Brian Lawson Talks About BHMS Proficiency Scores

Brian Lawson, Big Horn Middle School Principal, presented a slide show and program to the SCSD#1 board meeting held on Tuesday, March 15 in Big Horn.

The program was about how to increase proficiency of scores in math, science and literacy at BHMS, saying they are working towards at least 80% proficiency. Lawson added that their mission is to provide a culture that engages learners and supports personal growth for the student’s tomorrows.

“We want 100% of students being proficiency on all district assessments by the end of the school year,” Lawson said. “We are committed to re-teaching, and we will do a summer school if necessary.”

One way they do this is using flex periods, which the students rotate into difference classes for extra help. There are mandatory flex assignments for the students.

“We still have room to grow,” Lawson said. He then presented a slide showing an inverted pyramid. “The top tier is when most students are proficient. In the next tier down is when 10 to 15 percent need help, and in the lower tier is the 5% of the students that need intensive help.”

He said that they are working to ensure all students have access to education. Teachers will take lower performing students and give them extra help. He added that they try for immediate response if a teacher feels a student needs the extra help.

Lawson also talked about SOS, or Sources of Strength. He said that each month the students focus on a different strength, in January it was kindness, “We worked to catch acts of kindness and we had a grade level competitions, this time the sixth grade won.” In February they focused on empathy, and for March it is grit.

He also talked One Book, One School Program. “This directly a lines with our focus on literacy.” The book they all reading, Chop Wood Carry Water, focuses on grit, so it works in with the March SOS quality.

He said that the staff is also working with students on career goals, and they have been bringing in various presenters to talk about careers that students have expressed interest in. They have had a police office, an attorney and a detective, and upcoming will be a veterinarian and a forest ranger.

He talked of the drama club and the play, and the Helping Hands Club as a way for students to get involved and create more opportunities for them. There were comments from the board about the play, and how the kids did a great job.

The student representatives each gave a short talk about the what the student bodies are doing. Emma Hahn, of Big Horn, talked about the honor council, and Zia Robbins, Ranchester, talked about their upcoming prom, as well as pi day which will include a pie baking contest.

The board also approved administrative contracts and an early graduation request.