⭐ On Monday, November 17 we were honored to welcome Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden, state legislators, a representative from the ND Department of Public Instruction and the BARR Center to WBSD#7 for a multi-school visit showcasing the work taking place in our district’s longest-running BARR schools 🏫
WBSD7 is proud to be the 𝗼𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝗸𝗼𝘁𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗞–𝟭𝟮, and today’s visit marked the 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱.
The tour focused on Hagan, McVay, and WMSCC. These were our BARR pilot schools during the 2023–2024 school year. BARR stands for Building Assets, Reducing Risks.
The visit also aligned with International Students Day 🌍, which made it an especially meaningful opportunity to highlight how our district is working to ensure every student is known, supported, and connected to a strong school community.🧡
🌟 Hagan Elementary
Visitors began the morning with a welcome from Superintendent Dr. Germundson, Chief Academic Officer Darla Ratzak, and leaders from the BARR Center. Guests toured the school and observed a 2nd grade U-Time lesson, where students practiced conversation and relationship skills through the Conversation Dice activity.
🌟 McVay Elementary
Guests observed Small Block, a time for teachers to meet and discuss students from a strengths-based perspective. Using student data, educators celebrated growth and collaborated on ways to support or extend learning. Visitors also toured classrooms to see how BARR practices are woven throughout the day.
🌟 Williston Middle School Central Campus
State leaders observed Community Connect, a collaborative meeting where teachers, administrators, and support staff come together to review student needs and plan next steps for support or enrichment. The visit concluded with a school tour and a working lunch and debrief with district leadership, administrators, and BARR coordinators. Principals from additional district schools joined the discussion, emphasizing our districtwide commitment to the BARR framework.
We are grateful to Lt. Gov. Strinden, state legislators, NDDPI representatives, and our BARR partners for spending the day with us and for their commitment to supporting students across North Dakota.
To learn more about how BARR is supporting WBSD7 students:
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📣 Shout out to Mountain Prairie Bakery 🍩 and Higher Grounds Coffee ☕ for catering breakfast this morning and giving us a generous discount!