WEST ALEXANDRIA — Several students were honored during the Twin Valley Community Local School Board of Education meeting on Monday, Feb. 27.
Allie Hamilton and Chyanne Kendel were honored as FFA Gold Star Winners. Preble County Science Fair participant Madison Wright was celebrated for her “Superior” rating. Presley Holthaus, Renee Proctor, Shayne Buttery, Sammy Shortes, Connor Bradley, Jacob Jackson, and Daniel Page were honored for earning high school band and choir solo and ensemble “Superior” ratings.
In other business, according to Director of Food Service Megan Perry’s report, TVCLSD Food Service is at full staffing level. They will be implementing ServSafe Level 2 for some staff members to meet the Preble County Health Department requirements. She also noted, that they try to control the level of food waste. They have to offer certain types of food, but the students can choose what they eat. Normally, they will eat fresh fruits. Food Service is picky about what vegetables they will offer, because some the students just will not eat.
Director of Transportation and Maintenance Jeff Tully said the building is is good shape. There are three minor issues due to the age of the building, those include: fan motors going out, thermostats going off line, and minor age-related issues.
Gates have been added to the playground area. Fire and tornado evacuation signs have also been added throughout the facility. Two water leaks were fixed in the kitchen service line on Feb. 17.
Director of Pupil Services Daniel Lewis discussed state testing. Schedules for end of course exams and ACT have been distributed to staff. The Alternate Assessment for students with cognitive disabilities is currently under way. There are a total of five students in grades four through seventh who will take this test in place of End of Course Exams. In March, the district will administer the OELPA test for students identified as English Language Learners. There are four TVS students who will take this assessment.
On Jan. 29 and Feb. 1 Lewis and three high school staff members attended the ACT conference in Columbus. In discussing the ACT, board member Mike Randolph referred to it as “one size fits all” and Superintendent Bob Fischer agreed. Lewis reports that topics included administration of ACT, preparation, Work Ready Communities (where Preble County was praised for having the only certified work ready community), ACT work keys, internship programs, parent engagement, and state/federal mandates.
K-6 Principal Patti Holly is continuing teacher walk through observations. She actually assisted a second grade teacher in decluttering her room, and Holly hopes to work with other teachers in the same manner.
She reported, six third graders have yet to pass either the MAP test or the Fall Third Grade AIR test. There are two other opportunities for both tests and Holly is confident all students will pass.
7-12 Principal Scott Cottingim reported a College Credit Plus meeting was held on Feb. 13 in the auditorium. An advisor from Sinclair Community College explained the rules for CCP. Plans are also under way in relation to the state testing next month.
The high school has also been working on safety planning in case of an attack on the school. The District Safety Committee has been updating paperwork. This paperwork includes what to do when the school is attacked. It gave the district the opportunity to create evacuation guidelines, according to Cottingim. They had the opportunity to discuss the plan with staff.
“We have done a lot with safety,” Fischer said. “Have had a lot of great conversations, important conversations, and god-forbid we ever need to do something like this, but I feel like we have a much better idea of what to do.”
The school has requested several quotes for the school’s marquee, for different types and sizes. Once a type is decided, a model will be brought in so the school can decide where they want it. The prices range from $23,000 to $46,000.
The board voted to accept the following donations:
•Valley Carpet in the amount of $750 for Athletic Facility Improvements.
•Linda Summers in memory of Dale Summers in the amount of $750 for Athletic Facility Improvements.
•Brown Transport in the amount of $50 for Athletic Facility Improvements.
•American Legion Auxiliary in the amount of $1,000 for Athletic Facility Improvements.
•Waibel Energy Systems in the amount of $750 for Athletic Facility Improvements.
•Lanier Township Trustees in the amount of $200 for CBI Class.
In other news:
The board accepted a contract with Gehart Counseling Solutions LLC for mental health services.
The board approved a Letter of Agreement with the Preble County General Health Districts for administering Hepatitis B immunizations.
The board approved the lease agreement for classroom and related space between TVS and the Butler County Educational Services Center, for the purpose of a Preble County Head Start Program.
The next Twin Valley Community Local Schools Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, March 27, at 6 p.m. in Twin Valley South Media Center.
