Dear Editor,
As a concerned member of our community, I find myself reflecting on the state of our schools and the decisions that impact our children’s futures. One question that has been weighing on my mind is: why do we have such inconsistent approaches to grading? Some teachers weigh grades; others don’t. Some allow retakes while others firmly do not. This inconsistency creates confusion and inequity for students and families. We often talk about doing what’s best for kids, but as a district, our practices seem to be all over the place.
On top of that, when students are failing classes, parents are always told, “You have access to JMC.” That is not enough. Teachers need to be communicating directly with parents when kids are failing their classes. A phone call should be the standard-not everyone reads emails, and some families may not even have email access. Waiting until the end of the quarter to notify parents is unacceptable. Proactive communication is critical to supporting students, yet it feels like some teachers take pride in students failing their classes. Why is this happening in our small town?
Instead of focusing on big changes, like implementing a four-day school week, why don’t we start with the smaller, foundational things? Let’s create consistency in grading practices across classrooms so that families know what to expect from teacher to teacher.
Furthermore, we should also be talking about how to retain teachers in our small district. Turnover among educators is a challenge, and we need strategies to ensure our schools are places where teachers want to stay and thrive.
Another pressing concern is why so many families have moved out of Maple Lake. Our community has so much to offer, yet the exodus raises serious questions about whether our school system is meeting the needs of our students and families.
I worry deeply about the recent decisions of our school board. We are a community with many great strengths, but our school is struggling, and it feels as though we are asking all the wrong questions. It’s time to refocus on what truly matters-our kids and their futures.
We can do better, and we must. Let’s start by coming together to create real solutions that strengthen our schools and support our students, teachers and families.
Sincerely,
S.J. Madden
Maple Lake