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Hagen Elementary highlights BAR program, attendance push and student success
Summary
Presenters at the Williston School Board meeting described Hagen Elementary’s adoption of the BAR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model, U‑Time relationship lessons, a Hagen Hero of the Month program, tutoring partnerships and measurable reading and math gains across grades.
Hagen Elementary staff told the Williston School Board they have seen early gains after adopting the BAR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) model and strengthening family engagement. "We are excited to showcase Hagen," a presenter said as the school described new climate‑and‑culture practices and student supports.
Teachers and administrators credited weekly U‑Time lessons and a BAR coach with helping staff gather data on students’ social and emotional needs and with improving classroom culture. The school also began a Hagen Hero of the Month recognition to reward character and citizenship, and staff said students with prior behavioral issues have shifted into that recognition group.
Mrs. Bower presented academic data showing measurable gains after school‑based tutoring partnerships. She said Western Star and other tutoring supports helped students move into higher NDA Plus tiers: kindergarten through fourth grade showed gains in reading and math, and some grade cohorts recorded double‑digit improvements between testing windows. "This student was making gains," she said of an example second‑grade pupil who rose toward grade level with targeted tutoring.
School leaders also reported a renewed focus on attendance, setting a 95% schoolwide target and piloting quarterly gold/silver attendance awards and classroom visits by guest readers in costume. Presenters said the PTO raised $35,000 for a playground opened this October and later raised $23,435 this year for additional school improvements.
Board members praised the presentation and pressed staff on challenges. One board member asked about demographics and whether the high number of English learners (ELs) remains the largest challenge; presenters confirmed EL and related academic gaps are top priorities and cited continued efforts to coordinate services and additional supports. The presenters also noted the district’s move this year to give each school an explicit site budget and said monthly budget updates from central office have helped schools track spending.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they will continue to report progress to the board and to refine attendance and instructional supports ahead of the next quarterly update.
