The World’s Best Workforce Hearing was sandwiched between portions of the regular Houston School Board meeting on November 19. Superintendent Krin Abraham presented an abbreviated slideshow presentation via Zoom to the board. Missing from the slideshow were graphs and charts of MCA spring results data since no MCAs were taken this past spring. Abraham assured the board that there was not likely to be a waiver for MCAs this coming spring; software is being looked into in case the MCAs need to be administered during distance learning.
The three areas that had been identified for improvement goals were the four-year graduation rate, consistent attendance, and mathematics improvement.
The 2019 graduation rates had declined; 2020 rates have not yet been released. Plans to improve the rates include the use of distance + learning for both Summit and the High School, giving the struggling students more help in their classes. MNVA has added a seventh hour to their school day. If students are behind in ninth grade, they are able to take a seventh class to catch up.
Attendance was problematic during the spring distance learning. Parents working from home were competing for bandwidth with the students. Several hot spots have been ordered to help both MNVA and Houston students have the necessary internet access.
New math curriculum at the high school from Envisions was a timely switch. The Envisions math program has both enrichment and intervention as well as a component for distance learning. Abraham mentioned that the high school was considering switching to Envisions science as well. The recently approved instructional coaches at MNVA have provided the support for new teachers as suggested by the World’s Best Workforce.
The goals for this coming year are the same as last year’s, having been rolled over from the previous year. The high school is working with SSC (Southeast Service Coop) to get internship activities for students. MNVA has expanded the Destination Career Academy with an emphasis on heavy machinery.
COVID update
Supt. Abraham informed the board that 63 elementary students would have been absent quarantining due to parents who are positive for COVID if the school had been in the hybrid learning model. Parents are urged to call the school to report positive cases or if students are getting tested for COVID. Students who are helping out at home with COVID cases are not to be counted absent.
Free saliva tests are available at Winona Mall; you need only to call and make an appointment first. You can also go to the governor’s website and order a saliva test by mail. In 48–72 hours after the tests are received, you’ll receive results. There is a link in the daily announcements for the testing.
Sports and activities have been cancelled until December 18th. Only PE classes (if hybrid learning is happening) and Hurricane Watch can use the gym—no sports or other activities are allowed. One Act and dance may practice individually via Zoom only. According to executive order 2099, you “can’t invite a friend to join you” either inside or outside.
Board member Josh Norlien praised the teachers for the great job they have been doing providing supplies and curriculum to families. He suggested the public should “flood them with emails!”
Abraham noted the COVID funds had been put to very good use, giving teachers what they needed to give the kids what they in turn needed.
MREA Conference
Board members Michaeleen Bonner and Gene Lundak reported on the MREA (Minnesota Rural Education Association) conference. Bonner, reflecting on the conference, enthused, “We have no idea the knowledge and skills that teachers bring to the classroom every day. Teachers are amazingly caring and amazingly innovative. Teachers inspire our students to see their futures and their future selves.”
Bonner opined that the pandemic will change how schools operate in the future, and shared that some schools are looking at research for a four-day week.
Other Business
In other business the board:
•Approved the application for the MSHL foundation grant. This grant, funded with sales tax revenue, would offset student activity fees for students struggling financially as well as provide extra funds for the activites;
•Accepted a $1,000 donation from SMIF (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation) for the backpack program;
•Learned the MSBA conference would be held virtually the mornings of January 14, 21, and 28;
•Were reminded that the Truth in Taxation meeting and the next regular board meeting will be December 3 at 6 p.m.
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