In a recent meeting of the Colorado Springs School District 11, Superintendent highlighted significant progress in student achievement and school performance, emphasizing a goal of having zero schools on the state watch list by next year. The superintendent praised the dedication of educators and staff, stating that access to high-quality instruction is paramount for student success.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of new attendance and behavior policies, with Ray Cockerell, the new principal of Jack Swigert Middle School, sharing positive feedback from staff regarding these changes. He noted that the policies have fostered a more focused classroom environment, allowing teachers to concentrate on instruction rather than managing disruptions.

A key topic of discussion was the introduction of Yonder pouches, which are designed to limit cell phone use in classrooms. Students and teachers provided testimonials on their effectiveness. Eighth grader Jonas Frisma reported that the pouches encourage face-to-face interactions and reduce distractions, while junior Malia Tantanko noted an increase in classroom engagement and social bonding among peers.

Teachers echoed these sentiments, with science teacher Kara Stevens observing that students are more engaged and participating in discussions about current events, a notable shift from previous years. Principal Burke from Palmer High School remarked on the reduction of distractions during physical education classes, attributing this to the new policy.

Overall, the meeting underscored a collective commitment to enhancing the educational environment through strategic policies and community engagement, with a focus on fostering student achievement and well-being.