Principal: LPOHS making strides

SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Oreille High School officials have high hopes for improved graduation rates and student performance in the coming years.

In a presentation to the school board, Principal Geoff Penrose said LPOHS has some improvements to make. However, with the help of the dedicated staff and a nearly $1 million school improvement grant, he believes better results are on the way.

There’s one thing about LPOHS Penrose doesn’t want to change under any circumstances, however, and that’s the close, tightly-knit relationships between school staff and students. In talking with teachers and students alike, every individual cited those bonds as the best, most valuable quality about the school. That close relationship between staff and students is why many individuals choose to send their high schoolers, most of whom are in danger of not graduating, to the school. Trustees are well aware of that reality.

“Every kid without exception talks about how they felt cared about and nurtured,” said trustee Joan Fish.

Even so, data indicates there are some areas of the school that need improvement. Only 20 to 30 percent of LPOHS high school students are at or above the average when it comes to skill in mathematics, language usage and reading. Furthermore, according to reported statistics, the school has a 44.8 percent graduation rate. Penrose and school staff believe in actuality, that number is higher than reported, but that’s the figure used by the Idaho State Department of Education. Furthermore, Penrose noted a peculiarity where students who arrived at the school as freshman had a graduation rate of 38.5 percent compared to between 30 and 40 percent points higher in sophomore, junior and senior grades.

“I wouldn’t read too much into that, but it’s something we’re looking into,” Penrose said.    

The average student who enrolls at LPOHS is about two years behind their grade level when it comes to test skills. From there, teachers are able to raise students’ skill levels by one year per year, but it takes time to get them up to speed. As for attendance, Penrose was pleased with the school’s progress. A 67-percent attendance rate in 2010 has climbed steadily to 87 percent last year. At this point, the school is maintaining that 87-percent rate with the potential to improve on it later. Penrose also noted that most kids are coming to class regularly, and the rate is primarily impacted by just a few students rarely showing up at all.

Thanks to the grant funds acquired this year, Penrose believes academic and graduation improvements are on the way. Enhancements include new personnel like a graduation coach, a personal improvement and educational program conducted by Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education, classroom iPads, an improved computer lab, new credit recovery programs and more.