DUKE CENTER — Otto-Eldred School board started off their night with a short presentation from elementary librarian, Rachel Burkhouse who gave a brief summary of her recent work with kindergarten students using resources gained from the PA Smart Grant.
The board engaged in the presentation by learning about flip grids, book talks, and QR readers. They were also able to use QR readers with their smartphones to see how the new resources are implemented into the district.
High school principal Harley Ramsey also extended an invitation to the board members to stop by the agricultural science classroom to visit and see the programs the students are currently engaged in following the conclusion of the meeting. Those board members that stopped for a visit met the newly hatched chicks. One of the chicks was born with curled feet, and as explained by teacher, Kristen Ramsey, and the students researched and concluded that the disorder was a hatching injury that they could help with. The students built supports for the female chick (named Nemo) with card board and bandaids to help her walk. Nemo is doing amazingly well and thriving.
Meanwhile, during administrative reporting, Superintendent Matthew Splain addressed the subject of the COVID-19 virus. “Our focus has been taking recommended precautions that will not significantly impact operations, but will be helpful in decreasing any spread of the virus,” Splain said. “That really is just prioritizing good hygiene practices with everyone in our building. We want to be prepared appropriately, but not overreact. Additional cleaning supplies have been purchased, and a few in-school processes have been updated to allow for more hand washing during the day.
“Because it is the cold/flu season, our custodial staff is already focused on sanitizing areas of high traffic,” he stated. “We will continue to follow developments across the country and state, and will be in contact with state and local officials to help guide any more impactful decisions.
“As of right now, there is no change in the school calendar or school programming to announce,” he explained. Updates will be provided on the district website (www.ottoeldred.org) and the district Facebook page as well as individual handouts to students.
Principal of Elementary and Special Education Lindsay Burns updated the board on the elementary school highlights. Their Read Across America Spirit Week was a huge success and many of the students and teachers engaged themselves in the themed week of events. Burns also highlighted that Scott Flexman announced that the STEM program hit their recycling goal of 4,000 bottles/cans. Recycling goals are set by the students to fund purchases to be utilized in STEM or PE. They will be purchasing an inflatable dart board (Play Day Kick Darts Game). A new goal item will be voted on and collection goal will be set. Flexman and Burns thanked the community and students for donating their recycling.
Director of Curriculum and Instruction Melissa Merry announced that on Tuesday, March 17th from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Otto-Eldred Elementary School will be hosting a Computer Science and STEM fair which has been developed out of the PAsmart grant initiatives. There will be career vendors sharing their products and providing hands-on activities. Families will have the opportunity to interact with Osmos, Ozobot, Legos We Do, Code & Go Mouse, Hummingbirds and much much more. Students are also encouraged to participate in the science/innovation competition. Information regarding the competition has been sent home. Students who attend and visit the various areas will be eligible to win some tech tools which have been donated by the OEES PTO. Feel free to contact the Elementary School with any questions.
High school principal Harley Ramsey updated the board on his search for aspiring agricultural education teachers. Ramsey expects to have 2 to 4 applicants for the new position by week’s end. On the creation of a new modified block schedule, Ramsey reported that it has completed its initial planning stage. It allows for 79 minute periods and a 90 minute flex lunch period mid-day. It is under review by team members and feedback will be solicited from all teachers in early April. Ramsey also reported that a group of students attended a stakeholder session to discuss revisions to the state science standards at the IU9 on Feb. 27.
In old business, policies regarding vaping and tobacco products were discussed and reviewed. During new business, Splain was given approval to advertise for two summer maintenance positions (one which will be funded by a grant) and a technology intern as part of the Workforce Solutions Local Internship Program. Also, in anticipation of the district hiring a social worker, a draft of a job description was prepared and given to the board for review. To ensure clarity the board was given descriptions for both a social worker and a school counselor. A contract with Swift MD was also approved.
In supplemental positions, Mike Miller was approved to return as the varsity cross country head coach with Conal Smith as his assistant. Adrianna Woodruff and Erin Jackson were approved as volunteers for the cross country program. Fawn Miller will return as the varsity volleyball head coach with an assistant (JV) position still vacant. Amanda App will be the jr. high volleyball head coach assisted by Amber App. Volleyball program volunteers include: Jamie Breese, Melanie Splain and Donna Veilleux. Boyd Fitzsimmons was approved as the winter/spring strength coach. Karen Givan was approved as elementary yearbook advisor. Ricci Jeannerette was approved as the high school yearbook advisor and senior class advisor. Kristie Ramsey was approved as the mock trial advisor, the play director, peer helper advisor, and junior class advisor. Karen Farmelo was approved at the student council advisor. Amber Decorte was approved as the jazz band director. Katie Barrett was approved as the show choir director. Tim Burris was approved as the activities director.
Sue Wertz will fill a homebound instructor need for an elementary student for 6-8 weeks.
In other news, the board approved an opportunity for the O-E Baseball team to play a game at the Sea Wolves Stadium in Erie against the Bradford Owls. The game will be held on May 9th.
The board approved a request to hold prom at the Pulaski Club in Olean, N.Y. on May 2nd from 7 to 10 p.m.
It was announced that the Special Education Conference in Hershey was cancelled. The O-E School District will be closed on Monday for a scheduled spring break.
