Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Wawasee School Board discussed a variety of topics during their meeting Tuesday.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Stock opened the meeting with a presentation of a book written by Wawasee High School student Jami McDaniel.ÊThe book is a short children's story titled "When You Don't Clean Your Room."
"As a gift to her, Jami's parents had it copyrighted," said Stock.Ê"Well, interestingly enough, a printer from Winona Lake has had it printed."
The story is aimed at the 9- to 12-year-old age bracket, and is published by Baker Trittin Press.
"This has inspired the company to kick off a nationwide competition for high school students to write chapter books for kids 9 to 12," said Stock.Ê"There has also been interest expressed by high schools in Malaysia, China, and Okinawa.ÊA Christian liberal arts college is also offering scholarship prize money."Ê
The competition is known as the Tweener Time International Chapter Book Competition.
Although Jami was not in attendance at the board meeting, she will be invited back in December to share her experience.
The board heard reports from each school principal in the district regarding current activities and status of each school.
"We are currently working on our school improvement plan," said Wawasee High School Principal Ellen Steven.Ê "We are taking our data and the results and will continue our documentation results by the conclusion of this year."Ê
Stevens reported to the board that 42 Wawasee High School students have been accepted into the National Honor Society.ÊThe fall athletics program recently was held, and 147 students were recognized as scholar athletes.Ê This means these students have exceptionally high grade point averages, which they have maintained while participating in sports.ÊStevens reported the high school has started a new driver's education program.
Wawasee Middle School Principal Tony Cassel reported the school will hold a talent show in February. Last year's talent show proceeds went to aid victims of hurricane Katrina, and the school wants to do something similar this year.ÊThe talent show will be in conjunction with a canned food drive known as a "canstruction," which is a sculpture/construction made from canned food items.ÊThe donated food and proceeds from the talent show will go to local charities.
Milford School Principal Cindy Kaiser reported the school staff recently attended a workshop which offered instruction on using classroom data to deal with specific classroom problems.ÊThe main thrust of the workshop is to teach methods that will enable students to take responsibility for their learning and time spent in the classroom.
Jim Garner, principal of Syracuse Elementary, reported on the implementation of crossing guards at the school, as well as the beginning of a wellness program for the school.ÊAn intramural program for fourth- and fifth-graders, starting with volleyball, has been organized.Ê Basketball will be added after the holidays.
Kris Woodard, North Webster Elementary School, reported the teachers in the school have started a book study club.ÊThis is in conjunction with a reading workshop that aims to make students not only better readers, but to think about what they've been reading.
The board accepted a donation from the Milford PTO of $1,788 for four outside benches, and $2,000 for landscaping.
The following individuals were approved by the Board for employment in the district: Bambi Stuckman, cafeteria worker, WHS;ÊVondria Netzley, four hours per day, WHS special education paraprofessional;ÊMary Aker, temporary clerical/ESL paraprofessional, WHS;ÊJeanie Smeltzer, five hour per day special education paraprofessional, Syracuse School; Zebulon Holsopple, science teacher, WHS, temporary replacement for Sara Lake during her leave.
Stock addressed the board concerning the renewal of property and casualty insurance for the district.
"I'm going to recommend that we look at a three-year contract," he said.Ê"There are several districts looking at alternatives, but there aren't too many alternatives available in the school insurance market right now."
Stock said further review needed to be done regarding options for property and casualty insurance, and that more information will be available at the next board meeting.
It was announced the January 2007 board meeting will be held Jan. 16.
Board members are Dallas Winchester, Mary Louise Dixon, Marion Acton, Brian Dawes and George Gilbert.
