NewsKeokuk School Board reviews handbooks, policies, professional learning communitiesBy Diane Vance/Gate City Staff WriterThe Keokuk School Board reviewed and approved a 2008-2009 student handbook Monday that covers the district's four elementary schools, George Washington, Hawthorne, Torrence and Wells-Carey.
Previously, each building distributed purple and white folders with handbook information printed inside. “There was so much information there, the print kept getting smaller. It was hard to read,” said Principal Tim Patterson. Patterson, principal at Torrence Elementary and administrator of the alternative high school and middle school Learning Center, spearheaded compiling the handbook. The handbook spells out rules and policies. One item in the handbook that already is outdated includes a requirement to provide a birth certificate copy. Only proof of age is needed, not necessarily a birth certificate. A new section was added about telephones and electronic devices. Elementary staff and students should not leave class or go to their phones during the school day unless it is an absolute emergency. If parents need to send a message to their student during the day, they should call the school office. The policy further states that cell phones and other electronic devices are not necessary at school. If a parent feels there is a legitimate need for a student to have one at school, special consideration will be made by the principal at the parents' request. If a student brings a cell phone or electronic device to school without permission, the device will be taken and parents contacted. Students who have a legitimate need to make a phone call may get permission from school staff. Patterson also reviewed handbooks for the alternative programs. “The middle school Learning Center and the alternative high school are two different programs sharing one building,” said Patterson. “Neither program had a handbook.” Interim Superintendent Dr. Lora Wolff told about the district's Professional Learning Communities, defined as a collegial group of administrators and staff who are united in their commitment to student learning. “Our professional development is moving into PLCs,” she said. “We are studying goals at the administrator level and teacher level to improve learning at the student level.” Questions typically explored by PLC include: What do we want each student to learn? How will we know when each student has learned it? How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning? “The focus is on student learning and the evidence of that learning, rather than on teaching,” said Wolff. The board continues in its review of school board policies, including the policy on bullying. “We've had a policy but not in this form before,” said board President Dr. Bill Davis. “This complies with state law, is comprehensive and up to the latest recommended standards. It has been reviewed by the school's attorney.” Wolff said the bullying policy now includes consistent forms to file a complaint, a witness form, a deposition form and outlines the procedures to investigate a complaint. Good news: Roof doesn't leak In celebrations and good news, principals Russ Derr (Wells-Carey Elementary), Sharon Kokemuller (Hawthorne Elementary), Steve Carman (Keokuk Middle School) and Patterson all had words of praise for the upkeep of the school grounds and buildings. “Thanks to the city for coming out and testing the flashing (traffic control) lights before school started,” said Derr. Kokemuller reported 145 kindergarten and 40 pre-school students are at Hawthorne. “Of our 430 enrollment, 185 of those are 4 and 5 year-olds,” she said. “Several certified staff and Kid Zone staff have stepped up and volunteered to help when those little students arrive in the morning and get them where they need to be. I appreciate all the staff.” Kokemuller also thanked community members bringing in school supplies for those students who may be lacking. Patterson said that Keokuk Area Medical Equipment, across the street from Torrence, has adopted the school. “They placed a very professionally made sign, ‘Welcome Back to School' at 17th and Fulton on our first day of school,” he said. “They are good neighbors and it's nice to know people will do that for students.” Carman said retired middle school teacher Meg-Oliver Mills' mother, Betty Oliver, had donated money throughout the years to the school for students in need. Betty Oliver died a few years ago, Carman said. Her daughter has used her mother's money in the same way, carrying on the tradition. “Last week, Meg donated $5,000 in scholarships or sponsorships for Kid Zone,” said Carman. “Meg has always been a champion of kids. She's retired but continues to substitute and volunteer in the district.” New Principal Kim Hartweg at George Washington Elementary School also praised the groundskeepers and building maintenance crews. “On behalf of George Washington teachers, we want you to know when it rained last week, there were no leaks,” said Hartweg. “The teachers were thrilled.” George Washington got a new roof in August. The roof had leaked for years. The next Keokuk School Board meeting is at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, in the city council chambers, Keokuk City Hall. Copyright © 2010 - Daily Gate City
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