At the end of each regular Board of Education Meeting, board members take a moment to share some of the great things they see in the district while serving on the Board. Here are this month's points of Pride & Progress:
“At the Later Elementary, I’d like to officially welcome Carolyn Murray, our new principal, and give a shout-out to the Later Elementary Robotics Team. The Robo Penguins and Robo Sharks went into competition with 18 teams, and the Sharks took first place for Core Values, Miss Neidlinger won the Coaches Award, and I’m excited to announce that the Robo Sharks qualified for the State Competition in January. Thanks to an invitation from Mrs. Houston, I had a chance to chaperone the high school’s Winter Formal. Another shout-out at the high school goes to Senior Taya Southworth for being named Student of the Month! Lastly, I would like to recognize Board Trustee Sarah Thomas. This is her last meeting, and I’d like to thank her for stepping up to serve when we needed someone. She was always very professional in her approach, asked great questions and did her research. She will be missed, and I hope she stays involved in the district.” Brent McNitt
“At the Cedar Street Campus, I’d like to highlight the Fiber Arts Club. This dynamic student group is focused on various kinds of fiber arts, such as knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and weaving. They meet every morning and offer students a positive way to start their day, providing collaboration and social time. Recently, they volunteered to make the costumes for the musical at the Later Elementary. They are also opening the group to the community, which is very cool!” Dale Pease
“I would like to congratulate “ Student Principal Bridget” on being Principal for the Day at Paw Paw Early Elementary. She was the top-earning winner of “The Prowl” fundraiser and as such earned the distinction of spending a day with Principal Leah Barnes, which she really enjoyed! Also, thank you to the early elementary administration and the early elementary music teacher for hosting such great programs for families. It was awesome to hear the kids singing together!” Nate Mitchell
“I’d like to recognize Alisa Clark for all her hard work managing so many schedules, plus taking phone calls, and handling day-to-day tasks. When interacting with parents, I’ve heard many comments about her kind, warm and generous nature, and how she is such a beacon of light for our district. In my time on the Board, I have learned a great deal from Alisa. I’d like to thank her for all she does!” Sarah Thomas
“I would like to give a shout-out to all the candidates who ran for school board. They were all wonderful, kind, inspiring, and hopeful! We worked well together as a team, and all we wanted was the best for our schools. Everyone has been so welcoming, and Alisa has been fabulous. Lastly, I’d like to give a shout-out to all the volunteers in the concession stands. If you see them, please thank them for all they do! I had a blast working with them and learning how to make a pretzel!” Mary Beth Sons
Paw Paw Middle School Principal Jerry McDaniel also added a district shout-out: “To the credit of the early elementary, the later elementary and the middle school, there were two days that fire drills were scheduled in the buildings. At the same time, there were multiple substitute teachers on-site who were not entirely sure of the emergency procedures. The students really took charge and helped the substitutes understand the correct procedures. One middle school substitute remarked that this was his second time as a substitute, and he was so impressed by how the students took ownership in the classroom and helped him understand what needed to be done. The students took it seriously, they handled themselves respectfully and professionally, which was also the case during a lockdown situation on another day. From their practice over the years, the students knew what to do, they did it right, and it was not a joke. This was a strong testament to the district.”