Board reviews start of year

MEEKER I At its Sept. 1 meeting, the Meeker School Board reported a successful start to the new school year.
Meeker Elementary Principal Jason Hightower said, “The school year started out great.”
A change in the elementary school this year is an electronic gradebook. The advantage is the ability to automate assessments and follow-up with steps for children who need additional help in an academic area. A parent portal will be introduced at the elementary next year, where parents will have the ability to log in and see their child’s progress.
Doug Pfau, Meeker superintendent, said, “We will try to get this into the junior high next year and the high school the following year,” so that students and parents may continue with the system as they graduate to a new school.
Barone Middle School Principal Jim Hanks said, “We had a good first week — my emphasis with my staff this year is on instruction.”
Changes in the middle school include teachers submitting lesson plans and meeting with Hanks on a weekly basis. In addition, students have more responsibility with individual planners, writing learning objectives for each class every day.
High School Principal George Henderson said, “We had a good first week.” The high school had a spirit assembly and, for the first time, an academic assembly. Henderson and his staff are focusing on reading this year, as an academic intervention. He also reported a good number of students participating in sports.
In an effort for the board to personally meet teachers in the district, Ivy Abshire, middle school physical education teacher, health/wellness teacher, and volleyball coach, made a presentation. Abshire said, “I became a P.E. teacher because I love sports.” Her favorite thing about the district is, “the staff that I work with, and the community has been awesome.”
In other business, two students were approved for early graduation. Both students will work during the spring semester to save money for college.
A new janitor, Brent Rowles, was approved. In addition, Aaron Zielinske and Devon Harman were approved to substitute. The administration is in the process of hiring a nurse.
Pfau recognized Jason Steiner, owner of Stage Stop Meat Market and Deli, “For his dedication to the district.” Steiner stored a large amount of frozen goods for the district this summer.
Pfau also recognized Klark Kindler, who was nominated by a student for teacher of the year, and won at the state level.
Candidates for the board drew names for the order that candidates will be listed on the ballot.
The next board meeting will be at 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.