High school principal Pat Culp shared details of the event at the West Central School Board meeting, Thursday, Nov. 4.
In other business at the meeting, the recommended changes to the school's course descriptions books were reviewed. The board then voted to approve the changes for the 2017-18 school year, as presented.
The first reading of the school board policy manual addition for the Federal Grants and Awards Administration was held. The board approved the first reading, and a second reading will be held at the December school board meeting.
The board approved a motion to allow a representative from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources to bring an unloaded gun (shotgun or rifle) for demonstration purposes.
Superintendent Don Street discussed a Lilly grant to improve or expand counseling in Indiana schools.
He also shared data concerning cost savings with purchases from the Northern Indiana Educational Services Center.
Street announced that West Central was awarded a Water Fluoridation Quality Award from the state.
The superintendent also shared a letter that was sent to the district's state representative and state senator encouraging each to support a bill that would hold harmless teachers and schools regarding results based upon the changing state test.
Employment was approved for Lori McIlvain at the high school cafeteria.
Leave requests were approved for Ashley Reinhold (personal leave), Amber Leman (personal leave) and Paige Anliker (medical leave).
A field trip request was approved for the FFA to attend Fire Conference at Trafalgar Nov. 18-20.
Student of the Month certificates were presented to Elliot Gutwein at the elementary school level and Mikayla Walker at the high school level. Thomas Chalifoux, who was unable to attend the board meeting, was the honored student at the middle school.
Principal Reports:
Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrareported that November is a great month at the elementary school.
Mrs. Gutwein's first grade students will go to Parkview Haven to read with residents. The fifth grade students and volunteer parents will be attending the Junior Achievement Biztown event.
Progress reports will go home on Nov. 10.
Picture retakes are on Nov. 16.
On Nov. 17, the Student Council will host an elementary school dance, the "Turkey Twist," from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Donuts with Dad is scheduled for Dec. 2. The theme is "Hunt for a Good Book."
The Elementary School Christmas Program will be a K-5 all-school program in the high school gym at 6 p.m., Dec. 20.
The elementary school staff has spent its Thursday professional development time reviewing the new math curriculum. The math program facilitator will be in the building again on Nov. 11 to continue to support teachers as they implement the program. The remaining Thursday morning PDs this semester will be spent on staff input for the upcoming accreditation report and site visit.
Middle/high school principal Pat Culpreported that the FFA recently held its annual Farmers Breakfast. The students decided to donate all the proceeds to the families of those people impacted by the grain elevator explosion. The FFA donated over $13,600 total. The outpouring of support from the communities is greatly appreciated. Also, the "servant-hood" attitude displayed by the West Central students is a true testament of the "West Central Way."
In the month of November, staff continues to work toward the AdvanceEd visit which will be in April 1017. AdvancEd is the largest community of education professionals in the world, with the commitment to help school and school systems to ensure that all learners realize their full potential.
West Central staff will use Thursday morning professional development time to review survey data collected from students, staff and parents. Also staff will complete a district self-assessment.
