Oskaloosa Schools Welcome 16 New Teachers Ahead of New School Year

Marcia DeVore (left) and Michelle Oliver sit down with Oskaloosa News to discuss the upcoming school year in Oskaloosa.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Community School District is welcoming 16 new teachers as students get ready to return to class on Monday, August 24th.

The district recently hosted a welcome day for the new teachers. School leaders talked about the district’s goals and what sets Oskaloosa schools apart.

Marcia DeVore, the district’s director of teaching and learning, said the district encourages its employees to love, empower, and inspire others. This includes students, families, and coworkers.

New teachers will be working in all three school buildings. Since the elementary school has the largest staff, it is getting a few more of the new teachers.

About half of the new teachers have worked in other school districts, while the rest are starting their first year in teaching. DeVore said this brings a good mix of experience and fresh ideas to the district.

New Teacher Returns to Oskaloosa

Michelle Oliver is one of the new teachers joining Oskaloosa Elementary School.

Oliver is familiar with the area. She grew up and finished high school just south of Oskaloosa, and she graduated from William Penn University in the 1990s.

After living elsewhere for over 20 years, Oliver and her husband have moved back to the area.

Oliver said Oskaloosa still feels like the friendly, small town she remembers. She has also noticed new buildings, entertainment options, and other changes in the community.

As she begins her new job, Oliver wants to build strong connections with students and their families. She is also excited to work with her fellow teachers.

Oliver said the support from district staff has made her feel welcome. She hopes to stay with the district for many years.

District Reports Low Teacher Turnover

DeVore said the district’s teacher turnover rate was about 7% this year. This means about 7% of teachers left and needed to be replaced.

She compared Oskaloosa’s rate to the national average of about 15%. DeVore said having a lower rate is a good sign, especially since many schools are facing teacher stress and burnout.

DeVore said experienced teachers from other districts can bring new ideas and teaching methods, while first-year teachers add fresh energy to their classrooms.

Teaching Students How to Use What They Learn

The district also plans to keep focusing on learning that students can use beyond the classroom.

DeVore called this approach engaged and transferable learning. Simply put, the district wants students to do more than just remember facts for a test. They want students to know how to use what they learn in real life.

This kind of learning can start in preschool and continue all the way through 12th grade.

The district also hopes to partner with local businesses and community members. These partnerships can help students see how what they learn in school connects to jobs and everyday life.

Another goal is to create a school culture where students, families, and staff all feel welcome and supported.

Families Encouraged to Complete Registration

Families who have not yet registered their children are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

District staff can help families with registration at the central office or at each school. New families moving into the district can also reach out to school staff for assistance.

Registration provides the district with important information about each student. It also helps schools plan for class sizes, transportation, and other services.

At the elementary school, families are asked to let the office know how their children will get to and from school.

The elementary school uses a tag system for afternoon pickup. When a family’s tag is scanned as their vehicle enters the school lot, staff are notified which students to send outside.

This system is designed to keep students safe while cars move through the pickup area.

Back-to-School Events Scheduled

Several events are scheduled before classes start.

Oskaloosa Middle School’s Back-to-School Night is set for Tuesday, August 18th, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Students and families can visit the building and get ready for the new year. The school shared the event on its official Facebook page.

Oskaloosa Elementary School will have its Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, August 19th, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Freshman Orientation is scheduled for Thursday, August 20th. The current Oskaloosa High School schedule lists orientation from 8 a.m. to 12:10 p.m.

There will be a parent meeting for ninth-grade students and new families that afternoon from 4:30 to 5 p.m. at Oskaloosa High School.

Sometimes the district’s online schedule is different from what was shared during the interview. Families should check the district’s website or contact their school for the most up-to-date information.

First Day Set for August 24th

The first day of school for kindergarten through 12th grade is Monday, August 24th. The district’s online schedule shows a one-hour early dismissal that day. DeVore said some students may wish summer could last longer, but many are excited to come back. School gives students a routine and helps them reconnect with friends and teachers.

Oliver said coming back to Oskaloosa feels like coming home. She looks forward to getting more involved in the community and starting her work with students.