By Jeff Brandt, Dickinson High School Principal
How do you capture the energy, growth, and experiences of an entire school year in just a few paragraphs? It is no easy task, but if there is one theme that shaped our year, it is this: We A.R.E. DHS.
From the start, our focus has been on cultivating a culture built around three essential behaviors: Accountability, Respect, and Engagement. You may have seen the words' We A.R.E. DHS' featured in our communications, signage, and classrooms. These aren't just slogans; they represent the core values we want every student and staff member to embody.
While I don't have hard data on this, I am guessing that by the end of the year, most of our students were a little tired of hearing those three words! But that's why I'm confident they won't forget them. These values are now woven into the fabric of Dickinson High School.
Academic and Cultural Progress
Our staff members continue to focus on the climate and culture of our school building, as well as providing rigorous instruction that is based on essential academic standards. We have consistently focused on student learning and will continue to strive to improve our delivery of engaging, rigorous academic instruction at levels that meet our students' needs.
Celebrating the Wins
We have many accomplishments to be proud of:
- Behavioral Improvements: By emphasizing our behavior expectations, we reduced total suspensions by 34%, and repeat suspensions were nearly cut in half.
- Academic Growth: Our students showed measurable gains on the NWEA interim assessments in both Math and Reading at the 9th and 10th grade levels.
- Career and Technical Education: Our partnership with SWACTE has continued to thrive, providing students with hands-on learning experiences, internships, certifications, and career exploration opportunities.
- College Readiness: We strengthened our collaboration with Dickinson State University, giving students greater access to dual-credit courses and post-secondary opportunities.
A New Chapter: The Mavericks
This year marked a meaningful and historic change in our school’s identity. As we honor the pride, tradition, and legacy of the mighty Midgets, we also look ahead with excitement and optimism. Moving forward, we proudly embrace a new chapter as the DHS Mavericks.
This change represents more than a new nickname. It reflects the evolving spirit of our school and community. The Maverick symbolizes independence, resilience, and the courage to forge new paths, qualities that define our students and our vision for the future.
A Graduation to Remember
This year's graduation was one of the most special events that I have been fortunate enough to be associated with. The weather was fantastic, aside from a little wind, but it's North Dakota, so you have to expect that. The BAC was almost full, and the students were excited, supportive, interactive, and really fun to be around. I am extremely grateful that I get to continue to be involved in such a passionate, supportive, positive school, district, and community. That passion and positivity were on full display at the BAC for Dickinson High School's graduation ceremony. It was a phenomenal way to end the school year.
To our students, families, staff, and community, thank you for making this an unforgettable year at Dickinson High School.
Be Mighty!