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District: smooth openings, freshmen orientation and new programs mark first day; ALC to begin benchmark testing Sept. 15
Summary
District leaders reported generally smooth first days across elementary, middle and high schools and outlined enrollment figures and new programming, including a 266-student freshman class and an ALC plan to begin benchmark testing on Sept. 15.
School leaders told the ISD 318 board that school buildings opened smoothly across the district, with targeted orientations for groups such as freshmen, kindergarteners and students at the Area Learning Center (ALC) and the Grand Rapids Area Virtual Academy (GRAVA).
“At Grand Rapids High School our freshman class this year consists of 266 total students,” said the high school principal, noting the entering class is smaller than last year’s graduating class of 319. The principal reported 55 new students enrolled over the summer and 47 students leaving the district prior to the start of the year.
Principals from Bigfork, Cohasset Elementary and the middle school all described a positive first day, with staff and students adjusting to routines and welcoming events. Ken Decoffran, principal at Bigfork, said staff and custodial preparation contributed to “a great start,” and Cohasset Principal Ryan Sigley highlighted routines, smiles and a sense of belonging as key outcomes on the first day.
The district’s Area Learning Center principal, Anna Lloyd, said the ALC uses a “soft start” to orient students and families, create personalized learning plans and identify outside supports such as housing or mental-health needs. Lloyd said the ALC will begin baseline benchmark testing on September 15 to better tailor interventions and track progress. “We really sit down with them, their parents… and we make a personalized path to graduation,” Lloyd said.
The district also reported on the new Grand Rapids Area Virtual Academy. Assistant Principal Andy Forbort said GRAVA’s K–12 enrollment stands at 45 students, 40 of whom are in grades 6–12. Forbort said some students participate in in-person classes—band, welding and other hands-on classes—so they can access activities and athletics; GRAVA students remain eligible to participate in district extracurriculars.
Other program notes: the middle school has an agricultural sciences class that evolved from a prior position and generated strong parent interest during open house; principals also said there are two foreign-exchange students at the high school and three at the high school (Germany, Belgium and Brazil were mentioned). Several building leaders and board members described robust parent and community involvement at open houses.
Why it matters: enrollment shifts affect classroom staffing, budgets and planning, and the ALC benchmark testing will inform interventions for students who need alternate pathways to graduation.
No formal board action was taken during the reports. Board and staff members thanked teachers, custodians, transportation and other staff for preparations that contributed to the positive opening-day reports.
