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Orono highlights state champions, DECA qualifiers and early literacy gains from new curriculum
Summary
At its meeting the Orono Public School District recognized state diving champion Gideon Fish, announced 19 DECA qualifiers to an international competition, and principals reported early positive assessment results from the first year of Arts and Letters literacy implementation.
The Orono Public School District opened its meeting by recognizing junior Gideon Fish as the state diving champion and presenting certificates to him and his coaches. Dr. Flesher introduced Gideon and recounted his season, including a state meet score the board cited as 558.25 and a new state meet record.
Superintendent Dr. Pleasure reported district activity and student achievements: DECA sent 86 students to the Minnesota State Career Development Conference, and 19 students qualified to compete at the international competition in Atlanta next month. Dr. Pleasure also summarized recent speech team and athletics results and thanked advisers and coaches.
Principals and building leaders then described instructional work across the district, focusing on Instructional Leadership Teams (ILTs), multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) and the first-year implementation of the Arts and Letters literacy curriculum. Presenters said the district saw measurable early gains in winter assessments: kindergarten low-risk category rose from 72% last year to 89% this year; first-grade FastBridge low-risk / meeting expectations was reported at about 64%; and second-grade MAP growth targets met increased to roughly 80% meeting growth targets from fall to winter. Presenters emphasized these gains occurred in a year typically associated with an "implementation dip." They also highlighted classroom projects, student exhibitions (History Day), and expanded student leadership and community engagement activities.
School leaders described character and connectedness work—weekly character lessons, restorative practices and a "phones away" policy—saying 98% of middle school students reported feeling a sense of belonging and connection to an adult. Principals said the district uses targeted Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions for students who report disconnection.
Board members questioned pacing, teacher agency and book durability during the Arts and Letters rollout; principals said teachers are collaborating in PLCs to implement lessons with fidelity and will consider modest pacing adjustments in future years. The board also heard about community partnerships (robotics, DECA, a statewide girls flag football partnership supported by the Minnesota Vikings) and was invited to upcoming events including an open house and an international DECA competition.
The board noted March enrollment materials and scheduled its next regular meeting for Monday, April 13 at 7 p.m.
