A SCHOOL YOU CAN TRUST

Build relationships. Make a difference.
This is what Oakland Elementary School is doing.  This public school in Bloomington is setting the pace when it comes to relationship building in education.  They know that they are entrusted with a huge privilege and responsibility.
This is a complex era for public education.  Changes in the relational and institutional fabric of our society have led to heightened expectations on public schools.
Public schools have always had to battle with changes at the political and economic levels.  Education is constantly adjusting its standards for measurement and strategies for learning.  However, the changes in familial and communal engagement have been far more challenging.
Children walk into a public school from every background.  One walks right out of their parent’s minivan after just completing a full breakfast and will be picked up as the final bell rings in the same minivan before returning to a two-parent home where homework assistance and conversation will be the norm.  On the flip side, another student walks in off a bus that just picked them up from the homeless shelter, or their grandma’s apartment, and they will come to school for a government-supplied breakfast before completing the day in a mandated after school program.  Yet, throughout the day, these two students will be expected to learn and master the same material and be measured against the same standards.
We know that schools play a vital role in the formation of society’s youth, but we’ve placed an astronomical amount of pressure on educators by outsourcing total formation to them.  Never before have we expected a school to nurture the intelligence and emotions of their students, to nourish their minds and souls, this much.
Oakland is a school that owns this responsibility.  The staff, led by their principal, David LaFrance, is diligently working to build relationships and make a difference.  They joyfully walk into work day after day believing in what they do and knowing that they are entrusted with a great task.
David LaFrance is a principal who exemplifies servant leadership.  He leads his staff, students, and families with love.  His love for God compels him to love others.  He is a trustworthy educator creating an environment of trust at Oakland through shared stories.
With each and every story shared, and in each and every relationship built, a difference is being made.
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IT’S NOT ABOUT THE TOILET

Andrew Mueller

Construction sites are no place for soft hands, or soft speech.

Most people don’t possess the skills or tools to be their own handymen. Over the years, the trades have become a lucrative career as less and less people know electricity, heating/cooling, and plumbing. It appears that there will always be a job market for those skilled with their hands.

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A SCHOOL YOU CAN TRUST

David LaFrance

Build relationships. Make a difference.

This is what Oakland Elementary School is doing.  This public school in Bloomington is setting the pace when it comes to relationship building in education.  They know that they are entrusted with a huge privilege and responsibility.

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THE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT

Joni Parker

Joni did not want to be one of our “extraordinary” stories. She is convinced that she is just an ordinary person who does an ordinary job. But Joni is extremely faithful.

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CREATING A LEGACY

Casey Heimer

When Coach Heimer steps onto the football field, the linebackers of Normal Community’s Varsity team know the rumors.  Coach Heimer is one of the most fun and fiery coaches on the staff.  Coach Heimer loves to strategize and compete.  Coach Heimer is serious about teamwork and integrity. Coach Heimer is creating a legacy...

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WHEN DEVIATIONS LEAD TO DESTINY

Rachel Dalton

There is not a specific moment Rachel can look back to and pinpoint the moment she came to know Jesus. Her faith was simply there, an ever present anchor that she could turn to from even her earliest days. She grew up in a Christian home, and as a little girl she thought she’d wind up on the mission field or as a teacher like her parents, and set out to work towards those goals. She learned that the best opportunity for missions is to be a doctor....

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ALL IN

Mike Somers

Mike Somers is the son of a hardworking entrepreneur, who was a constant example of what it looked like to chase hard after your goals and make your own way. When Mike was around 12 years old there was a shift in the home when his dad came to know the Lord. He began to exemplify what it looked like to be intentional with your faith in all areas of life – work included, he was all in...

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FAITH IN EVERY SEASON

Kristin Moore

If you asked anyone who knew Kristin 10 years ago what she would be doing today, there is no doubt that the answer would involve singing. She has a God-given gift when it comes to vocals, and from the moment she graduated high school and moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University, pursuing a career in the music industry was a no brainer.

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WORKING TOWARDS THE END GOAL

Chase Simpsen

There was never a time when Chase had to question what hard work looked like. Some of his earliest memories are of watching his dad and grandpa not only working, but enjoying it. That love of work was ingrained in him and is something he has carried through to his own career. From watching them, he learned that if you want something, you set goals and...

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SETTLING INTO ADVENTURE

Rachel Lovejoy

Rachel has always had a bit of a restless soul. Growing up, her family moved around a lot and each new place brought its own set of adventures. This “on to the next thing” mentality has carried itself full-force through to her adult years. Since graduating high school she’s moved a total of 5 times...

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