The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The school board regular meeting was held October 18, 2016 in the district library. A Committee of the Whole was held before the meeting to review the new policy updates. At the regular meeting following, the board approved the policy updates, the consent agenda and payment of the bills, reviewed the FY 2016 annual financial report, and approved a staff Christmas gift for district employees. No closed meeting was held.
La Harpe has 5 positions open for the April 2017 election. Three of the positions are 4-year terms (2017- 2021) and two of the positions are 2-year terms (2017-2019). Dr. Olson noted that Board Candidate petitions are being circulated now and must be turned in to the County Clerk between Dec.12-19. a few petitions have been taken out, but more candidates are needed to fill the ballot.
Dr. Olson mentioned a November 3 early childhood meeting, a Galesburg meeting on standards-based grading, and a county school facilities tax meeting he will be attending.
Due to driver shortages in many districts, the county superintendents will post a combined ad for school bus drivers and the ROE will provide the initial training for candidates.
Principal McKeown's report included an update on girls' basketball, boys' basketball, and cross country.
Several students took part in the Miles of Smiles service. Mrs. Beals' first grade class did a great job leading the most recent school-wide monthly morning meeting. Several parent guests have attended these meetings. Fire Prevention day was enjoyed on September 30. Local firemen, including Dr. Olson, led students through the smokehouse, presented safety information, showed the fire truck and held a fire drill.
Elementary PTO parents along with teachers Susan Bray and Karri Wallace are planning fall positive behavior activities. Junior high teachers will plan the positive behavior celebrations for 6th-8th grade students. The recent kindergarten field trip to the pumpkin patch was a success. Teachers are preparing for conferences with parents as the first quarter of school ended on October 14. Active Shooter training was held for staff and Mrs. McKeown has completed the first round of teacher evaluations.
School board meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month in the school library.
Agendas and approved minutes are posted on the website at laharpeeagles.org.