By Mari Radtke
After business formalities of the South O’Brien School Board was complete, building principals shared their building’s 2023 plans for “Bully Prevention.” October is a month designated to giving the topic particular attention.
Jean Steen, Elementary Principal presented for the Elementary building. October 2 is “Stomp Out Bulling Day!” All staff and students may wear blue that day to kick off the month. There will be a walk for the namesake goal.
“Unity Day” is Wednesday October 18. Orange is the color for that day with a school wide pledge to: Support others who have been harmed, treat others with kindness, be more accepting of differences and help include those who may be left out. On this day there will be a “Unity Tree and/or Rock Garden” created.
All classes are to set aside time to be read age appropriate books to help prevent bullying by either Mrs. Steen or Mrs. Negus.
October 27 will bring Erica Wassenaar of Creative Living Center to the Elementary Building for a grade appropriate presentation.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! November 13-19, 2023 is World Kindness Day.
Steen reported good growth in academic areas overall for elementary students. Comparison of this district to the state overall and ELA students and math in grade level breakdown was shown. In math, the 3rd grade students were the only 3-6 grade showing below state performance according to the FAST testing regimen. The percentage of students performing at or above grade level, K-6 spring 2023 to fall 2023 is pretty consistent with only concerning drops in this fall’s first grade.
Denise Phillips, Junior/Senior High School Principal shared plans to promote anti-bullying in that building. Promoting positive and safe environments for all students is key and first item on the agenda. Staff will be guiding students into developing kindness, acceptance and inclusion skills.
During October one week will be dedicated to one of the specific skills, plus a special feature about being a bystander. Wear blue for kindness, purple for acceptance, orange for “Unity Day” and green for inclusion. Activities for support of each skill are part of the week’s programming. Kayla Reetz will present “Challenge to Change” on Thursday October 26. Inspirational quotes are available online to students to remind them how great these skills work.
Phillips provided information student activity from several different categories: 21st Century Skills, College and Career Readiness, Positive Climate and Culture and High Performance and Growth. Each category was accompanied by description of activities that supported the category.
Grades 8-12 proficiency scores indicated that all except the current 9th grade are performing well above state average, including ELA students. Below grade level math testing in junior high does show some concerning results.
Enrollment was certified on Monday October 2. This number sets funding for the 204-25 school year. Superintendent Wade Riley noted that enrollment is trending down. He expects a decline of 15 or more students for this school year.