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Students tell Pine River-Backus they want connection, meaningful learning, more movement and cleaner facilities
Summary
A draft summary of 283 student responses to the Pine River-Backus School District survey lists seven priorities: connection and support, meaningful learning, more movement/breaks, cleaner and safer facilities, voice and respect, consistent discipline, and extracurricular opportunities.
A draft summary of student responses collected for the PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT reports that 283 students prioritized connections with peers and adults, meaningful classroom experiences, more time to move and recharge, cleaner facilities, the ability to be heard, consistent discipline, and extracurricular opportunities.
The presenter for the PINE RIVER-BACKUS SCHOOL DISTRICT summarized the results, saying students "valued friendships, supportive teachers, positive staff relationships, mental health supports, school traditions, and opportunities to belong" as essential components of feeling connected and supported. The draft frames that as the first of seven desired daily experiences identified by respondents.
Students also flagged the importance of meaningful and relevant learning that encourages curiosity and a growth mindset, with repeated mentions of engaging instruction, hands-on projects, electives, real-world learning, college opportunities and flexible learning environments. In the draft, respondents described these items as central to fostering student success.
On daily structure, respondents asked for more opportunities to move and recharge. The summary notes repeated requests across grades for more recess and physical education, outdoor time, free time, flexible seating, breaks, longer lunches and reduced time spent sitting.
Facility conditions were a separate priority: students frequently called for cleaner facilities, improved bathrooms, upgraded gyms and locker rooms, better equipment, improved technology, temperature control and general upkeep to promote safety and privacy.
The draft also lists students' desire to have a voice in school decisions and to be treated with respect, and to see discipline handled consistently with clear expectations and accountability for disruptive behavior. Respondents wanted flexibility from teachers and opportunities for individual choice and responsibility.
Finally, students emphasized extracurriculars, career pathways and experiences that connect school learning to life after graduation, citing clubs, sports, field trips, advisory supports and leadership opportunities as important.
The draft presents these seven statements as aspirational daily experiences rather than finalized policy changes. The district has not provided details in this document about how or when staff or the school board might act on the findings. The sample size and the draft nature of the document are noted in the summary; no formal motions, votes or adoption actions are recorded in the transcript.
