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Apollo High highlights belonging, academic gains and new safety measures including single‑use restrooms
Summary
Apollo High School Principal Justin Scalarud told the board students benefit from expanded recognition programs, college-credit opportunities and targeted safety and outreach steps — including home visits, daytime homecoming and four new single‑use restrooms — as administrators pursue student belonging and improved attendance.
Apollo High School Principal Justin Scalarud presented to the St. Cloud Area School District board on Jan. 22, outlining initiatives focused on student belonging, academic recognition, safety and postsecondary readiness.
Scalarud described a program of recognitions that awards the same certificate to students who earn A honor roll, B honor roll or all credits for a trimester to broaden academic recognition. He said 20% of 11th and 12th graders earned college credit over the past year through AP, College in the Schools and other concurrent-enrollment opportunities. The school also supports a bilingual seal program — 74 students were scheduled to take the bilingual‑seal test that week, including a first‑time American Sign Language candidate, Scalarud said.
On safety and belonging, Scalarud outlined ‘‘Eagle Time,’’ a 30‑minute block twice weekly used for relationship and safety lessons, and described a student‑support team of deans, paraeducators and coaches who provide active supervision. He highlighted installation of four single‑use restrooms placed in each corner of the learning community, saying they have reduced concerns about bathroom congregating and privacy complaints.
Scalarud shared operational examples meant to increase family engagement and student access: freshman home visits conducted in teams (with translation support), a daytime homecoming that invited families and community members and a Future 100 event in which 240 seniors started college applications on site. On the daytime homecoming, Scalarud reported about 959 students — roughly 76% of the student body — attended at least one event during the school day; he said 192 students initially lacked academic eligibility but that number dropped to 72 by the end of the week as students caught up on assignments.
Board members praised the outreach and the Future 100 results. Members also probed a survey finding noted in the presentation: a subset of students disagreed that “students respect each other.” Scalarud said the school is prioritizing relationship education and surveying more students to ensure a fuller picture.
Scalarud said the school has seen an 8% attendance improvement since a truancy/attendance coordinator took the role in January of the prior year and that the school will continue targeted outreach to students who miss classes.
Why it matters: The presentation outlined programs intended to expand access to college credit, strengthen school safety and family engagement, and improve attendance and student belonging.
