Teachers and students highlight Renaissance program’s role in school climate

At the May 6 meeting the board heard a year‑in‑review presentation from the district’s REN team emphasizing student recognition and efforts to build positive school climate.

Jennifer Nye, who led the presentation, described REN as a focus on climate and culture: "It's all it's all about fun and excitement, and that's what the kids have provided today," she said. Nye told the board the REN team intentionally worked to include students of varied academic and social profiles and to create activities that make staff and students feel connected to the WEST CENTRAL AREA community.

Administrators reported the district submitted an application to Jostens/Renaissance for a 'school of distinction' (silver level) and expect notification in the coming weeks. The application required documentation of monthly playbook activities and metrics demonstrating implementation across buildings; administrators said this was the first year the district applied and that they completed the submission last week.

The elementary principal and other administrators also highlighted student accomplishments from the year: fourth‑grade teams competed in math events (one student, Tyson Biss, placed fourth individually), staff completed multi‑year LETRS training, and schoolwide end‑of‑year events are planned. Administrators encouraged board members to promote the program in community conversations during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Next steps: Board members and administrators will await Jostens’ decision and continue REN activities and community promotion.