The New Rockford-Sheyenne Public School District is growing. With elementary school classes being the largest in the district, it’s expected the school will experience its largest enrollment numbers in the 2022-2023 school year. The New Rockford and Sheyenne communities are seeing an increase in student population with many former students returning to their hometowns to raise their families. Our strategic plan focuses on personalized learning such as our students’ interests, needs, and education programs, and the same is applied to our student activities. At our school, it’s not about how many students are in a specific program or activity to keep it, but the impact it had on the student’s experience. In our school district, we encourage full participation no matter the skill level for all students, giving them an opportunity to find their niche and passion. OVER 75% OF OUR STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, THE HIGHEST RATE IN OUR REGION. We are extremely proud of our students and their ability to try new things outside of the classroom and explore activities outside of their comfort zone. Because of our increasing enrollment and high rate of extracurricular activity, we are in need of more gymnasium space for our students.
THE NEED FOR MORE SPACE
Our current gymnasium houses activities such as high school basketball, volleyball, track, archery, band, choir, baseball, softball, and youth basketball and volleyball.
Special events such as talent shows, proms, concerts, and other performances also take place in the gymnasium.
The gymnasium is in use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. with many of our athletes coming in early or staying late for gym space.
All students participate in physical education classes. There are over 50 students using the gymnasium at a time on a daily basis.
In the wintertime, we typically lose over 40 days of outdoor recess, and move indoors into the gymnasium.
The school district has added several girls’ activities and diverse offerings such as our archery program
SECOND GYMNASIUM DETAILS
The current focus on our non-endowment fund is to build a second gymnasium for our students.
The facility would accommodate a full-sized basketball court and 2 volleyball practice courts, with bleachers along the west side.
The new design of the gym would keep the donated playground intact for our students and community.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Off-season play and tournament play have continued to increase throughout the years, demanding more gym space all year round.
Youth sports are the key to building a successful high school program, and we struggle to provide a place for the youth to practice and play.
A new gymnasium space will cut down on curriculum interruption when there are special events such as prom or concerts.
In relationship with the park district, we will try to make this space as available as possible to the community for events and gatherings.