West Central elementary, high school earn IDOE 'A' grades

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Published: Friday, 07 November 2014 18:56

FRANCESVILLE - The Indiana Department of Education has released the school letter grades for the 2013-14 school year, and West Central School Corporation has received a “B” grade, the school board was told at its Nov. 6 meeting.

The elementary and high schools earned "A" grades, white the middle school received a "C." All letter grades increased from last school year. The school board congratulated the students and staff on the academic improvements and achievements in all buildings.

In his report to the board Superintendent Don Street revealed that 56 percent of the student population is on free or reduced lunch for the current school year.

Street reported wind production has increased in September and October which is great news for the school corporation, as the wind turbine is reducing the amount of money that is owed to NIPSCO for electric usage.

The Career and Technical student count and financial reimbursement were reviewed. Street said there is discussion at the state level to change the financial reimbursement for Career and Technical courses which will have a negative impact on West Central's general fund.

It was reported that Ortman Drilling has completed a great deal of work on the elementary water well. The pitless adaptor was replaced, a new pump and motor were installed, the well was cleaned, and the well was bleached again. The maintenance staff will be bleaching the well and building water lines again. The school is required to have two consecutive good water tests prior to using.

Under action items:

The 2015-16 calendar was reviewed. There was some discussion on a semi-balanced calendar. This will be looked at in the future. The board voted to approve the 2015-16 school calendar, as presented.

The recommended changes to the course description books were reviewed. The board voted to approve the high school course description book changes for the 2015-16 school year, as presented.

The board voted to approve the 2014-15 high ability grant application, as presented.

Approval was given to the rainy day resolution, as presented.

The board voted to approve the 2015 medical insurance rates for the classified staff, as presented.

The board approved the resignations of elementary school counselor Kari Ruble and Melody Boise of Cooperative School Services.

Maternity leave requests were approved for elementary school teacher Lindsay Hopkins and instructional assistant Rebekah Overton; and a personal leave request was approved for high school teacher Becky Reed.

The board approved employment for:

• Laura Stout – Permanent Sub – Business Teacher
• Paige Anliker – Title 1 Instructional Assistant
• Tonya Wall –  6th Grade Boys Basketball Coach & 7th Grade Girls basketball Coach
• Cooperative School Services Certified Contracts & Administrative Contracts

Conference requests were approved for:

• Arlene Metzger – Indiana School Nurse Conference in Indianapolis
• Jessica Murray – Performance Fox River Food Show in St. Charles, Illinois – expenses paid for through the cafeteria funds

"Student of the Month" awards were presented by the school board to  Carter at the elementary school level,  Esaleigh Hauptli at the middle school level, and Levi Mayotte with at the high school level. 

Under discussion items:

 Middle/high school principal Pat Culp reported that he, along with Superintendent  Street,  Monica Gainor, seventh-grade English teacher Karen Srull, and eighth-grade math teacher Janet Kruger attended an IDOE workshop in Warsaw to improve the middle school use of data and improving instruction.  Culp reported the two-hour workshop was very informative and beneficial.

The school board extended its congratulations to cross country runners Ariel Barlow and Mickayla Wenzel for qualifying for the New Prairie Semi-state. Both ran on Oct 25 for an opportunity to compete at the state cross country meet. Mickayla Wenzel qualified for the state championships on Nov. 1 in Terre Haute for the second year in a row.

West Central students presented “Dr. Evil and a Basket of Kittens” in two performances on Oct. 18-19 for the community, as well as a performance for the student body on Friday. The board recognized the students and directors, Hillary Durie and Becky Reed, and others for an "outstanding job" showcasing the talents of West Central students.

The school board was told the IHSAA recently sent a complimentary email to Mr. Culp and Mr. Allen for the sportsmanship, positive attitude, and exemplary performances during the football game against North Judson.  Street noted that Coach Hall, his staff, and the student-athletes represent the West Central community in a positive manner, and the email from the IHSAA serves as an example of the positives of our student-athletes.

Mrs. Gainor was recognized for her work in preparation for the eighth-grade Reality Store.  Students are exposed to real-world scenarios, buying a house, purchasing a car, buying clothes, food, etc. on a fixed budget. The Reality Store serves teachable moments to students about finances and money management. Participating local businesses were also thanked for the hard work, time, and effort in making this endeavor possible.

FFA members and sponsor Shaw Haselby attended the FFA National Convention Oct. 30-31 and Nov. 1, in Lexington, KY The students heard from speaker Nick Vujicic about overcoming obstacles. The students returned home tired but motivated by the weekend of events.

Coming events to the middle school and high school are the Veteran’s Day program on Nov. 11. The second round of Parent/Teacher conferences is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 18

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported that the Pulaski County Community Foundation’s “Friends of Philanthropy” club met with 20 students Nov. 4-6 after school. The program teaches young minds the community value of philanthropy. On  Nov. 4, Cindi Clawson, a reporter from South Bend’s WNDU-TV read to third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the library.

Looking ahead, the PTC is hosting its first ever Winter Craft Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 15. Over 40 vendors are signed up in addition to a bake sale, a Santa for pictures, and a host of other activities. Donuts with Dad is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5. The elementary school finished taking its first round of E/LA & Math Acuity testing in early November. On Nov. 6, a representative from the Department of Education came and worked with the elementary school unit leaders on the new standards, which is working well in conjunction with how the school is spending its Thursday morning staff development time.