Rachel's Challenge

Middle and high school students, work together to develop plans to improve school culture in both buildings. This is one of the four events that was conducted as part of Rachel's Challenge on October 23.

Highlights From The Board of Education Meeting

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

October 29, 2012

 

The Board of Education approved the recommendation to offer full-year athletic passes beginning in August, 2013. A full family pass will be offered for $200, a single adult pass will cost $80, and a single student pass will cost $50. Employees may purchase the above passes for ½ price while senior citizens will continue to receive free admittance.

 

Mr. Ron Eaton, a certified public accountant with the Adrian firm of Robertson, Eaton and Owen, provided the district with the annual financial audit for the year 2012. He gave Ida the highest possible marks in all areas. The district fund equity (savings account) as of June 30, 2012 has a balance of $4,051,439 which equates to over 31% of expenses.

 

The Board also approved the repair and upgrade of our camera systems housed at the elementary and high school buildings. The new upgraded system will allow for future digital expansion and includes an IP operating system. Tyco Integrated Security of Toledo, Ohio will provide the upgrades at a cost of $13,823.36.

 

Mr. David Morelli presented a request to purchase a used Practical CNC machine and accessories for use in the metal shop. The CNC machine will provide his students with a real-world operating system on which to learn. It was approved and it will be funded through proceeds from the sale of used equipment.

 

Once approved, the meeting minutes are posted on the district web-site at www.idaschools.org.

Upperclassman STAR of the month preferred parking

In an attempt to provide positive motivations for students each month a studentwill be selected to receive preferred parking directly in front of the high school. The student will be selected from names submitted by staff and others throughout the month. Underclassmen will receive a ticket to a movie theater.

October 29, 2012 High School Board Report

Date:   October 29, 2012

To:      Ida Board of Education

From:   Tom Dykstra

RE:      High School Board Report

 

1.      PSAT testing was held on October 17 in high school cafeteria.  21 students participated.

2.      A fire drill was held on October 19 at approximately 12:35 PM

3.      A meeting concerning Neurocardiogenic Syncope was held on October 22 in the high school conference room.

4.      The Rachel's Challenge assembly was held on October 23 in the high school gymnasium.

5.      A district anti-bullying task force meeting was held October 23 before a public Rachel's Challenge assembly.

6.      This year's National Honor Society induction was held in the High School Media Center on October 24.

7.      Social studies MEAP testing for freshmen was held on October 25.

8.      This year's first STARs luncheon was held on October 25.

9.      A preferred parking space has been identified for our STAR upperclassman of the month.

10.   In addition, the following meetings have been held:

·        3 - parent meetings

·        8 - staff meetings

·        9 - teacher evaluation meetings

 

Mr. Robert's 1st Grade class serenades Mrs. Wehner on her birthday.

The Rachel Challenge Assemblies had a positive impact on the Ida students

This was one of the 5 character traits from Rachel's Challenge.

Senior marching band members final alma mater

October 2012 High School Board of Education Report

 

Date:   October 15, 2012

To:      Ida Board of Education

From:              Tom Dykstra

RE:      High School Board Report

 

1.      September 10, high school students received links training to provide peer to peer support.

2.      September 17 was Constitution Day at the high school. Students viewed an historical presentation regarding the development of the Constitution of the United States of America.

3.      A countywide bullying presentation was held at Monroe County Community College on the evening of September 19.

4.      On September 27 a meeting was held with Monroe Savings and Trust to discuss accounts that may be of interest to high school students. Additional information will be made available to students and parents in the near future.

5.      A meeting was held to discuss the Leadership Class and anti-bullying efforts for this year. I have asked the students to provide an informational presentation to be viewed by the student body at the end of this semester. In addition, I have asked students and staff to brainstorm ideas to improve student/adult mentoring.

6.      The annual Marching Band Festival was held on September 29 at the high school football field. As in the past, there were many bands in attendance and provided excellent performances.

7.      October 1 through October 5 was homecoming week with the traditional homecoming dance being held on Saturday, October 6. Students enjoyed activities throughout the week without incident. As in the past, the Student Council dance was well attended.

8.      On October 3 a meeting was held to discuss the purchase of applications for the high school mobile iPad lab.

9.      On October 10 an informational meeting was held with high school staff to share information and ideas regarding iPads.

10.   On October 12, I visited the county prosecutor's office to complete a work site visit on one of our students. Her supervisors had many wonderful things to say about her skills, abilities and work ethic. It is our hope to increase the number of students participating in work-study. If you know of possible job sites, please let the high school office know.

11.   This evening, October 15 the marching band will be holding a concert in the high school gymnasium.

12.   Fire drills were held on September 20 and October 8.

13.   In addition, the following meetings have been held:

·        5 - parent meetings

·        10 - staff meetings

·        28 - classroom observations

·        15 - teacher evaluation meetings

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SUMMARY

     The Ida Public Schools' Board of Education convened for a regular meeting on Monday, October 15, 2012. They confirmed the appointment of Shannon Coon as the new Great Start Readiness Pre-school teacher. The Great Start Readiness Pre-school program is expected to begin serving our community in late November. Currently, the district is advertising the new program and recruiting 4 year old students that may qualify for the program.
     Additionally, the board accepted the resignation of David Voss, Senior Technology Technician. This position vacancy will be posted immediately.
     The board also approved selling the remaining automobile hoist, tire machine, tire balancer and the brake lathe which were all left over from the automobile mechanic program which was discontinued after the retirement of Mr. Ron O'Dell.
     There was also a discussion regarding potential Yearly Athletic Passes. The board supports offering a yearly pass for families, single adults and single students. An official resolution will be forwarded at the next meeting.
     About twenty years ago the district installed new windows and window panels on the north wing of the middle school. Unfortunately, the insulating panels are deteriorating and need to be repaired. The board approved a bid from Monroe Glass for $22,100 to repair those panels.
     The local girl scout troup led by Jodi Siffer has donated and planted two trees near the new elementary playground. They have plans to keep the trees watered through next school year to ensure the longevity of the trees. A special thank you to students Sierra Cox, Marchelle Roark, Juliet Jefts and Scarlet Adams.

Mrs. Jones' 5th Grade Stomp Unit performs at the Elementary

Mrs. Locke's kindergarten class enjoyed the performance of the Stomp Unit during Imagination Stations.

Junior High Volleyball Teams Secure Wins

The 7th and 8th grade teams both had exciting games on Wednesday evening.

Advisory Committee to the Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness

Mr. Carsten represents Ida Public Schools and the greater educational community by participating on the Advisory Committee to the Governor's Council on Educator Effectiveness. The Committee is charged with recommending an administrative evaluation process that can be used to meet the new legal mandates recently enacted by the legislature.

Rachel's Challenge is coming to Ida on Oct. 23rd

http://www.rachelschallenge.org/big-picture/about-rachels-challenge/

Ida Public Schools is bringing Rachel’s Challenge to our community on Tuesday, October 23^rd.  The Middle School students will be presented with an assembly that morning at 8:30 a.m.  In the afternoon, Ida High School will host a 12:30 presentation followed by a peer training.  The peer training will consist of 50 Ida Middle School and Ida High School students.  That evening a community presentation will be held in the High School Cafeteria at 7:00 p.m.

Profile

Rachel’s Challenge exists to equip and inspire individuals to replace acts of violence, bullying, and negativity with acts of respect, kindness, and compassion.  Rachel’s Challenge is based on the life and writings of Rachel Joy Scott who was the first victim of the Columbine school shootings in 1999.  Through her example, Rachel’s Challenge is making a positive impact in the lives of millions of people every year.

Superintendents, principals, teachers, parents, and students bring Rachel’s Challenge into their schools because of escalating problems such as:  bullying, student isolation, teen suicide, discrimination, school violence, and increased disciplinary actions.  Through powerful presentations, trainings, community events, and professional development, Rachel’s Challenge provides the sustainable solution.

Rachel’s inspiring story provides a simple, yet powerful example of how small acts of kindness and acceptance motivate us to consider our relationships with the people we come in contact with every day.  Rachel’s Challenge renews our hope that our life has meaning and purpose.  Rachel’s story gives us permission to start our own chain reaction of kindness and compassion, which positively affects the climate in our schools and communities.

Scope of Effectiveness

A few weeks after the tragedy, Darrell Scott, Rachel’s father, spoke to a Congressional House Judiciary Committee regarding issues of school violence.  His speech has become one of the most widely read on the internet.  Shortly afterwards, he founded “Rachel’s Challenge”, a bullying and violence abatement program.  More than 2.5 million students annually experience Rachel’s Challenge and have the opportunity to accept the challenges, mode4led after Rachel’s life and writings.

The universal message of kindness and compassion told by Rachel’s story has been heard by students in several other countries.  Since inception, over 17 million people have heard Rachel’s story in live settings around the world, at least eight school shootings have been prevented, and over 500 suicides have been averted.  The Scott family and other Rachel’s Challenge certified presenters have reached millions more on popular media outlets like CNN, Fox News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Oprah, Dateline, O’Reilly Factor, Hannity and Colmes and numerous others.  Mr. Scott has also authored three books, including the bestseller “Rachel’s Tears.”

Darrell meets regularly with politicians and educators, and is also a keynote speaker at many large educational venues.  He met with President Bill Clinton on two occasions and President George W. Bush has written a personal letter recommending Rachel’s challenge. 

CLICK ON LINK TO SEE MORE

http://www.rachelschallenge.org/big-picture/about-rachels-challenge/

Kindergarten Classes enjoy their Walking Field Trip to the Ida Fire Station

                                     The Ida 8th grade football team had a big win this week!

September Winners of Character Strikes in Me

Congratulations to the September winners of Character Strikes in Me.  The September theme was "Respect." 

Elementary Teachers Performing at the Character Strikes in Me Assembly

Mrs Locke's Kindergarten class

Mrs. Locke had her class sing the Ida fight song to Mr. Wagner.  They did an awesome job showing their school spirit.  Go Ida!!

Students enjoying Lunch with a Loved One during the Bookfair

                          Twinkie day was a big success during homecoming week

                                     High school staff participate in homecoming dress-up days.

Seniors enjoy farmers day homecoming.

Mr. Layman's 4th Grade Class enjoying the Book Fair

Homecoming week kicks off at Ida high school with nerd day.