It is hard to believe that the first quarter of the school year is already over. Time flies like the leaves of October falling from the trees. Our schools have been busy working toward district goals while managing the daily steps toward excellence.
One of our district goals is to have 90% of our students reach reading proficiency by the end of this school year, according to the MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) assessment. This is a moonshot goal that no Nebraska public school district accomplished last year. Last spring, our staff helped 75% of our students reach that target. Achieving the additional 15% needed to meet the goal will require a Herculean effort. We must ensure all students continue to grow in their reading skills and support any new students entering our schools this year.
Another goal is that 90% of our high school students will be involved in at least one activity. Last year, we narrowly missed this goal. Research shows that students involved in activities perform better academically and socially, learn to accept feedback, work as a team, and develop a strong work ethic. This year, our students have already exceeded this goal, with 66% participating in two or more activities after just the first quarter. We look forward to seeing how the winter season influences these numbers, especially with the addition of boys’ and girls’ bowling through our partnership with Grand Island Senior High.
The third district goal involves completing the Portrait of a Graduate, a framework that outlines the key skills, traits, and knowledge students should possess upon graduation. We have surveyed the school community, held public meetings, consulted with employers, and collaborated with staff and the school board. The most desired skills include communication, work ethic, dependability, accountability, teamwork, and problem-solving. Over the coming months, we will work with the community to identify the benchmarks that will shape the Wood River Rural Schools' profile of a graduate.
As the first quarter ends and October draws to a close, we also want to recognize that October is Principal Appreciation Month. Wood River Rural Schools is fortunate to have Mrs. Klanecky, Mr. Pietrzak, and Mr. Hirschert—some of the most dedicated principals in the state. Their collaborative leadership, alongside our dedicated staff, is key to our success in reaching our goals. They are Always Reaching for Excellence.