The theme at the R-P School Board meeting September 19 was “positivity.” Superintendent Ben Bernard commented, “It feels nice to be back to a ‘normal’ school year!” He shared that the new menus in the lunchroom have been a hit with students, deemed “one of the best parts of the new school year” by many. Bernard has helped in the lunchroom taking student lunch numbers while a worker was absent.
Additional kitchen helpers and paraprofessionals were officially hired at the meeting; according to Bernard, the staff could still use more people to cover subbing needs for the kitchen staff, paraprofessionals, and bus and van drivers.
All staff are currently going through ALICE training, an active shooter response training; students will also be trained in ALICE at the appropriate level for their age. The board was encouraged to check out the training on line as well.
Bernard reported that 37% of families have applied for educational benefits for free and reduced lunch; this is based on family income and size. The school is required to report qualifying numbers to the state by October 1 for the Minnesota Automated Student System (MARSS). If the school were to have 40% of students qualified for benefits, the school would qualify for a lot more funding as a “severe needs” school. Bernard urged parents to check and fill out the form which is available online; they may contact the school office for help if needed.
Activities director John Loney shared that while regular bus routes are covered, he and Mike Bernard of Bernard Bus Service are working on finding drivers for the extra sports buses on a weekly basis. More drivers are still needed.
Loney took the opportunity during his report to remind the board of the extensive help the booster club provides. He listed the many things the club provides including varsity uniforms for girls and boys basketball, baseball, softball, track, volleyball, fall cheer, and football (2023). They also supported varsity dugouts and storage, volleyball equipment, trap supplies, track equipment, student fan buses for the 2021 football playoffs, junior high softball and summer baseball field #2 dugouts, and the softball and youth baseball concession stand and bathrooms.
Nine students and Mr. Loney will attend a leadership session at Century High School. This is a MSHSL sponsored session called Together We Make a Difference. When the students return, a new student led leadership program will be formed called Trojans Lead. This group will meet monthly to discuss leadership; members will be selected from activity groups and coaches suggestions to provide a diverse group from all activities.
Elementary principal Angela Shepard had positive news to share as well. She reported the elementary enrollment had increased from 243 in August to 252 in September. In addition, she said another family with two children may be coming to RP.
Shepard thanked the Angel Fund for its support of 510 student snacks ($111.92). She noted she has also requested funding for five of the K-5 students’ milk break ($265). In addition, the elementary is working on getting funding for the field trip to Eagle Bluff.
The board approved the certification of the proposed levy for 2022 payable in 2023. They set the rate at the maximum at this time. In the future they will adjust that levy downward as they usually do.
The next Rushford-Peterson School Board meeting will be October 17 at 6 p.m. in the forum room. The public is encouraged to attend.
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