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Principal reports closed achievement gap in middle school

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ST. IGNATIUS – Administration positions at all levels changed this year in the Mission School District with former high school principal Jason Sargent coming in as the new superintendent. Dan Durglo became the new elementary principal moving from his position as the middle school principal. Shawn Hendrickson is now the new high school and middle school principal.

Hendrickson was proud to report at the Tuesday board meeting that the middle school closed the educational achievement gap between Native American and non-Native students. The Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) is a test used to follow student growth with grade level questions at the beginning of the school year and again at the end. 

“I attribute this to an extremely personalized education, dedicated teachers and the prevalence of MBI (Montana Behavioral Initiative) and Graduation Matters initiatives within the school and district,” he said.

Native American students scored 2 percent higher in language arts and math for sixth graders and 9 percent higher in reading. Seventh-grade Native American students scored 4 percent higher in math, 5 percent higher in reading and 7 percent higher in language. First grade Native American and non-Native students all tested at the same level in math and reading. The gap is between 1 to 22 percent in the remaining grade levels. 

In other news, any type of tobacco-related device including vapor or electronic cigarettes are not allowed on school grounds. Students, teachers or any other staff possessing such a device will be in violation of the added school policy under banned substances with consequences the same as any chemical violation.

“Any device is the same as having a cigarette and we will turn it over to police,” Superintendent Sargent said.

Sargent added that he hadn’t dealt with any problems pertaining to cigarette-related devices but a piece from one was found on campus causing him to add to the rule in case a problem arises. 

Levies were a topic of discussion. Sargent talked about the possibility of running a levy in the future to help pay for various projects. He also stated that the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are looking for input about ways to disperse energy dollars. Sargent recommends splitting funds equally across the valley. 

New paraprofessional staff members include Derek Azure, Lisa Brucker and Al Morigeau. Medicaid is funding Morigeau’s position. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 20, at 7 p.m. in the middle school. 

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