New Principal has a unique way of introducing himself

LAUREL — The new Laurel-Concord-Coleridge middle school principal Mark Leonard opened the Aug. 11 meeting with a gameshow-like application learning platform that included details about his life and family.

Leonard gave audience members a code so they logged in with computers and phones to answer questions about him. Leonard was born in South Dakota and has spent 24 years in education. He taught business and has degrees from Wayne State College and Ball University.

Principal Ken Swanson told Board members he has attended several Title Xl workshops for legal issues.

The board also got some staffing updates.

Elementary school paraprofessional Brooke Jansen has resigned.

Sherie Lundahl was hired for the Teammates leadership position.

Elementary Principal Paige Parsons said her teachers have agreed to attend the LETRS® training for teaching students how to read.

The program is a professional development course designed with developmentally appropriate content woven throughout, providing the in-depth knowledge for teachers to teach language and literacy skills. She said no other school is having as high a participation level as LCC.

Staff members attended a mandatory two-hour training on transportation and safety.

The 2020-21 handbooks had few modifications. The end of the handbook includes a COVID 19 supplement.

Supt. Jeremy Christiansen acknowledged everyone who had a part in the road map for reopening school after the COVID closing.

“We have consulted with medical and mental health individuals about how to reopen the school,’’ Christiansen said. “The number one priority is safety for staff and students. The goal is for all students in school every day.’’

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