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Houghton finds way to host Band Festival

Houghton High School Principal Cole Klein gave a report to the district’s Board of Education on Monday night, congratulating the band programs for grades seven through 12. He said it was a challenge just to practice, having to be spaced throughout the auditorium rather than sharing a stage together. Wind instruments have their own screens to try and mitigate any COVID-19 transmission, but the group has persevered. Members have even had to wear specialized face masks.

Band Director Kelly Fontaine’s group hosted three judges and were graded on three pieces of music. Klein says they received top marks.

I would like to congratulate Kelly Fontaine and our high school student musicians for earning straight number one ratings during the festival. Our middle school 7th and 8th grade band also performed for the judges and earned a number one rating.

Middle School Principal Julie Filpus updated the board on the mix of virtual and in-person students. Pupils continue to transition slowly back to normal.

At the beginning of the year, about 28 [percent] of our students were receiving instruction remote. By this semester, we had some students come back to in-person instruction and that left us with about 19 percent of our students virtual. We expect we’ll have about 16 percent virtual for Quarter Four.

The subject of girls’ softball was brought up again in public comment. The board reaffirmed it will fund a team, but stopped short of guaranteeing that transportation would be provided by the district.

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