(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted to the Patriot by Becker Schools.)
As we officially wind down on the 2022-2023 school year, the Becker Public School District reflects on another year filled with outstanding accomplishments and milestones. From academic and extra-curricular successes to community engagement, the district has continued to excel in various areas, nurturing the growth and development of its students. Here are just a few of the many remarkable achievements and milestones that have taken place over the 2022-2023 school year:
Created a Five-Year Strategic Plan: The district embarked on a collaborative journey by creating a comprehensive five-year strategic plan, incorporating feedback from over 250 people through surveys and in-person meetings. This plan will guide the district’s future goals and opportunities and ensure a student-focused educational environment.
Local Scholarships: At the prestigious awards night, the district proudly awarded over $70,000 in local scholarships, acknowledging the remarkable achievements and dedication of deserving students. This amount also shows the great support we have from our local community members and businesses.
National Honor Society (NHS) State Officer: Regan Hausman’s exceptional leadership qualities earned her a position as a state officer in the National Honor Society (NHS), exemplifying the commitment to excellence displayed by Becker students.
AAA Award: Evelyn Kreft’s outstanding performance earned her the coveted AAA Award as the Region 8AA winner, highlighting her exceptional contributions in the Arts, Activities and Academics.
Community Involvement: The district fostered a sense of community and empathy through various initiatives. During March, Becker Middle School students organized a successful food drive, collecting an impressive 2,197 pounds of food for the Becker Food Shelf. Additionally, the annual Career Day provided middle schoolers with invaluable insights from community members, enabling them to explore different career paths.
Academic Enrichment: The district prioritized academic growth by organizing engaging activities such as the fifth-grade Wax Museum, where students showcased their historical knowledge and creativity. Field trips took place at every grade level throughout the elementary schools, including the ongoing partnership with the local “Farm Friends” barn and area Christmas Tree farms, provided students with enriching educational experiences.
Summer Academy: The K-8 Summer Academy, supported by generous donations from Liberty Paper, implemented a new curriculum to reinforce literacy and math skills for students who need additional support, ensuring their continued academic progress.
Athletic Triumphs: Becker’s athletic teams and individuals brought home numerous accolades, showcasing their dedication and abilities.
The Girls Cross Country team triumphed at the Section 5AA Championship, securing their spot in the state meet and finishing an impressive fourth overall.
The Wrestling Team won the Mississippi 8 Championship for the fourth consecutive year, and their success continued at the Section 6AA Championship, where they placed third overall and qualified seven individuals for the state Iindividual tournament.
The Girls Basketball team secured their fifth straight state tournament appearance and claimed an impressive third place finish.
The Dance Team’s exceptional performance at the Section 4AA meet qualified them for the state tournament, where they achieved second place in Jazz and third place in High Kick.
The Robotics Team demonstrated their excellence by qualifying and competing in the World Championship competition, winning the Impact (Chairman’s) Award for the fifth time in addition to placing third overall in the MSHSL State Tournament.
The Boys Tennis Team won the Section 8AA Championship, advancing to the state tournament again, while the boys track and field team secured the Section 5AA Track and Field Championship, qualifying for the state tournament and gaining individual state champions and school record holders.
Girls Softball also returned to the state tournament in Mankato and played exceptionally well to advance to the consolation championship game.
Early Childhood and Community Events: The district’s Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program provided valuable support and resources to approximately 120 children aged Infant to three years old, with over 150 parents and guardians actively participating. Event nights, including Measure & Build, Mom’s Holiday, In the Garden, STEM, In the Kitchen, and four Gym Nights, attracted enthusiastic attendance.
The highly successful End of Year Early Childhood Picnic in the Park brought together over 500 people who enjoyed a free meal, a petting zoo, a clown, face painting, tattoos, free cotton candy, and more. The event fostered a sense of community and provided a joyful experience for all attendees. The Early Education team is excited to see their new building being built and for the opportunity to continue to grow and improve the program.
Safe Transportation: The district ensured the safe transportation of its students, covering a total of 173,368 miles by transporting 2,760 students to and from school throughout the year. Additionally, 166 students were safely transported for midday routes, covering a total of 69,972 miles.
The district also safely transported students for various activities and field trips, covering a total of 48,760 miles. In line with their commitment to student safety, the district completed the installation of 27 side and forward-mounted facing stop arm cameras, thanks to a stop arm grant. These cameras now equip each of the route and spare school buses in the entire fleet, further ensuring the safety of students before, during and after transportation.
Employee Support and Development: The district prioritized the well-being and professional growth of its staff members. Efforts were made to reduce unpaid time taken by employees, ensuring their presence and dedication to serving the students. Additionally, a comprehensive Classification and Compensation Study was completed, guaranteeing competitive pay and accurate position classification. All job descriptions were updated to reflect the evolving needs and responsibilities within the district.
As the 2022-2023 academic year ends, the Becker Public School District can proudly celebrate a year filled with remarkable achievements and successes across various areas. From academic excellence to community engagement and athletic triumphs, the district has demonstrated its commitment to providing a well-rounded education and nurturing the talents and potential of its students.
The district’s focus on strategic planning, community involvement, academic enrichment, and athletic accomplishments has fostered an environment where students thrive and succeed. Through collaborative efforts and support from staff, parents, and the wider community, Becker Public School District has continued to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
As the district looks ahead to the future, these achievements serve as a foundation for further growth and excellence. The dedication and commitment shown by all stakeholders in the Becker Public School District are a testament to the collective effort in creating a nurturing and inspiring learning environment for the students.
With the academic year coming to a close, the Becker Public School District expresses its gratitude to all who have contributed to making this year a resounding success. Through continued collaboration and commitment, the district remains dedicated to providing the best educational opportunities for its students and preparing them for a bright future.
With a steadfast commitment to excellence, community engagement, and student development, the district continues to be a beacon of educational achievement and growth. With the continued support of our community and families, Becker Public Schools will continue to pursue its mission to “Develop self-directed learners to thrive in a changing global community.”
