Counselors present report to California School Board

At the California R-I School Board meeting Wednesday, Oct. 21, the district counselors presented the model guidance curriculum. High School Counselors Cathy Hight and Kim Wilkins explained the work of school guidance counselors, by stating, "It's not just counseling and not just guidance."

The components are: (1) Guidance and Counseling; (2) Individual Student Planning; (3) Responsive Services; and (4) System Support.

It was explained that the counselors work as a team, sharing all responsibilities, duties and students. "When a student comes to either of us with a problem, we stop what we are doing," they said. "Rest assured, we have the students in mind and are putting them first."

Although the counselors help with as many situations and problems as possible, some require referring for outside professional services.

In other business, final presentations were made by two companies, CTS and Schneider Electric, seeking the Guaranteed Performance Contract for energy saving upgrades planned by the school district. The Guaranteed Performance Contract is a part of the proposed bond issue to be put before the voters. The district would expect to save money through energy conservation.

Following presentations by Mary Thomas for FBLA students to the national convention and Dustijn Hollon for a 2015 band trip to the Florida Citrus Parade, approval was given for fundraising activities.

Elementary Principal Daniel Williams reported enrollment at 601. According to his report, 338 students and 131 mothers attended the "Muffins with Moms" on Oct. 2. A "Biscuits and Gravy with Dads" is planned for Oct. 11. The PTO Carnival on Sept. 28 was a success with good attendance.

A new evaluation tool is being used by the administrators in the staff observation process. According to Williams, the staff is creating and implementing professional development plans which focus on instructional strategies and considers it beneficial. Opportunities for critical thinking problem solving activities are being given.

Kiwanis provided $1,000 for landscaping at the school.

Middle School Principal Matt Abernathy reported 298 students enrolled. Those students in Music Connection and Pinto Express performed a Fall Concert on Oct. 8. A program called "Study Island" was purchased. It is a teaching and assessment tool, and will be used in the math and communication art areas.

Parent-teacher conferences will be on Oct. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The report of High School Principal Mike Hight gave an enrollment figure of 427. Teachers are working to complete the revisions of the curriculum towards the Common Core standards.

Julie Bailey was notified by Brian Hill of the National Wild Turkey Federation that extra funds are available for additional arrows, bows, targets and a curtain. These can be added to the archery equipment for middle and high school students provided by a NWTF grant last year.

According to Hight, a project is underway to separate the old tropies in the mezzanine by decade. Some of the trophies go back to the 1950s.

They plan to list and display them in the current trophy case and the auditorium hallway. Past achievements should be recognized.

The next regular monthly meeting will be Nov. 20, at 6 p.m., in the high school library media room.