Apollo High School's Apex Athletic Complex Is Taking Shape

Progress is steady on two construction projects at Apollo High School. For an update on both, I was joined by St. Cloud School Superintendent Laurie Putnam.

Apollo Construction Projects

The footings have been established at the Apex Athletic Complex being built on the south end of the Apollo High School campus. Putnam says steel for the project is arriving this week with a noticeable build up expected within the next 2 weeks. She says they are excited about the building taking shape with the building expected to be complete in less than a year. The site work has started on the storm shelter/secure entrance at Apollo. Putnam says the site work isn't noticeable to people driving by but it's essential to the construction process.

Maintenance On District Buildings

Talahi Elementary saw extensive work this summer including a roof replacement and redesign of the parking lot. Discovery, Madison, Oak Hill, McKinley and Westwood Elementary schools had some classroom and hallway flooring work and Lincoln Elementary had its rooftop HVAC units replaced. She says they also did HVAC work on North and South Junior Highs. Kennedy Community School had some work done on their geothermal heating and cooling systems. Putnam also says the district updated restrooms at Tech High School. Madison and Discovery Elementaries also had new playgrounds installed. She says all the above is either complete or will be by the time school starts next week.

School to Start Soon

New students are set to arrive to start school on Tuesday, September 1 with all students set to arrive on Wednesday, September 2. Putnam says they will be discussing the new curriculum ideas on Monday August 31 with staff, teachers are setting up their classrooms for the new school year, and they are getting ready for device deployment. Putnam says the new curriculum includes changes to secondary math, and reading adjustments.

Goals for New School Year

Putnam says the goals for the new school year include giving their students as many opportunities to learn as they can. She says every student is at a different level so they plan to reach students to challenge them at the level that is most appropriate.

Looking for Para Professionals

District 742 is still looking for para professionals and Putnam believes that is a position they will be looking for throughout the school year. She says that is a position that turns over throughout the year. Putnam says they are also looking for some school nurses as well.

If you'd like to listen to my conversation with Laurie Putnam, click below.