Tradition makes Loyal strong
When I first started teaching at Loyal, a picture of the first graduating class hung by the front door of the high school. I have never noticed anything like this at any other school, so this struck me that our community must be proud of this group of students and the tradition they began. It was this thought that caused me to do a little research about the beginning of the school district and the tradition of being proud of education.
According to the Loyal page of the Clark County History site, as our area was settled, there were five different districts in place: Lyons School, Loyal School, Dodgeville School, Spokeville School and Mack School. Each one was built by residents on land that was either purchased or leased for a reasonable sum. Over the years, as the population in the area grew, it became apparent that there was a need to have a larger school built in a central location.
Even as this happened, the old school buildings were moved to the present site so that they could all continue to be used. Offices, classrooms, a lunchroom, a gym, a stage, and home economic and technology classes were all added so that in 1969, Loyal could boast of having “one of the most modern and well-equipped education plants in this area” (Loyal Centennial Book, 1970). Other additions have been made since then because it is important that the children of the community have access to the best options possible.
Today there are still strong elements of this tradition alive in our school district and students are part of this. While we still have strong students who participate in many activities, the best part is when you see high school students working in classrooms with elementary students. It melts my heart every time I see a high school student sitting on the floor playing or reading to either a group of children or one-on-one. So many students have volunteered to be either a Big Brother or Big Sister for younger kids too. It is awesome when you see a high school student don a pair of snowpants and boots to go out for recess. It is even amazing to see the bonds that fourth graders build with 4-year-olds when they meet every day for their journal buddy time.
The staff members are part of this tradition too. There are many who went to school here and then started a career that brought them back here to work for the Loyal district. These people, along with all the other staff members, have dedicated themselves to make sure that all Loyal students get the best education possible.
The final part of the educational tradition is the community. Parents fill the bleachers for games and concerts. Grandparents have learned to stream those same events so that they never miss a minute of important moments. Businesses frequently sponsor students or groups allowing all Loyal children to have access to the best the community has to offer.
Right now, the school district is facing some challenges. Student enrollment is down, the state hasn’t changed their funding formula in years and the cost of everything keeps going up. The tradition of education in Loyal is hanging in the balance. I truly hope that as you go to the polls to vote in April, you help us maintain the district for the children who are our future.
Over the next couple of months, there are a few activities for the students and their families. The first week of March, the Title I teachers have planned a week of activities for Read Across America Week. At the end of March, there will be a 4K Open House night so that parents and children have a chance to meet their teacher, see the classroom and register for classes that start in the fall. Then in April, along with parent/ teacher conferences, there will be a Family Literacy Night. There will be many reading activities and a supper for all the families who would like to participate. The Title I teachers have a great night planned and we look forward to seeing you there.
