Superintendent's Column

Brett Favre is back with the Vikings, crops in the area look very good, the Twins are in first place in their division, and school is starting. Life is pretty good, isn’t it? I would like to welcome everyone to the start of the 2010-2011 school year in the Morris Area School District. With school starting, there are a few things I would like to share.

Tuesday, Sept. 7 is the first day of school. No doubt, it will be a hectic day for students, staff, and parents. However, let’s not forget about how “different” this day will be for community members too. They will see students walking, biking, and driving to and from school, school busses will be out in masse with yellow and red lights flashing, and there will be increased activity in businesses and around many parts of the town. The safety of our students is important to all of us in the school district; consequently, I would ask that we all pay extra special attention when we are driving around the school site and watch out for students. While they will develop a higher level of attention and focus on what they are doing after a few days of school, the first few days will see children tending to not pay as much attention as they should when they are walking, biking, and driving to and from school (adults always pay attention, right?). Please be extra cautious when children are present and help us keep students safe.

I recently received the results for Morris Area High School students who took the ACT (stands for American College Testing) this summer. According to ACT.org, the ACT “assesses high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work.” The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. An optional writing test measures skill in planning and writing a short essay”. Our students scored exceptionally well and were above state average in every subject area and the composite score. Students typically take the ACT during the summer between their junior and senior years. It is an important assessment because many colleges and universities use the results as part of their entrance criteria. This summer, there were 61 MAHS students who took the ACT, while nearly 45,000 students took it nationwide. The table below shows how MAHS students scored compared to their peers in the state. We are excited about the results, as they are one indicator that reinforces our efforts are paying off.

Subject Area MAHS State

English 22.5 22.3

Mathematics 23.4 22.9

Reading 24.0 23.2

Science 23.2 22.8

Composite 23.4 22.9

If you have questions about anything, have a concern that you would like to discuss, or have an idea that might improve our school district, please contact me. I can be reached at (320) 589-4840 or by e-mail at smonson@morris.k12.mn.us.

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