Modesto reported on the decline of COVID cases in the area. The school is at a "yellow" threat level now and hoping to move into "green" soon. The mask mandate remains in place in Springfield, but with cases trending in the right direction it could be lifted soon. 55% of the student population is fully vaccinated. Modesto is planning to deploy funding from a state grant to promote education on COVID precautions, including vaccines and bring a mobile vaccination clinic to campus at school events.

Looking ahead to next school year, the school is in full swing for interviewing, offering, and hiring. With the school continuing to expand, March will be a key month to hire new talent. A key new position to fill is the College Guidance role. Rehire letters are going out soon after this meeting and Modesto feels good about the school's ability to retain at a high percentage.

Students are doing well working towards reading goals, with 85% reaching their mid-year goal and nearly 50% already at their end of year goal. 65% of students have grown 3+ years in reading since the start of the school year.

Attendance rates had an uptick in February after the Omicron challenges of January, now averaging 93%. Modesto and other school leaders have met with the commissioner to discuss ways to fairly re-contextualize to DESE the low rates in January, which were region-wide.

Older students, especially those in the UA, are becoming more tuned in to their GPA as a key measurement for colleges. February saw good success school-wide as students strove for success. In 9th grade, 92% are at 2.0 or higher, a good sign of most students aiming for success. However, LACS is still striving to have more students achieve at 3.0 or above.