Our School

About Shimek Elementary

The mission of Shimek Elementary School is to ensure that all students become life-long learners capable of making informed decisions in a democratic society as well as in the dynamic global community. This is accomplished by challenging each student with a differentiated, rigorous and creative curriculum taught by a collaborative, caring staff. Shimek will be enriched through the resources and partnership of students, families, and the community.

Shimek Elementary is located at 1400 Grissel Place, a quiet neighborhood surrounded by woods and native prairie in a beautifully landscaped open area. The school is named after a native Iowan, Bohumil Shimek, who made important contributions as a pioneer, geologist, botanist, zoologist, educator, engineer, conservationist, patriot and citizen. Shimek Elementary opened in the fall of 1970 and has an enrollment of approximately 240 students in preschool through grade 6.

Shimek Elementary School is organized into single grade units. Teachers collaborate to meet student needs through flexible grouping patterns, including specialized programs to meet the needs of exceptional learners. Like Professor Shimek, educators at Shimek Elementary strive to provide students with a personalized, well-rounded understanding of what is to be learned and also help young learners appreciate and enjoy learning. Educators embrace technology, and the acquisition of SMARTboards, projectors, and document cameras in all classrooms has added a new dimension to learning.

Especially significant is the Shimek history of parent participation that has made Shimek a family oriented school. The Shimek Parent-Teachers’ Organization has been instrumental in providing funds for developing enrichment programs/celebrations and equipment, which include an ice cream social, a spring carnival, a talent show, book fairs, a dance marathon, a playground structure, and most recently the Shimek Garden. Volunteers help in the classrooms, office and library throughout the year, serving as educational aides, guest speakers and learning resources.

The “Shimek Family” believes there should be an atmosphere of cooperation and respect among students, parents and staff to establish a strong home-school partnership. As partners in education, teachers help students learn, students actively participate, and parents reinforce both teacher and student efforts. Through PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports), the expectations of respect, responsibility, kindness, trustworthiness, and perseverance are taught and reinforced. It is our goal that students will be on their way to becoming independent, life-long learners, respectful of people and the environment, and responsible and productive citizens.