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Four Corners principal reports strong reading gains, flags rise in chronic absenteeism
Summary
At the meeting, the Four Corners principal reported spring literacy gains — 100% of first graders and 88% of third graders met oral reading benchmarks — while noting a rise in chronic absenteeism to 8.1% districtwide (15 students), with kindergarten and sports-related early departures cited as primary drivers.
At the Superior School District board meeting, the Four Corners principal reported noteworthy spring literacy results alongside a fresh attendance concern.
The principal told the board that 10 students exited reading plans this year and cited benchmark figures: 100% of first graders were above the oral reading fluency benchmark, 96% of second graders, 88% of third graders and 83% of kindergartners were above early-literacy benchmarks. Staff credited the work of teachers, instructional coaches and implementation of the Benchmark Advance curriculum, as well as structured PLC time and small-group instruction, for the gains.
Alongside those gains, the principal said chronic absenteeism increased to 8.1% as of the previous Friday (15 students), up from 4% the prior year. The principal said primary reasons for absences were vacations and students leaving early for sports, and noted that 50% of the district’s 4K students were chronically absent. The district plans next-year measures—such as expanded wraparound care with community partners—to help families with scheduling and reduce lost instructional time.
Students and staff also presented awards and work tied to literacy and enrichment: the school’s Battle of the Books team placed third in a statewide elementary division (235 teams) and a Math Masters participant, Jasper, finished first in the individual fact challenge among 141 competitors. Teachers described a place-based education podcast project and ongoing professional development aimed at embedding storytelling and climate content into the curriculum.
The board thanked the principal and staff for the improvements and asked for follow-up on attendance strategies and supports for families before next year.
