New program could benefit school, cities

The Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn Community School is exploring implementation of a School Resource Officer program with the cooperation of two cities in the district.

A draft 28E agreement with the City of Hartley was reviewed by the school board on Sept. 18. Superintendent Patrick Carlin said the district is also seeking a similar agreement with the City of Sanborn.

The SRO program's purpose is to "help maintain a healthy and safe school environment which will promote public health, safety and welfare." Its goals are to create an environment where all students feel safe and supported; instill in all students and staff a sense of belonging; and educate and teach students about appropriate behaviors and responses through a restorative and trauma-informed lens.

Each participating police department would assign an officer to be a School Resource Officer. The officer would be in the school(s) eight hours per week. Primary assignments include buildings, grounds and parking lots, and possibly attend major school events.

"At least we would have a presence. It would be a benefit to the cities and we would have service for the district," Carlin said.

Under the proposal, the SRO will be an employee of their respective city. H-M-S would pay $5,000 or 20 percent of the total salary and benefits package, whichever is lower.

Carlin explained that H-M-S would be eligible for $15,000 in state funding for having an SRO program. However, the money would not be received until next year. According to discussion, a grant awarded to H-M-S may be able to cover most of the program costs.

Carlin said approval by both cities is necessary before the district certifies its 2023-24 enrollment.

• Elementary goals, interventions

H-M-S Elementary's goals are similar to those in 2022-23. Staff will collaborate within the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process to answer four essential questions, create common formative assessments and base interventions on student needs.

The elementary will implement Core Knowledge Language Arts during the Language Arts block and Illustrative Mathematics during the math block. Staff and students are also focused on creating joy every day by building positive relationships.

Principal Ashley Benz also reported that a student leadership team is being formed. The group will help organize PBIS events and help with other projects.

The middle school's PBIS boot camp established expectations for behavior, how everyone will conduct themselves and how they will treat each other. Principal Heidi Douma is pleased with suggestions from students about changes they would like to see.

Classroom teachers use a strategy called "circle up" which brings students together for a social and emotional check-in. Each student is asked to rate how their day is going. Douma said students are becoming more comfortable explaining how they feel that day.

The delayed start schedule on the first day went well at the high school. Principal Blake Wendt said few freshmen were frustrated or lost, and they are getting acclimated to high school faster than in the past.

A new intervention system is also being implemented. Wendt said teachers are reporting more productive uses of intervention time, and data that is being recorded is helping identify high school students who need help.