Leader in Me – An Overview

Here at North Linn, we utilize an evidence-based, comprehensive school-improvement model known as Leader in Me (LiM). Not only do we want our students to be academic ready when they graduate, they must also be healthy, engaged, responsible, and caring people.

As a Leader in Me District, we believe that every member of your family has greatness and we can’t wait to learn and grow from you! Leader in Me was developed in partnership with educators and FranklinCovey—that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in a global community.

Our district has chosen to operate through a uniquely different lens. Leader in Me is about empowering your student to reach their full potential while ultimately finding their voice. As a district, the staff have made five core commitments to your student. We call these our Core Paradigms. In these paradigms you will find the belief and way we view all students. At this school we see that:

• Everyone is a leader.

• Everyone has genius.

• Change starts with me.

• We empower students to lead their own learning.

• Educators and families partner to develop the whole person.

Not only do these paradigms apply to your student, they apply to all of us!

Leader in Me provides our district with the vision and language to lead in a way that addresses all areas of development. As each student discovers and develops their unique gifts and talents, they are given opportunities to lead. As leaders, they become active, engaged partners in their own education, and their self-confidence, responsibility, and initiative grows. The student quickly understands the benefits of different gifts and talents; they learn to listen to new ideas, work together to achieve results, and motivate one another to be the best.

Together, we will see each student grow!

Leisa Breitfelder

North Linn Superintendent

Adapted from FranklinCovey Welcome to Leader in Me

December is a perfect time to practice

Habit 7- Sharpen the Saw!

We challenge all families to focus on Habit 7 during this time of year. Ask your student what Habit 7 is all about- it is one of our favorites and so important to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

When we work to build family traditions together, we show we are valuing the needs of individuals and families. Renewing our family in each of these areas is where family bonding, identity, fulfillment, and happiness are found. There are four basic needs families and individuals need- Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. Here are some ideas of how to spend time as a family focusing on these things during the busy holiday season:

Physical—Body

• Exercise and do physical activities together.

• Clarify or reclarify expectations and goals around financial and physical assets.

• Do family work together.

Mental—Mind

• Learn new things together.

• Share and discuss ideas.

• Develop talents.

• Write/keep a journal.

Emotional—Heart

• Love and affirm one another.

• Laugh at inside jokes and relax together.

• Build relationships of trust and unconditional love.

Spiritual—Spirit

• Renew commitments.

• Clarify directions and goals.

• Read inspirational literature together

Covey Family Activity:

1. Take time to write down some activities your family can do to balance your lives. Is there something you would really like to do but haven’t or haven’t done in a long time? Choose one or two activities and make a plan to Sharpen the Saw together. Pick a date you will complete the activity by or the date you will discuss the activity details with your family. Write it down on your family calendar where everyone can see it.

2. Have each member of your family answer the following question by either writing or drawing their answer. Parents: What would a “personal day” look like to your ten-year-old self? Kids: If you could have a day to do anything at or around your home, what would it look like?

Adapted from FranklinCovey Balance is Best

Happy Holidays from all of your North Linn Administrators!

Dominic Giegerich

Middle School/High School Principal

Kimberly Graven

Elementary Principal

Director of School Improvement

The 2023-2024 District Calendar can be viewed on the

North Linn website.

Follow this link:

2023-24 District Calendar

Staff Accountant, Kaitlin Ledvina, from CLA visits the

Accounting class & FBLA members on November 17th

Middle School Art Students

"Dare to Dream"

The North Linn Middle School art class has been busy designing posters for the Lions Club Poster Contest. All 6th graders were assigned this project for Art class and some 7th graders chose to do this project as well.

6th grader Quinn Nielsen was chosen as the winner of this year's Lions Club Peace Poster contest. The theme was Dare To Dream. You can see her design here on the left.

Quinn will be receiving a certificate and $50 prize during a ceremony this month in the Art room. Thank you to all those who worked so hard on your entry, in Art class and outside of school. There were many outstanding submissions! 

The kindergarteners went to the Ag Building to see the mother sow and the chickens after learning about farms and animals that live on the farm.

Mr. Murray and his morning Ag class told us about the animals. 

5th grade band students got to experience their first group rehearsal! All of their hard work is paying off and they can't wait to share their talents with everyone.

North Linn Schools, along with support from the North Linn Alumni Giving Group, will be packing and delivering Holiday Boxes to our students and families this season. If you would like to donate to the project you can drop off items at any North Linn office through December 8. 

Financial contributions can be sent directly to Metco, through Venmo, or check. See flyer to the left or the North Linn Alumni Giving Group on Facebook for more information

Donation suggestions are posted above.

Junior Class Fundraiser

The North Linn junior class has been working hard preparing for the Annual Junior Class Auction. Some of the items include; A North Linn Staff Cookbook, Gift cards, Games, and many different themed baskets. The money raised from this auction goes directly to the Junior class to pay for their junior prom and senior expenses. The auction will be held on Facebook from Wednesday, November 29th - Friday, December 8th.

You can find the auction at: facebook.com/northlinnjuniorclass 



Happy Bidding! 

Teaching teamwork at an early age! These 3 year olds are working together to build a house.

When it is too cold to go outside, we bring the snow inside!

Join us for our Annual Little Lynx Spirit Day!

Click the link below to register.

Little Lynx Spirit Day

 Life Skills Students Make Thanksgiving Dinner

Each month, Life Skills students from North Linn, Alburnett, and Central City spend a couple hours hanging out and working on skills necessary to live as independently as possible. In November, students worked together to cook a Thanksgiving meal for themselves and staff. To prepare for Alburnett and Central City visiting us, junior James Lemley worked hard to create a menu, budget, and grocery list for the meal. James was then required to go to the store and buy all of the groceries. This was not an easy task but James was able to get everything on his list and come in under budget! By doing this, James learned about sales and coupons. He was also able to learn about finding the best deal on an item. James was also tasked with showing our new friends "The Apartment" and everything it has to offer! 

The day of our dinner, students were split into three groups and given a recipe with visuals. They were tasked with making green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and crescent rolls. In each group, adults were able to sit back and supervise, assisting where necessary, allowing the students to be in charge of their dish. In all groups, students were required to work together, follow a recipe, ask for help when necessary, and use kitchen appliances and tools. After the meal, students were able to hang out for a while in the apartment where they were able to play games, relax, and work on social skills. 

Central City students used some of their time the day before to make a homemade apple pie that they brought and shared with all of us!

We are excited to spend more time together in December!