Chambana Sun

The Arthur Community Unit School District No. 305 Board of Education met May 11 to hear about a visit by the Illinois Raptor Center to Lovington Grade School for an educational assembly on birds of Illinois. 

Here are the meeting's minutes, as provided by the district:

ARTHUR COMMUNITY UNIT SCHOOL DISTRICT #305 Arthur Board of Education Regular Meeting May 11, 2016 The regular meeting of the Arthur Board of Education was called to order by President Steffanie Seegmiller at 6:00 pm on May 11, 2016 in the Arthur Unit office with the following members and administrators present: Jon Day, Doug Kitchen, Ed Miller, Steffanie Seegmiller, Todd Wellbaum, Beth Wiley, Kenny Schwengel, Lindsay Blickenstaff, Buck Condill, Sage Hale, Brandon Stone and Jared Vanausdoll. Visitors were also present. Jake Kamm was absent. Recognition of visitors and receipt of communications: Steffanie Seegmilller welcomed visitors. Thank you notes were read from Arthur and Lovington Grade Schools for the lunch provided for Teacher Appreciation Week? thank you from Mrs. Frye and her 3 rd hour Earth Science class for the opportunity to visit Starkel Planetarium? thank you from Stevi Stutzman for allowing her to attend a workshop. A motion was made by Beth Wiley, seconded by Doug Kitchen to approve the minutes of the April 13, 2016 regular meeting. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. Mr. Schwengel went over the list of bills. A motion was made by Beth Wiley, seconded by Jon Day to approve the monthly bills as presented. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Beth Wiley, seconded by Jon Day to approve the monthly Treasurer’s Report as presented. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. Schwengel reviewed the monthly expenditure and revenue reports. Mr. Stone reported: ­ Enrollments ­ Pre K – 35, Kindergarten – 18, 1st ­ 24, 2nd – 18, 3rd – 26, 4th – 10, 5th ­ 30, 6th – 28, 7th – 15, 8th – 21 Total ­ 225 DDC­2. Mr. Jacques Nuzzo of the Illinois Raptor Center came to LGS on May 5 for an educational assembly on birds of Illinois. Mr. Nuzzo and staff had owls, falcons, and even a bald eagle for students to see and learn from. This was made possible by the Ag in the Classroom program, along with the Moultrie Co. Soil and Water Conservation District. Thanks also go to PTCO for helping fund this school wide assembly. I want to thank the LGS PTCO for bringing in food and gifts during teacher appreciation week. LGS will host the annual Spring Music Concert on 5/12 in the LGS gym. This event begins at 6 p.m. Finally, I would like to thank Mr. Schwengel and the school board for continuing to allow teachers to take their students on a field trip. I think this is a fun, and valuable way for students to learn outside the school walls. LGS 2015­16 Field Trips: Pre­K & K – Pumpkin Patch, 1st grade – Rock Springs Nature Center (Decatur), 2nd grade – Science Museum (Champaign) , 3rd grade – CH Moore Homestead (Clinton) Tour of Victorian Home, Vintage Farm Equip., Telephone Connection display, 4th grade – Lincoln Museum (Springfield), 5th grade – Ag Safety/Field Day (Otto Center), 6th grade – Environmental Stewardship Day (Walnut Point State Park ­ Oakland), 7th grade – Champaign (Planetarium), 8th grade – Lincoln Museum (Springfield) (May 25) Upcoming events: May 12 – LGS Spring Concert (GYM 6 p.m.)? May 26 – Last Student Attendance Day/ LGS 8th Grade Promotion (GYM 6 p.m.) Mr. Vanausdoll reported: HS Baseball 3­10 low participation, small group of players are very dedicated and have improved­ regional 1st rd. at Arthur on 5/16. HS Softball 12­7 record – Mycaela Miller and Shelby Fredrick have both been athletes of the week this year. Regional 1st rd. 5/18 @ Catlin. HS Track –Girls and Boys 1st place at ALAH INVITE – Boys 2nd place at Tuscola, Girls 3rd place at Sullivan. Logan Hall set 3200 m school record and broke Tuscola fr/so record in 1600 m on 5/2. JH Scholastic Bowl –Arthur won Regional and competed well at sectionals on 5/2 in Champaign. JH Boys Track – 7th grade boys 2nd @ ALAH Invite and Danville, won JHOC. JH Girls Track ­ 8th Grade girls won JHOC Mrs. Blickenstaff reported: Six Flags—Our Junior High Band travelled to Six Flags on Friday, April 29th for a judged performance and day of fun. The kids had a wonderful time and it was a great experience for everyone. Thank you for allowing them to attend. Spring Concerts—Our 5th grade band and Junior High Band performed this past Monday evening and our K­5 musical will take place on Monday, May 16th. Ms. Nuckols puts so much work into both of these programs and we really appreciate everything she does! Science Assessment—Our 5th and 8th grade students will take the state science assessment during one hour long session on Wednesday, May 18th. Awards Assembly—Thursday, May 26th at 1:45 we will present all extra­curricular awards to junior high students. This is open to the public. 8th Grade Promotion—Wednesday, May 25th at 6:00 pm we will promote 27 8th graders on to Arthur Lovington Atwood Hammond High School to be the future class of 2020. Mrs. Hale reported: AGS Music ­ Results of the IESA Solo and Ensemble contest are as follows: Female Solo: 1st place ­ Madison Collins (perfect score), Skylar Merli, Anna Tynan (perfect score) & Audrianna Kauffman, Male Solo: 1st place ­ Andrew Abercrombie (perfect score), Duet: 1st place ­ Skylar Merli & Madison Collins, Trio: 1st place ­ Andrew Abercrombie, Audrianna Kauffman & Anna Tynan (perfect score), 4th­8th Grade Spring Concert was Thursday, May 5th. I would like to thank Mr. McClarey, Mrs. Rosenbaum, and Mr. Moma for all their hard work into putting together the program for this year’s spring concert. Jump Rope for Heart ­ Good news from our Jump Rope for Heart this year! Our students jumped all over heart disease and stroke by participating in Jump Rope for Heart. The students raised $8,863.25 for the American Heart Association! These donations raised will help fund research to fight heart disease and stroke and also support the American Heart Association's public and professional educational programs. Because our students reached our goal, Mr. Eaton and Mrs. Hale get to kiss a pig on the last day of school! Our district has contributed the following over the last four years: 2013 ­ $5,452 2014 ­ $7,279 2015 ­ $6,522 2016 ­ $8,863. Scholastic Bowl ­ The Arthur Junior High Scholastic Bowl team finished their season Monday at sectionals with a final record of 14 wins and 7 losses. The team won their regional with victories over Lovington, Our Lady of Lourdes (Decatur), and St. Patrick/Holy Family (Decatur). Top scorers for the varsity (8th grade) team were Carly Plank, Aiden Stewart, and Ben Condill. Top JV scorers were Matthew Paddock and Ben Matheny. D.A.R.E Graduation/6th Grade Orientation ­ Monday, May 9 th.Thank you to the Village of Arthur, Arthur School Board, Mr. Schwengel, Mr. Goodman, Odd Fellows Lodge 742, Rebekahs 347, Mrs. Guernsey, Mr. Whelan, Mrs. Marner, Mrs. Fleming and Mr. Kingery for their help and support. JH High teachers along with Miss Way and Mrs. Hale presented for the students and parents of what to expect in 6th grade and then visited the JH wing. Last day of school ­ May 26th Events: Morning Assembly for 1st ­ 5th grades in the AGS GYM @ 8:30am, Kindergarten annual trip to the park for afternoon activities and lunch, 1st ­ 5th grade fun day outdoor activities will begin after lunchtime, Report cards for K­6th will be sent home with your child. 7th and 8th grade students will receive their report cards in the mail. 8th Grade Trip ­ Springfield, IL Our 8th graders will be making their annual trip to our state capitol on May 25 th. 8th grade graduation will be on Friday, May 27th @ 8:30am in the ALAH HS Gym. 8th grade Amish graduation will be on Saturday, May 28th @ the Otto Center 11am. PBS Junior High Field Trip ­ Students that qualified for 3 out of 4 quarters (based on grades, attendance and behavior) will go on a field trip to the Silver Star Skate Center in Mattoon and have a picnic lunch at the park on Monday, May 23rd. There will be no preschool on Thursday, May 12 th , Kindergarten Night will be Tuesday, May 17th @ 6pm, EMS Week ­ Students will have a visit from Arthur Ambulance staff on May 18 th. Visit to Arthur Public Library and Dicks Pharmacy on May 19 th. Preschool Graduation will be held on Monday, May 23 rd. Last day of preschool is Tuesday, May 24 th. Preschool Parent/Teacher Conferences will be on May 25th and 26 th. AGS School Registration ­ Registration for the 2016­2017 school year will be August 3 & 4th from 12­6pm both days. Registration packets will be sent home on the last day of school with your child’s report card. Top Knights (PBS) April: K ­ Alex Miller, 1st ­ Allen Collins & Hadden Fabert, 2nd ­ Lily Yoder, 3rd ­ Dalton Vanausdoll & Rylie Vanausdoll, 4th ­ Darren Miller, 5th ­ Jack Singer. 3660 Knight Bucks for K­5 were given out in April. This brings the total Knight Bucks distributed for K­5 August­April to 28,078! We be having a JH Knight Buck Auction Tuesday, May 10th and then having the Knight Buck store the following week for them to use any leftover Knight Bucks. Calendar May 12 th NO Preschool? K Field Trip? 13 th NO SCHOOL ­ unused snow day, 17 th Kindergarten Night (for those entering in 2016­2017 School Year), 20 th NO SCHOOL ­ unused snow day, 21st Preschool Graduation , 25 th 8th Grade Trip to Springfield ,26 th LAST DAY OF SCHOOL ­ regular dismissal, 27 th 8th Grade Graduation @ the ALAH HS Gym 8:30am , 28 th Amish Graduation @ the Otto Center 11:00am Mr. Condill reported: Student Activity Updates: Prom­ Court: Makayla Brown, Sydnie Hanscel, Kayla Hodge, Hannah Leal, Cade Day, Braxton Eckart, Zach Hingson, Ricky Wright. FFA­ Ag plot has been planted. New Land Lab is well underway. Plant sale will be starting soon. End of the year banquet was 4/28. 2016­17 Officers: President­ Janette Comstock, Vice President­ Colton Romine, Secretary­ Zane Crist, Reporter­ Katie Gingerich, Treasurer­ Makenna Green, Sentinel­ Adam Hingson. Student of the Month­ March: Makenna Green. Special Olympics­ Congratulations to Kyle Carnahan, Freshman, for 2nd place finishes in the 100M run and the softball throw. Thanks to Mrs. Hooten and Mrs. Lester and all the other helpers for taking our students to EIU for this great event. Class Officers for 2016­17 School YearElections were held on 5/10. LOVC Principal’s Award­ Jazmine Arnett and Zach Hingson. Thank you­Vineyard Church­ for bringing in delicious snacks for teachers. Senior Class­ thanks for a wonderful trip to D.C. To all the local volunteers, first responders, and participants of the Project Prom event, especially our students and staff that played a big role: Justin Laughlin, Erin Wildman, Hannah Leal, Jordan Rettig, Mitchell Bernius, Taylor Powell, Mrs. Frye, Mrs. Flavin, and Mr. Graham. Special thanks to all NHS members and Mr. Davis for organizing the morning activities related to Project Prom. Also thanks to Ben Booker (Second Chance Fitness) and Tracy Lillard (State Police) for speaking to our students. It was a very successful and meaningful day. Calendar: May 11 th NHS Induction ceremony 8:20a @ HS? 16 th Honor’s Night 7p @ HS? 17 th Honor’s Day 10a @ HS, 9­12 Spring Concert 7p @ HS? 22 nd Baccalaureate 5p @ HS? 25 th ­26 th Final Exams? 27 th Graduation 7p @ HS. Mr. Schwengel reported: the Board may want to consider a Jr. High technology fee of $15 for next year as we expand the number of devices into the middle grade levels. Larry Icenogle contacted Supt. Schwengel expressing interest in donating a portion of his estate upon his death to the music department (band and chorus). Looks like a 5% increase in health insurance premiums for next year through Egyptian Trust. They are offering a new program option which could reduce premiums at least for next year but no guarantee the following year dependent upon hospital discounts. The Board considered the second reading of PRESS Policy Issue 91 which deals with new legislation affecting student discipline. A motion was made by Todd Wellbaum, seconded by Jon Day to approve PRESS Policy Issue 91. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. This is the 3 rd year approval for our 5 year agreement with Aramark. A motion was made by Ed Miller, seconded by Todd Wellbaum to approve the Aramark contract for the 2016­2017 school year. Upon roll, all members voted yea. Motion carried. Board comment: Jon Day stated Operation Prom went very well and was very impressive. Ed Miller commented the kids had a good time at Post Prom and thanked Billie Bernius for a great job of organizing the event. Board adjourned into break at 6:50. A motion was made by Ed Miller, seconded by Jon Day to enter executive session at 7:10 pm to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees of the public body. All members present voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Jon Day, seconded by Ed Miller, to leave executive session at 8:20 pm. All voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Beth Wiley, seconded by Ed Miller to accept executive session minutes as read in executive session. All members voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Jon Day, seconded by Ed Miller to accept the resignation of Tara Bates, LGS science teacher, Ryan Whelan AGS teacher and Jacqueline Fifer LGS special education teacher. Upon roll, all members voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Jon Day, seconded by Ed Miller to accept the resignation of Nancy Maulden, LGS secretary and Stephanie Alexander, AGS aide. Upon roll, all members voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Jon Day, seconded by Ed Miller to extend school psychologist Susan Harding’s contract for one year. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Jon Day, seconded by Todd Wellbaum to approve Kristin Nall as Atwood­Hammond Grade School principal. Upon roll, all members present voted yea. Motion carried. A motion was made by Beth Wiley, seconded by Ed Miller to adjourn at 8:38. All members present voted yea. Motion carried. _____________________________ __________________________ Secretary President