PRESENTATION … Superintendent Wyse delivers his monthly report to the board. Included in his report was the implementation of Terrace Metrics, the expanded use of counselors, and a proposed test well. (PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
The Millcreek-West Unity Board of Education (Hilltop) held their meeting on Monday, February 12th. The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance before moving to hear a report delivered by the superintendent.
Superintendent Jim Wyse spoke to the board and informed them about the implementation of Terrace Metrics.
This program helps the school monitor, measure, and manage students’ behavioral health. He also spoke to the board about the possible expanded use of counselors from Joy Fruchey and Associates, in order to serve some students who used to meet with the former counselor.
Mr. Wyse then spoke to the board regarding a possible test well being put in on school grounds. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to put a test well in the town, Wyse explained.
He went on to say that the original spot being looked at was in town, but that the location will most likely not work due to it not being as accessible.
The location proposed will be at one of three spots near the bus garage, with the well also hopefully having an educational component to it for science classes. Communication will be sent to the ODNR for the proposed site.
Next came the principal’s reports, with Mr. Riley from the high school speaking first. Riley highlighted a list of students who were awarded Student of the Month for each class.
Next, Mrs. Harts Spanish Class was highlighted for their participation in cross-cultural learning activities with elementary students in December.
High school students sang Spanish Christmas carols to elementary students and also read an original Spanish language book to elementary students.
The topic then shifted to the Hilltop Science Fair which had happened recently. The fair “involves students, parents, teachers, friends, school clubs, test subjects, and volunteer judges to make the day a success”, stated Mr. Riley.
On display were projects from 8th-grade science and high school advanced science students. Additionally, simple machine projects were constructed by 4th-grade students, and medieval castle/siege engines were designed by 7th-grade world history students.
FFA students also held a hamburger lunch fundraiser in the commons during the boys’ and girls’ basketball games.
The Sumner Award for best high school project went to the project titled “People’s Palatability Preferences of Gluten-Free Pie Crust Flours” by Ingrid Hoffman.
The Sumner Award for best Junior High project went to the project titled “What Area In The School Is The Dirtiest?” by Ashtyn Sanders.
Next was recognition for Aidden Johnson who was recently selected as Student of the Month at Four County Career Center. Aiden is a Junior in the Law Enforcement and Security Tactics program and is a member of Skills USA and is currently on the honor roll.
Also, Shannon Spires has qualified for the Business Professionals of America skills competition, which will be held in Columbus, Ohio. Shannon is a Senior in the I.T. Academy for Computer Networking and Cybersecurity.
Lastly, an update was given regarding enrollment before Superintendent Wyse proceeded to present a report for the elementary. Congratulations were given to students who had made it onto the most recent honor roll.
Thanks were given for an anonymous donation given to the school. The donation was made to give elementary students to get treats at lunchtime.
Every elementary student was given a punch card that could be used two times for a cookie or ice cream in the cafeteria.
The elementary school had a kick-off for our Kid’s Heart Challenge, which was formerly known as the Jump Rope for Heart) event.
All elementary students gathered in the commons to hear about the activity, how to be heart-healthy, and what prizes could be earned during the event.
Students have been collecting monetary donations and the event will be concluded on February 15th with a jump rope activity.
Included next on the report was information regarding the RTI (Response to Intervention) meetings that took place at the end of January.
Teachers were able to have time to meet and discuss the growth of students, as well as strategies to continue positive progress. The K-3 teachers also administered the middle of the year Academic Testing to meet the Dyslexia Law requirements.
Next up, on December 1st, 6th grade students were visited by the Williams County Soil and Water Conservation. The organization spoke to Mr. English’s Science class about the impact of science on farming.
Some items discussed included soil, sediment, and the water cycle. Also, at the end of the month, third-grade tutoring will begin again. These sessions will be given to prepare students for the upcoming spring tests.
Lastly, the 100th day of school was celebrated on February 2nd. Students celebrated by dressing up as though they were 100 years old.
The board then moved to approve the following items as part of the consent agenda. Minutes, financial statements, and investments from the January 2024 board meeting. A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor. Approval for the 2024 membership with the Ohio School Boards Association at a cost of $4,794.00 and School Management News Subscription for $150.00.
A payment for services to the Auditor of State’s Office for 2022-2023 a financial audit for approximately $20,000.00. Approval for the Revised Foundation Deduction Agreement retro to 01/09/2024 in the amount of $264,254.94 with the Northwest Ohio Educational Service Center for increased special education services. Approval for membership with the West Unity Area Chamber of Commerce.
Approval for an updated curriculum and digital resources, a contract addendum with Joy Fruchey and Associates dated September 18th, 2023, and an overnight stay for students to present their science fair project at the Ohio Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at the Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. Lastly, approval was given for personnel recommendations and a list of donations.
With no items being addressed by board members, it was moved to enter into executive session at 6:17 p.m. With no action being taken, the board returned from executive session at 6:59 p.m. and motioned to adjourn at 7:00 p.m.
The next regular meeting will be held on Monday, March 11th at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.