Valley Assistant Principal Resigns; New Class Schedule Announced
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
AKRON - For the 2007-08 school year, Tippecanoe Valley High School will need a new assistant principal and will have a different class schedule.
Monday, the Tippecanoe Valley School Board approved the resignation of TVHS Assistant Principal Rod McKee. His resignation is effective June 30. McKee has been with Tippecanoe Valley Schools for 13 years, according to Superintendent Dr. Daniel Kramer."We appreciate his contributions to our school and students," said Kramer after the school board meeting. "We wish him the best in whatever he wishes to do."
McKee was not present at Monday's school board meeting.
TVHS Principal Kirk Doehrmann became principal on July 1, replacing Michael Overmyer who had resigned effective June 30.
During the meeting, Doehrmann presented the school board with a new schedule for TVHS classes for the 2007-08 school year.
This past year, Doehrmann said the high school went to a seven-period day. After talking to teachers and students, he said the school day schedule needed to be tweaked. Teachers wanted to stay with a schedule where the classes meet all year long, so a modified block schedule was resurrected.
The schedule includes three days of traditional schedule with two days of block scheduling.
The traditional days are Monday, Tuesday and Friday, with seven classes for 48 minutes each. Student Resource Time will meet each of those days.
During SRT, teachers will have access to student grades and discipline to help prevent students from falling through the cracks. Remediation can occur during SRT as needed. Doehrmann said SRT will not be a glorified prep period for teachers or study hall for students.
"We think the SRT time is really a huge benefit for our school and community," he said. It allows for lab time and differentiation of instruction. "We feel this is going to be a huge benefit to our kids."
Block schedule will occur on Wednesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesday, there will be four classes at 85 minutes each plus SRT. Classes meeting on Wednesdays will be first, third, fifth and seventh periods. There will be three classes on Thursdays for 85 minutes each plus SRT. Classes meeting on Thursday will be second, fourth and sixth.
The school board approved the revised schedule for the 2007-08 school year.
The board also approved changing spring break on the 2007-08 school calendar to be March 31 to April 4.
New fees for Valley's Driver's Education program were approved. The student rate will increase from $235 to $245. The hourly rate for instructors will increase from $22 to $23.
Doehrmann presented "some pretty neat things" that are going on at the high school.
Last month, he said the student government raised more than $1,200 for Riley Hospital for Children.
School board student representative Sarah Tillman won the Daughters of the American Revolution essay contest. She also has received a full-ride scholarship to Indiana State University.
Music students Adam Weaver and Courtney Stambaugh were recognized for receiving gold ratings at district competition. Weaver also received a gold rating at state, while Stambaugh earned a silver rating.
Peer Facilitater advisor Kris Walker spoke about the program, which was started this year. The program trains students to help other students talk out their problems and come to a positive resolution. In May, the five first peer facilitaters will attend an international symposium in Indianapolis and present their group to the conference. The five students are Tillman, Chris Baker, Nathan Shepherd, Steph Hoover and Holly Williamson.
In other business, the board:
n Approved hiring Wesley Welch, architect, for the concession stand project.
n Announced the next meeting days and times are: April 16, Akron Elementary School, 7:30 p.m.; May 14, Mentone Elementary School, 7:30 p.m.; and June 11, Mentone Elementary School, 7:30 p.m.
n Approved Katie Ryan as the middle school assistant track coach, Jennifer Phillips as the head high school volleyball coach, and Brandon Cody as the assistant baseball junior varsity coach.
n Reviewed revisions to school board policy regarding annuity, retirement and severance programs for staff; policies relating to non-instructional personnel; disclosures of student lists; and notice to parents and students of their rights concerning education records.
Kramer said the changes update language to reflect Valley's current practices. The board will be asked to approve the changes at its April meeting.
n Approved a conflict of interest statement for board member Bryan Murphy.
Board members are President David E. O'Brien, Vice President Bryan Murphy, Secretary Rod Eaton, Mark Wise and Hal Hoffman. Murphy was absent Monday.
