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 In the spring of 2022, LR teachers and principal Natalie Kontos sat down and discussed the state of the school, behaviors, and teaching.  Major changes were decided upon, and now that there has been several weeks of implementation, the payoffs are becoming evident.

Instantly noticeable is the lack of phones in students’ hands. This zero-tolerance policy helps students to be more attentive to teachers, keeps the possibility of cyber bullying or planning violence/vandalism minimized during school hours, and fosters real-life conversations at lunchtime.

 A second major change, E-hallpass, has cut down on students being out of class without permission.  This program, thanks to hours of painstaking work by Ron and Jessica Burns, directs students to login and seek permission to leave class.  If too many students are in the restroom, or if the student has already asked to leave class excessively, the pass is denied.  The student’s time in the hall is tracked, and if they don’t return, a record of this is available. This has cut down on students meeting in the restrooms or other areas for non-classroom activities.

 A last behaviorally-aimed change is Monday school.  For students who are frequently disrupting class or being disrespectful, this has helped curb students’ misbehaviors.  Again, team Burns suggested this after-school detention that is not optional, that is manned by two teachers, and that requires students to work for two hours or be sent home.  There are no exceptions for athletes, so students who miss Monday practice lose starting positions on their team.  When state law changed and in-school suspension was eliminated, this much needed alternative made sense—it takes time from students but keeps them in their much-needed classes during the day.  

 Helping support these changes are Brandon Brewster, Dean of Students, and Wade Magers, School Security Officer.  This duo is getting to know the  students in positive ways while working to keep students on track, in class, behaving, and cooperating with the rules.

 Positives to keep in mind this school year include AVID schoolwide, which is in its second year.  AVID is a program to help all students be prepared for college and careers. The 2022-2-23 emphasis has been organization.  Every student received a binder, dividers, planner, pencil pouch, and school handbook.  Teachers require students to bring these materials to class without exception, which cuts down on wasted time with lost papers, students heading to lockers for “forgotten” items, or students having to start work over. There is even a requirement to have independent reading materials in the binder to work with when finished with classroom assignments.  

 Other AVID emphases are school-wide note taking, time management, collaboration, reading, writing, and academic rigor.  Peer tutorials guide students through a group study process that increases learning for tougher subjects.  Professional development and AVID teaching strategies are being used by staff and evaluated regularly by AVID director, Jessica Burns and a committee of teacher representatives.

 New to LR this year is a resource being used to help teachers improve their craft--teacher coaching.  Staff are observed, set goals, seek help and new teaching strategies, and get immediate feedback for improvement in their classrooms.  This is a voluntary resource, but many teachers are utilizing this new benefit thanks to an allocated teacher coach being added to the schedule one period a day.

 With all of these changes, Raiders can look forward to an amazing school year.

Pam Johnson

Language Arts Teacher

Lake Roosevelt Junior/Senior High

509-633-1442