NORTH MANCHESTER – School improvement was the overall target discussed in the Manchester Community Schools board meeting Tuesday. Amanda Jones-Layman, vice president of Academic Engagement and Education at Wabash County YMCA, discussed the summer SPARK Program. Jones-Layman said the program was a success this year due to the excellent coordination between the YMCA, the school district and the families. She said she was happy they were able to include third graders in the mix of first and second graders this year, which exceeded their goal and increased the participation to 45 students. The SPARK Program provides a holistic experience for the students, so they do not become burned out. Students build confidence, participate in swim lessons and are exposed to everything available in the summer to make it a “camp-like” setting. “We’re setting the tone for other YMCAs and schools,” Jones-Layman said. The Squire Academy has also started auspiciously. Squire Academy lead teacher Dorey Mobley discussed the success of the alternative schooling. Each student, of the 25 enrolled currently, is in a different stage of schooling and life. Students are using the APEX learning program and are all working at their own pace. Mobley has received positive feedback from other teachers. “Things are going well,” Mobley said. “Many of them are ahead of the game.” Manchester Community Schools principals have set some improvement plans and goals to continue their achievements for this school year. A common goal for each of the three schools is to continue increasing understanding of the subjects language arts and reading. At the elementary and intermediate levels, the principals have set goals for a 90 percent pass rate in this section of the ISTEP. At the high school, principal Nancy Alspaugh is hoping to exceed scores in this section also. The principals are taking initiatives to help their students grasp the subjects. The IREAD exam is being introduced at the elementary school. At the intermediate school, Principal Randy Self said they are working very hard and making progress with language arts. The high school is introducing new strategies, streamlining courses and working with literacy specialists to increase the students’ knowledge. “If kids can’t read, we are going to struggle in every subject area,” Superintendent Dr. Bill Reichhart said.
