Discussion of the new Construction Trades Program and updates on the Chromebook technology use and collection in school were the main topics at the Thursday school board meeting.
Technology Coordinator Jim White gave an overall explanation of the Chromebook program’s use to students and faculty. The 2017-18 school year is the first year of the program, which White claims to be a success. This program gives every teacher a personal Chromebook for classroom use, as well as each student in first, second, fifth, sixth and ninth grades. The program will expand to third, seventh, 10th and 12th grade in 2018. Five students currently work in the Chrome Center, where Chromebooks are repaired and maintained. White reported that 47 repairs were made in the first semester, and they are already looking for new student employees to fill in during the 2018-19 school year.
White reported that no Chromebook had been irreparably damaged or stolen as of the report. The collection of Chromebooks at the end of this semester in preparation for summer he said, “won’t be a problem,” with the history they have so far.
• Salem High School Principal Marty Anderson gave an update on the Construction Trades Program as it makes its way to be a fully-functioning addition to the high school curriculum. Currently the school is seeking a career education teacher, something Anderson said can “be achieved in many ways.” In order to receive a certification as a career education teacher one must reach one of the many listed criteria. These include: having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university or college and four thousand hours of department-approved experience within the last 10 years, having an associate’s degree with 5,000 hours of experience or having no degree and 6,000 hours of experience. This also includes needing to be employed by a Career Technical Center or school district with an approved program for CTE, and eligibility for the authorization certificate.
• William Lynch Elementary reported that students of the month were Eavie Wynn, Adelynn Goodwin, Drake Sellers, Henry Reed, Kailey Jimenez, Bella Wilber, Kingston Crockett, Benjamin Hubbs, Lily Cortes, Milizah Washington, Brogan Carty, Brooklyn Bieker, Kaven Toman and Delilah Shelton. Current enrollment for the school was reported as 239, with 92.73 percent of students above a 90 percent attendance rate. The next Pizza Hut fundraiser night is scheduled for Thursday.
• Salem Upper Elementary reported that students of the month were Nickolas Pratt, Lynndon Gott, Phoebe Adlaon, Trenton Wood, Ethan Hall, Kristal Bluhm, Ellie Hogan, Jett Sangers, Ryan Halinar, Bella Easter, Ben Land, Mackenzie Radford, Wyatt Gearhart, Ellie Headrick, Ashley Walker, Linkyn Atkinson, David Brown, Desirea Richter, Atticus Givens, Canyon Warden, Jovee Gollaher, Gavin Watson, Trenton Black, Ira Barton, Ayla Wood, Judd Sangers, Evan Mendenhall, Olivia Hensley, Madison Schultze, Jacob Patrick, David Cunningham and Aspen Tomen. Reports showed that 97 percent of students were at a 90 percent or above attendance through December. The Quiz Bowl team was selected, and the Dent County Fourth/Fifth grade tournament is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Feb. 22 at the Upper Elementary.
• Salem Middle School reported that students of the month were Breanna Garret, Clint Black, Phoenix Dodson, Sam Henderson, Kaitlynn Stephan and Hayden Crow. Hazel Krewson is the January teacher of the month. Enrollment for the middle school was reported at 202 students, with 84 percent of students at 90 percent or better in attendance.
The following seventh and eighth grade students competed in the Jan. 8 South Central All District Band competition: Lexie Crannell, Kaycee Ditch, Chris Harris, Toby Hutto, Kaitlynn Stephan, Kelsey Stienbarger and Cassie Snyder. The seventh-grade boys’ basketball team finished their season 3-9, with eighth-grade 5-9. David Schatz was selected to receive the Missouri Music Educators Association Outstanding Young Education for 2017-18. Schatz was chosen from 11 nominees and will receive his award at the first general session of the 80th Annual MMEA Conference.
• Salem High School reported that Leah Parker and Reese Dodson were students of the month. 90.3 percent of students held a 90 percent or better attendance rate, with 577 students enrolled. ACT testing will occur April 3 for any student interested in 9-12 grade.
Principal Marty Anderson also explained that an alternative plan for graduation was put into place in the event of inclement weather. The ceremony scheduled May 18, will be outdoors in the stadium if weather permits. The alternative Plan B”will take effect by 3:30 p.m. if the move will be made indoors. This plan includes all seniors being issued seven graduation tickets each in late April. This will equally allow all students to have family representation at their graduation. Ticket takers will take your tickets upon entering the gymnasium, meaning only ticket holders will be given access. Individuals without tickets may access overflow area in the cafeteria. Anderson stressed that only 1,000 tickets were printed, and in the event of a lost ticket there will be no replacements.
No old business was brought before the committee.
Among new business discussed was the approval of the resignation of Jared Paterson, assistant track coach, so he may pursue his Master’s Degree. Discussion was held in the room over the consideration of additions and renovations to the sports field, such as the proposed football locker room and storage facility. Bids were taken, but because of discomfort among the board regarding high bids, the item was tabled for a later meeting.
During the closed session meeting of the board it was accepted to extend Superintendent John McColloch’s contract through the 2020-21 school year. It was also approved to hire Natalie Sellers to replace Jared Paterson as the high school assistant track coach.
