What is an REA and why do they matter?

As a small rural school, there is always a need to find the most efficient and cost-effective way to provide services and classes to our administrators, staff, and students.  One of those efficient and cost-effective ways is through our local Regional Education Association or REA.

The specific REA New Salem-Almont Public Schools belongs to is the Missouri River Education Cooperative (MREC) headquartered in Mandan.

To say the MREC is vital to the educational program we provide is an understatement.  The MREC has provided or currently does provide the following services for our district:

·      Administrator trainings and meetings

·      First Tech Challenge Support (Robotics & Engineering Club)

·      Instructional Coaching

·      Online and ITV courses through the MRACTC

·      Help with the AdvancEd accreditation process

·      Data analysis – MAP Test, State Assessment, & BrightBytes Survey

·      Trainings and support with Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)

During the 2015-2016 school year 53 students took classes offered through the MRACTC.  This year, 2016-2017, we have 40 students taking classes.

I wanted to inform you of the important role REA’s play in rural education because a bill has been introduced in the North Dakota state Legislature to strip funding of REA’s from the state budget.  House Bill 1318 would strike REA’s from the North Dakota Century Code leaving our staff and students without the opportunity for cost-effective professional development and expanded course offerings. 

If you would like to know more about the MREC and the programs it provides click here

Get on the Energy Bus!

At the start of the school year Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Andrew Jordan introduced a program to help change the climate and culture of the New Salem-Almont school district for the better.  The program that was introduced was John Gordon's "The Energy Bus."

This program is one that has been used to turn around organizations, companies, and professional sports teams for almost TEN years.  The "Energy Bus is a message of choice and positivity woven through the story of a man named George who’s day starts out with one frustration after another and ultimately he is forced to take the bus to work.  It is when George gets on the bus that his life changes.  Joy, the bus driver, greets George with a loud and happy “Good day to you today, Sugar!” from that moment on George begins to understand that we may not be in control of the situations around us, but we are in control of how we respond.

Every staff member was given a copy of the book “The Energy Bus” and it is our hope that a positive attitude will start to permeate everything we do here at New Salem-Almont Public Schools.  The idea behind the book is grounded in 10 Rules that John Gordon says will “fuel your life, work, and team with positive energy.”  The rules are simple:

1)    You’re the Driver of your bus

2)    Desire, vision, and focus move your bus in the right direction

3)    Fuel your ride with positive energy

4)    Invite people on your and share your vision for the road ahead

5)    Don’t waste your energy on those who don’t get on the bus

6)    Post a sign that says NO ENERGY VAMPIRES ALLOWED on your bus

7)    Enthusiasm attracts more passengers and energizes them during the ride

8)    Love your passengers

9)    Drive with purpose

10) Have fun and enjoy the ride

We have tried to do these this year and it is our hope that a culture of positivity becomes a part of our identity at New Salem-Almont Public Schools.