Letter from Superintendent/Principal Villebrun

As we continue to work on improving behavior and decreasing the number of incidents resulting in Office Discipline Referrals, we need help from parents and guardians. When it comes to changing behavior, we are not able to make changes without support from parents. There are set expectations from our Polar Pride Behavior Plan that helps us to guide the students’ behavior and hold them accountable for the choices they make that don’t follow Respect, Optimism, Acceptance, and Responsibility in all areas of the school. Students are taught each of the expectations in all areas of the school. We schedule two major lessons that occur once at the start of the school year and then again, when the students return after winter break. Students are also taught in mini lessons throughout the day as needed. Parents can help us by reminding their students to ROAR with Pride. Parents can also ask for specifics like “Tell me how you were respectful today.” or “Tell me about how you might have done a better job of being respectful today.” You could change the word “respectful” with optimistic, accepting, or responsible.

The 8th-11th grade students had a visit from Claire Peterlin, Director of Itasca Area Collaborative Schools Career Pathways Program, and teachers from area districts who are part of Career Pathways. The students learned what Career Pathway classes are and how these pathways prepare them for the working world.

The 7th, 8th, and 11th grade students will be taking their Math Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments beginning on March 3rd. This is in preparation for Ms. Hanson’s leaving for maternity leave soon. A long term substitute will replace her until the end of the school year.

Ms. Hanson has made some changes to her expectations in math and as a result, the students’ STAR test scores in math are continuing to rise. Please help us show the impact of the changes by encouraging your child to do their very best when they take their MCAs.

On March 1st, the high school band will be playing at the Target Center for the Timberwolves game. Mr. Root has invited former students, staff members, and community members who play an instrument to be part of the event. He has a line up of great music for the band to play.

Ms. Fjeld and I are planning on attending the event with Mr. Root and the band. It has been fun to start playing the flute again. I definitely can’t play as well as I did in high school, but I am always up for a challenge.

We have lots of sickness throughout the building. Keeping kids home until they have been fever free for 24 hours (without fever reducing medication) will help us keep the number of students affected to a minimum. This bout of sickness has impacted all grade levels and staff. We are hoping everyone gets well soon.

                       Floodwood School: Preparing all students to succeed.