With the ISD 2169 referendum vote just around the corner, Murray County Central Superintendent Joe Meyer told the MCC School Board that 2,530 envelopes were stuffed and mailed to every property owner in the school district for the purpose of notifying them of the special election November 4th.
The school board heard from West Elementary Principal Patrick Freeman, who reported that over $37,000 was raised recently during the Fun Run. Each student received a Rebel shirt, and the funds raised directly support student activities and field trips.
Freeman said the After School Academy is now open, which provides extra support for students who are struggling or need support in certain areas.
Freeman reported that the fourth grade is facing a slightly unusual problem – the grade level has grown by eight students this year. In order to address classroom sizes, the initial plan is to split the class into three sections for reading and math. There are two fourth grade classrooms, but Freeman said enforcing smaller classrooms in the core subjects of reading and math will help alleviate problems with the growing grade level.
Rebel Sidekick is a new tradition at MCC – high school seniors were paired with a kindergarten sidekick to build connections, pride and reinforce the core values of being respectful, responsible and ready to learn.
The fourth-grade lunch buddy program has launched again, this year on Wednesdays. A grant was received to provide lunch for the volunteers when they come to read with the students each week.
High School Principal Jacob Scandrett reported good information was received during a drug awareness presentation by Jenna Stephenson from SWHHS. Attendance at parentteacher conferences is down, Scandrett said, adding that weather, farming and several events may have contributed to the lower numbers.
Scandrett said the school is gathering data in regard to screening students for dyslexia as part of a new state requirement. He also reported spending more time in the hallways, trying to remain more visible.
MCC received a grant through Apex Clean Energy to purchase curriculum for the new Leadership and Respect Class.
Science scores were released for public review this month. Scandrett said while the district scores dropped significantly from last year, so did all area districts and the state average. This is the second year of a new MCA science test. The school ranked second in science compared to area schools.
Superintendent Joe Meyer said it is very clear that this is a testing issue. Curriculum changes were made by the state, he said, shifting at what grade level different sciences are taught. Scandrett said there are improvements that need to be made, but they will continue to work at it.
Meyer reported attending an annual tax levy workshop. He said the most recent run shows a 4.84 percent increase in the district levy.
Meyer thanked Scandrett and Freeman for all of the work that they do. October is National School Principal Month, but Meyer said they put in countless hours behind the scenes, and their leadership has a direct impact on the success of our schools.
The Veterans Day program will start at 2:15 p.m. November 11 in the gymnasium. Meyer also reminded the board that American Education Week is coming. There will be a celebration to present awards and honor staff, students and community members on Thursday, November 13.
A resolution to transfer funds from the district’s unassigned fund to the restricted funds for ECFE and Community Ed was approved, which will allow for the annual audit to move forward.
