The Big Dream

AT FINDLEY, WE ARE  DREAMING BIG 

The landscape of education is rapidly changing. If we are to thrive as an organization and provide a high-quality experience for our students, families, staff,  and communities, we must innovate and think differently about how we do school. At Findley, we are doing just that. We are daring to re-imagine a school experience that better serves all who are connected to our school. 

Dream Big with Us

In March 2023, we began asking Findley staff, students, families, and partners to Dream Big with us. Join us in imaging a radically different educational experience at Findley. 

WHAT IF…

Findley’s current 5th grade students were 6th graders at Findley in 24-25?

Findley offered a 4-day learning week?

Families had access to childcare and programming for their children during breaks and the 5th day of the week?

Summer learning loss was no longer an issue?

Pre-k was offered at Findley?

A full-time mental health therapist served students, families, & staff?

Students progressed based on mastering competencies and not based on age or grade level?

Every student had access to a therapeutic classroom space?

The Big Dream Timeline

11.2.2022

The Big Dream is Imagined

11.30.2022

The Big Dream Takes Off With Findley and District Leadership

12.12.2022

Dave Berger, Chad Leimbacher – Findley space for 6th grade

2.23.2023

Jake Troja – Findley Big Dream

3.20.2023

Findley Staff Retreat – Big Dream Presentation

3.29.2023

Tim Schott – Big Dream 6th grade

4.4.2023

Jennifer DeVries, Orchard Place – Big Dream, school-based therapist

4.6.2023

Matt Smith – Big Dream

4.19.2023

Crista Carlile, Heartland AEA – Big Dream

4.26.2023

Shashank Aurora – Big Dream financials

Apr– June 2023

Findley Staff One-on-One Conversations

6.1.2023

John Deere Financial annual meeting, Big Dream

6.7.2023

Harding/Findley at East High – 6th grade at Findley Conversation

6.8.2023

Crista Carlile – Big Dream update

6.30.2023

Brad Neibling, Univ of Iowa Scanlon Center – Big Dream Therapeutic classroom,     Mental health support

7.5.2023

Cameron Nicholson, DMYMCA – Big Dream, 4-day work week

8.2.2023

Jodi Nelson, Mental Health Twin Cities

8.3.2023

Ian Roberts, Matt Smith – Big Dream

8.14-15. 2023

Findley Parent Focus Groups

8.31.2023

Findley family survey (in person and electronic)

8.21.2023

Wade Leuwerke, Drake University – Big Dream survey design

9.6.2023

Amanda Miller – Big Dream extended year

9.11.2023

Bettendorf Middle School Admin – Therapeutic Classroom

9.11.2023

John Deere Inspire conference, Moline – Big Dream

9.21.2023

Ian Roberts – Big Dream survey data

10.5.2023

Ian Roberts – Big Dream update

10.5-6. 2023

BEST conference – Mental health support

10.16-19. 2023

Disney Leadership Institute

10.27.2023

Cheryl Hayes, Let’s Talk Now – Big Dream Social-emotional support

11.2.2023

Ian Roberts – Big Dream update

11.27.2023

Therapeutic Classroom at Findley

11.28.2023

Roberts, Smith, Tallman, Berger – Big Dream 6th grade at Findley

11.30.2023

John Deere Foundation Grant request: Mental Health Therapist at Findley, 3-year     funding

12.12.2023

Dave Berger – Big Dream 6th grade space, facilities study

12.19.2023

Cameron Nicholson – 4-day work week

12.21.2023

Roberts, Smith, Tallman, Berger – Big Dream 6th grade at Findley

1.5.2024

Susie Tallman, Staffing plan

1.5.2024

Kevin Oleson, Funding

1.5 2024

Phil Roeder & Amanda Lewis, Communications

1.18.2024

 Findley & Harding Meeting

3.8.2024

Findley announces Montessori for K-5 in 2024-25