Centre seniors given permission to prepare commencement video
Several seniors were at the Centre school board meeting Jan. 14 to request permission to replace a guest commencement speaker with a video presentation and student speakers. Their request was approved.
Principal Neal Weltha said the idea was approved by the high school site council and has his support. Senior sponsors Marc Grout Sr. and Kenneth Roe also are supportive.
In a letter to the board, Grout said senior Jenna Tajchman has worked diligently to learn the software and techniques required to produce an electronic yearbook (CD) containing digital pictures, video highlights, music, and other aspects not available with a traditional yearbook. He said it was her idea to produce a commencement video.
Tajchman was present at the board meeting and explained what the 2002 class had in mind. She said members will contribute videos and pictures from pre-school through senior year which will be compiled on a tape and projected unto a large stage backdrop. Every member of the class would be seen at least two times. She presented a four-minute preview of such a tape.
Weltha and the site council will review the CD before it is presented.
Along with the video presentation, two or more students will be selected to speak to the class.
Students, teachers, and Weltha believe the new format will prove more interesting and engaging than traditional graduation exercises.
The board approved a proposal for Centre USD to serve as host for a public forum in which members of the community can come together to discuss options regarding prevention and handling of substance abuse. A date has not yet been chosen.
Linda Ogden, Communities in Schools director, presented the proposal, which formally was known as "Communities That Care." She said the training session could include parents, board members, school improvement teams, district site councils, local law enforcement, and others who work with juveniles.
The five-hour long session will include a meal and is funded by a grant from the Kansas Juvenile Justice Authority through the Eighth Judicial District.
John Garrard was skeptical that the program could do much good because, in his mind, the court system is lax in dealing adequately with juvenile offenders.
"I'm not interested if we don't have support from the county attorney," he said.
It was suggested that Susan Robson be invited to attend. After more discussion, Garrard conceded he would be hard-pressed not to try it.
Jennifer Kassebaum suggested that students be included in the forum. Superintendent Demitry Evancho said the program could be modified to include a panel of students.
"Nothing can be guaranteed to work," he said, "but if we work together, maybe we can do something. It's a start."
Brenda Morgan, a student teacher at Centre High School, said she doesn't know what she as a teacher could do to help a person who she is informed is on drugs. "Maybe this would help," she said.
In other actions, the board:
— decided to take bids for the purchase of a 53-passenger bus with trade or sale of a used bus.
— approved a request from instructor Deb Wiles for a reduction to part-time teaching beginning next school year.
— authorized purchase of athletic supplies and uniforms from Sports Connection and Varsity Sports for $3,903.95.
— granted permission to Southeast Dickinson County Transition Council to survey selected Centre patrons for voluntary involvement in SDCTC. The council provides organized activities and support to students with special needs.
— directed the superintendent to reschedule the QPA (Quality Performance Accreditation) on-site visit for spring 2003, to correspond with the end of the second five-year term of school improvement. The original date, April 2, 2002, will be retained for staff development.
— accepted a bid from Troy Peterson of TWP Construction, Herington, to repair the district-owned house at the high school site. The $7,810 price includes a new roof, interior painting and repairs, and a new concrete front step. Bids on new carpeting will be taken later. The house was built in 1958 when the high school was constructed.
— voted to hold a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 21 for strategic planning.
The board held several executive sessions to discuss a student matter, non-elected personnel, and staff negotiations. No actions were taken afterward.
Board members were supportive of a proposal presented by high school principal Neal Weltha to switch from a block schedule to a regular schedule. He said the switch would allow him to add 14 classes, including adding some new subjects and splitting some classes to provide smaller size. He said the teachers he has talked to are in favor of the change. The board members were supportive of it. A preliminary schedule will be brought to the board at the February meeting.
Evancho shared copies of a letter from a teacher at Manhattan Area Vocational School. It complimented a CHS student who recently graduated from the school and has gotten a job that pays almost $16 per hour. The student attended the Manhattan school for dual high school/college credit.
Evancho announced that Alan Stahlecker is co-head coach for the 2002 biddy basketball program which began Saturday.
Treasurer Peggy Falen submitted December bills totaling $60,703.36 for payment. The closing cash balance was $711,710. Reports also were submitted by TEEN representative Leona Hajek and special education representative Clark Davis.
