ALGONA, IA – May 22, 2025 – As the 2024-2025 school year draws to a successful close, the Algona Community School District is thrilled to share outstanding achievements highlighting student success and the dedicated efforts of its entire staff. These accomplishments underscore the district’s commitment to providing a top-tier education for every student.
"At the beginning of the year, we emphasized how big of an impact every single interaction has on our students, all of the time," said Superintendent Joe Carter. "I don’t think we celebrate our outstanding district, and everything that we accomplish on a daily basis, near enough. These results are a direct testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Algona Schools family.
Exceptional Academic Performance
Algona CSD students consistently exceed state averages across multiple critical academic indicators, demonstrating strong growth and proficiency:
English Language Growth (ELPA 21 Composite): Algona CSD students achieved 71% growth, significantly surpassing the state average of 60%.
Growth in Mathematics: Students posted a growth score of 53, compared to the state average of 50.
Percent Proficient in Mathematics: An impressive 79% of Algona students demonstrated proficiency in mathematics, well above the state average of 69%.
Percent Proficient in ELA (English Language Arts): 81% of our students achieved proficiency in ELA, outperforming the state average of 72%.
Percent Proficient in Science: 83% of Algona CSD students were proficient, substantially higher than the state average of 69%.
Mr. Carter said, "Every one of these successes is a direct result of the supportive learning environment fostered by our teachers, support staff, and administration."
A District of Choice and Opportunity
Beyond core academics, Algona CSD continues to be a district of choice for families, with nearly 10 percent of its students open-enrolling into the district. This significant percentage speaks to the strong reputation and welcoming atmosphere within Algona Schools.
The district also prides itself on its robust and forward-thinking curriculum:
High School Excellence: The Algona High School curriculum offers over 120 core and elective course offerings, providing students with diverse pathways for their future. This year alone, Algona students accumulated over 1500 hours that will transfer to colleges, giving them a significant head start on higher education.
Innovative Middle School Programs: Our Middle School offers a wide variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) classes and electives, including exciting programs like robotics, advanced robotics, medical detectives, and marine biology, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills from an early age.
"Everyone here is responsible for all of these amazing things happening in Algona Schools," concluded Mr. Carter. "Thank you to everyone for making this happen, making Algona Community schools a special place for our students and staff, and for making the 2024-2025 school year a FANTASTIC YEAR!"
Retirees
The celebration continued with honoring six employees who are retiring from the Algona Community School District. These employees have many years of combined service to the Algona School District and just under 200 years of service in the profession! ACSD is very thankful for these staff members and everything that they have done for the District and all of the lives they have touched through the years!
Marie Berke, 2nd Grade- 20 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Sara Curtis, 4 Year Old Preschool- 16 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Zoe Heider, 4 Year Old Preschool- 15 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Cindy Schmidt, 1st Grade - 11 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Julie Stein, High School Counselor- 20 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Tong Uk Yi , High School Art- 29 years of service in the Algona Community School District
Golden Apple Award Recipients
Each year, the Algona Community School District awards Golden Apples to staff members with 25 years of service. This year, we have 5 Golden Apple Awards recipients. This year's Golden Apple Award recipients are: Shari Crouch, Lisa Hardman, Erica Cecil, Amy McLaughlin, Julie Illg.
Class of 1979 Teacher of the Year Award
The Class of 1979 Teacher of the Year Award was presented by AHS alumni, former Algona High School staff member and current Algona Community School Foundation consultant and Board Member, Barb Teeter.
This year’s recipient, based on nominations from staff, students and/or community members, was Cindy Schmidt.