REACH presenter tells Aitkin board program is helping students set goals and improve grades

The Aitkin Public School District board on Monday heard a presentation from the district’s REACH program, which the presenter said emphasizes “relationships first,” weekly goal-setting and accountability to help students improve academically and socially.

Ms. Borhay, introduced to the board as the REACH instructor, described routines in which students set realistic weekly goals (academic, personal or family-focused), submit progress at the end of each session and celebrate milestones on Fridays. “The main thing is to create an environment where the kids can trust,” she said, adding that the program has moved many students from failing multiple classes to passing all classes; she reported that roughly half of the students who had been failing are now passing all their courses.

Board members praised the program and asked how students are connected to REACH. The presenter said counselors compile referral lists (largely 11th graders with a small number of 10th graders), and staff and administration meet to invite students; not all invited students accept the offer because of scheduling conflicts. “This is a volunteer thing,” she said, noting teacher and counselor support have been important to the program’s success.

Board members suggested expanding the model beyond the current targeted grades. One board member asked specifically whether the program could be extended beyond 11th grade; the presenter deferred to building leaders for detailed planning but offered to train additional staff and share curriculum materials.

The board did not take formal action but commended the REACH team and encouraged staff to explore expansion and sustainability options.

The district’s next steps include sharing program materials with school leaders, tracking outcomes over the semester and discussing expansion possibilities at future work sessions.