Highlights from the April 23rd Board of Education Meeting
Below are highlights from the April 23rd Board of Education meeting.
Please remember these are only highlights and do not reflect the official minutes.
During the work session, various types of innovations happening at the elementary level were shared with the school board by Kelly Kretschmar, Director of Elementary Teaching & Learning, and elementary school principals and representatives. Standards based grading… its connection to the district’s strategic plan, the systematic way schools grade across the district, and the next steps of this system of instruction were discussed.
During the meeting, members of the board and administration worked in small groups to “unwrap” standards. The exercise provided insight as to how the wording of grade-level and course-specific standards within each unit of study are analyzed and deconstructed to determine exactly what students need to know.
The presentation also went over the priority standards that represent the learning targets students achieve prior to leaving a grade level. The proficiency scales describe what students need to know and be able to do at varying levels of performance for each priority standard in order to master the skill being taught. The proficiency scales create a common set of expectations for teachers in all schools in the district. These scales help our teachers guide and differentiate instruction in addition to assessment scoring (PLC discussions).
Moving forward, the district will work to finish the prioritization and writing of proficiency scales for language and speaking and listening ELA core standards. Math and art standards will also be “unwrapped” and prioritized.
Peer-mediated social interactions were summarized in the work session by representatives from Novak Elementary. Peer mediation is the process of embedding planned and systematic social interactions into the classroom to facilitate kids coaching kids. These social interactions are the foundation upon which other crucial skills are built, are a predictor of academic success and result in positive, long-term outcomes. By interacting with each other, people design rules, institutions, and systems within which they seek to live.
For a full overview of the presentation view exhibit 301.1 included in the exhibit packet.
During the regular meeting Karla Christian, Chief Officer of Human Resources and Executive Director of Communications, announced the 2017-18 LIONS Awards and Volunteer Recognition winners.
Congratulations to the following:
LIONS Awards Recipients:
Legend: Marilee McConnell, Principal at Indian Creek Elementary
Optimizer: Sean Smith, Student Support Services at Linn-Mar High School
Newcomer: Bobby Kelley, Aquatic Center Manager
Service: Sandy Schneekloth, 5th Grade Teacher at Bowman Woods Elementary
Extra Mile: Tom Daubs, School Resource Officer
Volunteer Award Recipients:
Above & Beyond: Karen Daubs and Beth Morrissey
Making a Difference: Angela and Shawn Burke
Unsung Hero: Judy Frantz
Board President Sondra Nelson announced Teacher Appreciation Week will take place May 1-5 and read the following proclamation:
Whereas, teachers work to open student minds to ideas, knowledge, and dreams; and
Whereas, teachers serve as listeners, explorers, role models, motivators, and mentors; and
Whereas, teachers continue to influence students long after graduation;
Now, therefore, I, Sondra Nelson, serving as President of the Linn-Mar Board of Education, do
hereby proclaim May 1-5, 2018 as Teacher Appreciation Week. I urge that we observe this week
by taking time to recognize and acknowledge the impact of teachers on the lives of our students.
Superintendent Quintin Shepherd announced May 2018 as School Board Recognition Month and read the following proclamation:
As citizen leaders, school board members have the responsibility of making decisions that support
the vision of the education program, that ensure our schools are accountable to the community,
and that strongly advocate continuous improvement in student learning and achievement. Their
role as a board is to consistently work together to Inspire Learning, Unlock Potential, and
Empower Achievement for the entire district.
In recognition of the dedicated service of all Iowa school board members, the month of May has
been designated School Board Recognition Month by the Iowa Association of School Boards.
We applaud our school board members and show our appreciation for their dedication
and service to the Linn-Mar Community School District.
The district’s 10-year capital projects plan was also approved by the board. The plan addresses capacity, efficiency, safety and building access issues. The plan is dependent upon continued growth in the district, economic conditions in the community and additional variables that dictate the district’s timeline such as the extension of Secure an Advanced Vision for Iowa (SAVE) and the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL). To view the full 10-year capital projects plan, see exhibit 602.1 in the regular meeting exhibit packet.
To view the full agenda, exhibits and previous meeting minutes be sure to visit the School Board/Policy website.