Becker Principals Chantel Boyer and Dale Christensen, and Assistant Principal Brian Baloun presented information on TRAK (Together Reaching Area Kids) on Mon., Feb. 3 at the Becker School Board meeting.
With every member of the board present, Boyer gave a brief history of TRAK. TRAK is a committee formed from members of the Becker school district, city organizations, citizens, and clergy, in response to an incident that occurred in 2014 to provide support to students and provide them with information regarding suicide prevention. The committee has continued and expanded its mission to foster a safe and healthy environment for the Becker Community by promoting mental health and resiliency.
Focus on Kindness
Over the past 5 years, participation in the program has dwindled. At their last meeting, the committee asked itself how it could reinvigorating the committee and include the community more. The focus has always been reaching area kids at school, but the committee felt it could better utilize its resources if it looked at ways to reach students in the community as well. That is why the committee is asking the community to join TRAK in its “Creating a Community of Kindness” initiative.
Christenson explained that members of TRAK met with members of the Becker Chamber of Commerce in Dec. to ask for their support of the business community. Members of the Chamber have since expressed support for the initiative. TRAK also met with area clergy and will be approaching the Becker City Council to ask for their support in a couple of weeks. Their goal is to inspire daily acts of kindness that strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging. Through small, intentional gestures, they believe that everyone can make a significant impact in the lives of others, fostering a culture of care and support.
Baloun said once city and business leaders are on board, the next step is to have students create a logo that could be displayed at area businesses throughout the community. This will help to spread the message and attract new members to the committee.
Superintendent’s Report
Supt. Jeremy Schmidt updated to the board about the recent activity of the Prom Committee. Prom has been set for April 12. Grand march will take place at the high school in the mid to late afternoon. Dinner will take place at A’Bulae in Minneapolis. Transportation will be provided. The final cost has not yet been determined.
Schmidt also shared that the Graduation Committee has decided on a class motto and seniors were given the opportunity to submit a speech for consideration for graduation. The grad committee will meet again on Feb. 5 to discuss the class flower, staff speaker, the program, and other events related to the ceremony.
The district has applied for a $1,000,000 grant through MN Department of Commerce for Energy Improvements.
Other Items
Within the consent agenda was a resolution directing administration to make recommendations for reductions in programs and positions in developing budget recommendations for next year. The recommendations are a normal request that occurs as the process for developing next year’s budget begins.
Several donations were accepted. The National Football League Foundation donated $5,000 to the football program and the Clear Lake Lions provided $2,500 for Early Childhood Family Education classes and events. Arvig School Site-Based Partnership Foundation gave $102.
