PIERCETON – Whitko School Board looked at results from the fall 2012 MAP testing at its Oct. 15 meeting.
MAP stands for Measures of Academic Progress. Currently, these assessments are given in reading, math and language usage.
Correct answers lead to a question at the next level of difficulty. Incorrect answers go to an easier question.
Students receive an individualized score, giving teachers an idea of how to help that student progress academically.
The board looked at a summary of scores and how the classes compared to a national average.
In reading, first-graders are taking the test for the first time and their national average is placed at zero. Third-graders were below the national mean in reading while second- and fourth- through eighth-graders were at or well above the national mean.
In mathematics, third-graders were again below the national levels along with fifth- and sixth-graders, who showed just a fraction of less progress. The other grades were above the mean projection of growth.
In language usage, third- through sixth-graders are tested. The third-graders mean is at zero. Fourth-, sixth- through eighth-graders were above the national average of progress while fifth-graders were a few units below.
Superintendent Steve Clason said Whitko students are eligible to participate in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy. Tuition for the program is paid by the Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce and the classes will be at the Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake Wednesday afternoons. Grace College business majors will facilitate the program.
“We’ve found that the B/C student has a very good mind for business,” Clason said. “The program is for kids who want to own their own business.”
In his report, South Whitley Elementary School Principal Bruce Hansen said the upcoming fourth- and fifth-grade art and music event is set for Oct. 30, starting at 5:30 p.m. and the military veterans recognition day is Nov. 12 starting at 1:45 p.m.
Middle School Principal Parrish Kruger said archery club practice is getting underway and its popularity makes it the largest organization in the school.
The after-school dance Oct. 5 was attended by 235 students. Because line-dancing is taught in physical education, everyone participated when the line dance music was cued.
Kruger said test results are showing weakness with students understanding non-fiction text and teachers will work to improve those scores.
High School Principal Dave Parker said recent speaker Kevin Wanser presented an outstanding program.
Although letters were sent home with students, teachers made phone calls, there were “tweets” and all manner of reminders, parental participation in the recent parent and teacher conferences was at 36 percent.
He praised the efforts of band director Joey Shepherd, whose marching band members recently brought a gold medal back to the school for the first time in six years.
“He’s a shining example of what is possible,” Parker said.
Financial officer Tom McFarland said the official attendance count shows the district with 58 fewer students than last year, which means a drop of $60,000 in tuition fees from the state and other funding based on the count.
The district will make fuel purchases on the open market rather than contracting with a supplier, as recommended by transportation director Mike Sands.
The board accepted the resignation of Kory Mettler as the boys and girls tennis coach; hired Jack Bumgardner as WMS head wrestling coach; and approved leaves of absence for Linda Ousley, Jana Burnworth and Darlene Truman.
The board also approved the 2013 school budget; an agreement with Troy Center for educational services for seven students; a contract with CenturyLink for Internet and fiber services; field trips as requested by girls basketball coach Brandon Bradley and donations from Tractor Supply Co. of Warsaw for tools and Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware of Columbia City for 1,000 paint stir sticks.
The board approved Josh Mohr, Kruger and Clason as school safety specialists for the year and reappointed Patty Weybright to the South Whitley Cleveland Township Public Library Board for another four-year term ending in September 2016.
Students of the month were recognized: from Pierceton Elementary School, Saira Macias, nominated by Beth Woodard; from SWES, Mackenzie Day, nominated by Gina Borton; from WMS, Trae Arnold, nominated by Laura Thong Umphani and the sixth-grade group; and from WHS, Jocelyn Krull, nominated by Rob McKerr.
