NORTH MANCHESTER - Manchester Community Schools now has a revised mission statement.
Tuesday night at its regular meeting, the Manchester Community School Board of Trustees approved a motion to adopt the new mission statement.
The new mission statement is: "MCS engages students, regardless of background, in relevant activities that ensure students will learn to think critically at progressively higher levels."
According to Superintendent Dr. Diana Showalter, the mission statement will be posted in rooms, sent home to parents, incorporated in school newsletters and integrated into faculty and staff meetings.
"It can't just hang on the wall," Showalter said.
Along with the mission statement, the board approved 10 belief statements, including "The focus of all school activity is the students and the work they are expected to do."; "Students are volunteers, and what they have to volunteer is their attention and commitment."; and "Strong family support and school involvement contribute to student success. MCS works in partnership with families and the community to provide necessary support services."
In other business, the board:
n Approved the hiring of Janna Knisely, long-term substitute kindergarten teacher at Manchester Elementary School, and Tyson Gordon as sixth-grade boys basketball coach at Manchester Junior-Senior High School.
n Approved a professional leave request for Bobbi Lautzenheiser to attend the Indiana Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance State Conference Nov. 7-9 in Indianapolis.
n Approved three Sunday building rentals. The German Baptist Church asked to rent the Senior High School gym and cafeteria for a youth activity Sunday. The Tri-Kappa Sorority asked to rent the Senior High School kitchen Nov. 17-18. The Congregational Christian Church asked to rent the PAC at Manchester Senior High School Nov. 17-18 to host non-profit performances of the drama "Dead Serious About Life" by Mishpachah Inc.
n Heard a presentation from Jolene Hensley and Carol Miller about changes in the school lunch menus. Fresh fruit and vegetables are served at least twice per week, and salads are offered as entrees to fourth-grade students at MES on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
n Heard that Laketon Elementary School is considering a name change. A school naming committee had been formed, and a public meeting will be held Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at LES to explain why the name change is being considered. Public input is encouraged.
