News

School board members share district's good news

By Diane Vance/Gate City Staff Writer

Published: Friday, December 19, 2008 12:20 PM CST

All seven Warsaw School Board members attended the state school board convention in Chicago in November.

“It was an enjoyable trip,” said board member Steve Lucie. “It was a good time for learning. I think the best part is just getting to network with other school board members away from meetings and conducting business.”

Board President Don Roskamp said board members from other school districts spoke to him at the national convention.

“A couple of different people approached me to ask about our double deactivation deal,” he said.

Warsaw and Nauvoo-Colusa's double deactivation is the first in the state. With February voter approval in both districts, Warsaw deactivated its junior high school and sends those students to classes at Nauvoo-Colusa.

Nauvoo-Colusa High School deactivated and those students attend Warsaw High School.

Lucie said the transition for Warsaw's junior high students is going well.

“I know the first early dismissal for weather may have had a few transportation glitches but it's working out,” he said.

Lucie's son rides the bus and attends classes at Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High.

Board members shared about the annual state convention and other good news at Thursday's school board meeting.

“Our new call system for early dismissals is a good addition to our district,” said Debbie Beeler.

Warsaw parents can call high school secretary Martha Winkler to add a phone number to the data base.

In the event of a school attendance schedule change, such as early dismissal for weather, an automated system dials all the phone numbers to report the change.

“It's all automated,” said WHS Principal Tom Bertucci. “The system calls all the phone numbers in a matter of seconds.”

Superintendent Kim Schilson added that parents or grandparents also can contact Winkler to use a cell phone number in the data bank instead of a main home number.

“A lot of people have switched to having their cell phone number called so they won't miss the call,” said Schilson.

On Wednesday, board member Nick Capaldo said he promised his wife, Amanda, to tell about an incident.

“She was driving around town the other day and got stuck at 11th and Crawford,” he said. “A pickup truck full of high school boys came along and helped her out. They got out and pushed and were nice and helpful.

“She didn't know who any of them were, but she was very glad they helped her. She wanted me to express her appreciation for their thoughtfulness.”

Board member Tonya Thurman attended a breakfast in Nauvoo recently.

“The junior high holds a breakfast to honor a few students. Parents are invited,” she said. “Teachers talk about the student and why they are being honored. It went very well, it was very nice.”

Schilson commended the FFA for holding a blood drive Wednesday. She also complimented the high school's band students.

“The band sounds absolutely wonderful,” she said. “Thanks to Mr. Dowell for stepping in. It's nice to know schools can help one another.

“The Jazz Band played at lunch today. They also recently played for a tree lighting ceremony in Nauvoo. They sound really good.”

Dowell, the band teacher at Nauvoo-Colusa Junior High has been coming to Warsaw, also teaching the high school students while Alan Kanauss is absent for medical reasons.

Two WHS music students have been selected to all state. Chris Haas will participate in the All State Honor Band and John Roskamp will sing in the All State Choir.

“It's a big deal,” said Schilson. “It's like track students going to state. We're proud of them and the district will pay expenses for the music students to attend.”

Beeler said elementary and high school students contributed and helped with this year's Friendship Baskets.

“We had excellent participation,” she said. “Students helped transport the donated food items, helped sort and pack baskets, then helped deliver them. It was a great effort.”

WHS Principal Tom Bertucci also said the bands sound good and the winter concert went well.

“Our Titan girls won the (basketball) Unity Tournament,” he said. “If you haven't seen the log cabin, you need to go by. It's looking great. They got the roof on just in time.

“The FFA and Scoops is holding an open house there Sunday, with dessert at Scoops and horse and carriage rides along Main.”

The log cabin open house, free dessert buffet at Scoops (Fourth and Main streets) and carriage rides are from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday in Warsaw. All events are free with donations accepted to furnish the log cabin.