Engaging both students and parents come school conference time is making a decidedly positive impact in the Medical Lake School District if the most recent editions are an indicator.
That’s what the school board learned at its Nov. 27 meeting.
After the numbers were crunched, the participation rate was most pleasing to district officials with the high school and Hallett Elementary leading the way at 92 percent attendance. Michael Anderson Elementary at Fairchild Air Force Base had a 90 percent rate while Medical Lake Middle School checked in at 85 and the alternative program at Endeavors, 80 percent.
Secondary schools were all part of student-led conferences, something that were piloted first at the middle school and then gravitated to the high school.
“Student-led conferences have been conducted fall and spring at Medical Lake Middle School for a number of years,” Kim Headrick, director of teaching and learning wrote in a follow-up email. “Last spring the high school conducted student-led conferences and experienced excellent parent and student participation and made the decision to add them to the fall conference session.”
For the fall, student-led conferences focus on goal setting for academic and career plans as they relate to current student work, Headrick explained. “It is an opportunity for students to share their learning with their families and/or caring adult,” she added.
The format helps students understand that their education is something done with them and not simply to them. In this format, students play a large part in their own success and they get to share it with parents or guardians.
“We are also working at incorporating student-led conferences at the elementary schools as it is appropriate,” Headrick said.
In other reports, Finance Director, Chad Moss said things look good through this juncture in the school year with enrollment up by 20, meaning there is more money available to offset some additional transportation costs.
Also helping the district’s bottom line was the receipt of three back payments of Federal Impact Aid which will bring things up to date for the approximately $1.6 – $1.7 million per year of the district’s nearly $26 million yearly budget.
High school athletics director Justin Blayne reported on solid participation levels for the upcoming winter sports season. Wrestling had a turnout of 40, a significant jump from the 13 who were on the team following the 2016 season.
Boys’ basketball was at 45 kids, allowing four teams while 33 turned out on the girls’ side where three teams would compete.
And still on the topic of winter, Superintendent Tim Ames told the board about how school delays and closures will be announced in the coming months. The planning includes looking at weather forecasts two to three days in advance and putting plans, which include Fairchild Air Force Base and Cheney schools, in place. Official notification will be made no later than 6 a.m. through a variety of means.
The next meeting is Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m.
Paul Delaney can be reached at pdelaney@cheneyfreepress.com.
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