Dateland educator named to hall of fame

Named to the Arizona Educators Hall of Fame, Bob Sloncen of Dateland Elementary School says he gives equal credit to the school, his wife and the community for the honor he received recently.

Sloncen was inducted during the recent Arizona Rural Schools Association's (ARSA) annual convention in Prescott. ARSA Hall of Fame commemorates those who have advanced the cause of rural educators, Sloncen noted.

"I was humbled because I know so many people picked for that honor. And I was happy for the school."

Even though Dateland is a small and isolated school, it has had success other schools have not and that always makes a staff member feel good, Sloncen said.

Among Dateland's shining hours are the number of times they have placed in first or second place in the MathCounts competition. Students battle to solve problems individually and as part of teams to advance to nationwide meets. MathCounts is sponsored nationally by the National Society of Professional Engineers and other organizations and locally by the Arizona Society of Professional Engineers Western Chapter.

Sloncen first arrived at Dateland 39 years ago and started teaching seventh and eighth grades along with coaching boys sports and even driving a bus.

He expected to stay just a couple of years but surprised himself and his family by staying four decades. He was willing to do almost anything in those days to maximize his earnings, he said.

"It's rewarding to see our former students return to school and talk about their success. That always makes you feel good."

A critical contributing factor to Dateland's achievements, said Sloncen, was the school strove to make everybody responsible for their tasks whether a bus driver or teacher. And that extended  to students as well, he said.

"When I first came to Dateland, there was no reason we should have won the MathCounts. We had 25 kids going against hundreds of others from Yuma. But through hard work, Dateland accomplished what you'd ordinarily think they couldn't do."

Sloncen was named Yuma County Citizen of the Year in 2001. He said it was very exciting for him and his family.

"It was a big honor if you look at who preceded me. I was the first one honored from east county since R.H. McElhaney in 1949."

The Hall of Fame honor was also in recognition of the 34 years he served in the Coast Guard, on active duty and as a reservist as well, Sloncen said. He retired as a two-star admiral and credits his experience at Dateland for benefiting his performance in the Coast Guard.

Pat Koury, Hyder District superintendent, said Sloncen was instrumental in getting research grants and special programs for east county schools. Sloncen also overcame the obstacles of limited English speakers, low-income families, and rural isolation to cultivate a long record of high academic performance.

"Everything he touches turns to gold. He's one of the most dedicated people you've seen. And whatever he's involved with, he usually ends up in charge. He's got natural leadership ability."

When Sloncen first started, Dateland had 125 students but grew to 225 and now has receded to its original enrollment. Some of its state aid depends upon the number of students it has and if Dateland is to continue to achieve, they must restore their expansion, he said.

"I hope Dateland shows some growth in the next five years and attracts highly qualified teachers, so we can continue the accomplishments of the past."