Warren-Alvarado-Oslo School in Warren, Minn., is developing a “Responsibility Honor Roll” for its high school students, according to Principal Wade Johnson.
Similar to the academic version, this one honors students who “do the right thing” at school. It was created because the district wanted to recognize students for their efforts beyond class work.
Teachers will reward behavior that includes being courteous, possessing great work habits and cooperation. Students will be graded on a quarterly basis.
Johnson said they’re looking for ways to reward good and responsible behavior that will benefit students in the future.
“Sometimes, doing well is more than just getting a good grade or score,” he said. “Things like meeting deadlines, punctuality, dependability and attendance are keys to being a good worker and we want our students to be prepared to well in any career they choose.”
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Gearing up for RED
Lake Agassiz Elementary School in Grand Forks is anticipating its Read Every Day, or RED, event May 1, said Principal Roanne Malm.
The annual event focuses on early literacy for children up to age 8 and features interactive learning stations. Each child receives a free book. The event lasts from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Red River High School.
Education event to be held in Grand Forks
A symposium featuring two of the nation’s top educational leaders is expected to draw educators from across North Dakota to Grand Forks in late April.
Speakers Michael Fullan and Andrew Hargreaves are leading the event called “Professional capital: Leadership for the transformation of teaching in every school.”
Several international and state educational leaders are participating in the event, which focuses on engaging administrators in a dialogue on educational change. The event is sponsored by UND, the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and several others.
Discussion topics include teacher preparation, continuing professional development and professional learning communities. Grand Forks district teachers will be participating in professional learning communities, which allow them a bit of professional development time during the school day, starting next year.
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“This (event) is huge for us,” said Pauline Stonehouse, an assistant professor in UND’s Department of Educational Leadership. “I believe this will also be a very big piece for the whole state.”
Grand Forks schools honored for music ed
The National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recently designated Grand Forks Public Schools as one of the Best Communities for Music Education this year, according to the district.
The district here and Fargo Public Schools are two districts out of 376 nationwide to receive the designation, which recognizes districts throughout the U.S. that work to offer students access to comprehensive music education. The districts were also the only ones to receive the designation in the state.
Brad Sherwood, a vocal music teacher at Red River High School, said they’ve been fortunate to be recognized and have obtained the distinction every year since the creation of the award. This is the 12th year the district has received the designation.
“The support of the community, the administration and the School Board for all of the arts is significant and exemplary,” he said.
