John Simily

This Schoolwide Program Plan for Newburg Elementary outlines comprehensive strategies to enhance academic achievement and student well-being. Key focus areas include providing targeted supplemental instruction through RTI for various subjects, reducing class sizes, fostering professional learning communities, and implementing schoolwide positive behavior support. The plan also emphasizes extending learning time, enriching the curriculum with STEM initiatives like Project Lead the Way and Robotics, and offering professional development for staff in technology and STEM. It aims to support all students, especially those at risk, by integrating counseling and mentoring services, and ensuring a seamless transition for preschool children.

This document serves as a public notice regarding an upcoming board meeting, providing details on how the community can view the session via live stream on the school district's YouTube channel.

The school board meeting covered various administrative and student-related topics. Key discussion items included the approval of bills for payment, with specific acknowledgment of custodial staff efforts during snow events. Additionally, the FFA chapter officers provided a comprehensive presentation detailing their chapter's activities, including leadership conferences, supervised agriculture experiences (SAEs), contest team achievements in areas such as poultry and mechanics, and recent participation in the state convention. The report highlighted the passage of an amendment regarding affiliate membership and the recognition of state degree recipients from the chapter.

The board meeting included reports on school health services, covering vision and hearing screenings, medication management, and the purchase of life-saving equipment like choking devices and AEDs. A grant from the Masonic Lodge was discussed, which funded new vision and hearing screening equipment. Administrative reports highlighted the success of the first annual Farmfest event, updates on therapy dogs, school tours for community members, the conclusion of the volleyball season, and student achievements in the Frisco League math contest.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, followed by the consent agenda, which included the minutes of the last meeting and the financial statement/ledger. Discussions covered positive updates on student attendance climbing over 94%, upcoming events like homecoming and prom, and positive feedback received from a school safety site assessment regarding visitor check-in procedures. Athletic achievements were celebrated, including the boys' basketball team winning the Bourbon Tournament and the girls' basketball team setting a state record for three-pointers made in a game. Plans were discussed for an eighth-grade visit from Edgar Springs and a potential open house for parents during junior high volleyball season. The FFA's successful blood drive was noted. Administrative updates included juniors taking the ASVAB and scheduling the PreACT and ACT. Principal reports also mentioned the Army recognizing students for character traits (Honor, Selfless Service, Respect). Enrollment updates showed a slight dip but were expected to rebound with a new Pre-K student. Progress on the sensory room, which received a bank donation, was mentioned, as was the creation of a sixth-grade leadership team at the elementary level. Valentine's Day party scheduling and upcoming training for the new 'Everyday Math' curriculum were discussed, along with sending early childhood teachers to the Young Years Conference. Financial stability was highlighted, noting the district remains on the plus side of the budget and has a high reserve percentage, contrasting favorably with other districts facing potential funding shortfalls and transportation funding reductions proposed by the Governor. Staffing needs, particularly for bus drivers and interviews for a new IT specialist, were also addressed.