Discipline, emergency drills, new curriculum and transitioning Kindergarteners

POMEROY–The District School Board approved policy 3241 regarding student discipline in an effort to minimize student removal from class, and policy 3432 relating to emergency drills, with one drill a month required during the recent meeting on April 27.

The board went on to discussed the seventh grade six week curriculum course called “Making Healthy Decisions for the 21st Century” defining sexual assault behavior and providing ways to stop it. Parents are free to opt their children out of any session, or the course itself. Other options will instead be provided for those students. The curriculum was sent to the Curriculum Committee for review.

Change to the community service policy for high school students cutting required hours from 60 hours to 30, and provide a list of organizations’ activities that qualify for community service was presented by High School Principal Amy Miller. The policy currently requires students to achieve 10 hours each year for grades nine and ten, and 20 hours each year for grades 11 and 12 culminating a total of 60 hours by a student’s senior year. The proposed policy change requires 30 hours by senior year and students will be required to work with a community organization. Board discussion included adding a required number of hours per year and what organizations would be included on the list. The discussion ended without a vote.

An instructional plan for Preschool through sixth grade was presented for discussion by Superintendent Rachel Gwinn. The plan includes a class called “Transitional Kindergarten” that would replace Preschool, and focuses on preparing children to go to Kindergarten. No action has been taken on the plan at this time.

The school board accepted the resignation of bus driver Sherry Robanske. Her route is being filled by substitutes at this time. An application for the position of music teacher has been received.

The Associated Student Body (ASB) election results are: Keely Maves, President; Braedyn White, Vice-President; Stacia Bowen, Treasurer; Jillian Herres and Chase Caruso, Representatives.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the school will have a casino themed game night at the fairgrounds instead of a prom on May 15, 2021. Food will be individually wrapped, and masks required. The time of the event has not been finalized.