Published: March 18, 2008 02:35 pm            

Wayne County Board hears presentation about high school classes

Monticello — The Wayne County Board of Education met in regular session Monday

evening at the high school, as part of their continuing series of meetings

at different schools throughout the campus.

During the meeting, board members viewed a power point presentation by

WCHS Principal Peggy Shearer, who pointed out the different classes and

programs that are offered at the school. These include AP classes, college

classes, vocational courses, and information and resources to prepare

students for life after high school.

Shearer noted that from freshman year through graduation, teachers and

staff at the high school work to help prepare students. As freshmen, they

have individual registration, as well as an opportunity for orientation to

the new school.

As sophomores, students have the opportunity to participate in programs

like Roger's Scholar and HOBY. All juniors now take the ACT test free of

charge. Juniors can also participate in the Governor's Scholars Program.

As seniors, students can earn college credits. They can participate in

co-op and practicum opportunities in the community. They receive information

about different colleges, as well as scholarships and financial aid that is

available.

Also during the meeting, the board heard a report on the amended

calendar from Allen Clark. Clark pointed out that three days of spring break

will be used as make-up days for those missed due to illness and weather.

Students will be in class April 7-9. Spring Break is now scheduled for

April 10-11. He noted that there were several factors that were considered

when making this calendar amendment. It allows more instructional days for

students prior to testing.

If officials had opted to add the days on at the end of the school year,

Clark noted that the district would have dismissed classes for the Memorial

Day holiday and then have come back for only a day or two more to finish the

school year. This would also have meant postponing graduation for another

week.

Clark also presented board members with some up-to-date attendance

figures. Attendance slipped in schools throughout the district in February,

since many students were sick with the flu. Last month, the district's

overall attendance was 92.9 percent.

So far this year, Clark said the district's attendance rate is at 95.2

percent.

In other action, the board:

€ Approved the final pay application in the amount of $334,387.52 for

the Wayne County Middle School project.

€ Approved the BG4's (closeout documents) for the middle school project.

€ Approved the second reading and adoption of a policy to change the

number of staff personal days from 3 to 2, effective July 1.

€ Approved a facilities request for the Wayne County Extension

Homemakers for the Spring Annual Meeting on April 29 and the Fall Annual

Meeting on August 16.

€ Met in executive session to discuss pending litigation.

        

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