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Pronghorn Ridge leaders outline 'Build the Ridge' plan, set benchmark goals
Summary
Pronghorn Ridge Middle School principals told the Humboldt Unified School District board they are building campus culture and academic rigor with a new purpose statement, expanded writing across the curriculum (CER), PLC data work and a math proficiency goal of 3.5% growth between benchmark assessments.
Pronghorn Ridge Middle School leaders presented a year‑one plan Tuesday for “building the ridge,” emphasizing a new purpose statement and instructional priorities aimed at improving student outcomes.
Principal Danny Friedrich said the campus motto — “every future is worth fighting for” — drives decisions across academics, extracurriculars and culture. “We ensure that all students learn at high levels because every future is worth fighting for,” Friedrich said, explaining the school asked every teacher to adopt a short, visible purpose statement and a one‑page focus plan for the year.
The presentation described three academic priorities: implementing CER (claim, evidence, reasoning) writing across content areas, refining PLC work to raise Depth of Knowledge levels in classroom tasks and targeted math growth. Friedrich told the board the school’s math target is a 3.5% increase between Benchmark 1 (August) and Benchmark 2 (December), with the intent to repeat that gain each quarter to raise proficiency over time.
Assistant principal Misty Wilson detailed behavioral supports and family contact protocols the school uses to reduce disruptions while keeping students in school. “We are so quick to call home because our families are our partners,” Wilson said, describing a two‑pronged approach that supports teachers in class and uses an office‑based Google form to track escalations and patterns. She said in‑school suspension options are used when appropriate to avoid removing students from learning.
The presentation also highlighted student engagement initiatives — from NJHS inductions and CTE exploratory classes to a bushcraft/wilderness survival program and archery — which staff say help retain students and strengthen culture. Friedrich and Wilson said feeder‑school visits and coordinated assemblies are being used to foster a sense of a unified district among younger cohorts.
Board members praised the presentation and asked for additional implementation detail. Doctor Dellinger asked how CER assignments are scheduled; Friedrich answered that every teacher is expected to assign at least two CER tasks per quarter so students receive repeated practice across subjects. Wilson said the campus tracks repeat behaviors and notifies families early to partner on corrections.
The board did not take action on this presentation; staff said more data will be shared in upcoming board reports and that the district will continue to monitor benchmark progress and behavioral metrics.
