The Port Angeles School District held its Board Meeting on May 22, 2025, focusing on student recognition and academic achievements. The meeting highlighted various initiatives aimed at acknowledging student accomplishments and enhancing educational outcomes.
The discussion began with an overview of the district's monthly recognition programs, which include academic awards and departmental honors. Each month, one student from each grade level is recognized for outstanding academic achievement or exemplary behavior. Additionally, departments are encouraged to acknowledge one student monthly, with recipients receiving certificates to include in their scholarship notebooks.
A significant emphasis was placed on the district's Positive Behavior Intervention Support (PBIS) program. This year, the program introduced "bridal slips," which teachers can award to students demonstrating positive characteristics. Students can choose to submit these slips for a chance to be recognized during morning announcements, fostering a culture of daily acknowledgment for exemplary behavior. The district reported a 17% increase in teacher recognition of students since implementing this initiative.
Data analysis conducted by the district revealed a 60% increase in student recognition of the traits associated with the PBIS program, following surveys conducted in October and February. The meeting also noted the success of the academic awards night held in November, where 69 students were recognized for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher for one semester, and 94 students received academic letters for maintaining the same GPA over an entire year.
In addition to recognition programs, the meeting addressed the district's collaboration with the University of Washington to offer college-level courses. The district reported significant credit accumulation in various subjects, including 50 credits in social studies, 64 credits in math, and 110 credits in chemistry, reflecting the district's commitment to providing advanced educational opportunities.
Overall, the meeting underscored the district's dedication to recognizing student achievements and fostering an environment that supports academic excellence. The board plans to continue these initiatives and evaluate their impact on student engagement and performance in the future.