Tippy Valley Receives Grant, Hears About Board Retirements
December 11, 2018 at 6:18 p.m.
By Carol Anders-
The grant will be used to support professional development, technology readiness assessments as TVSC formulates a plan for the integration of technology into teaching and learning. The grant is funded by the state through the David C. Ford Technology Fund.
The school board unanimously accepted the grant during its meeting Monday.
TVSC will work with Future Ready Schools “Leading District Change Through Future Ready Schools.”
According to Lori Tilden-Geiger, director of marketing, public relations and grants for TVSC, the staff has participated in a self-assessment with the results documented in a 68-page report. She said they are seeking an outside vendor to oversee the plan and look for “gaps” that need attention. She said a part of the overall plan will use comments from surveys that will include students, staff, parents and other community members.
The board heard short reports from the four TVSC principals concerning their school letter grades from the state.
Randy Dahms, Mentone Elementary, indicated that they are working on providing typing instruction to students since the ISTEP tests includes portions where students have to type in answers on the computer. The school received a “C” letter grade. Dahms advised the board members that a revised test called ILEARN will replace ISTEP.
Christy Mills, Akron Elementary, said most student report cards will now reflect state standards. She said, “Parents really need to know where their students are.” She went on to say that teachers at Akron are reviewing practice tests and watching webinars to see what the iLearn tests will cover. Akron Elementary also received a “C” school grade.
Scott Backus, TVMS, said they have seen a lot of really good gains. The school grade went from a “D” to a “B.” He said they are higher in math than language arts and will be focusing on the language arts area.
Chad Cripe, TVHS, reported that the school received an “A” grade from the state. He said they also were rated an “A” school at the federal level. He said they have a goal of having 90 minutes of reading and writing instruction each day.
Two Tippecanoe Valley School Board members were recognized for their many years of service.
Bryan Murphy was first elected to the board in 2003 and is retiring after 15½ years. Also leaving the board after four years was Stan Miller.
Superintendent Blaine Conley read a long list of successful projects that have been completed during their tenures including, but not limited to, the establishment of the Burket Education Center, installation of wind turbines, creation of the Farm to Fork Program, and the building of the Akron Elementary School.
Conley said both Miller and Murphy have been active participants in the Indiana School Board Association and took advantage of training to help TVSC.
Miller said, “I want to thank the community for their trust and support in electing me to the board. ... I’m very proud to be a Viking.”
Murphy echoed Miller’s comments and shared his appreciation for the community support. “This is a group effort. We look for what is best for students, then what is best for staff, and then the facilities,” Murphy said.
Both retirees praised Conley for his professionalism in his role, along with their fellow board members contributions.
Board President Adam Heckaman presented Miller and Murphy with plaques of appreciation and lifelong passes to Tippecanoe Valley athletic events.
The board also approved accepting grants from Kosciusko County Youth Services totaling $3,159.
The next board meeting will be Jan. 21 at the Burket Educational Center.
The grant will be used to support professional development, technology readiness assessments as TVSC formulates a plan for the integration of technology into teaching and learning. The grant is funded by the state through the David C. Ford Technology Fund.
The school board unanimously accepted the grant during its meeting Monday.
TVSC will work with Future Ready Schools “Leading District Change Through Future Ready Schools.”
According to Lori Tilden-Geiger, director of marketing, public relations and grants for TVSC, the staff has participated in a self-assessment with the results documented in a 68-page report. She said they are seeking an outside vendor to oversee the plan and look for “gaps” that need attention. She said a part of the overall plan will use comments from surveys that will include students, staff, parents and other community members.
The board heard short reports from the four TVSC principals concerning their school letter grades from the state.
Randy Dahms, Mentone Elementary, indicated that they are working on providing typing instruction to students since the ISTEP tests includes portions where students have to type in answers on the computer. The school received a “C” letter grade. Dahms advised the board members that a revised test called ILEARN will replace ISTEP.
Christy Mills, Akron Elementary, said most student report cards will now reflect state standards. She said, “Parents really need to know where their students are.” She went on to say that teachers at Akron are reviewing practice tests and watching webinars to see what the iLearn tests will cover. Akron Elementary also received a “C” school grade.
Scott Backus, TVMS, said they have seen a lot of really good gains. The school grade went from a “D” to a “B.” He said they are higher in math than language arts and will be focusing on the language arts area.
Chad Cripe, TVHS, reported that the school received an “A” grade from the state. He said they also were rated an “A” school at the federal level. He said they have a goal of having 90 minutes of reading and writing instruction each day.
Two Tippecanoe Valley School Board members were recognized for their many years of service.
Bryan Murphy was first elected to the board in 2003 and is retiring after 15½ years. Also leaving the board after four years was Stan Miller.
Superintendent Blaine Conley read a long list of successful projects that have been completed during their tenures including, but not limited to, the establishment of the Burket Education Center, installation of wind turbines, creation of the Farm to Fork Program, and the building of the Akron Elementary School.
Conley said both Miller and Murphy have been active participants in the Indiana School Board Association and took advantage of training to help TVSC.
Miller said, “I want to thank the community for their trust and support in electing me to the board. ... I’m very proud to be a Viking.”
Murphy echoed Miller’s comments and shared his appreciation for the community support. “This is a group effort. We look for what is best for students, then what is best for staff, and then the facilities,” Murphy said.
Both retirees praised Conley for his professionalism in his role, along with their fellow board members contributions.
Board President Adam Heckaman presented Miller and Murphy with plaques of appreciation and lifelong passes to Tippecanoe Valley athletic events.
The board also approved accepting grants from Kosciusko County Youth Services totaling $3,159.
The next board meeting will be Jan. 21 at the Burket Educational Center.
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092