Letters from the principals to parents and students explaining E-Learning were shared with the school board, as well as Superintendent Don Street’s letter and information explaining E-Learning.
E-Learning has been used in other school districts for a few years. West Central will be piloting E-Learning on selected Saturdays for days missed for inclement weather. The E-Learning days allow students to make-up a required day of school using on-line platforms during the school year instead of adding days on at the end of the school year.
For an E-Learning day, students will be given relevant and practical school work on Friday with instructions, and school work will be due on Monday. The assignments will also be posted on the web-sites. Teachers will be available on the Saturdays to provide student assistance if needed. The school buildings will be open during advertised times if students need internet access. Procedures are in place if a student has difficulties completing the school work. Information is available on each building web-site. Students are given numerous options in completing the required school work for these make-up days.
Information will be gathered after each E-Learning day and information will be used to evaluate the educational benefits of E-Learning.
Two other E-Learning days are set for Saturdays, April 11 and April 18.
In other business, Street reviewed the recent Wind Turbine production and electric usage. The battery stacks for the pitch controller were replaced in February. The third term will end March 17.
The Indiana Department of Education released the 2014 Annual Performance Report and the data was shared with many positive highlights.
Street went over the school corporation’s strategic plan. The plan covers educational goals, financial goals and policy goals for the coming years. The Vision, Mission and Belief Statements will remain the same. The board voted to approve the plan.
The board voted to accept the following retirements as presented, effective at the end of the current school year:
- Vicki Chrzan – elementary teacher
- Julie Suhr – middle school teacher
- Sue Schultz – middle school special needs teacher
- Barbara Drone – middle school teacher
- Peggy Ransburg – central office secretary
- Deborah Madlung – bus driver
Many thanks were extended to these individuals for their years of service to the school corporation.
The board voted to approve the resignation of Brad Odom as girls varsity basketball coach.
Approval was given to the maternity leave request from Alicia Querry from Cooperative School Services.
The board voted to approve the following individuals for employment, as presented:
- Leanna Nielsen – maternity leave substitute teacher
- Jennifer Marrs – Title I instructional assistant substitute
- Derek DeRoo – Title I instructional assistant substitute
The board approved the following field trip requests as presented:
- Stephanie Thilges – Sunshine annual Chicago trip
- Becky Reed & Marc Hall – varsity track lock-in
Principal Reports:
Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that on Feb. 10, he, Superintendent Street, and two high school students, Quinton Young and Mason Franiak, attended a ceremony at the Statehouse in Indianapolis to accept grant money for Pulaski County. Working with Pulaski County Community Foundation, PACE and Pulaski County Economic Development, West Central and other schools across the state were able to obtain grant money to establish a CTE program for machine maintenance and repair. Students benefitting from the grant money were able to attend the ceremony in the Atrium of the Statehouse. Along with receiving the money, a speech by Gov. Pence, as well as an opportunity to meet Gov. Pence and Rep. Gutwein, were highlights of the day-trip.
Mrs. Reinhold and Mr. Wireman attended a conference Feb. 12, in Plymouth for Algebra I teachers. The goal of the conference was to gather more information for the upcoming 9th and 10th grade ISTEP+ test to be administered in the Spring of 2016.
Representatives from the state department of education recently visited West Central Middle School. The visit provided some useful insight for the middle school to continue to make improvements to enhance student learning. Teachers and administrators were able to discuss best instructional practices, use of data, and the upcoming ISTEP test for middle school students.
The first round of ISTEP testing has concluded. Culp extended a special thanks to the middle school students and staff for the flexibility and patience during the week.
West Central was a host site for the boys basketball sectional. Culp said athletic director Wes Allen worked diligently for the past several weeks in preparation. Also, several community members, students, and staff have contributed time, effort, and talents to ensure another successful tournament.
Preparation for E-learning is underway. Staff spent Thursday morning, Feb. 25, in preparation for the first e-learning day on March 14. On Thursday, March 12, teachers will work to finalize lesson plans that are meaningful and relevant.
Tuesday, March 17 is the induction of members to the National Honor Society and West Central Middle School's chapter of the National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations were extended to all the students getting inducted into the NHS and NJHS.
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that students began the shortened ISTEP+ test on March 4. The teachers and students have worked very hard preparing for the test, and thus far they have witnessed a strong effort on everyone’s part. A special thanks goes to the Cheer Committee for providing ISTEP treats to students during testing and the PTC for covering the cost. Third grade students will turn around and take their IREAD3 test the week of March 16.
On Friday, March 6 students received their ice cream rewards for meeting their February Accelerated Reader Goals. The school continues to use its Accelerated Reader program to encourage students to read for pleasure and prizes.
Mrs. DeRoo and the Kindergarten, second and fourth grade students will present the spring music program entitled, “The Principal and the Pea” at 6 p.m., Thursday, March 12. Parents unable to attend the evening performance are welcome to come at 1:45 for the afternoon practice.
On March 19 Title I will host its spring Family Literacy Night entitled “Moooove into Reading.”
Following spring break the elementary school will host its perfect attendance lunches for the third quarter on March 30 and 31, and have spring pictures on April 1.
Thursday mornings with teachers have been spent preparing for the upcoming E-learning days and the social studies textbook adoption.
Zylstra reported that during this particularly cold winter, teachers, staff, and students have demonstrated resilience and patience during disruptions and have done a great job keeping a positive attitude through the unexpected.
Also:
Student-of-the-Month certificates were presented to Coltin Tarr at the elementary school, and Renee Connor at the middle school level. Jennifer Durham was honored at the high school level, but was unable to attend the meeting.
During public comment, parent Chris Shepperd addressed the school board with concerns about E-Learning days.
