EPCS approves 2018-19 school calendar

WINAMAC - The Eastern Pulaski Community Schools Board approved the 2018-19 school calendar as presented at its monthly meeting Monday evening (Dec. 11).

Before the board vote, Superintendent Dan Foster noted there is current discussion concerning legislation to start school later in August.

The school board discussed the ramifications pertaining to ISTEP, end-of-course assessments, early graduates, and athletics, to name a few, if the start of school were to be pushed back to later in August. 

Under the newly approved calendar, the first day of school for the 2018-19 school year will be Wednesday, Aug. 8. Christmas vacation will begin after school on Dec. 19 until classes resume Jan. 7. The last day of school will be May 28 (2019). First semester (87 days) will run Aug. 8 to Dec. 19. Second semester (93 days) will run Jan. 7 to May 28. Graduation 2019 will be May 31.

"Spotlight on WCMS" – Junior Honor Society: Rori Blackman, Kendal Johnson and Brendan Day shared their roles in the Junior Honor Society. The students publish a monthly newsletter, take pictures of events, and construct bulletin boards throughout the middle school. Other events are sponsoring dances and having fundraisers for worthy causes. Students have to meet certain criteria to be in the Junior Honor Society.

In other business, Foster stated that with the calendar year budget ending for 2017, board action is needed to transfer appropriations within funds to complete the process. A budget is an estimate and to bring negative accounts to a zero balance transfers are needed. The board voted to approve appropriations, make transfers as needed, and pay claims for the close of the calendar year 2017 budget as necessary.

Foster presented the paving/concrete project information. There was discussion on the bids and alternates. After discussion it was decided more information will be gathered before a decision is made.

The superintendent also reported on the following:

  • All the holiday concerts last week were very good.
  • The Rural Small Schools Task Force met last week and is working on offering regional meetings and discussing their challenges.
  • State Board of Education update: The Graduation Pathways was passed by the state board, despite most of the 12-plus hours of testimony asking for a delay to have questions answered before passing.
  • Mrs. Polstra, Mrs. Hanselman, and Mrs. Anspach were thanked for working to get pay increases done in a timely manner.

Foster gave a financial report for the period ending Nov. 30. The condition of funds statement indicated that all corporation funds had positive balances. The extra curricular report was also shared. The general fund comparison statement showed 12.45% of the yearly appropriation remains. After discussion, the board voted to approve all claims as submitted.

 

Personnel Items:

  • Elementary school instructional assistant Nancy Huggler submitted her resignation, effective Jan. 4.
  • Markus Kay was recommended as the varsity baseball coach, Will Fox was recommended as the varsity assistant coach, Heath Gearhart was recommended as the junior varsity baseball coach, and Eric Richter as the volunteer assistant coach.
  • Craig Barr was recommended as the Champ Club Director.

After discussion, the board voted to approve all the personnel items as presented.

 

Principal Reports:

Middle school principal Ryan Dickinsonshared that the choir/band did a great job at their concert on Dec. 6. The numbers in these programs are increasing. Recently sixth-grade took a trip to Purdue to see a Christmas show and eighth-grade students took their annual trip to the Wagon Wheel Theater in Warsaw. Qualifying seventh-grade students will visit Purdue to attend a Techfit competition in the coming week. The board was thanked for allowing these opportunities for the students.

High school principal Rick DeFriesshared that the band/choir program last week was very good. The National Honor Society Induction will be Dec. 11 in the auditorium. On Nov. 29, a body safety seminar was offered for students. The seminar focused on drug/alcohol abuse and inappropriate touching. Students were encouraged to make themselves fully aware of their surroundings.

Elementary school principal Jill Collinsshared that the holiday season is in full swing at the elementary school. They are doing a Holiday Kindness Challenge, focusing on random acts of kindness. Anchor Writing is focusing on a winter theme. Mrs. Valencia was commended for the Express Choir Holiday concert, along with the students. The kindergarten, first grade, and second grade Christmas Concert will be Dec. 21.

Board Comment: The Junior Honor Society students were commended. Mrs. Huggler was commended for her service. The pay schedule for substitute teachers was discussed. The Calendar Committee was thanked.