Big Sandy: Small school, big potential

Times are changing, people are changing, our education system is changing, but we are learning and growing right along with it.

As members of the student body at Big Sandy High School, in a dual-credit education class, we took it upon ourselves to take a closer look at the true climate in Big Sandy High School after a recently published Havre Daily News article provided a nearly negative outlook on our learning environment.

In our dual-credit class we are learning the proper ways to shape young minds, create a safe learning environment for students, and better ourselves through the art of teaching. When the article was brought to our attention in class we decided to take to the halls and begin asking students and teachers about their class and school surroundings, along with their opinions on our town, school, and the recent article. We believe through sharing these positive perspectives of Big Sandy High School, and Big Sandy in general, we can work to clear the shadow of negativity cast over our hometown and school.

When asked about the advantages of a small school, the new English teacher in Big Sandy, Sarah Pugh, stated, “Kids don’t fall through the cracks. Kids don’t get left behind because a teacher doesn’t have enough time, or enough space in the class for that one student. So it seems like everybody is important.”

Although a low attendance rate can seem to pose problems in a school, teachers and students can both agree the small classes make for a more personal learning experience and are incredibly beneficial. With athletics being so influential on the Hi-Line, the identity of small schools often lands mainly on sports. Our school has accomplished so much through academics, and this frequently goes unnoticed. We have kids participating in not only Science Olympiad, but also regional and statewide science fairs annually. Just last year, two thirds of the students who qualified for the International Science Fair were from our school. The accomplishments do not stop there.

In past years, the music program has taken multiple young musicians to district and state festivals, participants placing anywhere from excellent to superior ratings. We are so lucky to be amongst such talent here, and believe our school’s image should be based on these incredible achievements. All in all, the staff and students at Big Sandy High School are dedicated to making a better future for the school and the community in which it thrives. As devoted members of our student body, we hope to shine a brighter light on the image the students and staff have worked so hard to maintain. Our thanks and appreciation goes out to the community and administration of Big Sandy High School for their efforts in making our home a better, safer place.

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Bailey Gasvoda, Jessica Roth, Tyler Schwarzbach and Sophia Reichelt

Big Sandy