(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
BLACKBIRD PANTRY … Pettisville Elementary supports district families by sponsoring a food pantry program. The pantry collects non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products and monetary donations to assist those in need within the school district.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
On Monday, September 9 the Pettisville Board of Education and district administrators met in the school’s conference room for the September regular meeting with members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates present.
Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel, High School/Junior High Principal Adam Wagner, Treasurer Chris Lee, and Superintendent Josh Clark were also seated at the table prepared to share the latest district happenings with the board.
Elementary Principal Jason Waldvogel included in his report an update on the Blackbird Pantry, a program sponsored by the elementary school that supports district families.
Waldvogel shared that a community member recently helped restock the pantry for the new school year by donating two large boxes of much-needed items from Costco.
“Community support is just wonderful for that”, added Waldvogel. To keep the pantry stocked, donations of food, hygiene items, and monetary contributions are collected throughout the school year.
Requested items include non-perishable foods such as pasta, canned goods, peanut butter, and boxed meals. Hygiene products like shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste are also gladly accepted.
District families in need can request specific items at any time. The pantry also offers the “Bird Pack” program, which allows families to receive a backpack filled with non-perishable food items to help create meals.
Families may request one Bird Pack per week by completing a request form available on the school’s website (https://www.pettisvilleschools.org/page/blackbird-pantry).
In other elementary news, Waldvogel shared that diagnostic tests are going smoothly and thanked those teachers who are taking charge in that area.
Third-grade students will be taking part in the Fulton County Ag Fest on September 17 and Grades 5 and 6 will see instrument tryouts with Rettig Music on September 12.
In the High School/Junior High Report, Principal Adam Wagner shared that 7th and 8th graders will soon begin the “Amazing Shake” program.
“Essentially (Amazing Shake) is a program to help teach soft skills to 7th and 8th-grade students. It started in Atlanta, Georgia in a charter school and has spread kind of across the country,” Wagner explained.
“The skills they (students) are going to be taught tomorrow are an appropriate handshake, eye contact, how to introduce themselves, how to carry on a conversation. Things that we think might be self-explanatory – but maybe, not so much,” continued Wagner.
Students will also learn interview skills, manners, and proper etiquette. As the program progresses, local business professionals and community members will visit the school to allow students to practice their new skills.
At the end of the program, students will participate in a competition to determine the overall “Amazing Shake” winner.
Wagner also took a moment to thank the Pettisville School Foundation for donating funds so more items can be added to the Pettisville “Swag Shop.”
Addressing housekeeping items, the Board approved minutes from the August meeting, accepted the treasurer’s financial reports, and approved the payment of bills. School bus routes for 2024-2025 were also given the green light by the Board.
Upon request of HSJS science teacher Donna Meller, the Board authorized the disposal of Holt Environmental Science (1996) as the curriculum is no longer in use.
Treasurer Christopher Lee presented the FY 2025 Permanent Appropriations Resolution and the Certificate of Estimated Resources.
Total appropriations for the General Fund came in at $7,622,661.97, while the combined total for all funds, including the General Fund, was $9,453,443.26. The Board adopted the resolution upon the treasurer’s request.
In personnel matters, the Board appointed volunteers for various sports including Amy Leppelmeier to oversee the Cross Country Running Club.
Jada Brinkman was approved as a cheerleading volunteer, while Sarah Ripke, Lindsi Rufenacht, McCrae Kidston, and Jessica Miller were appointed as 5th and 6th-grade volleyball volunteers.
Due to professional development completed, the Board approved the pay-scale advancement of AD Mendoza from Masters to Masters +15 status. Amy Murrey moved up a step from Bachelor +15 to Masters status.
A 2024-2025 contract with Abby Osterday for Athletic Training Services was also approved. The board then entered into executive session “for the purpose of the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of an employee or official, or the investigation of charges or complaints against an employee, official, licensee or student, unless the employee, official, licensee or student requests a public hearing,” with no action expected to be taken.
The next regular Pettisville School Board meeting is slated for Monday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m.
