Schools launch innovative strategies to boost student success

During a recent government meeting, members of the performance team emphasized the importance of winter preparedness for students, urging everyone to ensure they have adequate winter gear as temperatures drop. The meeting also highlighted the warm community spirit, encouraging international students to engage in activities and share their experiences in the spring.

The focus then shifted to educational goals, with Monticello Bridal School Principal Jeff Sherber and Assistant Principal Rachel Sandquist presenting updates on their multi-year objectives in reading and math. They reported progress towards achieving a 70% proficiency goal in reading by spring, building on last year's 2% increase in FastBridge assessments. The school is embedding key literacy components across all subjects, ensuring that students engage in reading, writing, speaking, and listening in every lesson.

The discussion included innovative teaching strategies, particularly in math, where a new collaborative approach is being implemented to enhance student engagement and understanding. This method encourages students to articulate their thought processes in group settings, marking a significant shift from traditional teaching methods.

The meeting also addressed the challenges of supporting struggling students in higher grades. The administration is working to minimize disruptions in learning by coordinating interventions that do not pull students from core classes. Reading specialist Joy Hausman is utilizing data-driven strategies to tailor support for students, ensuring they receive targeted assistance without missing essential content.

Communication with parents regarding student progress and interventions was highlighted as a priority, with plans for ongoing engagement through meetings and newsletters. The administration aims to foster a partnership with families to support student success.

As the meeting concluded, the focus shifted to Monticello High School, where co-principals Laurie Hansen and Matt Kowal outlined their goals for improving graduation rates, currently at 91%, with an aim to reach 94%. They emphasized the importance of professional development for staff and the implementation of tiered support systems to address the diverse needs of students.

Overall, the meeting underscored a commitment to enhancing educational outcomes through community support, innovative teaching practices, and effective communication with families.