SANDPOINT — Lake Pend Orielle Superintendent Dr. Becky Meyer said the district is taking steps to address student mental health and reported a rise in graduation rates and declining absenteeism. 

"Student's mental well-being is very important to us," said Meyer during a recent chamber luncheon on Oct. 8. 

Meyer gave an update on the district's student safety summit; an annual event she spearheaded that focuses on providing parents with ways to support their children and informing them of support services available in the community. 

Previous summits have addressed approaching issues such as the dark web, fentanyl, social media, and the anxious generation — youth experiencing anxiety and depression likely because of the digital age. 

"This year, we're going to do it based on strengths because that is our district's focus this year is building student's strengths," said Meyer.

Some LPOSD students will take the StrengthsFinder assessment this school year, a 30-minute assessment that helps identify an individual's natural talents and their patterns for thinking, behaving, and feeling, according to Sandpoint High School counselor Janay Moore. 

Moore said when students know their strengths, teachers gain valuable insights into how their students communicate and learn, allowing them to deepen classroom relationships and create valuable learning experiences. 

She also said the assessment highlights an individual's skills and potential instead of their weaknesses, encouraging students to use their strengths at school, in relationships, during leadership opportunities and future careers, said Moore. 

This spring, the district plans to invite parents to speak at the student safety summit to discuss how student strengths can be used to build connections and engage in activities in the community, said Meyer. 

Meyer said graduation rates increased from 86% to 91%, not too far from the district's goal of a 95% graduation rate. 

She also acknowledged the significant role parents played in encouraging their children to attend school regularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"One thing that we're really proud of: we're the third lowest in the state for absenteeism," said Meyer. 

Meyer also addressed where the district needs to improve. 

Looking at results from the district's annual parent survey, Meyer noted that roughly 78% of parents said they engaged with their child's school. 

"We could definitely work on making sure people feel more welcome or that they have time to come in and engage with their school," said Meyer. 

Meyer encouraged parents to stay abreast with the district's newsletter, which provides information on current activities, opportunities, and resources for parents.