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Teachers, students highlight new courses and improved graduation and attendance metrics
Summary
Teachers and students described recently introduced high‑school courses—Real History, Mathematics for the Trades and Play Production—and Principal Ochocchi highlighted progress: 86% of students on track to graduate and a 10% drop in tardies after trimester 1.
Teachers and student representatives used the Feb. 23 board meeting to describe how new, student‑driven courses are working at South Saint Paul High School.
Mr. Anderson, who teaches a film‑based 'Real History' course, said he designed a menu of 20 project options so students choose assessments tied to film units; units this year included the Holocaust, civil rights and World War II. “It was all student driven,” Anderson said, describing a structure of background lessons, a guided viewing activity and a culminating project.
Mr. Olsen reported the revived 'Mathematics for the Trades' course is serving seniors and students in vocational pathways who did not fit the dual‑enrollment college algebra cohort. “It's been phenomenal,” Olsen said, explaining the class focuses on applied math for electricians, carpenters and other trades.
Mr. Holson described the Play Production course, where students wrote and staged short plays for elementary audiences, entered one‑act competitions and will present an original murder‑mystery at the high school on March 4. He asked the board and community to bring donations to the March 4 performance to support neighbors.
Principal Ochocchi framed the presentations as evidence of broader school progress: after trimester 1, 86% of students overall and 89% of ninth graders were on track to graduate, he said, and the district reduced tardies by about 10% in the trimester. He also highlighted athletics and academic honors, including multiple wrestlers advancing to state and an Athena Award recipient, Sarah Willie.
Board members congratulated students and staff and asked clarifying questions about course structure and plans to continue and expand offerings next year. Administrators said the successful courses will be offered again and that word‑of‑mouth is contributing to enrollment in new electives.
