Poplar School Board Meets
The Poplar School District started its year on a good note after a productive August meeting by the school board in August.
Superintendent of Schools Keith Erickson asked trustees and school leaders what is the measurement for a good year.
Erickson’s goals include: Provide the best and most secure learning environment for our students, provide for the staff the best and most secure learning environment and keep students first.
“For me, one of the main pieces is at the end of the year...we’re not in a hurry to end the school year,” Erickson said. “It’s just having a good, positive feeling.”
During administrators’ reports, elementary principal John Wetsit said the elementary staff features three for kindergarten, four for first grade, three for second grade, four for third grade and four for fourth grade.
“We are excited for the start of another school year to get underway,” Wetsit said.
Wetsit said school officials value the partnership between home and school and they appreciate the public’s continued support throughout the year. He noted that Poplar Elementary School provides all school supplies and backpacks for each of its students.
Middle school principal Morgan Norgaard said that new staff members for the middle school include Owen Gramling for physical education, Dakota Smith for social studies, Amanda Damon for science, Erin Solem for counselor and Griffin Ricker for assistant principal.
Norgaard mentioned that entering the school year fully staffed is a benefi t. “Given the staffing challenges many schools continue to face, this is something worth celebrating. Having all positions filled allows us to begin the year focused on building relationships, establishing routines and providing the best possible educational experience for our students from day one.”
High school principal Frank Gourneau III said there is an open counselor position at the high school. Gourneau reviewed high school course offerings with trustees.
