SCHS School Improvement Plan Update
April 2026
We are pleased to report out how we are performing this year at Sand Creek!
Take a look at the three domains of our school improvement plan below to learn about our goals this year, how our community is working to meet these goals, and our current performance levels.
As you read, you will notice that some domains, such as culture, contain a great deal of data, most especially, to share how we performed on surveys taken this year. Other domains, such as success, are more straightforward but easily reportable throughout the school year.
We are glad to work in partnership to empower our students to be the best versions of themselves!
Expand the sense of belonging in our school community
What is our goal?
By March 2026, mean scale scores on all three stakeholder (student, staff, and family) surveys will sustain or increase to 4.0 on a 5.0 scale.
Survey Results:
- Employees--3.84 (-0.18 from 2025)
- Families--3.54 (+0.06 from 2025)
- Students-- 3.96 (+0.04 from 2025)
What did we do this year to expand our sense of belonging in the school community?
The SCHS Renaissance Team composed a plan containing monthly actions and checkpoints to maintain focus on a sense of belonging and community in the following areas:
- Staff culture (secret staff spirit weeks, staff appreciation)
- Student recognition (Renaissance level monthly rewards, Teachers Choice Awards, gratitude cards)
- Student rewards (testing, end of semester one, attendance, growth on Star 360 testing)
- Student culture (Rally Day, Trivia Tuesday, and ongoing lunchtime activities)
Student Survey Notable Scores
High Scores
I believe my principal is a good leader (4.43).
I believe learning is important at my school (4.03).
I enjoy specials or electives (3.98).
I have opportunities to be successful at my school (3.97)
Low Scores
I like going to my school each day (2.76).
I feel students are nice or show respect to each other at my school (2.85).
I feel like I belong at school (2.85).
Action plan to increase performance:
About 10% of our students shared their thoughts through peer interviews led by student leaders. From these conversations, students said they would like more school-wide activities that help everyone feel connected. Ideas included fun lunchtime events with prizes, short activities during class like “Trivia Tuesday” and “Talentless Thursday,” and more support for learning healthy ways to manage stress.
Family Survey Notable Scores
High Scores
I am treated with respect at this school (4.28).
I believe the school is clean and well maintained (4.27).
I believe my child’s learning is a high priority at this school (4.21)
Low Scores
I receive positive phone calls, emails, or notes about my child from the school (3.24).
I regularly receive feedback from school staff on how well my child is learning (3.34).
I believe school rules are enforced consistently at this school (3.82).
Action plan to increase performance:
The School Accountability Committee met to talk about how we can continue to improve. They highlighted the importance of recognizing students in many ways—not just for academics. They also noted that not all families are familiar with how grading works in each class. To help with this, teachers will explain their grading practices during the August Open House. Families will also continue to receive regular progress reports throughout the year. Finally, the committee emphasized the need to regularly review school expectations—such as the cell phone policy—with both students and staff to keep everyone on the same page.
Strengthen instruction with clear planning, strong curriculum, and shared strategies
What is our goal?
By May 2026, at least 70% of SCHS students tested in end of year Star 360 assessment will meet or exceed D49 SGP (35th student growth percentile) expectations and reading/math proficiency rates.
What did we do to plan quality instruction?
- Department teams met regularly during early release and late starts to plan units and lessons that help students learn at grade level; various teams analyzed student work to adjust plans that met student learning needs
- 100% of math teachers took part in all Mission DNA training, which emphasizes strategies to engage students in relevant, team-based mathematical learning experiences
- 100% of all English, science, and social studies teachers took part in Writing with Design training, which helps students learn how to plan and improve writing at professional and grade level
Current Student Performance
During the middle of year Star 360 exam, 61.5% of students met the expected growth level in math, while 60.3% of students met expected growth levels in reading.
Staff work together in collaborative teams to support and boost student success
What is our goal?
By the end of the 2025-2026 school year, 85% of students grades 9-12 will be on track to graduate as measured by SCHS On Track Metrics.
What did we do this year to monitor and improve student achievement?
- Teachers and staff regularly met in grade-level and schoolwide teams to review student progress, including academics, behavior, and overall growth. These conversations helped staff better support students and create more consistent expectations across classrooms.
- Staff also worked to stay connected with families through phone calls, emails, and conferences, sharing both supports and celebrations of student progress.
- Students explored future careers through hands-on experiences. Ninth graders visited workplaces connected to their interests, and tenth graders met with professionals from a variety of career fields.
As of April 2026, student performance by grade level approached the schoolwide goal but was not quite there yet. The average GPA is not at the level where students or staff would strive for them to be. See the graphic below for more detailed information.
