Lanesboro School Board: "More time for..."

By News Team
ads@fillmorecountyjournal.com

Fri, Apr 20th, 2007
Posted in Education

Comments

"More time" was Elementary Principal James Semmen's refrain as he updated the Lanesboro School Board on the kindergarten program. In the past years, Lanesboro has moved its kindergarten program from three days a week, to four days a week, and, in the upcoming fall, to five days a week. Semmen called the transition a good one and said the first grade and kindergarten teachers felt the day-to-day consistency helped the students adjust to school more quickly.

According to Semmen, the everyday kindergarten will provide more time for socialization, more time to develop higher thinking skills, and more time for the teachers to teach. Under the program, teachers will be able to teach science daily, and students will have a "greater grasp of all content areas." The teachers expect the students will have a greater retention of skills since they can be taught in shorter segments daily. First graders who had attended kindergarten under the four days a week program exhibited a stronger knowledge base than previous first grade classes. Superintendent Jeff Boggs predicted even more improvement would come with the everyday program.

Board member Steve Snyder commented that he noticed a difference in his own girls. While his oldest daughter didn't read until first grade, his kindergartner is reading already. Snyder went on to compliment the school's teachers as well.

Calendar

The board approved the calendar, which calls for 176 student contact days and eight teacher workshop days. Next fall, school will begin September 4 and end May 30 for the students. School board member Dave Ruen inquired about the possibility of moving to a "true spring break." Acknowledging that more families seemed to want to "carve out" some time for a spring break, Ruen asked the board to consider it when designing the calendar for the following year. Parent feedback will be sought regarding the idea.

The board approved Boggs's request to dismiss school at 11:15 a.m. on May 31, the last day of school. Students and parents who use the daycare will be notified with a letter.

Music Contest

The board passed a resolution commending the recent accomplishments of student musicians. Thirty Lanesboro student musicians participated in the music contest on April 12 and came home with 21 superior ratings and 14 excellent ratings. A special honor went to Yvonne Fresse who received a best in site award. Six volunteer accompanists also traveled with the student musicians to the competition.

Other business

In other business the board:

• accepted the insurance quote from F&M Insurance Services; the insurance has increased slightly ($102), up from $32,422 to $32,524;

• was reminded the annual awards banquet would be held April 29 at 6:00 p.m. and would feature alumnus Clay Peterson as speaker; people wanting tickets are urged to get them early;

• accepted a resignation from Katie Lanners, elementary special education instructor; Lanners is planning to become a stay-at-home mom;

• closed the meeting for a "property meeting."

No Comments Yet. Be the first to comment!