When juniors and seniors return to Falls High School next fall, they will have more freedom and opportunities than in previous years.
In an effort to keep students at the high school instead of enrolling in classes across the field at Rainy River Community College, incentives will be offered to students that high school officials hope will help them retain enrollment.
According to a report last month from FHS Principal Tim Everson, 41 percent of seniors and 18 percent of juniors are now enrolled full time in classes at Rainy River Community College through the Post Secondary Enrollment Option, or PESO, program. With only 80 juniors and 80 seniors enrolled at FHS, the number of students attending RRCC takes a big chunk out of the class size.
"When you look at that number, it's a big hit," Everson said. "Percentage wise, this is the highest number we've seen (attending RRCC)."
During a February school board meeting, the principal said having so many students enrolled at the college "adversely affects our school climate and our culture, in addition to a loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars (to the high school)."
With the high school's enrollment decreasing monthly, school officials are putting their heads together to come up with a solution to encourage students to continue their education at the high school.
One answer is to offer more FHS classes worth both high school and college credits.
“We are going to have core classes for concurrent enrollment where we offer college credit in the high school,” Everson reported to Falls School Board members this week.
Concurrent enrollment classes are similar to PSEO courses except they are college courses taught at the high school. High schools across the state partner with Minnesota colleges and universities to offer students this option, often called "college in the schools." Classes are taught by high school teachers.
“We have reached a tentative agreement with Rainy River,” Everson said of offering concurrent enrollment courses at FHS. “We just need everything finalized as far as education plans...Students can still go PSEO, but we're giving them another option to stay in the building and still get a college credit.”
Because the classes are free, students can save time and money earning a two-year degree. According to the Minnesota Department of Education, studies show students who take college courses when they are still in high school are more likely to graduate from college in four years with a bachelor's degree. The option also allows students to explore subjects at a more advanced level.
“We're very excited and anticipating have more of our students here next year than this year,” Everson said. “Students will have freedom while earning a college credit and they'll be able to stay with their peers in the high school.”
The principal explained three-credit courses will run three days per week and four-credit courses will be offered four days per week.
From a parent standpoint, having students take concurrent enrollment classes is beneficial because while their child is earning a college credit, parents are still able to contact teachers and access grades and attendance online.
“It's unlike PSEO,” Everson said. “I think it's going to be very positive. Our teachers are very supportive...Over 80 percent are interested in teaching college classes...It's really pulled the staff together.”
Other changes
In addition to concurrent enrollment classes, Everson said students who remain at the high school will be offered more freedom within the building.
After meeting with the school's facilities committee, Everson said a storage room next to the cafeteria has been pinpointed as a site for a junior and senior lounge.
“We want to be sure we have a place for students to go during periods of open hours,” he said.
The plan is for the lounge to be fully furnished, and include a Foosball table, wireless Internet access and a flat screen television.
“It's going to be a nice addition,” he said.
A student-led initiative to have an open lunch period was presented Monday to board members by Tayler Hebner.
Hebner requested the board consider offering open lunch Monday through Friday to juniors and seniors.
The 25-minute open lunch period is now limited to senior students and only on Fridays.
Hebner’s request stated open lunch would offer students more freedom and could act as a reward to students who attend Falls High School.
Everson said there have been no complaints about those who are currently able to take an open lunch and said he supports Hebner's request.
Positive changes
Overall, Everson said the feeling of excitement about the changes has been shared by everyone involved at the high school.
“We've spoken to the 10th grade students who are very excited about this,” he said. “We want to be sure they're on board.”
With the implementation of a seven-period day set to take effect next year, Everson said specific classes that will be offered for dual credit has yet to be determined. He noted administration is working with the guidance office to be sure the right classes and the popular classes are considered when setting a schedule.
“It's a big positive change we see coming,” he concluded. “Once we get concurrent enrollment underway, we want to look at how we can increase offerings for students.”
Board member Mike Holden commended Everson's involvement with the initiative.
“You're the energy, I've been watching you,” he said.
Board member Willi Kostiuk agreed.
“I know you've been working really aggressively to try to keep our students in the school,” he said. “That's very appreciated. I think you've got great ideas and think it is going to keep kids...We can compete with the other schools and I think it's going to make a big difference.”
