The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The La Harpe school board, set the date and time for Eighth Grade Promotion for Friday, May 26, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at their December 20, 2016 meeting.
A Committee of the Whole was held before the meeting to review the new policy updates, then, at the regular meeting following, the board approved the policy updates, the consent agenda and payment of the bills, and adopted the FY 2018 Tax Levy.
Dr. Olson presented the Illinois District Report Card. The administrators and board discussed ways to address lower scores, staff training on standards-based reporting, motivating students, and recent evidence that schools who do not take this test on computer score significantly higher.
Wayne Humphrey was hired as a substitute Bus Driver, Lila Gittings as 5/6 volleyball head coach with Maggie Stone as assistant coach.
Dr. Olson explained what the County School Facilities Occupation Tax resolution would mean for Hancock County schools should the voters elect it. The revenue, which would be calculated monthly and disbursed through the regional office of education, would be used for buildings and maintenance of facilities.
The board discussed how information might be brought to the public regarding the tax. The boards' approval of the resolution will give the voting public the opportunity to consider it at the next election.
Superintendent Olson reported that the January 3rd combined Teacher Institute with Dallas City, presented by consultants from ROE 33, will be based on Tom Schimmer's book Grading From the Inside Out: Bringing Accuracy to Student Assessment Through a Standards-Based Mindset.
This professional development will focus on grading practices and repurposing homework. The 5 Essentials Survey participation window was extended to January 30th for parents, teachers, and students to give feedback on school climate.
Both Dallas and La Harpe schools were awarded IASB 2016 Mawi Learning Powerful Educator Grants designed to empower educators to increase student engagement and improve school culture. Ten educators from each school will be invited to participate in this professional development opportunity.
The annual inspection by the ROE and Fire Marshall was completed, and 20 Chromebooks have been ordered for the junior high language arts classroom.
An Initial School Bus Driver class will be held at Dallas Elementary on January 14 from 9a.m.-5p.m. with certified instructor Lee Unger.
Principal McKeown reported the completion of the 5/6 and 7/8 girls' basketball seasons, the start of girls' volleyball, and a boys' basketball update.
The School-Wide Morning Meetings led by a different class each month and attended by some parents and grandparents have been a great way to start school on a positive note.
Jim Gill, a well-known early childhood singer, gave a much enjoyed performance paid for by the Pre-K grant.
The Christmas programs were outstanding and well-attended. Mrs. Mencel had elementary and junior high students perform their closing songs in the dark to flashlight "candlelight", and Mr. and Mrs. Claus were special guests at Mrs. Finch's Pre-K program.
The student council sponsored the "12 Days of Christmas" with many students showing their Christmas spirit.
Principal McKeown and four teachers attended a terrific tech conference in Springfield for professional development.
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.