C-Falls graduation rate shoots up

Columbia Falls High School’s graduation shot up almost 10 percent over the past year, from an October completion rate of 79.3 percent in 2015 to 88.44 percent in 2016.

The October completion rate includes students who took summer school or made up enough credits to meet graduation requirements.

Principal Scott Gaiser said the rise was a total school effort. He admitted the school took some flak after last year’s low numbers. In the past few years the school has implemented several programs to make sure more students graduate.

For one, teachers are making a greater effort to identify students who aren’t doing well sooner, so they can get tutoring or other help. The school has a credit recovery and tutoring program, headed up by Leslie Fant. The program is far more structured than just atypical study hall.

In addition the school has embraced the state’s Graduation Matters program, which encourages students to stay in school in a variety of ways and through unique programs. The program this year, for example, is working with the city of Columbia Falls on creating new way faring signs around the city.

Students designed the signs and they should be up around town by year’s end.

The school also has a building trades program, which integrates math, English and shop classes to prepare students in skilled trades, like construction. The school also has implemented a “spotlight” committee that supports student excellence.

All of it is keeping students in school that may have dropped out in the past, Gaiser noted.

“I think you have to look at the totality of what we’re doing,” he said.

There has been some talk that the Graduation Matters program, which was largely privately funded, may end. But Gaiser said it will continue at Columbia Falls, outside funding or not.

The high school is also working to celebrate its success with a “Bleed Blue” community celebration the week of Feb. 13-17. Student work will be on display in the halls and 70 blue flags will be distributed to Columbia Falls businesses to fly that week.

There will also be a student and community assembly Feb. 17 from 11 a.m. to noon with the pep band, drum line and Comatose Posse performing.

Lynne Thuesen’s Fashion and Design Class is sewing the flags. Student Jamie Moser has been doing the bulk of the initial work, sewing three flags a class period.

Moser said she enjoys the work and it makes school enjoyable.

“I’m proud of Jamie,” Thuesen said. “This is quite the task.”