Centre students to receive instruction in study skills
Underground water supply
approved for high school
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
Board members of Centre USD 397 learned about a new study skills and learning support plan being developed for the 2005-2006 year at Centre schools.
Study hall time, known as LS, will be utilized for the purpose of helping students improve their math and reading skills and be successful in school.
During the first quarter of the year, the focus will be on seventh graders as they enter junior high and freshmen as they enter high school.
Seventh graders will receive instruction in organization, proper use of passing periods, student expectations at the junior high level, library skills, social skills, use of the student planner, and communication skills.
Students also will receive help in developing computer skills and with homework or reading.
Gaea Wimmer and Chad Tischhauser will teach freshman orientation. During a 20-minute high school study hall, freshmen will be taught student expectations at the high school level, introduction to high school extracurricular activities, organization, time management, research skills, how to avoid plagiarism, use of the student planner, and communication skills.
Assistance also will be provided in homework or reading and math by Seth Bishop and Jennifer Montgomery. Technology director Russ Hake will educate students on available technology, and teachers may use the time to reinforce essential skills.
A program administrator will develop a student profile to determine students in need of assistance as identified through state assessments, grades, or parent and teacher requests. The administrator will assist study skills teachers in developing an appropriate program for each student in their charge. No more than five students will be assigned to a teacher.
"Students will no longer travel at will during LS," said Superintendent Bob Kiblinger. "They will be expected to cooperate with teachers and actively work to improve."
Student Nellie Hill presented the FFA creed to board members. She won the state contest and will compete nationally.
Kiblinger displayed a momento to the school district from Khanh Do, an exchange student from Vietnam who graduated with the class of 2005. It was a plate on a stand with a scene from Vietnam. Khanh Do has gone home but plans to return to the United States to attend Emporia State University.
The board discussed whether or not to continue school-sponsored senior class trips.
Kiblinger said Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB) is proposing policy changes related to field trips, dividing them into two classes: school-sponsored educational field trips and teacher-sponsored field trips with no approval of, ties to, or liability by the school district.
Board member Jesse Brunner said some patrons had a problem with the amount of fund-raising the class of 2005 did for three years to raise the money for their recent trip to San Diego. He said they were in competition with other classes for support from local patrons and businesses.
Three graduates who went on the trip spoke in support of senior class trips. They all said the trip was educational as well as fun.
"We worked hard to earn this trip, and we knew our diplomas would be withheld if we screwed up," Andrew Hajek said.
Trent Hajek said he saw things he had never seen before and may never see again. He said going somewhere together as a class is important.
"It was very educational," said Shaina Makovec. "I encourage underclassmen to work toward a class trip somewhere."
The matter was tabled until July, when the revised policy will be submitted for a first reading.
The countywide neighborhood revitalization plan submitted to the board for the district's participation was sent to KASB legal counsel for review. Board members were unclear about the compensation due the county by taxing entities for administration of the program, which provides tax rebates for new and improved properties.
Kiblinger reported rain water entered the north gym at the high school site June 3 from louvres in the wall during a strong storm. It was a school day, and custodians were on hand to immediately remove it from the floor, preventing any permanent damage.
Kiblinger said awnings are needed on three north doors at the high school site to prevent water from entering.
He also is looking into a way to expand the size of the weight room to alleviate "dangerous" overcrowding.
Instructor Lisa Beye plans to coach volleyball at Herington High School next school year. The board approved a modified work schedule of 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to accommodate her.
After some discussion, the board approved establishment of an underground water supply at the high school, the cost not to exceed $18,000. A railroad tanker will be purchased, installed, and refitted. The location of the installation was not decided.
Marion County Fire District #5 at Lincolnville also is in the process of establishing an underground water supply.
It is hoped the water supply will help obtain a better fire rating, thereby reducing insurance costs.
In other action, the board:
— employed instructor Cindy Riedel as cross country coach for 2005-2006.
— approved taking bids on district-owned equipment and supplies no longer used, including sewing machines, a non-regulation pole vault, and science equipment.
— approved year-end transfers of funds.
— appointed Clark Davis as representative to Marion County Special Education Cooperative.
— approved student accident insurance for a premium of $5,360 plus the cost of insuring four-year-old-at-risk students.
— authorized renewed membership with Southeast Kansas Education Service Center for contracted services at a cost of $6,375.85.
— approved purchase of 32 tires for the transportation department from Kansasland Tire Wholesale Company at a cost of $4,948.38.
— also approved purchase of computer monitors: five flat panel monitors from CDW-Government for $1,062.15; and 12 monitors for the lab for $1,973.28.
The next meeting will be July 5 at the elementary school in Lost Springs.
