High school is full of students, staff, energy

As the school year wrapped up last spring, we knew this fall would begin with a new look by adding our eighth grade to the high school campus. What an addition they are. They’ve allowed us to provide over 70 staff to work alongside each other. The team - including teachers, paras, office and kitchen staff and custodians - hasn’t been this large in many years. It’s fantastic. 

The eighth graders, along with our ninth through twelfth graders, have put the student population at 484 and counting, on the high school campus. We’re back to using the main gym for all school assemblies, as the auditorium can’t hold us anymore. Every classroom is occupied with students and staff. And, as designed last spring and shared at the Re-Start meetings, we’ve provided eighth graders their core classes in the morning and a rotation of electives at the end of the day exclusive to the exploratory needs of the eighth grade student. 

Our ninth and tenth graders have filled our electives, along with eleventh and twelfth graders taking full advantage of our College in the Schools opportunities. Our online courses for students have taken our course offerings to the next level for the student looking for a more independent class. Connections High School continues to attract open-enrolled students into the district and now has a second full-time teacher all day to better meet the needs of project-based learning. 

I can’t say enough regarding the energy and morale here at the high school. The students have done a remarkable job leading the adults. Whether it’s in the classroom or the arts, activities or athletics . . . the support for one another is recognized and valued. It’s quite special, actually. Students and staff seem to enjoy the collaborative efforts with their work and extracurriculars. It’s wonderful to see them all at events outside the school day. 

Last year, we used the mantra: “It’s a great time to be a Cardinal!” I’m pleased to report there’s no need to reinvent it for this year. It IS a great time to be a Cardinal . . . just ask any student or staff here at the high school!

 

Staples- Motley and Connections High Schools Principal

 

Advertising Deadlines

Deadline for advertisements and copy is Friday, noon.

Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

Sign Up For Breaking News

Stay informed on our latest news!

Manage my subscriptions

Subscribe to Breaking News feed