USD 408 board hears reading gains years ago
Marion-Florence USD 408 school board members, meeting Monday at the district office, received positive news of the effects of two district programs on improved student reading scores.
Kindergarten, first, and second grade classes that participated in the Pathways to Reading and all-day kindergarten programs had far fewer children "at risk" or at "some risk" for reading difficulties compared with classes that weren't in these programs, according to Cindy Vinduska and Shari Padgham, Marion Elementary School Title I teachers.
Vinduska described the results and use of the DIBELS Reading Test, which assesses basic phonic skills essential for reading. Children who were in the Pathways to Reading and all-day kindergarten programs were more likely to score at grade-appropriate levels.
"Tests are sent to the University of Oregon where they are scored," she said. "Scores are given to the teachers so they know what their kids did, then they use that to plan."
Linda Ogden, Communities in Schools, provided information to the board concerning student cigarette, alcohol, substance abuse rates reported through the Kansas Communities That Care Youth Survey.
One area of potential concern highlighted by Ogden is the use of inhalants such as glue, aerosols, and other gases or sprays. Survey results indicate that while overall usage is less than 10 percent, there has been a slight increase over past years' data.
Ogden emphasized the need for increased awareness about inhalants among adults, and noted that the best approach with children is to educate them about the proper use, storage and care of these items.
The board discussed at length the school dress code and how it applies to school-sponsored events outside of the regular school day.
Several board members noted that specialized clothing, such as hats and shirts, worn to promote school spirit at sporting events might not be allowed under a strict application of the code.
"There's a fine line between dress code and school spirit, and I want to be sure that we don't do anything to discourage kids from expressing school spirit," said board member Sarah Cope.
"I'm more troubled with them promoting alcohol or obscenities, or whatever the strange thing of the time is," said board member Chris Sprowls. "I think that's a misrepresentation of our kids, because we have a lot of good kids."
Upon close examination of the existing dress code, board members determined that it can be applied to outside activities, and that students should be given guidance on how the code will be enforced at these events.
Ken Arnhold, Marion High School principal, indicated he would inform students of the guidelines through daily announcements and a special assembly.
Board member Keith Collett asked the board to consider the educational merits of the current block scheduling of classes used at Marion High School, and whether or not some other form of schedule might provide for better student outcomes.
"I want us to take a look at whether the block schedule is an effective delivery system," he said. "I think we really need to look at whether we're getting the educational bang for our buck."
Sprowls suggested the discussion should include a focus on how class scheduling impacts staffing between middle school and high school.
"If our enrollment continues to drop, there will be times our staff will have to be shared," he noted.
Several board members raised the issue of how changes in USD 408 class schedules would impact the collaborative classes offered through the ITV educational network.
Arnhold indicated the current class schedules were developed in conjunction with the teachers. He said they have indicated whether learning is best facilitated in their classes through daily sessions or through less frequent meetings.
Savage asked Arnhold to seek general information about effective scheduling practices applicable to USD 408 which can be shared with the board at a future date.
"We want a schedule that will help our kids pick up their performance and continue the upward trend in our progress reports, so that we don't flatten out," he said.
Donna Fadenrecht, representing the accounting firm of Swindol, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd, presented the annual audit of the district budget for board approval.
Fadenrecht noted all items in question from the previous year's audit had been cleared up. She indicated the district should continue to pursue completion of security and custodial agreements related to funds for the new building project.
The board accepted the audit report with no dissent.
In other business:
— The board approved funding for six students to attend the upcoming FFA National Convention.
— Kelly Savage was approved as a new member of the Marion Elementary School Building Improvement Team.
— Board members were surveyed for their interest in attending the Kansas Association of School Boards annual convention.
