As summer is dwindling down, its time to get the kids in “back to school” mode.
Berrien RESA Superintendent Eric Hoppstock says his office and others are getting ready to welcome the kids back into the classroom. Hoppstock wants to be prepared for a new year.
“Education one year builds on the next year, which builds on the next,” Hoppstock said. “So whatever the year had been last year, whether it was a great year for students and so-so or bad, it’s sort of you have a summer, go regroup, recharge your batteries. And so there’s tons of optimism at the beginning of the school year. It really is starting and taking kids on the next step of their journey.”
Hoppstock says one of the goals for this year is continuing to increase scores in is reading and in math. He adds districts are also working to create an environment that gets students more engaged. Hoppstock said superintendents also want more comfortable learning spaces for the kids.
“I think we’re going to really, for the parents and for the community, you’re really going to start seeing kids in Berrien County over this year and next, starting to exceed state averages. They’re starting to, that’s what everything is being geared toward.”
Hoppstock says he’s also working with schools to help combat mental health issues and improve attendance rates. Berrien RESA will use a new data tool this year to monitor warning signs of students not coming to school and look for ways to keep those students engaged.
