I want to welcome you to our school district -- ISD 2364, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, or "BBE". We are a lifelong learning (“womb to tomb”) district with over 600 B-12 students spread across two schools and over 4000 residents in the district. We have district residents who live in Stearns, Pope, Swift and Kandiyohi counties. If you are a resident in our district, you are BBE! 

 

We are one of only 7 schools in Minnesota on the 4-Day school week and generally, we love it! The 4-Day Week has had no negative effect on achievement, but has helped our district fiscally and has been a great solution for our 350 square mile school district. What started out as a financial solution has become a culture for our students, parents and community. We feel the flexible learning year is just another innovation that we perform well with. 

 

Our entire district is nearing completion of a $21M remodeling project. This was propped up by over $1 million in private donations due to our innovative focus. By September, BBE Schools are going to look quite different than they have for the last 30 years. This summer, we are completing some finishing touches to exterior spaces at both schools and vocational areas of the HS. We still have a few more things to do through June of 2023 that include new windows at the elementary. 

 

BBE Elementary in Brooten hosts our birth through 5th Grade facility and the BBE Middle and High schools in Belgrade hosts our 6th through 12th grades. Our Jaguar Kid Connection (JKC) is a 4-Star Parent-Aware rated child care and preschool  program that runs 12 months a year and provides infant to school-age care and education. We also have our entire elementary staff on board with a new literacy thrust called LETRS! 

 

At BBE HS, we stress the attainment of knowledge, skills and behaviors that will benefit students in college and beyond. This program is called “Jagways”. Jagways features three career pathways: Health & Human Services; Construction & Trades as well as Business & Entrepreneurship. We have received multiple grants and donations for our innovations with Jagways over the last four years. The Wedum’s Foundation has granted us $175,000 to promote these programs at the HS. 

 

The benefits of going to a small high school such as BBE can definitely outweigh some of the advantages of a larger school that may have more options. Having said that, we do have great options. We boast a number of college options taught right in the high school building connected to Ridgewater and Central Lakes colleges. We have a great Work Experience program that connects students to local industry. Our students are supported by over 70 Dollars for Scholars scholarships for our senior class. So, despite our smaller size, we use this as an advantage to know our students and to gain the flexibility to address personal needs. 

 

We are building a new high school transcript based on 21st century skills aspects like character, citizenship, creativity, collaborative, critical thinking and communication. Instead of our students participating for unmeaningful points in their classes, our staff is focusing on statements that depict their achievement and skills so we do not reduce our entire outlook towards a single grade at the end of a course. Our students boast many accomplishments in academics, fine arts and interscholastic activities. Last year, our teams participated in a record FIVE state tournaments! We have a graduation rate that is consistently in the mid to upper 90%'s. Go Jaguars! 

 

We have been awarded two Bush Foundation grants, one for $25,000 and now another for $50,000 to promote our personalized learning innovations in the district. This has transformed many of our practices as we move from traditional schooling towards student-centered learning. Our District motto is “Every Student, Every Day, Any Way” as we know that the only way to help our individual students in the best manner is to know them and customize our educational approach to be both personal and individually responsive. 

 

All the things you've heard about BBE are true. Our Jaguar Pride initiative is maturing into a mindset and character that shapes our school culture in every way. We have a very personable, dedicated and innovative staff. Our students are incredibly kind and respectful at home, in their community and in competition. Our communities form a network of great support for our students and district. You can literally feel this human presence when you step foot into our district. You will see visible passion, bold commitment and continuous excellence. 

 

#Bold #Boundless #Engaged

 

For everyone returning to school this Fall, congratulations and welcome back! Collectively, you have created all of the things I am speaking about. You have created the bonds with each other and to the district that people on our outskirts envy. You have built the foundation that we hope to improve by small increments every day. You have postured our district to get even better on a continual basis. Thank you for your efforts! 

 

If you are considering enrollment at BBE, I think you'd make a fine choice. The education is solid; the buildings and finances are kept in great shape by our staff and School Board. Our community participates in our education and our students participate in our community. 

 

If you have any questions regarding the BBE school district, our programs or potential enrollment, always feel free to stop in and talk to me in public or contact me directly, preferably via email. I look forward to the 2022-23 school year. “Every student. Every day. Any way.” This is our guarantee!