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The Elgin Independent School District Board has made it a priority to ensure that students have a wealth of opportunities to find success in areas other than academics.
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching Molley Perry presented a balance scorecard update during a recent school board meeting that highlighted the direction and purpose of the district’s extracurricular activities.
“Our students are becoming incredibly engaged, not only in their activities, but also out of school,” said Perry.
The long-term goal of the district is to have 85% of pupils participating in alternative programs, creating “engaged and wellrounded students” through additional academic, athletic, career technology and fine arts programs.
“We’re making some really great progress in that area but we’re continuing to work on increasing those student opportunities for voice, as well as their opportunities to learn and serve beyond the classroom,” added the assistant superintendent.
Significant progress has been made in the promotion and option for young learners to take up leadership roles in extracurriculars, according to the board.
There is a total of 997 athletes on seventh thought 12th grade rosters as of May, according to Elgin ISD Athletic Director Jens Anderson. With the addition of the freshman boys soccer team this year, 29 teams are spread across 18 high school sports.
Members and coaches of the teams have been attending “Middle School Nights” to provide additional exposure for younger athletic prospects, encouraging incoming eighth graders and helping them understand what to expect.
“We’re excited about that, we have a lot of kids that are involved,” said Anderson.
Additional effort has been put into solidifying youth leagues to better prepare athletes for high school competition.
“When we start our kids off in seventh grade, we’re seven years behind the competition,” added the director.
Fine arts programs are already close to the district’s target, with 82.7% involvement. Fine arts teachers serve a total of 4,739 students.
“Involvement in fine arts epitomizes opportunities for student voice,” Perry said.
Recent program success has proven these efforts useful, according to the board.
The Purple Diamonds dance team secured first place in every regional competition this year, and the high school’s color guard earned the highest placement in the school’s history.
Elgin ISD board members maintain that extracurricular involvement is key to a well-rounded program and will continue to support additional courses.
