JCD Elem. Principal reports on reading project
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

Mike Stephens, Jac-Cen-Del Elementary School Principal, addressed the JCD School Board on a reading project led by sixth grade teacher, Judy Hall. The project consisted of students doing research by computer and print articles, writing a report, putting together a visual aide and giving an oral report.

This project gave the students lessons in research, note taking, summarizing, bibliographies, and writing reports. Everyone in attendance visited Hall's classroom to view the projects that were on display.

Upcoming events at the elementary school include field trips, all sports day, sixth grade international dinner, pioneer day and awards day. A Young Audience Program was held at the elementary school on April 6.

Stephens gave a progress report toward getting a sound system for the gymnasium, the completion of the electric school sign, the work being done on Title I funding and the School Improvement Plan.

Stephens has been appointed to serve on the Osgood 2006 Committee, which is planning a celebration to honor Osgood's 150th birthday. The elementary school will have a seven-week remediation session for second and fifth graders this summer. Grades three and five will participate in the traditional Jump Start program held prior to the start of the next school year.

Tony Meinders, PTO public relations representative, explained the role PTO plays at JCD Elementary. PTO tries to create a fun atmosphere for students and their families.

During this school year, they hosted a Harvest Party for grades kindergarten through three which raised $180. They also held a 50's style sock hop for grades four through six that raised $179. Santa's Secret Shop raised $1,000.

The PTO also collects soup labels and box tops that are redeemed for cash for the school. They also assist with the cost of field trips and the purchase of class supplies.

At the beginning of the year, the PTO sponsored a "Buddy Card" fund-raiser which was very successful. Their future plans include helping the school offset the cost of resurfacing the playground area and bringing playground equipment up to higher safety standards.

Superintendent Bill Narwold reported that JCD had received a two-year accreditation from the Department of Education. Prior to the board meeting Narwold and several of the board members traveled to the home of Paul Thole to view the impressive Rube Goldberg built by Thole's class.

Narwold presented a letter to the board from the Indiana Coaches of Girls Sports Association praising Dedra Montgomery for her work with this organization.

Applications are being taken for the maintenance position that will be open when Ralph Kuntz retires in June. The applications will be reviewed and three to five applicants will be interviewed.

The new electronic sign was placed below grade. The response from Green Sign Company was inadequate and this will remain an open subject.

Some outdoor basketball goal nets have been replaced and the remaining nets will be replaced as soon as new ones are received. The painting of lines around the goals will be done this summer.

Narwold then handed out working drawings of the new bleachers to be installed at the high school. There was some concern about the number of seats being lost and this will be looked in to.

It was reported that $583,712 has been received from 2003's local property taxes. This will allow the corporation to operate through June.

Under personnel items, Steve Narwold will be an assistant baseball coach for the 2004 season. It was recommended the contracts of Nancy Enneking, pre-school teacher, and Flora Wagner, pre-school instructional aide, not be renewed due to the uncertainty of enrollment for next year.

The board accepted the resignation of Lorraine Workman as book store manager/secretary at the JCD Elementary School. The position will not be filled. Workman will return to help during busy times next year.

The pay for substitute certified staff was increased to $65 per day. The Administrative Compensation and Benefit Package for 2004-2005 was approved.

The board gave Superintendent Narwold authority to make necessary arrangements for personnel as it relates to the summer program including: summer school, summer recreation, transportation, maintenance/custodial, technology and athletics.

Both grants for the Summer Daycare Program have been received and this program will continue. Permission was given to Mike Stephens to fund the Title I program for the 2004-2005 school year.

Permission was given to the Art Club, Spanish Club and German Club to take an out-of-state field trip to Kings Island on May 8. The cost of the trip will be absorbed by the clubs.

All board members were present: Charlie Hughes, Paul C. Hardy, John Billman, Deanna Young and Kathleen Dickman. Also present to advise the board was Superintendent Bill Narwold. The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jac-Cen-Del Jr. Sr. High School Cafeteria.