GF….students are back in the classroom

Another school year is off and running in Grand Forks. Today (Thursday) marks the first full day for all students K-12.

Superintendent Terry Brenner says it’s good to see a lot of smiling faces in the various buildings.  “We are not having conversations about masks…social distancing…all these things.”

One change in district policy involves student use of cell phones. Brenner says middle school students will leave their phones in home rooms at the beginning of the day and pick them up at the end. High school students will be able to carry their phones throughout the day -but leave them in a designated area at the start of each period.  “Cell phones have just become a distraction…not just here…but everywhere.  We want to create an environment where students are paying attention to the whole engagement piece that instructors are trying to do in their classroom.”

Brenner says a major goal this school year is targeted and accelerated growth in learning after an academic slide during the pandemic.

In addition the district will work towards a spring public vote on a new Valley Middle School plan.