LINN  — Linn High School/Middle School Principal Erin Sassmann reported that the school has reduced the number of high school students with Ds and Fs by 51% and the number of middle school students with Ds and Fs by 68%. She credited Wildcat Time, similar to study hall with teachers on hand to assist students, for the improvements.

“I am super proud of our teachers and students for their hard work during that Wildcat time,” Sassmann said. “Hopefully, as they keep doing it, we’re just going to keep getting less and less (failing grades). So, I’m really excited about that.”

“What do you think is the biggest reason for that,” Board President Dr. Shawn Strong asked. “Is it that they’re actually getting the work done, or they’re doing better work?”

Sassmann responded that a lot more work is being completed. “We changed it to where pretty much Wildcat Time is silent,” she said, “The kids hated it. They didn’t like it. But they had to sit there and do their work. And I think eventually, they were like, ‘well, if I’m gonna sit here, I may as well get my homework done.’ So, a lot more homework was being turned in.”

The district currently has 323 secondary students. Sassmann and Counselor Shannon Wolfe are trying to determine whether the school can offer more elective courses without adding more teachers. “We want to try to give our students as many opportunities as we can,” said Sassmann.

High school staff have also been working to ensure courses cover every necessary standard and vertical alignment so teachers know what is taught before and after their grade level for a more cohesive, integrated curriculum. Sassmann noted that Evaluate test scores are moving in the right direction in most areas, and that 62% of 2023 graduates are furthering their education at a two or four-year college.