SYRACUSE – Wawasee students gave generously of their time, talent and treasure at Christmas time, according to superintendent Tom Edington at Tuesday night’s board meeting. Board members discussed activities ranging from penny pitches to filling gift baskets that they said not only lifted spirits of needy families in the area, but also taught students how empathy and generosity could enhance their holiday spirit, too. Representatives from all five schools briefly explained their programs. Syracuse principal Eric Speicher said that every family that expressed a need had that need met. North Webster student services coordinator Christie Holst told board members that students there collected over $900 which was used to support several family members and the community food pantry. “Last year we provided for 144 kids,” she said, adding, “this year we helped 256.” School bus drivers also participated by providing a “Child Caring Tree” at the North Webster American Legion. And even more good news came in a report that $2,902 was raised during “No Shave November” to be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. One of the first orders of business, though, was the swearing-in of re-elected members Rebecca Linnemeier, who retains her position as school board president; vice president Rob Fisher; and Mary Lou Dixon. Other board positions approved are secretary, Mike Wilson; recording secretary, Tabatha Reber; finances officers, Dixon and George Gilbert; treasurer, Jim Evans; and deputy treasurer, Sandy Hollar. The board will continue to meet the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. except in April, which will be the third Tuesday of the month. The board’s stipend is $2,000 a year and $55 per meeting, capped at $4,000 annually. The board heard from statistician Bob Cockburn, who presented three-year student growth data starting with second grade test results in math and reading. He compared the scores of tests taken in the fall of each year. Although the graphs were different for all the schools – except the high school which was not charted – results showed a lack of growth in both of those areas. Director of curriculum Joy Goshert said there might be a better way to look at it. She explained how she compared scores from fall and spring tests, which showed a much better result. A major consideration, she explained, is that second grade students are read the tests, and third graders read them on their own. This difference in test-taking could show a lack of growth from second to third grade. Measuring the students from fall to spring shows better results, she said. In other business, the board: • Approved Milford fifth through eighth grade ski trips. • Approved an overnight high school leadership trip to Chicago. • Hired Amie Thornsbrough as Syracuse Elementary special education teacher; Tessa Smith as temporary Syracuse kindergarten teacher; Shari Davis, Cherie Sweatland and Joan DeHart as Milford Title I After School tutors; and Charlotte Jessie and Deanna Cunningham as North Webster Title I After School tutors. • Accepted the resignation of Sarah Hite as Milford school nurse. • Accepted the termination of Milford head custodian Paul Long. • Transferred Lisa Scott from North Webster paraprofessional to Title I paraprofessional.; and extended Crystal Gilbert’s hours as a Wawasee Middle School special education paraprofessional. • Hired Tisha Powell as remediation paraprofessional at Syracuse; and Lisa Welty as a bus driver. • Granted leaves to Alison Welty, Jennifer Szynal and Brittany Gummere. • Heard that an idea for LearnZillion’s online teaching method from educators Ron Shaffer, Jaimee Massie, Kristi Harris, Mariam Brunner and Kim Clark garnered them a win and $500 gift card each.
