2015-16 calendar approved by Board

NEW MADRID -- Heading into a new year, the New Madrid County R-1 School Board is already looking at the next school year.

During the Board's January meeting, approval was given for the 2015-16 school calendar.

The CTA calendar committee assisted in the development of the calendar, according to Dr. Cynthia Sharp-Amick, superintendent. For the 2015-16 school year, teachers will report on Aug. 11 with students returning to class on Thursday, Aug. 13. In the past, Amick noted, students began classes on a Friday.

At the CTA's suggestion, a teacher work day was added in September. Also for next school year, the R-1 District will not be in class on Good Friday and the following week will be spring break, providing students and faculty time off from March 25 through April 4, 2016.

The 2015-16 school year is slated to end on May 20, unless there are snow days to be made up. According to Amick, the calendar calls for 175 attendance days and 10 teacher work days.

Following a review of bids by the Board from three vendors, ESI was awarded the bid for a surveillance system for the Central High School campus. Amick said installation of the internal and external surveillance system will begin immediately.

Information on beginning weighted classes with the freshman class of the 2015-2016 school year was presented.

The program, Amick said, would give students more points for taking higher level courses, such as physics and anatomy, and honors classes. The points would improve their ranking in the class.

"This is to encourage the students to take those more challenging classes," she explained.

The board will continuing reviewing information before making a final decision, Amick said.

Students with the National Honor Society and the JROTC program attended the January board meeting. NHS members reported on their service projects while the JROTC students presented a power point program on their activities.

Other action by the board

Appointments: The Board appointed Bridgett Masterson as the English-Language Learning co-ordinator for the school district. Cindi Jones was named the Foster Care liaison for the school district. Both are annual appointments.

Lilbourn Elementary groundwater monitoring report: Progress of the groundwater monitoring reports submitted by the Department of Natural Resources was provided. According to the monitoring group, a small amount of contamination remains and reviews should be necessary for only one more year.

Resignation: The Board accepted the resignation of Misty Mitchem as the Middle School cheerleading coach.

District updates: Cindi Jones updated board members on early childhood special education and advised that school nurses will provide annual training on CPR to coaches on Feb. 12.

John Garner informed the board the foundation was poured for the house being constructed by students taking part in the Technical Skills classes. Also Garner said the district will update its lighting using LED lights.

Bridgett Masterson provided information on curriculum, Pate Hogan on technology improvements in the district and Rand Amick updated board members on the recent Riverbend Basketball Tournament.