Burlington High outlines test-score, career and culture goals; student groups showcase programs

Burlington High School staff presented the high school’s 2024–25 school improvement plan to the Burlington Area School District board at the Feb. 10, 2025 board meeting, outlining academic targets for ACT English and reading, a modest increase in math proficiency, expanded dual‑credit and industry certification opportunities, and a set of culture initiatives aimed at increasing students’ sense of belonging.

“We are laser focused on student growth, engaging in meaningful data review, and taking intentional action to support our students,” said Amy, a Burlington High School presenter, summarizing the plan and the school’s three priority areas: academic achievement, career readiness and school culture.

The plan includes specific, measurable targets and classroom- and school-level actions. Carrie Fidler, presenting the English/ELA goal, said the school aims to raise the share of students at or above the ACT English benchmark from 61% to 65% and to nudge the reading benchmark rate from 48% to 50%. Fidler reviewed baseline horizon testing data and described curriculum and intervention steps — use of the StudySync curriculum, targeted grammar and craft instruction, and expanded use of a Flex Success period for reteaching and enrichment.

Math presenters described a goal to increase the percentage of students at or above the ACT math benchmark from 37% to 40%. Presenters said preliminary horizon testing showed some students beginning the year near the benchmark and pointed to curriculum adjustments (reordering topics such as statistics earlier in course sequences), daily warmups, pre‑ACT bell‑ringer practice and flex‑period small groups as the primary tactics.

Staff described steps to give students ownership of their growth. High school staff said individualized score letters were sent home that compare fall, winter and spring horizon results with benchmarks and offer family strategies; staff said students who demonstrate proficiency in Flex Success can be removed from intervention and regain flexible scheduling.

Career and technical education (CTE) and dual‑credit work were a major focus. School presenters said students earned a total of 2,472 dual‑credit course credits last year and that the district is tracking not just course enrollment but how many students subsequently sign up to receive college credit. Presenters said preliminary numbers for this school year indicate the district is on track to increase dual‑credit participation; the district has added AP and certification courses (including CNA, welding, OSHA, First Aid/CPR) and is discussing further additions such as Adobe and NCCER manufacturing credentials.

Student groups and extracurricular programs used the meeting to report activity and growth. Student leaders of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) said the new BHS chapter grew to 54 members this year; they reported regional competition results (11 qualifiers, nine advancing to state) and described fundraisers and community service activities. Brandon Piccolo, HOSA founder and chapter president, and Ava Fix, vice president, described HOSA Week activities, community outreach, and plans for state competition in April.

Tori Miller, FFA chapter reporter, said the chapter’s greenhouse project received funding for a Generations in Bloom grant; students will bring residents from three assisted‑living facilities to the school greenhouse, pot plants and deliver them before Mother’s Day. Makayla Ruh, agriscience teacher, and Troy Iverson, FFA advisor, said greenhouse sales will support the program and give students hands‑on CTE experience.

Burlington High’s activities and athletics director Eric Sulik reported that roughly two‑thirds of students participate in at least one co‑curricular activity and said the department is tracking participation and cumulative GPA more closely; he said the department’s target is to increase co‑curricular participation above 70% and to raise the cumulative GPA for participating students.

WBSD (the district radio station) students outlined plans for a 50th‑anniversary open house April 5, including alumni interviews, live student shifts, and merchandise; Morgan Ostwick, student director of WBSD, and program staff described student roles, field trips and scholarship funding tied to sponsor support.

Students and staff highlighted the role extracurriculars play in building belonging: “FFA is the reason I like to come to school,” student Tori Miller told the board. Presenters said that sense of belonging was a district priority; the high school set a culture target to move its student engagement “sense of belonging” score from 3.12 to 3.2 and reported they met that goal in the October survey.

The presentation included a mix of targets (explicit percentages for ACT and AP outcomes), program descriptions, and near‑term events: the high school’s horizon practice testing the day after the meeting, HOSA state competition in April, greenhouse sales opening in May, and the WBSD 50th anniversary event April 5.

The board did not take formal action on the high school plan at the meeting; presenters said many of the measures will be tracked through existing school improvement monitoring and will return in future reports.

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Speakers (as identified in the meeting): - Amy — Burlington High School presenter (high school staff member) - Carrie Fidler — Burlington High School, ELA presenter (high school staff member) - Heather — Burlington High School staff member (math/testing presenter) - Ben Hendricks — Burlington High School staff (CTE presenter) - Matt Nye — Burlington High School staff (program presenter) - Eric Sulik — Activities and athletic director, Burlington High School (staff) - Brandon Piccolo — Junior, founder and president, BHS HOSA (student) - Ava Fix — Senior, vice president, BHS HOSA (student) - Makayla Ruh — Agriscience teacher, Burlington High School (staff) - Troy Iverson — FFA advisor, Burlington High School (staff) - Tori Miller — Student, FFA chapter reporter (student) - Cole Denman — Student, FFA greenhouse committee (student) - Paige Berno — Student, FFA greenhouse committee (student) - Morgan Ostwick — Student director, WBSD (student)