The mission of the
North Iowa Community Schools
is:
“LINKING STUDENTS WITH SUCCESS.”

OUR EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

• We believe all children can and will learn.

• We believe the relationship between the teacher and the learner requires a commitment to learning by all parties involved.

• We believe the school should actively develop a partnership involving parents and the community. The purpose of the partnership is to help insure the learner achieve success.

• We believe the school should provide equal opportunities for students to develop their individual potential regardless of disability, race, sex, and/or socioeconomic background.

• We believe parents, the school, and the community must impart to students a system of moral standards and beliefs allowing them to function in a democratic society.

North Iowa Community Schools
Essential Learnings
and
Indicators of Success

North Iowa students will be successful communicators. Successful communicators:
• express needs and ideas so others understand,
• interprets experiences,
• evaluates and analyzes information,
• listens and perceives information from others.

North Iowa students will use good problem solving skills. Successful problem solvers:
• apply skills to real life situations,
• learn from past experiences,
• use a variety of appropriate technology,
• demonstrates appropriate risk taking,
• demonstrates flexibility in their thinking,
• shows conflict management skills.

North Iowa students will be life-long learners. Life-long learners:
• demonstrate self-sufficiency/self-directed learning,
• demonstrate appropriate use of resources,
• demonstrate adaptability to various situations,
• demonstrate perseverance.

North Iowa students will practice good citizenship. Good citizens:
• demonstrate responsibility and active participation in the democratic
community,
• demonstrate effective use of social skills,
• shows responsibility for themselves, to others, and to the world.

Reviewed June, 1998

The North Iowa Community School District is located in beautiful north-central Iowa. Surrounded by some of the richest farm land in the world, N.I.C.S. has nurtured one of the richest educational experiences found in Iowa.

The Board of Education has created a research-based and data driven decision making process. All school decisions are framed around “What is best for kids.”

The faculty averages just over 15 years of experience. The longevity of the faculty reflects the not only the quality educational program offered but the quality of the way of life found in the communities that make up N.I.C.S.

The district is fortunate to have a support staff that is truly supportive of the district and the community at large. Our support staff contribute to the personal and warm working environment within our buildings.

Innovative, energetic, open, and caring people make up our administrative team. The thrust of the administrative team is to create a learner-centered environment that assist all learners to reach their desired goals regardless of age.

The communities of Lakota, Rake, Thompson, and Buffalo Center still value their church, school, local businesses, friendships, and kids. Their support for “doing the right thing for kids” can not be duplicated in many places today. They are well read, ask good questions, support school activities, and want the best for kids.

North Iowa Elementary School

à Located in Buffalo Center
à Grades Preschool to grade 4
à Preschool program for 3 and 4 year olds
à K-Prep program
à All-day, every-day kindergarten
à Grades 3 - 4 partially departmentalized
à Developmentally appropriate practices stressed
à Learning styles and learning stations part of our everyday operation
à High emphasis on reading
à Latest technology in each classroom
à High emphasis on team planning

North Iowa Middle School

à Located in Thompson
à Grades 5 - 8 but scheduled as separate
5 - 6 and 7 - 8 programs
à Well read staff on middle school concept
à Innovative scheduling practices
à High emphasis on student involvement
à Rich core curriculum
à Exciting exploratory program
à Strong music program
à Technologically strong and well equipped
à Lengthy team-teaching heritage
à Parental involvement in curriculum
development

North Iowa High School

à Located in Buffalo Center
à Large number of course offerings
à Experienced in block scheduling
à Heavy involvement in music program
à Strong reputation with area and state-wide
post-secondary institution
à Large percentage of students involved in
co-curricular activities
à Committed to twenty-first century technology education
à Strong vocational program
à Several post-secondary option courses offered
à Students hold academics as a priority