JoLynn Wilson gives "Gear-Up" PowerPoint
presentation to Calhoun school board
By Bob Weaver
Calhoun Middle-High School's School Improvement Council reported improvement activities to the local school board Monday evening.
Principal Karen Kirby introduced David Cain, LSIC chairman, who said the school was working on improving drop-out rates and increasing college awareness.
Cain said "The Protect and Respect Program in Calhoun Middle has made marked improvement in student behavior."
Principal Carla Taylor said the the program's behavioral interventions has decreased out-of-school suspensions and expulsions. The program rewards students for good behavior.
Jean Simers gave a PowerPoint presentation regarding the success of "Heads Up," a $200,000-a-year grant program that provides everything from Algebra tutoring and driver's education to smoking cessation and weekend "Fun Days" involving parents.
Principal Kirby said "Research shows parental involvement is the biggest factor toward graduation."
David Cain, chairman LSIC (left) talks about drop-out rate and Carla Taylor (right) says student behavior improved with Protect and Respect
Jean Simers (left) delivers "Heads-Up" activities and Deb
Hartshorn (right) state director for "Roads to Success"
"Gear Up," a program directed by JoLynn Wilson, focuses on 6th and 7th graders, funded by a $258,000 federal program through 2010. Wilson said the program helps students have computer and Internet access, but also provides cultural and educational experiences like going to the Clay Center and COSI in Columbus.
Debbie Hartshorn, WV State Director of "Roads to Success," a program funded for areas with a high drop-out rate by the McKelvey Foundation, said Calhoun is one of ten counties in WV using the program.
RTS was started in 2005 to help forge connections between students' school experiences and their aspirations for adulthood. "We teach students that what you're doing today matters, you're in control of your destiny," Hartshorn said.
Sharon Pitts reported on the school's Faculty Senate, which meets every two months. "Morale, attitudes and discipline issues are discussed," she said, the group presented awards to students for attendance.
During the meeting, the board approved changing from block scheduling to an eight-period system in 2008-09. (See Herald story 3/6/07)
Those attending the meeting:
Larry Baker,
Maggie Bennett,
Bob Bonar,
Andrew Bremar,
David Cain,
Susan Carper,
Greg Cartwright,
Tim Davis,
Phyllis Evans,
Gary Ferrell,
Dylan Ferrell,
Melinda Fitzwater,
Deb Goff,
Deb Hartshorn,
Kelley Houchin,
Linda Jarvis,
Karen Kirby,
Chris Lane,
Ronald Lane,
Kayla Miller,
Seana Miller,
Bev Morford,
Norma Myers,
Anita Parsons,
Sharon Pitts,
Connie Roberts,
Kayla Roberts,
Anna Sampson,
Diane Sampson,
Jean Simers,
Marvin Starcher,
Carla Taylor,
Earlene Thomas,
Charles Thomas,
Jamie Wagoner,
Bob Weaver,
Joyce Williams,
JoLynn Wilson. |
