Second STEP Program & Behavior Incentives
Presented at Morrison School Board
By LYNNETTE FORTH | For The Prairie Advocate News
MORRISON – The Morrison Community Unit School District #6 held a regular meeting in the High School Media Center on January 22nd, 2013. Following the approval of minutes from the December 18th meeting, board members heard communication reports.
The first item for discussion was the Second Step program, which is an effective program for improving students’ social and emotional knowledge and skills, pro-social attitudes, and behavior. The Second Step program reduces problem and aggressive behaviors by building the social and emotional competence that is crucial for academic success.
Elementary principal Joe Robbins reported that both schools celebrated their second quarter behavior incentives, and that after school tutoring and homework help have started. Also, Pre-K screening dates have been established, taking place at the end of February and throughout March. Kindergarten screenings will begin January 24th.
Robbins advised that Wan-Tan-Ye generously donated coats, hats, gloves and scarves to the schools. Thrivent Lutheran also donated $350 to provide winter clothes and items for the schools, and an anonymous donor gave $1000 to help families in need.
Robbins is working with a representative from Excelon to get the elementary schools on the list for their annual support campaign. The hope is that employees will donate a percentage of their checks to the schools.
Superintendent Suellen Girard gave her report, stating that the State has released the new cut scores for calculating meets and exceeds at the elementary level. Southside and Morrison Junior High are now evaluating what the change means. A letter is being previewed that will explain the change. Many students who have met the standards previously are now classified as not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). The High School is evaluating what tools they have to help students do their best on the Prairie State Exam.
On the February 15th institute, the district will have speakers about the student progress assessments that will be part of the teacher evaluation instrument. In addition, a presentation from the producers of the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) testing materials will be given.
Financially, the district continues to explore ways to share staff with neighboring districts to support programs and services at less expense.
Police Chief Melton will be attending the next administrator meeting to discuss school safety.
The State of Illinois is now changing the rules for nurses. They are now requiring a Certified School Nurse to review all IEP’s (Individual Education Programs) to determine if there is a health impact on the education of each student with an IEP. The cost of a Certified School Nurse is around the same as for a principal.
Junior High principal Darryl Hogue reported that several teachers and he had attended a common core writing workshop that focused on the writing skills that will be important as the district moves forward with the Common Core Standards. Junior High students continue to focus on preparing for the upcoming ISAT testing.
The annual spelling bee is scheduled to take place Wednesday, January 23rd. The BEST committee is planning a trivia night in January, and is also looking at joining efforts with the staff to produce a student talent show in March.
In the High School Principal report, Scott Vance reported that the High School completed semester finals, and by all reports they went smoothly. Course description books have been finalized and will be going out to the students in the near future.
Sauk Valley Community College has contacted the High School, and is interested in redecorating a room at the High School. The plan is that the School will be able to use this room to host online and dual credit courses.
Vance advised that the freshman boy’s basketball team recently captured the Kewanee Tournament by going undefeated. In addition, Morrison High School received a very complimentary letter highlighting the sportsmanship showed by players and coaches.
Discussion items included: Financial Report as of December 31,2012; Treasurer’s Report as of December 31st 2012; Financial Comparisons FY11, FY12, FY13; Cash Flow Projections; Bills as of January 22nd, 2013; and December Enrollment Report.
The Staff, Student, & Parents Community Budget Survey was reviewed. Future action is to meet with both classified and certified staff members prior to finalizing the survey. After meeting with staff members, send out the survey to gather information and opinions. Then work with teams to look at ways to reduce the budget that will least impact student achievement and least harm people.
CGH Medical Center Financial Support for AED (Automated External Defibrillator) purchase: Two AED’s will be purchased with the receipts being sent to CGH. Girard thanked CGH for helping to keep students safe.
Healthcare reform potential impacts on the Morrison School District: Future action includes evaluating what positions must remain at 30 or more hours per week and what positions can be reduced to less than 30; Statement of Economic Interest Filing.
District Auditor for 2013-2014 Gorenz and Associates submitted a quote for services for $9,600.00. This is an increase of $315.00, or 3.3%. The CPI index indicated that inflation has been between 1.7 and 2.2%. Future action includes contacting Gorenz and attempt to have increase match CIP increase then approve at the February meeting.
2013-2014 High school home room proposed changes, as the High school searches for ways to encourage students to do their best on the PSAE through improving skills. A variety of changes are being considered.
Action Items included Approval of 2013-2014 calendar; Approval of moving March board meeting from March 26th to March 19th; and Approval of Second Step Program.
The Board entered Closed Session for evaluation of Superintendent Girard.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 26th 2013.
