All day kindergarten discussed at JCD mtg.
Excessive absences concern of elementary principal
Cathy May - Contributing Writer

There were concerns raised at the Jac-Cen-Del School Board meeting over “all day kindergarten”. Currently, kindergartners attend all day sessions but go every other day. With the new option, which is strongly suggested by the state to be offered, the kindergartners would be able to attend all day, five days a week.

Jac-Cen-Del Principal Mike Stephens reported he had presented the option to parents at the Kindergarten Round Up. Parents were asked to complete a survey showing their interest in the five-day kindergarten. About 20 of the 60 parents expressed an interest.

The school can offer one session of five day kindergarten and continue with the every other day plan for the rest of the students. As explained by Superintendent Bill Narwold, this could be done without hiring additional staff. Another alternative, staying with the present plan of every other day and providing a day care program to alternative days was dismissed as there was very little interest.

Patrons Dana Newhart and Tammy Wilhoit were present to address issues regarding kindergarten. Newhart said she wanted to hear from the teachers about what they thought about the five day a week kindergarten. She suggested that all parents have a meeting together to get more information. Wilhoit stated that kindergarten was a huge undertaking for five-year olds and they need a transition period.
Superintendent Narwold said that kindergarten as always is optional. Governor Daniels has said that within the next few years, he would like to make it mandatory that all schools offer all day five day a week kindergarten. There is no cost to kindergarten except a minimal book fee and supplies. Narwold said the school would be having additional meetings on the subject.

After the discussion on kindergarten, Stephens continued his report talking about excessive absences over and above the 12-day handbook limit without a doctor’s excuse. This year 84 students exceeded the 12 days. Stephens said he is working with probation on the matter, but, “children are at the mercy of mom and dad.”

JCD Elementary will be hosting the Columbus Arts Day on May 3. There will be special education students from several schools and artists visiting at the elementary.

There will be a Fun Day planned either on May 16 or 17 by Christi Heaton for the elementary with a cookout and other county agencies involved. Stephens expressed his thanks to the board for being supportive over his 33 years in education. He will retire at the end of this school year.

Ruth Westerman, Leann Fox, and Marsha Bultman were in attendance representing the second grade teachers. Westerman explained the reading and writing program and how it related to the ISTEP prep. Fox explained “Math in a Flash” and how it is incorporated. Bultman explained the Shurley Method of teaching in the language programs, labeling sentences, structure of a sentence, and descriptive paragraphs. She also explained the rest of the curriculum.

Students who were inductees into the Career Center Honor Society were recognized: Katherine Davidson - Cosmetology I; Melissa Heck - Tourism I, Talena Huff - Medical Office I; Alisha Lord - Law Enforcement II; Kayla Meister - Cosmetology I; Maggie Pickett - Health Careers II; and Ashley Quicksall - Health Careres I. Art student recognitions were: Ashlee Veerkamp, Grade 2 and Randi Bushorn, Grade 3.

Carrie McNew advised the board there would be a “Prom Promise” program held on May 4 to offer a promise for prom night to stay drug and alcohol free. She advised the board of a mural her art class has been doing at the new coffee house.

McNew addressed the high school classes, scheduling, and lack of communication. Students do not know what classes could be offered and who is certified to teach certain classes. She advised there is a need for a full time sub teacher to fill in for classes when teachers are absent and a whole day sub is not needed. She said there is a need for a study hall advisor.

Teresa Gregory addressed scheduling, English classes, cutting English classes and combining all English classes. She said teachers could do a better job if student numbers were less. Speech is being incorporated into English classes. If a class is not on the schedule, the students do not know the class can be offered.

Superintendent Narwold will make necessary arrangements for personnel as they relate to the summer programs, including summer school, summer recreation, transportation, maintenance/custodial, technology and athletics.

The full time teaching contract for Cassandra Sturgeon will be cancelled at the end of the 2005-06 contract year. It will be replaced with a half-time teacher contract, effective at the beginning of the 2006-2007 contract period.

Discussion was held on class offerings. The board requested a listing of class offerings, the list the students review when making their selection of classes.

Stephens, elementary principal, will file an application to fund the Title I program at the JCD Elementary for the 2006-2007 school year.

The board adopted the resolution approving the 457 Plan Adoption Agreement and participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan provided by Tax Deferred Services, Inc. Superintendent Narwold explained the new IRS rules and the reason JCD is requesting the board approve the resolution.
All five members of the board were present: Kathleen Dickman, Deanna Young, Charles Hughes, Paul Hardy and John Billman. The next regular meeting of the Jac-Cen-Del Board of Trustees will be held on Tuesday, May 16 in the JCD Jr. Sr. High School Cafeteria.