By Austin Williams
The Centralia City Grade School Board has decided not to make a policy change that would allow students to bring their own electronics to school. As a result, students will have to continue to use only technology provided by the district.
The board did agree to make a change in the language of another policy concerning discipline. Rules mentioning ‘gang-related activity’ were altered to ensure the rules would be more easily enforced. The existing curriculum policies will remain in place.
In the curriculum report, Christina Becker noted that the second diagnostic portion of iReady testing in all city schools has been completed, which will help staff assess students’ progress in reading and math and determine which students may be most in need of attention and additional support in those areas. The report notes that students continue to show negative effects on their learning from factors associated with the pandemic, and teachers continue working to help students overcome those difficulties. Becker also noted the presence and impact of ULLC coaches providing feedback and assistance to teachers throughout the district, saying that their hard work is noticed and appreciated and that the program continues to be a great asset to the district.
Several new renovations were made in the city schools over winter break, including new air ventilators in Schiller school, a new water line, and new doors at the Junior High. Progress continues to be made on planned additions to the schools, including multipurpose rooms for Jordan and Central which are halfway through the spec design process.
The after-school programs at Jordan and Central have resumed this semester, providing struggling students with additional time to receive help with assignments and catch up in learning areas where they have fallen behind. At Central, a shared reading program has been incorporated into reading lessons in each class with the hope that daily shared reading will help students achieve their learning goals.
Superintendent Craig Clark announced at the meeting that he had met with union leadership to discuss potential issues and that the union leaders had not raised any concerns during those meetings. Clark is optimistic that administrators and teachers will be able to work together without issue in planning for the next school year.
Jordan School will be sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive on Thursday, January 27, from 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Rock Church in Centralia. Those interested in donating on that day can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross.
In personnel news:
- Resignations: Ruth Lavin, bus driver. Jodi Smith, bus driver.
- Retirement: Tanga Coffey, Junior High Cook, effective December 31, 2021.
- New Hire: Tesse Reves, 8th Grade History Teacher
- Transfers: Tammy McClellan from Kindergarten Teacher to Early Childhood Teacher, Mia Debernardi from Instructional Support Teacher to Kindergarten Teacher
- Dismissal: LaSheda Croft, bus monitor.
