Big Fork principal outlines curriculum updates, screenings and internship expansion
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Summary
Principal Ken DeCoster told the board Big Fork School is midyear, reported retirements and screening results, described curriculum implementations (Wit & Wisdom and UFLY), and said the district plans to expand career internships into health-care pathways.
Ken DeCoster, Big Fork School principal, opened his report by noting the first day of the second semester and that the school is now halfway through the year. He announced the retirement of main secretary Sandy Anselmo and thanked her for years of service and institutional knowledge.
DeCoster described academic priorities and use of screening data: the school is focusing on reading, math, science and positive school climate and is using fall-to-winter screening data to shape instruction. He said the social-emotional learning screener run three times a year showed relatively low numbers flagged for additional support, but the school assigned staff members to give extra monitoring and one-to-one connections for students who did flag.
On curriculum, DeCoster said Big Fork is in its second year of Wit & Wisdom for kindergarten through eighth grade and is using UFLY in kindergarten through second grade to support foundational reading skills. He noted the district is updating the course catalog and will provide supervised space for students to take online courses (through external providers) during the school day so small-elective enrollments do not prevent access.
DeCoster also highlighted an established career-internship program in construction and manufacturing that the school plans to expand into other pathways such as health care, noting Big Fork Valley has expressed willingness to partner.
DeCoster closed by inviting questions; none materialized. The board proceeded to routine business after the principal’s report.
