ROAR Together: Building Idaho’s Future with INCLUDE Communities, Rockland

Discover how the small town of Rockland, Idaho, led by Superintendent Greg Larson, connects its community, expands educational opportunities, and preserves its strong traditions while preparing students for a brighter future.

We are excited to launch a series spotlighting our incredible community partners through the INCLUDE project. This initiative connects rural Idaho communities to expanded educational opportunities, health services, and critical resources. By highlighting these communities, we celebrate the dedicated efforts of those working to uplift, educate, and support Idaho's youth. Join us as we share a bit about the communities who are helping to ensure a brighter future for all Idahoans.

Greg Larson, Rockland: Where school is the heart of the community

In the small, tranquil town of Rockland, Idaho, the heartbeat of the community can be felt within the walls of its school, where Greg Larson has served as superintendent for the past six years. 

Growing up in the similarly tight-knit town of Grantsville, Utah, Greg's path to education was influenced by his father, who was also a teacher. After earning a degree in elementary education from Utah State University, Greg began his career as a fifth-grade teacher in Grantsville. A pivotal moment came when a fire destroyed one of the school buildings, and Greg stepped into an administrative role, sparking a passion for leadership that led him to pursue a master’s degree in education administration.

Greg’s journey eventually brought him to Rockland, where the presence of family and the opportunity to make a difference in a small community were powerful draws. Rockland School District, with about 175 students from kindergarten through 12th grade, is unique in its small size, allowing for individualized attention that Greg believes is key to the students’ success. This small-town environment is a place where traditions are cherished, and the peaceful, star-lit nights are a far cry from the hustle and bustle of larger towns.

Rockland’s community is deeply intertwined with the school. Annual events like homecoming and local fairs are highlights, where students proudly display the animals they have raised. Sports are a significant part of the school culture, and the entire town was abuzz when the girls' basketball team won a state championship for the first time in over a century during Greg’s tenure. The pride and excitement were palpable, reflecting the community’s investment in its youth.

Beyond the school’s walls, Rockland’s agricultural roots run deep. Farming and livestock raising are integral to the local economy, with many students working on farms, developing mechanical skills, often tinkering with trucks or ATVs. The town’s gatherings are never complete without hearty smoked meats and the beloved scone bites served with honey butter—a culinary tradition that locals swear by.

Greg Larson speaks with pride about the support the school receives from the community. Whether its parents volunteering as coaches, coming in to read to the children, or serving on the board of the Parent Teachers Organization, or local businesses such the broadband company, Direct Communications, donating funds to the school, the generosity of Rockland’s residents is unmatched. Farmers even donate potatoes, which seniors bag and sell as a fundraising effort. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes Rockland special.

Education in Rockland is not just about maintaining traditions but also about preparing students for the future. Each student is provided with a laptop, and the school emphasizes technology and career readiness. Programs like Future Farmers of America (FFA) allow students to engage in hands-on learning through activities like greenhouse management where they grow flowers which they sell in the spring. They also learn taxidermy and woodworking. The school also offers classes focused on economics, marketing, and website creation, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed in today’s digital world.

Greg’s pride in his students is evident when he recounts their successes. He remembers a student who started several grades behind in reading but, with dedicated support, was able to catch up and graduate with his peers. Stories like these highlight the advantages of Rockland’s small school environment, where students receive the individual attention they need to thrive. 

The school’s near-perfect graduation rate is a testament to the hard work of both students and teachers, who go above and beyond to ensure every student succeeds. Looking to the future, Greg hopes to see more students taking advantage of advanced opportunities, particularly in career and technical education. Partnerships with Idaho State University have been instrumental in offering these programs, and the recent opening of a center for career education is a significant step forward. One student, for example, is set to begin an engine mechanics program that will give him a head start in his chosen career.

Despite the challenges of staffing in a small town, Greg is grateful for his dedicated team of teachers, most of whom are from the local community. Their commitment to the students and the school is unwavering, and they work closely with Greg to create an environment where every child has the opportunity to succeed. 

In Rockland, the school is more than just a place of learning; it’s the heart of the community. Under Greg Larson’s leadership, it continues to be a place where traditions are honored, where the future is nurtured, and where the spirit of the town shines brightly in the achievements of its students.

What is INCLUDE?

INCLUDE: Idaho Needs Connectivity Leading University Distance Education

The INCLUDE Project by Idaho State University provides equitable access to Dual Enrollment classes and support services to rural communities in Idaho. The project increases educational opportunities for high school students by offering ISU Dual Enrollment classes through advanced distance learning technology at no cost, funded by rural internet providers and a USDA grant. Community members can also use the equipment for education and professional development. 

The project further addresses mental and physical health needs in rural schools through Telehealth services and training on opioid abuse, mental health, and general health. It includes counseling, therapy, and educational programs for staff and communities to improve well-being, prevent opioid abuse, and reduce suicide rates in underserved areas. The INCLUDE Project aims to empower students, educators, and communities, fostering academic achievement and healthier lives.

Meet our contributors:

Omotomilayo O. Lawanson

Omotomilayo O. Lawanson is a second-year graduate student in the English and the Teaching of English program at ISU. Her passion for learning about people and cultures fueled her excitement to work on this project, which showcases local Idaho communities. This passion for understanding and appreciating different cultures is also responsible for the internship she's currently undertaking, where she co-teaches the ENGL 2215: Survey of World Mythology course. Tomilayo is a creative writer whose works, "Adaba" and "Vain Gilds," have been accepted for publication in the 2024 edition of Black Rock and Sage, ISU's student journal of creative works.