The Worth County School Board, at its regular meeting Wednesday, voted to offer a preschool starting on January 9th, 2024. The move is contingent on hiring a lead teacher who holds a valid teaching certificate in early childhood education or early childhood special education along with enrollment. There must be a 1 to 10 teacher to child ratio and a maximum class size of 20 students. 40% of enrollment must be students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. The pre-K must use one of nine approved early childhood curriculums. The school will follow the current school calendar.
The school used to have a preschool at one time, but dropped it several years ago despite community opposition. The new preschool would be in addition to The Learning Academy and the Head Start.
The school will be for students who are age 4 prior to July 31st. Attendance will be free for any district resident accepted.
The project will be paid for in part by a grant from the Missouri Quality Pre-K Grant. It will fund $50,000 per room of 11-20 students and $25,000 per room of up to 10 children. The school is thinking of renovating the elementary science room into a special ed classroom and returning the special ed classroom into a pre-K classroom.
Superintendent Chris Healy said in his written comments discussing the grant that he believes the state will require or highly encourage pre-K in the future, and that it was a matter of either accepting the money now to help with startup costs, or be required to do it in the future, possibly without funding.
The project will also be paid for by a $175,000 grant from the Patterson Family Foundation. The school has been accepted for both grants, and the board approved them at the meeting.
The school will announce stakeholder meetings, enrollment information, teaching position openings, and other information on the new preschool soon.
The Federal programs were rated as “Excellent.” Strengths listed include the fact that the school rehired an experienced Title I Reading teacher. Staff for communication arts and math are provided. The school is able to hire an additional Kindergarten teacher for class size reduction. The district provides Title I services schoolwide, meaning all students can get extra help with communication arts and math. Concerns listed include the fact that all funds are spent on personnel, so programs that were funded in the past must come from local funds.
The Parents as Teachers program as rated as “Above Average.” The Parent Educator is trained and building relationships with families. The PAT recently held a get-together at the Pool Park. The number of families served increased last year. It provides services to families that are eligible and responsive to services. Concerns listed include contacting and communication with eligible families.
The Special Education program was rated as “Above Average.” Strengths listed include the fact that it lists 2.8 Special Ed teachers and a director. Also, a high school teacher has Special Ed certification. Teachers and paraprofessionals participated in autism training. ACES, which the board renewed the contract with Wednesday, provides therapists as well.
Concerns listed include the fact that more children are coming with higher needs, several of whom require extra resources. There is no gifted program. Another concern listed included knowledge and strategies to handle behaviors, autism, and Down’s Syndrome.
Elementary Principal Chuck Borey reported on enrollment figures for the elementary. Kindergarten was 23, first grade 31, second grade 15, third grade 19, fourth grade 20, fifth grade 18, and sixth grade 26 for a total of 152.
The first PTO meeting was held Monday, September 11th at the Activity Center. Officers elected include Ashley Harding (President), Haley Ridge (Vice-President), Hailey Seipel (Secretary), and Megan Humphrey (Treasurer).
State Representative Mazzie Boyd visited with fourth graders on Wednesday.
The Book Blast raised $8,028 for books. The Treasure Box winners for the week were Kruz Adams, Daden Findley, Emery Pickering, and Madison Collins, The iPad winner was Riggin Smyser. Each child was guaranteed one book, with those raising $125 or more getting 10.
On September 12th, the Title I Family Meeting was held. Mrs. Tracy spoke to parents about the program, and they had parents and students do a science experiment together.
On October 3rd, Mrs. Campbell will give the first round of Fluoride treatments. On October 12th at 9 am, the Grant City Fire Department will give rides.
High School Principal Josh Smith reported on enrollment figures for the junior high and high school. Seventh grade was 16, eighth grace 20, Freshmen 25, Sophomores 24, Juniors 14, and Seniors 17 for a total of 116.
College Prep English students are working on composing two essays. The first is the VFW Voice of Democracy essay, “What are the Greatest Attributes of our Democracy?” The other is their personal narrative.
English I students are learning how to analyze different texts and works of literature, including the short story, “The Most Dangerous Game.”
Ag Science students are learning how o identify common insects and their characteristics, describe the procedure to classify insects, and prepare a collection.
The school has started an attendance challenge by grade level, where the class with the highest attendance percentage for each time period will receive an incentive.
The board voted to apply for the Missouri Roadway Safety Grant to purchase speed bumps for the parking lot and for educational materials.
The board voted to set professional development pay. The rates are $50 an hour for preparing and presenting professional development, $30 an hour for certified teacher professional development, and $15 an hour for paraprofessional development or tutoring. Pay needs to be approved prior to activities. The rates are for opportunities that happen outside contract time.
The next meeting date will be October 18th at 6 pm.
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