MOUNT VERNON — East Elementary Principal Karly Watterson gave a building update during a school board meeting Monday night. Watterson briefed the board on recent updates to the building, collaborative events with the Parent Teacher Organization and the theme for the school year.
She shared that last June, teachers came in to repaint the student restrooms and teacher’s lounge. The district also had a drop ceiling installed in the gymnasium.
The district also funded a new sidewalk in front of the school, offering a smoother surface for strollers and bikes.
She also shared that the Eagle’s Nest after-school program is in its third year. The program is sponsored by United Way and coordinated by Marilyn Nagy, a retired teacher. Students get to broaden their horizon through new and exciting activities, such as STEAM workshops and fitness classes.
Watterson also touched on the school’s 2019 state report card results (two “B”s, a “C” and an “A”) and discussed curriculum updates. The school will be using a new reading, writing and phonics curriculum this year and piloting two new math curricula.
Having teachers try out new educational approaches fits perfectly with the theme for this school year: “Learning is the Greatest Show.”
“We’re not just talking about our students learning, we’re talking about us as adults learning too,” said Watterson. “We want to make sure that we’re the very best we can be for our kiddos and making the biggest impact and change that we can.”
The school year kicked off with a circus-themed open house, held in conjunction with the PTO. The school board also honored “Behind the Scenes Person” Lavonne ‘Sis’ Elwood. Elwood has volunteered at East Elementary for 18 years.
“She is always there with a smile on her face, loving on her kids, playing board games with our kids,” said Watterson. “Kids look forward to having her in our building.”
In a district facilities update, Seder shared that the stadium entrance is nearing completion and has been painted. Roofing and insulation has begun at the field house; block work is set to begin in the next couple of weeks. Excavation is complete for the new maintenance and transportation building. Footers will be poured next week, with steel structures erected in the next three weeks. After making progress on excavating and stoning the gas line underneath, Yellow Jacket Drive is still on schedule to be paved in November.
Seder also went over takeaways from a recent meeting with the business advisory council, a group of area employers that advise the district on the employability skills students need to enter the current workforce.
The district may use some of its student wellness and success funds to provide career counseling programs for students. Other uses may include mental health services, an autism unit, health and wellness programs and before and after school programs.
In other business, the board:
•Rescheduled next month’s meeting for Oct. 28.
•Approved student trips to Ohio FFA Leadership conference in January and Washington in March.
•Accepted the resignation of Alyssa Fuller as 7th grade girls’ basketball coach.
