Elementary

At North Iowa Community School we are very proud of our outstanding educational programs. Our emphasis on early childhood education has made us a state leader in elementary educational programming. We have some of the finest teachers, and caring support staff, and an innovative/progressive school board. You are invited to be an active partner in education.
 

Top 10 Ways to Raise A Lifelong Reader

The elementary is continuing with Guided Reading for 1st – 5th grades. Students will be reading books that are at their individual reading level. This will increase their reading confidence and success. Students will read in a small group in school and will bring home a Guided Reading book every night and students will read to their parents each evening. Parents are asked to sign the half sheet each night. In addition to the reading, 10 minutes of math facts each night will help make students more successful!!

Download the PDF here.

Number 1

Read to or with your child every day, for at least 15 minutes, even when your child is old enough to read independently.

Number 2

Create reading rituals. Cuddle together in the same comfortable space at the same time every day for bedtime stories; read a chapter book aloud at the breakfast table; pick out new books every time you go on vacation.

Number 3

Keep a running conversation. Talk about books you are reading as you read them. Ask your child open-ended questions about the plot and characters.

Number 4

Show your child that you're a reader. kids are more likely to grow up loving to read if they see that you enjoy it too.

Number 5

Surround your child with words- spoken & written- from birth. Even the simplest everyday conversations build his or her vocabulary and sound-recognition skills. Frequent exposure to letters and print helps pre-readers learn the alphabet and recognize words by sight. Have fun with language: sing songs, read rhymes, and play word games.

Number 6

Get your child a library card and make a regular date for visits to the library.

Number 7

Make books available in every room of your home- as well as your car- so that reading can happen spontaneously.

Number 8

Feed a passion: help your child find books, magazines, and other written materials that relate to a special interest or hobby.

Number 9

Limit "screen time" (TV, video games, and computer games) so that it does not cut into time better spent reading.

Number 10

Writing supports reading and vice versa. Provide crayons, pens, pencils and paper and encourage your child to write. Anything will do: letters, shopping lists, journal entries, original stories, etc.

Announcements

  • HIRING – PRESCHOOL TEACHER

    North Iowa Community School District has the following opening for the 2020-2021 school year. 1.0 FTE Preschool Teacher North Iowa seeks collaborative and highly motivated staff members desiring to build relationships and be a part of a school family that is dedicated to doing what’s best for students.  Our commitment to education is evidenced by … [READ MORE]

  • HIRING

    North Iowa Community School District has the following openings for the 2020-2021 school year. MS/HS Principal (6-12) The North Iowa Community School District, located in north central Iowa, serves the communities of Buffalo Center, Lakota, Rake, Thompson, and surrounding communities.  This progressive district serves 450 students in a K-12 building in Buffalo Center, allowing for … [READ MORE]

  • HIRING – Coaches

      North Iowa Community School District has the following openings for the 2020-2021 School Year. Head Speech Coach Speech Coach MS Boys Basketball Coach MS Volleyball Coach If interested, please contact: Gwen Mathahs, Board Secretary North Iowa Community Schools 111 Third Ave NW Buffalo Center, Iowa  50424 -or- Electronic applications available through the Teach Iowa … [READ MORE]

  • WELLNESS CENTER CLOSING

      WELLNESS CENTER WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. [READ MORE]

  • Suicide Prevention & Resources

      North Iowa Community School wants to provide any and all needed assistance to the families we serve.  Please don’t hesitate to reach out – TALK to someone. Open this document to find Suicide Prevention & Resources [READ MORE]

  • Shop the NICS Shutterfly Storefront

      When supporters visit our “North Iowa Community School Shutterfly Storefront” to shop and make purchases, “ShareASale” (Shutterfly’s Affiliate Network) will receive a notification and the NICS account will be credited for the sale.  Purchases made are automatically attributed to NICS and we receive 8% of the sales made during their visit!  Thanks for considering … [READ MORE]

  • BOX TOPS for EDUCATION

      BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION The Box Tops for Education program has earned North Iowa School over $8,500.00 since we began participation over 10 years ago. In the past, the Box Top label was clipped off the package and sent to the school where they were trimmed and sorted. The labels on packages will now … [READ MORE]

  • Flexible Learning Day

    NORTH IOWA SCHOOL is implementing FLEXIBLE LEARNING DAYS A flexible learning day is used to improve learning during a school day that has been cancelled due to inclement weather. This opportunity means that students will complete learning activities and assignments at home that have been provided by the teacher . Students will receive learning activities … [READ MORE]

  • TEXT ALERTS

    North Iowa School will now be using JMC Alerts.  Those without students currently in school should follow the link to sign up for school alerts. Those with students enrolled in JMC are already registered for new alerts – no action necessary. NORTH IOWA JMC ALERTS SIGN-UP FORM. [READ MORE]