New Head Start program 'great success' at West Central

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Published: Friday, 07 October 2016 15:56

FRANCESVILLE - The new West Central Head Start location has been "a great success" in its first month-and-a-half, elementary school principal Dan Zylstra reported to the school board Thursday night (Oct. 6).

Sixteen students are enrolled and receiving Head Start services at the elementary school - the same building they will later attend school, easing the transition to kindergarten.

Two of these students would not have been able to attend Head Start had the site remained only in Winamac, Zylstra noted. The demand for the program exceeds its capacity, and there are currently students on a waiting list ready to attend if space opens up.

The principal added that the Head Start staff and students have blended in well with the West Central environment, working harmoniously with the West Central culture and building-wide expectations.

In other business, the board voted to adopt the 2017 school corporation budget, Capital Projects Plan, and the Bus Replacement Plan, as presented.

The board voted to approve the resolution authorizing the authority to lower appropriations where necessary to more accurately reflect expenditures. Approval was also given to the rainy day resolution, as presented.

Superintendent Don Street discussed the 5.5% premium increase for the MASE Health Insurance renewals and the classified staff corporation contributions. The board voted  to approve the health insurance corporation contributions for classified employees, as presented.

The board approved the salary increases for eligible classified staff, as presented.

Street reported that the September student count was at 825 students; 42 out-of-district students are enrolled. The tentative career and technical enrollment and funding has slightly increased from last year. The federal Title I funding has decreased from last year.

Street reported that Becky Reed is planning on organizing another Educational Travel Opportunity for students in the future.

The 2016-17 Indiana Assessment Windows from the Indiana Department of Education was shared.

The utility usage was reviewed, as well as the wind turbine information.

Street and the school board extended congratulations to Jessica Murray for being selected as a district representative for the Indiana Schools Nutrition Association.

Student-of-the-Month certificates were presented to Olivia Scheffer at the elementary school level. Kayli Wireman and Taylor Day from the middle and high schools were unable to attend.

Principal Reports:

Elementary school principal Dan Zylstrareported that October is always a busy month for the elementary school. 2016 is no exception.

School nurse Arlene Metzger has arranged for Mobile Dentist to visit on Oct. 12.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Monday, Oct. 17 from 3:25 to 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 3:25 to 6 p.m. Special thanks to the Elementary School Cheer Committee and the PTC for providing dinner for teachers on those extended days.

School Safety Week is Oct. 17-20. The elementary school, in coordination with the middle/high school, will conduct various safety drills during the week.

The Book Fair will be Oct. 31 - Nov. 4. It will be a pirate theme, minus the pillaging and plundering. Family Literacy Night will be Nov. 3. The theme for Family Literacy Night is celebrating Indiana’s birthday for the state’s bicentennial. A special thanks goes to Alliance Bank for providing free ice cream and to Gutwein Popcorn for providing free popcorn to students on that special night.

The West Central Parent Teacher Council’s (PTC) “No Hassle” fundraiser raised almost $4,000. This was the first time the PTC attempted a fundraiser of this sort, and while the overall fundraising goal was not met, the amount of funds raised will allow the PTC to significantly curtail fundraising activities while maintaining its support for programs.

Middle/high school principal Pat Culpinformed the board that the middle and high school have been working diligently on continuously improving technology integration, particularly using Google Classroom and Kahoot. Classroom helps teachers save time, keep classes organized, and improve communication with students. All classroom videos, reading assignments, classroom notes, and formative assessments can be placed on Google Classroom for easy access. Kahoot is a formative assessment both teachers and students can use to guide instruction. Using tech devices such as the Chromebook, I-Pad, or cell phone, students can answer questions as a review of material or to determine present level performance.

The end of the first nine-weeks is Oct. 12 with subsequent Parent/Teacher conferences scheduled for Monday, Oct. 17 from 3:25 to 7 p.m.; and Tuesday, Oct. 18 from 3:25 to 6 p.m.  All parents or guardians are encouraged to visit MS/HS during parent teacher conferences.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, the West Central Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is hosting an event entitled, Fields of Faith. This FCA sponsored event is a nationwide event. Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read the Bible and follow Jesus Christ. An athletic field provides a neutral, rally point where a community can come together.

The West Central drama department will present “Death by Chocolate” at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 15; and at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 16. Directors Mrs. Reed and Ms. Durie and the students have spent hours in developing an entertaining production.

Personnel Items:

The board approved the following employment items, as presented:

• Lynne Wuethrich – Maternity leave for Lindsay Hopkins
• E.Anne Ketchen – Maternity leave for Joy Schlatter
• Josh Cooper – 6th Grade Boys Basketball
• Megan Hunsley – Job Coach Cooperative School Services

Approval was given to the resignation of Sheila Shafe from Cooperative School Services.

Leave requests were approved for the following, as presented:

• Joy Schlatter – Maternity Leave
• Alison Carnahan – Family Medical Leave
• Jennifer Byrne – Personal Leave

Conference requests were approved for the following:

• AdvancED Team – Marci Kennedy – Oct. 26-27
• Indiana School Nurses Conference – Arlene Metzger – Nov. 3-4
• Indiana School Nutrition Association Conference – Brittany Mendiola, Cathy Risner and Jessica Murray –Nov. 3-4
• 2016 Indiana Library Federation Annual Conference – Alicia Cotner – Nov. 8-10
• Region 7 Food & Commodity Testing – Brittany Mendiola, Cathy Risner and Jessica Murray – Nov. 17-18

West Central Board approves teacher master contract

FRANCESVILLE - The West Central School board approved the 2016-17 teacher master contract at a special meeting Sept. 26.