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Elementary principal reports enrollment growth, blended-learning limits, AI training and safety upgrades
Summary
Elementary Principal Nadine reported 7–12 enrollment rose from 399 to 411, announced blended-learning eligibility limits tied to probation and conduct violations, scheduled staff AI training Aug. 27 and described safety upgrades including playground cameras and CPR training.
Elementary Principal Nadine told the St Clair County Schools board the district is preparing for the new school year with a mix of student-engagement activities, updated eligibility rules for blended learning and safety and professional-development initiatives.
Enrollment for grades 7–12 was reported at 411 students this year, up from 399 at the same point last year, officials said. "Last year, this time, we were at 399. We are currently at 411," Nadine said, noting additional prospective student files are under review and one exchange student is joining from Germany.
Staff outlined two additions to blended-learning eligibility: students on attendance probation or serving a Minnesota State High School code-of-conduct sanction during a grading period will not qualify for blended learning during that sanction. Administrators framed the move as both a disciplinary consequence and a deterrent to academic dishonesty, saying past plagiarism issues have resulted in code-of-conduct consequences.
The district will host a 90-minute artificial-intelligence presentation for teachers on Aug. 27 from 10:30 a.m. to noon; neighboring districts are invited and board members were encouraged to attend. Staff said the session will focus on user-friendly classroom applications and how to teach appropriate uses of AI.
Facilities and safety updates included progress on the track resurfacing and fence installation (Century Fence expected to begin work with polyurethane surfacing aimed for the first week in September and approximately 30 days to set), installation of speakers and cameras on the new playground, completion of a theater booth, and replacement seating for the former playground area. Staff also credited volunteers and athletic backers for donating a 12×44-foot storage/concession building.
Safety training was described as imminent: the district is bringing in CPR and first-aid training this Thursday in the West Commons from 12:30–4:30 p.m. to comply with a statute the district cited that requires at least two hours of CPR for adults working in after-school care; roughly 10 people are expected to participate, including custodians, athletic staff and preschool personnel. Staff noted Nicole Rulan is certified and may provide additional on-site training in the future.
Board members asked clarifying questions about inclement-weather alternatives for outdoor events and the timeline for facility projects. The principal encouraged parent and community attendance at the Aug. 27 back-to-school bash (3:30–7:30 p.m.).
What’s next: Staff will continue coordinating with city and county partners on school-zone safety improvements, finalize track-surfacing scheduling, and host the AI and CPR trainings before the start of the school year.
