Tipton Elementary parent/teacher conferences well attended

The Tipton R-VI Elementary School Parent/Teacher Conferences on Oct. 18 were well attended with 93 percent of the students having a parent in attendance. Elementary Principal Kelly Kohler reported that most of the elementary teachers have had 100 percent contact with parents by either the conferences or by phone.

The junior high and high school attendance was much lower, at 66 percent for the junior high and 58 percent for high school.

"We had several phone calls prior to the Parent/Teacher Conference about grades posted on Parent Portal which might indicate why attendance was down," said High School Principal Ellen Allee. "We hope that the parents appreciate the opportunity to visit with the high school staff during this annual event. In an attempt to increase participation we have reduced the number of activities that conflict with the conferences, but it is difficult to have a night in the fall without any other events."

Elementary enrollment is 266, down from 288 at the same time last year. Attendance for October was 97.24 percent. Junior high enrollment is 93 with three in the band from St. Andrew's. High school enrollment is 206, with attendance at 97.75 percent for October.

For National Fire Prevention month, the Tipton Fire Department presented a program for the second graders on fire safety at home and what to do in case of an emergency.

Superintendent Scott Jarvis reviewed the financial reports for the board. A meeting has been held with L.J. Hart who would like to meet with the board prior to the Dec. 10 board meeting to hold a workshop covering debt service pre-payment of bonds and other options which might be available to the district. He said that since Proposition B did not pass, no additional money will be available from that source.

The next teacher in-service day will cover curriclum. Jarvis informed the board that he would like to explore options for upgrades to the football field lighting.

Filing dates have been set for the Board of Education election. Filing dates will be Dec. 11 through Jan. 22, 2013, except for days the office is closed due to holidays or weather conditions.