Superintendent Robin Courrier presented Nicollet Public School’s MCA test results from the Spring of 2024. The Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) are the state tests in reading, mathematics, and science that are used to meet federal and state legislative requirements.

The percentage of NPS elementary students meeting standards in math was 44.9% in 2023 and 63.2% in 2024; for reading 48.3% in 2023 and 70.5% in 2024; and for science 66.7% in 2023 and 43.5% in 2024. Courrier added, “Our focus was for math and reading and will continue to be, but we will add science.”

For secondary, students meeting standards in math was 34.7% in 2023 and 40.3% in 2024; for reading 35.4% in 2023 and 41.1% in 2024; for science 25.0% in 2023 and 20.9% in 2024.

“Science is another area for secondary that we need to look more closely at,” said Courrier.

Courrier also presented information on how each grade has been doing the last four years in reading.

“Last year the data showed that NPS elementary students in grades 3-6 were very proficient in reading. The 2023-2024 7th grader’s proficiency in reading went down to 33% from 42% as 6th graders. This is one area that we are concerned with and looking at closely when it comes to staff development, preparation, and student engagement,” said Courrier.

“My theory for the reading proficiency going down in the 7th grade is that these are reading scores and K-3rd grade students are learning to read, and 4th grade and up are reading to learn. And, once they leave 6th grade there are fewer opportunities for reading because they no longer have a reading class. So, we have to make sure we are providing those opportunities because there are plenty of opportunities for reading to learn in other curricular areas. So, that will be one of our main focuses this year.”

Courrier also presented the 2023-24 school year grade point averages. For the Class of 2024; 50% were B or above and 87.50% were C or above; current students in 12th grade was 54.55% B or above and 84.85% C or above; current students in 11th grade are 45.83% B or above and 70.83% C or above; and current 10th grade students are 56.67% B or above and 90.0% C or above.

Courrier said that the school year is off to a great start and expects that this will be an excellent year for the school district. Enrollment for the 2024-25 school is 306 students which is down from last year’s fall enrollment of 334 students. “Our plan and main focus this year is student engagement, purposeful instruction and positive connections,” she said.

The annual Minnesota State Boards Association (MSBA) Leadership Conference is January 16-17, 2025, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Courrier encouraged school board members to attend.

Nancy Remmert presented a principal’s report. She also reported that it has been a great start to the school year with students and staff excited to be back. Homecoming week festivities are underway. Hearing and Vision screening is scheduled for September 12th. This will include grades 1, 3, 5, and 8.

“Choose To Be Nice for K-6, and Seven Mindsets for grades 7-12 are off to a good start for student engagement. Staff development will focus on Student Engagement/Improvement, Purposeful Instruction: Professional Learning Communities, Multi-Tiered System of Support, and Positive Connections,” said Remmert.

The 9th and 10th grade students will be going on a field trip to Jeffers Petroglyphs on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The board approved the preliminary levy for 2025. A presentation covering the 2023-24 budget, and the payable 2024 levy, will be provided at the December 11th school board meeting. The final levy amount will be approved by the board at that time.

Other approvals by the board were the following: The contract with Nickel Transportation for District Special Education students; the Music Trip to Florida for school year 2025-26; and the District Insurance Renewal for Property, Casualty & General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Cyber Liability.