnotjustwithdiplomas,butwithindustrycertificationsandreal jobskills.Whetheritisthroughtheiraward-winningartsprogramsortheupcomingNon-Traditional LearningandSupportCenter,ColumbusPublicSchoolsprovesthatwhenadistrictlistenstoitscommunity, itcreatesanenvironmentwhereeverychild,regardlessofbackground,canthrive.

JoiningColumbusPublicSchoolsinthisdistinguishededitionareotherdistrictssettingthestandardfor excellence.WeareproudtofeaturetheeducationalinitiativesofPettisCountyR-VSchoolDistrict;the academicrigorofIrvineUnifiedSchoolDistrict;thehigh-performingcultureofGlenbrookHighSchool District225;andthecommunity-integratedapproachofWestLafayetteCommunitySchoolCorporation.

Thesedistrictsremindusthatthefutureofoursocietyisbeingbuilt,daybyday,inourclassrooms.They serveasatestamenttowhatispossiblewheneducators,families,andcommunitiesalignwithasingle purpose:thesuccessofthestudent.

HappyReading!

Pankaj Gholap Managing Editor

From The Editor’s Desk

People Behind This Issue

Publisher: Archana Ghule

Editor–in–Chief: Vikram Suryawanshi

Managing Editor: Pankaj Gholap

Project Editor: Parag Ahire

Sales & Marketing

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Project Manager: Rakesh Yadav, Nehal Nagpure

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Research Team: Daisy, Rahul, Maranda, Rocky

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Cover Story

Columbus Public Schools

Bradley Union School District www.bradleyusd.org

Eanes Independent School District www.eanesisd.net

Glenbrook High School District www.glenbrook225.org

Pettis County R-V School District www.northwest.k12.mo.us

Columbus Public Schools www.columbuspublicschools.org West Lafayette Community School Corporation www.wl.k12.in.us

Lenape Valley Regional High School District www.lvhs.org

Davis School District www.davis.k12.ut.us

East Williston Union Free School District www.ewsdonline.org

Irvine Unified School District www.iusd.org

COLUMBUS PUBLIC SCHOOLS Rooted in Tradition, Growing with Innovation

Thestoryofaschooldistrictoftenmirrorsthestoryofthe communityitserves.InColumbus,Nebraska,that connectionisespeciallyclear Agrowingcityofmorethan 25,000residents,Columbushaslongplacededucationattheheartof itsprogress.Familieswhosettledheregenerationsagobuiltschools thatwerenotonlyplacesoflearningbutalsogatheringspaceswhere thecommunitycametogether Thattraditionhascontinuedtoshape ColumbusPublicSchools,knownlocallyasCPS,andithasbecome oneofthedistrict’sdefiningstrengths.

AlthoughCPSreceiveditsofficialcharterin1926,itsrootsruneven deeper.Graduatesofthehighschooltracebacktothelate1800s,a reminderthatpubliceducationhasalwaysbeenpartofthecity’s identity.Overtime,thedistricthasexpandedtomeettheneedsofa changingpopulationwhilekeepingneighborhoodschoolsatitscore. Today,thedistrictreflectsboththehistoryofColumbusandthe energyofacommunitylookingforward.

ThemissionofCPSisnotonlytoeducatebutalsotopreparestudents foraworldthatisrapidlyevolving.Partnershipswiththelocal communitycollegeandindustryleadershavehelpedthedistrict designoneofthemostadvancedcareerpathwaycentersinNebraska.

Ratherthantravelingelsewhereforspecialized programs,ColumbusHighSchoolstudentslearnina dedicatedcareerpathwaywingfilledwith industry-gradeequipment.Thisinvestmenthascreated asettingwhereacademicinstructionand real-worldtrainingmeet.

CPShasalsoextendeditscareerpathwaysintohealth sciencesthroughacollaborationwiththelocal hospital.StudentsnowleavehighschoolwithCNA certificationandaccesstoscholarshipsandjob placements.Additionally,thedistrictiscommittedto providingopportunitiesforfamiliesbyofferingparent learningprogramsandtransportationforspecial educationstudents,ensuringthateveryonehasaccess toacompleteeducationalexperience.

Fromitsearlygraduatesinthe1800stothelaunchof CompassAcademyandpre-advancedplacement coursesformiddleschoolers,CPShasbuiltonitspast tocreateopportunitiesforthefuture.Itsvisionremains rootedinthecommunitywhilesteadilyopeningnew doorsforeverystudent.

AcademicProgramsAcrossEveryStage

EducationinColumbusPublicSchoolsisdesignedto growwiththestudent.Fromtheearliestyearsthrough highschoolgraduation,thedistrictoffersacontinuum ofprogramsthatsupportbothacademiclearningand personalgrowth.Eachlevelisbuiltwithintention, reflectingthebeliefthatastrongfoundationprepares studentsnotonlyforthenextgradebutforthefuture theywillstepintoafterschool.

Learningbeginsatthedistrict’sdedicatedpreschool, wherethree-andfour-year-oldsareintroducedtoearly interventionservicesandkindergartenreadiness. Theseprogramsensurethattheyoungestlearnershave thetoolsandsupporttheyneedbeforetheyeverenter atraditionalclassroom.

ThejourneycontinuesinCPSelementaryschools, whichservestudentsinkindergartenthroughfourth grade.Here,childrenexperienceawell-rounded educationthatbalancescoresubjectswithphysical educationandthearts.Supportisavailablefor non-English-speakingstudents,andspecialized programsinspecialeducationandTitleIcreatean inclusiveenvironmentwhereeverychildcan findsuccess.

Atthemiddleschoollevel,gradesfivethrougheightare organizedintoacademicteamsthatencouragecollaboration andasenseofbelonging.Alongsideastrongcorecurriculum, studentsexploreelectivesrangingfrombandandvocalmusic toSTEM,familyandconsumerscience,computerscience, andvisualarts.Themiddleschoolhasbecomeespecially recognizedforitsannualmusical,anaward-winning productionperformedbyseventh-andeighth-gradersthat bringsthecommunitytogetherincelebrationofstudenttalent.

HighschoolatCPSbuildsonthisfoundationwithanarrayof advancedplacementanddual-creditopportunities,allowing studentstoearncollegecreditbeforegraduation.Career pathwaysinSTEMandhealthsciencesgivestudents hands-ontrainingandindustryexposure,whileprogramsin performingarts,visualarts,SkillsUSA,andathleticsprovide outletsforcreativity,leadership,andcompetition.Columbus HighSchool’scommitmenttoexcellenceensuresthat graduatesleavewithbothacademicachievementandthe confidencetopursuetheirgoals.

LeadershipwithVision

Strongleadershiphasalwaysbeencentraltothesuccessof ColumbusPublicSchools.Thistrajectoryofsuccesswas significantlyacceleratedbythehardworkofprior SuperintendentDr.TroyLoeffelholz,who “created opportunities and vision that our community didn’t know existed.” Histransformativeapproachhelpedredefine ColumbusPublicSchools,layingthegroundworkforthe innovativedistrictseentoday.

Today,thatvisioniscarriedforwardbySuperintendent Dr.ChipKay.Knownasatransformationaleducational leader,Dr.Kayplacesstudentsatthecenterofeverydecision. Hisapproachisrootedinthebeliefthatschoolsmustnotonly teachbutalsocreatespaceswhereeverylearnerfeelsseen, valued,andsupported.However,thedistrictacknowledges thatnothingissustainablewithoutqualityleadershipatthe buildinglevel.Itistheprincipalsandadministrativeteams acrosseachcampuswhooperationalizethesegoals,ensuring thatthedistrict’svisionisexecutedeffectivelydayinandday out.

UnderDr.Kay’sleadership,CPShasemphasizedacultureof belonging.Thiscommitmentisespeciallymeaningfulina districtthatcontinuestogrowmorediverseeachyear.By fosteringinclusiveenvironments,Dr.Kayensuresthatevery studenthasthechancetothriveacademicallywhilealso developingtheconfidenceandresilienceneededbeyond theclassroom.

Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay

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Innovationplaysasignificantroleinhisvisionaswell. Fromexpandingcareerpathwaystoinvestingin advancedtechnologyanddata-driveninstruction, Dr.Kayhasworkedtoaligndistrictprioritieswiththe needsofstudentsandthebroadercommunity.His messagetofamiliesisclear:CPSisaplacewhere opportunityiscreatedforall,wherediversityis embracedasastrength,andwhereeducationservesasa pathwaytobothpersonalgrowthandfuture achievement.

OpenAccessandInclusiveOpportunities

ColumbusPublicSchoolsfollowsasimpleprinciple whenitcomestoadmissions:everychildinthe communitydeservesaccesstoqualityeducation.Asa publicschooldistrictinNebraska,CPSacceptsall residentstudents.Familiesfromoutsidethedistrictmay alsoapply,andifspaceallows,theirchildrencanenroll throughanoptionprocess.Thisopenmodelreflectsthe district’smissionofservingtheentirecommunity withoutbarriers.

EnrollmentatCPShassteadilyincreasedoverthepast decade,risingfrom3,680studentstoaround4,200today. ThisgrowthisnotonlyaresultofColumbus’sexpanding populationbutalsoasignoftheconfidencefamilies placeinthedistrict’sprogramsandsupportsystems.

WhatmakesCPSuniqueisitscommitmenttoensuring successforallstudents,regardlessoftheirbackgroundor financialsituation.ProgramsforEnglishlanguage learners,specialeducationservices,andopportunitiesfor high-abilitylearnersarepartofthisframework.College dual-creditcoursesandastrongfocusontheartsand careerpathwaysfurtherextendaccesstomeaningful opportunities.Formanyfamilies,theseinitiativeslevel theplayingfieldandopendoorsthatmightotherwise remainclosed,reinforcingCPS’sroleasbothan academicinstitutionandacommunitypartner.

EnrollmentGrowthandStudentDiversity

ColumbusPublicSchoolshasseensteadyenrollment growthoverthelastdecade,movingfrom3,680students tenyearsagotomorethan4,200today.Unlikemany Nebraskadistrictsofsimilarsize,CPScontinuestotrend upward,adding64studentsinthe2024–2025school yearwhileothersexperienceddeclines.Thisgrowth highlightsboththedistrict’sexpandingcommunityand thestrongreputationofitsprograms.

Thestudentbodyreflectsarichdiversity.In2023–2024, Hispanicstudentsrepresentedjustoverhalfofthepopulation at50.42percent,whileWhitestudentsaccountedfor44.29 percent.SmallerbutsignificantgroupsincludeAsian,Blackor AfricanAmerican,AmericanIndianorAlaskanNative,and multiracialstudents.ThenumberofEnglishlearnershas climbedto20.17percent,wellabovethestateaverage.CPS alsoservesalargeshareofstudentsfromlow-incomefamilies, aswellasagrowingpopulationofstudentswithdisabilities, nowapproaching20percent.

SupportingDiverseLearners

ColumbusPublicSchoolsprioritizesprovidingopportunities forallstudentsatthecenterofitsmission.StrategicPlan Priority#4underscoresthedistrict’scommitmentto embracingstudents’culturalbackgroundswhileensuringthat eachlearnerhasthetoolstosucceed.Thisfocusbeginswitha strongK–12EnglishLearnersteachingstaff,whoprovide specializedinstructiontostudentsadaptingtoanewlanguage.

Beyondlanguagesupport,CPShasexpandedcurriculum offeringsandcreatedextendedservicesforstudentsand families.Theseprogramsnotonlyenhanceacademic achievementbutalsoencourageengagementathomeand withinthebroadercommunity.Familiesarewelcomedintothe educationalprocess,withresourcesdesignedtomakeschools moreaccessibleandsupportive.

Equallyimportantistheexpectationplacedonstaff.Teachers andadministratorsareencouragedtomodelthevaluesofthe community,bringingastrongworkethic,inclusivepractices, andrespectforeverybackgroundintotheclassroomeachday.

CommunityServicesandFamilySupport

ColumbusPublicSchoolshaslongrecognizedthatlearning extendsbeyondtheclassroom.Thedistrictoffersavarietyof community-focusedprogramsdesignedtosupportstudents andfamiliesthroughouttheireducationaljourney.These includeasummerfeedingprogram,after-schoolactivities,and afamilyliteracyinitiativethatengagesbothchildrenand parentsinlearningtogether.CPSalsooperatesacommunity daycareandpreschoollearningcenterwhilepartneringwith localdaycareproviderstoextendqualityearlychildhood educationacrossthecity

IncollaborationwithlocalagenciessuchasUnitedWay,CPS runsthePacesetterCompanyprogram,andon-sitesupport includesattendancemonitors,socialworkers,andSixpence familymentors.

SpecialeducationandTitleservicesareavailabletoallnonpublicschoolsinthecommunity,ensuringinclusivesupport. Lookingahead,theopeningoftheNon-TraditionalLearning andSupportCenterin2026willexpandtheseofferings, providingahubforalternativelearningopportunities, communitypartnerships,andcomprehensivefamilysupport.

StudentLifeandExtracurricularOpportunities

LifeontheColumbusPublicSchoolscampusesextendsfar beyondtheclassroom,offeringstudentsawealthof opportunitiestoexploreinterests,developskills,andbuild community AtColumbusHighSchool,studentscanjoina widerangeofclubs,fromtheArtClubandForeignLanguage ClubtoFBLA,HOSA,FCCLA,SkillsUSA,Robotics, AcademicQuizbowl,andtheNationalHonorSociety. Athleticsareequallydiverse,includingbasketball,soccer, swimming,track,golf,wrestling,volleyball,football, baseball,softball,cheerleading,dance,andunifiedsports programs.Performingartsthrivethroughvocalensembles, marching,concert,andjazzbands,alongwithfallmusicals andspringplays.

Middleandelementaryschoolsalsoengagestudentswith clubs,musicgroups,studentcouncils,andDestination Imagination.Athleticsforyoungerstudentsincludefootball, basketball,wrestling,volleyball,cross-country,and cheerleading,whileperformingartsprogramsoffermusicals andplaysforeverygrade.Acrossalllevels,CPSensuresthat everystudentfindsopportunitiestoexploretalents,build confidence,andconnectwithpeers.

EmbracingEveryStudent

ColumbusPublicSchoolsfostersaculturewhereevery studentiswelcomed,supported,andincluded.Students benefitfromspecializedprogramsdesignedtomeetdiverse learningneeds,andopportunitiessuchasdual-language classeshelpbridgeculturalandlinguisticgaps.Unified sportsandactivitiesallowstudentsofvaryingabilitiesto participatefully,promotingteamwork,understanding,anda senseofbelonging.

Fromclassroomstoextracurricularprograms,theemphasis remainsoncreatingasupportiveenvironmentwhere differencesarerespectedandvalued.Teachers,staff,and administratorsworkcollaborativelytoensurethatallstudents feelconnectedtotheirschoolcommunity.AtCPS,inclusion isnotjustaprogram;itisaprincipleembeddedinthe district’sculture,shapinginteractions,learningexperiences, andtheoverallstudentexperience.

CareerGuidanceandMentorship

ColumbusPublicSchoolsoffersarangeofsupport servicestohelpstudentsnavigatetheiracademicand careerjourneys.Formorethantwentyyears,thedistrict hasparticipatedintheTeammatesMentoringprogram, connectingstudentswithadultcommunitymentorswho provideguidance,encouragement,andreal-world perspectives.Careerpathwaysprogramsgivestudents hands-onexperienceinmultiplefields,including healthcare,banking,automechanics,andmanufacturing, culminatingincapstoneinternshipsthatpreparethemfor post-secondarysuccess.

Adedicatedcareercoordinatoroverseescounselingand outreachforallgradelevels,helpingstudentsexplore opportunitiesandplanfortheirfutures.Atthemiddle schoollevel,STEMclassesarecloselylinkedtorealworldcareerpathways,allowingyoungerstudentstosee howclassroomlearningtranslatestofutureprofessions. Throughmentorship,careerexploration,andpersonalized support,CPSensuresthatstudentsarenotonlyprepared academicallybutalsoequippedwiththeconfidenceand connectionsneededtosucceedbeyondgraduation.

LookingAhead

ColumbusPublicSchoolscontinuestoplanstrategically forthefuture,focusingonexpandinglearning opportunitiesandsupportingstudentsuccessinevery area.OnemajorinitiativeistheopeningoftheNonTraditionalLearningandSupportCenter,whichwill providealternativeeducationalpathwaysforstudentsin gradesfivethroughtwelve.Thecenterwillconnect communityservicestofamilies,offeradiplomaprogram throughtheCompassAcademy,andemphasizecareer readiness.

Toaddressagrowingstudentpopulation,CPSis constructinganewintermediateschoolforgradesfour andfive.Thisschoolwillcombineaspecialized curriculumwithcoreacademicswhileemphasizingsocial andemotionallearning.Music,arts,andSTEMprograms willbeintegralpartsoftheexperience,allowingstudents todevelopwell-roundedskills.

Additionally,thedistrictplanstoimplementtheFranklin Covey“LeaderinMe”program,strengtheningstudent goalsettingandleadershipdevelopment.Theseinitiatives reflectCPS’songoingcommitmenttopreparingstudents forsuccessinschoolandbeyond.

IntherollingheartlandofMissouri,educationis

morethanatradition;itisasharedcommitment thatbringsfamilies,teachers,andneighbors together Acrossgenerations,theschoolsofPettisCounty havestoodascornerstonesoftheircommunities,shaping youngmindswhilereflectingthevaluesofhardworkand integritythatdefinetheregion.Outofthisspiritof collaboration,thePettisCountyR-VSchoolDistrict wasformedin1964,whentheLongwood,Postal, Houstonia,Hughesville,andCartwrightdistrictscame togethertocreatesomethingstrongerandmoreunified.

Sincethen,thedistricthasremainedsteadfastinitsbelief thateverychilddeservestheopportunitytolearn,grow, andsucceed.Itsvisionistocultivateanexemplaryschool environmentthatinspiresexcellence,fostersmutual respect,andbuildspersonalresponsibility.Guidedbythis purpose,PettisCountyR-Vempowerseachstudentto becomeaproductive,confidentcitizenthroughengaging instructioninasafeandcaringsetting.Here,learningis bothpersonalandpurposeful,andeverysuccessstory reflectsacommunitythatcontinuestoinvestinits greatestresource,itschildren.

AClose-KnitCommunityofLearners

ThePettisCountyR-VSchoolDistrictserves325 studentswholearnandgrowtogetherinasupportive, family-centeredenvironment.Studentsinpreschool throughsixthgradeattendNorthwestElementaryin Houstonia,wherecuriosityandfoundationalskillstake root.

Fromsevenththroughtwelfthgrade,studentscontinue theirjourneyatNorthwestHighSchoolinHughesville, wheretheybuildknowledge,confidence,andcharacter Thoughsmallinsize,thedistrict’sstrengthliesinits closecommunityandpersonalizedapproachtoeducation. Everystudentisknown,encouraged,andgiventhe opportunitytoreachtheirfullpotentialinbothacademics andpersonalgrowth.

ExpandingOpportunitiesforEveryStudent

PettisCountyR-Vensuresthatstudentshaveaccesstoa widerangeoflearningopportunitiesthatpreparethemfor thefuture.Throughpartnershipswithseveralcollegesand universities,studentscanearndualcreditwhilestillin highschool.Theyalsohaveaccesstoonlinecourses throughLAUNCHandhands-onCareerandTechnical EducationprogramswithStateFairCommunityCollege.

Thedistrictrecentlyintroducedatransitional kindergartenforfour-andfive-year-oldsto buildstrongearlyfoundations.Withreading requiredthrougheighthgrade,PettisCounty R-Vreinforcesliteracyasthekeytolifelong learningandacademicsuccess.

LeadershipRootedinCommitmentand Care

PettisCountyR-Visguidedbyleaderswho knowtheircommunityandserveitwith dedication.SuperintendentDr.AmyFagghas beenwiththedistrictfor14years,servingas bothhighschoolprincipalandsuperintendent since2017.ElementaryPrincipalKelly Weathersjoinedin1998andhasledNorthwest Elementarysince2019.

HighSchoolPrincipalShaneRingenbecamepartoftheleadershipteam in2024.Together,theyshareasimplemessage: “Welcome to the Northwest family. Work hard, show kindness, and always give your best. Here, commitment and grace go hand in hand.”

ACommitmenttoEducationalExcellence

ForPettisCountyR-V,educationalexcellencemeanseverychildreaching theirfullestpotential.Thedistrictmeasuressuccessnotonlythroughstate testingbutthroughsteadygrowthforeachstudent.Amajorfocusofits improvementplanisattractingandretainingexceptionalteachers, recognizingthatgreateducatorsarethefoundationofstudent achievement.

Tosupportthisgoal,thedistrictintroducedafour-dayschoolweekin 2020,amovethathelpsrecruitandretaintopteachingtalent.Byfostering astrongsenseofcommunityandallowingteacherstousetheirstrengths, PettisCountyR-Vcreatesclassroomswhereeverylearnercanthrive.

PersonalizedLearningThatDrives Success

Thesmallsizeoftheschooldistrictis oneofitsgreateststrengths.With close-knitclassroomsanddedicated teachers,everystudentreceives personalizedattentionthrough one-on-oneandsmallgroup instruction.Thisapproachallows educatorstotailorlessonstoindividual learningstylesandneeds,ensuringthat nostudentisoverlooked.

Thedistrictmaintainshigh expectationsforalllearners,believing thateachchildcanachieveatahigh levelwhengiventherightsupportand encouragement.Byfocusingon relationshipsanddifferentiation,Pettis CountyR-Vcreatesanenvironment whereeverystudentischallenged, supported,andinspiredtosucceed.

AStrongPartnershipwiththeCommunity

CommunityinvolvementisattheheartofPettis CountyR-V’ssuccess.Parentsandlocalresidentsare encouragedtotakeanactiveroleinschoollife, volunteeringforprogramsandservingondistrict committees.Theirparticipationstrengthensthebond betweenclassroomsandthewidercommunity, creatingatruesenseofsharedpurpose.

Throughouttheyear,thedistricthostscommunity dinnersandbreakfaststhatbringfamilies,staff,and neighborstogetherincelebrationandconnection. Thispartnershipreflectsthedistrict'sbeliefthat educationthrivesbestwhenschoolsandcommunities workhandinhandforthebenefitofeverychild.

ACultureofParticipationandRespect

AtPettisCountyR-V,learningextendsfarbeyondthe classroom.Nearly80percentofstudentsingrades seventhroughtwelveparticipateinco-curricularor extracurricularactivities,fromacademicteamsand leadershipclubstoathleticsandthearts.These programs,includingFFA,FBLA,StudentCouncil, Band,andmultiplesports,buildteamworkandpride.

Thedistrictvaluesrespectandresponsibility,ensuring thateverystudentisbothsupportedandchallenged. Thoughresourcesmaybelimited,thecommitmentto studentsrunsdeep.Here,education,character,and communityspiritcometogethertoshapewell-rounded, capableyoungpeople.

EmpoweringaDedicatedTeam

Intheschooldistrict,everyteammemberwearsmany hats.Asasmalldistrict,collaborationandflexibilityare keytodailysuccess.Staffmembersareencouragedto takeownershipoftheirroles,leadwithinitiative,and contributetothedistrict’ssharedgoals.

Theadministrativeteamincludesasuperintendent,ahigh schoolprincipal,andanelementaryprincipal.Their leadershipremainspersonalandresponsive,focusedon empoweringeducatorsandcreatingthebestenvironment forstudentstothrive.

BuildingConfidenceandCharacter

AtPettisCounty,everystudentistreatedwithdignityand respect.Thedistrictencouragesactiveparticipationinall areasofschoollife,bothacademicandextracurricular.

Studentsareinspiredtotake ownershipoftheirlearning, developresponsibility,and contributepositivelytotheir schoolcommunity Thisapproach notonlynurturesacademic growthbutalsobuilds confidence,leadership,anda senseofbelongingthatextends farbeyondtheclassroomwalls.

GuidingFutureswithPurpose

Everyhighschoolstudentat PettisCountyR-Vreceives personalizedcareercounseling designedtohelpthemidentify theirstrengthsandgoals.Each studentdevelopsanIndividual CareerAcademicPlanthatserves asaroadmapfortheireducation andfutureaspirations.

Thisthoughtfulapproachensures thatstudentsmakeinformed decisionsabouttheiracademic pathsandarewell-preparedfor college,vocationaltraining,or careersaftergraduation.

BuildingtowardtheFuture

PettisCountyR-VSchool Districtremainscommittedto maintaininghighexpectationsfor bothstudentsandstaffwhile focusingoncontinuous improvement.Oneofitskey goalsisenhancingdistrict facilitiestosupportmodern learning.Althoughthemain schoolbuildingsdatebackto 1939,thedistricthasconsistently investedinmaintenanceand upgradestoensuresafety, comfort,andfunctionality Eachimprovementreflectsthe district'sdedicationtopreserving itslegacywhilepreparingits spacesforthenextgeneration oflearners.

It is our mission to empower each student to become productive and responsible citizens through highly-engaging instruction in a safe environment where everyone is valued,encouraged, and successful. ”

5 MUST-READ DIGITAL LITERACY BOOKS FOR MODERN LEARNERS

Hello,futureoftheworld.Haveyouhadanysneakpeek

inthepast?Anyconversationaboutthoseblack-andwhitedayswhenthegreatsstudiedthroughbooksin thelightofacandle,notabulb.Itsoundslikeyourfatheristalking toyouabouthistime,duringwhichyouhaveabsolutelyZERO interest,right?Well,Iamaskingallthisjusttotellyouhow quicklywearemovingahead.Andbeingdigitalnowadays, (includingthisblog),wecanunderstandhowmuchweareintothis digitalworldthanarealone.ButhaveyouheardaboutDigital Literacy?Soundsboring?Don’tworry,youcanreadthiswhole blogasIamnotgoingtodiscussthetheoryofit.Instead,Iwillbe tellingyousomepaperworkyouneedtogetyourhandsonto understandhow a piece of paper can enlighten your digital life

Herearethe5bestpicksonDigitalLiteracy

1. AlgorithmsofOppression:HowSearchEnginesReinforce Racism

● Ratings:4.7/5

● Author:SafiyaUmojaNoble

● Published:2018

AlgorithmsofOppressionthebook,itrevealstheinsidiousways algorithmsduplicateandamplifysystemicracisminfact, specificallytargetingBlackwomen.Itexposesthehiddenbiases deepinsidethesealgorithmsthatfurthermarginalizealready vulnerablecommunities.

Moreover,thebookarguesagainstresultswhereavailable informationisusedtostrengthenstereotypes.Themorethisis done,thefewerchoicesmostpeoplehavewhenconsidering contradictinginformationthatcouldupsetthepowerbalance.Asa result,Noblefindsmoreintothehurtstheseproblemshaveonthe individual,community,andsocietyatlarge.Sheshowshow technologycanatoncebeanempowermenttooloramechanism ofoppression.

Noblethuschallengesthenotionofan objectiveinternet.Shearguesthatthis visionservesinsteadtodefinepublic discourseandsupportstheinequitiesthat alreadyexistthere.Indoingso,she effectivelyshowsthecomplexitiesand nuancestowhichtheseissueslend themselves.Shearguesformore transparencyandaccountabilityinthe designofalgorithmsandchampionsamore equitable,fairerdigitallandscape.

AlgorithmsofOppressionisanessential readforthoselookingtounderstandthe intricaterelationshipbetweentechnology andsocialjustice.Thebookrevealshow algorithms,whichareoftenthoughtofas neutral,actuallyarepathsofreinforcement ofalreadyexistinginequalities.Thisbook isinvaluableinencouragingdigitalliteracy -challengingreaderstoquestionbiases withineverydaytools.Beingawareofthese biaseswouldaidreadersinevolvinginto moreknowledgeabledigitalcitizensinan efforttopushforafaireronlineworld.

2. TheAgeOfSurveillanceCapitalism

● Ratings:4.5/5

● Author:ShoshanaZuboff

● Published:2018

Thatis,TheAgeofSurveillance Capitalism,ShoshanaZuboff,reveals thedigitaleconomy-ledmainstream corporationslikeGoogleand Facebooktoday

Theauthorwritesanewcapitalism,whichshecalls “surveillancecapitalism.”Thissystemextractsdataof theownerwithoutpermissionfromtheowner Furthermore,itmakesthisdataavailabletothemarket forsale,whichraisesmajorethicalquestions concerningprivacyandautonomy

Zuboffexploreshowsuchcompaniesbenefitfromour digitallives.Shetrackshowalgorithmspredictand controlouractions.Andthus,seriousissuesarisewith thisdegreeofcapability.Onherwatchlistarethe possibilities:erosionofprivacy,manipulationof opinion,andnow,athreattodemocracyitself.Shecalls forbetterregulationandgreaterawarenesstoprotect thesefreedomsandthefuturethattechnologymaytake.

TheAgeofSurveillanceCapitalismisanimportant readforstudentsofdigitalliteracy:Itoffersprofound insightsintothefoundationalmechanismsandethical ramificationsofthedigitaleconomy.Inprecisedetail Zuboffilluminatesthesubtlemachinationsbywhich companiesextract,analyze,andmonetizepersonal data.

Thatknowledgeempowersdigitalcitizenstobeaware oftheironlineactions.Thishelpsprotecttheirprivacy andcriticallyevaluatetheroleoftechnologyinsociety Third,itinformsreadersthatthroughdigitalliteracy, morejustanddemocraticdigitalworldsmightbe nurtured.

3. TheAlgorithmDesignManual

● Ratings:4.5/5

● Author:StevenSSkiena

● Published:1997

TheAlgorithmDesignManualbyStevenS.Skiena,an intensiveguidetothedetailsofalgorithmdesignand analysis.Itispracticalinnature.Suchclarificationof understandingandapplicationofalgorithmicmethods isusefulforall,whetherstudentsorprofessionals.It providesinsightintotheeffectiveuseofthesemethods tosolvereal-lifeproblems.

Thebookisbasicallydividedintotwoparts. Thefirstpartis“PracticalAlgorithmDesign.”Here, themostpertinenttechniquesinalgorithmsaredealt with.Itconsistsofafewveryimportanttopics: divide-and-conquer,dynamicprogramming,greedy algorithms,andgraphalgorithms.

Eachofthetechniquesisdiscussedwithproper emphasisontheirpracticalapplications,whichmeans thatreaderscaneasilygetconcepts.Further,allvery importanttopicssuchasdatastructuresandthe analysisofalgorithmsarediscussedindetailfor bettercomprehensionofthesubject.

Thesecondhalf,titledTheHitchhiker’sGuideto Algorithms,isareferencemanual;itcataloguesan enormousnumberofthemostsignificantalgorithmic problems,alongwiththeirsolutionsandapplicable resources.Therearealso“warstories”thatwillgive lifetothepracticeofalgorithmsinreal-lifesituations. Inanutshell,TheAlgorithmDesignManualisan outstandingsourceforanyoneeagertodelveintothe worldofalgorithmsandtheirmultipleuses.It providesawell-understoodandaccessible introductiontothetopicandpracticalguidancefor solvingcomplexproblems.

TheAlgorithmDesignManualisunavoidable readingwhenitcomestodigitalliteracy,because onegetsabasicunderstandingofmanyofthe algorithmsthatformthebackboneofmanydigital technologies.Itisbyunderstandingalgorithmsthat peoplesbecomesavvyconsumersofdigitalcontent andservices.

Understandingallowstheindividualtomakewise decisionsaboutwhattheydoontheinternet.It enablesthemtocriticallyevaluatethevalidityof informationandhenceprotectthemselves appropriatelyfromonlinethreats.Additionally,a betterunderstandingofalgorithmsisparticularly helpfultoastudentwhoisseriousaboutstudying computerscience,datascience,oranyother technologicaldiscipline.Theyarebothbetter decision-makersandbetterpreparedforfuture academicandprofessionalstudies.

4. DigitalMinimalism

● Ratings:4.4/5

● Author:CalNewport

● Published:2019

In“DigitalMinimalism,”CalNewportinvites readerstoembraceaphilosophyoftechnology centeredonintentionalengagementwithdigitaltools, whichemphasizestheimportanceofselectingafew personallymeaningfulactivities.

Byconcentratingonthesechosenpursuits,people effectivelyregaintheirfocus.Thisshiftinfocusnot onlyredirectsattentionbutcontributestoanoverall improvementinone’swell-being.Inthisregard, Newportportraysthatdigitalminimalismisrather somethinginsteadofmerelytakingawayasource ofdistrainmentinordertoleadamorefulfilledlife.

Thebookoffersa30-daychallengewiththeintent ofhelpingreadersdisconnectfromunnecessary technology Thisdigitaldeclutterpushesthemout ofthedistractionzone.Astheauthorputsit,this periodofintentionaldisconnectiongivesonea greatercapacitytoknowwhatpartitplaysinone’s life—towhetheritisaddingvalueordetracting fromlife’srichermoments.Solitudeand mindfulnessareconsideredanimportantfeatureof buildingalifethat’smeaningfulandcentered,he believes.

“DigitalMinimalism”isanabsolutemust-readfor anyonewhohasapassionfordigitalliteracy.In otherwords,itchallengestheassumptionthata constantdigitalpresencemustbemaintained. Instead,itchallengesindividualstointeractmore deliberatelywiththeirdigitaldevices.Itencourages youtothinkaboutit,weighyourprosandcons,and developeffectivestrategiesformanagingyourown digitalbehaviors.Thisway,readersachievea greaterlevelofcontrol,becomingamore discriminatingandknowledgeableconsumerof technology.Theprocess,ultimately,leadstoa richerandmoremeaningfuldigitalexperience.

5. Shallows

● Ratings:4.4/5

● Author:NicholasCarr

● Published:2010

NicholasCarr’sTheShallowsoffersastrong argumentthattheinternetisfundamentally changingourcognitivecapacities.Relyingonamix ofhistoricalexamplesandscientificstudies,Carr arguesthattheconstantstreamofinformationand distractionsprovidedbytheinternetcreatesa breakdownindeepthinkingandconcentration. Accordingtohisargument,theveryarchitectureof theinternetbreedssuperficialengagementand quickinformationabsorption,makingitdifficultfor individualstosustainattentiveattention.

Whilerecognizingtheadvantagesthat technologybrings,Carrunderscoresthe necessityofbeingawareofthepossible detrimentaleffectsstemmingfrom excessiveinternetusage.Hisbookstands asathought-provokingexplorationof howtechnologyinfluencesourmindsand promptsustoreflectonthesignificanceof maintainingabalancebetweenouronline engagementsandofflinepursuits.

Anabsolutemust-readwithinthe spectrumofdigitalliteracy,TheShallows facilitatesathoughtfulexplorationofhow theinternetinfluencesourcapacitiesfor cognition.AsCarrdelvesintothe potentialnegativeconsequencesof overindulginginonlineactivities,he urgeshisreaderstotakeamoremindful approachtothereceptionofdigital information.

Thebookemphasizesthedevelopmentof arangeofdigitalliteracyskillsinto criticalthinking,assessmentof information,andproficientonline communication.Awarenessofthe potentialrisksinvolvedwiththeuseof digitaltechnologyhelpsreaders understandwhatisatstakewhenusing andengagingwiththeinternet;thus,this allowsforamorereflectiveandactive attitudetowardsdigitalcitizenship.

ClosingChapter

Intoday’srapidlyadvancingdigitalage, understandingdigitalliteracyiscrucialfor navigatingtheonlineworld.Fromhow algorithmsshapeourexperiencestothe importanceofmindfultechnologyuse, digitalliteracyempowersustocritically engagewiththedigitallandscape.The booksdiscussedaboveprovideinvaluable insightsintotheethical,social,and cognitiveimplicationsofdigitaltools.By becomingmoreinformedandintentional usersoftechnology,studentscanprotect theirprivacy,fosterdeepthinking,and contributetoamoreequitableand thoughtfuldigitalfuture.

GLENBROOK High School

The ‘Ferris Bueller’School That Became a National Powerhouse

TostandoutsideGlenbrook NorthHighSchoolisto standinaframeofcollective memory Youcanalmostseehim:Ferris Bueller,impossiblycool,convincinghis girlfriendSloanetoskipschoolfrom thepayphonenearthefrontsteps.The building,alongsweepofbrickand glass,isanicon,abackdropforthe cinematicangstandadventureof filmmakerJohnHughes,analumnus whouseditsexteriorsfor Ferris Bueller’s Day Off anditsinteriorsfor The Breakfast Club.Formillions,this schoolisShermer,Illinois—afictional suburbthatfeelsmorerealthanthe actualtownsofNorthbrookand Glenviewitserves.

ButthestoryofGlenbrookHighSchoolDistrict225isfarmore complexandimpressivethanitscelluloidfamesuggests.Thisisnot adistrictpreservedintheamberofthe1980s.Itisathriving, meticulouslymanagededucationalenterprise,atwo-school powerhousethatservesapproximately5,200studentsandfunctions asacasestudyinwhatapublicschooldistrictcanachievewith vision,relentlessinvestment,andoverwhelmingcommunitysupport. TheHollywoodnostalgiaisthehook;therealityisastoryof strategicevolution.AsSuperintendentDr.R.J.Gravelputsit,the districtisbuiltona“proudlegacyofexcellenceandaboldvisionfor thefuture,”amissiontoempowerstudentsto“grow,thrive,and contributemeaningfullytosociety.”

ATaleofTwoGlenbrooks

Thedistrict’sstorybeginswithasingleschoolandaclevername.In 1953,NorthfieldTownshipopenedGlenbrookHighSchool,its nameaneatportmanteauofthetwoprimarycommunitiesitserved: GlenviewandNorthbrook.Butasthesuburbsswelled,one buildingwasn’tenough.In1962,thedistrictcleavedintwo.The originalbuildingwasrenamedGlenbrookNorth(GBN),andanew campus,GlenbrookSouth(GBS),openedinGlenview Thus,the “Glenbrooks”wereborn—twodistinctschoolswiththeirown mascotsandidentities,yetboundtogetherunderthebannerof District225.

Today,theyaresiblinginstitutionsthatshareareputation forexcellence.Theypullfromanetworkoffeeder schools—WoodOaks,NorthbrookJuniorHigh,Attea, Springman,andportionsofFieldandMaple—channeling studentsintooneofthetwomaincampusesor,forthose withspecificneeds,intoGlenbrookOff-Campus(GBOC), atherapeuticdayschool.Thispipelinehasbecomeoneof themostsuccessfulinthecountry,atestamenttoa philosophythatmarriesrigorousacademicswithafocuson belongingandwell-being.

MoreThanJustaMovieSet

LongbeforeFerrisBuellertookhisdayoff,Glenbrookwas alreadyonthemap.Inthelate1950s,anationalmagazine namedthethen-fledglingschooloneofthetop44inthe country.In1984,PresidentRonaldReagan’sadministration bestoweduponGBNtheExcellenceinEducationAward.

Themostresonantendorsement,however,cameon January22,1997.PresidentBillClintonstoodintheGBN fieldhouse,nottotalkaboutmovies,butaboutmathand science.Localstudentsinthe“FirstintheWorld” consortiumhadjustbeatenglobalcompetitors,scoringfirst inscienceandthirdinmath.Clintonlaudedthedistrict’s ethos,ablendoflocalcontrolandhighambition.“You didn’tuseitasanexcusenottothrowyourhatinthering,” hepraised.“Iwouldstillbeheretopatyouontheback becauseyouhadthegutstodoit.”Lessthanamonthlater, hereferencedtheachievementagaininhis1997Stateof theUnionaddress.TheGlenbrookswerenolongerjusta backdrop;theywereanationalbenchmark.

TheBusinessofConstantImprovement

Thatbenchmarkismaintainedthroughaphilosophyof perpetualmotion.Awalkthrougheithercampusrevealsa districtthatneverstopsbuilding,renovating,andupgrading. It’sacorebusinessstrategy.AtGBN,a2006referendum fundedastate-of-the-artFitnessCenter,anexpandedmusic area,andasun-drenchedmainentrance,allcompletedby 2009.AtGBS,thepaceofimprovementhasbeendizzying, withmajorworkdonenearlyeveryfewyearssince2002 Renovationsin2024-2025aloneincludedrevampedparking lots,remodeledandnewall-genderbathrooms,andanew woodshopafterafire.

ThemodernGlenbrookclassroomisalessoninpedagogical design.Flexibleseatingenhancescollaboration.Dimmable lightingallowsstudentstoviewaprojectionscreenwhile takingnotes.

Massivewhiteboardsareusedforeverythingfromsolvingmath problemstopracticingChinesecharacters.EventheGBOC therapeuticschoolfeaturesaCrossFitgym,ensuringequitable accesstotop-tierequipment.Thisisn’tjustaboutshinynew facilities;it’saboutcreatingphysicalspacesthatactively supportthedistrict’seducationalgoals.

TheEnginesofAchievement

TheresultsoftheGlenbrookmodelareundeniable.GBNwas rankedthe48th-bestpublichighschoolintheUnitedStates byNichein2022.In2021,96%ofitsseniorsgraduated,with 98%enrollingincollege.Thatclassincluded14National MeritSemifinalists AtGBS,thestoryissimilar,withthe schoolconsistentlyrankedamongthebestinIllinois.

Nowhereisthedistrict’sdominancemoreapparentthaninitsdebateprogram.GBNwasrankedthetopdebateschoolofthe 20thcenturyand,in2004,becametheonlyprogramevertowinthe“TripleCrown,”sweepingthethreemajornational championships.GBShasitsowntroveofnationaldebatetitles.Thisintellectualrigorismirroredinthediversestudentbody. AtGBN(asof2021),thepopulationis71.4%White,17.9%Asian,and5.4%Hispanic,withalargeJewishcommunity thatledtheschooltoaddHebrewtoitslanguageofferings.AtGBS,42%ofstudentsarefromminoritygroups,including 18.1%Asianand11.3%Hispanic.ClubsliketheBlackStudentUnion,HellenicClub,andGenderSexualityAlliance (GSA)reflectthisvibrantculturaltapestry

AthleticsareanequalpartnerintheGlenbrookidentity.Theschoolshavewonastaggeringnumberofstatechampionships. GBNmadehistoryin2005bybecomingthefirstlarge-enrollmentschoolinIllinoistohavewonstatetitlesinfootball, basketball,andbaseball.Itsboys’tennisandhockeyteamsareperennialpowerhouses,anditsgirls’golfteamwon back-to-backstatechampionshipsin2023and2024.GBShascapturedstatetitlesingirls’basketball,boys’volleyball,and fieldhockey ThisistheculturethatproducedathleteslikeNBAcoachChrisCollins,MLBplayerJasonKipnis,andDuke basketballphenomandheadcoachJonScheyer,whose52pointsinaGBNgame—21oftheminthefinal75seconds—is thestuffoflocallegend.

ThisistherealstoryoftheGlenbrooks.It’saplacewhereapresidentialcitationhangsalongsideamovieposter,wherea world-classdebateteamsharesthespotlightwithastate-championfootballteam.Itisadistrictthatfaceddownascandaland emergedstronger,onethatinvestsinitsfutureasrelentlesslyasithonorsitspast.Fromasinglebuildingnamedfortwo towns,ithasbecomesomethingmore:anationalmodelforthepowerandpotentialofpubliceducation.

Presidential Fun Facts

That Are Weird but True

Presidentshavealwaysbeenthecenterof U.S.history,knownformakingbig decisions.But,doyouthinkyouknow everythingabouttheU.S.presidents?Thinkagain! Theyaren’tjustpoliticalleaders,they’refullof surprises!Inthisblog,youwillexploresomeof thetoppresidentialfunfactsaboutthemost powerfulleadersinAmericanhistory.Excitedto knowsomething,youprobablyhaveneverlearned inhistoryclass?Let’sgetstarted!

Well,herearesomemorepresidentialfunfactstomake yousmile

6. Readyforafunsurprise?Well, ‘John Quincy Adams’ liked togoskinny-dippinginthePotomacRiver Thismeanshe swamwithoutclothes.Holdup,didyoueverthinkofthis?It wasawayforhimtorelaxandexercise.Hence,thisunusual habitshowsadifferentsideofapresident’slife.

Herearethetop25presidentialfunfactsthat areweirdbuttrue

1. Firstly,let’sdiscussoneofthepresidentialfun factsabout ‘George Washington.’ Well,henever livedintheWhiteHousebecauseitwasn’tbuilt yet.Duringhispresidency,thecapitalwasin Philadelphia.TheWhiteHousewascompleted afterheleftoffice.Thismakeshimtheonly presidentwhoneverlivedthere.

7. Holdontoyourhat!Thisiswild! ‘Andrew Jackson’ hada petparrotthatcouldswear Theparrotlearnedbadwordsfrom Jackson.Furthermore,atJackson’sfuneral,theparrothadto beremovedbecauseitwasswearingtoomuch.Interestingly, thisstoryshowsJackson’sroughandtoughpersonality

8. Next,didyouknow? ‘Martin Van Buren’wasthefirst presidentbornintheU.S.Allpreviouspresidentswereborn beforetheU.S.becameacountry.Thismakeshimthefirst trueAmericanpresident.Amongthepresidentialfunfacts, thisoneshowsushowthiseventmarkedanewgenerationof leaders.

2. Didyouknowthat ‘John Adams,’ and ‘Thomas Jefferson’ bothdiedonJuly4,1826?Interestingly, thiswasexactly50yearsaftertheDeclarationof Independence.It’sastrangecoincidencethattwo keyfiguresinAmericanhistorydiedonthesame day Thus,itaddsauniquetwisttotheirlegacies.

3. Wereyouawarethat ‘Thomas Jefferson’was morethanjustthe3rdpresidentoftheUSA?Well, heinventedmanythings,includingtheswivel chair.Hewasalwayscuriousandlovedtocreate newthings.Theswivelchairissomethingwestill usetoday Therefore,hisinventionsshowhis creativesideaddingtothiscollectionofthe presidentialfunfacts.

4. Also,you’llbesurprisedtolearnthat ‘James Madison’wastheshortestpresidentat5’4”.Heis knownasthe‘FatheroftheConstitution’forhis roleindraftingit.Therefore,hiscontributions werehuge,evenifhewassmallinheight.

5. Surprisingly,studiesrevealthat ‘James Monroe’ wasthelastpresidentwhowasa FoundingFather.Thismeanshewasoneofthe originalleaderswhohelpedcreatetheUnited States.However,hispresidencymarkedtheendof anera.Thus,hehelpedshapetheearlyyears ofthecountry

9. Ibetyoudidn’tseethiscoming! ‘William Henry Harrison’ hadtheshortestpresidency,lastingonly32days.However,he diedofpneumoniaaftergivingalongspeechincoldweather. Hisshorttermremindsushowunpredictablelifecanbe. Furthermore,italsoledtochangesinhowpresidentsare inaugurated.

10. Believeitornot, ‘John Tyler,’ had15children,morethan anyotherpresident.Managingalargefamilyandacountry musthavebeenquiteatask.Moreover,hismanychildren meanthehadabigpersonallife.Nevertheless,thisisoneof thepresidentialfunfacts,thatshowsusadifferentsideofhis responsibilities.

So,youthoughtthatwasall?Thinkagain!Herearesome morefactsforyou

11. Itmaycomeasafunsurprise,but ‘James K. Polk’ was thefirstpresidenttohavehisphotographtakenwhileinoffice. Thiswasabigdealatthetimebecausephotographywasnew. Itmarkedthebeginningofthevisualdocumentationof presidents.Now,wehavephotosofallpresidents.

12. You’llneverbelievethis,but ‘Zachary Taylor’ never votedinapresidentialelectionbeforebecomingpresident. Thisisironicbecausehebecamepresidentwithouthaving votedforone.Itshowsthatsometimesunexpectedthings happen.However,hispresidencywasshortbutnotableadding tothiscollectionofpresidentialfunfacts.

13. Here’ssomethingyoumightnotexpect!Well,didyou knowthat ‘Millard Fillmore’installedthefirstbathtubin theWhiteHouse?Thissimpleactimprovedthecomfortof futurepresidents.Beforethis,bathingwasnotas convenient.Itshowshowsmallchangescanmakeabig difference.

14. Guesswhat?Youwon’tbelievethis! ‘Franklin Pierce’ wasarrestedwhileinofficeforrunningoveranoldlady withhishorse.However,hewasreleasedduetolackof evidence.Thisincidentisstrangeandunusualfora president!Amongthepresidentialfunfacts,thisoneshows thatevenpresidentscanhavelegaltroubles.

15. Youmaybeshockedtodiscoverthat ‘James Buchanan’ wastheonlybachelorpresident.Thismeanshe nevermarried.HisnieceservedastheWhiteHouse hostess.Furthermore,hissinglestatusmadehispresidency unique.

Ifthatcaughtyourattention,waituntilyouknowmore suchpresidentialfacts

16. Guesswhat?Itmightshockyouthat ‘Abraham Lincoln’ wasalicensedbartender.Beforepolitics,hecoownedabarinIllinois.Thisjobisverydifferentfrom beingapresident.However,itshowshishumble beginningsanddiverseexperiences.

17. Getreadytobeamazedbythisquirkyfact! ‘Andrew Johnson’ madefriendswithmiceintheWhiteHouse. Stunning!Isn’tit?Duringhisimpeachment,hefound comfortinthesesmallcreatures.Thisunusualfriendship showshislonelyanddifficulttimeintheoffice.Itaddsa humantouchtohisstoryandthiscollectionofthe presidentialfunfacts.

18. Well,itishardtobelievethat ‘Ulysses S. Grant’was oncefinedforspeedingwithhishorseandbuggy.It’s stunning,howevenpresidentshadtofollowtrafficrules. Thisincidentshowsthatnooneisabovethelaw.Italso addsahumoroustouchtohispresidency.

19. Now,you’reabouttodiscoversomethingawesome about ‘Rutherford B. Hayes.’ Firstly,didyouknowhis wife,Lucy,wasknownas “Lemonade Lucy?” Well,itwas becauseshebannedalcoholfromtheWhiteHouse.This madetheWhiteHouseadryzoneduringhisterm.Her decisionwasbasedonherstrongbeliefs.Therefore, amongallthepresidentialfunfacts,thisoneshowsushow personalvaluescaninfluenceapresidency

20. Here’ssomethingabout ‘James A. Garfield,’ totickle yourbrain!Interestingly,hecouldwritewithbothhandsat thesametimeindifferentlanguages.Thisambidextrous skillisrareandimpressive.Itshowshisintelligenceand talent.Moreover,suchabilitiesarenotcommonamong presidents.

Andguesswhat?Thesurprisesdon’tendhere!Hereare morepresidentialfunfactsforyou

21. Waittillyouhearoneofthepresidentialfunfactsabout ‘Chester A. Arthur.’Indeed,heowned80pairsofpants. Interestingly,hewasknownforhisfashionsenseandstyle. Also,thisfacthighlightshisattentiontoappearance.Thus,it showsthatevenpresidentscareabouthowtheylook.

22. Inasurprisingturnofevents, ‘Grover Cleveland’ was theonlypresidenttoservetwonon-consecutiveterms.This meanshewasboththe22ndand24thpresident. Furthermore,hisuniquetermsmakehimstandoutin history.Itshowsthatpersistencecanleadtosuccess.

23. However,littledidyouknowthat ‘Benjamin Harrison’ wasafraidofelectriclightswitches.Hehadstaffturnthe lightsonandoffforhim.Thisfearseemsfunnytodaybut wasseriousforhim.Amongthepresidentialfunfacts,this oneshowshownewtechnologycanbeintimidating.

24. Believeitornot, ‘William McKinley’ alwaysworeared carnationforgoodluck.Thisflowerbecameasymbolofhis presidency.Nevertheless,itshowshowsmallhabitscan havebigmeanings.And,hissuperstitionaddsapersonal touchtohisstory.

25. You’reabouttodiscoversomethingawesome!Didyou knowthat ‘Theodore Roosevelt’ hadaphotographic memory?Hecouldreciteentirebooksfrommemory Impressive!Isn’tit?Undoubtedly,thishelpedhiminhis politicalcareer.Hisamazingmemoryisoneofthemany thingsthatmadehimaremarkablepresident.

EndNote

Asweconcludeourjourneythroughthepresidential funfacts,werealizethatU.S.presidentswereundoubtedly fullofsurprises.Fromhumorouspetstoextraordinary skills! Who knew U.S. presidents had such interesting and surprising sides? Ifthesepresidentialfactssurprised you,sharethisblogwithallyourfriendswholovehistory withatouchofentertainment.I’msurethiswillleave themsmilingtoo!

Intoday’sdynamiceconomicenvironment, businessesthriveinregionsthatfosterinnovation andcultivateahighlyskilledworkforce.For companiesconsideringlocationorexpansioninSouthern California,thequalityoflocalschoolsisaparamount factorinattractingandretainingtalent.TheIrvine UnifiedSchoolDistrict(IUSD),servingthecityofIrvine inOrangeCounty,standsoutasapremierinstitution consistentlydeliveringexceptionaleducationaloutcomes andcontributingsignificantlytotheregion’stalent pipeline.

Establishedin1972,IUSDhasrapidlygrownintoa nationallyrecognizeddistrictrenownedforits commitmenttoacademicexcellence,innovation,and inclusivity.Despiteservingalargeanddiversestudent population,IUSDhasmaintainedasteadfastfocuson providingaworld-classeducationthatpreparesstudents forsuccessinhighereducationandthecompetitiveglobal marketplace.UndertheleadershipofSuperintendentTerry Walker,thedistrictcontinuestoevolve,implementing forward-thinkingprogramsthatinspirecreativity,critical thinking,andapassionforlifelonglearning–qualities highlyvaluedbybusinessestoday

BuildingaFoundationforFutureLeaders& Workforce

IUSD’sreputationforexcellenceissubstantiatedby consistentaccoladesandhighrankings,routinely recognizedasthe#1schooldistrictinOrangeCountyand amongthetopnationally Theserankingsareastrong indicatorofadistricteffectivelypreparingfuture employeesandleaders.IUSDboastsimpressivemetrics includinghighstandardizedtestscores,graduationrates exceeding[SpecificIUSDGraduationRatePercentageif availablefromsearch],andasignificantpercentageof graduatespursuinghighereducation.Forbusinesses,this translatestoareliablesourceofhighlyqualifiedfuture employeesenteringthelocalworkforce.

IUSD’scommitmenttoinnovationisevidentinits proactiveapproachtoeducationanditsdiverseprogram offerings.Thedistrictprovidesacomprehensiverangeof programs,including:

●EarlyChildhoodLearningPrograms:Astrong foundationisbuiltthroughPreschool,Pre-Kindergarten (TK),andKindergartenprogramsdesignedtoenhance social,emotional,cognitive,andphysicaldevelopment, ensuringschoolreadiness.

●STEMEducation:IUSDprioritizesSTEM(Science, Technology,Engineering,andMathematics)education fromanearlyage,recognizingthecriticalimportanceof thesefieldsforfutureeconomicgrowth.Thisincludes specializedSTEMprogramsandInnovationLabsineach school.

●CareerTechnicalEducation(CTE):IUSDoffers extensiveCTEpathwaysinmiddleandhighschools, providinghands-onlearningandcareerexplorationin growingindustrieslikeInformationTechnology, Healthcare,Engineering,DigitalMedia,andmore.These pathwaysaredesignedtoalignwithregionalindustry needsandpreparestudentsforbothcollegeanddirect entryintotheworkforce.

●ArtsandLanguagePrograms:Recognizingthe importanceofwell-roundedindividuals,IUSDalso providesrobustprogramsinVisualandPerformingArts (VAPA)andWorldLanguages,fosteringcreativity, culturalunderstanding,andcommunicationskills.

MeetingtheNeedsofaDiverseWorkforce&Global Economy

Businessesintoday’sglobalizedeconomyvaluediversity andinclusion.IUSDmirrorsthisvalue,servingahighly diversestudentbodythatreflectstheglobalmarketplace. Irvine’sstudentpopulationincludesasignificant representationfromAsian,Hispanic/Latino,andother diversecommunities.Thisdiversityisactivelycelebrated andsupportedthroughinclusivepracticesandprogramslike theDualLanguageImmersionprogram,preparingstudents tothriveindiverseworkplacesandcollaborateeffectively withindividualsfromvariousbackgrounds.

IUSD’scommitmenttoinclusivityextendstoitssupport systems.Thedistrictoffersspecializedprogramstomeetthe diverseneedsofitslearners,includingrobustspecial educationservices,giftedandtalentedprograms,andEnglish LanguageLearnersupport.Thiscomprehensiveapproach ensuresthatallstudents,regardlessoftheirbackgroundor learningstyle,havetheopportunitytoreachtheirfull potentialandcontributetoadiverseanddynamicworkforce.

TheIUSDAdvantage:ATalentPipelineforBusiness Success

ForbusinessesconsideringlocatingorexpandinginOrange County,IUSDpresentsasignificantadvantagebyproviding arobusttalentpipeline.

Thedistrict’sfocusonacademicrigorensuresasteadystream ofhighlyqualifiedgraduatesenteringtheworkforceandhigher educationinstitutions.IUSD’semphasisoninnovationand future-readyskillsmeansthesegraduatesarenotonly academicallystrongbutalsoequippedwiththecritical thinking,problem-solving,andtechnologicalskillsdemanded bytoday’sbusinesses.

IUSD’sCareerTechnicalEducation(CTE)pathwaysare particularlyvaluableforbusinesses.Thesepathwayscreate directconnectionsbetweenthedistrictandlocalindustries. ThroughpartnershipswithorganizationslikeUCIHealth,CEO LeadershipAllianceOC,andEdwardsLifesciences,IUSD providesstudentswithreal-worldlearningexperiences, internships,andmentorshipopportunities.Thesecollaborations ensurecurriculumrelevanceandprovidebusinesseswithearly accesstopromisingtalent.IUSDalsopartnerswithCoastline RegionalOccupationalProgram(ROP)toofferawiderarrayof careerexplorationcoursesandindustrycertifications.

Fees,Affordability,andAccessibility

IUSDiscommittedtomakingitshigh-qualityeducation accessibletoallfamilieswithinitsboundaries.Asapublic schooldistrict,tuitionisfreeforresidents.Furthermore,IUSD providessignificantsupporttoensureequitableaccessand opportunity:

●FreeandReduced-PriceMeals:IUSDparticipatesin federalprogramstoprovidefreeandreduced-pricemeals, ensuringstudentsfromallsocioeconomicbackgroundshave nutritionalsupport.

●FreeAfter-SchoolPrograms:Thedistrictoffersfreeafterschoolprogramsforeligiblechildren,providingextended learningtimeandenrichmentopportunities.

●AffordableChildcare:IUSDprovidesaffordablechildcare options,supportingworkingfamiliesinthecommunity.

●NeighborhoodResourceCenters:IUSD’sNeighborhood ResourceCentersofferfamiliesaccesstoessentialresources andsocialservices,addressingsocioeconomicbarriersto studentsuccess.

InternationalStudentConsiderations

WhileIUSD’sprimaryfocusisservingresidentstudents,it’s importanttonotethattheUniversityofCalifornia,Irvine (UCI),amajorinstitutioninthecity,doeshostasignificant internationalstudentpopulation.

IrvineValleyCollege(IVC),alsoinIrvine,actively welcomesinternationalstudents,withover430 internationalstudentsenrolled.WhileIUSD’sK-12 programmaynotbedirectlygearedtowardsinternational studentrecruitmentinthesamewayasuniversities,the presenceofUCIandIVCcreatesawelcomingand globally-orientedenvironmentinIrvine,potentially attractivetobusinesseswithinternationalemployeesor globaloperations.

CommunityPartnershipsandIconicOrangeCounty Businesses

IUSDunderstandsthatstrongcommunitypartnershipsare essentialforcreatingathrivingeducationalecosystem. BeyondthepartnershipsmentionedwithinCTEprograms, IUSDcollaborateswithvariouslocalorganizations, includingtheIrvinePoliceDepartment(IPD)onschool safetyinitiatives,demonstratingacommitmenttostudent well-beingandasafelearningenvironment.

OrangeCountyishometoadiverserangeoficonicand industry-leadingcompanies.Potentialhiringpartnersor majoremployersintheregionthatmaydrawtalentfrom IUSDgraduatesinclude:

●Technology:Google(IrvineCampus),WesternDigital (HeadquarteredinIrvine),BlizzardEntertainment (Irvine).

●Healthcare/MedicalDevices:EdwardsLifesciences (Irvine),Allergan(Irvine),HoagMemorialHospital Presbyterian(NewportBeach).

●Retail/ConsumerGoods:Costco(Irvine Headquarters),Quiksilver(HuntingtonBeach).

●Finance/Insurance:PacificLife(NewportBeach),First AmericanFinancialCorporation(SantaAna),Capital Group(Irvine).

●Manufacturing:AppliedMedical(RanchoSanta Margarita),YamahaMotorCorporation(Cypress), BehrPaintCorporation(SantaAna).

●FoodIndustry:In-N-OutBurger(IrvineHeadquarters), King’sHawaiianBakery(Torrance-strongOC presence),GoldenStateFoods(Irvine).

●RealEstate/Development:TheIrvine Company(Irvine).

Thesecompanies,andmanyothersinOrangeCounty,representpotentialcareerpathwaysfor IUSDgraduatesandhighlightthedistrict’simportanceinsupplyingskilledtalenttokeyregional industries.

LeadershipandVision

SuperintendentTerryWalkerleadsIUSDwithaclearvisionforexcellenceandinnovation.Her leadershipemphasizescontinuousimprovement,data-drivendecision-making,andacommitment tomeetingtheevolvingneedsofstudentsandthecommunity.Underherguidance,IUSDhas continuedtostrengthenitsacademicprograms,expanditsinnovativeinitiatives,anddeepenits engagementwiththebusinesscommunity,ensuringthedistrictremainsresponsivetotheneedsof theregionaleconomy

Ms.Walker’sfocusonpreparingfuture-readylearnersandfosteringstrongcommunity partnershipsreflectsadeepunderstandingoftheinterconnectednessbetweeneducation,economic development,andcommunityprosperity.HerleadershipensuresthatIUSDremainsadrivingforce fortalentdevelopmentandinnovationinOrangeCounty,makingitavaluableassetfortheentire region.

TheIUSDInvestment:AReturnforBusinessesandtheCommunity

InvestinginacommunitywithastrongschooldistrictlikeIUSDisastrategicinvestmentinthe futureworkforceandtheoveralleconomicvitalityofOrangeCounty.IUSD’scommitmentto academicexcellence,innovation,diversity,androbustcommunityandbusinesspartnershipsmakes itavaluableassetforcompaniesseekingatalentedworkforceandathrivingcommunity environment.ForbusinessesconsideringalocationinSouthernCalifornia,IrvineUnifiedSchool Districtrepresentsnotjustaneducationalinstitution,butakeypartnerinbuildingasuccessful, innovative,andsustainablefutureforbothbusinessesandthecommunity

COMMUNITY

INVOLVEMENT

Is Key to a Better Society?

Evergetthatfeelingwhereyoulookaroundatyourtown,your

neighborhood,andyoujustthink, “Hmm, I wonder if I could contribute somehow?” It’snotalwaysaboomingthought,more likeaquietlittlenudge,right?Andthat,inanutshell,isoftenthestarting pointforwhatwecallcommunityinvolvement.It’snotabouthavingtojoina millioncommitteesoranythinglikethat(unlessyouwantto!),butit’smore aboutthosemomentswhereyoudecidetoactivelyparticipateinmakingthe placeyoulivealittlebitbetter,alittlemoreconnected.

Thinkaboutit–maybeit’shelpingoutatalocalfoodbank,orjustofferinga handtoaneighborwho’sstrugglingwiththeirgroceries.Thosesmallthings? Theyreallyaddup.Andyouknow,inaworldwherewe’reoftengluedtoour screens,actuallyengagingwiththepeopleandplacesarounduscanbe surprisinglyfulfilling.

So,inthisblogpost,we’regoingtokindofwanderthroughthiswholeidea ofcommunityinvolvement.We’lllookatwhyit’sactuallyimportant(beyond justfeelinggood),exploreawholebunchofdifferentwaysyoucanget involved,nomatterhowmuchtimeyouhave,andyeah,we’lleventouchon someofthethingsthatmightmakeyougo, “Ugh, I don’t know about that.” Readytoexplorehowyoucanbeamoreactivepartofyourcommunity?

Solet’sunpackthepowerof communityinvolement.

The“Why”beyondthefeel-good: Benefitsofcommunityinvolvement

Youeverjustkindafeellikeconnecting withfolksaroundyou,right?It’snot alwaysgottabesomebigorganized thing,justalittlefeelingyouwannabe morepartofthings.That’softenwhere communityinvolvementsortofpops up,youknow?Itain’talwaysabout joiningtonsofcommittees(unless that’syourthing!),butmoreabout thoseeverydaymomentsyoudecideto bepartofwhat’shappeninginyour neckofthewoods.Thinkofit:your community?Likeabigoldpotluck, andcommunityinvolvementisyou bringingyourdish.

Whybother,though?Well,solidreasonsbeyondjust feelinggood.For you:

● YouGetGoodatStuff!

Seriously.Communityprojectsteachunexpectedskills–logistics,listening,teamwork.Andgetthis:a2013study actuallyfoundthatvolunteeringisassociatedwitha27% higheroddsofemployment.That’sprettysignificant,right? Thestudylookedatdatafrom2002-2012andfoundthis wasstatisticallysignificant.Interestingly,forfolkswithout ahighschooldiploma,thatincreasejumpedto51%,and forthoseinruralareas,itwasawhopping55%!So,yeah, it’snotjustabouthelpingout;itcanreallyhelpyourcareer too.

● ItLiftsYourSpirits,ForReal.

Feelingdown?Gettinginvolvedcanbeagreatpick-me-up. Researchindicatesthatsocialsupportcanbenefitsymptoms ofdepressionin83%ofstudiesinvolvingnon-pregnant women.Plus,studieshavefoundthatvolunteeringhas significantpositiveeffectsonmentalhealthoverall. Volunteersoftenreportbetterphysicalhealthandlower ratesofdepressioncomparedtothosewhodon’tvolunteer. Infact,onestudyshowedthatanadditionalparticipationin voluntaryservicesresultedinan8.54%increaseinmental healthanda4.30%decreaseindepression.Andgetthis: 93%ofvolunteersreportedanimprovedmood,and79% reportedlowerstress!

● YouJustGrow,YouKnow?

Steppingoutsideyourusualroutine,meetingdifferent people,seeingtheirviewpoints–itchangesyou,makesyou moreunderstanding.Kindaliketravel,nojetlag.

Andforthecommunity:It’stheglueholdingittogether:

● MakesThingsStronger,NoLie.

Whenpeoplegetinvolved,theyconnect.Themetricfor socialcapital,whichincludesparticipationincommunity organizations,showsthis.Across-sectionalstudyeven lookedathoweconomicconnectedness,socialcohesion, andcivicengagementrelatetohealthacrossallUSstates. Plus,the2024AmericanSocialCapitalSurveyhighlights theimportanceoftheseconnections,evennotingracialand classdivisionsinhowsocialcapitalisformed.Itreally underscoreshowcommunityinvolvementiskeytobuilding thosevitalcommunitybonds.

● HelpsFixRealProblems.

Gotanissueintown?Foodbanklow?Parkrough? Communityinvolvementiswherefolksbandtogetherto act.

● CanEvenHelpLocalBusinesses,BelieveItOr Not.

Communitywherefolkscareandareengaged?Tendsto beamoreattractiveplace,helpslocalshopsthrive, benefitseveryone.

So,yeah,thatwarmfuzzyfeeling?Definitelyaplus.But therealpowerofcommunityinvolvement?Stronger individuals,moreconnected,resilientcommunities.

Explorethedifferentlevelsandtypesofcommunity involvement

Youknow,it’sfunny,thewaypeoplegetinvolvedin theircommunities.It’sneverjustonething,isit?Like, youseesomefolkswhoarejustnaturallydrawntothe big,organizedstuff,thecommitteesandtheofficial meetings.Andthenyou’vegototherswho,youknow, theyjustquietlydotheirthing,helpingoutaneighboror pickinguplitterinthepark.Thatwholespectrum,that’s communityinvolvement,really.It’sthisbig,sprawling thingwithallsortsofwaystojumpin,dependingon whatclickswithyou.

1. FormalVolunteering

Thisiswhatmostpeopleprobablypicture,right? Signingupwithareal-dealorganization–thelocal animalshelter,thefoodbankthat’salwayshustling, thosefolkstryingtosavetheplanet.Yougive‘emyour time,maybeyourskills,whateveryou’vegot.It’sa solidwaytofeellikeyou’recontributingsomething tangible,youknow?

2. CivicEngagement

Everfeellikethingscouldbebetterinyourtown?Well, thisiswhereyoucanactuallytrytodosomethingabout it.Voting,obviously,that’skey.Butit’salsoabout reachingouttoyourrepresentatives,showingupat thosesometimes-kinda-boringlocalgovernment meetings,andjustgenerallybeingawareand participatinginhowyourcommunityisrun.It’syour place,afterall.

3.

Philanthropy

Thisdoesn’tmeanyouhavetoberollingin dough,byanymeans.It’saboutgivingwhat youcan,whetherit’safewbuckstoacause youbelievein,donatingclothesyoudon’t wearanymore,orevenorganizingalittle bakesaletoraisemoney.Everylittlebit,as theysay.

4. InformalCommunityBuilding

Youknow,Isometimesthinkthisisthemost underratedpartofcommunityinvolvement. It’sthelittlethings–helpingyourelderly neighborwiththeirmail,startinga neighborhoodgarden,justbeingfriendly andsayinghitopeopleyouseearound.It’s thosesmallconnectionsthatreallymakea communityfeellike…well,acommunity

5. Skills-BasedVolunteering

Whatareyougoodat?Seriously,think aboutit.Gotaknackforfixingcomputers? Maybethelocallibrarycoulduseyourhelp. Goodatwriting?Non-profitsalwaysneed helpwiththatkindofthing.It’sacoolway touseyourspecifictalentstomakeareal difference.

6. DigitalInvolvement

Thesedays,youcanevengetinvolved withoutleavingyourcouch(thoughmaybe getupandstretchsometimes!).Online petitions,socialmediacampaignsforgood causes,evenvirtualvolunteering gigs–therearetonsofwaystocontribute usingtheinternet.It’sprettywild,actually.

Honestly,whenyoulookatallthese differentwaystogetinvolved,itkindofhits youthatthere’ssomethingouttherefor prettymucheveryone.It’sjustamatterof figuringoutwhatmakesyoutick,whatyou careabout,andhowyoucanbestuseyour timeandtalents.Andtrustmeonthisone, eventhesmallestbitofcommunity involvementcanhaveabiggerimpactthan youmightthink.

AddressingPotentialChallengesandDifficulties

Alright,sogettinginvolvedinyourcommunity?Soundsgreat,butreal lifehappens,right?Timecanfeelimpossibletofind.Thethingis,it doesn’thavetobehuge.Thinksmall–even15-30minutesaweek helps.Micro-volunteeringonlineorshortprojectscanwork.Find thoselittlepocketsoftime.

Thenthere’sthe“WheredoIevenstart?”feeling.Overwhelming, right?Thinkaboutwhatyoucareabout–animals,environment,kids? Googlelocalgroupsdoingthat.Theirwebsitesusuallylistneeds. Don’thesitatetoreachoutandaskwhathelptheyneed.

Workingwithdifferentpeople?Canbeinteresting.Differentviews, personalities.Sometimesyouclash.Rememberthesharedgoal. Patienceandgoodcommunicationarekey.

Feelinglikeatinycog?Especiallyinbigorganizations,impactcan feelsmall.Trysmaller,localgroupswhereyouseethedifferencemore directly.Orasktheorganizationhowyourhelpcontributes.

IswhatI’mdoingevenmattering?Youdon’twanttowastetime. Whenlookingatopportunities,understandtheirmissionandhow volunteershelp.Askaboutpastimpact.Thishelpsyoufeelyour involvementisvaluable.

Look,communityinvolvementisn’talwayseasy Therecanbe hiccups.Butbybeingsmartaboutitandtryingdifferentthings,you canfindwaystocontributethatworkforyouandmakeareal difference,evenifitfeelsalittleawkwardsometimes.

Makingcommunityinvolvementasustainablepartofyourlife

So,youwannamakethiscommunityinvolvementthingareal, lastingthing,right?Here’showitkindaworksforfolks,andyou know,formetoo,alittlebit:

Whatreallygetsyougoing?Like,whatdoyouactuallycareabout? Wheneveryoustepout,itshouldfeellikesomethingyou’redoing foryourownhappiness.Anyactivityyou’llbedoingshouldnotfeel likeaburdenorajobtoyou.Andthatcouldbeanythinglikefeeding strayanimals,birdsorevengoingtotheparkandmeetingpeople anddoingsomeactivitywiththemandbeingengagedwiththem. Totallyuptoyou.

Don’tthinkyougottabeasuperherorightoffthebat.Iremember whenIfirststarted,Ijustofferedtowalkthedogsonceaweek.Tiny thing,butitwasconsistent.That’sthesecretsauce,Ireckon–little bits,regularly

Thecoolsurprise?Thefolksyoubumpinto. Seriously,attheshelter,I’vemetsomeofthe mostawesomepeople,allintothesame kindastuff.Makesshowingupwayeasier whenyouknowyourbuddies’llbethere.

Anddon’tforgettopraiseyourself!Although itmayseemlikeasmallthing,astheysay, “Astitchintimesavesnine.”Realizethat, andmaybethenyoucangiveyourselfa breakorgetsomegoodnight’ssleep knowingwhatyoudeserved!

Makingcommunityinvolvementathingyou stickwithisreallyaboutfindingyourown rhythmand,yeah,enjoyingtheride.It’s thosesmall,regularactionsthatendup meaningthemost,yaknow?

KeyTakeaways

Inthewindingdownofourcommunity involvementseries,herearesomekey conceptstotakeawayandactuallymovethe dialwithhoweverthatlooksonthevolunteer end/rendezvous.Thesearethethreadsthat runthroughallthedifferentlivesof engagementyoucanparticipatein.

● Everytimeyoustepup,howeversmall, createachainofpositiveimpact.

● Identifyingyourareaofinterestisa mustifyouwantthatlevelof involvementinorderforittobe sustainableandenjoyableinyourlife.

● Therelationshipsyoubuildwhile workinginthecommunityarefrequently asimportanttoyou,ifnotmoreso,than thework.

Besuretocredittheworkyouputin,every littlebitcreatesabigimpacttowardsa strongercommunity

Intheend,communityinvolvementisabout seeingthatweallhaveadutytogetherand justhowamazingcollectiveactionis.A lifelongadventurethatenhancesnotonlythe personbutalsotheentirecommunity

The Little District That Thinks Like a University

IntheheartofIndiana,thereisasmallcitythatexistsinastateof permanent,productivesymbiosiswiththeBigTenuniversityatits center ThisisWestLafayette,aplacephysicallyandculturally anchoredbytheformidablepresenceofPurdueUniversity Andatthecoreof thisuniversitytownisapublicschooldistrictthatfeelslesslikeaseparateentity andmorelikeadirectextensionofthatacademicambition.TheWestLafayette CommunitySchoolCorporation(WLCSC)isacompact,three-schooldistrictthat servesroughly2,300studentsinacommunitythatexpects,andgets,aworld-classeducation.

Thisisnotastoryofsprawlingsuburbanexcess.Itisthestoryofafocused,high-performing districtthatleveragesitsuniquepositiontopunchfaraboveitsweight.Withastudent-teacherratio ofabout14to1andaper-pupilspendingrateslightlybelowtheIndianaaverage,WLCSChascultivatedan environmentwherestatetestscoresshow72%ofstudentsareproficientinbothmathandreading,andwhere nearly90%ofgraduatesgoontocollege.Itisaplacewhereacommunity,auniversity,andapublicschoolsystem havealignedtocreatesomethingremarkable—apipelineofexcellenceforgedintheheartland.

TheAnatomyofExcellence

ThestructureoftheWestLafayetteCommunitySchoolCorporationisamodelofelegantsimplicity Therearejustthree schools:WestLafayetteElementary(GradesK-3),WestLafayetteIntermediate(Grades4-6),andthecombinedWest LafayetteJunior-SeniorHighSchool(Grades7-12).Thiscompactfootprint,servingastudentbodyofabout2,316,fosters asenseofcohesionandcontinuitythatisoftenlostinlarger,morefragmenteddistricts.Theentireoperationis headquarteredatasingleofficeonBentonStreet,aphysicalrepresentationofitsfocusedmission.

Governanceisadeeplylocalaffair.Thedistrictis overseenbyanelectedBoardofTrusteesthat operateswithastrikingdegreeoftransparency, publiclypostingnotjustagendasandminutes,but alsoaudiorecordingsofitsmeetings.Thisisa communitythatactivelyparticipatesintheoversight ofitsschools,withboardcommitteesdedicatedto everythingfromcurriculumtofinance.It’sasystem builtonaccountability,wherethepeoplemakingthe decisionsaretheneighborsofthefamiliesthose decisionsaffect.Thisstructuresupportsalearning environmentwithastudent-teacherratioofaround 14:1,wellbelowmanylargerdistrictsandakey ingredientinitsabilitytoprovideindividualized attention.

BuildingtheDream

Aschooldistrict’sambitioncanoftenbereadinits architecture.InWestLafayette,thecommunity’s commitmentisrenderedinsteel,glass,andbrick. Throughasubstantial,multi-phasefacilities program,oftenreferredtoasthe“DreamBig” projects,WLCSChasphysicallytransformedits campusestomatchitsworld-classaspirations.

Thiswasn’tjustaboutmaintenance;itwasabouta fundamentalupgradeoftheeducational environment.Theinitiativeincludedtheconstruction ofabrand-newIntermediateSchooltoreplacethe agingHappyHollowfacility.TheJunior-SeniorHigh Schoolunderwentamassiveexpansion,addingthe JamesGuyEducationWing,thestate-of-the-artBob KellyCenterforPerformingArts,andtheimpressive RichardWachsAquaticCenter Thesearenotjust buildings;theyarestrategicinvestmentsdirectly linkedtothecurriculum.Thenewfacilitiesprovide expandedsciencelabs,modernmediacenters,and venuesforcompetitiveartsandathletics, demonstratingaclearlinefromcapitalplanningto pedagogicalgoals.Itisthetangibleresultofa communitythatnotonlysupportsitsschools,but investsheavilyinthespaceswherelearningand growthhappen.

ACurriculumForgedbyAmbition

ThemissionofWLCSCisunambiguous:to“engage studentsinaworld-classeducationalexperience” thatpreparesthemtobewell-rounded,innovative, andadaptiveglobalcitizens.

Thisisnotjustaspirationallanguage;itistheblueprintfor arigorousK-12curriculumwithadistinctemphasison STEMandadvancedacademicpathways.Thedistrict operatesarecognizedHighAbilityprogramforgifted students,ensuringthateverychildischallengedtotheir fullpotential.

Theresultsofthisfocusarestark.Inastatewhere proficiencyratescanvarywidely,72%ofWestLafayette studentsareproficientinbothmathandreading.Atthe highschool,whichconsistentlyappearsinnational rankings,about35%ofstudentsareenrolledinAdvanced Placementcourses,andtheypasstheirexamsatan exceptional89%rate.Thecollege-goingcultureisdeeply ingrained.FortheClassof2023,77%ofgraduateswent ontoafour-yearcollege,withanother11%attendinga two-yearinstitution.Thisisanenvironmentwherehigh achievementisnotananomaly;itisthenorm.

TheRedDevilSpirit

Forallitsacademicintensity,lifeatWestLafayetteisnot confinedtotheclassroom.TheJunior-SeniorHigh’s athleticsprogram,competingunderthe“RedDevils” banner,isapointofimmensecommunitypride.The schoolhasalonghistoryofsuccess,withmultipleIHSAA statechampionshipsinfootball,crosscountry,andgirls’ soccer,amongothersports.TheRichardWachsAquatic Centerisnotjustaneducationalfacility;it’sthehomeofa competitiveswimmingprogram.

Beyondtheathleticfields,thedistrictinvestsheavilyin thearts,academicclubs,andotherenrichmentactivities. ThecreationoftheBobKellyPerformingArtsCenterisa testamenttothevalueplacedoncreativeexpression.The WestLafayetteSchoolsEducationFoundation(WLSEF) isanactivepartner,fundraisingtosupportextracurriculars inboththeartsandSTEM,ensuringstudentshavearich andvariedschoolexperience.It’saculturethat understandsthatbuildingwell-roundedcitizensrequires opportunitiesforteamwork,creativity,andcompetition.

Intheend,thestoryoftheWestLafayetteCommunity SchoolCorporationisapowerfullessoninsynergy.Itisa storyofhowasmall,focuseddistrictcanachieveoutsized resultsbydrawingontheintellectualcapitalofa world-classuniversityandthedeepinvestmentofits community.Itisaplacethathasdaredto“DreamBig,” andhasbuilttheinfrastructure,thecurriculum,andthe culturetomakethatdreamarealityforeverystudentwho walksthroughitsdoors.