Principals report start-of-year goals; district schools receive $1,600 SHIP award for active travel

Principals for East Grand Forks Public Schools reported opening-week progress and set learning and culture goals for the year. New Heights aims for a 3% schoolwide increase on the FastBridge reading assessment by spring; the district goal is a 9% increase over three years. Southpointe and other elementary schools set similar 3% annual reading goals and are implementing targeted instruction to align student learning with FastBridge assessment terminology.

Middle school staff set a culture goal of averaging 60 students earning “students of excellence or good standing” each quarter and academic goals tied to STAR testing, including a target that 70% of students show adequate growth (student growth percentile of 35 or more) by winter.

At the high school, administrators reported enrollment of 646 students, growth in band and choir program participation, and a tentative graduation venue at the Chester Fritz for May 22; the district estimated the facility rental at $3,200.

District schools said they received a $1,600 Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) school partner award after completing the Minnesota student survey. Principals described potential uses including additional bike racks, helmets and reflective stickers to support walking and biking to school and safe routes efforts. Several principals thanked staff and community volunteers for outreach events such as the East Grand Forks showcase.

Principals also reported operational details: preschool classes are full and Afterwave after-school care serves more than 60 students; some buildings reported staff shortages for paraprofessionals and are seeking applicants. Schools said they will use early-out Wednesdays for staff training and to implement intervention systems.