Principal outlines RISE support/enrichment block to meet diverse student needs

Principal Chandler Rickland presented the board with details of RISE, a dedicated 30-minute learning block held Monday through Thursday designed to meet students “where they are” academically and socially. Rickland said RISE — an acronym for Reach, Acquire, Strive and Empower — balances targeted remediation for students who need extra support with enrichment opportunities for others.

Rickland described a mix of teacher-led and student-selected sessions during RISE that address academic, social-emotional and physical needs. Examples she cited include targeted skill remediation for students below benchmarks, STEM and STEAM activities with Purdue Extension, VEX and LEGO robotics practice, academic-bowl preparation, and arts and music sessions such as band and choir. Rickland noted the program has allowed students to take part in hands-on activities (one example: planting and later harvesting strawberries in the school greenhouse).

Scheduling is staggered by grade level so younger students meet after lunch and upper-elementary students meet earlier; Rickland said this approach frees staff for coverage and prevents K–6 grouping that would be inefficient for programming. The principal emphasized that remediation is not punitive and that students may choose enrichment on some days and intervention on others, rather than being assigned to the same group daily.

Board members asked whether RISE ties to the RIASEC career inventory used at the middle and high schools. Rickland said RISE is a precursor that helps students explore interests and that it is intentionally flexible rather than being fully aligned day-to-day with middle/high school RIASEC work. She also said community members and local professionals (carpenters, nurses, firefighters, graphic designers) are invited to lead sessions and discuss job skills with students.

Rickland told the board the approach has increased student engagement and given teachers built-in time for enrichment activities without pulling students from core classes. The presentation concluded with board thanks and no formal action required.

The district plans to continue RISE across buildings while refining scheduling and community partnerships; the program will be reviewed as part of ongoing instructional planning.