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Participation edges to 4-star rating; district highlights removal of extracurricular fees and new outreach to boost involvement
Summary
The district reported a modest rise in high-school participation that moved the district from a 3-star to 4-star rating, and staff outlined outreach efforts and logistics—citing the April board decision to eliminate extracurricular and sports fees as a barrier removal.
District leaders told the board on June 25 that student involvement at the high school level increased modestly from winter to spring, moving the district into a 4-star rating for participation.
"We moved from 3 stars to 4 star stars. We just squeaked in there hitting 60%," said the district’s student involvement lead. The report noted participation rose by just over 3% from winter to spring, with modest increases across subgroups.
Why it matters: research and district leaders say student participation in extracurriculars is linked to higher academic success and fewer discipline issues. The district credited several steps for improved access: the board’s April decision to eliminate extracurricular and sports fees, planned surveys of 9–12 students in September to identify interest and barriers, summer mailings to families with start times and club information, and targeted freshman outreach programs (Spartan Strong Start at North and West’s Best Crew at West).
Staff said they will continue outreach during open houses and through a newsletter calendar and plan to require or encourage freshmen to sign up for at least one activity during orientation sessions to boost sustained involvement.
Next steps: implement the September interest survey for grades 9–12, continue summer family outreach, and track participation again in fall to pursue the district’s 5-star (70%) participation goal.
