Lyra McGirk presented an overview of last year's Connect+ program, which just completed its 5th year. For those who aren't familiar with Connect+, it's a remote learning option giving students more independence as needed. Maybe those students hold jobs, have social needs, etc. This program also allows for flexibility for a hybrid option, where students can participate both in-person and on-line throughout. Given the size of our District, we have the right amount of students participating in Connect+. Originally geared towards k-12, but with the inception of the Home Connections program, and the elementary students needing more parental support at home, Connect+ is more focused on 6-12. There are 3 teachers for Connect+ students at the high school level and 1, Ryan Grant, at the Middle School level. Ryan also oversees the aforementioned Home Connections program. There were 17, fully online students at the Middle School. The High School had 8 fully online and 19 participating in a hybrid classes. 

Mr. Haugen enthusiastically presented on the Home Connections Parent Partnership program. The program just wrapped up it's first year and we feel it went well. Students in the program also have options to participate in school-based activities like clubs, athletics and have access to specialists. Parents in the program asked for opportunities to socialize with other parent partnership programs and have community-building activities. We thought that was a great idea so twice a month we have Connections Corner where families come to the Wellness Center and engage in creative and/or scholastic activities. We have a "lending library" where they can check out supplies like sewing kits, astronomy kits, art kits, etc. Malenna King has done a wonderful job of getting this set up for us. 

Last year we ended with 31 enrollees. We already have 32 signed up for the 26/27 school year, with an other 4 that signed after I created this slide and a family I met this afternoon that is onboard. 

We're excited for another great year.   

Exciting news. Early Learning Center Update, Chad and I have been working with the Department of Commerce and through a lot of conversations, a lot of learning the process, we've been able to change the cost to the District. Before, if you recall, it was Department of Commerce would pay 25% and the District would pay 75%, now they pay 75% and we will pay 25%. So what we anticipated being a $700,000 bill is now closer to a $300,000. Very exciting. 

The survey is out and goes until August 28. We haven't received any feedback on results yet , but when we have something, we will let you know. One thing we have heard, is a question around taxes, so when we have other correspondence, we need to be intentional and transparent. 

We will do a promotion once the feedback has been tallied and build on what our next steps are.