Educational Insights 8.18

Educational Insights
Posted on 08/18/2014

Many will miss the junior high, however, there are increased opportunities for our students due to less miles for shared staff to travel. With the sixth grade returning to the elementary, a newly formed student academy will provide leadership opportunities for them under the direction of Mrs. Michelle Dormann. They will also receive Spanish via DL from Gordon-Rushville, with Mrs. Dorene Paisley assisting them throughout the semester. Increased exploratory course offerings for the seventh and eighth graders will be provided at the high school, with the high school building now serving grades 7-12.

Several new staff members have joined our team. Mr. Tony Hoesing will be teaching 7-12 mathematics. Adam Hill will be the elementary custodian. Kelly Davis will assist in cooking and custodial work at the junior/senior high. Tara McColloch will be the administrative assistant at the junior/senior high. New Para-professionals are: Mila Abbott, Tracey Boren, Katie Epp, Brandi Koppman, and Morgan Wiant. Ms. Lauren Olson will now be teaching full time, including teaching classes at the junior/senior high. We are excited to welcome these new folks to the staff and know they are equally dedicated to helping our children be successful.

An interlocal agreement with the county now provides a Safety Resource Officer to help keep our students safe and allow officers to get to them on a more personal level.

Fresh paint, new carpet, new windows, freezers, and several facility updates were completed over the summer. Hats off to the custodial and maintenance crew for all their hard work and dedication! The facilities have never looked better.

Increased technology was added, particularly at the elementary site. All students will now have access to their own iPad or laptop for learning activities and assessments throughout the day. The Kindergarten class was made bigger due to opening a wall. With 25 KDG students enrolled this year, the space will certainly be utilized!

Last week, teachers returned for workshops, trainings, and to get their rooms ready for students to and begin lesson planning. The professionalism of these folks is incredible! Many attended workshops and trainings over the summer. Four teachers earned enough graduate credit to move on the salary schedule! Congratulations to Mrs. Courtney Johnson, Mr. Brandon Marquez, Mrs. Dorene Paisley, and Mr. Mike Wesch! The School Improvement Steering Committee met to review the continuous improvement process and discuss innovative ways to gather and review student data.

Informational meetings, technology boot camp, and building tours were provided at both sites. Students had the opportunity to meet their teachers and see their classrooms. Thank you to all parents who took the time to attend and also to Mrs. Dana Fischer and the food service bunch for providing the meal at the elementary.

On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to the 2014-15 school year. We are excited to begin our educational journey together and look forward to helping our students grow and learn! We sincerely appreciate all our community does to support Garden County Schools.

-Dr. Paula Sissel

[email protected]

Garden County Schools

Superintendent/Elementary Principal