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Robert J. Elkington Middle School reports heavy assessment load, spring activity interference with testing
Summary
Principal Adams told the board that the middle school administered thousands of assessments this year, set a 97% assessment goal that fell during spring due to student absences for athletics and trips, and highlighted end-of-year events and improved staffing prospects.
Principal Adams delivered a second-semester report on Robert J. Elkington Middle School, describing student activities, assessment volumes and staffing trends.
Adams said the building serves roughly 900 students and credited the roughly 100 adults who support daily operations. He highlighted end-of-year student events—dodgeball, a PTSA color run, a PTSA fun day with bouncy houses and Velcro ax throwing—and praised PTSA leadership for fundraising that supports field trips, classroom supplies and other activities.
On assessments, Adams told the board the middle school administers a large volume of tests and screeners: roughly 1,950 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) in grades 6–8, about 2,520 SABER social–academic–behavioral screeners administered three times per year, and roughly 3,300 STAR reading and math assessments for progress monitoring. “So when you think about that, that's like 7,000 assessments,” he said.
The school set a high bar—97% of students assessed—but Adams said spring activities reduced completion rates, with participation falling from an on-pace 95% earlier in the year down to “probably more in the lower eighties” after spring MCAs because students left classrooms for athletic events and trips. He said the aim remains to maximize assessment coverage while balancing extracurricular commitments.
On staffing, Adams said the district is seeing an improved candidate pool and that the school expects to add a candidate on the consent agenda. He noted that neighboring districts are beginning to face the staffing pressures Grand Rapids has experienced in prior years, and that some experienced candidates have chosen to join Grand Rapids this spring.
Board members thanked Adams; one parent–board member thanked staff for their work and in-person presence at events.
