"Above and Beyond"

“Above and Beyond!” In my previous website post, I used this phrase to reference the many great things that take place each and every day in our East Union Elementary facility.  As we enter the new calendar year, there is even more to celebrate in our Home of the Eagles.  In November, Iowa schools received notification of their Iowa School Performance Profile scores and ratings for 2024-2025.  Out of 1,279 Iowa schools, East Union Elementary ranked 14th on the ISPP, and received an “Exceptional” rating, one that was designated to only 16 schools in the state: ISPP Website. While this is somewhat “old news,” the momentum carries on as we greet 2025 and enter the second half of our school year. And, being ranked among the top schools in the state certainly reflects the consistent efforts of all of our staff members to perform “above and beyond” expectations!

While our school has traditionally received high rankings on the ISPP, there is so much more than just a score that makes East Union an exceptional place. Take a walk through our hallways and classrooms on a typical day…what will you see? To start with, our physical learning environment is safe, clean, comfortable, and attractive.  Members of our maintenance department take great pride in caring for our basic needs, as do our food service and transportation personnel and our school nurse. Children travel safely to and from school, and no child enters or leaves without the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch. If a student or staff member needs medical attention, our nurse is available within minutes…no small feat when our entire facility houses over 500 individuals at any given time of the regular school day! An added bonus…several staff members are also members of our local ambulance crew and/or fire department. Our secretaries and our technology coordinator ensure that our school’s communication and security systems operate as flawlessly as humanly possible, and they also provide continuous support for our instructional staff members and students so that they have electronic resources available at all times…and that means 24/7, 365 days a year! 

Our teachers and paraeducators, of course, provide exceptional learning experiences that occur in all of our classrooms. Visit any classroom on any given day, and you will find “above and beyond” teaching that is, in this school leader’s opinion, unparalleled. We would need to write a book to identify the processes it takes to arrive at successful outcomes in our elementary classrooms. The summarized version would acknowledge our teachers’ and paras’ willingness to work together to help one another get even better at their craft. It would describe the many hours beyond the contract day spent seeking strategies, materials, training, and resources that address every child’s learning needs. It would cite the constant attention to learning outcomes, best practices, and carefully designed instruction that allows all students opportunities for growth and success. But, most importantly, it would describe the genuine affection that we have for our students, which naturally allows us to create caring relationships and demonstrate fierce pride in the success of our students, our school, and our community.  

“Above and Beyond?” It’s business as usual here at East Union, as we look forward to many more exceptional experiences in 2025…and beyond! 

Best Wishes for a Very Happy New Year!